The Dallas Cowboys selected Brett Maher to be their starting kicker, cutting the only option left, Lirim Hajrallahu.
Mike McCarthy, the head coach of the press conference explained why Maher was selected for the job.
Jon Machota of The Athletic reported that McCarthy believes Maher will stay because of his leg strength and confidence.
Mike McCarthy said the Cowboys are going with Brett Maher at kicker because of his leg strength and the confidence he’s been kicking with lately
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 23, 2022
McCarthy admitted, per 105.3 The fan’s Bobby Belt that Hajrallahu had “taken control of the kick competition early.” Maher won the fight.
Mike McCarthy on kicking competition: Lirim Hajrullahu "took control of the kicking competition early," but says they feel like Brett Maher surpassed him.
— Bobby Belt (@BobbyBeltTX) August 23, 2022
Maher is also a more familiar choice for Dallas. In 2018, and 2019, he made 49 of the 66 field-goal attempts, and 68 out of 69 extra point tries for Dallas Cowboys. In eight games last season, 16 of 18 field-goal chances were converted by the Nebraska alum.
Although Hajrullahu was able to spend some time with the NFL, he only saw one game. In Week 10, he scored five more points and did not attempt a field goal in a blowout victory over the Atlanta Falcons 43-3.
Cowboys fans might remember Maher’s four missed field goals in his last three games with the team. To keep his job as a starter, he’ll need to show a more steady leg.