The image above shows what seemed to be a frequent event during the Winnipeg Blue Bombers game against the Montreal Alouettes last Friday. It happened approximately three times. Doug Berry is fed up with Alexis Serna missing field goals, and Bomber fans are, too. The only difference is, Berry can do something about it.
And he did.
On Sunday, Kicker/Punter Warren Kean landed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, adding onto the Bombers' current kicking saga. Kean has been placed on their practice roster, but if he performs well in practice this week he could be moved up to the starting K/P position for Thursday night's game against the Hamilton Tigercats.
Kean recieved the CIS All-Canadian Award while kicking for Concordia. He was also the second overall draft pick of the Edmonton Eskimos in 2007. Kean is primarily a placekicker, but has the ability to punt as well.
It seems this has all come after everyone's frustration with Alexis Serna's poor performance in Friday night's game. Serna was good on only one of his four attempts, missing 49, 40, and 49 yard field goals.
He has missed eight of his last 15 field goals. Although he was good on his first seven field goals in the CFL, he just isn't cutting it for the Bombers.
Serna is last in the league in all kicking stats, including a 31.7-yard net punting average and a 42.5-yard punting average. Serna's current field goal percentage is sitting in the CFL basement at 63.6 percent and this is simply not good enough for the Bombers players, coaches, and fans.
Berry seems to be trying to put some pressure on Serna to perform by bringing in another kicker to challenge his starting position. This Bombers kicking saga has been going on since the preseason, and Berry must be wishing that the horror would end.
"I've just got to keep working and do what I've got to do and just get better every week," Serna said after practice Sunday. "[The last two games, in which he's gone just two for six] is in the past. I'm just trying to get ready for Hamilton this week and trying to get prepared."
It all started when the Blue Bombers released 17-year team veteran Troy Westwood. After signing Duncan O'Mahony the Bombers were forced to sign Serna when O'Mahony broke his toe in his house at night. Since then, Alexis Serna has been the starting K/P for the Bombers.
It seems that may change again if Warren Kean can prove himself in practices this week.
8 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Matt Eichel 11 months ago
Good, the Bombers need this.
Serna has been inconsistent so much and for too long. He's one reason why the Bombers are struggling this season. I've lost count how many field goals he's missed and kick-offs he's bauched up. I only have so many fingers to count on.
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Kelly Bundle 11 months ago
I don't agree Matt. And I suppose they NEED Jason Armstead too? Any CFL club needs Armstead like they need a hole in the head. Congratulations. Back to reality this week though with Glenn, it should be very interesting to watch.
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Matt Eichel 11 months ago
Serna didn't exactly win the job in training camp, it was just given to him and he hasn't performed up to par for the job he was pretty much handed from day one. And he's gone through the year as the only kicker. And hasn't done well.
It's probably similar to how Dinwiddie started a few games...give Glenn some time off to think about it and then Glenn had an alright half playing with the Bombers against the Alouettes, including a TD.
Serna is a young kicker who needs to be pushed and motivated to want to succeed and if there is no one else vying for that position, the motivation is just not there.
But yeah, back to Glenn is a good idea, it should be interesting to see how the entire team, including Serna, responds.
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Chris Allen 11 months ago
I totally agree with you Matt. I have the feeling that Coach Doug Berry is trying to get into Serna and was trying to get into Glenn's head with the factor of competition for the starting position. Let's hope it worked for Glenn and will work for Serna.
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Kelly Bundle 11 months ago
Fair enough.
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Sean Stiff 10 months ago
If you are going to have an IMPORT kicker in the CFL, he'd better be the best damned kicker in the league. Otherwise get a Canadian back in there!
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Kelly Bundle 10 months ago
True that... well said Sean(is that pronounced Seen?)!
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Chris Allen 10 months ago
I have to agree. If you are spending so much money on an import, he should be able to do the job. Serna just isnt cutting it.
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