azdad1978
Championship!!!!
50-yard FGs are routine
Tim Tyers
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 26, 2004 12:00 AM
Neil Rackers' first 55-yard field goal split the uprights Sunday, after which he extended the index fingers and thumbs of both of his hands and, with elbows pinned at his hips, aimed them toward the heavens before snapping his arms down.
He wasn't shooting imaginary guns at the Seahawks, as he said people thought. He was mimicking the goal umpire in Australian Rules Football - the official dressed from head to foot in white who signals a successful goal.
In other words, Rackers was having fun, which is fast becoming a regular occurrence for him.
In his first four years as an NFL kicker, Rackers was 3 for 5 on attempts from 50 yards and longer. This year, he's 5 for 6 after kicking field goals of 50, 55 and 55 yards in Sunday's 25-17 win over Seattle, tying Morten Andersen's NFL record for 50-yard bombs in a game.
What's more, Rackers also ranks first in the NFC in touchbacks with eight, and ranks second in that category in the NFL. His only field-goal miss of any kind came on a 58-yard attempt on a day when he made two from longer than 50 yards.
Modestly, Rackers says the ball flies better in Arizona's desert because of the lack of humidity, but his holder, punter Scott Player, says Rackers' success stems from more than that.
"He's got as strong a leg as I've ever seen," Player said. "(Sunday) was just an incredible day. I've never been on the end of a day like that."
Cincinnati released Rackers last year while he was injured with a torn meniscus cartilage - he recently won a grievance hearing on the matter - and Arizona acquired him late in the season.
"My leg strength has always been the same," the 6-foot-1, 206-pound product of Illinois said of dialing long distance. "It's why I got into the NFL in the first place. I'd say the biggest thing is I probably have the best snapper (Nathan Hodel) in the NFL, hands down, and someone I feel is the best holder (Player) and I have a field to kick on that is just phenomenal.
"I was on a field my first two years (in Cincinnati) that I couldn't stand up on. It was like a kitty litter box. It's just a different ballgame now, and when you know the ball is going to be right where you put your spot every time, it increases your confidence and lets you do your job."
Rackers understands he must alter one aspect of his game as his presence as a true offensive weapon increases. That would be his lust for contact. Unlike most kickers, Rackers often is found in the middle of piles after making tackles.
"Yeah, I like to do some hitting, sometimes to the coaches' dismay," said Rackers, who played defensive back, covered punts, kicked field goals and was a receiver in high school. "I like to be a football player. I should probably be a little smarter when it comes to that, because I've had a few close calls where I just got killed.
"We're going to taper that back, but you always like to make a good hit or save a touchdown with a tackle - it's a positive sign with your teammates."
Surprisingly, no NFL opponent has assigned anyone to take a shot at him.
"It happened a few times in college, but I think that was more of a personal thing - too many trips around the Big Ten," Rackers said, laughing. "But it doesn't happen as much in the NFL. Usually if I get hit, it's because I stick my nose where it doesn't belong."
Rackers will get the ultimate test Sunday when the Cardinals visit Buffalo.
"It comes down to how it goes in warm-ups," coach Dennis Green said. "If the ball is not traveling as well in warm-ups, you don't try the long field goal. . . . He is a very strong kicker and we recognize his talent."
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/1026cards1026.html
Tim Tyers
The Arizona Republic
Oct. 26, 2004 12:00 AM
Neil Rackers' first 55-yard field goal split the uprights Sunday, after which he extended the index fingers and thumbs of both of his hands and, with elbows pinned at his hips, aimed them toward the heavens before snapping his arms down.
He wasn't shooting imaginary guns at the Seahawks, as he said people thought. He was mimicking the goal umpire in Australian Rules Football - the official dressed from head to foot in white who signals a successful goal.
In other words, Rackers was having fun, which is fast becoming a regular occurrence for him.
In his first four years as an NFL kicker, Rackers was 3 for 5 on attempts from 50 yards and longer. This year, he's 5 for 6 after kicking field goals of 50, 55 and 55 yards in Sunday's 25-17 win over Seattle, tying Morten Andersen's NFL record for 50-yard bombs in a game.
What's more, Rackers also ranks first in the NFC in touchbacks with eight, and ranks second in that category in the NFL. His only field-goal miss of any kind came on a 58-yard attempt on a day when he made two from longer than 50 yards.
Modestly, Rackers says the ball flies better in Arizona's desert because of the lack of humidity, but his holder, punter Scott Player, says Rackers' success stems from more than that.
"He's got as strong a leg as I've ever seen," Player said. "(Sunday) was just an incredible day. I've never been on the end of a day like that."
Cincinnati released Rackers last year while he was injured with a torn meniscus cartilage - he recently won a grievance hearing on the matter - and Arizona acquired him late in the season.
"My leg strength has always been the same," the 6-foot-1, 206-pound product of Illinois said of dialing long distance. "It's why I got into the NFL in the first place. I'd say the biggest thing is I probably have the best snapper (Nathan Hodel) in the NFL, hands down, and someone I feel is the best holder (Player) and I have a field to kick on that is just phenomenal.
"I was on a field my first two years (in Cincinnati) that I couldn't stand up on. It was like a kitty litter box. It's just a different ballgame now, and when you know the ball is going to be right where you put your spot every time, it increases your confidence and lets you do your job."
Rackers understands he must alter one aspect of his game as his presence as a true offensive weapon increases. That would be his lust for contact. Unlike most kickers, Rackers often is found in the middle of piles after making tackles.
"Yeah, I like to do some hitting, sometimes to the coaches' dismay," said Rackers, who played defensive back, covered punts, kicked field goals and was a receiver in high school. "I like to be a football player. I should probably be a little smarter when it comes to that, because I've had a few close calls where I just got killed.
"We're going to taper that back, but you always like to make a good hit or save a touchdown with a tackle - it's a positive sign with your teammates."
Surprisingly, no NFL opponent has assigned anyone to take a shot at him.
"It happened a few times in college, but I think that was more of a personal thing - too many trips around the Big Ten," Rackers said, laughing. "But it doesn't happen as much in the NFL. Usually if I get hit, it's because I stick my nose where it doesn't belong."
Rackers will get the ultimate test Sunday when the Cardinals visit Buffalo.
"It comes down to how it goes in warm-ups," coach Dennis Green said. "If the ball is not traveling as well in warm-ups, you don't try the long field goal. . . . He is a very strong kicker and we recognize his talent."
http://www.azcentral.com/sports/cardinals/articles/1026cards1026.html
