NFL Playoffs -- Clutch kickers dominate in divisional-round showdowns
It's a good time to be an NFL kicker.
The AFC and NFC divisional games gave football fans everywhere a reason to root for their team's kicker.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, there have only been 10 games in NFL postseason history which have ended with game-winning field goals as time expired in regulation. Three of them came this weekend — the first time there has been three in a single postseason.
In Saturday's AFC Divisional Game, rookie Evan McPherson kicked a 52-yard field goal as time expired, pushing the underdog Cincinnati Bengals past the top-seeded Tennessee Titans, 19-16.
Money. Mac. Shooter. McPherson. Legend. Visit https://t.co/KpeqK4RKUm for more highlights. pic.twitter.com/CIrXmzwZI0
In his post-win news conference, quarterback Joe Burrow shared that McPherson was ready to call game before he even took the field.
Bengals K Evan McPherson, doing warm-up swings before his game-winner, looked at back-up QB Brandon Allen and said, «Well, looks like we're going to the AFC Championship Game,» Joe Burrow said.
In addition to the walk-off field goal, McPherson made all the three other field goals he attempted in the game. He's now eight-of-eight in the playoffs.
Just a few hours later, the San Francisco 49ers also had their fate secured by a kicker as the game wound down.
Niners kicker Robbie Gould has made all 20 of his field goal attempts in the playoffs during his storied career. Saturday night was a sweet one with his 45-yard kick as time expired, sending the home team Green Bay Packers packing.
For the win!!! On to the next! pic.twitter.com/rd2oJ24fpi
«You're a f---ing legend man. F--- the Packers,» 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo said to Gould after the game.
On Sunday, more kickers had a say in their