We Now Know Vikings Kicker Will Reichard’s Max Field Goal Distance
The Minnesota Vikings lost their first game of the season today to the Detroit Lions, 31-29. It came down to the wire. The Vikings made it to midfield in the final seconds, but a 5-yard penalty knocked them out of field goal range. This pretty much ending their chance at a last second win.
Just a few moments before this the Lions nailed a clutch field goal with only 18 seconds left on the clock, grabbing a 2-point lead that pretty much sealed the game for them.
Flex on 'em Jake Bates!
— NFL (@NFL) October 20, 2024
📺: #DETvsMIN on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/f1fF0sjuRe
Minnesota Vikings just a few yards shy of giving Will Reichard a historic chance
The Lions nailed the field goal and kicked off, leading to a touchback. The Vikings got the ball at their own 30-yard line with no timeouts left. After a quick play to reach midfield and the clock ticking down, the Vikings spiked it just in time with one second left on the clock.
The Vikings had one last shot, but rushed to spike the ball. Christian Darrisaw lined up in the backfield, costing them 5 yards.
This was how the Vikings were lined up when Darnold clocked it with one second left. Penalty for illegal formation with only six players on the line of scrimmage. They would've tried a field goal from 68, but went Hail Mary instead of trying from 73. NFL record is 66 yards. pic.twitter.com/Ns0FOJ6nap
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) October 20, 2024
That penalty pretty much sealed the deal, leading to Sam Darnold getting sacked on the next play. Afterward, head coach Kevin O’Connell mentioned that if it wasn’t for the penalty, kicker Will Reichard would’ve been sent out for a shot to win it.
Kevin O’Connell said he would have sent Will Reichard out for a 68-ish yard FG attempt at the end of today’s game, had there not been a penalty on the spike. But 73ish was obviously too far.
— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) October 20, 2024
O’Connell pretty much said Reichard’s max range was 68 yards, but he knew 73 was pushing it way too far. He kept the offense on the field and went for a Hail Mary instead.
Related: JJ McCarthy in the House and Throwing the Football Around Prior to Vikings vs Lions
It would’ve been awesome to see Reichard take that shot. The guy hasn’t missed a field goal yet in his NFL career. The rookie’s a perfect 12 for 12 this season, with his longest being 58 yards. Honestly, he’s already making a strong case for being the best kicker in the league.
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