Dec. 20, 2024, 9:37 PM GMT+6
Los Angeles Chargers placekicker Cameron Dicker nailed a 57-yard free-kick field goal on Thursday, executing a rare play that many East Coast viewers and those watching on traditional TV likely missed.
The Chargers mounted a comeback to defeat the Denver Broncos 34-27, with Dicker’s unusual field goal helping spark the rally on Prime Video's Thursday Night Football. His kick came as time expired in the first half and marked the NFL's first successful free-kick field goal in 48 years.
With the Broncos leading 21-10 in the final seconds of the second quarter, Denver was forced to punt on a fourth-and-12 from their own 16-yard line. Los Angeles punt returner Derius Davis signaled for a fair catch at his own 38-yard line. A fair catch occurs when a receiver signals that he will catch the punt without attempting to return it, ensuring he won't be hit.
With no time remaining, many fans assumed the half was over. But Thursday Night Football rules analyst Terry McAulay quickly informed viewers: "They can do a free kick for a field goal, which we haven't seen in... forever."
In a free-catch kick, the receiving team is allowed to attempt a field goal from the line of scrimmage with no snap or rushers. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, familiar with the obscure rule, immediately sent Dicker onto the field for the attempt. Without the pressure of a snap, hold, or rushers, Dicker made the kick, trimming Denver's lead to 21-13 at halftime.
The last successful free-kick field goal in the NFL was made by Ray Wersching for the then-San Diego Chargers in the 1976 season, 48 years ago.
Harbaugh, who is known for his strategic thinking, expressed his fondness for the rare play after the game. "It’s my favorite rule in football,” he said with a smile. “Just trying to get one of those in every game.”
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