On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
Watch: Vikings' Ryan Wright launches incredible 73-yard punt
Punters do not get an opportunity to make highlight reels very often, and when they do, it is usually for all of the wrong reasons.
But Minnesota Vikings punter Ryan Wright deserves some positive attention for this absolute boomer of a kick in the first quarter of Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins.
Ryan Wright just punted a ball like 80 yards on the fly pic.twitter.com/mWeBkb3Aq4
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) October 16, 2022
That is incredible. Keep in mind, that is 73 yards from the line of scrimmage. When you consider the fact he was kicked the ball from a few yards behind that and out of his own end zone he kicked that ball over 80 yards on the fly.
It is the second longest punt in the NFL this season, just one yard behind a 74-yard punt by Kansas City's Tommy Townsend and San Francisco's Mitch Wishnowsky.
Usually when punters get highlighted, it is because of a block, a shank, getting blown up on a block, or a terrible tackle attempt. This is punting at its peak.
More must-reads:
- 25 forgotten playoff games that all NFL fans should know
- Five best NFL offseason value signings on offense: Bills get great deal with RB extension
- The 'Most receiving yards in a game for every NFL team' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
Patriots have big Drake Maye concern surface at Vikings' joint practice
Defense ruled the day during the joint practice between the New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings. Per Chad Graff of The Athletic, the Patriots defense did a masterful job of disrupting Vikings second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy at Wednesday's practice. However, New England's offensive line was unable to allow Drake Maye to have enough time to finish plays. "Even with four new expected starters up front following last year’s debacle, Wednesday suggested that there will likely be some bumps ahead for this offensive line," Graff wrote. "Sure, going up against the Vikings was always going to be a difficult task. Greenard has been wrecking his own team’s practices in training camp, and everyone in New England knows how good Flores’ scheme can be. But the domination was so thorough by the Vikings’ front seven that three straight plays at one point would’ve resulted in a sack." Maye showed flashes of promise when he had time to throw downfield or was able to use his legs to buy time or scramble when pressure came. The concern is that the offensive line won't allow Maye enough time to even scramble so he can make throws. Graff has noticed the same issues that happened on Wednesday have been a constant at training camp against the Patriots defense. With a new-look offensive line that includes first-round pick Will Campbell at left tackle, the Patriots are expected to have some bumps at training camp and in September. New England's offense probably won't look great out of the gate while the offensive line develops in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' scheme. If and when the offensive line improves, Maye will have a chance to show off the arm that made him the No. 3 pick in 2024. For now, the offensive line is a concern much like it was last season.
Former Lakers, Clippers Big Man Joins Phoenix Suns in New Career Path
One of the most lopsided trades of the last decade in the NBA was a "hallway" trade between the Lakers and Clippers. NBA veteran Mike Muscala was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Ivica Zubac, a young center at the time who needed development, along with Michael Beasley. In a win-now move for the Lakers in their first season with LeBron James, they gave up on a young center that showed promise, for a stretch big that the Lakers felt could help them get to the playoffs.
Browns' Shedeur Sanders could be losing valuable opportunity after injury update
Just when it seemed everything was going right for Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns' rookie quarterback caught an unlucky break on Wednesday. The 23-year-old QB was sidelined during Wednesday's joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles after suffering an oblique injury. Per Kelsey Russo of the team website, the 2025 fifth-round pick won't practice Thursday and is considered day-to-day. He is deemed unlikely to play in Saturday's preseason game against Philadelphia, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on NFL Network. Before Wednesday's practice, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed rookie QB Dillon Gabriel will start against Philadelphia as long as he's healthy enough to play. The 2025 third-rounder missed Cleveland's preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers because of a hamstring issue. However, Stefanski previously said Sanders would get more reps this week after a solid preseason debut. The former Colorado Buffaloes star received the start in the 30-10 win over Carolina, going 14-of-23 passing for 138 yards and two touchdown passes. Not playing against Philadelphia could disrupt Sanders' momentum. More importantly, it may eliminate another opportunity for him to overtake Gabriel in Cleveland's four-way QB competition. Sanders is listed as the Browns QB4 behind Gabriel, Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco on the team's unofficial depth chart. Despite questions about Gabriel's size (5-foot-11, 205 pounds), the coaching staff seems to favor him over Sanders. Earlier this offseason, Gabriel's processing speed reportedly impressed Browns coaches, giving him an edge over Sanders. The former Oregon Ducks star also received reps with the first-team offense during OTAs and mandatory minicamp, while his fellow rookie didn't. If Gabriel plays well against the Eagles, that would continue to affirm the coaching staff's confidence in the 24-year-old QB. Neither Sanders nor Gabriel is expected to be the Week 1 starter for the Browns. It's likely going to be Flacco, who helped Cleveland make the playoffs in 2023 when he went 4-1 during a late-season stretch. Still, another solid preseason showing could help Sanders position himself to replace 40-year-old Flacco in the future. With the setback, it may take more time to climb the depth chart.
Patrick Beverley backs LA Lakers signing to have ‘stunning year’, he’s seen exciting signs
Former NBA star Patrick Beverley believes the Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason moves set them up for success. Free agency began with a wobble for the LA Lakers when they lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets. But after fixing the center position with a move for Deandre Ayton, signing Marcus Smart and Jake LaRavia, the good vibes are coming back. Add in a Mark Walter led takeover and Luka Doncic extending his contract, not even LeBron James’ usual cryptic messages can spoil the mood. Marcus Smart backed to make an impact Amid the changes at the LA Lakers over the summer, the move for Marcus Smart has been tipped as one of the most influential. Former LA Lakers player Patrick Beverley backs Smart to have a major impact for the team. He says he saw signs with how Smart was playing for the Wizards last season that give him confidence, even if many in the NBA world were not paying attention. “Marcus Smart has something to prove,” Beverley began. “People don’t understand past the trade deadline, Marcus Smart was playing some really good basketball with the Wizards. And he has motivation to get a new contract, to get back to the Marcus Smart he knows he is. “I think he’s going to have a stunning year, don’t sleep on the Lakers.” What happened with Marcus Smart in Washington Marcus Smart began last season with the Memphis Grizzlies, but injuries restricted him to only 19 games, and at the trade deadline he was sent to the Wizards. Smart’s role in Washington was important behind the scenes, offering a valuable sounding board for the young team, with the organization tanking. The former Celtics star ended up playing in only 15 games for the Wizards, who were battling to try and land the best chances of top lottery odds. Smart averaged 9.0 points per game, shooting 44.0 percent from the field. Now with the Lakers, he has a little more to fight for, playing for a team in the spotlight who have their sights set on achieving a top playoff seed.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
