Ka'imi Fairbairn Reacts to Game-Winning Kick for Houston Texans in Return From Injury
Talk about coming down to the wire.
It took all of regulation and then four full drives in overtime, leading to a field-goal attempt with just two seconds separating the Houston Texans and a tie. Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, from 54 yards out, called game.
On Sunday, the Texans beat the Tennessee Titans 19-16 in a game that epitomized a full-team effort and a next-man-up mentality. Without seemingly every starter key to the passing offense’s success and vital playmakers in the front seven, Houston found a way to win.
Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn attempts a field goal against the Arizona Cardinals.
© Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps the most impressive performance came from Fairbairn who – unlike a disproportionate part of the roster – was returning from injury. Fairbairn returned from a calf injury that landed him on injured reserve, taking him out of the Texans’ last six games and half of Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
To say he was missed would be an understatement. What started with running back Dare Ogunbowale stealing fans’ hearts ended with replacement kicker Matthew Ammendola missing three of his nine field goal attempts and an extra point.
Fairbairn was incredible on Sunday, and the Texans needed him to be. If the kick sailing through the uprights in overtime’s final seconds was any indication, the margins couldn’t be any slimmer.
Furthermore, the offense – led by veteran quarterback Case Keenum – wasn’t very productive. They managed just one touchdown, and Fairbairn did the rest.
He finished the day hitting all four of his field goals and his lone extra point, scoring more points than any other Texan.
Fairbairn spoke after the game about returning to (and thriving in) such a high-pressure environment.
“I think part of being in my position as a kicker is you have to welcome those situations and those pressure kicks and not resist them,” Fairbairn said. “And execute when you need to.”
He did exactly that, lifting Houston to 8-6 and keeping the team very much alive in the AFC playoff picture.
Fairbairn may have the opportunity to pull off some more high-intensity kicks in Week 16 against a tough Cleveland Browns defense. If Sunday, along with hitting 22 of 23 field goals and every extra point this season, is any indication, he’ll be ready.
