Post by Minniman on Sept 21, 2019 13:14:24 GMT -6
Daniel Carlson had to stumble with Vikings to thrive with Raiders
EAGAN, Minn. -- Just more than 365 days stand between Daniel Carlson and the lowest moment of his kicking career.
After a 29-29 tie at Green Bay, where the then-rookie missed three field goals, two of which came in overtime -- including a 35-yarder as time expired -- Carlson was at rock bottom. The technical errors in his kicking were apparent and he knew it. Upon returning to Minneapolis that night after a phone call with his agent, it became clear that Carlson's time with the Minnesota Vikings would be short-lived.
Less than 24 hours later, the Vikings released their 2018 fifth-round pick just two games into the season.
Coach Mike Zimmer delivered a strong message. For a franchise that had its share of heartbreak with kicking blunders, Zimmer didn’t want another to play a role in derailing the season.
Carlson later joined the Oakland Raiders during the 2018 season and set the franchise record for single-season field goal percentage (94.1). Since joining the Raiders he has made 18 of 19 field goal attempts and all 22 point-after tries.
A year later, Zimmer has some remorse over the way things played out.
"Honestly, I’m happy for him," Zimmer said. "I mean, do I have regrets? I like our kicker who we have now (Dan Bailey), but did I second-guess it? Sure. He’s done great there, and I think he’s a very, very talented kid. I wish him well, just not this week. But no, I’m happy for him, and in retrospect, I guess, yeah, I’ve thought about it many times."
EAGAN, Minn. -- Just more than 365 days stand between Daniel Carlson and the lowest moment of his kicking career.
After a 29-29 tie at Green Bay, where the then-rookie missed three field goals, two of which came in overtime -- including a 35-yarder as time expired -- Carlson was at rock bottom. The technical errors in his kicking were apparent and he knew it. Upon returning to Minneapolis that night after a phone call with his agent, it became clear that Carlson's time with the Minnesota Vikings would be short-lived.
Less than 24 hours later, the Vikings released their 2018 fifth-round pick just two games into the season.
Coach Mike Zimmer delivered a strong message. For a franchise that had its share of heartbreak with kicking blunders, Zimmer didn’t want another to play a role in derailing the season.
Carlson later joined the Oakland Raiders during the 2018 season and set the franchise record for single-season field goal percentage (94.1). Since joining the Raiders he has made 18 of 19 field goal attempts and all 22 point-after tries.
A year later, Zimmer has some remorse over the way things played out.
"Honestly, I’m happy for him," Zimmer said. "I mean, do I have regrets? I like our kicker who we have now (Dan Bailey), but did I second-guess it? Sure. He’s done great there, and I think he’s a very, very talented kid. I wish him well, just not this week. But no, I’m happy for him, and in retrospect, I guess, yeah, I’ve thought about it many times."
ESPN: Daniel Carlson had to stumble with Vikings to thrive with Raiders
It's a good read.
Between the lines spoiler: the Vikings had an awful special teams coach.
... and neither is this Chris guy.