Even if the Las Vegas Raiders have a disappointing NFL season in 2022, there are a few bright spots. Particularly in the special teams squad, where AJ Cole and Daniel Carlson are two stars. Despite the fact that they were both excellent, Carlson stood out as the Raiders’ top special teams performer. The Associated Press named Calrson their First-Team All-Pro kicker. Let’s examine the remarkable year that Calrson had in 2022.
What a season for All-Pro Daniel Carlson
Carlson’s first nine games may be summed up as almost perfect. Calrson only missed one extra point and one field goal in the Raiders’ first nine games, as well. He extended his streak to 41 consecutive made field goals during that time, only three short of the NFL record. In the Raiders’ overtime victory over the Denver Broncos, his miss ended his streak. Additionally, from weeks two through five, Carlson scored 10 points or more. Carlson missed his first and only PAT of the year in Week 4 at the Broncos. He didn’t miss another extra point after this one for the rest of the year.
Carlson made two mistakes in the second half of the season, missing a field goal in each of the Raiders’ victories over the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Chargers. However, Carlson finished the season 9 for 9 on field goals and 10 for 10 on extra points in the final five games after those misses. In 12 games for field goals and 15 games for extra points, Carlson was 100 percent accurate.
Cream of the Crop for NFL Kickers
Saying that Carlson is the best kicker in the NFL is not absurd. Despite claims to the contrary, who made this year’s first team of all-pro kickers? He has improved and has served as a weapon for the Raiders ever since they picked him up off the waiver wire. With Carlson serving as their kicker, the Raiders offense is showing signs of relief. Because Carlson can intervene and save the day if they are stopped on a drive. Everyone assumes that whatever kick he attempts will be successful because of the standard he has set for himself.
Carlson finished third in points scored, second in made field goals, tied for fourth in field goal percentage, and first with most games with 10 points or more, according to Raiders PR. Additionally, Carlson currently holds three of the top five scoring seasons in Raiders’ history. The top two scoring seasons in Raiders history belong to Carlson, and his 137 points this year rank fourth. By making 11 field goals from more than 50 yards in a single season, Carlson broke the previous record. He was 11 of 13 from 50 yards or more, which is impressive because accuracy that good at that range is uncommon. When it comes to kickers, the Raiders have a rich history, and Carlson is carrying on that legacy.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Steve Marcus
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