The fourth quarter heroics of Tennessee Titans rookie kicker Brayden Narveson surprised everyone on Saturday night.
An undrafted free agent out of NC State, Narveson has had his share of struggles with accuracy in training camp practices. But during the Titans preseason victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Nissan Stadium, Narveson was locked in and channeling prime Michael Jordan...Yes, you read that right. Prime Michael Jordan.
When I say Narveson surprised everyone on Saturday night, I meant it. The 24-year-old kicker told me after the game that he was sick all day leading up to kickoff and wasn't even supposed to suit up for Tennessee.
Not only did Narveson end up playing, he had the most memorable game of his football career thus far. Narveson's 59-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter was the second longest field goal in Nissan Stadium history. It also gave the Titans a lead with 7:53 to go in the game. Then with time expiring, Narveson clutched up again and knocked home a 46-yard game-winner. You could call it the Brayden Narveson flu game.
"It feels great. I'm just thankful I was able to play. I was sick all morning and had to miss meetings and everything," Narveson told me after the game. "I didn't know if I was going to play tonight so going from that to how the night ended, I'm glad we were able to get it together."
Titans head coach Brian Callahan made it known after the win that Nick Folk is still on track to be Tennessee's kicker. One strong preseason game from a rookie isn't going to change the status quo. But it is undeniable that Narveson did himself a huge favor and put some great kicks on tape.
Whether it earns him a spot on the Titans' practice squad or opens the door for an opportunity elsewhere, the NFL preseason is all about anointing unlikely heroes like Narveson.
If it has him kicking like he did on Saturday night, maybe Narveson should get sick before games more often.
