NFL Power Rankings: The Greatest Plays Of All-Time

#26:  The Fake Spike

Former Miami Dolphins tight end turned play-by-play announcer Jim Mandich once said that Dan Marino always had big ones, and that they were made of brass.  Indeed never was that clearer than when the Hall of Fame quarterback led his team on an epic comeback against his favorite opponent, the New York Jets.

Trailing 24-6 in the 3rd quarter, Marino cut the lead to three.  With under a minute to play in the 4th, he had driven the Dolphins deep in Jets territory and only needed to spike the football to stop the clock for a tying field goal to force overtime.  Instead the 33-year old took advice from backup Bernie Kosar and decided to take a gamble.

He acted like he intended to spike, then at the snap of the ball fired an out pass to wide receiver Mark Ingram.  It was his fourth touchdown pass of the game, completing the comeback and crushing the Jets’ playoff hopes.

Next: #25