Players describe the best and weirdest plays of Week 9
Golden Tate
Lions vs. Vikings • A flip for the game winner
The situation: In overtime, the Lions have a third-and-8 on the Minnesota 28-yard line knowing a touchdown ends the game. The play: Matthew Stafford throws the ball to Golden Tate, who shakes off one defender and then his former college teammate, Harrison Smith, and starts running to the end zone. As he gets close, he flips in the air and is hit as he crosses the goal line, giving the Lions a 22-16 win.
AP Photo/Jim Mone
Michael Thomas
Saints vs. 49ers • The helmet helps for the touchdown
The situation: The Saints have first-and-10 on San Francisco's 32-yard line, leading 31-23 with 13:21 remaining in the fourth quarter. The play: Drew Brees heaves a deep ball up to rookie receiver Michael Thomas in the end zone, despite tight coverage from CB Tramaine Brock. Thomas turns and reaches both arms around Brock to bat the ball to himself as he falls backwards for the 32-yard touchdown, his fifth of the season, tops among rookies.
AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron
Dak Prescott
Cowboys vs. Browns • A proven starter who finishes
The situation: Dak Prescott tries to lead the Cowboys to their seventh consecutive victory, the longest since Jason Garrett became the head coach midway through the 2010 season. Prescott, a fourth-round pick, keeps playing better each week. He passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns against Cleveland. The play: Prescott throws a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jason Witten giving the Cowboys a 7-3 lead they never relinquish in the first quarter. He completes passes to eight different receivers in one of his most efficient performances of the season.
AP Photo/David Richards
Odell Beckham
Eagles vs. Giants • Defended, but not stopped
The situation: Second-and-goal from the Eagles' 1-yard line. The Eagles had just scored to close the gap to 14-10, and the Giants regroup after being stuffed on a first-down run. The play: The Giants have three wide receivers to the right with Beckham closest to the sideline. While in shotgun formation, quarterback Eli Manning fakes the handoff to running back Rashad Jennings. Cornerback Leodis McKelvin lurches toward Beckham at the line of scrimmage. But Beckham makes a quick move around him as Manning fires toward the back of the end zone. Beckham jumps over McKelvin's back to make the catch for his second touchdown of the first half.
AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
Marcus Mariota
Titans vs. Chargers • Pushes for the pylon
The situation: Second-and-10 from the Chargers' 14-yard line with the Titans trailing 19-14 with 12:19 left in the third quarter. The play: Titans QB Marcus Mariota takes the snap out of the shotgun and on a designed run races up the middle and then cuts outside. With Chargers safety Dwight Lowery closing in, Mariota begins his dive for the end zone from the 4-yard line and clips the pylon for a touchdown and a lead for the Titans. Mariota finishes with four touchdowns - three passing and one rushing - but is also plagued by turnovers with two interceptions and a fumble.
Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports
Mike Wallace
Steelers vs. Ravens • 95-yard touchdown catch
The situation: In a scoreless game with the Steelers, the Ravens are backed up deep in their own territory late in the first quarter and face a second-and-9 from their own 5-yard line. The play: Mike Wallace runs a short slant pattern, catches a Joe Flacco pass that sails away from his body and outruns Steelers safety Mike Mitchell for the touchdown. It marks the longest play from scrimmage in Ravens regular-season history.
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Kenyan Drake
Jets vs. Dolphins • Breakthrough kickoff return
The situation: The Jets kicking off after scoring a touchdown with 5:15 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Dolphins trailing 23-20. The play: Dolphins rookie running back Kenyan Drake takes the kickoff and breaks through the middle and heads to the right sideline for a 96-yard touchdown return. The play proves to be the winning score for Miami, securing its third win in a row.
AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
Marcus Peters
Jaguars vs. Chiefs • Awareness pays off
The situation: The Chiefs lead the Jaguars 19-7 midway through the fourth quarter but Jacksonville is staging a comeback, with second-and-goal from the Chiefs' 1-yard line. The play: Chiefs defensive end Jaye Howard knocks the ball loose before Jaguars running back Chris Ivory crosses the goal line. Cornerback Marcus Peters recovers in the end zone and helps the Chiefs hold on for a 19-14 victory.
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Jordan Todman
Colts vs. Packers • 99-yards to the house
The situation: The opening kickoff sails all the way to the Colts' 1-yard line where Jordan Todman fields it. The play: Todman bolts up the middle of the field and at around the 25-yard line he breaks right and races down the sideline untouched the rest of the way for a 99-yard touchdown and a 7-0 Colts lead with just 13 seconds into the game. It is the first kickoff return for a touchdown by the Colts since Week 17 of the 2012 season.
Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Mark Ingram
Saints vs. 49ers • Finds the hole for a 75-yard touchdown
The situation: The Saints take over possession at their own 25-yard line with 5:56 remaining in the first half after San Francisco closed within 21-10. The play: Running back Mark Ingram bursts through a big hole inside right tackle and cruises down the right sideline for a 75-yard touchdown run -- the longest of his career and the fourth longest in Saints history. It was a big play for Ingram, especially, since he was demoted last week to the No. 2 running back job behind Tim Hightower after fumbles in back-to-back games.
Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports
Dwight Lowery
Titans vs. Chargers • Scoops and scores
The situation: Second-and-15 from the Chargers' 47-yard line with 2:44 left in the third quarter and San Diego leading 26-21. The play: Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota works out of the pistol formation and runs the option to his right. San Diego outside linebacker Melvin Ingram tackles Mariota, popping the ball loose. Inside linebacker Korey Toomer initially picks up the ball and loses it, with safety Dwight Lowery scooping up the loose ball and rumbling 36 yards for the score.
AP Photo/Denis Poroy
The situation: In overtime, the Lions have a third-and-8 on the Minnesota 28-yard line knowing a touchdown ends the game. The play: Matthew Stafford throws the ball to Golden Tate, who shakes off one defender and then his former college teammate, Harrison Smith, and starts running to the end zone. As he gets close, he flips in the air and is hit as he crosses the goal line, giving the Lions a 22-16 win.
AP Photo/Jim Mone
Michael Thomas
Saints vs. 49ers • The helmet helps for the touchdown
The situation: The Saints have first-and-10 on San Francisco's 32-yard line, leading 31-23 with 13:21 remaining in the fourth quarter. The play: Drew Brees heaves a deep ball up to rookie receiver Michael Thomas in the end zone, despite tight coverage from CB Tramaine Brock. Thomas turns and reaches both arms around Brock to bat the ball to himself as he falls backwards for the 32-yard touchdown, his fifth of the season, tops among rookies.
AP Photo/D. Ross Cameron
Dak Prescott
Cowboys vs. Browns • A proven starter who finishes
The situation: Dak Prescott tries to lead the Cowboys to their seventh consecutive victory, the longest since Jason Garrett became the head coach midway through the 2010 season. Prescott, a fourth-round pick, keeps playing better each week. He passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns against Cleveland. The play: Prescott throws a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jason Witten giving the Cowboys a 7-3 lead they never relinquish in the first quarter. He completes passes to eight different receivers in one of his most efficient performances of the season.
AP Photo/David Richards
Odell Beckham
Eagles vs. Giants • Defended, but not stopped
The situation: Second-and-goal from the Eagles' 1-yard line. The Eagles had just scored to close the gap to 14-10, and the Giants regroup after being stuffed on a first-down run. The play: The Giants have three wide receivers to the right with Beckham closest to the sideline. While in shotgun formation, quarterback Eli Manning fakes the handoff to running back Rashad Jennings. Cornerback Leodis McKelvin lurches toward Beckham at the line of scrimmage. But Beckham makes a quick move around him as Manning fires toward the back of the end zone. Beckham jumps over McKelvin's back to make the catch for his second touchdown of the first half.
AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
Marcus Mariota
Titans vs. Chargers • Pushes for the pylon
The situation: Second-and-10 from the Chargers' 14-yard line with the Titans trailing 19-14 with 12:19 left in the third quarter. The play: Titans QB Marcus Mariota takes the snap out of the shotgun and on a designed run races up the middle and then cuts outside. With Chargers safety Dwight Lowery closing in, Mariota begins his dive for the end zone from the 4-yard line and clips the pylon for a touchdown and a lead for the Titans. Mariota finishes with four touchdowns - three passing and one rushing - but is also plagued by turnovers with two interceptions and a fumble.
Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports
Mike Wallace
Steelers vs. Ravens • 95-yard touchdown catch
The situation: In a scoreless game with the Steelers, the Ravens are backed up deep in their own territory late in the first quarter and face a second-and-9 from their own 5-yard line. The play: Mike Wallace runs a short slant pattern, catches a Joe Flacco pass that sails away from his body and outruns Steelers safety Mike Mitchell for the touchdown. It marks the longest play from scrimmage in Ravens regular-season history.
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Kenyan Drake
Jets vs. Dolphins • Breakthrough kickoff return
The situation: The Jets kicking off after scoring a touchdown with 5:15 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Dolphins trailing 23-20. The play: Dolphins rookie running back Kenyan Drake takes the kickoff and breaks through the middle and heads to the right sideline for a 96-yard touchdown return. The play proves to be the winning score for Miami, securing its third win in a row.
AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
Marcus Peters
Jaguars vs. Chiefs • Awareness pays off
The situation: The Chiefs lead the Jaguars 19-7 midway through the fourth quarter but Jacksonville is staging a comeback, with second-and-goal from the Chiefs' 1-yard line. The play: Chiefs defensive end Jaye Howard knocks the ball loose before Jaguars running back Chris Ivory crosses the goal line. Cornerback Marcus Peters recovers in the end zone and helps the Chiefs hold on for a 19-14 victory.
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Jordan Todman
Colts vs. Packers • 99-yards to the house
The situation: The opening kickoff sails all the way to the Colts' 1-yard line where Jordan Todman fields it. The play: Todman bolts up the middle of the field and at around the 25-yard line he breaks right and races down the sideline untouched the rest of the way for a 99-yard touchdown and a 7-0 Colts lead with just 13 seconds into the game. It is the first kickoff return for a touchdown by the Colts since Week 17 of the 2012 season.
Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Mark Ingram
Saints vs. 49ers • Finds the hole for a 75-yard touchdown
The situation: The Saints take over possession at their own 25-yard line with 5:56 remaining in the first half after San Francisco closed within 21-10. The play: Running back Mark Ingram bursts through a big hole inside right tackle and cruises down the right sideline for a 75-yard touchdown run -- the longest of his career and the fourth longest in Saints history. It was a big play for Ingram, especially, since he was demoted last week to the No. 2 running back job behind Tim Hightower after fumbles in back-to-back games.
Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports
Dwight Lowery
Titans vs. Chargers • Scoops and scores
The situation: Second-and-15 from the Chargers' 47-yard line with 2:44 left in the third quarter and San Diego leading 26-21. The play: Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota works out of the pistol formation and runs the option to his right. San Diego outside linebacker Melvin Ingram tackles Mariota, popping the ball loose. Inside linebacker Korey Toomer initially picks up the ball and loses it, with safety Dwight Lowery scooping up the loose ball and rumbling 36 yards for the score.
AP Photo/Denis Poroy
Dak Prescott
Cowboys vs. Browns • A proven starter who finishes
The situation: Dak Prescott tries to lead the Cowboys to their seventh consecutive victory, the longest since Jason Garrett became the head coach midway through the 2010 season. Prescott, a fourth-round pick, keeps playing better each week. He passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns against Cleveland. The play: Prescott throws a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jason Witten giving the Cowboys a 7-3 lead they never relinquish in the first quarter. He completes passes to eight different receivers in one of his most efficient performances of the season.
AP Photo/David Richards
Odell Beckham
Eagles vs. Giants • Defended, but not stopped
The situation: Second-and-goal from the Eagles' 1-yard line. The Eagles had just scored to close the gap to 14-10, and the Giants regroup after being stuffed on a first-down run. The play: The Giants have three wide receivers to the right with Beckham closest to the sideline. While in shotgun formation, quarterback Eli Manning fakes the handoff to running back Rashad Jennings. Cornerback Leodis McKelvin lurches toward Beckham at the line of scrimmage. But Beckham makes a quick move around him as Manning fires toward the back of the end zone. Beckham jumps over McKelvin's back to make the catch for his second touchdown of the first half.
AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
Marcus Mariota
Titans vs. Chargers • Pushes for the pylon
The situation: Second-and-10 from the Chargers' 14-yard line with the Titans trailing 19-14 with 12:19 left in the third quarter. The play: Titans QB Marcus Mariota takes the snap out of the shotgun and on a designed run races up the middle and then cuts outside. With Chargers safety Dwight Lowery closing in, Mariota begins his dive for the end zone from the 4-yard line and clips the pylon for a touchdown and a lead for the Titans. Mariota finishes with four touchdowns - three passing and one rushing - but is also plagued by turnovers with two interceptions and a fumble.
Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports
Mike Wallace
Steelers vs. Ravens • 95-yard touchdown catch
The situation: In a scoreless game with the Steelers, the Ravens are backed up deep in their own territory late in the first quarter and face a second-and-9 from their own 5-yard line. The play: Mike Wallace runs a short slant pattern, catches a Joe Flacco pass that sails away from his body and outruns Steelers safety Mike Mitchell for the touchdown. It marks the longest play from scrimmage in Ravens regular-season history.
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Kenyan Drake
Jets vs. Dolphins • Breakthrough kickoff return
The situation: The Jets kicking off after scoring a touchdown with 5:15 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Dolphins trailing 23-20. The play: Dolphins rookie running back Kenyan Drake takes the kickoff and breaks through the middle and heads to the right sideline for a 96-yard touchdown return. The play proves to be the winning score for Miami, securing its third win in a row.
AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
Marcus Peters
Jaguars vs. Chiefs • Awareness pays off
The situation: The Chiefs lead the Jaguars 19-7 midway through the fourth quarter but Jacksonville is staging a comeback, with second-and-goal from the Chiefs' 1-yard line. The play: Chiefs defensive end Jaye Howard knocks the ball loose before Jaguars running back Chris Ivory crosses the goal line. Cornerback Marcus Peters recovers in the end zone and helps the Chiefs hold on for a 19-14 victory.
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Jordan Todman
Colts vs. Packers • 99-yards to the house
The situation: The opening kickoff sails all the way to the Colts' 1-yard line where Jordan Todman fields it. The play: Todman bolts up the middle of the field and at around the 25-yard line he breaks right and races down the sideline untouched the rest of the way for a 99-yard touchdown and a 7-0 Colts lead with just 13 seconds into the game. It is the first kickoff return for a touchdown by the Colts since Week 17 of the 2012 season.
Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Mark Ingram
Saints vs. 49ers • Finds the hole for a 75-yard touchdown
The situation: The Saints take over possession at their own 25-yard line with 5:56 remaining in the first half after San Francisco closed within 21-10. The play: Running back Mark Ingram bursts through a big hole inside right tackle and cruises down the right sideline for a 75-yard touchdown run -- the longest of his career and the fourth longest in Saints history. It was a big play for Ingram, especially, since he was demoted last week to the No. 2 running back job behind Tim Hightower after fumbles in back-to-back games.
Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports
Dwight Lowery
Titans vs. Chargers • Scoops and scores
The situation: Second-and-15 from the Chargers' 47-yard line with 2:44 left in the third quarter and San Diego leading 26-21. The play: Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota works out of the pistol formation and runs the option to his right. San Diego outside linebacker Melvin Ingram tackles Mariota, popping the ball loose. Inside linebacker Korey Toomer initially picks up the ball and loses it, with safety Dwight Lowery scooping up the loose ball and rumbling 36 yards for the score.
AP Photo/Denis Poroy
AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
Marcus Mariota
Titans vs. Chargers • Pushes for the pylon
The situation: Second-and-10 from the Chargers' 14-yard line with the Titans trailing 19-14 with 12:19 left in the third quarter. The play: Titans QB Marcus Mariota takes the snap out of the shotgun and on a designed run races up the middle and then cuts outside. With Chargers safety Dwight Lowery closing in, Mariota begins his dive for the end zone from the 4-yard line and clips the pylon for a touchdown and a lead for the Titans. Mariota finishes with four touchdowns - three passing and one rushing - but is also plagued by turnovers with two interceptions and a fumble.
Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports
Mike Wallace
Steelers vs. Ravens • 95-yard touchdown catch
The situation: In a scoreless game with the Steelers, the Ravens are backed up deep in their own territory late in the first quarter and face a second-and-9 from their own 5-yard line. The play: Mike Wallace runs a short slant pattern, catches a Joe Flacco pass that sails away from his body and outruns Steelers safety Mike Mitchell for the touchdown. It marks the longest play from scrimmage in Ravens regular-season history.
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Kenyan Drake
Jets vs. Dolphins • Breakthrough kickoff return
The situation: The Jets kicking off after scoring a touchdown with 5:15 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Dolphins trailing 23-20. The play: Dolphins rookie running back Kenyan Drake takes the kickoff and breaks through the middle and heads to the right sideline for a 96-yard touchdown return. The play proves to be the winning score for Miami, securing its third win in a row.
AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
Marcus Peters
Jaguars vs. Chiefs • Awareness pays off
The situation: The Chiefs lead the Jaguars 19-7 midway through the fourth quarter but Jacksonville is staging a comeback, with second-and-goal from the Chiefs' 1-yard line. The play: Chiefs defensive end Jaye Howard knocks the ball loose before Jaguars running back Chris Ivory crosses the goal line. Cornerback Marcus Peters recovers in the end zone and helps the Chiefs hold on for a 19-14 victory.
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Jordan Todman
Colts vs. Packers • 99-yards to the house
The situation: The opening kickoff sails all the way to the Colts' 1-yard line where Jordan Todman fields it. The play: Todman bolts up the middle of the field and at around the 25-yard line he breaks right and races down the sideline untouched the rest of the way for a 99-yard touchdown and a 7-0 Colts lead with just 13 seconds into the game. It is the first kickoff return for a touchdown by the Colts since Week 17 of the 2012 season.
Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Mark Ingram
Saints vs. 49ers • Finds the hole for a 75-yard touchdown
The situation: The Saints take over possession at their own 25-yard line with 5:56 remaining in the first half after San Francisco closed within 21-10. The play: Running back Mark Ingram bursts through a big hole inside right tackle and cruises down the right sideline for a 75-yard touchdown run -- the longest of his career and the fourth longest in Saints history. It was a big play for Ingram, especially, since he was demoted last week to the No. 2 running back job behind Tim Hightower after fumbles in back-to-back games.
Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports
Dwight Lowery
Titans vs. Chargers • Scoops and scores
The situation: Second-and-15 from the Chargers' 47-yard line with 2:44 left in the third quarter and San Diego leading 26-21. The play: Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota works out of the pistol formation and runs the option to his right. San Diego outside linebacker Melvin Ingram tackles Mariota, popping the ball loose. Inside linebacker Korey Toomer initially picks up the ball and loses it, with safety Dwight Lowery scooping up the loose ball and rumbling 36 yards for the score.
AP Photo/Denis Poroy
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Kenyan Drake
Jets vs. Dolphins • Breakthrough kickoff return
The situation: The Jets kicking off after scoring a touchdown with 5:15 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Dolphins trailing 23-20. The play: Dolphins rookie running back Kenyan Drake takes the kickoff and breaks through the middle and heads to the right sideline for a 96-yard touchdown return. The play proves to be the winning score for Miami, securing its third win in a row.
AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee
Marcus Peters
Jaguars vs. Chiefs • Awareness pays off
The situation: The Chiefs lead the Jaguars 19-7 midway through the fourth quarter but Jacksonville is staging a comeback, with second-and-goal from the Chiefs' 1-yard line. The play: Chiefs defensive end Jaye Howard knocks the ball loose before Jaguars running back Chris Ivory crosses the goal line. Cornerback Marcus Peters recovers in the end zone and helps the Chiefs hold on for a 19-14 victory.
AP Photo/Charlie Riedel
Jordan Todman
Colts vs. Packers • 99-yards to the house
The situation: The opening kickoff sails all the way to the Colts' 1-yard line where Jordan Todman fields it. The play: Todman bolts up the middle of the field and at around the 25-yard line he breaks right and races down the sideline untouched the rest of the way for a 99-yard touchdown and a 7-0 Colts lead with just 13 seconds into the game. It is the first kickoff return for a touchdown by the Colts since Week 17 of the 2012 season.
Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Mark Ingram
Saints vs. 49ers • Finds the hole for a 75-yard touchdown
The situation: The Saints take over possession at their own 25-yard line with 5:56 remaining in the first half after San Francisco closed within 21-10. The play: Running back Mark Ingram bursts through a big hole inside right tackle and cruises down the right sideline for a 75-yard touchdown run -- the longest of his career and the fourth longest in Saints history. It was a big play for Ingram, especially, since he was demoted last week to the No. 2 running back job behind Tim Hightower after fumbles in back-to-back games.
Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports
Dwight Lowery
Titans vs. Chargers • Scoops and scores
The situation: Second-and-15 from the Chargers' 47-yard line with 2:44 left in the third quarter and San Diego leading 26-21. The play: Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota works out of the pistol formation and runs the option to his right. San Diego outside linebacker Melvin Ingram tackles Mariota, popping the ball loose. Inside linebacker Korey Toomer initially picks up the ball and loses it, with safety Dwight Lowery scooping up the loose ball and rumbling 36 yards for the score.
AP Photo/Denis Poroy
The situation: The Saints take over possession at their own 25-yard line with 5:56 remaining in the first half after San Francisco closed within 21-10. The play: Running back Mark Ingram bursts through a big hole inside right tackle and cruises down the right sideline for a 75-yard touchdown run -- the longest of his career and the fourth longest in Saints history. It was a big play for Ingram, especially, since he was demoted last week to the No. 2 running back job behind Tim Hightower after fumbles in back-to-back games.
Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports
Dwight Lowery
Titans vs. Chargers • Scoops and scores
The situation: Second-and-15 from the Chargers' 47-yard line with 2:44 left in the third quarter and San Diego leading 26-21. The play: Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota works out of the pistol formation and runs the option to his right. San Diego outside linebacker Melvin Ingram tackles Mariota, popping the ball loose. Inside linebacker Korey Toomer initially picks up the ball and loses it, with safety Dwight Lowery scooping up the loose ball and rumbling 36 yards for the score.
AP Photo/Denis Poroy