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The 2021 NFL season is not over yet, but 2021 is, and now is the time to look back on the best plays that this season has seen so far. The 2021 NFL season has seen record-breaking achievements, overtime magic, quarterback genius, sheer athleticism and the release of pure emotion. We look at all the plays that have made the 2021 NFL season great and have brought a smile to our lips and lifted our spirits in the bleakest of years.
2021 NFL season: Moments to remember
#5 - Record-breaking achievement: Longest field goal (Week 3)
Justin Tucker gave us one of the most magical moments of the 2021 NFL season when he kicked the longest-ever field goal in NFL history. The Baltimore Ravens were down 17-16 to the Detroit Lions with time expiring. Tucker had to kick the goal from 66 yards out. He sent the kick true and straight, and the question was whether it would have the distance. It did as it bounced off the crossbar and dropped in.
The entire backdrop also makes this a fascinating moment. Detroit fans began to celebrate as the ball hits the crossbar, only for it to turn to despair as the goal was given. On the flipside, Ravens players erupted in celebration, capturing contrasting emotions and making this a moment to remember from the 2021 NFL season.
#4 - Overtime magic: Kelce weaves in and out (Week 15)
The two divisional rivals crossed swords, and this meeting in Week 15 of the 2021 NFL season was as tense as it can get. A win for the Los Angeles Chargers would have left them in charge of the AFC West, whereas the Kansas City Chiefs could pull two games clear after a victory against their rivals.
The Chargers had defeated the Chiefs earlier in the season, but Patrick Mahomes and company had found form of late. Nothing could separate the teams in normal time as they finished tied 28-28. In overtime, the game was crying out for a moment of inspiration.
Travis Kelce provided that for the Kansas City Chiefs as he caught a routine pass from Mahomes. Immediately after catching the ball, he turned inwards, making his markers miss, and when the secondary was closing in on him, he waltzed all the way to the outside for a walkoff touchdown. It gave the Chiefs, not only control of the division, but the overall top spot in the AFC as well. Few moments may be this pivotal in the 2021 NFL season.
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.
