Matt Ammendola Reacts to Missed Field Goal Attempts in Houston Texans' Week 12 Loss
The Houston Texans’ Week 12 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars lived up to expectations. The drama, the fireworks, and the late-game theatrics were all present.
The only thing missing was a happy ending for the Houston faithful, as the Texans lost 24-21.
They certainly gave themselves a chance to win. On the game’s final drive, quarterback C.J. Stroud brought Houston from its own 11-yard line to Jacksonville’s 39. However, the final series saw Stroud take an ill-advised sack and force a downfield throw on third down, rather than scampering for a yard or two. It would come back to bite him.
Ammendola after missing his first of two field goal attempts on the day.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Kicker Matt Ammendola was tasked with kicking a 58-yard, game-tying field goal with 34 seconds remaining in regulation. His kick would hit the crossbar and bounce back, fruitless.
Ammendola reacted to the game-losing attempt after the loss.
“Just went out there. I have full confidence in literally all of my guys,” Ammendola said, speaking of the snap-hold-kick operation. “Honestly thought the kick was going in, obviously it came up a step short. But it is what it is, gotta get back to work and keep going.”
Ammendola was replacing veteran kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, who is out with a calf injury, The incumbent was 18-of-19 on field goals and 14-of-14 on extra points. Ammendola is known for his big leg but is yet to make a 50-yard field goal (or longer) in his NFL career. That continued on Sunday.
The backup kicker would miss both of his field goal attempts, though he made all three extra points. Both attempts were from at least 50 yards out, the first of which had the requisite distance but sailed right.
“It happens. Like I said, again, I thought the kick was going in. I was a little bit shocked because I never come up short,” Ammendola said. “But again it is what it is … just gotta dial it in and get ready for next week.”
Ammendola was far from the only imperfect performer from Sunday’s action, but as the one in the spotlight on the game’s final play, he’ll take the heat.
The loss all but destines Houston (6-5) to the Wild Card competition in the AFC playoff picture. The Texans no longer hold the tiebreaker with the first-place Jaguars, and now sit at two games back with six to play. To make matters worse, the Indianapolis Colts share the same record and beat Houston early in the season.
Ammendola’s costly kicks undoubtedly put the Texans’ playoff posture in doubt, but perhaps that’s deserved for playing the game close enough to come down to a kick.
Houston will look to rebound next week against the Denver Broncos.
