Let's talk about the fascinating journey of Chris Boswell, the Pittsburgh Steelers' kicker, and his quest for records. While he's on an impressive trajectory to rewrite the record books, there's one particular mark that seems almost untouchable.
The Elusive Record
Boswell is closing in on becoming the Steelers' all-time record holder in various kicking categories. He's already achieved some remarkable feats, like the most 50-yard field goals and the highest number of field goals in a single season. But there's one record that has stood the test of time and seems to be a mountain too high to climb - the franchise record for most single-season extra points.
The current record holder, Matt Bahr, set the bar incredibly high back in 1979 with a whopping 50 extra points. To put that into perspective, Boswell's personal best is 43, and that's not even close to the leaderboard.
A Historical Perspective
The year 1979 was a golden era for the Steelers' offense. They dominated the league, scoring an impressive 416 points, which is still one of the highest totals in franchise history. That season, the Steelers found the end zone 52 times, a testament to their offensive prowess.
The Challenge Ahead
For Boswell to even come close to Bahr's record, the Steelers' offense would need a significant overhaul. They would have to replicate the success of that 1979 team, which is a tall order. The current team, despite having an extra game in the season, scored significantly fewer touchdowns.
The Impact of Rule Changes
One might argue that with the NFL's rule changes, extra points are easier to convert now. While that's true, Boswell's track record shows that he's not immune to misses, especially when the volume of attempts increases. With the record set at 50, there's no room for error.
The Future Outlook
The prospect of an 18-game season could provide Boswell with an opportunity to chase this record, but it's uncertain when that will happen. The NFL's plans to extend the season seem to have stalled, and with Boswell's age and potential career longevity, it might be a race against time.
A Realistic Goal
Breaking the single-season record seems like a long shot, but Boswell has a good chance of securing the career extra point record. He's on track to surpass Gary Anderson's mark, and with his consistent performance, it's only a matter of time.
In conclusion, while Boswell will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the Steelers' record books, the single-season extra point record might be the one that eludes him. It's a testament to the incredible achievements of Matt Bahr and the dominant Steelers team of the 1970s. Personally, I think it's a record that will stand the test of time, and Boswell's pursuit of it adds an intriguing layer to his legacy.
