Eric Lutzens, The Denver Post
Kicker Brandon McManus (8) of the Denver Broncos kicks the game winning field goal during the fourth quarter on Sunday, Sept. 16 at Broncos Stadium at Mile High. The Broncos won 20 to 19. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders for the second game of the season. 
Sunday was a bad day to be a kicker, unless your name is Brandon McManus. The Broncos’ veteran place kicker was perfect on his point-after attempts and connected on a game-winning 36-yard field goal with 0:08 remaining to push Denver a 20-19 victory over the Raiders and a 2-0 record for the sixth straight year.
Similar high-level play wasn’t found in a lot of kickers around the NFL on Sunday:
- The Browns’ Zane Gonzalez missed four kicks at New Orleans, including a point-after attempt that would have put Cleveland ahead with 1:24 remaining, and a potential 52-yard game-winning field goal with 0:08 showing on the clock.
- Packers kicker Mason Crosby made five field goals — including three in the fourth quarter — but missed a 52-yarder as time expired against the Vikings. On the other side of the field, Minnesota’s Daniel Carlson missed two field goals in overtime (35 and 49 yards). The game ended in a 29-29 tie.
- Raiders kicker Mike Nugent had a point-after blocked by Shaquil Barrett in the second quarter. Denver won by one point.
- Texans kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a field goal on Houston’s second drive in a 20-17 loss at the Titans.
- Steelers kicker Chris Boswell missed a field goal and point-after in a 42-37 loss to the Chiefs.
Like this story? Help support more local journalism.
Become a subscriber for only 99 cents for the first month.
