Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker made the primary profitable fair-catch kick since 1976, and it was the longest such kick in NFL historical past.
A bit recognized NFL rule permits a workforce the suitable to take a free kick from the road of scrimmage on the following play following a good catch. It basically is a area purpose with a holder (however no snap) and with no rush because the protection has to face at the least 10 yards from the road of scrimmage till the ball is kicked.
The Chargers received an opportunity to strive it when returner Derius Davis signaled for a good catch. Broncos cornerback Tremon Smith grazed Davis’ leg as he glided by, drawing a flag for truthful catch interference.
Even although time expired, the Chargers obtained an untimed down due to the 15-yard penalty. They first despatched out the offense earlier than calling a timeout. It is unclear whether or not Jim Harbaugh initially knew the rule, which isn’t in school soccer.
Dicker made the 57-yard area purpose to attract the Chargers to inside 21-13 at halftime.
Ray Wersching’s 45-yard free-kick for the Chargers towards the Bills on Nov. 21, 1976, was the final profitable fair-catch kick, in keeping with quirkyresearch.com. There are 5 different recognized profitable free kicks for area targets, together with a 52-yarder by Green Bay’s Paul Hournung on the finish of the primary half of a recreation towards the Bears in 1964.
No workforce had tried a free-kick since 2019 when Carolina kicker Joey Slye was large proper from 60 yards on the finish of the primary half in a recreation towards the Bucs in London.
