A kicker's performance, by design, is a product of pressure. Being drafted into the Polish army. And the end of his dream of bringing his mother, still in Poland, to live in America permanently. It's a lot to fit through the uprights. Someone who should know all about what Janikowski is going through can be found right on the same practice field.
Expectations are higher than any other pick in the draft.
Everything's on his leg right now. Everybody figures when the game's on the line and we have a chance to win, he's got to win the game. He can't miss. Yet despite his rookie status, Janikowski has been able to make an impression. It doesn't really mean a whole lot to him if a kick doesn't go through the uprights.