The Minnesota Vikings celebrated a significant victory on Sunday night, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 34-26 at AT&T Stadium. The win was marked by an impressive performance from kicker Will Reichard, who delivered a crucial field goal in the final minutes to secure the game, reinforcing his growing reputation in the NFL.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell praised Reichard’s composure, stating, “This guy has ice in his veins,” before presenting him with a game ball in the locker room. O’Connell’s words reflect the confidence the team has in Reichard, who has consistently demonstrated reliability since being selected in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Special teams coordinator Matt Daniels echoed O’Connell’s sentiments, calling Reichard’s performance “big time.” The kicker has become a key player for the Vikings, and on Sunday, he not only showcased his skills but also made a statement against a team known for its own strong kicking game.
Reichard’s success against the Cowboys was particularly meaningful. He faced off against Brandon Aubrey, widely regarded as one of the best kickers in the league, and emerged victorious in a high-pressure situation. This performance places Reichard in discussions among other top kickers, including Cameron Dicker of the Los Angeles Chargers, Jason Myers from the Seattle Seahawks, and Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs.
This season, Reichard has converted 24 out of 26 field goal attempts, with his only misses occurring from over 50 yards. His accuracy has been notable, as he remains perfect on all extra point attempts. Daniels noted that opposing special teams coordinators often commend the Vikings for having such a reliable kicker.
Even with a challenging start to his career last season, where he faced a quad injury that impacted his performance, Reichard has bounced back effectively. His early career was marked by a streak of successful kicks, and he has since regained that form, demonstrating remarkable consistency.
Only two misses this season can be attributed to unusual circumstances. One miss came on a 51-yard attempt against the Cleveland Browns, which some believed hit an overhanging wire. Another miss occurred on a rushed 53-yard attempt against the Los Angeles Chargers just before halftime.
Reichard has proven himself to be particularly effective on shorter attempts, being flawless on kicks within 50 yards. He also stands out with a record of 9 out of 11 on attempts beyond that mark, only trailing Chase McLaughlin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in made field goals from that distance.
When asked about the best kicker in the NFL, Daniels smiled and acknowledged his bias, adding, “You can throw Will’s name right there at the top.” As the Vikings continue their season, Reichard’s performance will undoubtedly be pivotal in their pursuit of success in the league.
