Wil Lutz's heart sank in Atlanta when he saw his 49-yard field goal start to bend to his left, defying the message his right foot told his brain.
The New Orleans Saints kicker struck it well, as he has been doing with regularity this season. Off his foot, he figured he center cut another 3-pointer, a product of the confidence and trust he has been building behind the scenes the last couple years. Then the ball started its fade toward the left goal post.
He will take the good bounces when he gets them. His kick banged off the inside of the left upright and crossed through at a shallow angle, sneaking just inside for field goal that gave the Saints a 10-7 lead.