The Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints proved Sunday that extra points aren’t merely given. They’re earned.
The Broncos beat the Saints 25-23 on an extra-point attempt they blocked and returned for two points with less than two minutes remaining in the game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Justin Simmons leaped over New Orleans’ offensive line to block the kick, and Will Parks returned it to the Saints’ end zone for a defensive two-point conversion.
Parks’ score was controversial, however, as he seemingly stepped out of bounds on his way to paydirt.
The unbelievable play came just after New Orleans improbably tied the score at 23 with 1:21 remaining on Brandon Cooks’ 32-yard touchdown reception. But what came afterward likely will erase those memories, as the Saints allowed two crucial points and then failed on an onside kick attempt.
Maybe the Saints are fuming at the manner of their defeat. Or perhaps they’re pining for the days of when extra-point kicks were 20-yard chip shots that kickers rarely missed.
Thumbnail photo via Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports Images
