The Minnesota Vikings secured a thrilling 34-26 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, with kicker Will Reichard playing a pivotal role in the win at AT&T Stadium. In the closing moments of the game, Reichard executed a crucial field goal that solidified the upset, prompting head coach Kevin O’Connell to commend him for his performance.
During his celebratory speech in the locker room, O’Connell praised Reichard, stating, “This guy has ice in his veins,” before presenting him with a game ball. Reichard’s reliability has been a significant asset for the Vikings since they drafted him in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, as noted by special teams coordinator Matt Daniels. “That was big time,” Daniels remarked, highlighting Reichard’s ability to deliver under pressure.
The significance of Reichard’s performance was amplified by the fact that he faced off against some of the league’s most recognized kickers, including Brandon Aubrey of the Cowboys and Cameron Dicker of the Los Angeles Chargers. While the debate over the best kicker in the NFL includes names like Jason Myers and Harrison Butker, Reichard’s performance this season certainly merits inclusion in that conversation.
Reichard has transformed into a reliable scoring option for the Vikings, having successfully converted 24 of 26 field goals this season. His only misses occurred on attempts beyond 50 yards. Furthermore, he has maintained a perfect record on extra points since joining the NFL. Daniels emphasized this reliability, sharing that opposing special teams coordinators often remark, “You’ve got the right guy,” when discussing Reichard.
Reichard’s journey began as a rookie who went months without missing a kick, but he faced challenges last season due to a quad injury that led to inconsistencies. This season, he has bounced back impressively, showcasing his skill with only a couple of misses that could be considered anomalies. One notable miss was a 51-yard attempt against the Cleveland Browns that many believed was affected by an overhanging wire. Another was a 53-yard kick against the Chargers, which suffered from a rushed operation before halftime.
Notably, Reichard has excelled in shorter-range kicks, remaining perfect from within 50 yards, and he has also made 9 of 11 attempts from 50 yards and beyond. The only kicker with more successful attempts from that range is Chase McLaughlin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
When questioned about who he considers the best kicker in the NFL, Daniels expressed a hint of bias, stating, “Of course I’m biased. You can throw Will’s name right there at the top.”
As the Vikings continue their season, Reichard’s performance will be a focal point for fans and analysts alike, as he seeks to establish himself among the elite kickers in the league. With the confidence of his coaches and teammates, Reichard’s future in the NFL appears bright, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
