Players describe the best and weirdest plays of Week 10
Will Parks
Broncos vs. Saints • Blocked and returned
The situation: With the Superdome crowd roaring in the wake of Drew Brees' 32-yard touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks with 1:30 to play that tied the game at 23, the Saints need the extra point to put themselves in position to win. The play: Broncos rookie safety Justin Simmons leaps over Saints long-snapper Justin Drescher and blocks Will Lutz's kick. The Broncos' other rookie safety -- Will Parks -- snares the ball on the bounce and runs 84 yards up the left sideline for two points to give the Broncos a 25-23 win. Parks says after the game: "I want to thank my grandma for taking me to ballet.'' Gary Kubiak, Trevor Siemian and Park discuss the wild ending in the audio clip.
Chuck Cook/USA TODAY Sports
Eric Berry
Chiefs vs. Panthers • Game changer
The situation: The Panthers have the ball at their own 29 facing a third-and-6 with 10:51 left in the fourth quarter. Carolina holds a 17-6 lead. The play: The Chiefs blitz and get quick pressure on Carolina quarterback Cam Newton, who throws a weak pass intended for tight end Greg Olsen. It's intercepted by Chiefs safety Eric Berry, who runs across the field and into the end zone for a 42-yard touchdown.
Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports
Jameis Winston
Buccaneers vs. Bears • The great escape
The situation: Third-and-10 from the Tampa 23 with the Bucs leading 17-10 on their first drive of the second half. The play: Jameis Winston is pressured heavily by a swarm of Bears defenders. He drops back and trips but manages to spin out of it and escape, running first to his right, then to his left and back to his right while narrowly avoiding a safety before planting his feet and chucking the ball 39 yards downfield. It sails over the head of Bears CB Tracy Porter and into the hands of Mike Evans, who leaps backward on the play. The catch sets up a 43-yard touchdown to Freddie Martino to make it 24-10.
AP Photo/Steve Nesius
Kareem Jackson
Texans vs. Jaguars • Pick-six
The situation: Third-and-6 from the Jacksonville 40-yard line on the sixth play of a 0-0 game. The play: Cornerback Kareem Jackson jumps in front of Jaguars receiver Allen Hurns to intercept a Blake Bortles pass and run it back 42 yards for a touchdown. It is the Texans' first defensive touchdown of the season.
Logan Bowles/USA TODAY Sports
Preston Smith
Redskins vs. Vikings • One-handed grab
The situation: Minnesota faces second-and-10 at the Washington 39-yard line with 5 minutes, 53 seconds left in the game and Washington holding a 23-20 lead. The play: Redskins outside linebacker Preston Smith, on the defense's right side, takes a step upfield and then drops into coverage -- right into quarterback Sam Bradford's passing lane. Bradford, though, must not see the 6-foot-4 Smith because he passes to receiver Adam Thielen. Smith is right there and tips the ball with his right hand, then grabs it with his left and returns the ball 22 yards, setting up a field goal.
Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports
DeMarco Murray
Titans vs. Packers • DeMarco does it all
The situation: Five different Titans score a touchdown in the first half against the Packers, but it is DeMarco Murray who sets the tone with two big scoring plays in the first quarter. The play: On the Titans' first play from scrimmage, Murray heads left and slides between the end of the line and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who gets sealed outside by Taylor Lewan. Murray sprints 75 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead on the Titans' longest play of the season. Murray shows off his arm on Tennessee's next possession, rolling right as if he is going to run the ball before slowing up to throw a pass to Delanie Walker in the end zone for a 10-yard TD pass and a 14-0 lead. The rout is on for the soon-to-be 5-5 Titans.
Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports
Taylor Gabriel
Falcons vs. Eagles • Quick strike
The situation: Second-and-11 from the Atlanta 24-yard line with the Eagles leading 13-9 early in the fourth quarter. The play: Matt Ryan drops back and lofts a pass down the far sideline for a wide-open Taylor Gabriel, who hauls in the catch at the Eagles' 45-yard line and races the rest of the way untouched for a 76-yard touchdown and a 15-13 lead after Matt Bryant's PAT failed. Coach Dan Quinn talks about the game in the audio clip.
James Lang/USA TODAY Sports
Jay Cutler
Buccaneers vs. Bears • Hail Mary to end the half
The situation: First-and-10 from the 50-yard line, with Tampa leading 17-3 with five seconds left in the first half. The play: Jay Cutler drops back in the pocket and moves to his right to avoid pressure. Cutler heaves a Hail Mary that a Tampa defender tips into the arms of wide receiver Cameron Meredith, who is positioned in the back of the end zone. The Bears cut the Bucs' lead to 17-10.
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
Bilal Powell
Rams vs. Jets • Hook and lateral
The situation: The Jets face third-and-goal from the Rams' 4-yard-line, trailing in the second quarter 3-0 in QB Bryce Petty's first NFL start. The play: Petty throws a quick screen to Brandon Marshall in the left flat. That makes sense because Marshall is a physical receiver capable of picking up tough yards after the catch. Ah, but the Jets aren't finished. Running back Bilal Powell loops around behind Marshall, catches a lateral pitch and sprints around the left end for the touchdown. Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa makes an excellent peel-back block on the play to help spring Powell.
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Ezekiel Elliot
Cowboys vs. Steelers • Capping off brilliant day
The situation: After six lead changes, the Cowboys have another chance to overtake the Steelers with 42 seconds left in regulation. The play: On first-and-10 from the Steelers' 32-yard line, Ezekiel Elliott takes the handoff and bursts through the gap up the middle 32 yards untouched for the touchdown with 15 seconds left to give the Cowboys a lead they wouldn't surrender. Elliott rushes for 114 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
Jason Bridge/USA TODAY Sports
Kiko Alonso
Dolphins vs. Chargers • Kiko comes up big
The situation: With the score tied at 24, the Chargers take over with 2 minutes, 57 seconds left in the game. The play: Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers sails a pass short and to the left toward Ty Williams. But Kiko Alonso steps up for the interception and returns it 60 yards for the touchdown, leading to a 31-24 advantage for the Dolphins with 1:13 left.
Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports
The situation: With the Superdome crowd roaring in the wake of Drew Brees' 32-yard touchdown pass to Brandin Cooks with 1:30 to play that tied the game at 23, the Saints need the extra point to put themselves in position to win. The play: Broncos rookie safety Justin Simmons leaps over Saints long-snapper Justin Drescher and blocks Will Lutz's kick. The Broncos' other rookie safety -- Will Parks -- snares the ball on the bounce and runs 84 yards up the left sideline for two points to give the Broncos a 25-23 win. Parks says after the game: "I want to thank my grandma for taking me to ballet.'' Gary Kubiak, Trevor Siemian and Park discuss the wild ending in the audio clip.
Chuck Cook/USA TODAY Sports
Eric Berry
Chiefs vs. Panthers • Game changer
The situation: The Panthers have the ball at their own 29 facing a third-and-6 with 10:51 left in the fourth quarter. Carolina holds a 17-6 lead. The play: The Chiefs blitz and get quick pressure on Carolina quarterback Cam Newton, who throws a weak pass intended for tight end Greg Olsen. It's intercepted by Chiefs safety Eric Berry, who runs across the field and into the end zone for a 42-yard touchdown.
Bob Donnan/USA TODAY Sports
Jameis Winston
Buccaneers vs. Bears • The great escape
The situation: Third-and-10 from the Tampa 23 with the Bucs leading 17-10 on their first drive of the second half. The play: Jameis Winston is pressured heavily by a swarm of Bears defenders. He drops back and trips but manages to spin out of it and escape, running first to his right, then to his left and back to his right while narrowly avoiding a safety before planting his feet and chucking the ball 39 yards downfield. It sails over the head of Bears CB Tracy Porter and into the hands of Mike Evans, who leaps backward on the play. The catch sets up a 43-yard touchdown to Freddie Martino to make it 24-10.
AP Photo/Steve Nesius
Kareem Jackson
Texans vs. Jaguars • Pick-six
The situation: Third-and-6 from the Jacksonville 40-yard line on the sixth play of a 0-0 game. The play: Cornerback Kareem Jackson jumps in front of Jaguars receiver Allen Hurns to intercept a Blake Bortles pass and run it back 42 yards for a touchdown. It is the Texans' first defensive touchdown of the season.
Logan Bowles/USA TODAY Sports
Preston Smith
Redskins vs. Vikings • One-handed grab
The situation: Minnesota faces second-and-10 at the Washington 39-yard line with 5 minutes, 53 seconds left in the game and Washington holding a 23-20 lead. The play: Redskins outside linebacker Preston Smith, on the defense's right side, takes a step upfield and then drops into coverage -- right into quarterback Sam Bradford's passing lane. Bradford, though, must not see the 6-foot-4 Smith because he passes to receiver Adam Thielen. Smith is right there and tips the ball with his right hand, then grabs it with his left and returns the ball 22 yards, setting up a field goal.
Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports
DeMarco Murray
Titans vs. Packers • DeMarco does it all
The situation: Five different Titans score a touchdown in the first half against the Packers, but it is DeMarco Murray who sets the tone with two big scoring plays in the first quarter. The play: On the Titans' first play from scrimmage, Murray heads left and slides between the end of the line and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who gets sealed outside by Taylor Lewan. Murray sprints 75 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead on the Titans' longest play of the season. Murray shows off his arm on Tennessee's next possession, rolling right as if he is going to run the ball before slowing up to throw a pass to Delanie Walker in the end zone for a 10-yard TD pass and a 14-0 lead. The rout is on for the soon-to-be 5-5 Titans.
Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports
Taylor Gabriel
Falcons vs. Eagles • Quick strike
The situation: Second-and-11 from the Atlanta 24-yard line with the Eagles leading 13-9 early in the fourth quarter. The play: Matt Ryan drops back and lofts a pass down the far sideline for a wide-open Taylor Gabriel, who hauls in the catch at the Eagles' 45-yard line and races the rest of the way untouched for a 76-yard touchdown and a 15-13 lead after Matt Bryant's PAT failed. Coach Dan Quinn talks about the game in the audio clip.
James Lang/USA TODAY Sports
Jay Cutler
Buccaneers vs. Bears • Hail Mary to end the half
The situation: First-and-10 from the 50-yard line, with Tampa leading 17-3 with five seconds left in the first half. The play: Jay Cutler drops back in the pocket and moves to his right to avoid pressure. Cutler heaves a Hail Mary that a Tampa defender tips into the arms of wide receiver Cameron Meredith, who is positioned in the back of the end zone. The Bears cut the Bucs' lead to 17-10.
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
Bilal Powell
Rams vs. Jets • Hook and lateral
The situation: The Jets face third-and-goal from the Rams' 4-yard-line, trailing in the second quarter 3-0 in QB Bryce Petty's first NFL start. The play: Petty throws a quick screen to Brandon Marshall in the left flat. That makes sense because Marshall is a physical receiver capable of picking up tough yards after the catch. Ah, but the Jets aren't finished. Running back Bilal Powell loops around behind Marshall, catches a lateral pitch and sprints around the left end for the touchdown. Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa makes an excellent peel-back block on the play to help spring Powell.
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Ezekiel Elliot
Cowboys vs. Steelers • Capping off brilliant day
The situation: After six lead changes, the Cowboys have another chance to overtake the Steelers with 42 seconds left in regulation. The play: On first-and-10 from the Steelers' 32-yard line, Ezekiel Elliott takes the handoff and bursts through the gap up the middle 32 yards untouched for the touchdown with 15 seconds left to give the Cowboys a lead they wouldn't surrender. Elliott rushes for 114 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
Jason Bridge/USA TODAY Sports
Kiko Alonso
Dolphins vs. Chargers • Kiko comes up big
The situation: With the score tied at 24, the Chargers take over with 2 minutes, 57 seconds left in the game. The play: Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers sails a pass short and to the left toward Ty Williams. But Kiko Alonso steps up for the interception and returns it 60 yards for the touchdown, leading to a 31-24 advantage for the Dolphins with 1:13 left.
Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports
Jameis Winston
Buccaneers vs. Bears • The great escape
The situation: Third-and-10 from the Tampa 23 with the Bucs leading 17-10 on their first drive of the second half. The play: Jameis Winston is pressured heavily by a swarm of Bears defenders. He drops back and trips but manages to spin out of it and escape, running first to his right, then to his left and back to his right while narrowly avoiding a safety before planting his feet and chucking the ball 39 yards downfield. It sails over the head of Bears CB Tracy Porter and into the hands of Mike Evans, who leaps backward on the play. The catch sets up a 43-yard touchdown to Freddie Martino to make it 24-10.
AP Photo/Steve Nesius
Kareem Jackson
Texans vs. Jaguars • Pick-six
The situation: Third-and-6 from the Jacksonville 40-yard line on the sixth play of a 0-0 game. The play: Cornerback Kareem Jackson jumps in front of Jaguars receiver Allen Hurns to intercept a Blake Bortles pass and run it back 42 yards for a touchdown. It is the Texans' first defensive touchdown of the season.
Logan Bowles/USA TODAY Sports
Preston Smith
Redskins vs. Vikings • One-handed grab
The situation: Minnesota faces second-and-10 at the Washington 39-yard line with 5 minutes, 53 seconds left in the game and Washington holding a 23-20 lead. The play: Redskins outside linebacker Preston Smith, on the defense's right side, takes a step upfield and then drops into coverage -- right into quarterback Sam Bradford's passing lane. Bradford, though, must not see the 6-foot-4 Smith because he passes to receiver Adam Thielen. Smith is right there and tips the ball with his right hand, then grabs it with his left and returns the ball 22 yards, setting up a field goal.
Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports
DeMarco Murray
Titans vs. Packers • DeMarco does it all
The situation: Five different Titans score a touchdown in the first half against the Packers, but it is DeMarco Murray who sets the tone with two big scoring plays in the first quarter. The play: On the Titans' first play from scrimmage, Murray heads left and slides between the end of the line and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who gets sealed outside by Taylor Lewan. Murray sprints 75 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead on the Titans' longest play of the season. Murray shows off his arm on Tennessee's next possession, rolling right as if he is going to run the ball before slowing up to throw a pass to Delanie Walker in the end zone for a 10-yard TD pass and a 14-0 lead. The rout is on for the soon-to-be 5-5 Titans.
Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports
Taylor Gabriel
Falcons vs. Eagles • Quick strike
The situation: Second-and-11 from the Atlanta 24-yard line with the Eagles leading 13-9 early in the fourth quarter. The play: Matt Ryan drops back and lofts a pass down the far sideline for a wide-open Taylor Gabriel, who hauls in the catch at the Eagles' 45-yard line and races the rest of the way untouched for a 76-yard touchdown and a 15-13 lead after Matt Bryant's PAT failed. Coach Dan Quinn talks about the game in the audio clip.
James Lang/USA TODAY Sports
Jay Cutler
Buccaneers vs. Bears • Hail Mary to end the half
The situation: First-and-10 from the 50-yard line, with Tampa leading 17-3 with five seconds left in the first half. The play: Jay Cutler drops back in the pocket and moves to his right to avoid pressure. Cutler heaves a Hail Mary that a Tampa defender tips into the arms of wide receiver Cameron Meredith, who is positioned in the back of the end zone. The Bears cut the Bucs' lead to 17-10.
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
Bilal Powell
Rams vs. Jets • Hook and lateral
The situation: The Jets face third-and-goal from the Rams' 4-yard-line, trailing in the second quarter 3-0 in QB Bryce Petty's first NFL start. The play: Petty throws a quick screen to Brandon Marshall in the left flat. That makes sense because Marshall is a physical receiver capable of picking up tough yards after the catch. Ah, but the Jets aren't finished. Running back Bilal Powell loops around behind Marshall, catches a lateral pitch and sprints around the left end for the touchdown. Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa makes an excellent peel-back block on the play to help spring Powell.
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Ezekiel Elliot
Cowboys vs. Steelers • Capping off brilliant day
The situation: After six lead changes, the Cowboys have another chance to overtake the Steelers with 42 seconds left in regulation. The play: On first-and-10 from the Steelers' 32-yard line, Ezekiel Elliott takes the handoff and bursts through the gap up the middle 32 yards untouched for the touchdown with 15 seconds left to give the Cowboys a lead they wouldn't surrender. Elliott rushes for 114 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
Jason Bridge/USA TODAY Sports
Kiko Alonso
Dolphins vs. Chargers • Kiko comes up big
The situation: With the score tied at 24, the Chargers take over with 2 minutes, 57 seconds left in the game. The play: Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers sails a pass short and to the left toward Ty Williams. But Kiko Alonso steps up for the interception and returns it 60 yards for the touchdown, leading to a 31-24 advantage for the Dolphins with 1:13 left.
Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports
Preston Smith
Redskins vs. Vikings • One-handed grab
The situation: Minnesota faces second-and-10 at the Washington 39-yard line with 5 minutes, 53 seconds left in the game and Washington holding a 23-20 lead. The play: Redskins outside linebacker Preston Smith, on the defense's right side, takes a step upfield and then drops into coverage -- right into quarterback Sam Bradford's passing lane. Bradford, though, must not see the 6-foot-4 Smith because he passes to receiver Adam Thielen. Smith is right there and tips the ball with his right hand, then grabs it with his left and returns the ball 22 yards, setting up a field goal.
Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports
DeMarco Murray
Titans vs. Packers • DeMarco does it all
The situation: Five different Titans score a touchdown in the first half against the Packers, but it is DeMarco Murray who sets the tone with two big scoring plays in the first quarter. The play: On the Titans' first play from scrimmage, Murray heads left and slides between the end of the line and safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who gets sealed outside by Taylor Lewan. Murray sprints 75 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 lead on the Titans' longest play of the season. Murray shows off his arm on Tennessee's next possession, rolling right as if he is going to run the ball before slowing up to throw a pass to Delanie Walker in the end zone for a 10-yard TD pass and a 14-0 lead. The rout is on for the soon-to-be 5-5 Titans.
Christopher Hanewinckel/USA TODAY Sports
Taylor Gabriel
Falcons vs. Eagles • Quick strike
The situation: Second-and-11 from the Atlanta 24-yard line with the Eagles leading 13-9 early in the fourth quarter. The play: Matt Ryan drops back and lofts a pass down the far sideline for a wide-open Taylor Gabriel, who hauls in the catch at the Eagles' 45-yard line and races the rest of the way untouched for a 76-yard touchdown and a 15-13 lead after Matt Bryant's PAT failed. Coach Dan Quinn talks about the game in the audio clip.
James Lang/USA TODAY Sports
Jay Cutler
Buccaneers vs. Bears • Hail Mary to end the half
The situation: First-and-10 from the 50-yard line, with Tampa leading 17-3 with five seconds left in the first half. The play: Jay Cutler drops back in the pocket and moves to his right to avoid pressure. Cutler heaves a Hail Mary that a Tampa defender tips into the arms of wide receiver Cameron Meredith, who is positioned in the back of the end zone. The Bears cut the Bucs' lead to 17-10.
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
Bilal Powell
Rams vs. Jets • Hook and lateral
The situation: The Jets face third-and-goal from the Rams' 4-yard-line, trailing in the second quarter 3-0 in QB Bryce Petty's first NFL start. The play: Petty throws a quick screen to Brandon Marshall in the left flat. That makes sense because Marshall is a physical receiver capable of picking up tough yards after the catch. Ah, but the Jets aren't finished. Running back Bilal Powell loops around behind Marshall, catches a lateral pitch and sprints around the left end for the touchdown. Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa makes an excellent peel-back block on the play to help spring Powell.
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Ezekiel Elliot
Cowboys vs. Steelers • Capping off brilliant day
The situation: After six lead changes, the Cowboys have another chance to overtake the Steelers with 42 seconds left in regulation. The play: On first-and-10 from the Steelers' 32-yard line, Ezekiel Elliott takes the handoff and bursts through the gap up the middle 32 yards untouched for the touchdown with 15 seconds left to give the Cowboys a lead they wouldn't surrender. Elliott rushes for 114 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
Jason Bridge/USA TODAY Sports
Kiko Alonso
Dolphins vs. Chargers • Kiko comes up big
The situation: With the score tied at 24, the Chargers take over with 2 minutes, 57 seconds left in the game. The play: Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers sails a pass short and to the left toward Ty Williams. But Kiko Alonso steps up for the interception and returns it 60 yards for the touchdown, leading to a 31-24 advantage for the Dolphins with 1:13 left.
Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports
Falcons vs. Eagles • Quick strike
The situation: Second-and-11 from the Atlanta 24-yard line with the Eagles leading 13-9 early in the fourth quarter. The play: Matt Ryan drops back and lofts a pass down the far sideline for a wide-open Taylor Gabriel, who hauls in the catch at the Eagles' 45-yard line and races the rest of the way untouched for a 76-yard touchdown and a 15-13 lead after Matt Bryant's PAT failed. Coach Dan Quinn talks about the game in the audio clip.
James Lang/USA TODAY Sports
Jay Cutler
Buccaneers vs. Bears • Hail Mary to end the half
The situation: First-and-10 from the 50-yard line, with Tampa leading 17-3 with five seconds left in the first half. The play: Jay Cutler drops back in the pocket and moves to his right to avoid pressure. Cutler heaves a Hail Mary that a Tampa defender tips into the arms of wide receiver Cameron Meredith, who is positioned in the back of the end zone. The Bears cut the Bucs' lead to 17-10.
AP Photo/Jason Behnken
Bilal Powell
Rams vs. Jets • Hook and lateral
The situation: The Jets face third-and-goal from the Rams' 4-yard-line, trailing in the second quarter 3-0 in QB Bryce Petty's first NFL start. The play: Petty throws a quick screen to Brandon Marshall in the left flat. That makes sense because Marshall is a physical receiver capable of picking up tough yards after the catch. Ah, but the Jets aren't finished. Running back Bilal Powell loops around behind Marshall, catches a lateral pitch and sprints around the left end for the touchdown. Wide receiver Quincy Enunwa makes an excellent peel-back block on the play to help spring Powell.
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Ezekiel Elliot
Cowboys vs. Steelers • Capping off brilliant day
The situation: After six lead changes, the Cowboys have another chance to overtake the Steelers with 42 seconds left in regulation. The play: On first-and-10 from the Steelers' 32-yard line, Ezekiel Elliott takes the handoff and bursts through the gap up the middle 32 yards untouched for the touchdown with 15 seconds left to give the Cowboys a lead they wouldn't surrender. Elliott rushes for 114 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
Jason Bridge/USA TODAY Sports
Kiko Alonso
Dolphins vs. Chargers • Kiko comes up big
The situation: With the score tied at 24, the Chargers take over with 2 minutes, 57 seconds left in the game. The play: Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers sails a pass short and to the left toward Ty Williams. But Kiko Alonso steps up for the interception and returns it 60 yards for the touchdown, leading to a 31-24 advantage for the Dolphins with 1:13 left.
Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports
Jason Bridge/USA TODAY Sports
Kiko Alonso
Dolphins vs. Chargers • Kiko comes up big
The situation: With the score tied at 24, the Chargers take over with 2 minutes, 57 seconds left in the game. The play: Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers sails a pass short and to the left toward Ty Williams. But Kiko Alonso steps up for the interception and returns it 60 yards for the touchdown, leading to a 31-24 advantage for the Dolphins with 1:13 left.
Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports