How the Cards, Falcons witnessed Matt Bryant’s missed extra-point
Oct 13, 2019, 6:16 PM | Updated: 8:07 pm
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 13: Kicker Matt Bryant #3 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after missing an extra point late in the second half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Falcons 34-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The Cardinals and Falcons were who we thought they were on Sunday, finishing a Week 6 battle in a near deadlock with two exciting offenses making minced meat of one another’s defense.
It appeared that Arizona would have 1:53 left to go on a game-winning drive after Atlanta running back Devonta Freeman scored on a touchdown reception to tie the game. But that extra point was missed by Falcons kicker Matt Bryant, making the Cardinals’ last task simply about running out the clock.
That they did, improving to 2-3-1 with a 34-33 win at State Farm Stadium.
Here is what players from the Cardinals and Falcons witnessed as Bryant’s kick went a wobbly wide left, leading to him pulling off his helmet in frustration.
Matt Bryant, Falcons kicker
“To miss that kick is no good for anybody. We kind of dug ourselves a hole, and you don’t want to end it like that.
“I just hit it too high on the ball, and that’s why it goes left like that. I missed it.”
Matt Bryant to tie.😯 pic.twitter.com/LULtNLz1Rv
— AAWOL (@liveaawol) October 13, 2019
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Kevin Peterson, Cardinals CB and rusher on extra-point tries
“So our job is to never look back … when I’m on the edge on extra points. I looked at the kicker, and I seen him drop his head and go crazy. I just (said) ‘Ahhh!’, looked at the sideline they said no good and I was hyped. So I had a front row seat to see him miss it.”
Kliff Kingsbury, Cardinals head coach
“I didn’t (watch it). I didn’t even know what was going on.
“(Afterwards) I was thinking: first home game back since Mr. B’s passing, you’ve got to think he pushed that thing a little bit that way. You feel bad for Matt. He’s one of the best kickers to ever do it. I’m sure he’s frustrated with that, but football’s a funny game.”
Dan Quinn, Falcons head coach
“Just told (Bryant) we love him, number one, and he’s made (many other kicks) for us and this team this year. He’s one of the most mentally tough guys that I’ve ever coached. He’s hurting, but we also knew and the team did, too, that there’s lots of plays in this game for people to make, so we won’t put it on that.”
Kyler Murray, Cardinals QB
“I was prepared to go score. Budda came off the edge — looked like he got a good jump. Fortunately he missed it.”
Calvin Ridley, Falcons WR
“I just thought we were going to get another chance. I said, ‘Don’t worry about it, man. You’re going to kick this ball again. You’re going to have a chance to help us get this win.’ It didn’t work out like that, but Matt B — it sucks. But he’s a great player. I know that.”
Maxx Williams, Cardinals TE
“To be honest, I did watch it but I was getting ready to do kickoff return so I was thinking in my head, like, alright, ‘What’s our return going to be? What are we going to do?’ I was just going through my crap.”
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