Right Off Russell

Citing the need to have consistent production out of the kicking game, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome announced the release of K Steve Hauschka.  Hauschka missed two big kicks this season and Monday night’s performance against the Browns seemed to be the last straw. Newsome also had this to say:

“We entered the season knowing that we would have to go through some growing pains with Steve,” Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said in a statement. “That happens with most new kickers in the NFL. But, for where we are as a team today, we need more consistent production from our kicker. Every one of our players has to step up to a Ravens’ level of play and that was not happening for Steve right now.”

Newsomes quote seems to leave the door open for Hauschka to get another shot with the Ravens next year. The team will likely need to find a kicker heading into next season, unless whoever they chose to replace Hauschka this year is more than a temporary fix. In recent weeks the Ravens have worked both Billy Cundiff and Mike Nugent out. At this point they seem to be the front runners for the job.