Checking in at spot #24 in our list (see Game #25 here), another game that I probably should remember, but to be totally honest don’t–I likely refused to watch it, still smarting from the 2009 New Orleans Saints cheating beating my Minnesota Vikings to go to the Super Bowl…suspect I was pretty happy with the outcome. To be honest, I would have suspected that this game would have been in the middle of the Colin Kaepernick era, not the Alex Smith era.
Obviously not, since this game happened almost 20 years after that book was published.
The 2011 Divisional Playoff: San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints
The 2011 NFC Divisional Playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints is heralded as one of the most thrilling and memorable games in NFL history. Played on January 14, 2012, at Candlestick Park, this matchup featured dramatic comebacks, unforgettable plays, and a nail-biting finish. It encapsulates the very essence of why football is beloved by millions and rightfully earns its place among the top 25 NFL games of all time.
Pre-Game Context
The 49ers, under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh, had transformed from a struggling franchise to a dominant force in the NFC. Finishing the regular season with a 13-3 record, the 49ers boasted one of the league’s best defenses and a revitalized offense led by quarterback Alex Smith. The Saints, coached by Sean Payton, entered the game with a 13-3 record as well, featuring an explosive offense orchestrated by quarterback Drew Brees, who had set the single-season record for passing yards.
The First Half: Defensive Dominance
The game began with the 49ers’ defense showcasing why it was one of the best in the league. The 49ers forced the Saints into five turnovers in the first half, including two interceptions and three fumbles. Despite these turnovers, the Saints managed to keep the game close, thanks to their resilient defense and a late touchdown in the second quarter. The 49ers took a 17-14 lead into halftime, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
The Third Quarter: Tension Mounts
The third quarter was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find offensive rhythm. The 49ers’ defense continued to pressure Brees, while the Saints’ defense tightened up against Smith and the 49ers’ offense. A field goal by 49ers kicker David Akers was the only scoring in the quarter, extending San Francisco’s lead to 20-14.
The Fourth Quarter: A Legendary Shootout
The fourth quarter of this game is what cements its place in NFL lore. It featured four lead changes in the final four minutes, making it one of the most thrilling finishes in playoff history.
Saints Take the Lead: With just under five minutes left, Drew Brees connected with Darren Sproles on a 44-yard touchdown pass, giving the Saints a 24-23 lead. This was the first of many clutch plays in the game’s closing moments.
49ers Respond: Not to be outdone, Alex Smith led a quick drive down the field, culminating in a 28-yard touchdown run on a quarterback sweep, reclaiming the lead for the 49ers at 29-24 after a failed two-point conversion.
Brees Strikes Again: With less than two minutes remaining, Brees orchestrated another scoring drive, finding tight end Jimmy Graham for a 66-yard touchdown. The Saints converted a two-point attempt, putting them ahead 32-29.
The Game-Winning Drive: With just over a minute left, Alex Smith and the 49ers offense took the field. Smith made several clutch throws, including a crucial 47-yard pass to tight end Vernon Davis. With only nine seconds remaining, Smith found Davis in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown, securing a 36-32 victory for the 49ers.
Key Performances
Alex Smith: Smith’s performance was nothing short of heroic. He finished with 299 passing yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning pass to Vernon Davis. His ability to stay composed under pressure and execute in crucial moments was pivotal to the 49ers’ victory.
Drew Brees: Brees showcased why he is one of the all-time greats, throwing for 462 yards and four touchdowns. Despite the loss, his performance kept the Saints in the game until the very end.
Vernon Davis: Davis had a career-defining game, catching seven passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. His emotional game-winning catch and reaction have since become iconic images of NFL history.
Post-Game Impact and Legacy
The 49ers’ victory over the Saints had several significant impacts:
49ers’ Resurgence: This game marked the official return of the 49ers as a powerhouse in the NFL. Jim Harbaugh’s first season as head coach was a resounding success, leading to multiple playoff appearances in the following years.
Defensive Showcase: The game highlighted the importance of a strong defense in playoff football. The 49ers’ ability to force turnovers and pressure the quarterback was a key factor in their victory.
Memorable Moments: The final minutes of this game provided some of the most memorable moments in NFL playoff history. The back-and-forth scoring and the dramatic finish are still talked about today as examples of the excitement and unpredictability of football.
Vernon Davis’ Legacy: Davis’ game-winning touchdown catch became known as “The Catch III,” a reference to the 49ers’ storied history of iconic playoff catches. It solidified Davis’ place in 49ers lore and is frequently replayed during highlight reels of great NFL moments.
Why It’s a Top 25 Game
Dramatic Finish: The multiple lead changes in the final minutes created an electrifying atmosphere and showcased the unpredictability of football.
Clutch Performances: Both quarterbacks delivered under pressure, with Alex Smith’s game-winning drive and Drew Brees’ relentless pursuit making for compelling viewing.
Historic Impact: The game’s outcome had lasting effects on both franchises, cementing the legacies of key players and coaches.
Emotional Moments: Vernon Davis’ game-winning touchdown and his subsequent emotional outburst encapsulated the passion and drama of playoff football.
Conclusion
The 2011 NFC Divisional Playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints is a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of football. From the defensive dominance in the first half to the offensive fireworks in the fourth quarter, this game had everything that makes NFL football great. The dramatic finish, historic performances, and emotional moments combine to make it one of the greatest games in NFL history, earning its place in the top 25.
For fans of the sport, this game is a reminder of why we love football—the excitement, the tension, the comebacks, and the unforgettable moments that keep us on the edge of our seats. Whether you’re a 49ers fan, a Saints fan, or just a lover of the game, the 2011 Divisional Playoff is a game that will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
Interestingly enough, in the first iteration of the list of greatest games that we produced with AI, this game was actually at the top of the list–in no small part because of a list of top games produced by Yahoo! Sports shortly after this game–but then we realized we hadn’t really specified that we were looking for a rank ordered list–this game still made the cut, but went Bob Uecker on the list, from the front to the back. Not sure if this one would have made my list, but it definitely was a good game–and has had an impact on league rules, with overtime changes as a result.
Obviously not, since this game happened 25 years after that book was published.
The Epic 2022 AFC Divisional Round Showdown: Chiefs vs. Bills
The 2022 AFC Divisional Round playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills is widely regarded as one of the most thrilling and unforgettable games in NFL history. Played on January 23, 2022, at Arrowhead Stadium, this showdown featured two of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks—Patrick Mahomes of the Chiefs and Josh Allen of the Bills. What ensued was a dramatic back-and-forth battle that showcased the very best of professional football and led to a significant rule change in the NFL.
Setting the Stage
The Chiefs and the Bills entered this game with high expectations. The Chiefs, having made it to the Super Bowl in the previous two seasons, were aiming for another championship run. The Bills, on the other hand, were looking to capitalize on their own resurgence and prove they were ready to dethrone the Chiefs. Both teams boasted high-powered offenses and formidable defenses, setting the stage for an epic clash.
First Half: A Taste of What’s to Come
The first half of the game hinted at the fireworks to come, but it was relatively tame compared to what would unfold later. The Chiefs started strong, with Patrick Mahomes leading a masterful opening drive that culminated in a touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill. The Bills responded with a steady drive of their own, ending with a touchdown pass from Josh Allen to Gabriel Davis, who would become a key figure in this game.
The teams traded blows throughout the half, with the Chiefs taking a slight edge into the locker room at halftime. The score stood at 14-14, with both defenses making crucial stops and both offenses showing flashes of brilliance.
Second Half: The Fireworks Begin
The second half is where the game truly began to take on legendary status. Both teams came out of the locker room firing on all cylinders. The Bills struck first, with Josh Allen connecting again with Gabriel Davis for a touchdown, giving the Bills a 21-14 lead. The Chiefs quickly answered back, with Mahomes finding tight end Travis Kelce in the end zone to tie the game once more.
As the third quarter turned into the fourth, the intensity only increased. The Bills took the lead again with a touchdown run by Devin Singletary, but the Chiefs responded with a touchdown pass from Mahomes to Mecole Hardman. The game was tied at 28-28, setting up a nail-biting final few minutes.
The Final Two Minutes: A Frenzy of Scoring
The final two minutes of regulation were among the most chaotic and exhilarating in NFL history. With 1:54 left on the clock, Josh Allen led a spectacular drive, culminating in a touchdown pass to Gabriel Davis—his fourth of the game—putting the Bills ahead 36-33. It seemed like the Bills had secured a victory.
However, Patrick Mahomes had other plans. With just 13 seconds left, Mahomes executed a near-impossible drive, completing crucial passes to Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce to get the Chiefs into field goal range. Harrison Butker then nailed a 49-yard field goal as time expired, sending the game into overtime at 36-36.
Overtime: A Controversial Conclusion
The overtime period, while short, was packed with drama. The Chiefs won the coin toss, giving Mahomes and the offense the first possession. In a series of precise plays, Mahomes led the Chiefs down the field, culminating in a touchdown pass to Travis Kelce, sealing the 42-36 victory for Kansas City.
The ending was met with mixed emotions. While Chiefs fans celebrated, Bills fans and many others were left frustrated by the NFL’s overtime rules, which allowed the game to end without giving the Bills’ offense a chance to respond. This game’s controversial ending ultimately led to a change in the NFL’s postseason overtime rules, ensuring both teams get a possession unless the first team scores a touchdown.
Key Performances and Records
Patrick Mahomes: Mahomes was spectacular, throwing for 378 yards and three touchdowns, and rushing for another 69 yards and a touchdown. His ability to stay calm under pressure and execute in critical moments was on full display.
Josh Allen: Allen was equally impressive, throwing for 329 yards and four touchdowns, all to Gabriel Davis. Allen also led the Bills in rushing with 68 yards, showcasing his dual-threat capability.
Gabriel Davis: Davis had a career game, setting an NFL playoff record with four touchdown receptions. His clutch catches kept the Bills in the game and highlighted his potential as a rising star.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The 2022 AFC Divisional Round game is remembered not only for its thrilling conclusion but also for its impact on the NFL. The game highlighted the need for changes in the overtime rules, which the NFL implemented in the following offseason. Now, both teams are guaranteed a possession in postseason overtime unless the first team scores a touchdown, a change that many believe will lead to fairer outcomes in future playoff games.
For fans, this game is a reminder of why they love football. It had everything: stellar quarterback play, incredible catches, strategic brilliance, and a heart-stopping finish. The Chiefs and the Bills delivered a performance for the ages, one that will be talked about and analyzed for years to come.
As we look back on this game, it’s clear that it represents the pinnacle of NFL excitement. The 2022 AFC Divisional Round will forever be etched in the memories of football fans, a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport. Whether you’re a Chiefs fan, a Bills fan, or just a lover of football, this game had something for everyone and stands as one of the greatest in NFL history.
Between the two of us, Andy and I have amassed quite a collection of football books over the years–biographies, autobiographies, works of fiction, historical perspectives…even some how at one point a book cobbled together by Drew Rosenhaus (seriously one of the worst books I’ve ever read–I only managed to complete it just to see how bad it was…fortunately I got that one at an outlet discount store).
One book that I had completely forgotten about picking up is a Sports Illustrated Football Classics coffee table style book entitled “Greatest Football Games of All Time,” by Hank Hersch. When I stumbled across the book, I immediately wondered “How many of these games would still make the list today, given that this book was published in 1997?” Well, that might have been my second thought, right after “How do you call it the Greatest Football Games of All Time, but not including any college football games?”.
Given our focus on more historical aspects of the game, I figured it was worth sitting down and coming up with a list…and of course, with my workload, I immediately turned to ChatGPT to help me out–especially because I thought it would be interesting to see how it is able to match up a list with the book, and with what the Zoneblitz audience thinks…
Of course, it isn’t a perfect comparison–I didn’t really give ChatGPT much for parameters beyond “What are the top 25 games in NFL history?” to start, which eventually morphed into a prompt of “Make a ranked list of the 25 greatest games of all-time in NFL history.” And that result is what we’ll reveal here (over time, of course, to hopefully draw out conversation, debate and guesses of what’s next on the list). And as I started to compare to the book…I realized the book’s title wasn’t “The 25 Greatest Football Games of All Time”–just “The Greatest Football Games of All Time.”
And, of course, they broke their list into categories–Big Games, One-Man Games, Comebacks, Nail-Biters, and Fantastic Finishes. Of note–they started the book with the line “More than 10,000 NFL games have been played since the founding of the league in 1920.” Out of curiosity, I looked up how many have been played now–according to ProFootballReference, as of 5/21/2024, there have been 17,665 games played, for what that’s worth.
**EDIT: This article was originally posted on October 24, 2022. Given the news that Jason Kelce is retiring, we thought it relevant to push back to the top of the page.**
In the interest of keeping some Hall of Fame discussion ongoing and fresh, hopefully I’ll be a bit more proactive about posing these questions when I see/hear them out in the wild. I came across this one over the weekend when working on another football related project:
To be honest, another player I wouldn’t even have thought to ask the question about–obviously I know who he is, and I knew he was decent, but I was surprised when I looked up his profile on Pro-Football-Reference.com to see that he is a four-time First-Team AP All-Pro, and five-time Pro Bowler (interesting as well that two of his All-Pro seasons were not Pro Bowl seasons). He’s playing in his 12th season, and has started/played in every game in nine of those seasons, including the last seven seasons.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame released it’s list of Semifinalists Tuesday morning, knocking the list down to 25 names for consideration for the final 5 in the Class of 2024. The biggest surprise? Likely that it wasn’t turned into an hour long prime time special for NFL Network </snark>.
The list of semifinalists, straight from ProFootballHallofFame.com:
Eric Allen, CB – 1988-1994 Philadelphia Eagles, 1995-97 New Orleans Saints, 1998-2001 Oakland Raiders | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2021-24)
Jared Allen, DE – 2004-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2008-2013 Minnesota Vikings, 2014-15 Chicago Bears, 2015 Carolina Panthers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2021-24)
Willie Anderson, T – 1996-2007 Cincinnati Bengals, 2008 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2021-24)
Tiki Barber, RB – 1997-2006 New York Giants | (Times as a Semifinalist: 1 – 2024)
Anquan Boldin, WR – 2003-09 Arizona Cardinals, 2010-12 Baltimore Ravens, 2013-15 San Francisco 49ers, 2016 Detroit Lions | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
Jahri Evans, G – 2006-2016 New Orleans Saints, 2017 Green Bay Packers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)
London Fletcher, LB – 1998-2001 St. Louis Rams, 2002-06 Buffalo Bills, 2007-2013 Washington Redskins | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)
Dwight Freeney, DE – 2002-2012 Indianapolis Colts, 2013-14 San Diego Chargers, 2015 Arizona Cardinals, 2016 Atlanta Falcons, 2017 Seattle Seahawks, 2017 Detroit Lions | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)
Antonio Gates, TE – 2003-2018 San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers (First Year Eligible)
Eddie George, RB – 1996-2003 Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans, 2004 Dallas Cowboys (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2022, 2024)
James Harrison, LB – 2002-2012, 2014-17 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2013 Cincinnati Bengals, 2017 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 2 – 2023-24)
Rodney Harrison, S – 1994-2002 San Diego Chargers, 2003-08 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2021, 2023-24)
Devin Hester, PR/KR/WR – 2006-2013 Chicago Bears, 2014-15 Atlanta Falcons, 2016 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
Torry Holt, WR – 1999-2008 St. Louis Rams, 2009 Jacksonville Jaguars | (Times as a Semifinalist: 10 – 2015-2024)
Andre Johnson, WR – 2003-2014 Houston Texans, 2015 Indianapolis Colts, 2016 Tennessee Titans | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
Robert Mathis, DE/LB – 2003-2016 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
Julius Peppers, DE – 2002-09, 2017-18 Carolina Panthers, 2010-13 Chicago Bears, 2014-15 Green Bay Packers (First Year Eligible)
Steve Smith Sr., WR – 2001-2013 Carolina Panthers, 2014-16 Baltimore Ravens | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
Fred Taylor, RB – 1998-2008 Jacksonville Jaguars, 2009-2010 New England Patriots | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2020-24)
Hines Ward, WR – 1998-2011 Pittsburgh Steelers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 8 – 2017-2024)
Ricky Watters, RB – 1992-94 San Francisco 49ers, 1995-97 Philadelphia Eagles, 1998-2001 Seattle Seahawks | (Times as a Semifinalist: 4 – 2020, 2022-24)
Reggie Wayne, WR – 2001-2014 Indianapolis Colts | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2020-24)
Vince Wilfork, DT – 2004-2014 New England Patriots, 2015-16 Houston Texans | (Times as a Semifinalist: 3 – 2022-24)
Patrick Willis, LB – 2007-2014 San Francisco 49ers | (Times as a Semifinalist: 5 – 2020-24)
Darren Woodson, S – 1992-2003 Dallas Cowboys | (Times as a Semifinalist: 8 – 2015, 2017, 2019-2024)
From that list, 10 more names will be trimmed to get to the list of 15 Modern-Era finalists in early January, who will be considered alongside Coach/Contributor Buddy Parker, and Senior Nominees Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael and Art Powell. At a meeting before Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas in February, the selection committee will trim that list to 10, and then down to the final five, who will then be given a final Yes/No vote alongside the Coach/Contributor and Senior Nominees. It’s been years since the full slate of Modern-Era nominees didn’t get elected, though, to my recollection.
The finalists from the Class of 2023 to not make the final five included (bold indicates they were in the final 10):
With three WR making the final 10 for the Class of 2023 but none making the final five–and only two first year semifinalists joining the list–this may be the year the voters clear up the logjam by getting at least 1-2 in.
Drop your thoughts/predictions in the comments below!
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It will be strange if Eli Manning is elected first ballot. Will Ben Roethlisberger as well? What about Rivers and…
So Woodson and EAllen are well positioned right now for at least decent chance of election in coming years (and…
and history has shown us (eg Albert Lewis) getting moved as semi-finalist into finalist stage last year on modern ballot…
I worry less about 4 moderns per year as with 20 years of eligibility still plenty of time for deserving…
Yea I remain hopeful that the system self corrects or Hall steps in to revise rules so at least we…