Daniel Carlson’s field goal gives the Las Vegas Raiders a dramatic victory. ‘Truly clutch’
Daniel Carlson has sure been reliable since he arrived with the Raiders.
The Minnesota Vikings’ loss is the Raiders’ gain.
Carlson nailed a 48-yard field goal as time expired in a game postponed until Monday afternoon, giving the Raiders a 16-14 win over the Cleveland Browns and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
A loss would have closed the playoff door for the Raiders (7-7), but Carlson wasn’t about to let that happen.
Neither was Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who finished off his 28th game-winning drive.
The Raiders obviously needed a win to stay in the postseason hunt with games against the Denver Broncos (7-7), Indianapolis Colts (8-6) and Los Angeles Chargers (8-6) left on the schedule.
Winning out could also mean a trip to the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season.
But first, the Raiders were going to enjoy the win against the short-handed Browns — any way they were able to get it.
Raiders players who watched from Las Vegas and team alumni were ecstatic about the win.
Raiders punter A.J. Cole, who was named to his first Pro Bowl on Monday, was thrilled.
Carlson signed a multi-year contract extension earlier this month.
He was selected by the Vikings in the fifth round (167th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft, appearing in two games for Minnesota before signing as a free agent with the Raiders.
Prior to the game, Carlson appeared in 56 games and converted on 97-of-113 field goals and 126-of-133 PATs to total 417 points. He was also named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week four times throughout his career and earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Month honors in 2020.
Carlson kicked another game-winner against the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving day in a 36-33 win.
Carlson gave credit to the Raiders offense for putting him in position to kick the game winner.
“They found a way to get the ball to the 30-yard line for a 48-yard field goal. That’s huge props to them.,” he said. “Huge props for the defense for making a stop quickly. We got a chance to get the ball back. Awesome finish to the game and awesome team win for us.”
This story was originally published December 20, 2021 at 7:00 PM.
