A generation ago, when an NFL kicker lined up a 50-yard field goal, he was a hero if he made it. Today, if a kicker misses that same kick, he may get fired.

Kickers entered Monday making nearly two-thirds (65.8%) of all 50-plus-yard attempts. Compare that with the 63.6% success rate on all kicks in 1980. Being automatic is now expected, with an all-time-record 85.4% of attempts sailing through the uprights.

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