Getty Image / bob Levey
NFL kickers are incredible at their jobs, way better than they were even twenty years ago. And, when a kicker goes down for a team, since they don’t carry two on the active roster, it usually spells disaster.
When Texans kicker Kai Faibarn went down with an injury, the team was left with backup running back Dare Ogunbowale as a kicker. Naturally, many thought that meant the team wouldn’t attempt any kicks at all.
But, that wasn’t the case, as head coach DeMeco Ryans brought him on to kick a go-ahead field goal in the 4th quarter. And, he paid the risky choice off.
What is even happening in this game 🤯 pic.twitter.com/7Ynjfmplt1
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) November 5, 2023
What a kick! Credit to him for hitting a good one when it mattered. I’m sure he can kick pretty well on an empty field with no rush or pressure. But, it’s wildly different in an NFL game.
And, it’s a risky choice for DeMeco Ryans. It was 4th and goal from a considerable distance, but you run the risk with a guy like that kicking of a blocked kick that is returned for a touchdown. I’m happy it paid off for him.
Look at these awesome reactions to the kick, too.
The Wisconsin product became the first non-kicker to make a field goal in the NFL since Wes Welker back in 2004. Incredible.
And, it proved to be decisive. After the Buccaneers scored in the final minute, CJ Stroud led an incredible touchdown drive to win the game, 39-37.