A fair-catch kick is a unique play in football that allows a team to attempt a free kick for three points after making a fair catch. This rarely seen maneuver was executed successfully by Cameron Dicker of the Los Angeles Chargers, marking the first successful fair-catch kick in the NFL since 1976. Dicker’s impressive 57-yard kick came just before halftime in a game against the Denver Broncos, showcasing both skill and strategy.
Known for his unconventional play-calling, Jim Harbaugh’s decision to go for the fair-catch kick raises questions about its rarity in modern football. This article will explore the play’s background and highlight the last successful attempt.
What is a fair-catch kick?
The fair-catch kick allows a team that has just made a fair catch to take a shot at scoring three points from the line of scrimmage. Defenders must stand at least 10 yards away, giving the kicker a clear opportunity. This play is seldom utilized, primarily because teams rarely find themselves in a position to attempt it.
The play’s obscurity stems from its infrequent occurrence in typical game situations, making Dicker’s successful kick a remarkable event.
When was the last successful attempt?
Prior to Dicker’s success, only five NFL teams had attempted a fair-catch kick in the 21st century, with the last successful attempt occurring 48 years ago by Ray Wersching for the San Diego Chargers.
Dicker’s 57-yard kick not only marked a significant moment in NFL history but also set a record for the longest fair-catch kick, surpassing Paul Hornung’s previous record of 52 yards for the Green Bay Packers in 1964.
The opportunity arose when Denver’s Tremon Smith committed a penalty for fair-catch interference during what was supposed to be the final play of the first half. This penalty advanced the ball to the Denver 47-yard line, allowing Harbaugh to call a timeout and opt for the fair-catch kick, marking only the second time he has made this decision as a head coach.
With J.K. Scott holding the ball, Dicker delivered a well-placed kick that sailed through the uprights.
When was the last attempt?
The most recent fair-catch kick attempt prior to Dicker’s success occurred in 2019, when Joey Slye of the Carolina Panthers missed a 60-yard kick during a game in London. Jim Harbaugh also attempted this play while coaching the San Francisco 49ers in 2013, but Phil Dawson’s 71-yard attempt fell short just before halftime.
Fair-catch kicks are rare since most fair catches happen well outside a kicker’s normal range. The Broncos’ punt would have left the Chargers too far for Dicker’s considerable range, but the penalty created a rare chance that Dicker seized without hesitation.
Ray Wersching, who played for the Chargers and 49ers throughout his 15-season career, made the last successful fair-catch kick at the halftime buzzer for San Diego on November 21, 1976, with a 45-yard kick.
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