The timing between long snapper, holder, and kicker is often overlooked.
The Bengals rallied and tied Pittsburgh in the final seconds of Sunday’s game. The PAT was all that separated Cincinnati from a thrilling season-opening victory.
Cincinnati’s long snapper, however, was injured and had to be replaced. and that put a backup tight end on the ball for the potential game-winning point
The snap floated, being kind, back to the holder. By the time Evan McPherson got to the ball, Minkah fitzpatrick was full flight and had blocked that kick.
BLOCKED. WHAT A GAME.@minkfitz_21 said NOPE!
📺: #PITvsCIN on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/pHwdeoOMZE pic.twitter.com/wBzxQPQiH5— NFL (@NFL) September 11, 2022
Rivals in AFC North put on a wild show that seemed to favor Pittsburgh, before the Bengals rallied.
Cincinnati wanted to be the first team with minus-5 turnovers to win an actual game since 2012.
The Bengals’ LSU Tiger connection between Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase was responsible for the tie score.