5 best plays from 2021 NFL season

Arizona Cardinals v Minnesota Vikings

Plays from the 2021 NFL season that left an imprint

#3 - Quarterback Genius: Kyler Murray to Rondale Moore (Week 2)

One of the best moments of the 2021 NFL season came pretty early in the season and involved Kyler Murray, Rondale Moore and the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals were playing the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 and were trailing 20-14 at one point in the game. Arizona had the ball, and as the ball was snapped, Kyler Murray was pressured by the Minnesota defense.

What followed was sheer genius from Murray. He scrambled for 29.4 yards to avoid the pressure. That broke up the play so much that Rondale Moore had achieved 15.1 yards of separation at that point. The pass to him, on the run no less, was perfect from Murray and resulted in a 77-yard touchdown. It would put the Cardinals ahead in the game, and they would go on to win by a solitary point, 34-33.

#2 - Sheer athleticism: Marquise Brown catch (Week 4)

In Week 4 of the 2021 NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens took on the Denver Broncos. The game was tied at 7-7 at one point. Lamar Jackson received the ball in a 2nd & 10 situation and decided to throw it. He decided to go deep on a 49-yard throw that traveled in the air for 60.8 yards.

While this in itself is impressive, this 2021 NFL season moment is not an ode to the quarterback. Rather, it is praise for the sheer athleticism exhibited by Marquise Brown, the receiver on this play. Running forward while looking back, Brown grabbed the ball while airborne and fully extended. The beauty of the catch can only be experienced and not explained.

#1 - Release of pure emotion: Detroit win their first game (Week 13)

The Detroit Lions were the last remaining winless team in the 2021 NFL season with a 0-10-1 record coming into Week 13. They were up against divisional rivals, the Minnesota Vikings. While no one gave the Lions much of a chance, what with their 2021 NFL season form being woeful up to that point, they played well enough to keep the game competitive.

Going into the final seconds of the game, they trailed 27-23 and were in a 4th & 2 situation on the 11 yard line. Knowing a field goal would be insufficient, they had to go for a touchdown. Jared Goff duly did and found Amon-Ra St. Brown for a walkoff touchdown and a 29-27 victory. Their first win of the season ensured pandemonium ensued as Detroit fans and players alike were finally able to savor a win in the 2021 NFL season.