ARIZONA CARDINALS

Cardinals’ Steve Keim: Zane Gonzalez has to make that kick vs. Patriots

Dec 4, 2020, 9:25 AM | Updated: 7:12 pm

(AP Photo/Gary Landers)...

(AP Photo/Gary Landers)

(AP Photo/Gary Landers)

The Arizona Cardinals locked in kicker Zane Gonzalez on a hefty one-year deal last offseason.

The then-restricted free agent inked a contract that netted him just over $3.2 million on his second-round qualifying offer in 2020. He’s the fourth-highest paid kicker in the NFL and sits ahead of notable players such as New Orleans’ Wil Lutz and Detroit’s Matt Prater, according to Spotrac.

The price tag, however, has outkicked Gonzalez’s play in 2020.

There have been highs, like his game-winner over the Seattle Seahawks and a new career mark of 56 yards, but there’s also been quite a bit of lows for the kicker.

The Arizona State alum has missed three game-deciding kicks over the last five games, his most recent coming against the New England Patriots.

With 1:47 minutes left to play, Gonzalez couldn’t connect from 45 yards out, handing the Patriots the ball with time still left on the clock. New England took advantage of a late-hit penalty and a big run from quarterback Cam Newton before sealing the deal with a game-winning kick from former Arizona Wildcat Nick Folk.

Cardinals general manager Steve Keim joined Arizona Sports’ Doug & Wolf on Friday and was straight up about where his confidence stands in Gonzalez.

“My trust level is Zane’s got to get back out there and make that kick,” Keim said. “Bottom line is he gets paid to kick the football and he’s got to make that kick.

“Zane’s got a lot of talent, sometimes this happens with kickers, it’s not an excuse. We have expectations for Zane and feel like he’s going to get back out there and bang it through on the next one.”

Gonzalez has been plagued with misses in the 40 to 49-yard range this season. Of his 12 attempts, he’s hit eight of them (66.7%). Three of those kicks have been game-changing, however, as all of his crucial misses have come from 41 to 49 yards out.

Gonzalez has just one miss from at least 50 yards (2-for-3) and has converted all six of his field goal tries inside 40 yards.

It’s safe to say the magnifying glass will be on Gonzalez as the Cardinals navigate the rest of the regular season with playoff hopes still intact.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Dante Stills...

Tyler Drake

New era notes: Cardinals’ Dante Stills impressing as snaps pile up

Rookie Dante Stills is flying under the radar as he slowly but surely gets the chance to prove himself along the defensive line.

1 hour ago

Christian Matthew at training camp...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals release CB Christian Matthew, 2 others from 53-man roster

The Arizona Cardinals released cornerbacks Kris Boyd and Christian Matthew and offensive lineman Ilm Manning on Monday.

6 hours ago

Presented By...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Why Arizona fans should be optimistic after weekend of Cardinals, Diamondbacks losses

It was a weekend of losses for sports teams across the Valley, including Team U.S.A. in the Ryder Cup, but Dan Bickley explains why Arizona sports fans should be optimistic heading into a new week. Video: Felisa Cárdenas/Arizona Sports Presented By

11 hours ago

Michael Wilson celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals still show progress despite lopsided loss to 49ers

The scoreboard read in favor of the 49ers, but there were still positives to take away from the Cardinals' third loss of 2023.

1 day ago

Joshua Dobbs attempts a pass...

Arizona Sports

Rapid Reactions: Plenty for Cardinals to build off of after Week 4 loss to 49ers

Arizona Sports’ hosts, reporters and editors share their main takeaways from the Cardinals’ Week 4 loss to the 49ers.

1 day ago

Jonathan Gannon runs off the field...

Dan Bickley

Jonathan Gannon, Cardinals earning respect even in defeat

For a guy with one victory as an NFL head coach, Jonathan Gannon is enjoying a lengthy honeymoon in Arizona. He deserves it.

1 day ago

Cardinals’ Steve Keim: Zane Gonzalez has to make that kick vs. Patriots