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It’s getting closer, ladies and gentlemen. . .we’ve almost made it to the start of Training Camp! But, until then, we’re looking for things to fill the void, and the NFL Network has provided us a little something.
The NFL Network gave us a quick video. . .which can’t be embedded here (thanks, NFL). . .showing the Minnesota Vikings’ top three “trick plays” of all time. Since I can’t embed the regular video, let’s see if YouTube will provide us with alternative sources.
#3 on the NFL Network’s list is this 27-yard touchdown pass from Randy Moss to Cris Carter against the New York Giants.
First off, for crying out loud, people. . .it’s Cris Carter. No H.
Second, this is a pretty great play on both ends. Carter isn’t nearly as open as receivers generally are on trick plays like this one, and Moss makes a pretty solid throw to get it to him. Then, Carter manages to get his feet down for the score, which didn’t appear to be easy, either.
The #2 play on the list can be seen starting at the 1:35 mark of this video, showing a Vikings fake field goal that resulted in a touchdown pass from Ryan Longwell to little-used tight end Richard Owens against the Carolina Panthers in 2006.
I’m actually sort of surprised that Owens got to the end zone ahead of Julius Peppers. Peppers was an absolute monster on the field that day, to the point where it seemed like there was two or three of him out there at all times. But he did, and the Vikings went on to win that one in overtime.
The last one, #1 on the NFL Network’s list, is one that we’ve all seen before.
It’s the Randy Moss to Moe Williams lateral against the Denver Broncos from 2003. While it was awesome to watch and a great play to remember, here’s the issue:
That’s not a “trick play.” At least it isn’t in my opinion.
A “trick play” is one that’s drawn up in a manner that is designed to fool the opposing defense from the start. I don’t think they went into the huddle for this one saying, “Okay, Daunte’s going to throw it as far as he can, and then Randy is going to catch it and almost get tackled, but then he flips it over his head to Moe, who’s going to run the rest of the way for a touchdown.”
The other two plays on the list are clearly trick plays. Culpepper to Moss to Moe Williams is not. But, any excuse to show the play again is a good one.