As I reminisced on the 2016 season, I thought I would take a minute and write about my three favorite plays from this year. There were a few others I considered pretty exciting and/or game changing, but I finally narrowed it down to these.
Coming in at #3
Dontari Poe with the Bloated Tebow
This one was on my list for several reasons. I like to watch Dontari Poe on offense. A big man in a skill position equals much entertainment. As you can see from the one picture, the man has some crazy ups. I think Next Gen stats calculated you could fix 6 sheets of paper under his feet. That’s right, six sheets stacked on top of each other.
Another reason I enjoyed this one is that it was against the Broncos and we were up 27-10, with only 1:55 remaining. What’s the best way to handle that situation? Hang another touchdown on them and send them home, while we clinch a playoff spot.
I’ll be surprised if Dorsey doesn’t find a way to keep a serious two way threat like Poe.
Coming in at #2
Tyreek Hill with a Free Kick return for a Touchdown
Some other video links:
What I enjoyed most about this one was that it was not only against the Broncos, or it was following a Safety we just scored, but it was also Tyreek Hill’s first NFL return TD.
In this play, we get the points, we make the Broncos look awful, awesome teammate high five during the play, and we get to see what speed do. Electric.
This was the first of 3 by him on the year, so it edged out the others simply due to the anticipation from the preceding games. The next time he returned one Arrowhead was chanting his name when he lined up to receive it.
Let’s all hope there are many, more coming our way.
The setup sack (I think I could literally watch this all day):
Coming in at # 1
Eric Berry and the FIRST EVER PICK 2
The Score:
Some of you might want to argue with me that this wasn’t a play, so it can’t be a top 3 play. Apparently, due to the rules, this is considered a Defensive Two-Point Conversion and, therefore, not a play. So, it doesn’t officially count as an interception. I am sure Matt Ryan slept much better that night knowing he didn’t throw an interception. And, since it doesn’t count as an interception, can you really call it a Pick-2? I am going to call it a Pick-2… because a Defensive Two-Point Conversion is boring.
A couple of things to note on this one. This occurred with 4:32 remaining, the Falcons just going up 28-27 on a TD. So, as the math would dictate, they went for 2 in order to create a 3 point difference. The normal thinking would be that a 2 point difference doesn’t really help any more than a 1 point difference. Additionally, the plays either work or don’t, but have never gone the other way like this. So, typically, there is little downside to trying. Apparently, they forgot that they were playing against a man that beat cancer, gained weight on chemo, and was back in his hometown to play.
Game possibly on the line, since them scoring means we need a field goal to tie it up with 4 ½ to go. EB does EB things and jumps the route.
The last reason, I enjoyed this was Berry’s play that day. He continually attacked and showed why he is a top safety in the league. He scored a Pick 6 earlier in the game and gave the ball to his parents, telling them “I’ll be back”. Well, the terminator certainly did come back. While he could have tried batting the ball down and allowing the special teams to return a kickoff and the offense to drive downfield, instead he caught it and took off for the end zone. As a matter of fact, if you look close in the picture with the score you can see the cannon he was shot out of.
That’s my Top 3 on the year, what plays were your favorites?
Until next week, there’s The Rub.
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