Sports Nut: NFL 2011

Now playing: Slate V, a video-only site from the world's leading online magazine. Visit Slate V at www.slatev.com.
Sports Nut NFL 2011 Billy Cundiff rushed his kick because of an error on the Gillette Stadium scoreboard. By Stefan Fatsis Posted Tuesday, Jan 24, 2012, at 12:37 AM ET When we last left our hero—OK, our protagonist—Baltimore Ravens kicker Billy Cundiff was explaining his fatal, last-second field-goal attempt against the New England Patriots on Sunday. Cundiff admitted that he was late getting on to the field. The play clock ticked toward zero. Cundiff rushed the kick. He missed. He took responsibility. What was unclear was why Cundiff was running late. Before we examine what happened—I spoke again to Cundiff and to a Ravens executive—it's helpful to understand how kickers prepare to kick field goals. As you might expect, it's not haphazard. These guys have precise routines, both physical and mental, for when the offense enters field-goal range.  Here's Cundiff's: On first down, Cundiff, his snapper, and his holder gather with Ravens kicking consultant Randy Brown near the practice net on the opponent's half of the field. They execute four or five snaps and holds, and Cundiff, taking no steps, lightly kicks the ball to Brown eight yards away. On second down, Cundiff moves to the Ravens' end of the field, around the 40-yard line. The kicker faces the goalposts at which he'll be aiming and kicks "on air," with no ball, looking up at the distant markers. From far away, the goalposts look narrow; when Cundiff runs on the field, they look wider. "It's a little mind game," he says. On third down, still around the Ravens' 40, Cundiff imagines the upcoming kick a single time. He moves ... To continue reading, click here. Join the Fray: our reader discussion forum What did you think of this article? POST A MESSAGE | READ MESSAGES Also In Slate What the Supreme Court Can Learn From Gabby Giffords and Jeff Flake's Tender Moment The New England Patriots Are Not Out for Revenge What Does Mormon Heaven Look Like? How About Mormon Hell?	Advertisement
Manage your newsletters subscription: Unsubscribe | Forward to a Friend | Advertising Information
Ideas on how to make something better? Send an e-mail to slatenewsletter@nl.slate.com. Copyright 2011 The Slate Group | Privacy Policy The Slate Group | c/o E-mail Customer Care | 1350 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 410 | Washington, D.C. 20036