Great games between not so great teams

[CSKreager]

Sometimes, teams that aren't much to shout about will give us a barnburner.

My favorite example of this: Packers/Lions Thanksgiving 1986 (44-40)

What say you?

[Gary Najman]

Although the Cardinals weren't bad in 1984, the 34-33 St. Louis-Indianapolis game in the 3rd week of the season is my favorite, it was also the first NFL Films Game of the Week I recorded in my VCR and I watched it many times.

[74_75_78_79_]

In year like 1983 with many regular-season games to look back upon, how about the ever-so-hidden Atl 47 GB 41, OT?

[Todd Pence]

1966 - Broncos 40, Oilers 38. Denver overcomes George Blanda's five touchdown passes to win on a last-second 46-yard field goal.

[Rupert Patrick]

I think the greatest of these games was the 2009 game between the 1-8 Browns and 1-8 Lions:

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... 220det.htm

This was the game when Cleveland committed pass interference in the end zone during Detroit's unsuccessful Hail Mary pass play as time expired, giving the Lions an untimed play from the one. However, during the play, Matthew Stafford was hammered and temporarily knocked out cold, but came to quickly, went to the bench, and convinced the coach to let him go back out for the final play. Stafford connected with Brandon Pettigrew for a score to tie the score at 37-37, and Jason Hanson added the extra point for the Lions 38-37 win. I forgot to mention the Lions came back from a 24-3 first quarter deficit to tie the game before halftime. Stafford threw five TD passes and Brady Quinn threw four TD passes. I believe it was one of the 100 greatest games in pro football history.

[nicefellow31]

I remember watching this opening game to the 1980 season. Phil Simms throws 5 touchdown passes to lead the Giants over the Cardinals 41-35. Giants would end their season 4-12 & the Cardinals 5-11. *Note* My Redskins went 6-10 with 4 of those wins coming over the Giants and Cardinals.
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... 070crd.htm

[JWL]

I found last year's Jets at Bills game to be thrilling. It was the rare game in this era of excessive short tossing that actually saw a bevy of long passes thrown and completed. The 43 passes that were completed averaged 15.84 yards.

The game featured one team playing much better from scrimmage (Jets), but the other team making some huge plays to stay close and eventually take the lead. I find these sorts of games to be really fun to watch.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... 150buf.htm

[conace21]

I think the greatest of these games was the 2009 game between the 1-8 Browns and 1-8 Lions:

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ ... 220det.htm

This was the game when Cleveland committed pass interference in the end zone during Detroit's unsuccessful Hail Mary pass play as time expired, giving the Lions an untimed play from the one. However, during the play, Matthew Stafford was hammered and temporarily knocked out cold, but came to quickly, went to the bench, and convinced the coach to let him go back out for the final play. Stafford connected with Brandon Pettigrew for a score to tie the score at 37-37, and Jason Hanson added the extra point for the Lions 38-37 win. I forgot to mention the Lions came back from a 24-3 first quarter deficit to tie the game before halftime. Stafford threw five TD passes and Brady Quinn threw four TD passes. I believe it was one of the 100 greatest games in pro football history.

With all the talk regarding concussions, I should point out that Stafford actually separated his left shoulder on the Hail Mary pass. I don't believe he was ever knocked cold. He didn't move for a few moments, but that was due to the pain.

[Reaser]

With all the talk regarding concussions, I should point out that Stafford actually separated his left shoulder on the Hail Mary pass. I don't believe he was ever knocked cold. He didn't move for a few moments, but that was due to the pain.

Yup, this is what happened. After his TD pass he even pointed to his shoulder and was saying "it's out".

[sheajets]

Cardinals-Seahawks. Right around Christmas 1993 played a barnburner at the Kingdome that I was in attendance for. Beurlein threw for 431 yards and 3 tds (and 2 picks)

I do remember there was already some grumbling about Mirer in the stands.

Gary Clark had 12 catches for 152 and a TD for the Cards. Chris Warren was unstoppable with 168 on 27 and a TD.

Seahawks led 20-7 at the half. Beuerlein throws 2 TD's to make it 21-20 Cards. Greg Davis kicks a 50 yarder. 24-20. Mirer actually leads them down the field late and plunges in from 1 yard to make it 27-24. Beuerlein with about 90 seconds left moves them to about the 37 where Greg Davis kicks an incredible 55 yarder (incredible at the time at least, even in a dome) After some back and forth play in OT Davis seals it with a 40 yarder.

I remember it being a very intense game by two 5-9 squads. Wasn't expecting this for sure.