It took the entirety of regulation and four complete drives in overtime before the Houston Texans and a tie were decided by a field goal attempt with only two seconds remaining. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn made the game-winning kick from 54 yards out. The Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 19–16 on Sunday in a contest that embodied teamwork and the next man up philosophy. Houston managed to win even without what seemed to be every starter who was essential to the passing offense’s success and without any playmakers in the front seven.
Unlike a disproportionate amount of the team, Fairbairn was making a comeback from injury, and that may have been the reason for his most remarkable performance. Fairbairn has been absent of the Texans’ last six games and half of Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a calf injury that forced him to the injured reserve. Saying that he was missed would be putting it mildly. After winning the hearts of the supporters with his performance as a running back, Dare Ogunbowale, the replacement kicker, Matthew Ammendola, missed three of his nine field goal attempts and an extra point.
On Sunday, Fairbairn was outstanding, and the Texans needed him to be. The margins could hardly be any smaller, if the kick that went through the uprights in the last seconds of overtime was any clue. In addition, the offense under the direction of seasoned quarterback Case Keenum wasn’t very effective. They scored only one touchdown, with Fairbairn taking care of the rest.
He scored more points than any other Texan at the end of the game, making all four of his field goals and his lone extra point. Following the match, Fairbairn gave a speech about going back to such a demanding environment and succeeding there. “I believe that accepting those circumstances and pressure kicks and not resisting them is a necessary part of being in my position as a kicker,” Fairbairn stated. “And carry out when necessary.”
He succeeded in doing just that, leading Houston to an 8-6 record and keeping the team very much in the running for the AFC playoffs. It’s possible that Fairbairn will have another chance to demonstrate some impressive kicks in Week 16 against the formidable Cleveland Browns defense. If Sunday’s performance, which includes making 22 of 23 field goals and all of the extra points this season, is any guide, he’ll be prepared.
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