Poll: Luckier Play, David Tyree Catch or Seahawks Onside Kick?
The Seattle Seahawks can never complain about bad luck ever again, after a fortuitous bounce in the biggest moment of the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers, guided them to victory. It was reminiscent of the New York Giants third Super Bowl run, which needed a David Tyree helmet catch to haul in super glory.
The Seahawks were down 16-0 after a first quarter in which their defense had intercepted Aaron Rodgers in the end zone, and had a goal line stand. This was an early indicator that the Seahawks were in for a truly unusual game.
(13) recovers an onside kick during the fourth quarter ahead of Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Jordy Nelson(87) in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports” width=”300″ height=”209″ /> Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Chris Matthews (13) recovers an onside kick during the fourth quarter ahead of Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
It boiled down to an onside kick. The ball bounced off the ground with a ferocious vigor, taking the fair catch out of play. The ball ended up in the reach of the Packers’ Brandon Bostick, but in a Bill Buckner like moment it hit his helmet and bounced into the grasp of Seattle.
To be fair the Seahawks also had a lucky two point conversion. Packers pass rush had forced Russell Wilson to twist around twice to make a gasping prayer of a throw…that was caught for a two point conversion. If that play failed, the Packers field goal would have won the game. The Seahawks arguably had two of the luckiest moments back to back.
Giants fans will always be fond of the Tyree catch. On a critical 3rd and 5 late in the Super Bowl, Tyree snatched likely victory away from the New England Patriots. Eli Manning was almost sacked multiple times on the play-an aspect that is too often overlooked, and managed to throw up a pass for Tyree.
Tyree leaped up with a defender tightly by his side, pinned the football against his helmet and somehow managed to maintain control of the football. It was an unlikely moment of heroics from a receiver that is remembered for nothing else. It was an unbelievable effort, but many refer to it as the luckiest play of all time.
Please vote in our poll and leave your comments! If you feel another play was much luckier than any of these two, chime in your thoughts of the luckiest football play to ever exist!