I Hope Bob #### Saw This One
Posted: Fri Dec 20, 2024 12:00 am
Tonight, in the LA Chargers-Denver Broncos game, the Chargers scored on one of Bob's favorite plays, the fair catch free kick. On the last play of the first half, Denver punted to the Chargers, who called for a fair catch, but Denver was penalized for fair catch interference. That advanced the ball to the Denver 47 yard line. Because the half can't end on a defensive penalty, the Chargers had one untimed play left. They could have tried a Hail Mary, but instead elected to try the fair catch field goal from 57 yards. The kick was successful, the longest fair catch field goal in NFL history and the first successful attempt since 1976.
At the time, Denver led 21-10, with the field goal making the score 21-13. That had a significant impact on the final result. Late in the game, the Chargers had a 34-24 lead with just under one minute left and Denver driving. Denver kicked a 54-yard field goal on first down to make the score 34-24, but the Chargers recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock. Without those three points, Denver would have been down only seven and would have tried to score the tying touchdown instead.
At the time, Denver led 21-10, with the field goal making the score 21-13. That had a significant impact on the final result. Late in the game, the Chargers had a 34-24 lead with just under one minute left and Denver driving. Denver kicked a 54-yard field goal on first down to make the score 34-24, but the Chargers recovered the onside kick and ran out the clock. Without those three points, Denver would have been down only seven and would have tried to score the tying touchdown instead.