Monday, October 15, 2001
Rackers rallies in second half
By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Perhaps the lowest point of kicker Neil Racker's two-year career came at the end of the first half when he pushed a 22-yard field goal attempt to the right.
Rackers took his helmet off and was visibly upset as he left the field. This miss came at the end of 63-yard drive and would have pulled the Bengals to within 7-6.
Running backs Corey Dillon and Lorenzo Neal tried to console Rackers. The Bengals ralled in the second half to a 24-14 victory.
Rackers, who had made a 27-yard field goal to give the Bengals a 3-0 lead, came back and made two field goals in the second half, from 42 and 21 yards.
Just slowed down. We had time to get the ball down, Rackers said of his adjustment. And I wasn't on top of him (holder Nick Harris) as soon as the ball hit the ground. I slowed down so I knew where the ball was going to be.
Rackers is six of 11 on field goals. He was 12 of 21 as a rookie after beating out veteran Doug Pelfrey.
Rackers missed all three of his attempts in Game 2 against Baltimore. He didn't exactly receive a vote of confidence from coach Dick LeBeau after the game.
That was a very important kick he made there in the third quarter, LeBeau said.
Bengals Stories
SULLIVAN: Mariners scoff at pressure
Baseball playoffs report
High School Week Ahead
Girls sectional soccer schedule
Boys sectional soccer schedule
'Canes for real; Gators' weakness revealed
Crowe fights to another draw
Return to Bengals front page...