1981 Season. Dolphins in a divisional playoff game at home against the Chargers. It's just after New Years 1982 and the old Orange Bowl turf still has the bowl game paint at the 50. The field is in rough shape having just been played on for the bowl. Don Shula's defense-oriented Dolphins against Don "Air" Coryell's high flying offense featuring legends Dan Fouts throwing to Gator great Wes Chandler, Charlie Joiner, and Kellen Winslow.
Chargers out to a big lead early, 24-0 in the first quarter. Game over right? Not yet.
Shula benches his starting QB David Woodley and brings Don Strock off the bench to spark his listless offense.
Dolphins make an incredible comeback keyed by the prettiest hook and ladder in NFL history. Only 6 seconds left in the first half. The score is 24-10. Everybody thinks Shula will kick a field goal but Shula plays to win the game. He rolls the dice on an all or nothing play.
Strock throws to WR Duriel Harris who immediately laterals to a streaking RB Tony Nathan for a touchdown. The play is a thing of beauty. Three Charger defenders start running towards Harris which gives Nathan the chance to score. The best play in one of the best games in NFL history. Enjoy!
(edit: because it contains NFL content, it won't embed here but if you click "watch on youtube" you can see the play on the video's youtube page)
The Dolphins storm back to tie the game at 38. Alas, the comeback fell short in overtime. Both teams had a chance with each missing a field goal before the Chargers finally ended it 41-38.
Both teams played great and the players left it all on the field. There is a famous clip of Kellen Winslow's teammates helping him off the field not because he was injured, but because he was completely exhausted.
Alex.
