Instead of trying to push through the offensive lineman in order to block a field goal with a flailing hand, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Anthony Spencer simplified the process a bit on Sunday. He just jumped over everybody.
Other players have tried this approach before but usually end up leaping on the back of a teammate or defender, a violation of rules that brings a flag. Spencer took out the middle man.
He lept over the middle of the Seattle Seahawks line and blocked Steve Hauschka's kick with such ease that it's a wonder the Gail Devers approach isn't a more popular strategy in the NFL. All it takes is a 260-pound man with supreme leaping ability, a dexterous manner that allows him to recover to still block the kick and the good fortune that the long-snapper didn't stand up a split-second earlier.
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Shutdown Corner is an NFL blog edited by Doug Farrar. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.
