The Cleveland Browns defeated the Chicago Bears yesterday 20-17 after a last-second, 47-yard desperation pass from Bears QB Justin Fields made its way around the end zone, temporarily into the hands of Bears WR Darnell Mooney, and landed, finally, in the grasp of Browns safety D’Anthony Bell, who gets bonus points for paying attention until the end of the play. In honor of the improbable finish, Sportswriting reporters have collected what we believe to be the top five last-second plays in NFL history.
1. New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings, January 14, 2018 – “Minneapolis Miracle”
In the divisional round of the 2017 NFL season, with 10 seconds to go, the Vikings were down 24-23. Minnesota QB Case Keenum stepped up in the pocket and delivered a 27-yard pass to WR Stefon Diggs, who avoided a tackle from Saints safety Marcus Williams and took the catch 61 yards for a touchdown as time expired. With the win, the Vikings clinched an NFC Championship birth.
2. Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions, December 3, 2015 – “Miracle in Motown”
With no time remaining on the clock, the Green Bay Packers were down to the final play of the game. Packers QB Aaron Rodgers evaded the pressure of the Lions defense and moved out of the pocket. He threw a desperation pass that was caught by WR Richard Rodgers II to prevail 27-23 in the Week 13 Thursday Night Football matchup.
3. New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks, February 1, 2015
On the 1-yard line, the Seahawks trailed 28-24. Seattle QB Russel Wilson threw a quick slant to WR Ricardo Lockette when CB Malcolm Butler broke to the ball and intercepted the pass. The goal-line stand secured the Patriots’ fourth Super Bowl win.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals, February 1, 2009
Not technically a last-second play, but too good to omit. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. Pittsburgh took the lead with less than one minute to go. QB Ben Roethlisberger searched for a target, pump faked and finally threw the 14-yard pass to the back right corner of the end zone. Wide receiver Santonio Holmes snagged it while demonstrating textbook toe-dragging technique. With the score, Pittsburgh led 27-23 with 35 seconds to go.
5. Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals, November 15, 2020
With time winding down and the Cardinals still fighting for a playoff spot, QB Kyler Murray rolled out left, evaded three pass rushers and heaved the ball toward the end zone. Wide receiver Deandre Hopkins leaped up with three Bills defenders smothering him. Hopkins miraculously landed with the ball, securing the Arizona victory.
