1: Oakland @ New England- Jan. 19, 2002
This game is known as the “tuck rule game” and there are so many reasons this game is number one. It was a playoff game, thus one of the most important. It was controversial and anything with controversy is appealing to fans. The game also went into overtime and the game was extremely competitive. Lastly, it created a dynasty and propelled one franchise to the top of the mountain while the other has been sitting at the bottom.
The Oakland Raiders were winning 13-10 with 1:48 remaining in the game. Oakland sent Charles Woodson on a blitz off the right tackle. As Woodson got to Tom Brady, Brady began to tuck the ball away after a pump fake. Woodson made contact with Brady and the ball came loose. It was recovered by Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert. The game was all but over. The play was reviewed and ruled that Brady’s arm was coming forward and the result of the play was an incomplete pass. It is the single worst call in NFL history. Brady had already completed the motion and was just holding onto the ball when Woodson hit him.
The Patriots went on to kick a field goal that tied the game and sent it into overtime. In overtime, New England kicked another field goal to win 16-13. The Patriots went on to win the Super Bowl and the rest is history.
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