Abbott Still Waiting for More Work

SAN DIEGO —  Vince Abbott did three times as much work Sunday night in the Chargers’ 13-3 loss to the Los Angeles Raiders at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium as he did in the Chargers’ last home game 2 weeks ago against Indianapolis. Of course, that isn’t saying too much.

He kicked three times Sunday--on the opening kickoff, with 4 minutes left in the first quarter, when he drilled a 40-yard field goal, then finally to kick off again. And that was that.

Against Indianapolis, Abbott’s work was finished after the opening kickoff. The Chargers were shut out. That gives him the dubious distinction of having the only points in the last two home games.

“Good thing he’s not getting paid by the kick,” said Charger Coach Al Saunders, with a short laugh. “He’d be in a bread line.”

Sunday, Abbott’s kick came after the Chargers had put together an impressive drive, going 75 yards in 8 plays. It looked as if they might be about to put another dent in the Raiders’ commitment to excellence. But this didn’t turn out to be a game Abbott would spend dividing time among kickoffs, extra points and field goals. Instead, he stood and waited. And waited. And waited.

“You’d like to be able to do more to help,” Abbott said. “The only thing you can do is be ready when you get the opportunity.”

Don’t hold your breath, Vince. The Chargers’ offense has scored only 20 points in the last 4 home games.

Abbott grew up in London and got his background in kicking from soccer. He said he always thought he would be a professional soccer player.

But his family moved to Vancouver, Canada, when he was 16, and he gave up soccer in favor of rugby. There he got the feel for kicking a ball with a strange shape.

After coming to the United States on July 4, 1976, Abbott continued playing rugby until 3 years ago. He mixed it in as a recreational activity with football, which he played at Cal State Fullerton and in the United States Football League as a member of the Los Angeles Express. Eventually, he decided it was in his best interests to put rugby on the shelf and keep himself healthy for his football career. Playing American rugby, he received a few good shots.

“People here are a lot more aggressive,” he said. “It’s not a finesse game. It’s more of a power game.”

Abbott had plenty of finesse in the first half of his first season as a Charger last year, making 7 of 10 field goal attempts. He has had an identical start this year.

But toward the end of last season, Abbott tailed off and finished with 13 field goals in 22 attempts. This year, he doesn’t think that will happen.

“I feel a lot more relaxed on the field than I did last year,” he said. “This year, when I get on the field, I expect to make every kick. Last year I went out and just wanted to get it over with.”

Saunders has noticed his improved confidence. With a personality like Abbott’s, though, it was something he expected.

“He’s just kind of a bulldog type of guy,” Saunders said. “He’s a go-getter. I just wish we could get in the end zone to give him more opportunity to kick extra points.”

Playing the Raiders has never been a problem for Abbott. He made 3 of 4 field goal attempts against them last season and is now 3 of 3 against them this year. In between kicks, however, facing the Silver and Black hasn’t been much to talk about. The Chargers have lost both meetings this season.

And still, all Abbott can do is watch. So much has changed since he used to play every minute of a soccer or rugby match.

“It’s a different mind-set,” he said. “It takes a while to get used to it.”

This season, he may get lots of practice.