Ranking the top 10 plays in Super Bowl history
Honorable Mentions
Von Miller strip sack on Cam Newton
Super Bowl 50 featured the high-powered Carolina Panthers offense and dominant Denver Broncos defense. Behind an impressive performance from the Broncos’ top–ranked defensive unit, the game’s biggest play came in the fourth quarter with the Panthers down six. Miller stripped quarterback Cam Newton for a second time in the game, ending the Panthers’ hopes of a final scoring drive.
Saints onside kick
Down four, heading out of halftime, the New Orleans Saints were in desperate need of a splash play. With Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts offense set to receive the ball, Saints head coach Sean Payton opted for a surprise onside kick that would shift the momentum of the team’s Super Bowl upset win.
Devin Hester opening kickoff return
After already setting the record with five kick return touchdowns during the regular season his rookie season, Hester entered Super Bowl XLI as target No. 1 on the Indianapolis Colts’ scouting report. Opting to kick to the Chicago Bears star return man, Hester would become the first player ever to return an opening kickoff for a touchdown in Super Bowl history.
John Riggins’ 43-yard run
With 38 carries in Super Bowl XVII, Riggins’ most memorable run came during the fourth quarter when the Washington Redskins’ workhorse back delivered a 43-yard run to take back the lead against the Miami Dolphins. The 4th-and-1 rush would lead to an eventual 27-17 win, becoming the first Super Bowl victory in Washington history.
