Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano recognized by NFL
Carolina Panthers kicker Graham Gano was nearly perfect during October.
There was little hesitation from the sideline when an incomplete pass left only seconds on the clock for a Carolina Panthers team trailing by one point in early October. The New York Giants had scored a go-ahead touchdown on their previous drive leaving Carolina down one but quarterback Cam Newton and the offense could only muster a drive to the Giants 45-yard line in the final minute.
Just far enough for kicker Graham Gano.
Coach Ron Rivera sent his veteran specialist out for a 63-yard field goal attempt to win the game and Gano delivered. Setting a career best in distance and NFL record for the longest game-winning field goal in history, it was an epic start to the month of October.
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His fourth made field goal in addition to three extra points against New York, Carolina won 33-31 and needed every one of Gano’s 12 points for the victory. A momentum swing that would carry him throughout the month, Gano finished October a perfect eight-for-eight in field goals.
The NFL named Gano its NFC Special Teams Player of the Month, an honor he’s only received one other time during his 10-year career (November 2015). The Panthers kicker used those eight field goals to raise his league leading consecutive field goals made to 28, with his last regular season miss occurring in Week 5 last year. Gano did miss a 25-yard attempt during the 2017 playoffs at New Orleans.
If not for two missed extra points, at Washington and Philadelphia, Gano would have been perfect in all four games over the entire month. He made 15 of 17 total kicks (88-percent) and is currently 26 for 28 (93-percent) on the year.
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Gano aims to keep his accuracy going when Carolina host divisional rival Tampa Bay this Sunday (11/4).