PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Sunday and it was all thanks to kicker Chris Boswell, who made all six of his field goal attempts.
Boswell not only led the Steelers to their first divisional win of the season, but he also became the first kicker in NFL history with three career games with six or more field goals.
The 33-year-old is having arguably the best season of his NFL career, making 23 of his 24 kicks. His only miss was a 62-yard attempt in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He also has a chance to break the single-season record for most field goals, which is held by David Akers (44).
Boswell shared how he’s been able to stay so consistent as he makes his case as the best kicker in the NFL.
“Just take each kick as what it is,” Boswell said. “Don’t look at the next one. Don’t think about the last one and just kind of be where your feet are.”
The title of the NFL’s best kicker has been long held by Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, but his tumultuous season continued in Week 11 as he missed two more field goals of 47 and 50 yards. He is now 15-of-19 on the year and just two-of-five on 50-plus yard field goal attempts.
That proved to be the difference in a tight game and has linebacker T.J. Watt very thankful to have Boswell on his team.
“Boswell is a beast,” Watt said. “He’s having a hell of a season. Super grateful for him.”
While Boswell’s Week 11 heroics haven’t gone unnoticed, it still reminds the Steelers offense that it must be better at finishing drives if it hopes to keep up with some of the top teams in the league.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged just that after yet another classic against the Ravens.
“I’m tired of him getting player of the week. He probably got player of the week again this week,” Tomlin said. “He’s deserving of it, but it reminds us of our warts. It reminds us of the work that we need to do, but I’m thankful that he’s on our team.”