The NFL's preseason is recognised as a notoriously unreliable barometer of how teams and players will perform when the regular season finally gets under way, but Dublin-born kicker James McCourt thrust himself into the spotlight with an impressive performance in the Jacksonville Jaguars' loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday.
McCourt, who moved with his family to Florida at the age of eight, was claimed by the Jaguars off waivers after being released by the Los Angeles Chargers a week ago.
The 24-year-old converted both of his attempted extra points in preseason with the Chargers, but did not have a field goal attempt.
When Jaguars coach Doug Pederson presented McCourt with the opportunity to make a couple of three-pointers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the University of Illinois alumnus proved unerringly accurate, with the highlight of his afternoon a 54-yard field goal.
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McCourt, who holds his former school’s record for successful field goal from 50-plus yards, also made a kick from 38 yards and recorded three touchbacks from kick-offs off the tee in the 28-12 loss.
The Jaguars have already auditioned five kickers since their training camp began a month ago, with Andrew Mevis, Elliott Fry and Ryan Santoso all failing to make the cut.
Former Indianapolis Colt Jake Verity also had a field goal attempt against the Falcons, but missed from 46 yards.
After the game, Pederson indicated that the kicking spot was still up for grabs, telling the media: "I don't think we can necessarily decide.
"I think we have to figure that out this week in practice and try to go from there and make that decision."
McCourt will hope that his brief but compelling showreel from camp so far – where he's been a perfect eight from eight in practice – bodes well for his prospects of landing the starter’s job on opening night when the Jags’ season proper begins against the Washington Commanders on Sunday week.
