If you look around the NFL through four weeks, field goal protection has been a massive problem, and it’s cost a few teams a win. In Week 3 alone, three games—within minutes of each other—were dramatically altered by a blocked field goal. The Browns blocked the Packers’ go-ahead field goal attempt with 27 seconds left, leading to a late Cleveland upset. The Eagles blocked a potential game-winning 44-yard field goal from the Rams to preserve a win as time expired. And the Jets blocked and returned a field goal for a touchdown with 1:49 remaining to take the lead (although they would eventually lose).

It happened again this past week, as the Chicago Bears held onto their 25-24 lead thanks to a blocked 54-yard kick with 38 seconds left.

Field goal protection has apparently become more impor

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