Understanding the 1.3 Seconds of Chaos Before NFL Field Goals
NFL kickers face a whirlwind of pressure in just 1.3 seconds before each field goal attempt, balancing precision and teamwork under intense scrutiny
NFL, Field Goals, Kickers, Los Angeles, USA
Los Angeles: Picture this. Joshua Karty, the Rams kicker, is gearing up for a field goal. He takes a moment to breathe and focus. It’s not just about kicking the ball; there’s a lot happening in those few seconds.
He needs a perfect snap from Alex Ward, the snapper, and a clean hold from Ethan Evans. Karty’s already moving forward, ready to kick, trusting his teammates to do their jobs. “You just swing through where that spot is,” he says, emphasizing the teamwork involved.
All of this has to happen in 1.3 seconds or less. It’s a well-choreographed dance with everyone playing their part while defenders rush in. As Karty prepares for a crucial kick against the 49ers, he and his team double-check everything. Ward wonders if fans realize how complex it really is. “Mayhem,” he calls it, but it’s controlled chaos.
This season has been a rollercoaster for NFL kickers. They’ve improved their long-range accuracy, but there have been some surprising misses, even from the best, like Justin Tucker. Karty started strong but faced a rough patch with missed kicks, leading to some frustration from the coach.
As the Rams needed a win to stay in playoff contention, Karty and his teammates went back to basics. They focused on their roles, breaking everything down to the tiniest details. Ward, the snapper, describes his job as “absolute zero,” where everything begins.
He has to get the snap just right, making sure the ball travels quickly and accurately to Evans. It’s all about muscle memory and practice. Once he’s set, he waits for Karty’s nod before exhaling to control his body’s movements.
Not every snap is perfect, and even small mistakes can throw everything off. That’s where Evans, the holder, comes in. He’s had to adapt quickly, learning to catch the snap and make adjustments on the fly. “When I catch the ball and bring it back, I know that I’m going to hit the spot,” he explains.
Once the ball is set, Karty checks the wind and picks a target behind the goalposts. He takes his steps, gets into position, and waits for the snap. Timing is everything. “You can’t wait for the holder to catch it before you start,” he says.
If everything goes smoothly, the ball is placed just before Karty’s foot swings through. But if there’s a mistake, it can throw off the whole kick. Karty’s been working on his technique, trying to stay calm and focused, especially with the pressure of the crowd.
On a rainy night against the 49ers, everything clicked. Ward delivered a perfect snap, and Evans held it just right. Karty kicked it through the uprights, and it felt like a weight lifted off his shoulders. “Sometimes you just need a little luck,” he said, relieved.
In a game where every point counts, Karty ended up scoring all of the Rams’ points in a close win. “Stuff happens in football,” he said. “You just keep chugging along.” It’s a reminder that in the world of NFL kicking, the next kick is always just a moment away.