Top 10 Dumbest Mistakes In NFL Football
#10: Russell Wilson Throws It
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At Super Bowl XLIX, the New England Patriots were leading the Seattle Seahawks 28-24. But the Seahawks were not letting up. They were mere inches away from the Patriots’ endzone, and on a second and goal the stage seemed set for them to score the game winning touchdown and take home the Super Bowl. But rather than do the logical thing and call for a run play, the Seahawks opted for a pass play instead, which resulted in Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson getting picked off by cornerback Malcolm Butler. The interception sealed the Patriots’ victory. To make matters worse, the Seattle Seahawks had Marshawn Lynch, one of the league’s premier running backs at the time, on their team, and he could have most likely easily run it in the endzone for the win.
#9: DeSean Jackson Drops the Ball Early
In the 2nd quarter of a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys in 2008, at first glance Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson scored what seemed like would be his first touchdown in the NFL. Turns out, after catching a pass from quarterback Donovan McNabb, Jackson got a little ahead of himself and threw the ball away before actually reaching into the end zone. This little oopsie resulted in the touchdown being called back and the ball was placed on the 1-yard line. At least the Eagles went on to score a touchdown shortly afterwards.
#8: Tony Romo’s Botched Snap
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Facing the Seattle Seahawks in an NFC Wild Card game, all that the Dallas Cowboys needed to win was a field goal. But on the ensuing play, everything went awry. In fact, the ball never even got kicked. That’s because Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo mishandled the snap during the 19-yard attempt. Instead of a field goal attempt, viewers got to see Romo frantically attempt to run the ball into the end zone only to get tackled and fumble both the ball and the Cowboys’ hopes of advancing in the playoffs. Accidents happen, but surely he could have come up with a better way to get the ball to the endzone.
#7: Leon Lett Tries To Recover the Ball
The Miami Dolphins were in full comeback mode during a Thanksgiving showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. They attempted to score a field goal to win the game, except that it wound up getting blocked. The Cowboys victory looked ensured and the celebrations even started on the sideline. However, Cowboys defensive tackle Leon Lett likely forgot the rules of American football and came barreling out of nowhere towards the ball, allowing Miami to recover it for another chance at a field goal. The kick was good and Miami went on to the game 16-14. Believe it or not, this wouldn’t be the only mishap of his career, having recovered a fumble at SuperBowl XXVII and prematurely celebrating on his way to the endzone, only to lose the ball moments later….
#6: Garo’s Gaffe
When Garo Yepremian’s field goal attempt is blocked late during the fourth quarter at Super Bowl VII, he’s able to recover the ball but instead of just falling on it, he throws it. Only he doesn’t. He whiffs on the ball so hard; it bounces off his arm straight into the hands of Washington’s Mike Bass, who takes it for a touchdown. This misplay took place during Miami’s undefeated season, so imagine squandering that historical feat on that kind of non-throw. Fortunately for the Dolphins, that did not occur, and their undefeated season remained intact despite Garo’s strange misplay.
#5: Dan Orlovsky Runs Out of the Endzone
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Dan Orlovsky’s career in the NFL has been defined by this very single play. Looking to throw the ball while in his own endzone, the Lions quarterback ran out of bounds. The play was called dead and ruled a safety, and the opponent Minnesota Vikings were awarded 2 points. Perhaps Orlovksy didn’t realize what he was doing, but he still should have better judgment regardless. It was Orlovsky’s first ever career start, and it was probably the last way he ever envisioned wanting to make a first impression. To make matters even worse, the Lions wound up losing the game by 2 points.
#4: The Miracle at the Meadowlands
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With seconds left in the game and leading 17-13 against the Philadelphia Eagles, a sure-fire win for the New York Giants was within their grasp. Seemingly unprepared for the snap, New York quarterback Joe Pisarcik proceeded to fumble the ball, allowing the Eagles to scoop it up, return it for a touchdown and get the W. No one could believe what they just saw. If the Giants simply went into victory formation, they would have run out the clock and won the game. However, much to the chagrin of Giants’ fans, this wouldn’t be the last time the Eagles pulled off a miracle on their team.
#3: The Colts’ Fake Punt
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Where do we even begin with this one? The Colts claimed they were trying to confuse the New England Patriots with a fake punt and catch them either offside or with too many men on the field. But everything about the play made absolutely no sense.The Patriots even seemed a bit confused, but they still understood what had to be done and surrounded the two Colts players by the ball. When the ball snapped, no one was surprised by the outcome. On top of the embarrassment of having attempted that play, the Colts also received a flag for having an illegal formation.
#2: Jim Marshall Runs the Wrong Way
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On a play against the San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jim Marshall was able to pick up a fumble. He saw a clear path to the end zone and went all the way to score a touchdown. Too bad he went in the wrong direction. That’s right. Marshall ran into his own endzone! He was even congratulated by an opposing player. Fortunately, the Vikings were still able to come away with the win. Still, why didn’t Marshall think before deciding to run that way? Before we unveil our #1 pick, here are a few honorable, or should we we say dishonorable mentions Dwayne Rudd Throws his Helmet Rudd Celebrates Too Early, Resulting in a Flag for Unsportsmanlike Conduct and Moving the Chains for the Kansas City Chiefs, Who Went on to Win the Game The Darius Reynaud Safety He Caught the Ball With One Foot in the Endzone and One Foot Out, Resulting in a Safety For the Pittsburgh Steelers Aaron Brooks' Backwards Pass The Ball Was Thrown Backwards and Picked Up, Bringing the Saints Way Back Joe Gibbs' Timeout This Head Coach Forgot That You Can’t Take a Second Consecutive Timeout to Ice the Kicker… Washington’s Swinging Gate Play Another Day, Another Bad Decision Made on Special Teams…
#1: The Butt Fumble
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NFL fans already know this one. Facing the New England Patriots, quarterback Mark Sanchez decided to run on a play. Except…he didn’t look where he was running to and likely didn’t think over which direction he wanted to go. And so, this happened. He landed face first into offensive lineman Brandon Moore’s butt. Sanchez fumbled the ball and it was recovered by safety Steve Gregory for a touchdown. We understand he didn’t intend to do this, but Sanchez’s decision to not look where he was running resulted in arguably the most infamous play in NFL history.
