On Saturday, the Packers lost a close game with the 49ers after 2 crucial missed field goals. The last missed field goal would have put the team up 7 and given them a bit of a safety net with two minutes left. Instead, the Niners took over and drove down the field with ease, scoring the game winning touchdown.
On Sunday, the Bills had the opportunity to tie with one minute left. Kicker, Tyler Bass was playing in his own stadium. Bass would have the game rely on his boot from 44 yards out. The kick was up and… it never had a chance, the ball went wide right and the Chiefs took over possession, kneeling to end the game.
History of Missed Kicks in NFL Division Round
The first significant missed field goal in NFL Division round history was In 1995. The Chiefs were the one seed and had the chance to tie the game with just 42 seconds left. Lin Elliott kicked the ball from 42 yards out and he missed, giving the Jets the 10-7 upset victory. This started “The Arrowhead Curse” which meant the Chiefs could not win a home playoff game, a curse that was broke over 20 years later thanks to Patrick Mahomes.
The next occurrence was in 2004 when the Jets hosted the Steelers. Kicker, Doug Brien had the opportunity to win the game in regulation if he hit the 43 yard field goal as time expired. Brien did not hit it through the crossbar and the Jets would end up losing this game in overtime.
Another significant missed field goal resulted in a Steelers victory. The Colts were one of the top teams in the NFL in 2006. Peyton Manning was playing some of the best football of his career, starting 13-0 on the season. Mike Vanderjagt had the chance to tie the game and bring it into overtime, but his kick never had a chance and the Colts were left in disappointment after such a promising season.
What if the Kickers Made their Kicks this Weekend
If Anders Carlson hit at least one of his field goals, the game in all likelihood would have gone into overtime. It is tough to say who would win as most of the game was back and forth, but at the very least, this would have given the Packers new life and the ability to win in overtime.
If Tyler Bass hit his game tying field goal, it is possible that the Chiefs had enough time to score but if the Bills got a stop in the closing seconds, the game would head into overtime. Buffalo would have all of the momentum on their side after making a crucial stop and use that to potentially win in the extra period. It is easy to say “what if” in the NFL but it is fun to think about the possibilities if things went differently.