NFL Power Rankings: The Greatest Plays Of All-Time
By Erik Lambert
#25: The Hook-and-Lateral
There is nothing more fun in pro football than watching a gadget play that works. So when it happens in the playoffs? Forget about it. That is what the Miami Dolphins gave fans in the 1981 playoffs. After falling behind 24-0 to start the game against the San Diego Chargers, the Fins came roaring back and unleashed this little gem right before the half to cut the lead to seven.
On the play quarterback Don Strock, who was actually the backup at that time for Miami, fired a pass to receiver Duriel Harris. He then immediately pitched the ball to running back Tony Nathan who was streaking up the field. The Chargers were caught completely off guard as Nathan ran in for a touchdown.
It led to one of the greatest back-and-forth games in NFL playoff history, earning its nickname the ‘Epic In Miami’. Sadly the play wasn’t enough to give the Dolphins a win, falling 41-38 in overtime.
Next: #24