November 12th 2024.
The Chiefs played in their typical fashion, repeatedly dominating the field with their impressive plays. In light of the recent events, what does David Treadwell, a former Broncos Super Bowl kicker, have to say to Alex Forsyth? Forget about Travis Kelce. Instead, remember Taylor Swift's famous song, "Shake it Off". Treadwell believes that Forsyth needs to shake off the disappointment and get back on the horse.
During our conversation on Monday, Treadwell shared his thoughts on the final seconds of the intense game between the Broncos and the Chiefs. As most of Broncos Country watched the game unfold from their couches, Treadwell couldn't help but be surprised by the outcome. "I literally yelled out, 'Oh no, you've got to be kidding me!'", he exclaimed. The new extra point was almost secured, but the left side of Denver's offensive line crumbled, allowing the Chiefs to block the game-winning 35-yard field goal attempt by Wil Lutz.
"Field goal kicking is so good now that we just almost take it for granted," Treadwell remarked. "And these things still happen. You've still got to go out there and run through the process. You've got to get a good snap, a good hold..." Treadwell sympathized with Lutz, as he himself knows the pressure and stress that comes with being a kicker in the NFL. His career 77.1% success rate in the league is proof of his skill, but even he couldn't help but recall a wild day in September 1990 when his field goal attempt was blocked and returned for a touchdown by the Buffalo Bills.
Treadwell's children can relive that moment anytime thanks to YouTube. They often tease their father about the play, commenting on his speed as he chased after the Bills' star Cornelius Bennett, who ran the ball in for the touchdown. "My kids' reaction to it was, 'Oh, you got it blocked,'" Treadwell laughed. "Then they go, 'Wow, you were pretty fast, Dad.'"
Treadwell also remembers a similar incident in a game against the Raiders in 1991, when a 48-yard field goal attempt was blocked. "It's the worst sound in field-goal kicking - the double thump, the pop-pop!" he explained. "You kick your foot and then it hits their hands." This time, it was a wave of silver and black that swarmed the line, with one player, James FitzPatrick, managing to deflect the attempt.
"That one stung because it was a friend that had blocked it, Scott Davis," Treadwell recalled. "We were college seniors together over in the Hula Bowl, and he's a great guy, and doggone it, he got me." These game-ending blocks can be mentally tough for kickers, as Treadwell knows all too well. But he believes that the best way to move on from it is to get out and practice more, facing live pressure.
Despite the disappointment of the blocked field goal, the Broncos managed to win the game and even went on to win the AFC West title that season. Treadwell played a crucial role in the Divisional round playoff win over the Houston Oilers, kicking a game-winning 28-yard field goal to seal the victory. He fondly remembers this game, now known as "The Drive II", as one of the highlights of his career.
Treadwell has some words of wisdom for Forsyth, who undoubtedly feels the weight of the missed field goal. "It does mess with you mentally," he explained. "Like anything, it makes you gun-shy for a second. The best advice I would give is to get out and do some live reps, against live pressure, and I'm sure that's what Sean Payton will have them do." He believes that Forsyth will bounce back and do better in the future, and that's all that matters.
With the hardest part of the season over, Treadwell believes that the Broncos have a good chance of winning their next four games. He's confident that Forsyth and the rest of the team will learn from their mistakes and come back stronger. "I'm sure for Forsyth, it'll be better next time," Treadwell said. "That's all I would say to him, 'Hey, I got you, you got me, we'll be better next time.'" As Taylor Swift says, you just have to shake it off and move on.
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