12-25-2022, 08:38 PM
Kicker Greg Joseph has converted 20 straight attempts, none bigger than the franchise-record, 61-yard field goal that sealed the Vikings' 27-24 victory over the Giants on Saturday.
Joseph's kick split the uprights and sailed past the crossbar, leading to many opinions about how much farther back he could have been and still won the game.
"I've heard a bunch of different numbers," he said. "But I'll hold judgment until I see it."
A week after Joseph was hoisted onto his teammates' shoulder pads after a winning 40-yard field goal vs. the Colts, Joseph said he appreciated the trust coach Kevin O'Connell showed by letting him even try a 61-yarder — 5 yards longer than the previous high by both Joseph and any kicker in Vikings history.
"I knew I had the strength," Joseph said. "I just wanted to put a good foot to it to give myself the best chance."
Where was the closest yard marker O'Connell was targeting for a last-second field goal?
"Right about that line," O'Connell said.
Punter and holder Ryan Wright said there was no concern from the field goal team even though Joseph had only made two of seven attempts from beyond 50 yards before that kick.
"This kick goes way back to training camp," Wright said. "He's made multiple 61-yarders. There was no doubt in my mind he was going to make it."
Coaches were prepared just in case. The Giants positioned a returner near the end zone should Joseph's kick fall short. Right tackle Brian O'Neill was among those focused on making a possible tackle if the Giants returned a missed field goal.
"I was kind of running downfield and Greg started running the other way," O'Neill said. "So I was pretty out of breath by the time I caught up to him."
https://www.startribune.com/greg-josephs-minnesota-vikings-winning-field-goal-61-yards/600238591/
Joseph's kick split the uprights and sailed past the crossbar, leading to many opinions about how much farther back he could have been and still won the game.
"I've heard a bunch of different numbers," he said. "But I'll hold judgment until I see it."
A week after Joseph was hoisted onto his teammates' shoulder pads after a winning 40-yard field goal vs. the Colts, Joseph said he appreciated the trust coach Kevin O'Connell showed by letting him even try a 61-yarder — 5 yards longer than the previous high by both Joseph and any kicker in Vikings history.
"I knew I had the strength," Joseph said. "I just wanted to put a good foot to it to give myself the best chance."
Where was the closest yard marker O'Connell was targeting for a last-second field goal?
"Right about that line," O'Connell said.
Punter and holder Ryan Wright said there was no concern from the field goal team even though Joseph had only made two of seven attempts from beyond 50 yards before that kick.
"This kick goes way back to training camp," Wright said. "He's made multiple 61-yarders. There was no doubt in my mind he was going to make it."
Coaches were prepared just in case. The Giants positioned a returner near the end zone should Joseph's kick fall short. Right tackle Brian O'Neill was among those focused on making a possible tackle if the Giants returned a missed field goal.
"I was kind of running downfield and Greg started running the other way," O'Neill said. "So I was pretty out of breath by the time I caught up to him."
https://www.startribune.com/greg-josephs-minnesota-vikings-winning-field-goal-61-yards/600238591/
