It looks like Miami now has 2 epic Hook and Lateral plays in it’s history.
First (1981)
Second (2018)
So let’s try to assess which one is greater.
1. Game winner
Advantage 2018. Just misses extra credit for being a walk off game winning TD because the pat was still needed for the win.
2. Playoffs.
Advantage 1981. While the 2018 has playoff implications it isn’t a guarantee of making it into the playoffs.
3. Execution
Advantage 1981. Once the lateral was made it was a walk in TD for Tony Nathan. The play came off exactly as drawn up.
4. Excitement
Advantage 2018. Not one but two laterals and some downfield blocking was needed. 1981 gets some credit for being more unexpected.
5. Opponent
No advantage on quality. Both opponents were very strong capable teams. Both lead by HoF calibre QBs. Slight advantage to 2018 for a divisional opponent.
6. Comeback.
Advantage 1981. The dolphins had fallen behind 24-0 in the first quarter and the hook and lateral would have been seen as the crucial difference maker if the phins had been able to win in OT.
7. Overall game quality
Advantage 1981. Widely regarded as one of the best NFL games in history. HoFers abounded on both teams.
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The epic in Miami hands down. That cemented don shula's genius as a coach and it was a playoff game and to this day considered one of the greatest games ever played.
Today's is better compared to the Monday night miracle with a j feeley winning the game. The only difference is this one will be identified by the one play -
oh.. btw, we lost the Monday Night Miracle (Fiedler was our QB):
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200010230nyj.htmLast edited: Dec 9, 2018mbsinmisc likes this. -
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_New_England_Patriots_season#Week_15:_at_Miami_Dolphins -