Category: NFL

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Celebrate good times, come on!

In the first week of October, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas successfully appealed against a $5,000 fine for pretending to fire a bow and arrow in a touchdown celebration, having scored against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead in Week 2. The spur-of-the-moment gesture [pictured] was deemed to be ‘violent’ by league officials, even though the pantomime move was aimed at the sky, not at anyone. Having won the appeal, the powers that be are now expected to tweak their rules on such celebrations, which is a big win for those of us who like a bit of theatre after a score.  

After all, touchdown celebrations have become one of the most entertaining and expressive parts of American football. These displays of joy, retribution, defiance and even humour have evolved over the years from modest celebrations to complex, coordinated team dances and elaborate individual routines. Scoring is now just one part of the equation in this new battleground of showmanship.

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What are the rules?

The league’s guidelines are designed to allow players to express themselves while maintaining a level of professionalism and sportsmanship. Over the years, its stance on celebrations has evolved so before we go any further, let’s look at what’s currently allowed and what isn’t.

Allowed

  • Group celebrations, such as choreographed dance routines or acting out skits, are permitted
  • Players can use the football as a prop in creative and entertaining ways
  • Players can engage in poses or gestures
  • Players can now go to the ground during their celebration to make ‘snow angels’, crawl or lie down
  • Celebrations must not significantly delay the game

Not allowed

  • Taunting, mocking or disrespecting opponents or officials can lead to a penalty
  • Players cannot use any other object (other than a football) as a prop
  • Celebrations that are sexually suggestive, overly aggressive or vulgar are strictly prohibited. This includes gestures like mimicking firearms or weapons (this is where Iosivas fell fowl of the rules)
  • Excessively long celebrations will be flagged
  • While players can interact with fans, players cannot enter the stands or excessively interact with spectators in a way that may compromise public safety
  • Celebrations that involve violent or reckless behaviour, such as slamming the football into the stands or acting aggressively, are not allowed

Penalties for violations

Violations of celebration rules typically result in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and as we’ve seen, players can also be fined by the league after the game.

The early days: Muted and modest

In the early years of the NFL, touchdown celebrations were largely subdued. Players would typically hand the ball back to the referee or briefly raise their arms in victory. The conservative tone of the league, combined with a focus on professionalism, meant that anything beyond a handshake or a pat on the back was usually viewed as vulgar and excessive.

However, that changed when New York Giants receiver Homer Jones became the first player to ‘spike’ the ball, when he scored a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in October 1965. His move was revolutionary at the time, an unapologetic act of exuberance that would lay the foundation for everything we’ve seen since. The spike eventually became the go-to move for many players across the league while some, like Patriots and Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski, turned his forceful ‘power spike’ [pictured] into a signature celebration.

However, rather than taking pride in kickstarting this new aspect of the game, Homer Jones didn’t like what his end zone spike turned into. He saw it spawning a whole raft of other celebrations and disapproved. “It caused so many obscene things and confusing things, I wish I hadn’t started it,” he told The New York Times in 2012. Maybe he was recalling the time Vikings legend Randy Moss pretended to lower his pants and moon the Green Bay fans at Lambeau Field?

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Signature dance moves

As the NFL entered the 1970s and 1980s, touchdown celebrations became more creative, with several players inventing iconic dance moves that would become a part of their brand. One of the early pioneers was Billy ‘White Shoes’ Johnson, a wide receiver and return specialist for the Houston Oilers. Johnson’s signature dance, the ‘Funky Chicken’, delighted fans and set the benchmark for others to beat.

Another celebration king was Cincinnati Bengals fullback Ickey Woods, whose ‘Ickey Shuffle’ became an instant sensation during the 1988 season. During his end zone dance, Woods held the football with his right hand and shuffled to the right, then switched the ball to his left hand and shuffled to the left. After making three hops back to the right, he spiked the ball. Over the years, the dance was featured in TV commercials, made a brief appearance on the hit show How I Met Your Mother and was even the subject of a song by funk legend Bootsy Collins.

In the ‘90s, Hall of Fame wide receiver Deion Sanders brought some of his personal flair to touchdown celebrations with a shuffle of his own. Sanders would high-step into the end zone and finish with his ‘Prime Time Shuffle’, which epitomised his bravado and athleticism. According to The Huffington Post, Sanders drew inspiration from the music video for the MC Hammer song Good To Go.

While we’re taking dancing, New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz could cut some shapes too, commemorating nearly every touchdown he scored with a quick burst of salsa in the end zone [pictured]. Cruz, who is of Puerto Rican descent, danced to honour his grandmother, who apparently taught him the moves. Other examples have included Johnny Morton and Golden Tate both doing ‘The Worm’ in the end zone and the Bengals’ enigmatic Chad ‘Ochocinco’ Johnson busting out a bit of Riverdance-inspired Irish dancing. Talking of which…

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Chad Johnson: Pushing the boundaries

In the 2000s, touchdown celebrations reached new creative heights and few pushed the envelope – and their luck – more than Chad Johnson. Over the years, he pretended to propose to a cheerleader, played golf with an end zone pylon, took over a TV camera to film his teammates (Tyreek Hill has also done this) and donned a Hall of Fame jacket with ‘Future H.O.F. 20??’ written on the back.

Johnson’s flair for the dramatic made every touchdown celebration an event in itself and kept fans guessing – and commentators on their toes. His flashy moves and bold celebrations often challenged the NFL’s rules on excessive celebration and his repeated fines for breaking these rules led to wider conversations about whether the league was limiting players’ individuality.

The Griddy

In recent years, one of the most popular and instantly recognisable touchdown celebrations has been the Griddy, a dance originating in Louisiana that was brought into the NFL by the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson. After scoring a touchdown, Jefferson’s Griddy – marked by skipping forward while swinging his arms and tapping his heels – became a viral sensation. Fellow LSU alumnus and current Bengals star Ja’Marr Chase has also embraced the Griddy, and both players are now synonymous with the move.

However, not all players can pull it off. Chase’s current teammate, tight end Mike Gesicki, famously attempted the dance while with the Dolphins but failed, and his awkward ‘Goofy Griddy’ became an internet meme [pictured]. Nonetheless, the much-imitated Griddy continues to be a fan favourite across the league, whether executed perfectly or not.

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Imitation: The sincerest form of flattery

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton was dubbed ‘Superman’ (or ‘SuperCam’) by fans, on account of his superhero-like feats and his ability to leap into the end zone. In fact, he often celebrated a TD rush or pass by mimicking Clark Kent, pretending to rip open his shirt, arms wide open, to reveal that he was Superman [pictured].

Playing on his own name, whenever Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle scores a touchdown, he celebrates by waddling in a circle, just like a penguin. Maybe it’s not the most intimidating celebration but it’s fun nonetheless. And while we’re taking birds, the Atlanta Falcons’ ‘Dirty Bird’, made famous by running back Jamal Anderson in the late Nineties, became a symbol of the team’s swagger during their Super Bowl run. The dance, a wild flapping of his arms like wings, was instantly embraced by fans and ‘The Dirty Birds’ has now become part of the franchise’s identity.

Elsewhere, Odell Beckham Jr. has pretended to urinate like a dog while former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis would imitate a soldier, standing up straight and saluting his teammates and the crowd. The ‘Mile High Salute’, as it became known, was inspired in part by No Limit Soldiers by the rap group TRU.

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The group celebration

The NFL’s stance on touchdown celebrations has fluctuated over the years, leading to periods of stricter enforcement of the rules. During the mid-2000s, the league imposed heavy fines for excessive celebrations, limiting group choreography and penalising players for using props, earning the ‘No Fun League’ moniker for stifling players’ creative freedom.

However, in 2017, the NFL relaxed its rules, allowing players more freedom to express themselves in the end zone, so long as the celebrations did not delay the game or involve taunting. This rule change ushered in a new era of coordinated, often humorous group celebrations.

Teams like the Vikings have led the charge in team-wide choreographed celebrations in recent years. They have executed a synchronized game of ‘duck, duck, goose’, played leapfrog [pictured] and recreated a family Thanksgiving dinner, while Dalvin Cook’s teammates recreated a limbo pole that he passed under.

The Seattle Seahawks also garnered a reputation for their team celebrations, often coming together for elaborate skits and well-rehearsed dances, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have also embraced their new-found freedoms, recreating scenes from popular movies, while JuJu Smith-Schuster once played hide and seek with Le’Veon Bell.

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The Lambeau Leap

Taking the interpretation of group celebrations beyond the confines of teammates, another much-loved celebration is the Lambeau Leap, pioneered by Green Bay Packers safety LeRoy Butler in 1993. After returning a fumble for his first-ever touchdown against the Los Angeles Raiders, Butler leapt into the stands at Lambeau Field to celebrate with fans – and the tradition caught on. To this day, Packers players regularly celebrate touchdowns by leaping into the arms of fans in the front row behind the end zone.

Props to the most creative celebrations

Some players took end-zone celebrations to entirely new, unexpected places, using (unapproved) props that earned them a dollar or two in fines for sure.

In 2003, Joe Horn, the New Orleans Saints wide receiver, made headlines when he pulled a hidden cell phone from the goal post padding after scoring a touchdown and pretended to make a call [pictured]. Although fined for his audacity, Horn’s celebration became legendary and this iconic moment was later copied by the Saints’ Michael Thomas. Terrell Owens was also famous for his many and varied celebrations. He joined in with the cheerleaders, lay down to sleep, pretended to be a mime artist and once pulled a Sharpie out of his sock to sign the ball and hand it to a fan.

Taking advantage of the now-relaxed rules, in 2023, Joe Mixon whipped out a coin from his glove to do a coin toss as part of his celebration after scoring a TD against Baltimore. The move highlighted the high emotions within the Cincy camp after the NFL approved a resolution that called for a coin flip to decide the site of a potential Cincinnati–Baltimore playoff game should the Ravens win the Week 18 contest (it wasn’t needed).

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Respect is due

As outlined at the start, touchdown celebrations are not allowed to be disrespectful or mock the opposition. Tyreek Hill was fined many times for his ‘peace sign’ celebration, which was deemed to be taunting, but no one tiptoed along the line between fun and provocative more than the aforementioned Terrell Owens.

For example, upon scoring in a heated game for the 49ers against the Cowboys, he sprinted to midfield to pose on the Dallas Cowboys’ star, head up to the sky and arms aloft. When Dallas scored, one of their own players redressed the balance with a respectful kneel on the team badge. That only upped the ante so when Owens repeated his celebration later in the game after another score, he was knocked to the ground by affronted Cowboys players and a scrum ensued. Never disrespect the star, people…

Part and parcel of today’s NFL

So there you have it: a whistlestop tour of the ongoing evolution of touchdown celebrations in the NFL. They have now transcended mere displays of elation and are now a core part of the game’s culture, allowing players to express themselves and forge a greater connection with fans.

What began as a simple spike to the ground in the 1960s has evolved into a world of choreographed routines, inside jokes and even social commentary. And I think that this ever-changing landscape serves to remind us all that, even in a sport with as many rules and regulations as football, there is always room for a bit of individualism, creativity and fun.

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What’s good about supporting a bad team?

Across the two codes of football on either side of the pond, the teams I support are edging towards the end of September without a victory between them. My English football club has lost seven of eight matches (somehow drawing the other after being 4-1 behind) and my NFL team is one of three yet to win this season. With both my teams propping up their respective divisions with nothing in the W column, it’s definitely time to reflect on why I, and other fellow sufferers, even bother.

The no joy, no luck club

“Why put yourself through that every week?”

“Why don’t you switch to a good team?”

“Where’s the fun?”

These are the inevitable questions that come your way when someone discovers you’re a fan of a poor sports team – or in my case, two woefully underperforming, winless teams. And believe me, I’ve asked myself the same things many times over the years, and quite a lot in the past few weeks. After all, being a die-hard supporter of a perennial underachiever isn’t exactly a walk in the park. There’s the constant cycle of hope and heartbreak, the endless ribbing from friends who support more successful teams and the occasional soul-crushing blowout or display of record-breaking ineptitude that leaves you questioning your very sanity.

So why do I – and others like me – do it? Why do we subject ourselves to this emotional rollercoaster, week after week, season after season, with so little in the way of tangible reward? Where’s the joy in supporting a team that doesn’t win very often?

For those who don’t ‘get’ sport, it may seem incomprehensible. After all, they say the definition of madness is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. But sport somehow defies that logic. The joy is there, sometimes hidden beneath the losses, waiting to be unearthed by those who are willing to dig deep, stay the course and look beyond the scoreboard.

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The unbreakable bond of loyalty

At the core of this peculiar brand of fandom lies one of the purest forms of loyalty. Most of us pick a team when we’re young and stick with it for life. When your team is successful, it’s easy to pledge allegiance, buy the jersey and join the street parade when trophies are lifted. But for fans of teams that rarely experience success, loyalty takes on a deeper, more profound meaning. It becomes less about the victories on the field and more about standing by something, no matter how difficult the journey may be. It sometimes feels like blind faith, maybe, but it’s faith nonetheless.

The word ‘fan’ comes from ‘fanatic’, which can be defined as “a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal” or “a person who is extremely enthusiastic about and devoted to some interest or activity.”

In a way, this loyalty mirrors other aspects of life. Much like how we stick with loved ones through thick and thin, supporting an underperforming sports team can teach us about perseverance, resilience and unwavering commitment. It reflects the belief that loyalty isn’t contingent on success; it’s more about the time, effort and emotion you’ve invested (not to mention a considerable amount of cash), even when it doesn’t reciprocate in the way you might have hoped.

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A family of fellow sufferers

Luckily for those of us who support teams that aren’t that successful, the joy of being a sports fan extends beyond the outcome of games. It’s about the people you share that experience with. For those rooting for a team that seldom wins, there’s a unique bond that forms among fellow supporters.

When your team is on a long losing streak, it’s sometimes impossible not to laugh at the absurdity of it all. “How could we lose to them? And them?! What about that last-minute penalty? What a joke!” So who better to share those moments with than the other fans who understand your pain? You may find yourself slipping into gallows humour at times but the camaraderie that develops within these communities is often stronger than that of fans who follow more successful teams. Why? Because you’ve been through the hard times together. You’ve weathered storm after storm. And even though the skies never seem to clear, you find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone.

Fans of losing teams form their own subculture, full of inside jokes, shared frustrations and mutual commiseration. There’s a sense of “we’re all in this together” however bad it gets and that’s hard to replicate in any other setting. Whether it’s a chant at a local sports bar, an online forum filled with passionate (and often humorous) debates or that knowing nod exchanged between strangers wearing the same team colours, you feel part of something bigger than just wins and losses. It’s about community and camaraderie.

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Celebrating the small victories

One of the underrated joys of being a fan of a team that rarely wins is that you learn to celebrate the little things. While fans of successful teams might even get tired of winning if there’s no real jeopardy – I genuinely wonder what it’s like to be a Celtic fan, for instance, watching your team romp to the Scottish Premier League title every single year without breaking sweat – fans of struggling teams learn to appreciate the rare and often fleeting moments of glory.

A midseason upset against a dominant rival feels like a championship in itself. A single, spectacular play might be remembered for years, immortalised in highlight reels and recounted at family gatherings or fan meet-ups. When you’re used to losing, every small victory carries more weight and meaning.

You also begin to see more beauty in the little details – the young player who shows promise or the little green shoots of improvement from one season to the next. Supporting a losing team teaches you patience and encourages you to see progress and potential where others might see failure.

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The hope that never dies

One of the most powerful elements of being a fan of a losing team is the unshakable belief that next year could be the year (although I think I can safely say that in the case of my teams, this year is definitely NOT the year, despite the fact that it’s only September). No matter how bad things get, there’s always a glimmer of hope that the tide will turn, that fortunes will shift and that the underdog will finally have his day.

This is the very essence of sport – anything can happen on any given day. Teams have their ups and downs. Miracles happen. Seasons of abject failure can be followed by unexpected success. Lowly teams somehow rise to the occasion and pull off shock victories against much stronger opposition. The joy lies in believing that one day, maybe soon, your team might have its moment.

Sports history is filled with examples of teams that seemed destined to lose forever, only to rise from the ashes and achieve greatness. Think of the Chicago Cubs, who broke a 108-year World Series drought in 2016, or Leicester City, Premier League champions in 2016 despite being 5,000-1 outsiders. Even the Detroit Lions, without a playoff win in 32 years, had two postseason victories last year on their way to the NFC Championship game and the Cincinnati Bengals reached the Super Bowl in 2021, just a year after finishing 4-11-1. These stories remind us that no team is truly doomed forever.

And when that moment comes? It’s sweeter than anything fans of perennially successful teams could ever imagine. Victory, for those who have waited the longest, tastes the sweetest. It’s not just about winning either; it’s about years of loyalty, pain and hope finally being rewarded. In that moment, all the losses, all the heartbreak and all the times you’ve asked yourself “why bother?” fade away.

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It’s about more than winning

Ultimately, the joy of supporting a team that rarely wins comes from realising that sport is about so much more than the final score. Yes, of course we’d love to see our teams succeed more often than they do but the real joy is in the journey. It’s in the memories created along the way, the friendships formed and the unwavering hope that, one day, it will all pay off.

So, why bother? Because sport is about passion, connection and shared experiences. Because the low points make the high points even higher. And because sport is unpredictable. That’s why, deep down, there’s a part of every fan that hopes… believes… that no matter how many times they’ve been let down before, the next play, the next game or the next season could be the one that changes everything.

So wherever your allegiances lie and however bad it seems, keep the faith, good people. Keep the faith.

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What NFL team should you support based on your Premier League team?

Credit: https://www.beatingbetting.co.uk/betting-tips/american-football/nfl-guide/

As both the Premier League and NFL go into their preseasons, we’ve created a not-so-definitive guide (I cannot stress that enough) on what NFL team you and your mates should follow based on the football team you support in England. 

Something fun for fans or a guide to help inform those looking to get into the NFL this year!

Arsenal – San Fransisco 49ers or Baltimore Ravens

Arsenal are a team that is known for its attacking play, great results and nice stadium – but with one thing that alludes them more recently: a title. The 49ers and Ravens are both teams that check those boxes, do so with the same consistency, and have that feel of being top tier and a really well made outfit.

Aston Villa – Cleveland Browns or Detroit Lions

The Cleveland Browns is in part due to the connection with former owner (of both sides) Randy Lerner. However, there is a deeper connection here. Villa and the Browns were both part of the founding of their leagues, both part of cities that have had to reinvent themselves, and both trying desperately to get back to former glories which are now generations old. The Lions have a similar arc and the ruthlessness of their rise in the past year has that Unai Emery 2023-24 season feel to boot.

Bournemouth – Tennessee Titans or Washington Commanders

Some of these are going to be more than others as it proves difficult to connect dots between really different markets. However, AFC Bournemouth have solidified themselves as a part of the Premier League despite being unable to invest heavily. The Commanders have had haphazard ownership of late but continue to strike up wins; meanwhile with the Titans, they aren’t the best team but you also find yourself not wanting to play them at their home – something that’s synonymous with Bournemouth, I find.

Brentford – New York Jets

A passionate yet smaller fanbase than their illustrious neighbours in the capital, and whose teams are known for tough defenses, lively characters and a never-say-die attitude – even when their results don’t pan out!

Brighton & Hove Albion – Los Angeles Chargers or New Orleans Saints

These teams are all in areas that are considered cool or party areas (that one more by out-of-towners such as myself), and play into it somewhat with their branding. The Chargers comparison is definitely more in line with their style of play though – attacking and always looking to give youth a chance. The Saints recent downturn in fortunes after showing promise and having to offload players is synonymous of Brighton last season too so there’s another fit.

Chelsea – Los Angeles Rams

When the Los Angeles Rams announced they were moving to the LA Coliseum and went on the offensive in terms of maximising picks and cash to create a team of superstars, Chelsea immediately came to mind. The fact that they then stayed aggressive until they won a Super Bowl at their $5.5 billion stadium a few years later felt very similar to the Roman Abramhovic years in West London.

The perception of wealth, being in a high-end area in California and their aggressive roster building approach would definitely keep Chelsea fans interested. Their recent unexpected dip hits similar to Chelsea’s last couple of years also!

Crystal Palace – Houston Texans

The forgotten team for many years in the big city, with promising potential. Sounds a lot like the Houston Texans. Overshadowed by their interstate competition in the Dallas Cowboys, but a young core is driving some excitement for better days ahead.

Everton – Chicago Bears or Denver Broncos

I usually pair Aston Villa and Everton fairly close together for these things, and the Bears and Broncos seem to match a similar vibe to what I had for Villa fans. Everton are a historic team in English football, in a major town with a traditional fanbase. Something that fits the aesthetic of both the Bears and the Broncos well. 

Fulham – Jacksonville Jaguars

For anyone living under a rock as a Fulham or Jaguars fan, Shahid Khan owns both clubs and has looked to put his distinct flair on both. With their long-standing commitment to playing in London, the Jaguars are getting accustomed to being the ‘quintessentially London’ team in the NFL – and once Fulham’s Craven Cottage renovations are complete – both teams will have pools as a highlight of their stadiums. Wild.

Ipswich Town – Carolina Panthers

I’m old enough to remember Ipswich’s wild ups and downs the last time they were in the Premier League – that plus the real highs and lows of their relegations and promotions has a similar feel to the highs of the Cam Newton era of the Carolina Panthers and their struggles since.

Leicester City – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A team that has had some recent success all of a sudden, and is now looking for some consistency after a bit of a downturn. Two teams that I would say are more relevant in the past decade than they have been in their respective histories, looking to make a bigger impression at the higher end of their respective sports.

Liverpool – New England Patriots or Green Bay Packers

I often find that the Boston Celtics are very much the Liverpool of basketball. A top-tier city, a rich sporting history and a brand that surpasses itself. The Boston connection I feel carries for Liverpool fans; and with the Patriots’ recent dynasty – there is also the recent brush with success. The Green Bay Packers are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL with a traditional yet passionate fanbase, an iconic stadium and atmosphere. Sounds about right for Liverpool fans.

Manchester City – Kansas City Chiefs

If Cityzens can excuse the red colour of the Chiefs uniforms, it’s quite obvious as to why the comparison is made. Recent dominance for both sides doesn’t look to break anytime soon. Let’s move swiftly on!

Manchester United – Dallas Cowboys or Miami Dolphins

Manchester United is one of the most instantly recognisable brands in world football, and dominated the sport at several points in the last 50-60 years. Both the Cowboys and the Dolphins are two of the biggest brands in the NFL who dominated the sport for stretches in the same timeframe – and arguably still hold that perception as a force today (Dallas’ moniker as ‘America’s Team’ for example). Something United fans and observers no doubt understand this side of the pond.

Newcastle United – Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills or Minnesota Vikings

Give me the best and most wild fanbases for Newcastle United. Seahawks fans are known as the Twelfth Man for their earthquake-inducing cheering in Seattle. Meanwhile, Bills fans face freezing conditions bare-chested (very familiar for Newcastle fans) and smashing tables. The Vikings provide that more ‘football is a religion’ vibe that Newcastle put down – with their purple and gold colourway as iconic as Newcastle’s black and white stripes. If you’re going for a team that best matches their current performance – the Bills have built a great team and pushed close but not been able to get to the top table the past few years – the others are a bit more off the pace.

Nottingham Forest – Pittsburgh Steelers

For Forest, let’s find a franchise in a working class city, with past glory looking to find itself again. The Pittsburgh Steelers is one of the league’s more successful franchises in years past and Pittsburgh itself is a city with a strong sports pedigree (like Nottingham), and a fanbase that is looking to see their team come back to prominence.

Southampton – Indianapolis Colts

I immediately put the Colts down for Southampton fans and it’s difficult to explain but it’s a great fit. Great tradition of being able to nurture young talent similar to that at the Saints (the English ones – I guess the New Orleans Saints are an option if just for the name).

Tottenham Hotspur – Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders or New York Giants

Right, stay with me here. Spurs are basically all three of these teams combined. They are built up through the urban metropolis of the nation’s capital – like the New York Giants – and as such it does share a lot of that hype from being in the capital and that in turn drives roster building. The Raiders recently cashed in their chips and took the team from Oakland for a stadium in the bright lights of Vegas and are a very flashy side – something that Spurs have also done since moving to their new stadium.

Finally, the Bengals are in here because both them and Tottenham have a reputation of building teams on a limited budget, but are usually competitive. Both sides in recent years have started to shake off this moniker and have been towards the higher end of the table more often.

West Ham United – Philadelphia Eagles

Big city; working class fan-base that’s very passionate; haphazard success but mainly consistently average or above. Simple as.

Wolverhampton Wanderers – Atlanta Falcons or Arizona Cardinals

This one was difficult, I won’t lie. Many other articles chop and change who aligns with Wolves. I would argue that a team like the Cardinals or Falcons would be a good fit. Both teams build teams that can play some attractive football, but they have not found success all that much. Definitely both franchises that believe they have something to prove.

Image credit: https://www.beatingbetting.co.uk/betting-tips/american-football/nfl-guide/

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NFL Draft: Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos get their future QB1 on a historically offence-heavy opening draft night

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The Denver Broncos selected former Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the 12th pick of the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, setting up an intriguing and young quarterback battle this offseason.

A week ago the Broncos’ quarterback room consisted of Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci, fast-forward to Friday morning after night one of the draft and Sean Payton has a pair of 24-year-old quarterbacks who will go to battle for the starting job this offseason in Zach Wilson and Bo Nix.

Was it a reach?

Based on evaluations, you’d say that the pick was a reach at 12th overall and there were incredible players still on the board on both sides of the ball as well as the opportunity to trade back and accumulate draft capital. 

However, with five of the top six quarterbacks already off the board, it wasn’t worth the risk of trading back from 12 with a quarterback that they loved right there in their lap.

All of this while the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints were at 13th and 14th overall respectively behind the Broncos and both needed a quarterback long-term. 

What does Bo Nix bring to the Broncos?

The Broncos needed to come out of the draft with a quarterback that Payton could mould into the signal caller who would run his offence just as he wants it to be run, similar to how Brock Purdy operates Kyle Shanahan’s offence in San Fransisco, Nix can have the same role in Denver but with more upside. 

Nix has an excellent processor and comes with incredible experience having started 61 career games in college football across his NCAA career at Oregon and Auburn.

He’s an accurate passer and works well even under pressure, not taking sacks or turning the ball over too much, as well as being extremely productive in the red zone and an efficient two-minute drill operator.

When speaking to the media in the aftermath of the pick Payton sounded like he was in awe of Nix and the traits he’s shown the Broncos throughout the draft process. 

What happens now for Denver? 

Due to staying put at 12 and taking Nix, the Broncos didn’t accumulate any extra draft capital on days two and three of the draft this year. 

So, pending any overnight or in-draft trades the Broncos will have to wait until 76th overall to make their second pick of this year’s draft. 

The roster still has plenty of holes that will need to be filled until this team is competitive in the league and chasing the playoffs again. 

The Broncos may try and package some of their later-round picks, future mid-round picks or even look to trade a player to get into the second round or early third round and get a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball. 

Every level of the defence needs young talent and there is plenty of that at the top of the second round, which might be out of reach unless the Broncos can manage to facilitate a trade-up. 

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Johnny Newton is a premium pass-rushing defensive tackle who fell out of the first round, while Edgerrin Cooper and Junior Colson are good linebackers with true second-round talent.

Cooper DeJean and Kool-Aid McKinstry also sit on the board as the best secondary options, but it is unlikely they reach the Broncos’ range unless they manage to make a big trade-up into the top 10 of the second round.

Does the Nix pick change the prospects of the 2024 Denver Broncos?

It’s unlikely that Nix will come into the team and drastically change its outlook, especially for the near future in 2024, the roster is still a bottom-five group in the league and Nix will need to learn Payton’s offence and adjust to NFL-level play. 

However, it does give the Broncos flexibility heading into next year’s offseason with more free money to go after free agents while also having a potential top-ten pick to take a premium player at a position of need depending on how the team performs. 

Nix brings the Broncos a new dawn at the quarterback position, in particular looking multiple years into the future when this team can surround him with talent while still being on his rookie deal in year two and beyond of his rookie deal.

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2024 NFL Draft: Official Two-Round Mock Draft

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It’s draft day!

To celebrate, it’s time to release my two-round mock draft. So without much further ado, let’s get into the picks.

  1. Chicago Bears – Caleb Williams, QB, USC
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The obvious, home run pick at the top of the draft, everyone knows it’s going to happen, let’s move on!

  1. Washington Commanders – Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
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Many people (including myself) have Drake Maye as QB2 in this draft class, Jayden Daniels seems like the better fit for the system the Washington Commanders will run under offensive coordinator, Kilff Kingsbury. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner is a good deep passer and a dynamic runner who will be able to extend plays and work better out of the structure of the offence than Maye would, in the immediate term. With Marcus Mariota also on the roster it makes sense to learn off of a veteran with a similar skillset before starting games later in the year as well.

  1. Minnesota Vikings (Via NE) – Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina 
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Trade: NE receives – No. 11, 23 and 2025 1st round pick, MIN receives – no. 3

The first projected trade of this mock draft sees Minnesota package their two first-rounders (received pick 23 in a trade with the Houston Texans), and a 2025 first-round pick to move up and select Drake Maye. Minnesota is a perfect match with Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings team and he doesn’t have to play at all in the first year, being able to sit behind veteran Sam Darnold, who was signed in free agency. As for the Patriots, they have so many needs and won’t be competitive in the AFC East for a while, so the quarterback problem can perhaps be pushed back another year or two knowing you’ll probably be back here again picking high in the draft. 

  1. Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State
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Arizona has been my favourite trade partner since Minnesota made the trade for pick 23 and by proxy preparing to trade into the top four. Since reading Adam Schefter’s piece earlier in the week, I’ve been more inclined to think the Patriots will be that trade partner, so in this scenario, the Cardinals get Kyler Murray a true X-receiver, who has the most all-round polished game in this wide receiver class. 

  1. LA Chargers – Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
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Malik Nabers is a dynamic playmaker who can make things happen after the catch. All signs point to the Chargers’ offence being run-heavy under Jim Harbaugh, Justin Herbert will need a dynamic yards-after-catch receiver that will operate well on play action, Nabers is that guy.  

  1. New York Giants – Rome Odunze, WR, Washington 
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Some people prefer Rome Odunze to Nabers due to his size and play style matching up better to that of a true NFL-calibre X-receiver. Odunze is a physical receiver who will be competitive at the catch-point, and the Giants are desperately calling out for receiver help. 

  1. Tennessee Titans – Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
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Tennessee have a huge need at offensive tackle and Joe Alt possesses all the traits to be able to play as an NFL starter on day one in Nashville. Alt is the best tackle in the draft class and the Titans have a huge need at either end of their offensive line, it’s a match made in heaven. 

  1. New York Jets (Via ATL)  – Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
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Trade: ATL receives – No. 10 + 5th round pick, NYJ receives – No. 8

The Falcons are the biggest early players for the first defensive player off the board, and the Jets seem desperate for an offensive playmaker. I like a tackle to the Jets as well looking long term but Brock Bowers is a special tight end talent and the Jets just give Aaron Rodgers another pass catcher. 

  1. Las Vegas Raiders (Via CHI) – J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan 
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Trade: CHI receives – No. 13 + 3rd round pick, LV receives No. 9

In previous mock drafts that I’ve done I didn’t have McCarthy dropping out of the top five, and if the Patriots go quarterback at third overall then I very much doubt he’ll get past five with the Vikings trading up, but in this scenario, he slides a long way and the Raiders snatch their guy with a little trade up. As for the Bears, with only four picks in the draft overall this has to be a trade-down spot. 

  1. Atlanta Falcons (via NYJ)- Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama
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10 picks in and we finally see a defensive player go off the board in Alabama’s cornerback Terrion Arnold. Conversations about whether Quinyon Mitchell or Arnold is the best cornerback in this draft are fair but in this scenario, the Falcons go with the Alabama corner over the Toldeo one. 

  1. New England Patriots (via MIN) – J.C. Latham, OT, Alabama 
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Daniel Jeremiah had Latham as the first tackle off the board at fifth overall in his final mock draft, which says all you need to know about how highly people rate Latham in this class. The Patriots need a long-term answer at tackle and Latham can comfortably be that answer.

  1. New Orleans Saints (Via DEN) – Olu Fashanu, OT, Penn State
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Trade: DEN receives – No. 14 + fifth-round pick, NO receives No. 12

The Saints need a tackle with Ryan Ramcyzk suffering from a knee injury, late in his career and Trevor Penning not panning out how they’d have hoped. Olu Fashanu is a really talented tackle who is rough around the edges, with the right coaching he can be an NFL starter on the left side of this offensive line for years to come.

  1. Chicago Bears (via LV)- Dallas Turner, Edge, Alabama
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Dallas Turner is the best defensive player in this class and the Bears would surely sprint this card to the podium if the board fell this way, especially after trading back. The Montez Sweat trade last season gave the Bears some presence in the front seven but Turner gives them a truly talented edge rusher who can disrupt opposing offences from day one.

  1. Philadelphia Eagles (Via DEN) – Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Toledo
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Trade: DEN receives No. 22, No. 53, PHI receives No. 14

The Eagles really need a cornerback and Howie Roseman has been rumoured to be looking to move up, while Denver needs early day two picks and their major need will be available later in the first round. Mitchell’s Senior Bowl put him on the map out of Toledo and he could bring some seriously dynamic youthfulness to this Eagles secondary. 

  1. Indianapolis Colts – Nate Wiggins, CB, Clemson
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Wiggins is, for me, the best cornerback after Arnold and Mitchell at “1a/1b”, and he fits a need for the Colts who look light at quality in their secondary. They may look at a receiver here or even a trade-back, but for me, the need is just too pressing to pass on.

  1. Seattle Seahawks – Troy Fautanu, OT/G, Washington 
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The Seahawks are another trade-down candidate for sure, but I have them keeping Troy Fautanu in state here. Fautanu is a great athlete and I can see them playing him as a guard this year to replace Damien Lewis who left in free agency.

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jared Verse, Edge, FSU
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Verse may not fall this far, but edge isn’t a priority need for many of the teams ahead of the Jaguars at 17. They may go cornerback in Duval County, and might even have to trade up to make that happen, but a good edge rusher would also be of great usage to the Jaguars across from Josh Allen who recently got paid.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers (Via CIN) – Taliese Fuaga, OT, Oregon State
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Trade: CIN receives – No. 20 + sixth round pick, PIT receives No. 18

In previous mock drafts, I’ve done, I had Fuaga going at 10th overall to the Jets with an eye to their long-term need at the position and his incredible talent in the run game. It’s that talent in the run game that I think will get the attention of the Steelers’ front office and they trade ahead of the Rams and swap with the Bengals who both look like tackle-needy teams.  

  1. LA Rams – Byron Murphy, DT, Texas 
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Kobie Turner proved to be another mid-round steal from the Rams in last year’s draft and he needs help on the defensive line after Aaron Donald’s retirement. Byron Murphy can be a game-wrecker on the interior defensive line on passing and rushing downs. 

  1. Cincinatti Bengals (via PIT) – Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia 
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The Bengals will be annoyed that Bowers didn’t fall to a range they could trade up into and then as it is they settle for a trade down here. It could be a risk with the Rams needing a tackle at 19 but Mims has incredible potential that is worth taking that risk on. With only eight career starts in college Mims isn’t going to be a day-one starter but he will be a pick that comes with heaps of potential.

  1. Miami Dolphins – Laiatu Latu, Edge, UCLA 
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Latu has incredible talent he just falls because of his medical history which is a similar case to Jaelan Phillips a few years ago. In this mock, he ends up across the line from Phillips and the Dolphins will hope taking a gamble again can pay off like it has with Phillips.

  1. Denver Broncos (via PHI) – Bo Nix, QB, Oregon 
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This is the dream scenario for the Broncos, who trade back twice and accumulate a lot of day-two pickles to bolster a bad roster while also adding a quarterback who they’ve put a lot of time and study into. The Zach Wilson trade doesn’t change the thinking here, the Broncos have to take a quarterback and let Sean Payton build a team around him.

  1. New England Patriots (via MIN) – Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU
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Brian Thomas is the best of the rest in this receiver class and his freak athleticism alongside his incredible touchdown production at LSU is hard to ignore. He could definitely go earlier than this, as high as the high-teens I’d have thought but the Patriots would love to add a true outside receiver to this roster, which currently lists slot-receiver KJ Osborn as wide receiver one. 

  1. Dallas Cowboys – Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
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Dallas have a lot of holes, particularly in the medium term and wide receiver may not be the biggest need assuming they will pay star receiver CeeDee Lamb, but Adonai Mitchell could pair with Lamb to make an excellent receiver duo.

  1. Green Bay Packers – Graham Barton, G, Duke 
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Graham Barton could go a lot higher than this, but the Packers won’t be complaining if they can take him here and play him at guard from day one. The Duke man can play anywhere across the offensive line and plays with immense grit, drive and power, I have no doubt he’d fit perfectly in Green Bay.

  1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon 
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The second top interior offensive line talent, Power-Johnson will go straight into the interior of the Buccaneers’ offensive line and bolster the pass protection for Baker Mayfield. 

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (Via AZ) – Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia
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Trade: AZ receives – No. 32 + sixth round pick, KC receives No. 27

The Chiefs need receiver help, everyone knows it and with a class so deep at receiver, you’ll need to be brave and aggressive to get your guy, which the Chiefs do at this spot, moving up ahead of the Bills and 49ers to get a playmaker who could be a real nuisance with his route running in Kansas City.

  1. Buffalo Bills – Keon Coleman, WR, FSU 
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Josh Allen needs a big receiver to whom he can throw jump balls to and I have no doubt, Keon Coleman can come straight into this Buffalo offence and make a difference after the Stefon Diggs trade. 

  1. Detroit Lions – Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa 
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DeJean only slides because there are certain questions about where DeJean projects at the pro level, similar, to how Brian Branch fell last year. Coincidentally, it is the Lions who take DeJean as they did with Branch, but unlike Branch being a nickel/safety, I think DeJean can be a true cornerback on the outside.

  1. Baltimore Ravens – Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma 
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The Ravens really badly need a tackle and Tyler Guyton, is a more developmental tackle but the need is so big and there aren’t any elite talents here at other positions of need for that to put the Ravens off.

  1. San Fransisco 49ers – Jordan Morgan, OT/G, Arizona
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Jordan Morgan can slide straight into the interior of the 49ers’ offensive line, while he learns the trade of tackle behind a 38-year-old Trent Williams where he may be projected more, long-term. 

  1. Arizona Cardinals (via KC) – Johnny Newton, IDL, Illinois 
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This is the dream for Arizona, trading back from 27 and still getting a potential game-changer on the interior defensive line, in Johnny Newton from Illinois, who would have been the pick at 27. His size profile lets him down slightly but the play performance gets him in as a first-round pick from me.

Round 2 

  1. Washington Commanders (via CAR) – Chop Robinson, Edge, Penn State (Trade: CAR receives – No. 33, WAS receives – No. 36)
  2. New England Patriots – Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama 
  3. Arizona Cardinals – Darius Robinson, Edge, Missouri  
  4. Carolina Panthers (via WAS) – Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas 
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Trading back and still getting a true playmaker who can change the dynamic of your offence can’t ever be a bad thing, and it definitely isn’t if you’re the Panthers getting the 40-yard dash record holder in Xavier Worthy.

  1. LA Chargers – Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan 
  2. Tennessee Titans – Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU 
  3. Carolina Panthers – Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
  4. Washington Commanders – Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington 
  5. Green Bay Packers – Edgerrin Cooper, LB, Texas A&M 
  6. Houston Texans – Braden Fiske, DL, FSU 
  7. New York Giants (Via ATL) – Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington
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Trade: ATL receives – 47 + sixth-round pick, NYG receives – 43

Penix has first-round pick potential after his game vs Texas at the end of last season, but the injury history and breadth of accuracy errors on tape earlier in the season all factor into this fall. Seeing him fall this far though kicks the Giants into gear and they select him with the option of getting out of Daniel Jones’ contract next year if they want to take it. 

  1. Las Vegas Raiders – Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
  2. New Orleans Saints – Chris Braswell, Edge, Alabama 
  3. Indianapolis Colts – Ricky Pearsall, WR, Florida 
  4. Atlanta Falcons (via NYG) – Xavier Legette, WR, South Carolina  
  5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon 
  6. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Hall Jr., DL, Ohio State 
  7. Philadelphia Eagles – Zach Frazier, IOL, West Virginia 
  8. Pittsburgh Steelers – Cooper Beede, IOL, Kansas State
  9. LA Rams – Marshawn Kneeland, Edge, Western Michigan 
  10. Denver Broncos (via PHI) – Junior Colson, LB, Michigan 
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Colson has great talent and is my favourite interior linebacker in this class, he plays with aggression and a lot of athleticism, and the Broncos have a serious need at Mike linebacker, so they use their second-round pick they get from Philadelphia in the trade-up to 14 in the first round to fix that need.

  1. Cleveland Browns – Kris Jenkins, DL, Michigan 
  2. Miami Dolphins – Christian Haynes, G, UConn 
  3. Dallas Cowboys – Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
  4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State 
  5. Green Bay Packers – Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota 
  6. Kansas City Chiefs (Via HOU) – Blake Corum, RB, Michigan (HOU receives No. 64 + seventh-round pick, KC receives No.59)
  7. Buffalo Bills – Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky 
  8. Detroit Lions – Roman Wilson, WR, Michigan 
  9. Baltimore Ravens – Javon Bullard, S, Georgia 
  10. San Fransisco 49ers – Ruke Orhorhoro, DL, Clemson 
  11. Houston Texans (via KC) – Trey Benson, RB, FSU
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A tribute to… the lateral pass

The lateral pass may sit in the shadow of the far-more-common forward pass in American football but it still plays a crucial role in the strategy and tactics of the game. In this third article in our series about some of the rare-yet-intriguing aspects of gridiron, we examine what defines a lateral pass, look at some of the plays that involve lateral passes and shine a light on some of the most memorable examples – both successful and not – through the years.

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What is a lateral?

While the forward pass was invented specifically for the American game of football, the lateral or backward pass was borrowed from the two codes of rugby, where such passes are the norm (and, of course, where forward passes aren’t allowed). A lateral occurs when a player throws the ball sideways or backwards to a teammate and while only one forward pass may be thrown per down by the offense, there are no such restrictions on lateral passes. Any player carrying the ball may throw a lateral pass from any position on the field at any time. Similarly, any player may receive such a pass and any number of laterals may be thrown on a single play. Additionally, a player receiving a lateral pass behind the line of scrimmage may still throw a forward pass, as long as none has already been thrown during the play.

If there’s a change of possession, the defense can only throw laterals once they get the ball. And unlike a forward pass, a dropped lateral results in a live ball that may be picked up and advanced by either team. Backward passes can also be intercepted, opening up a whole new level of jeopardy. And therein lies the beauty and the fascination of the lateral. It’s a green light for the innovative coach to get scheming and the switched-on player to do something instinctive and unexpected. Furthermore, sometimes – usually when it’s the last play of the game and the attacking teams needs to score by any means – it can be a recipe for unadulterated, multi-pass madness, as we’ll see later.

MOST PLAYS FEATURE A LATERAL: Within the rules of the game, the snap at the line of scrimmage is officially classed as a backward pass.

Categories of lateral pass

The most common lateral pass involves the quarterback quickly ‘pitching’ the ball a short distance to a nearby running back on a rushing play. All pretty standard stuff. And like in rugby, a sideways pass to an adjacent runner in open play isn’t unheard of. Laterals are also used in trick plays – and this is where things get more exotic and interesting. Let’s have a closer look at a couple where a backwards pass is a fundamental element. 

The flea flicker

Who doesn’t love a ‘flea flicker’? The quarterback hands the ball to a running back, who rushes forwards but stops at or before the line of scrimmage and laterals the ball back to the QB, who then throws a forward pass. This trick play draws the defense into defending the run, leaving the quarterback free from an immediate pass rush. The back-and-forth between RB and QB also gives time for the intended receiver to get downfield, opening up an opportunity for a long completion.

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There are many, many examples of flea flickers over the years so we won’t dwell on them too much. But one particular combo – Kurt Warner to Larry Fitzgerald – connected on some notable flea flickers for the Arizona Cardinals, not least in the 2009 playoffs. During the NFC Wild Card game against the Atlanta Falcons, the Cards were struggling to run the ball in the first quarter. Running back Edgerrin James took a handoff, progressed two yards before turning and pitching the ball back to Warner. With the pocket collapsing in on the expected runner, the Falcons secondary couldn’t see the pitch take place, allowing Warner to uncork a 42-yard pass to Fitzgerald in the end zone. The TD set Arizona on their way to winning their first home playoff game in 61 years.

A week later, facing the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, Warner and Fitzgerald did it again. This time, the pitch back to Warner came from JJ Arrington, who ran off to the right before throwing the ball back across to his QB. The ensuing TD pass to Fitzgerald went for 62 yards, sealing a 32-25 win that punched Arizona’s ticket to Super Bowl XLIII.

The hook and lateral

I’m also rather partial to another variant: the ‘hook and lateral’ (sometimes called a ‘hook and ladder’). Here, a receiver (quite often a tight end) runs a hook route, turns and collects a forward pass before tossing the ball backward to a second receiver running in behind, while the initial ball-catcher is closed down or tackled. Looking very much like a rugby move, the Kansas City Chiefs are rather adept at this one, often using Travis Kelce to take the pass before laying it off to a teammate – like this one to Noah Gray against the Broncos that secured a first down or one to LeSean McCoy against the Lions that turned a 12-yard pass into a 35-yard gain. (Maybe this is why they have signed former Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit through the International Player Pathway?)

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The Miami Dolphins also executed a classic hook and lateral that made the top 50 of the best NFL plays ever. Seconds before the break in their AFC playoff game against the San Diego Chargers in January 1982, wide receiver Duriel Harris caught a 20-yard pass from quarterback Don Strock. He immediately flung it, scrum-half style, into the path of running back Tony Nathan, who flew past him and in for the score.

THEY’RE NOTHING NEW: The first documented instance of a lateral occurred in the NFL’s inaugural season in 1920, by the Rock Island Independents against the Muncie Flyers.

Miracles do happen

Ask any Titans fan to name the best lateral play in NFL history and they’ll probably tell you it’s the ‘Music City Miracle’, which happened at the end of Tennessee’s AFC Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills in Nashville in January 2000. Having scored a go-ahead field goal to lead 16-15 with just 16 seconds left on the clock, Buffalo kicked off, expecting to defend their slim lead for a couple of plays and secure the victory. But Alan Lowry, the Titans’ Special Teams Coordinator, had other ideas.

Tennessee’s Lorenzo Neal caught the short, high kick at the 25 and immediately handed the ball off to tight end Frank Wycheck. Wycheck stepped to his right and having drawn the Bills players over to his side, threw the ball horizontally across the field to wide receiver Kevin Dyson. He sprinted down the left sideline for a game-winning touchdown, with only kicker Steve Christie even in the same zip code.

“Do the Titans have a miracle left in them in what has been a magical season to this point? If they do, they need it now. Christie kicks it high and short. Gonna be fielded by Lorenzo Neal at the 25. Pitches it back to Wycheck… he throws it across the field to Dyson… 30, 40, 50, 40… 20, 10, 5 – end zone! Touchdown Titans! There are no flags on the field! It’s a miracle! Tennessee has pulled a miracle! A miracle for the Titans!”
Mike Keith, Titans Radio Network broadcast

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Immediately after the play, there was controversy over whether Wycheck’s throw was an illegal forward pass (remember, they were the defense on this play). While Dyson was undoubtedly standing further forward than the passer, he crouched down and reached back to make the catch. Upon review, the touchdown stood and the Titans marched on to Super Bowl XXXIV.

Amazingly, the two players who had practised the play before the game – kick returner Derrick Mason (concussion) and safety Anthony Dorsett (cramp) – were unable to take the field at the time so Dyson had to step in, getting told what to do on the sideline before the play. The plan was also for him to step out of bounds if he got within field goal range but having the whole field open up, Dyson couldn’t help but go all the way.

When blind hope is all you have

In October 2003, the Minnesota Vikings were tied 7-7 with the Denver Broncos with 12 seconds left before halftime. Facing a 3rd-and-24 in their own territory, the Vikings’ QB Daunte Culpepper rolled right and heaved a Hail Mary to Randy Moss. Alas, the pass fell a bit short and he had to come back to make the catch at the Denver 10. Surrounded by several Broncos, Moss was immediately tackled but as he was going down, he threw the ball blindly over his head to running back Moe Williams, who scampered untouched into the end zone. As the commentators said at the time, the improvisation was worthy of an Academy Award.

The Vikings won 28-20 and the move was also named in the NFL’s top 100 plays. After the game, Moss – who posted 1,632 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns that season – implied he knew what he was doing when he said “Out of my peripheral vision, I saw a purple jersey. Well, purple is purple. That means he’s a teammate of mine. So out of instinct, I just tossed it over my shoulder…”

Multi-lateral mayhem

As we’ve seen, single laterals can be highly effective in the right situation. But there’s been many an instance where two or more lateral passes have been used to orchestrate game-defining plays.

One such example, the ‘River City Relay’, took place in a Week 16 game between the New Orleans Saints and the Jacksonville Jaguars in December 2003. With the Saints trailing by a touchdown and time running out, quarterback Aaron Brooks – at his own 25 on a 2nd-and-10 – completed a pass to Donte’ Stallworth out near the right sideline. The wide receiver cut in and headed back across the field before lateralling the ball to fellow wideout Michael Lewis on the left side. Lewis ran with it, then turned to hand it to Deuce McAllister. The RB ran into a cul-de-sac so swivelled and hurled the ball back across the field to unmarked running back Jerome Pathon, who raced into the end zone back over in the right corner. The fact that he made it into the paint was in no small part due to a timely block on the last defender by his QB Brooks, who’d tracked the play down the field. Unfortunately, that amazing effort – including three lateral passes – was in vain as Saints kicker John Carney missed the PAT attempt, resulting in a heartbreaking 20-19 loss.

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The Miami Dolphins also used two laterals to score a legendary touchdown that defeated the New England Patriots 34-33 on the last play of a game at Hard Rock Stadium in December 2018. Down by five points and with only seven seconds remaining, Ryan Tannehill completed a pass from his own 31-yard line to wide receiver Kenny Stills. He threw a short lateral to DeVante Parker in midfield, who in turn passed it along the line to running back Kenyan Drake. Drake then snaked his way through the Pats D (which included a flailing Rob Gronkowski, on the field to help defend a possible Hail Mary) to the end zone. The 69-yard TD, since dubbed the ‘Miracle in Miami’, was the first walk-off touchdown winner to involve multiple lateral passes in NFL history and the first multi-lateral TD play since the ‘River City Relay’ 15 years earlier.

Close but no cigar

An honourable mention goes to Antonio Brown who looked like he’d put the seal on a multi-lateral TD play for the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Dolphins on a snowy field in Week 14, 2013. Trailing 34-28 as the clock ran out, Pittsburgh gave it one last effort. Ben Roethlisberger threw a pass out wide to Emmanuel Sanders, from whence it came back across the field to the quarterback in a series of backward diagonal passes. Big Ben stepped forward and then, as he was tackled, flipped a windmill of an underarm pass out to the left where Brown was waiting. The mercurial wide receiver found the room to race down the sideline and in for the TD, leaving the Miami secondary struggling to keep their feet on the snow-covered turf. Alas for the Steelers, the replays showed that Brown stepped out of bounds about 13 yards from paydirt… but it was a fine effort nonetheless and almost one of the best multi-pass TDs ever. 

THIS PLAY IS LATERALLY INSANE: Although it’s not from the NFL, we have to mention the University of Miami’s amazing eight-lateral game-winning play against Duke in 2015. This 45 seconds of craziness is exactly why we love the lateral.

Col-lateral damage

The lure of glory can be intoxicating but beware, fellow fans of the lateral. It can also go oh-so-wrong, as this cautionary tale illustrates.

In 2022, a week before Christmas, the Patriots were facing the Las Vegas Raiders. With three seconds left and the score tied at 24-24, QB Mac Jones could’ve taken a knee and overtime would have followed. Alternatively, they could have tried to win by hurling a Hail Mary into the Raiders’ end zone. Instead, what ensued was the worst of both worlds. Taking a handoff, Rhamondre Stevenson made 23 yards on a weaving run. But with Raiders safety Duron Harmon closing in, instead of being tackled and accepting the inevitability of overtime (hardly the most terrible of outcomes), he had a rush of blood to the head, raised his arm and pitched it back over a defender to Jakobi Meyers. His teammate also got over-excited and despite running in the wrong direction for eight yards, seemed determined to keep the play alive, so threw a second lateral back across the field towards Jones. Alas for the Patriots, Las Vegas’ own Jones – Chandler Jones – had been watching this madness unfold and stepped in front of his namesake, expecting the QB to be the next likely recipient of the ‘hot potato’. The defensive end inevitably intercepted the ball, stiff-armed Mac Jones to the floor and ran it in for the winning score.

Because the Patriots attempted this play when the game was tied and OT was safely in the bag, the play is widely considered to be one of the biggest howlers in league history. ESPN’s Stephen E Smith called it “the dumbest play ever” while NFL Network’s Rich Eisen christened it “the Hail Moron” before going on to describe it as “the most situationally boneheaded play… maybe ever”.

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When magic meets madness

So that, folks, is the lateral. It may be the poor cousin of the forward pass as far as frequency goes but given how often laterals have featured in the NFL’s most iconic plays throughout history, their impact on the game is undeniable. When used strategically in isolation, lateral passes can unlock a defense and they remain a potent weapon for coaches and players looking to outwit and outmanoeuvre their opponents. But when teams run out of time and have no other option than to wing it, attempting multiple laterals to keep the final play alive, that’s when magic and madness collide.

Long live the lateral!

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A tribute to… the fake punt

In the grand theatre that is American football, few tactics exemplify the art of deception quite like the fake punt. The sneaky trick play dates back to the early days of the National Football League and has shaped countless games, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s landscape. In this, the second article in our series honouring the game’s rarer plays, we delve into the strategies behind the fake punt and relive some of the great examples from days gone by.

How it all began

While the rules of the sport do not explicitly mention the option to fake a punt attempt, teams have been doing so since the formative days of the league, when coaches and players began experimenting with unconventional ways to try to gain an edge on the field. At its core, the move is designed to deceive the opposing team by lining up in punt formation but executing an alternative play, such as a run or pass, that they aren’t set up to defend.

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The first documented instance of a fake punt in the NFL occurred on 6 November 1932, by the Chicago Bears against the Green Bay Packers at Wrigley Field. Trailing by a point late in the fourth quarter, the Bears needed a big play to turn the tide in their favour and decided to fake a punt. Their legendary quarterback, Bronko Nagurski, received the snap instead of punter Johnny Sisk, faked a punt attempt himself before running with the ball. Catching the Packers off guard, Nagurski secured a pivotal first down that ultimately led to the game-winning touchdown.

The options

That landmark play, almost a century ago, demonstrated the potential impact of having bare-faced deception in the playbook and set the stage for others to follow. As the fake punt gained traction across the league, it became clear that different categories of trickery, each with its own unique approach and execution, were available. These can be loosely classified as follows:

  • The run: In this classic variation, more often used in short yardage situations, the punter receives the snap and runs with the ball. This relies on blockers to help the (usually smaller, lighter) ball-carrier evade defenders.
  • The pass: This more daring approach sees the punter make a downfield throw, targeting an uncovered receiver for a potentially big gain.
  • The direct snap: Bypassing the punter altogether, this variation involves the ball being snapped directly to a running back or quarterback (as in Nagurski’s case), who then executes a predetermined running or passing play.
  • The reverse: Adding another layer of complexity, the reverse fake punt sees the punter hand the ball off to a player executing a reverse run or pass, exploiting the defense’s pursuit of the punter.

DEEP FAKE: During the Cleveland Browns’ game against the Saints in October 2010, punter Reggie Hodges took a snap, bolted through the line of scrimmage and ran it 68 yards to the Saints’ 10-yard line. It’s still the longest run by a punter in NFL history.

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Legendary moments of fake puntory

Through the years, fake punts have etched themselves into the annals of NFL history, captivating audiences with their audacity and execution. Even in the last decade or so, there have been some memorable examples of the passing variety and many illustrate the point that punters don’t have to be particularly good at throwing if the play is enough of a surprise. 

Eight years ago, in 2016, kicker Pat McAfee threw a 35-yard pass on a fake punt for the Indianapolis Colts against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Facing a 4th-and-6 from midfield, McAfee took the snap, crept a few steps to his right and threw a pass to tight end Erik Swoope, who was eventually brought down inside the 10.   

In Week 4 of the 2017 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars literally didn’t defend the New York Jets receiver and punter Lac Edwards just about made the pass on a huge 4th-and-21. Also in 2017, during a Monday night clash with divisional rivals the Minnesota Vikings, Bears punter Pat O’Donnell completed a 38-yard TD pass to Benny Cunningham, who beat two defenders in the open field to score. By his own admission, O’Donnell had never thrown a pass before – not in college or even little league – and while his slow, lofted pass won’t win prizes for style, it still went for seven points.

A year later, the Tennessee Titans notched an impressive 66-yard TD on a fake punt against the Houston Texans. With the game just five minutes old and still scoreless, the long snap bypassed the punter in favour of safety Kevin Byard, lurking in the backfield. He noticed that the gunner on his right, rookie safety Dane Cruikshank, was unguarded and that was all he needed. Cruikshank was so open, he could afford to slow down to catch the ball before speeding past punt returner Bruce Ellington for the score in just his second game as a pro.

Only last year, Ryan Wright of the Vikings suddenly got licence to throw a ball instead of punting – with mixed success. In Week 15, the Vikings tried some sneakiness against the Colts on a fourth down but it went south. Wright lined up, looking to all intents and purposes like he was about to boot the ball away, but instead threw a pass towards Jalen Nailor on the left sideline. Alas, it was an ugly effort that sailed over his intended target’s head, leading to a turnover on downs. However, the two did connect when Minnesota played the New Orleans Saints in London earlier in the season. Leading 16-14 late in the third quarter, they faced a 4th-and-2 from just inside their own half. Wright took the snap, immediately turned to his right and threw a 13-yard pass that just about had the legs to reach Nailor for his first-ever NFL catch.

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Turning our attention to run plays, this fake punt from December 2021 went 73 yards – but it wasn’t the punter running this time. After seemingly going three-and-out on their opening possession against the San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks snapped the ball directly to running back Travis Homer. He raced 73 yards to the end zone to give Seattle a 7-0 lead. This is the longest run on fourth down in the past 25 years, according to ESPN Stats & Information research, and Homer was actually listed as questionable because of a calf injury so extra kudos to him!

WORTH A GO: Historically, fake punt passes on 4th-and-7 or shorter have at least a conversion rate of at least 50%.

Fakes that failed

As much as it’s fun to celebrate every successful fake punt, it’s counterbalanced by many a cautionary tale of failure and miscalculation. There are far too many to recount of failed fakes but here are just a couple.

In the 2020 season, the NFC East (nicknamed the ‘NFC Least’ at the time due to the ineptitude of all four teams) was won, almost by default, by a Washington team with a 7-9 record. Summing up the division that year, the 6-10 Cowboys managed this epic fail on a reverse against the then-Redskins, barely making it back to the line of scrimmage, deep in their own territory. Mike McCarthy, hang your head in shame for calling this one.

And only this season, we saw the Buffalo Bills tried to pull a fast one on their AFC rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, but again failed to convert. Down 27-24 early in the fourth quarter, Bills HC Sean McDermott decided to get aggressive on a 4th-and-5 on their own 30 yard-line, obviously hoping that the field position would suggest conservatism rather than recklessness to his opposite number, Andy Reid. Damar Hamlin took the direct snap from the long snapper, and the offensive line shifted to the left to clear a path. However, the KC defense stopped Hamlin after a gain of two.

The king of fakes: Johnny Hekker

Several names have become synonymous with the art of the fake punt. Back in 1960, when some players still had multiple roles – as both quarterback and punter, for example – the Eagles’ Norm Van Brocklin was second in passer rating and fifth in punting average as he led Philadelphia to an NFL championship. Meanwhile, Dallas’ Danny White threw for three scores and averaged 44.5 yards a punt against the Rams in a 1980 playoff game. 

But in the modern era, no one can hold a candle to Johnny Hekker. The former LA Ram punter was named first-team All-Pro four times and holds the single-season record for net punting average. In 2016, he had the greatest punting season in NFL history, landing 51 punts inside the opposing 20-yard line with just one touchback. But as good as he is at punting, he’s in a league of his own at ‘not punting’.

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Most teams run fake punts once in a blue moon. In 2019, the Ringer stated that combined, the 31 teams other than the Rams attempt about five fake-punt passes a season and convert three. Hekker alone has averaged 2.4 passes per season since 2012, has yet to go a year without at least attempting a pass and has only had one season (2013) without a completion.

In Hekker’s rookie season (2012), all three of his throws went to wide-open players. His first came from inside his own end zone, when the Niners clearly weren’t expecting a pass and failed to defend a Rams’ gunner. His second came in the same game, on what might have been the first run-pass option called for a punter and his third came on a fake field goal attempt (more on them later), during which the Rams pretended to sub wide receiver Danny Amendola out of the game. Instead, he hugged the sideline without a defender anywhere near him, leaving Hekker with a throw that, well, any punter could have made.

“Deep down inside, all punters want to throw,” Rams special teams coach John Fassel said of Hekker, “and he’d much rather throw than punt.” Hekker himself admits, “I’ve got a good release… for a punter.” And the secret to his success? Hekker led his high school team to the Washingston state championship game as a QB.

Hekker has now played 10 NFL seasons – nine with the St Louis/Los Angeles Rams and one with the Carolina Panthers, and is now 15-of-24 (62.5%) for 193 yards – with a long of 28 – with 1 TD and 1 INT as a passer. (He also completed a pass on a two-point conversion but that doesn’t count towards his official statistics.) The guy is undoubtedly the league’s fakiest punter.

Dan, Dan, the diaper man

Switching from the field to the sidelines, current Detroit head coach Dan Campbell is definitely not afraid to call a high-risk, high-reward play. He even stated that Detroit fans should “wear a diaper” because he likes to take risks, specifically on fourth downs. Just last season, in the third quarter against the Packers in November 2023, the Lions attempted a fake punt on a 4th-and-4 from their own 23-yard line. From the moment the ball was snapped, the play never stood a chance. Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin was stopped for no gain and the Packers scored three plays later, going on to win 29-22. To his credit, Campbell held his hands up. “Yeah, look. That’s a bad call on me,” he said postgame. “I shouldn’t have done that to those guys. That’s a bad call.” 

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But that failure was the exception. Under Campbell, the Lions have converted eight of their 10 fake punt attempts, a stunningly high success rate. Props should also go to special teams coordinator Dave Fipp, who echoes Campbell’s gung-ho style and has helped to turn the Lions’ special teams into one of the league’s best units. In 2021, the Lions converted three of four fake punt attempts, with CJ Moore running for 28 yards on a direct snap against the Rams and punter Jack Fox completing two throws. Last season, Fox completed another pass, Moore ran for two more first downs and Reeves-Maybin rumbled for 3 yards on a 4th-and-2 from his own 17-yard line. Like with Hekker, the element of surprise is long gone with Campbell’s reputation for ballsy play-calling but nonetheless, he still seems to succeed more often than not.

Don’t forget the fake field goal

Before we finish, we must talk about fake field goals. Again, there are a number of different permutations. Usually the holder (often the punter or backup quarterback) will take the snap but rather than place the ball on the ground to be kicked, he’ll throw a pass or run with it.

Less frequently, the kicker, takes a direct snap and serves as the passer or rusher. Former Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri received a direct snap and threw a touchdown pass to Troy Brown during a game in 2004 and the Seahawks used this play in the 2014 NFC Championship game against the Packers. The box score would have revealed the weirdest touchdown pass description (holder/punter Jon Ryan to eligible offensive lineman Garry Gilliam) as Seattle recovered from a 16-point deficit on their way to Super Bowl XLIX.

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A legacy of innovation and intrigue

Reflecting on the history and evolution of fake kicks, one thing is clear: it’s not just a tactical manoeuvre. Indeed, it’s a testament to the creativity, daring and strategic brilliance of the players and coaches that have shaped the evolution of the game. The fake punt and field goal continue to illicit a knowing nod or even a hysterical squeal, given their potential for glory or disaster. But as the league continues to evolve, you can only imagine the new twists and turns that will define deception and trickery in years to come…

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Cuts, restructures and trades: how Sean Payton is finally rebuilding the Denver Broncos 10 years on

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Sean Payton’s first year in Denver saw Broncos Country endure a true rollercoaster of a season, from a 1-5 start to 7-6 and then back down to a seventh losing season in a row.

Now we’ve entered the offseason, the multiple superstars have moved on and the Broncos are staring down the largest dead cap hit in the history of the NFL. 

To outsiders, it may seem like the Broncos are in free fall and fully embracing a ‘tanking’ season, but in the Mile High city Broncos Country is getting the rebuild they’ve been so desperately longing for since Peyton Manning left in 2016. 

Figures correct as of Thursday, March 15.

The outs

Almost two years on from dropping their major trade acquisition of Russell Wilson, the Broncos announced that they were cutting Russell Wilson. 

Wilson was designated as a post-June 1st cut spreading his cap hit across 2024 and 2025 slightly nulifying the blow of the largest dead cap hit in NFL history. 

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During his time in Denver, Wilson threw for 42 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions, and finished with an 11-19 record playing under Nathaniel Hackett and Sean Payton as well as two games under interim-head coach Jerry Rosburg. 

Before even playing a snap in orange, Wilson was handed a five-year 4245 million contract extension on top of the remaining two years he had remaining on his existing Seattle Seahawks contract. 

Now, anyone who can put two and two together will have noticed that the trade happened two years prior to the cutting of Wilson, meaning the 35-year-old failed to play any downs on the blockbuster extension he signed with the organisation. 

Payton has steadied the ship in Colorado after a disastrous season in 2022 but cutting Wilson officially called an end to one of the most disastrous eras in Broncos history, leaving a mere $85 million dead cap hit in its wake.

The dead cap hit more than doubles the previous record and has led to the Broncos having to make numerous other readjustments to gather some meaningful cap room for the 2024 season. 

The biggest casualty of this was superstar safety Justin Simmons who was cut after eight years with the Broncos, who selected the two-time Pro Bowler with the 98th pick of the 2016 draft.

Simmons was the true definition of a ball-hawk safety and a key addition to the Broncos’ roster, however, due to the league’s reluctance to pay safeties and the cap hole the Broncos found themselves in, Simmons was an obvious trade or cut candidate. 

Veteran tight end Chris Manhertz was also cut while fellow pass catcher and former 2020 first-round pick Jerry Jeudy was traded to the Cleveland Browns for two later-round picks.

Jeudy never truly fulfilled his potential in Denver and will get another chance to prove why he was a first-round selection in Cleveland next year, as for the Broncos they were able to free up more cap space and gather some much-needed draft capital in the process.

Away from cutting and trading players two star performers of the Broncos hit the open market in interior offensive lineman Lloyd Cushenberry III and interior linebacker Josey Jewell. 

Cushenberry earned himself a big-money move to the Tennessee Titans while Jewell currently remains a free agent in a position that is, like safety and running back, deemed as less valuable in the modern game. 

The 2024 linebacker draft class is quite weak which will play into Jewell’s favour, while for the Broncos they will have to decide whether they give second-year player Drew Sanders the keys or whether they look to free agency or a potential gem in this 2024 class, to play alongside Alex Singleton. 

General Manager, George Paton suggested that Sanders may eventually move outside so perhaps an inside linebacker will be in play for the Broncos with some of their mid-round picks. 

Restructures and more cuts?

In the week leading up to free agency, the Broncos restructured the contracts of their three big free-agent acquisitions from a year ago. 

They began by reworking a one-year deal with Tim Patrick, then freeing up $11 million by restructuring Mike McGlinchey’s contract before restructuring both Ben Powers’ and Zach Allen’s deals to allow for an extra $20 million to become available. 

After almost a week of free agency the Broncos’ current cap number sits at around $26 million under the cap and that may grow with some more likely cuts. 

NFL insider Benjamin Allbright hinted at the potential of at least three more cuts that could happen soon from the Broncos roster. 

The most likely candidate for the Broncos to part ways with is defensive tackle, DJ Jones who would free up nearly $10 million in cap space while Garrett Bolles and Samaje Perine may also be restructure or cut candidates. 

Bolles was part of Denver’s amazing run-blocking unit last year and if Payton wants to build his team in his mould it would be strange to see Bolles cut, but his $20 million against the cap does pose as a big figure.

Some flirted with the possibility of Courtland Sutton being a trade candidate but those rumours seem to have been squashed, which is great news for the Broncos after his monster year in 2023.

Free agents  

In the first week of free agency, the Broncos acquired Brandon Jones on a three-year, $20 million contract and defensive lineman Malcolm Roach on a two-year, $8 million contract. 

They also resigned, fullback Michael Burton for one year, safety P.J. Locke on a two-year, $7 million contract, and former New Orleans Saints duo, kicker Will Lutz and wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey, who both spent the 2023 season in Denver.

With the Broncos sitting at around $26 million in cap space and the free agent market dwindling, they perhaps won’t be going out and making any major deals. 

Perhaps some extra defensive line and linebacker help will come through the door later in free agency on some veteran minimum or cheap ‘prove it’ deals but unless more cuts come it seems unlikely the Broncos will play a much bigger role in the rest of this year’s free agency. 

Draft prospects

Coming later in the draft cycle we will bring you more mock drafts, a full seven-round Broncos mock draft and more draft spotlights. 

As we remain a month and a half out of the draft in Detroit this Spring it’s difficult to properly project any prospects and with a team in need of capital but also in need of a top quarterback prospect, the Broncos are a tough team to place in the draft pecking order. 

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They could go down the route of trading up for JJ McCarthy or Jayden Daniels if one starts to fall, but they likely don’t have the assets to properly facilitate that trade. 

So most likely, it’ll be a trade back to accumulate more capital before moving for one of the mid-range, second-tier quarterbacks, Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. to learn under veteran Jarrett Stidham in 2024. 

Elsewhere, the draft class is deep at receiver and with Sutton, Patrick, Humphrey, Brandon Johnson and Marvin Mims as the only receivers on the roster it is likely the Broncos will look to add one of the receivers out of the 2024 class.

The class is also deep at edge rusher, something the Broncos can always use more of, and it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility for Paton to select someone like Jared Verse or Laiatu Latu at 12th overall if they liked them enough. 

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With the linebacker class looking quite weak in 2024 in both the draft and free agency, it’ll be interesting to see how the Broncos fill that void. 

What do the next two years look like for the Broncos? 

2024 will be a year for rebuilding for the Broncos and Sean Payton, looking to add some franchise cornerstones through the draft before looking to 2025 with more cap room and bringing more quality into the team. 

The QB question heading into the 2024 draft is intriguing and with the prospects of a trade-up looking less likely, it’ll be interesting to see how the Broncos play the board with the top of the second tier of QBs. 

With the 2025 class of QBs looking weak, it would be surprising to see the Broncos pass on a signal-caller in this draft cycle. 

It would be expected to then see the front office use their extra cap room to surround him with talent when he takes a starting spot in 2025.

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A tribute to… the Hail Mary

While the rules of American football do not explicitly mention the Hail Mary pass, it remains a thrilling aspect of the game. There’s little else that evokes the same anticipation, or suggests the same desperation, as these all-or-nothing, everything-on-the-line moments. In this first in an occasional series of off-season articles about some of the game’s much-loved but rarer plays, Sean Tyler explores the history of the Hail Mary in the NFL, outlines the tactics and techniques behind it, and revisits some of the greatest Hail Marys from years gone by.

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How it all began

Because it’s not part of the game’s official lexicon, the term wasn’t coined by a coach, owner or even a commentator. In footballing terms, the expression dates back to October 1922, when players from Notre Dame (a Catholic university) twice said a prayer in the huddle before plays against Georgia Tech – and scored touchdowns in both instances.

As for the NFL, the first recorded reference came several decades later from Roger Staubach, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback. In a divisional playoff game against the Minnesota Vikings in December 1975, with just 32 seconds on the clock and Dallas trailing by four, legendary Head Coach Tom Landry called for a long pass and Staubach launched one from the halfway line. The slightly underthrown ball was tipped by receiver Drew Pearson five yards shy of the paint but he somehow trapped it between his arm and hip before taking it in for the winning score. Afterwards, Landry said “Our only hope was to throw it and hope for a miracle,” while Staubach – a devout Catholic – told reporters, “I just closed my eyes and said a Hail Mary.” The term appeared in several newspaper headlines the following day and has been part of NFL folklore ever since.

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Mindset and mechanics

The prayer in question (“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee…”) eludes to summoning help from the powers that be to successfully make a long, low-probability, chuck-it-and-hope throw. Usually attempted when a team is too far from the end zone to try something more conventional, the term implies that it would take a miracle for the play to succeed – which is why we love it when it does. That success relies on several factors coming together in the perfect storm: the strength and technique of the quarterback, whether there’s enough time for the receiver(s) to get downfield, whether the opposing team can defend it and, in most cases, a massive slice of good fortune.

So how do you shift the odds in your favour? Well, according to Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, you practice. During his three years as an understudy to Brett Favre, he performed countless reps. “I got used to what it felt like, height and distance wise,” he told ESPN in a great article in 2019. “I’ve always been a little nerdy about that – watching the ball, seeing where it would land, remembering what that throw felt like. Was it all out? Was it 90 percent? Was it 80 percent? And just kind of locking those things away.”

As for Vikings QB Kirk Cousins, who has both a college and an NFL Hail Mary to his name, time is also crucial. “Can you find time in the pocket or can you escape the pocket and step up? By the time you run around a little bit, the receiver is in the end zone where you want them. It helps if you can buy as much time as possible, let the receivers get underneath the ball as it comes down.” And the numbers bear that out. According to ESPN tracking, the average time before a Hail Mary is thrown is 4.75 seconds – almost twice as long as a normal play.

So what about trajectory? The throw must go high and far enough to reach the end zone but not go out of the back – that’s quite a tight window if you’re 50 yards or more away. Quarterbacks tend to pull their arms farther back than normal and Cousins tilts his shoulders, with the front shoulder up and back shoulder down. “That will put the arc on it,” he confirms. “You want the ball coming down at the receivers. You don’t want a driven ball.”

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A RARE TREAT: Due to the degree of difficulty, most attempts aren’t completed. In fact, there have only been 34 successful Hail Marys in the professional game since Staubach’s effort nearly 50 years ago.

All hail King Rodgers

While the Hail Mary is often seen as a last-ditch effort, some players have developed a reputation for launching long, accurate passes in clutch moments. Since Staubach, there have been several successful proponents of the Hail Mary. And where better to start than with the best of the best, Aaron Rodgers, who (thanks to all that practice) is the only quarterback with three successful NFL Hail Marys to his name.

One of the most famous of all time, christened the ‘Miracle in Motown’ by broadcaster Jim Nantz, came on the final play of a Thursday night game in December 2015 against the Packers’ NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions. Because of a face mask penalty on the previous play, Green Bay – who’d been trailing most of the game – were given an extra play with no time on the clock. After the snap, Rodgers broke left to buy time while his receivers rushed downfield. Then he scrambled to the right to evade pressure and hurled a howitzer from his own 35-yard line. It dropped inside the end zone, where it was caught by the 6’4” Richard Rodgers II in front of a gaggle of Detroit players. (The tight end also caught a 67-yarder from Carson Wentz as a Philadelphia Eagle in 2020.)

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The Rodgers-to-Rodgers connection, which brought a dramatic 27-23 victory, is still the longest Hail Mary touchdown in NFL history. According to estimations at the time, the ball travelled 69 yards and almost hit the rafters at Ford Field. Breaking it down afterwards, then-HC Mike McCarthy said: “When you throw it with that arc, it gives guys a chance to fight for position. And Richard is the perfect guy for that type of situation, with his ability to go up and high-point the football.”

Having won the NFL Play of the Year Award for the 2015 season for that one, Rodgers threw another just weeks later. This time, Green Bay were facing the Arizona Cardinals in the 2015 NFC Divisional Playoff game. Down by seven and with seconds remaining, Rodgers heaved another desperation pass into the end zone while Marcus Golden and others rushed to close him down. This time, the ball was caught by receiver Jeff Janis and the 41-yard reception sent the game into overtime (although the Cardinals ultimately prevailed).

Rodgers, the unofficial yet undisputed ‘King of the Hail Mary’, then uncorked a third the following year – again in the postseason. In the NFC Wild Card Game against the New York Giants, he let it fly from the 53-yard-line with the last play of the first half and Randall Cobb took the catch at the back of the end zone. Rodgers’ three career Hail Marys, which came during a span of just 13 months, travelled a combined 172 yards.

Talking on Pat McAfee’s show years later, Rodgers raised another interesting factor: the inability of defensive players to read the flight of the ball. “I think it just comes down to the way you throw it,” he said. “If you take out the Jeff Janis one, the other two I was trying to get to a clean spot and throw it as high as possible. On both of those, I think there was a misjudgement by a majority of the players as to where the ball was going to come down.”

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A LONG SHOT… IN EVERY SENSE OF THE WORD: According to ESPN Stats and Information, only 9.7% of the 193 attempts from 2009 to 2019 were completed.

Double trouble: Dalton and Couch

Looking back through the annals of NFL history, there have been several other notable exponents of the Hail Mary. In particular, a couple of QBs from the AFC North have managed the feat twice (as has Russell Wilson, and we’ll come to him shortly).

In a 2013 battle with the Cincinnati Bengals, the Baltimore Ravens were leading 17-10 when, on the last play, Cincy’s Andy Dalton launched a 51-yard lob to the end zone on a 4th-and-15. The ball was deflected twice, once by each team, and while everyone else fell to the deck, the ball fell to AJ Green for a touchdown that forced overtime. The same pair teamed up three years later against the Browns, when the Red Rifle found Green with a 52-yard moonshot with seconds left in the first half. Again, there was some juggling and bobbling before Green pulled it into his chest for a 31-17 Bengals win.

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Staying in the division, in October 1999, the Cleveland Browns secured their first win as a returning expansion team with a Hail Mary against the New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Tim Couch avoided the pass rush and launched a 56-yard bomb that was tipped, then caught, by receiver Kevin Johnson. Three years later, Couch repeated the feat against the Jacksonville Jaguars, when his 50-yarder to a tightly covered Quincy Morgan (and the ensuing extra point) secured a 21-20 win. Couch remains the only player to win two NFL games on game-ending Hail Marys.

Before we move on from the Browns, we ought to mention another so-called ‘miracle’: The Miracle at the Met. This refers to Cleveland’s epic game at the Vikings’ old Metropolitan Stadium in December 1980, in which Minnesota came back from a 23-9 deficit to snatch victory in the last five minutes. The Vikes closed to within a point and, after forcing the Browns to punt, were left with 14 seconds, with the ball at their own 20. A crafty lateral pass (more of them another time) set up a 39-yard gain, leaving 41 yards still to go and just five seconds on the clock. NBC broadcaster Len Dawson predicted, “They’re gonna throw that ball up in the air and hope for a miracle” … and he wasn’t wrong. Three receivers lined up on the right and all ran go routes to the end zone, while Tommy Kramer (456 yards, 4 TDs) dropped back and heaved the ball into the crowd scene. A Browns defender tipped the ball but Ahmad Rashad caught it, with one hand, on the 1-yard line and took it in backwards for the score that sealed the NFC Central division title for Minnesota.

When Hail Marys become Fail Marys…

The original ‘Fail Mary’, as it became known, is a misnomer; it was actually a successful play. It occurred in 2012, during a contractual dispute with referees and umpires, when a replacement crew dominated the headlines in the Packers’ Monday night clash with the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson threw a last-second attempt on a 4th-and-10 to Golden Tate, who was surrounded by three defenders in the end zone. Tate pushed one of them away without drawing a flag (hold that thought) but both he and MD Jennings gripped the ball with both hands as they fell to the ground. One referee signalled for a touchdown while another called it an INT. A replay confirmed the score, which resulted in a controversial 14-12 Seattle victory.

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That play is one of several that confirm the benefits of defensive players knocking the ball away – preferably down – rather that trying to intercept it but even that can go wrong. On the final play of a 2010 game in Jacksonville, Texans safety Glover Quin tried to knock down a David Garrard pass intended for Mike Sims-Walker with a double-handed, volleyball-style swat. Alas, it went straight into the hands of Jags receiver Mike Thomas, who brought the ball under control and stepped into the end zone for the winning score.

The Tate TD also highlights the fact that players on both sides are essentially immune from pass-interference flags on a Hail Mary, largely because the NFL doesn’t want a game to be decided on a penalty. Most attempts turn into rugby scrums and no one seems to bat an eyelid. The other dilemma facing defensive coaches is whether to take your chances at the line of scrimmage and send in the pass rush or pull more bodies back to defend the ball down the field. That’s a case of pick your own poison and there’s no right answer.

HOT AND COLD STREAKS: There have been three seasons (2012, 2015 and 2016) with three successful Hail Marys each, while only one was completed between 2003 and 2009.

… and Oh Hell Marys

Because it’s such a high-risk, high-reward play, a Hail Mary can go spectacularly awry and I don’t mean the ‘it didn’t quite work’ kind of wrong; I mean ‘handing the other team seven points’ wrong. Indeed, that happened just three months ago, in Week 12 of the 2023 season, in what might be one of the most ‘Jets’ plays ever.

Trailing 10-6 with the first half all but over, New York Jets QB Tim Boyle unleashed a ball 57 yards through the air. Alas, it went straight to Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland on the 1-yard line, and he ran it back for the first Hail Mary returned for a touchdown since ESPN began tracking them in 2006. Starting from the back-left of the field, he ended up at the opposite corner, having run for 124 yards. Picking up critical blocks from Christian Wilkins, Bradley Chubb and Jerome Baker along the way, he left the Jets players sprawling in his wake as he completed his incredible 99-yard pick six.

Despite going on to lose 34-13, Jets running back Breece Hall had no beef with the decision to try a Hail Mary. “It makes perfect sense to me,” he said. “You get the ball at the 50, you throw it at the end zone. When you stop thinking like that, that’s when you’re passive, and I don’t want to be a part of a passive offense. I’m happy we went for it.”

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THE LATEST (SUCCESSFUL) HAIL MARY: In Week 2 of the 2023 season, the Washington Commanders fought back from 21-3 down to lead the Denver Broncos 35–27. With three seconds remaining, Russell Wilson heaved a pass from midfield that was deflected twice before Brandon Johnson caught the TD, giving the QB his second career Hail Mary completion. Alas, Denver failed to convert the ensuing two-point conversion so it was all in vain.

A personal favourite: the Hail Murray

With 35 Hail Marys in the NFL record books, it’s impossible to summarise them all here. But before we finish, let’s revisit one more corker that wasn’t scripted. It was a play that unravelled and the quarterback in question just had to wing it.

The so-called ‘Hail Murray’ occurred when the Cardinals hosted the Buffalo Bills in November 2020. Down 30-26 with 11 seconds remaining and with no timeouts left, the intended target Andy Isabella – running a crossing route – couldn’t get open on a 1st-and-10. The diminutive Kyler Murray evaded a would-be sack from Mario Addison but with two Bills lineman barrelling towards him, it was clear that the play was breaking down, there was nowhere for him to scramble to and time was ebbing away. He was left with no other choice but to hurl it 43 yards downfield and hope for the best. Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the only Arizona player to reach the end zone, somehow climbed the ladder and caught the ball, his hands rising through those of Jordan Poyer, Tre’Davious White and Micah Hyde to seal a stunning 32-30 comeback victory.

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Here’s just a taste of how that amazing moment, which won the NFL Play of the Year Award, was described by the radio announcers who cover the Cardinals on KVMP FM. (The fact that it’s nearly all in capitals tells you everything…)

Dave Pasch: “Murray back to throw, flushed out, rolling left in trouble, slips a tackle, gotta launch it, he does, left side, into the end zone, jump ball, and it is… is it caught?! Is it caught?! OH MY GOODNESS, IT’S CAUGHT! DEANDRE HOPKINS CAUGHT IT! HE CAUGHT IT FOR A TOUCHDOWN! WITH ONE SECOND LEFT! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT! YOU’VE GOTTA BE JOKING ME! HOPKINS… REACHES UP WITH THREE DEFENDERS AROUND HIM AND PULLS IT IN! THE CARDINALS LEAD 32-30 WITH A SECOND LEFT!”

Ron Wolfley: “YOU! CAN’T! COVER! ‘NUK! YOU’RE NOT GONNA BE ABLE TO COVER HIM! THROW THE BALL UP! THAT’S WHAT KYLER MURRAY DID! HE EXTENDED THE PLAY WITH HIS LEGS! AND JUST CHUCKED THAT THING UP INTO THE AIR! INTO THE DESERT SKY, BABY! AND D-HOP BROUGHT IT DOWN! TOUCHDOWN!”

Wow. Goosebumps.

Long live the long throw

Since Staubach’s post-game comment half a century ago, the Hail Mary has (somewhat fittingly) come a long way. It is now less of a desperate call for divine intervention and more often a deliberate, strategic play that a cannon-armed quarterback can pull out of the bag when needed. It embodies everything we love about football: skill and strength for sure, but also unpredictability, hope and a little bit of luck.

So, please join me in raising a glass to the Hail Mary: a rare beast, but far from endangered. Rather, it has become an integral part of the NFL’s rich tapestry and, as these examples hopefully illustrate, brought us some of the most dramatic and celebrated moments in league history. That’s why I’m certain that, as long as there are a few seconds on the clock, half a field still to gain and a result hanging in the balance, the Hail Mary will continue to captivate NFL fans.

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PICK SIX – Super Bowl LVIII

That’s it. The 2023 NFL season is in the vault and the big finale at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas rounded it all off in style. Super Bowl LVIII had it all. Travis Kelce screaming into Andy Reid’s face. Taylor Swift downing a beer. Christian McCaffrey and Isaiah Pacheco coughing up fumbles. Mecole Hardman, who started the season with the Jets, catching the winning TD pass seconds away from double-overtime. Back-to-back Super Bowl MVPs for Patrick Mahomes. Talk of footballing dynasties. And while we can’t hope to cover everything from the Kansas City Chiefs’ 25-22 win over the San Francisco 49ers, Shaun Blundell and Sean Tyler have picked six talking points for one last time this season.

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Taylor Swift is the NFL’s MVP

We can talk about game-changing plays or poor coaching decisions all we like. The reality is, the NFL is a business, a huge money-making business at that. At the heart of that business is its audience and this year’s Super Bowl attracted the highest US TV audience since Apollo 11 landed on the moon. Bear in mind that 50+ years ago, there were no streaming platforms, no cable TV and far less other entertainment avenues for the average consumer. So the question is, what made this year different? Enter Miss Swift.

It is estimated that as many as 20% of fans tuned in to cheer on the Chiefs just because of Taylor’s connection to Travis Kelce, based on a flash poll conducted by Variety. The TV coverage certainly made sure the pop superstar was featured heavily entering the arena, during the game (chugging a can of beer no less) and of course, the post-match celebrations sealed with a kiss. It may have become a bit of a bone of contention for avid fans but for the casuals, or what the NFL hopes will be ‘new fans’, the impact has been invaluable. 

The league will not be concerned how invested in the actual game these fans are at the moment but will be revelling in the buzz of the product hitting the eyes of an entire new genre of people. Sponsorship money will go through the roof, the international audience will grow and importantly, the sport will make headlines on front pages along with back pages of news coverage. I would warn anyone wanting to see less of this ‘distraction’ next season to be prepared for an awful lot more.

Lamar Jackson may have won the official hardware but have no doubt about it, there really is only one MVP in the eyes of the league this year and she didn’t ever see the field. I would suggest Travis Kelce is under enormous pressure to make that relationship work for a while to come yet. [SB]

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Butker enhances his leg-acy

As well as being an attritional defensive battle, Super Bowl LVIII was also a special teams showcase. In particular, the kickers on both teams excelled.

Although he ended up on the losing side, Jake Moody, the 49ers’ rookie kicker, still had himself a day to remember. In the second quarter, he set a new record for the longest field goal in Super Bowl history when he drilled a 55-yarder between the uprights (a yard further than the previous record). Moody then became the first kicker to make multiple field goals of 50+ yards in a Super Bowl when he banged another one home from 53. He ended up with three FGs in total but did see one of his point-after attempts blocked.

However, his opposite number for the Chiefs had a perfect night. Harrison Butker went 4 for 4 on field goals and nailed his only PAT kick too. As well as successful chip shots from 24, 28 and 29 yards, including the one that took the game to overtime with three seconds on the clock, his tally also included a 57-yarder midway through the third quarter. That set an even-newer benchmark for the longest field goal in Super Bowl history, beating the record that Moody had held for about 25 minutes.

Butker now has nine Super Bowl field goals to his name, which breaks the previous career high of seven, held by both Adam Vinatieri and Stephen Gostkowski. Butker’s pre-game odds for Super Bowl MVP were even longer than Sam Darnold’s 20,000-1, as he wasn’t even on the list that I saw, but I’d say he gave Mahomes a good run for his money. [ST]

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Niners’ unexpected dual threat

If I’d said before the game that a Niners’ player was going to be a key dual-threat contributor in both of their touchdowns, you may have guessed that Christian McCaffrey had posted rushing and receiving touchdowns, or that Brock Purdy had thrown and rushed for scores. But in fact, despite his team falling short, it was wide receiver Jauan Jennings who came up big when it counted most, with a TD pass as well as a TD reception.

He provided a major spark to the San Francisco offence when the threw the game’s first TD pass on a trick play. Midway through the second quarter, Jennings – out to the left – took a lateral from Brock Purdy but then threw a pass straight back across the field to a waiting Run CMC, who ran it in with ease from 21 yards.

Then, early in the fourth quarter, Jennings capped a 14-play, 75-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown catch from Purdy. He ended the game with four catches for 42 yards and a score, but that lob to McCaffrey makes him just the sixth non-QB ever to throw a TD pass in the big dance. Furthermore, he became only the second player ever with both a passing and receiving TD in a Super Bowl, joining Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles in a very exclusive club.

When asked to sum up his reaction to the loss, Jennings told a reporter that it was similar to “someone putting a nail in front of you and then having to step on it.” So we can confirm, the pain of losing as a team overrides the personal joy gained from any individual accomplishments. [ST]

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Will Shanahan feel better over time?

You’ve got to feel for Niners Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. He’s now been to three Super Bowls and lost them all, thanks to two all-time greats in Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. Back in the 2016 season, he was the Atlanta Falcons’ OC when they let a 28-3 lead slip, the largest collapse in Super Bowl history, to TB12’s New England and in both games against the Chiefs over the last four years, the 49ers blew 10-point leads. 

On Sunday, the big one went into overtime for only the second time ever (that Falcons v Patriots classic did too), creating one of the game’s biggest talking points: why did Shanahan elect to receive the ball first when the 49ers won the coin toss? Ironically, the Chiefs were the last team to benefit under the old overtime regulations (against the Bills in the famous ‘13 Seconds’ AFC title match in 2022) but this was the first time the new overtime rules had been called into action since they were introduced two years ago. Under the new format, both teams have an opportunity to possess the ball regardless of what happens on the first possession, unless there’s a defensive score. If it’s all-square after those first two possessions, the game continues till someone scores.

Shanahan’s decision to take the ball first was seemingly locked in days before and based on the analytics behind having the third ‘sudden-death’ possession if the scores were level after a drive each. But his logic might be flawed; if the scores aren’t level, that crucial third possession is irrelevant. The argument in favour of deferring is that if your opponent’s offense has the ball first, you then know what is required to win… and you can play four-down football if necessary.

Here’s an example of how it played out on Sunday. During KC’s first overtime possession, after the Niners had kicked a FG in the opening drive of OT, they faced a 4th-and-1 from their own 34-yard line. Had they taken the ball first, they probably would have punted at this point (because had they gone for it and failed, the Niners would’ve been in range of a game-winning field goal). But because the Chiefs were trailing by three, punting wasn’t an option: conceding possession would have automatically handed the Lombardi trophy to their opponents. They had to go for it and, of course, an 8-yard scamper from Mahomes kept the drive alive.

Interestingly, had Mahomes won the OT toss rather than Fred Warner, the Chiefs would have let the 49ers have the ball anyway. As Chris Jones confirmed afterwards, “We’d talked for two weeks about the new overtime rules. Give the ball to the opponent. And if we score, we go for two.” Which is another reason why Shanahan’s plan might be considered misguided. Andy Reid wasn’t planning on letting the 49ers have another possession. If San Francisco scored seven points, the Chiefs would score eight – or go down trying. 

In another twist to the tale, it seems that while the Chiefs were all fully clued up, some 49ers players weren’t even aware of the new postseason OT rules. “I didn’t even realize the playoff rules were different,” Kyle Juszczyk confessed after the game. Yikes! Whatever you think of Shanahan’s post-coin-flip choices, that’s just unforgivable. Surely, when you’re competing for your sport’s greatest prize, everyone on your team should know the rules and understand the repercussions of any situations that might arise. This oversight only compounds the questions surrounding Shanahan’s OT tactics and it’s something that must be addressed before he reaches a fourth Super Bowl. [ST]

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Shanahan has the wrong answers… again

There is a giant monkey on the back of Kyle Shanahan. Without question, he is one of the premium coaches in the NFL but the nagging conundrum is can he win the big one? Here was another brilliant opportunity to get the job done and had you offered any Niners fan the ability to hold the Chiefs to 19 points in regulation, I am sure they would have snapped your hand off. That was the reality on Sunday evening and when San Francisco ultimately fell short, how does Kyle respond? By firing his defensive coordinator!

They didn’t lose the game because of their defense. Their offense was sluggish and largely ineffective. The defense gave the offense multiple opportunities to emerge from the first half with more than a seven-point lead. But the offensive coordinator can’t be fired by the head coach, because the offensive coordinator is the head coach. It just seems like an overreaction that’s possibly a reflection of the mounting pressure on Shanahan to win a championship.

Presumably, Shanahan already knows who will take over the defense. Will he look to bring in a big name such as Pete Carroll, Bill Belichick or Mike Vrabel to take over? Regardless, the timing stinks for Steve Wilks who has had a rough few years with circumstances seemingly conspiring against him wherever he has landed.

Wilks had led a top three defensive unit throughout the season and the decision has been widely criticised by pundits and players alike. NFL safety Tre Boston chimed in with “If y’all can’t see what’s going on with Steve Wilks! Open your (eyes)! There’s a target on his back which I truly don’t understand! Not one player who’s played for this man has had anything bad to say about him as a man, his coaching nor schemes! HE JUST LED HIS DEFENSE TO THE SB!”

It is hard to disagree with the sentiment. [SB]

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Please be better

Having written countless articles for Full 10 Yards over the years, it would seem appropriate for my final couple of paragraphs to probably be the most poignant. Football is a game, a game we all love, a game we debate, a game that frustrates us and a game that brings us joy. It is almost unfathomable to me that 22 people were injured, with one poor victim killed, in a shooting at the Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade.

This column has concentrated on play on the field throughout the season. To sign off the 2023/24 campaign, however, we have one ask. Thank you America for bringing this wonderful game into our lives but please realise that guns are a problem and never part of the solution. Do better, so that fans all over the world can celebrate their team’s ultimate success without fear of a lunatic running around with a deadly weapon. [SB]

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We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our Pick Six lists as much as we’ve enjoyed putting them together. Thank you for sticking with us every week. Keep your eyes peeled for more F10Y content throughout the off-season.

Shaun and Sean