Indianapolis Colts kicker Blake Grupe regained control of the kicking competition during Sunday’s training camp practice.
Leading up to the preseason game with New England, Grupe seemed to hold the fairly distinct advantage in the training camp battle with fellow kicker Spencer Shrader.
However, in the preseason opener, Grupe would miss a field goal attempt before half, while Shrader would go 2-for-2, which included hitting a 61-yarder late to tie the game.
Even after that outing, Grupe still likely held the upper hand, but Shrader closed in.
Shrader’s pursuit, however, didn’t last long. On Sunday, both kickers attempted six kicks, with Grupe making all of his while Shrader went 4-of-6, according to the Indy Star’s Joel Erickson.
Erickson added that both of Shrader’s misses were to the left, an issue he’s dealt with through all of training camp.
How each player performs in the preseason and in joint practices will carry more weight in the evaluation, given the setting. Other, less noticeable aspects, like contact on each attempt, are factors as well.
That said, at the end of the day, this job is about makes and misses, and right now, Grupe is 33-for-36 overall, per Erickson, and Shrader is 24-of-36.
These next few days, which consist of two joint practices and a preseason game, will be crucial for Shrader if he hopes to close the gap. Otherwise, this competition may nearing its end.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts player in thick of camp competition can’t maintain preseason momentum
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
