Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo never lost confidence during training camp and preseason game struggles

• The Jaguars' Josh Lambo has been the most accurate kicker in the NFL since 2017
• Lambo has made 76 of 80 field-goal attempts with the Jags
• Lambo has never missed a field-goal attempt of less than 40 yards for the Jaguars

No one likes their boss looking over their shoulder while they work. 

But Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo understood the rationale behind coach Urban Meyer's habit of standing very close to him while he was attempting a field goal during training camp — especially when he was struggling.

Lambo wasn't thrilled with it and said he and Meyer had a chat or two. However, the seven-year veteran saw the big picture. 

"That one was a bit new," Lambo said on Thursday after the Jaguars finished their final practice before four days off. "We may have had a couple of conversations about it. [But] I love his mindset of practice should be hard, games should be easy. I understand why he did it. We talked about it and anything we can do to help me make kicks on Sunday, certainly I'm going to be open to it."

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Lambo had a relatively easy game last Sunday against Dallas, making field-goal attempts of 34 and 45 yards in the Jags' 34-14 victory at AT&T Stadium, reversing his fortunes in the first two preseason games against Cleveland and New Orleans, when he made 2 of 4 attempts.

Lambo went on to miss his last three attempts in the last full practice before the Cowboys game, only increasing the speculation that the team might bring in another kicker.

Lambo has been the most accurate kicker in the NFL since the Jaguars signed him in October of 2017. But the misses, both in training camp and the first two preseason games, were clearly bothering Meyer. 

When he was asked about Lambo two days after the Saints game, he grumbled, "make a field goal." 

Lambo did against the Cowboys and the controversy seems over -- at least as far as he's concerned. 

When Lambo asked if Sunday's performance boosted his confidence, he bristled, saying his confidence hadn't gone anywhere and implied the media had been to quick to pounce on his inaccuracy in training camp.

 “Confidence is as high as ever," he said. "That is the funny thing about you guys reporting on me ... you have no idea what’s going on in my head. Just because I miss a kick, doesn’t mean I’m not confident. I’m as confident as ever. I’m as good of a kicker, if not better, than I’ve ever been, so I’m right on track."

Lambo said he's been patient with himself, keeping in mind that he was coming off a season in which he had hip and hamstring injuries and played only four games. 

"Preseason has a purpose," he said. "Yes, you want to come in firing on all cylinders but a lot of times that's not realistic. My goal is to be at my peak week one. I think this coaching staff sees my dedication." 

Meyer does, and after the victory over Dallas, praised Lambo for his work ethic.

“That’s as serious a kicker as I’ve been around… I’m pulling for him hard," Meyer said. "When he follows through and hits that thing, he’s outstanding”

But it was still startling to see Lambo struggle. He has made made 76 of 80 field-goal attempts for the Jaguars, and has never missed an attempt of less than 40 yards, going 48 for 48.

Lambo had only five attempts in 2020 (making all five) and said it's been difficult rehabbing from his injuries and dealing with the long layoff. 

"It takes a little bit of time ... I've never had this situation, coming off a season where I only played four games," he said. "Now you're coming into the season with a new coach, no guaranteed money on my contract. I know how things work. Once you get that big number in front of your contract, you have a big 'ole target on your back. That has fueled me more to work harder." 

Lambo said he has worked more meditation, yoga and stretching into his routine, geared to clearing his mind of unnecessary clutter. 

"I'm trying to take care of all the off-field things so when I on the field the only thing I have to worry about is on the field," he said. "I shouldn't be kicking worrying about my hamstring. I just shouldn't. I'm doing everything I can so when I'm out there to let everything flow." 

Lambo said it was difficult last season not being with his teammates every week. 

"The hardest part was sitting on the couch in my house on Sundays watching our guys," he said of the 1-15 season. "Quite frankly, if we're getting our s--- kicked in, I want to be with them. Those are my guys. If we're going to struggle, I want to struggle together. If we're going to succeed, let's succeed together."