Justin Tucker hit an NFL record-setting 66-yard field goal as time expired to lift the Ravens over the Detroit Lions 19-17. Russell Street Report staff react to the win here…
A NEW NFL RECORD.
66 YARDS. OFF THE CROSSBAR. @JTUCK9. pic.twitter.com/x8DXOoCuFH
— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2021
Derek Arnold
Justin.Tucker. What else can you say? In the same building where he broke hearts with a 61-yarder eight years ago, he outdid himself with a ridiculous game-winner, atoning for an earlier 49-yard miss.
It was a disappointing turn of events that it even came down to that against the lowly Lions. But I think we have to recognize that that Baltimore-KC game (the Chiefs got shut out in the first half today on their way to a 30-24 home loss to the Chargers) took a lot more out of both teams than we appreciated. The severely short-handed Ravens had several chances to put their foot on the Lions’ throat early, but several huge drops by Marquise Brown and a miss of Mark Andrews in the end zone let the hosts hang around.
Dan Campbell’s crew proved time and again why they’re the Lions, most notably when they twice jumped on false starts while trying to draw the Ravens off on fourth-and-1. They also had a punt return fumble recovery overturned by a flag on a gunner going out of bounds on his own power.
They allowed a 4th-and-19 completion to allow the Ravens to even get set up to let Tucker try it.
The Ravens have a lot of work to do. They need to get these damn COVID list guys back. They need to catch the ball. They need to learn to pick up a blitz. A screen pass or two in the playbook would be useful.
But 2-1 beats 1-2, and that’s one we’ll never forget.
Thank you, Justin.
Darin McCann
In a game that felt a little sleepy at times, the ending could only be defined as a dream. Justin Tucker’s 66-yard-field goal, and Lamar Jackson’s stone-cold throw to Sammy Watkins on fourth down before that, covered up a bunch of warts for this team. Still, a road win is a road win, and another week to work on the team’s wounded is a good thing. Chuck Clark and Mark Andrews played well throughout, and Calais Campbell really showed up with penetration in run defense.Â
Ben Dackiw
Everyone say thank you to the best and greatest kicker to ever live.
Honestly a lot to work on. Tackling is still an issue for the linebackers and there is a disturbing trend of Wink’s defenses of letting up with a late score, regardless of the depth issues due to COVID.
There’s a lot to work on: drops are a big issue. Hollywood Brown will be known as Anaheim Brown until further moments.
Next up: Denver at Mile High.
Taylor Lyons
It was a matter of when, not if, Justin Tucker would break the record for the longest field goal in NFL history. We just didn’t know it would be a game winner. The greatest kicker of all time just cemented his legacy as such, if there was ever any doubt. And what a play from Lamar Jackson and Sammy Watkins to set it up. That’s one of the greatest endings to a football game I’ve ever watched. Almost a decade after Tucker’s great field goal to win in Detroit in 2013, he did it again. It’s a scene out of a bad kids movie where time slows down as the ball hits the crossbar, pans to get everyone’s reactions, then goes through. Before that drive, it was shaping up to be a very bad loss. There’s several things you can point to, whether it be the number of defenders out with COVID, four drops from receivers, etc.
Regardless, that’s an awesome second win during a season where every game has been a nailbiter.Â
Chad Racine
Wow. For the 3rd week straight these games are taking our nerves to the brink. This was a game the Ravens just needed to get through after all the covid designations. Tucker has had some amazing luck in Detroit and now holds the NFL record. Let’s hope for a healthier team next week.Â
Rob Shields
I was amazed the Ravens didn’t score more points. Brown dropping passes certainly hurt us and if Tucker doesn’t miss the 49-yarder, the 66-yarder may not need to be kicked, so the team should have scored more points.
The offensive game plan, considering how short handed the defense was, should have been to run it more. The idea that there were only 22 runs (and not all of them were called runs) is ridiculous. I’m not sure what Roman was thinking. The game plan was terrible even if you consider that passes were dropped. Lamar deserved better stats for sure. He threw the ball beautifully.
The defense played better than I thought considering the injuries and guys out with covid, so I feel that’s encouraging. Â
End of the day, this was a must win for the long term and the team found a way. The idea that they won 18-16 on a 61-yarder by Tucker the last time and this time they win 19-17 with a 66-yarder from Tucker is astounding. Â
It doesn’t matter how much they won by, all that matters is that they won. Next week is your swing game of the season, in my opinion. Go 3-1 and you are in great shape. 2-2 and it’s dicey.
