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Ranking the greatest moments in Super Bowl history is an exercise in splitting hairs between athletic miracles and pure, unscripted chaos. From helmet catches to goal-line heartbreaks, these are the ten snaps that have become permanent lore in the NFL canon, ranked by FOX Sports.
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) makes a catch ahead of Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal (22) during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
It was the play that made the 28-3 comeback feel destined rather than just possible. With the ball inches from the turf and surrounded by three Falcons defenders, Edelman managed to secure a deflected pass off a defender’s shoe, defying gravity long enough to keep the drive alive. It remains the visual shorthand for the greatest turnaround in NFL history.
Stat: New England scored 31 unanswered points to win 34-28.
Jan 25, 1998; San Diego, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) turns to hand the ball off to Terrell Davis (30) while Tom Nalen (66) and Brian Habib (75) block against the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XXXII at Qualcomm Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Packers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY Sports
This was the moment an aging legend decided he would not be denied a ring. On a critical third down, Elway didn’t slide; he dove headfirst into the Green Bay defense, spinning through the air like a propeller after a collision. That sacrifice energized the Broncos to finally break the NFC’s winning streak and get Elway his first title.
Stat: Elway gained 8 yards on the play to set up a Terrell Davis touchdown.
Feb 4, 2007; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Devin Hester (23) returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLI against the Indianapolis Colts at Dolphins Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2007 Tony Tomsic
For the first time in history, the Super Bowl started with a touchdown. Hester, the most dangerous return man of all time, took the opening kick 92 yards to the house, cutting through the Colts’ coverage like they were standing still. It was a bolt of lightning that gave the Bears an instant lead and cemented Hester’s legacy.
Stat: The return took just 14 seconds off the clock.
Feb 5, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) makes a catch along the sideline in front of New England Patriots free safety Sterling Moore (29) and free safety Patrick Chung (25) in Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Pinned against the sideline with the Patriots’ defense closing in, Eli Manning threw a pass that had zero margin for error. Manningham not only caught it over his shoulder but also kept both feet in bounds while absorbing a hit. It was the spark the Giants needed to launch their game-winning drive in the final minutes.
Stat: The play went for 38 yards on the first snap of the drive.
Feb 1, 2009; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) carries the ball after a catch en route to scoring a touchdown as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) gives chase in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
It is the longest defensive play in Super Bowl history and perhaps the most exhausting. On the final play of the first half, the Steelers’ linebacker intercepted Kurt Warner at the goal line and rumbled 100 yards down the sideline, collapsing into the end zone as time expired. It was a 14-point swing that ultimately decided the game.
Stat: Harrison officially ran 100 yards, but likely covered closer to 120.
Feb 4, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back LeGarrette Blount (29) and running back Corey Clement (30) dance during pregame before playing the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Eagles won 41-33. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
It was the gutsiest play call on the biggest stage. Facing fourth down at the goal line, the Eagles didn’t kick; they threw a touchdown pass to their quarterback. Trey Burton’s toss to a wide-open Nick Foles stunned the Patriots and gave Philadelphia the momentum they needed to secure their first-ever Lombardi Trophy.
Stat: Foles became the first player to throw and catch a touchdown in a Super Bowl.
Jan 30, 2000; Atlanta, GA, USA, FILE PHOTO; St. Louis Rams linebacker Mike Jones (52) tackles Tennessee Titans receiver Kevin Dyson (87) at the 1-yard line as time expired, preserving the Rams first Super Bowl title during Super Bowl XXXIV at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY Sports
Super Bowls are rarely decided on the final blade of grass, but this one was. Rams linebacker Mike Jones stopped Titans receiver Kevin Dyson just one yard short of the goal line as time expired, preserving a championship by the length of a forearm. It remains the most dramatic defensive stand in the history of the game.
Stat: The play ended at the 1-yard line as the clock hit 0:00.
Super Bowl XLIII (Steelers 27, Cardinals 23): Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes catches the winning touchdown pass in front of Arizona Cardinals safety Aaron Francisco late in the fourth quarter.
Ben Roethlisberger bought time, but Holmes provided the miracle. reaching high over three Cardinals defenders to snag a pass in the absolute corner of the end zone. The body control required to keep both toes down while falling out of bounds makes it arguably the most technically difficult catch in NFL history.
Stat: The touchdown came with just 35 seconds remaining.
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette (83) in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It is the twist ending no one saw coming. With the Seahawks one yard away from a dynasty, Butler jumped a slant route intended for Ricardo Lockette, securing the game-sealing interception. In a split second, Seattle went from champions to stunned losers, and the Patriots’ second dynasty began.
Stat: The interception happened with 20 seconds left on the clock.
Feb 3, 2008; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree (85) pulls down a pass over New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots with a final score of 17-14. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
It is the play that broke the perfect season. Eli Manning escaped a sack that looked impossible to avoid, and Tyree caught the ball by pinning it against his helmet while Rodney Harrison dragged him to the ground. It kept the drive alive, led to the winning score, and stands as the most improbable, chaotic, and memorable play of all time.
Stat: The play gained 32 yards on 3rd and 5.
Feb 1, 2009; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) carries the ball after a catch en route to scoring a touchdown as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) gives chase in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
These plays prove that in the Super Bowl, history isn’t just written by the better team, but by the moment that refuses to be forgotten. Whether it is a catch against a helmet or a tackle at the one, these ten seconds of action have outlasted the games they defined.
The post NFL’s top 10 Super Bowls plays ranked by FOX Sports appeared first on The Big Lead.
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10. Julian Edelman’s miracle catch (Super Bowl LI)
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Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) makes a catch ahead of Atlanta Falcons strong safety Keanu Neal (22) during the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
It was the play that made the 28-3 comeback feel destined rather than just possible. With the ball inches from the turf and surrounded by three Falcons defenders, Edelman managed to secure a deflected pass off a defender’s shoe, defying gravity long enough to keep the drive alive. It remains the visual shorthand for the greatest turnaround in NFL history.
Stat: New England scored 31 unanswered points to win 34-28.
9. John Elway’s helicopter spin (Super Bowl XXXII)
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Jan 25, 1998; San Diego, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway (7) turns to hand the ball off to Terrell Davis (30) while Tom Nalen (66) and Brian Habib (75) block against the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XXXII at Qualcomm Stadium. The Broncos defeated the Packers 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY Sports
This was the moment an aging legend decided he would not be denied a ring. On a critical third down, Elway didn’t slide; he dove headfirst into the Green Bay defense, spinning through the air like a propeller after a collision. That sacrifice energized the Broncos to finally break the NFC’s winning streak and get Elway his first title.
Stat: Elway gained 8 yards on the play to set up a Terrell Davis touchdown.
8. Devin Hester’s opening kickoff return (Super Bowl XLI)
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Feb 4, 2007; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Devin Hester (23) returns the opening kickoff for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLI against the Indianapolis Colts at Dolphins Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2007 Tony Tomsic
For the first time in history, the Super Bowl started with a touchdown. Hester, the most dangerous return man of all time, took the opening kick 92 yards to the house, cutting through the Colts’ coverage like they were standing still. It was a bolt of lightning that gave the Bears an instant lead and cemented Hester’s legacy.
Stat: The return took just 14 seconds off the clock.
7. Mario Manningham’s sideline catch (Super Bowl XLVI)
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Feb 5, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) makes a catch along the sideline in front of New England Patriots free safety Sterling Moore (29) and free safety Patrick Chung (25) in Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Pinned against the sideline with the Patriots’ defense closing in, Eli Manning threw a pass that had zero margin for error. Manningham not only caught it over his shoulder but also kept both feet in bounds while absorbing a hit. It was the spark the Giants needed to launch their game-winning drive in the final minutes.
Stat: The play went for 38 yards on the first snap of the drive.
6. James Harrison’s 100-yard pick-six (Super Bowl XLIII)
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Feb 1, 2009; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) carries the ball after a catch en route to scoring a touchdown as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) gives chase in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
It is the longest defensive play in Super Bowl history and perhaps the most exhausting. On the final play of the first half, the Steelers’ linebacker intercepted Kurt Warner at the goal line and rumbled 100 yards down the sideline, collapsing into the end zone as time expired. It was a 14-point swing that ultimately decided the game.
Stat: Harrison officially ran 100 yards, but likely covered closer to 120.
5. The Philly Special (Super Bowl LII)
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Feb 4, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back LeGarrette Blount (29) and running back Corey Clement (30) dance during pregame before playing the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Eagles won 41-33. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
It was the gutsiest play call on the biggest stage. Facing fourth down at the goal line, the Eagles didn’t kick; they threw a touchdown pass to their quarterback. Trey Burton’s toss to a wide-open Nick Foles stunned the Patriots and gave Philadelphia the momentum they needed to secure their first-ever Lombardi Trophy.
Stat: Foles became the first player to throw and catch a touchdown in a Super Bowl.
4. Mike Jones’ “The Tackle” (Super Bowl XXXIV)
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Jan 30, 2000; Atlanta, GA, USA, FILE PHOTO; St. Louis Rams linebacker Mike Jones (52) tackles Tennessee Titans receiver Kevin Dyson (87) at the 1-yard line as time expired, preserving the Rams first Super Bowl title during Super Bowl XXXIV at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY Sports
Super Bowls are rarely decided on the final blade of grass, but this one was. Rams linebacker Mike Jones stopped Titans receiver Kevin Dyson just one yard short of the goal line as time expired, preserving a championship by the length of a forearm. It remains the most dramatic defensive stand in the history of the game.
Stat: The play ended at the 1-yard line as the clock hit 0:00.
3. Santonio Holmes’ toe-tap winner (Super Bowl XLIII)
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Super Bowl XLIII (Steelers 27, Cardinals 23): Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes catches the winning touchdown pass in front of Arizona Cardinals safety Aaron Francisco late in the fourth quarter.
Ben Roethlisberger bought time, but Holmes provided the miracle. reaching high over three Cardinals defenders to snag a pass in the absolute corner of the end zone. The body control required to keep both toes down while falling out of bounds makes it arguably the most technically difficult catch in NFL history.
Stat: The touchdown came with just 35 seconds remaining.
2. Malcolm Butler’s interception (Super Bowl XLIX)
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Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette (83) in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It is the twist ending no one saw coming. With the Seahawks one yard away from a dynasty, Butler jumped a slant route intended for Ricardo Lockette, securing the game-sealing interception. In a split second, Seattle went from champions to stunned losers, and the Patriots’ second dynasty began.
Stat: The interception happened with 20 seconds left on the clock.
1. David Tyree’s helmet catch (Super Bowl XLII)
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Feb 3, 2008; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver David Tyree (85) pulls down a pass over New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison (37) in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLII at the University of Phoenix Stadium. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots with a final score of 17-14. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
It is the play that broke the perfect season. Eli Manning escaped a sack that looked impossible to avoid, and Tyree caught the ball by pinning it against his helmet while Rodney Harrison dragged him to the ground. It kept the drive alive, led to the winning score, and stands as the most improbable, chaotic, and memorable play of all time.
Stat: The play gained 32 yards on 3rd and 5.
The whistle blows
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Feb 1, 2009; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) carries the ball after a catch en route to scoring a touchdown as Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison (92) gives chase in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
These plays prove that in the Super Bowl, history isn’t just written by the better team, but by the moment that refuses to be forgotten. Whether it is a catch against a helmet or a tackle at the one, these ten seconds of action have outlasted the games they defined.
The post NFL’s top 10 Super Bowls plays ranked by FOX Sports appeared first on The Big Lead.
Continue reading...
