“Idiot Kicker”: Peyton Manning’s Instant Reaction to Cowboys Kicker Missing 4 Straight Extra Point Attempts Reminds Fans of NFL Legend’s Prior ‘Kicker’ Controversy

The Dallas Cowboys triumphed over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night to advance to the Divisional Playoff round this year. However, it could have all gone horribly wrong for Jerry Jones’ team courtesy of a special team calamity. And Peyton Manning was not happy with what he saw in the Wild Card round matchup.

Dak Prescott and Co blew out the Bucs in dominating fashion. And all of that credit goes to the Cowboys’ offensive and defensive teams. Special team kicker Brett Maher had a night he would definitely like to move on from as quickly as he can. Moreover, Maher’s calamitous display gave Peyton some unpleasant flashbacks from his playing days.

Peyton Manning cracked up the NFL world with his reactions

Dallas’ proven field goal specialist Maher didn’t see this coming. When the Cowboys sent him in after he already missed the first two, not many doubted the decision. Brett hit 29 of his 32 field goal attempts this season. However, Peyton knew it was a mistake.

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Eli Manning was equally shocked. But maintained his calm. However, his elder brother couldn’t contain his frustration after the third botched point attempt. “Why are we kicking it? Why are we kicking it?” Peyton cried out on Monday night Manning Cast. The 2x Super Bowl champion brother duo couldn’t fathom what they were watching. And neither could fans.

Things got even worse when Maher missed the fourth straight field goal, setting his own NFL record. Detroit Lions HC Dan Campbell was also present with the Manning Bros as a witness to this historic mess. Peyton could only do what he would have done. The former Colt held the ball as he attempted a 2-point conversion, as the Cowboys should have done.

Fans brought up Peyton’s old “idiot kicker” incident

After losing in a humiliating 41-0 shutdown fashion to the NY Jets in the 2003 playoff round, former Indianapolis Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt had some choice words for his quarterback Peyton and head coach Tony Dungy. While Dungy let it go, Peyton is not one to tolerate insubordination when it comes to football.

“Here we are. I’m out at my third Pro Bowl. I’m about to go and throw a TD to Jerry Rice. We’re honoring the Hall of Fame, and we’re talking about our idiot kicker who got liquored up and ran his mouth off,” Peyton infamously said to a reporter on the sidelines.

Things ultimately worked out for Manning, as Vanderjagt could never heal his relationship with his leader. Legendary kicker Adam Vinatieri joined forces, and they went on to win the Super Bowl together.

As far as Brett Maher goes, his 94 out of 116 career field goals completed make a pretty strong case in his favor. And the Dallas Cowboys may very well go with their otherwise trusted option in their divisional round playoff game next week against the San Francisco 49ers.

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