The two Oakland Raiders with golden legs
The Oakland Raiders probably have the two strongest legs in the entire league. Coincidentally, one kicks with his right, the other with his left.
Punter Shane Lechler and place kicker Sebastian Janikowski have been pounding on footballs since 2000, when both were picked by Oakland within the same draft class.
Lechler, an All-Pro four times in his career is arguably enjoying his best season as a pro. This after Oakland inked him to a contract during the off-season that they dubbed, “the greatest ever awarded to a punter in the history of the National Football League.”
At 33, Lechler’s 44.0 net punting average is way above his NFL record for a season (41.2). His 52.3 average is currently higher than the league record for a year set in 1940 by Sammy Baugh (51.4). And game-by-game, regardless of the consistent losing and ineptness on the field, Lechler’s greatness is displayed on the field.
Lechler is a major component of this team; a captain and a respected member who is one of the few holdovers from when they last had a winning record.
“He’s obviously earned it, and he’s respected,” coach Tom Cable stated earlier in the season. “He doesn’t just go out there and kick the ball and then go put his hat on and stand around and do nothing. He’s into this team.”
Janikowski is not as decorated or renowned in league circles like his teammate. But his mighty left leg has been on display since his college days. That powerful limb impressed Oakland enough to use their 17th overall pick in 2000 on the former Florida State Seminole.
And since, he’s earned the franchise record for highest field goal completion percentage and possesses the top spot for career points in Oakland.
Last season, he booted the longest field goal in team history, a 57-yard kick in overtime to beat the New York Jets. In 2005, the Raiders inked him to a $10.5 million five-year extension, which at that time was the most in league history for a place kicker.
So far, he’s been Mr. Perfect in 2009. The hefty kicker is a perfect 12-for-12, including 7-out of-7 from 40-to-50+ yards out. Janikowski has converted on his last 19 field goals, dating back to November 16, 2008, topping his previous best of 17 straight.
The two are one of the few bright spots on this struggling club.
One will likely be in another Pro-Bowl while the other will probably go home without accolades as soon as the season is over.
But for one campaign; both appear to be at their prime, making a case that the two most powerful legs in the NFL reside in Oakland.
Lechler and Janikowski won’t be two reasons why Oakland is looking down the barrel of another double digit lost campaign.
Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
