Kicker Neil Rackers, who was named NFC Special Teams player of the week Tuesday, celebrates his 54-yard field goal in Seattle.

Neil Rackers hadn't made a 50-yard field goal since last season. He hadn't even tried one.

So when he drilled a 54-yarder Sunday in Seattle, his first field goal of 50 yards or more in 12 games, it was a significant moment.

But this season has been about working back into form for Rackers, who suffered through a roller-coaster of a 2007 season. This year, Rackers has made 13 straight field goals, is 18-of-20 on the season, and his 4-for-4 performance in the 26-20 win over the Seahawks gave him NFC Special Teams player of the week honors Tuesday.

Rackers is the second Cardinal to win the award. Sean Morey won it for his blocked punt in overtime against Dallas.

The 13 straight field goals is the second longest streak in franchise history, trailing only the streak of 31 straight Rackers made during his record-setting 2005 campaign.

That was also the last time Rackers won a player of the week award.

Rackers struggled in 2007 both because of a sports hernia and changes in his holder. Long-time holder Scott Player, a punter, was cut at the end of training camp last season, and it clearly affected Rackers. The Cards also had Mike Barr and Mitch Berger punt and hold for them last season.

Rackers complimented new punter Dirk Johnson Sunday, saying the two had good chemistry.

Rackers' 54-yard field goal was his longest since he made a 54-yard field goal in 2005, also in Seattle.

Contact Darren Urban at askdarren@cardinals.nfl.net. Posted 11/18/08.