Why a 60-yard field goal is not a free shot: distance and risk behind Cam Little’s range

Cam Little’s 68-yard make against Las Vegas expanded scoring range. It did not make a long attempt a free chance at three points — a miss can hand the opponent prime field position.

Posts sit 10 yards behind the goal line, and the hold is commonly about seven yards behind the snap. From the opponent’s 43, that setup is roughly a 60-yard attempt.

On an ordinary unreturned miss, the receiving team gets the ball at the kick spot — or its own 20 if the kick was inside the 20 — not at the original snap.

A missed 60-yarder can start the opponent near midfield. A 65-yard miss can start them already in the other team’s half. Three possible points versus a different next possession.

Little’s record kick came as the first half expired, so Las Vegas could not use favorable field position before the break. With time left, coaches must weigh the next drive.

Do not treat every long warmup as an in-game promise. Watch the kick spot, the clock and the alternative — and remember Baltimore planned Jake Moody against Jacksonville after a groin injury to Tyler Loop.