As Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater watched his game-winning field goal attempt sail wide right of the upright Sunday, he knew he was going to get a second chance.
Lions kicker Matt Prater knew delay of game gave him 2nd chance at GW field goal
The Lions kicker was rushed on his initial attempt but knew he would have another shot at the game-winner.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“I actually slipped a little bit,” Prater told MLive.com. “But in my head I kind of knew it was going to be a delay of game and I know a game can’t end on a penalty.”
Prater was right. As the Atlanta Falcons ran off the field in celebration, a yellow flag appeared on the field. A fortuitous delay of game call gave Prater another shot -- this time from 48 yards out -- and he made the most of the opportunity. The veteran drilled it as time expired to cap a 21-point comeback and give Detroit a 22-21 win in London.
"I just rushed my steps," said Prater, who arrived in Detroit after being dropped by the Denver Broncos earlier this season. "Obviously, didn't hit it good and make it."
Although the 5-yard penalty increased the length of the kick, Prater said it moved the hold into a more suitable portion of Wembley Stadium’s churned turf.
“The field was actually better from 5 yards back,” he said. “So it worked out.”
The Lions are on their third field goal kicker already this season and lead the league with 10 missed attempts. Prater went 1-of-3 in his Lions debut then got a lucky bank on his only attempt last week. A game-clinching miss would have upped the drama in Detroit, but the redemptive penalty turned Prater from goat to hero.
See More:
