Bears CB Josh Blackwell Says Raiders Long Snapper Had A Tell That Led To Game-Winning Blocked Field Goal

There’s been a block party raging in the NFL over the first month of the season thanks to the number of field goals that have been swatted down in clutch moments. The Bears added to that tally with the special teams play that sealed their win over the Raiders on Sunday, and the man responsible credited Chicago’s long snapper for pointing out a tell that helped make it happen.

NFL teams had combined for seven blocked field goals heading into Week 4 of the season. That tally included the play that saw the Eagles prevent the Rams from securing a walkoff victory in Week 3 and the game-changer that helped the Browns turn the tables on the Packers in the final minute of the fourth quarter on the very same day.

The special teams bonanza continued on Sunday in games where the Eagles returned a blocked punt for a touchdown and the Cowboys swallowed an extra point to get what turned out to be two very consequential points in their 40-40 tie with Green Bay.

However, there wasn’t a more impactful play on that front than the one that saw the Bears earn a 25-24 win over the Raiders after Josh Blackwell blocked the field goal that would have given Las Vegas the win—a development that stemmed from some intel he gained from the teammate who plays the most unheralded position on the roster.

Bears long snapper Scott Daly told Josh Blackwell Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer had a tell that led to a blocked field goal

Adam Sandler wrote a song called “Lonesome Kicker” that sums up the plight of the guys who live a fairly thankless existence compared to football players at other positions. However, they’re bona fide superstars compared to the long snappers who tend to be the ultimate afterthought.

Bill Belichick once spent ten full minutes discussing the importance of long snappers after a reporter asked him why NFL teams opt to reserve a roster spot for a specialized skill that could seemingly be outsourced to a more well-rounded player, and I guarantee you’ll have a newfound appreciation for them after hearing his thoughts on the matter.

https://youtu.be/jrvELlakyOk

Bears long snapper Scott Daly wasn’t on the field for the play where Josh Blackwell surged into the backfield to block the 54-yard field goal that Daniel Carlson attempted in the hopes of propelling his team to a 27-25 win on Sunday, but he did play a key role in that dramatic moment.

Blackwell spoke with Marquee Sports Network after the game and credited Daly for telling him Raiders long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer has a tendency to move the ball right before he hikes it to the holder, noting he’d already gotten solid jumps earlier in the game before nailing the time on the play that essentially ended the contest.

Bears long snapper Scott Daly told Josh Blackwell the Raiders long snapper moved the ball before every snap

Blackwell blocked the Raiders’ go-ahead field...