NFL Power Rankings: The Greatest Plays Of All-Time

#6:  Miracle at Meadowlands 1

If this play teaches any valuable lesson about football, it’s always to follow the path of common sense.  In this 1978 matchup between longtime rivals the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants, that was never more evident.  It was a pivotal game for both teams.  A win for the Giants would get them back to 6-6 with a chance to make a late run to the playoffs.  For the Eagles it was a chance to extend to a three-game winning streak and their own playoff push.

Per usual of that era and between those two teams, it was a tight, defensive affair.  As time wound down the game appeared over.  New York had the ball and Philadelphia was out of time outs.  All the Giants had to do was run out the clock.  The problem was the quarterback kneel play was not in effect at that time.  So Giants quarterback Joe Pisarcik would have to fall to the ground and basically let the Eagles defense pile on him.  After this happened on 1st down, New York realized they didn’t want to risk him getting hurt.

That was when the call came in to do a hand off to fullback Larry Czoka on 2nd down.  Giants players begged Pisarcik to change the call, but he chose not to.  Subsequently, this lack of communication led to what followed.  On the snap Piscarcik got the ball earlier than expected.  Though he managed to control it, it bobbled as he tried to hand it Czonka.  It bounced off the fullbacks’ hip and fell to the ground.

Eagles defensive back Herman Edwards was waiting nearby and scooped up the loose ball, running it 26 yards for a stunning last-second touchdown.  Philadelphia would soon call it the “Miracle at the Meadowlands,” and rode the victory into the playoffs that season.

Next: #5