All signs indicate that Lawrence Tynes will reclaim the New York Giants' placekicking job from John Carney when they resume play against Seattle Oct. 5 following their bye week.
Let me say this clearly. That is a mistake. I love Tynes, and what he means to Giants' history. His kick put Big Blue in the Super Bowl last season and we can never forget the sight of him sprinting to the locker room like a madman.
But, this is about now. And now, I believe the Giants have a better kicker already in place.
Face it, we support Tynes and we know he comes through far more often than he fails. Yet, watching him line up to kick makes you uncomfortable each and every time. Doesn't it?
Have you had that feeling with Carney? I haven't. The guy is 44, he's been in the league for 20 years and he has been perfect this season, including 9-for-9 on field-goal attempts. His kickoffs have also been excellent, especially for a guy who has been around so long.
I know the Giants will give Tynes back his job as soon as he is completely recovered from his training camp knee injury. I know he probably deserves that much respect from the Giants after kicking them to the Super Bowl.
Carney knows his time is running short, as well.
"Best-case scenario for me, I wouldn’t mind hanging out here as an insurance policy for a couple of weeks, just until Lawrence gets a game or two under his belt and everybody’s comfortable with that," said Carney.
I just also know that there will come a time this season when the Giants need a big kick to win a crucial game. And I know I will be wishing like hell that it was Carney, not Tynes, lining up to try it.