Posted on Dec 20
Chargers set NFL record with 53-yard fair catch free kick: "We prepare for these scenarios."
u/alex •
Chargers set NFL record with successful fair catch free kick
Why it matters: The Chargers decision to attempt a fair catch free kick and their subsequent success in making a 53-yard field goal highlights the strategic possibilities within the game of football that are rarely utilized.
The fair catch free kick is a unique play in which teams can attempt a kick without the threat of an opponent blocking it, granted the opportunity arises from a fair catch or a fair catch awarded due to a penalty.
What's new: During their game against the Broncos, the Chargers capitalized on a fair catch interference penalty that gave them an untimed down. Head coach Jim Harbaugh opted for a fair catch free kick attempt, and kicker Cameron Dicker successfully made a 53-yard field goal, setting a new NFL record for the longest fair catch free kick in history.
Yes, but: While fair catch free kicks are rarely attempted, they offer teams a strategic advantage in certain scenarios and can result in significant point swings that could impact the outcome of a game.
By the numbers:
- The previous record for the longest fair catch free kick was 52 yards, set by Paul Hornung in 1962.
- Only 26 fair catch free kicks have been recorded in NFL history.
- The last successful fair catch free kick before Dicker's feat was accomplished by Ray Wersching in 1976.
- Joey Slye's 60-yard attempt in 2019 was the most recent prior to Dicker's record-breaking kick, although Slye missed his attempt.
What to watch: The Chargers successful execution of the fair catch free kick may prompt other teams to consider incorporating this strategy into their game plans, especially in situations where a long field goal attempt could potentially result in valuable points.
What's next: As teams continue to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies, it will be interesting to see if more coaches opt for fair catch free kicks in advantageous scenarios. This play could add a new dimension to game plans and potentially impact the outcomes of future games.
The bottom line: The Chargers successful fair catch free kick not only set a new NFL record but also serves as a reminder of the strategic possibilities within football that are sometimes overlooked. As teams seek innovative methods to gain an edge, plays like the fair catch free kick may become more prominent in the future.