Jaguars’ unwavering faith in Cam Little pays off with record-breaking kick

As a rookie, Cam Little gave the Jacksonville Jaguars much-needed stability at kicker. However, he wasn't nearly as dependable in his sophomore campaign, especially in recent weeks. But despite his struggles, head coach Liam Coen stood behind him.

Little had a prime opportunity to repay the team's trust against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 9. When they needed him the most, he delivered, making a record-breaking field goal that ignited a comeback and ultimately led to a 30-29 win.

Cam Little showed the Jaguars were right to stick with him

Down 6-0 late in the second quarter, the Jaguars asked Cam Little to make a 68-yard field goal. He nailed it and set a new NFL record for the longest kick. The previous record-holder was Justin Tucker, who had a 66-yard field goal.

Little's record doesn't come as a surprise when you take into account that he kicked a 70-yarder in the preseason. It didn't count since stats in the preseason aren't official. Nevertheless, the former Arkansas Razorhusk showed then that he had a legitimate chance to set a new record. That he pulled it off in the midst of his struggles and when the Jags made it clear they were standing behind it made it even more meaningful.

For his part, Little says he's hyped up about the support he's gotten from the organization, acknowledging that he hadn't recently played his best football.

"100% I think I was just talking to Bucky [Brooks] about it. And this organization, from top to bottom, from front office to coaching staff to players, has instilled so much confidence in me through adversity that I've, for the first time, really in my career, I faced," Little responded when asked about Liam Coen's support despite his struggles (4:47 mark). "And so I think when I really sit back and think about it, and they let me know how much confidence they have in me. It's forever indebted to this place."

Little continued, "And they know how hard I work. They know how much this means to me, and for them to go out there when I'm obviously not performing my best and standing on the table for me is something I'll forever be indebted to this organization, too. But I think that kind of talks about what kind of culture we have here. I think you look at this win specifically today, and you think about everyone coming together as a whole and doing this and not doing this when maybe plays didn't go our way."

"I think that just speaks about the culture that from front office to coaching staff to players, is building like you see us, and we go out there and win that game, and at the end of the day, a win is a win. And so, man, I'm so proud to be in this organization and be a part of something where the culture and having each other's back means something, and it's, it's such a cool thing to be a part."

It's also worth noting that Little's field goal had a measly 4.3 percent success rate, according to Next Generation Stats, so it's hard to picture another kicker breaking his record anytime soon.

The Jaguars have a stability at kicker with Cam Little in the fold

Heading into Week 9, Cam Little was 11-of-15. Against the Raiders, he nailed the 68-yarder and a 45-yard attempt that tied the score 23-23 and sent the game into overtime.

Looking back, the Jaguars could've easily brought in competition to pressure Little. They could've outright released him to. However, they chose to stand behind him.

Cam Little rewarded them with a record-breaking performance, and they now sit at 6-3 ahead of their divisional matchup against the Houston Texans.