Full Breakdown
NFL Acknowledges Missed Call on Will Reichard's Field Goal Attempt
10/14/2025, 3:56:06 PM
Incident Overview: The Controversial Miss in London
During the Minnesota Vikings' Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 5, 2025, kicker Will Reichard attempted a 51-yard field goal that, if successful, would have tied the game at 17-17 in the fourth quarter. However, the kick veered wide right, and replays suggested that it struck a camera cable, altering its trajectory. This incident has sparked significant discussion regarding the NFL's handling of the situation, particularly as it relates to Reichard's statistics.
NFL's Acknowledgment and Response
Following the game, both Reichard's agents and the Vikings' front office formally requested that the NFL remove the missed field goal from Reichard's official stats, arguing that the kick should have been ruled a dead ball due to the interference from the camera cable. The NFL acknowledged that the referees missed the call but ultimately decided not to amend Reichard's statistics, leaving him with a record of 8-of-9 for the season. This decision has drawn criticism, as it contradicts NFL rules that state any kick hitting a cable or scoreboard should be replayed.
Implications for Will Reichard
Reichard's missed kick marked his first of the season, following a perfect start where he had successfully converted all three of his field goals from 50 yards or more. The incident has implications beyond just statistics; it could affect Reichard's pursuit of becoming one of the few kickers in NFL history to complete a season without a miss while attempting at least 30 field goals. The missed kick has also raised questions about the integrity of game officiating and the potential for setting a precedent if the NFL were to change stats based on missed calls.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the NFL's decision argue that allowing the missed kick to remain on Reichard's record undermines the fairness of the game. The Vikings' head coach, Kevin O'Connell, expressed uncertainty about the situation, noting that it was unfortunate if the kick did indeed hit the cable. The lack of a review during the game has also been a point of contention, as it suggests a failure in the officiating process.
What's Next for the Vikings
The Vikings, now holding a 3-2 record, are on a bye week before facing the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 19. The team will aim to maintain their momentum following the victory over the Browns, which was secured by a last-minute touchdown pass from Carson Wentz to Jordan Addison. As they prepare for the upcoming game, the focus will be on improving their playoff prospects while addressing the lingering controversy surrounding Reichard's missed kick.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The NFL acknowledged it was a missed call but ruled they will not make the statistical adjustment.” — Jordan Schultz, NFL Reporter
- “He told me he thought he hit it well, and Will doesn't end up that far off line, historically, since our time having him here. But yeah, not really sure what to say on that one other than that was unfortunate if it did happen, and if it didn't, so be it.” — Kevin O'Connell, Vikings Head Coach
- “Whenever a kick hits the skycam cable, the play is supposed to stop and be restarted because of outside interference.” — NFL Rule on Kicks Hitting Cables
This incident, referred to by some as "2025 Cablegate," serves as a reminder of how unforeseen circumstances can impact professional sports and the importance of accurate officiating in maintaining the integrity of the game.
