Momentum is huge in football, and often effects the outcome of games. There are key plays that change momentum that are very subtle and may not make the highlight package on your favorite sports show. Sure, these shows do a great job of showing incredible catches, hits, and runs, or of showing you the scoring plays in a game, but do they really tell the whole story?
While a drive might end in a 5-yard TD pass or a 10-yard TD run, is that really the key play in a 7, 8, 9 or 10 play drive? Would the scoring play even be possible without the key completion on third and long earlier in the drive? Or that receiver who made a key block freeing up the running back to get to the outside to pick up a first down?
The purpose of this column is to highlight some key plays that greatly effected the outcome of their games, yet they might not have made highlight reels. This isn’t to take away from the importance of a big scoring play or turnover, but without these plays the highlight reel play would not have happened.
Carolina @ Atlanta (Cam Newton Fumble)
With 1:45 to play, Carolina having the advantage on the scoreboard for most of the afternoon, the Panthers had the ball, 3rd and 2 on Atlanta 46. They were only up by a single point, leading 28-27. Newton looked like he had the first down on a designed QB draw, but he was tackled by Stephen Nicholas and fumbled. The Panthers kept the ball as Mike Tolbert recovered, but the damage was done. The problem is that he fumbled backwards and what should have been a 1st down thereby clinching the game, became 4th and 1 instead. Atlanta got the ball back after a punt, way back at their own 1-yard line. This set up a phenomenal Matt Ryan 59-yard bomb to Roddy White.
A few plays later Matt Bryant set up for the game winning FG, which was right down the pipe. Atlanta wins.
Vikings @ Lions (Big Vikings D)
In the first quarter the Vikings opened up a seven-point lead off the opening kick-off, and extended it to 14-3. Detroit had the lion’s share of red zone opportunities, however. On the first drive, Jared Allen sacked Matt Stafford to stall the drive and force a FG. Next, when it looked like Stafford had Calvin Johnson hit for a TD in the Endzone, a great hit by safety and corner, who converged for a bone-jarring hit, made it incomplete.
The Lions left 8 points on the board due to good stops by Vikings Defence and eventually lost by 7 when Stafford was sacked again on the last play of the game. The Vikes D persevered with their backs to the wall, and we now know the Vikings might just be for real
Patriots @ Bills
Early in the second half, the Bills’ first drive was in jeopardy as they were pinned deep in own end with a 3rd and 15. On a seemingly high percentage screen pass, Fitzpatrick choked on a bad throw to Fred Jackson. Jackson, however, reached back, and with one hand made the catch, turned it up-field and got the first down. Instead of a three and out, a punt, and good field position for the Pats, Jackson kept the drive alive.
Two plays later Fitz hit Donald Jones over the middle, who made a great run (which you likely will see on highlights) for the TD. 21-7 Bills. The Patriots would come back and win the game on the strength of their running game (yup, you read that right, the Patriots running game). That said, for a brief moment, that Jackson grab changed the outlook of the game…it was just a fleeting moment, however.
Oakland @ Denver (blocked punt)
The Broncos were up, 17-6 right after they scored on their first possession of the 2nd half. Oakland had the ball, with an opportunity to answer back, but Denver’s D shut them down to a three and out. But the next play was the one that completely sealed the game. Shane Lechtler’s punt was blocked by David Bruton. This set up Denver with a first down at the 17 yard-line of the Raiders. Shortly thereafter a Willis McGahee TD put the Broncos up 24-6 and Oakland’s night was done.
New Orleans @ Green Bay
Green Bay was up 21-17 and driving down the field, looking for a TD. A face mask penalty against the Saints gave the Pack the ball 1st and goal at the 4-yard line. But the significance of the play was that Aaron Rogers was poked in the eye and had to come out of the game. Backup Graham Harrold came in. He tried a handoff to Benson, tripped over Jeff Saturday’s feet and couldn’t hand it off properly. He fumbled and New Orleans recovered. What should have been a TD, was instead a turnover. Four plays later had Joseph Morgan on the right end of an 80-yard TD pass from Drew Brees and the Saints took the lead. Luckily Rogers is okay, but seeing Harrold’s first play in the NFL, the Cheeseheads have to worry if he’s ever hurt. Certainly we can’t judge completely based on Harrold coming in short-term, but this 14-point swing is at least worth a second glance.
Miami at Arizona
The Dolphins had taken a 13-0 lead but Arizona came back in a big way. Kolb looked hot, particularly in the second half. It was 14-13 Cardinals and he was driving, had them down to the 2-yard line. Kolb was intercepted in endzone by Greg Toler. On the next play Tannehill hit Brian Hartline for 80 yards and the go-ahead TD. The Dolphins went for two, made it, and had the seven-point lead. Once again a turnover resulted in a 14-point swing. Turnovers will get you every time! Of course you know that Arizona though would later tie the game and win in OT, but this wouldn’t be so close without the great play by Toler, which kept the Fish in the game.
