This week we celebrate history being made thanks to a rare yet special play, well special teams play that is. During the game between the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints we saw the first ever two point conversion following a blocked extra point attempt. Not only was it a great moment for the sport but it also came at a pivotal moment in the game.
The Panthers had just got a touchdown to bring the score to 14-13 and they needed the extra point to tie the game. Now in previous years the extra point would have been a formality but rule changes this year mean that the extra point attempt is kicked from the 15 yard line as opposed to the 2 yard line. Not only has the point of the kick been changed but they have also made the rule the same as a blocked field goal in that it can be returned to the opposing endzone for a score. Whereas a blocked field goal return would get you six points for the touchdown, during an extra point attempt it will get you two points.
Apologies for the long description but to see how it affected the game and the rest of the highlights from this NFC South clash, check out the highlights below:
Another game where the special teams unit stole the show by making some big plays was the New England Patriots vs the Philadelphia Eagles. With the Patriots up 14 – 7 near the end of the first half they were forced to punt and instead of getting some field position they found themselves in a tied game thanks to a blocked punt which was returned for a touchdown by the Eagles.
Later in the game the Eagles special teams unit brought some more spice to the game as Darren Sproles returned a punt 83 yards for a touchdown. Big plays like this really do create such big momentum shifts during and you can see how by watching the highlights from this game below:
Leaving the special teams behind us now we come onto a game which really took me by surprise and that is the Jacksonville Jaguars vs Tennessee Titans. Both of these teams have been pretty poor at times during the season and between them they have a combined record of 7 – 17.
Of course just like in life, with football one should never assume as it only makes an ass out of you and me! One of the Jags young receivers Allen Robinson is who I want to mention first in this game as he just ‘had a day’ as Scott Hansen would say. Robinson racked up 153 yards and three touchdowns on the night and not to be outdone the Titans young quarterback Marcus Mariota had a monster 87 yard rushing touchdown.
I have only ever seen a couple long touchdown runs by quarterbacks like that, the first one that springs to mind is Colin Kaepernick of the 49ers last year in their game against the Chargers and in RG III’s first year a few seasons ago, he ripped off a 70+ yard run as well. Check out Mariota’s run and all of the pinball scoring between the Jags and Titans by watching the highlights below:
Finally to finish off this week I want to talk about touchdown celebrations as it an area that has me torn. The sensible side of me thinks you should just pull a Barry Sanders and flip the ball straight back to the referee but thanks to Antonio Brown this week I remembered how much I love the elaborate celebrations. After one of his scores this week Antonio Brown jumped up and straddled the goal post before sliding down it. A classic celebration that hurts absolutely no one but yet still draws a penalty from the officials. I would love to know what you think about the celebrations but just to help sway your vote here is Brown’s touchdown and celebration from this week:
Remember to check out our podcast ‘Spitball’ which will be available later in the week and until next time football fans, stay safe, take care and ‘Thanks for Stopping By’.