Defenses rewrite history: NFL sees most blocked field goals in a single day since 1991

NFL defenses delivered a historic performance in Week 3, blocking four field goals on Sunday, the most in a single day since 1991, with all four blocks occurring in critical fourth-quarter moments.

A barrage of blocked kicks
The remarkable sequence began with the Philadelphia Eagles blocking a kick from Los Angeles Rams kicker Joshua Karty early in the fourth quarter. Roughly twenty minutes later, the Cleveland Browns blocked a 43-yard attempt by Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus with just 21 seconds remaining, setting up their own game-winning score. The Eagles then struck again, this time with defensive tackle Jordan Davis blocking another potential game-winner from Karty and returning it 61 yards for a touchdown. Finally, New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV blocked a kick against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and returned it for a score.

Impact on outcomes
These special teams plays had a direct and dramatic impact on the games. The blocks by the Eagles and Browns were directly responsible for their teams securing narrow victories. While the Jets’ block resulted in a touchdown, it was not enough to ultimately defeat the Buccaneers. The day underscored how a single play on special teams can completely shift momentum and alter the final result of a closely contested matchup.

A league-wide defensive trend
This historic day for blocked kicks was part of a larger defensive trend in Week 3, which featured four games decided by just one score. The frequency of these blocks will likely force teams to re-evaluate their protection schemes on special teams. For defenses, it highlights the growing potential for game-changing plays that extend beyond standard offensive and defensive possessions, proving that every unit on the field can be the difference between a win and a loss.