NFL media names Raiders K Daniel Carlson among Top 10 most clutch players for 2021
The lists have begun for the 2021 season even before the season is over. After all, we’re through 16 games which *was* a full season prior to 2021. NFL media’s Nick Shook has put together his list of the ‘Top ten most clutch players” of the 2021 season. And a Raider made the list.
Coming in at No. 4 is kicker Daniel Carlson.
“Four game-winning kicks in one season (technically five, if we’re counting his win in Cleveland that required two kicks thanks to a last-second timeout) have the Raiders in line to win their way into the postseason this weekend. Do I need to say more?
Carlson has enjoyed a remarkable career turnaround in a relatively short amount of time, going from a kicker who couldn’t handle the big moment with the Vikings and getting cut as a result, to blossoming into a clutch boot with the Raiders.
He’s used his right foot to send Las Vegas to four victories in 2021, with his most recent — a 33-yarder as time expired in Indianapolis — keeping the Raiders alive in the playoff race entering Week 18. Should Las Vegas find itself needing a field goal to finish off the Chargers, the Raiders can find solace in knowing Carlson is ready. After all, he beat the Cowboys on Thanksgiving with his foot. A game-winner at SoFi Stadium will be worth a whole lot more than a turkey leg.”
Carlson hasn’t just been great in the clutch, he’s just been great the whole game. His 35 field goals are the second-most in the league this season and his 92% conversion rate is fourth-best in the league among kickers with at least 15 attempts.
Although, someone should notify Shook that the Raiders aren’t playing the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. The game is at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. As it happens, one of Carlson’s three misses this season came at SoFi against the Chargers in Week 4.
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