Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker was the toast of the NFL kingdom on Sunday thanks to the 66-yard field goal that stamped his name into league record books and elevated his team to a 19-17 victory over the Detroit Lions.
A NEW NFL RECORD.
— NFL (@NFL) September 26, 2021
66 YARDS. OFF THE CROSSBAR. @JTUCK9. pic.twitter.com/x8DXOoCuFH
But, in typical pro sports fashion, we can't have a record-setting play without there being a little controversy added into the mix.
Such is the case for Tucker's big kick, which many are saying should not have happened because of a non-call against his team.
As CBS Sports points out, there should have been a delay-of-game penalty called on quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Ravens before Tucker was called onto the field. The penalty would have cost Baltimore five more yards, putting the field goal target at 71 yards instead.
The Justin Tucker game-winning kick from 66 yards never should have happened. According to CBS broadcast graphic, this should have been a delay of game on Baltimore on the play before the field goal. #Lions #Ravens pic.twitter.com/YnVOuC3KXX
— Jonathan Deutsch (@JonathanD_TV) September 26, 2021
Referees have yet to review the potentially missed call. Although, one ref said he wasn't aware of a delay, per The Athletic's Chris Burke.
Per the pool report, referee Scott Novak said that he hasn't had a chance to review the possible delay of game so he has "no idea" whether there was a missed call.
— Chris Burke (@ChrisBurkeNFL) September 26, 2021
"I don’t know if they’re synced up or not," Novak said of the play clock on screen vs. the in-stadium clock.
The Lions would have a reason to be upset over the missed call since it nixed their come-from-behind attempt and now leaves them 0-3 on the young season.
Regardless, credit still has to be given to Tucker for nailing such an incredible kick. With Sunday's record-setting kick, he is now 16-for-16 on field goals in the final minute of regulation and holds the active league record for 49 consecutive kicks made in the fourth quarter.
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