When Hail Marys Aren't Enough: The Heartbreak of Scoring Miracles in Defeat
When Hail Marys Aren't Enough: The Heartbreak of Scoring Miracles in Defeat
Touchdown Prayers Answered, Victory Prayers Denied: 12 Forgettable Hail Mary Moments
Aaron Rodgers' recent Hail Mary touchdown against the Buffalo Bills, despite being spectacular, wasn't enough to secure victory for the Jets. This play marks just the 13th time in the last 25 years that a team has completed a Hail Mary and still lost the game. Such occurrences highlight the bittersweet nature of these miraculous completions - thrilling moments that often become part of football lore, yet sometimes fail to change the ultimate outcome of the game.
The Rarity of the "Losing" Hail Mary
Between 1999 and 2023, there were only 12 instances (per nflindex.com) where a team completed a Hail Mary pass for a touchdown (defined here as a pass of 30+ air yards in the final 10 seconds of a quarter) but still lost the game. Let's dive deep into the NFL archives and explore these heartbreaking moments in detail:
1. Bengals vs. Ravens (2013) - The A.J. Green Miracle
Date: November 10, 2013
Final Score: Ravens 20, Bengals 17 (OT)
The Play: With just 2 seconds left in regulation, Andy Dalton launched a 51-yard bomb that was initially tipped by Ravens safety James Ihedigbo in the end zone. The ball floated in the air, allowing A.J. Green to snag it for an improbable touchdown that forced overtime.
This AFC North rivalry game had significant playoff implications. The Bengals entered the game leading the division at 6-3, while the Ravens were struggling at 3-5. Baltimore had controlled most of the game, leading 17-0 in the second half before Cincinnati mounted a comeback.
Key Stats:
Andy Dalton: 24/51, 274 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
A.J. Green: 8 receptions, 151 yards, 1 TD
Ravens' Justin Tucker: Game-winning 46-yard FG in OT
2. Browns vs. Cardinals (2021) - Mayfield to Peoples-Jones
Date: October 17, 2021
Final Score: Cardinals 37, Browns 14
The Play: As the first half expired, Baker Mayfield connected with Donovan Peoples-Jones on a 57-yard Hail Mary touchdown. This momentous play brought the Browns within two scores, cutting the Cardinals' lead to 23-14 at halftime.
This was a matchup between two teams with playoff aspirations. The Cardinals came in undefeated at 5-0, while the Browns were 3-2 and looking to assert themselves in the AFC North.
Key Stats:
Baker Mayfield: 19/28, 234 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Kyler Murray: 229 passing yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs
Cardinals' defense: 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
3. Broncos vs. Commanders (2023) - Wilson's Last-Gasp Effort
Date: September 17, 2023
Final Score: Commanders 35, Broncos 33
The Play: With just 3 seconds left in the game, Russell Wilson heaved a 50-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Johnson, bringing the Broncos within two points. However, the ensuing two-point conversion attempt failed.
This early-season matchup featured two teams trying to establish their identity. The Broncos, under new head coach Sean Payton, were looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2022 season.
Key Stats:
Russell Wilson: 18/32, 308 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Sam Howell: 27/39, 299 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Commanders' Brian Robinson Jr.: 87 rushing yards, 2 TDs
4. Texans vs. Colts (2015) - Hoyer to Strong
Date: October 8, 2015
Final Score: Colts 27, Texans 20
The Play: As time expired in the first half, Brian Hoyer connected with Jaelen Strong on a 42-yard Hail Mary touchdown. This play brought the Texans within four points, cutting the Colts' lead to 13-10 at halftime.
This Thursday Night Football matchup was crucial for AFC South standings. The Colts came in at 2-2, while the Texans were struggling at 1-3.
Key Stats:
Brian Hoyer: 30/49, 312 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Matt Hasselbeck: 18/29, 213 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Colts' Andre Johnson: 6 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TDs (against his former team)
5. Ravens vs. Chiefs (2015) - Clausen's Unexpected Heroics
Date: December 20, 2015
Final Score: Chiefs 34, Ravens 14
The Play: With 4 seconds left in the first half, Jimmy Clausen (filling in for an injured Joe Flacco) threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to Kamar Aiken.
This late-season game featured two teams heading in opposite directions. The Chiefs were in the midst of a seven-game winning streak and pushing for a playoff spot, while the Ravens were enduring an injury-plagued, disappointing season.
Key Stats:
Jimmy Clausen: 26/45, 281 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Alex Smith: 21/25, 171 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Chiefs' Marcus Peters: 2 INTs, including a pick-six
6. Lions vs. Titans (2012) - Shaun Hill's Hail Mary
Date: September 23, 2012
Final Score: Titans 44, Lions 41 (OT)
The Play: With 6 seconds left in regulation, Shaun Hill threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to Titus Young, tying the game and sending it to overtime.
This game was one of the wildest, most back-and-forth affairs in recent NFL history (highlights). The final minutes of the fourth quarter were particularly chaotic.
With 6:53 left in the game, the Lions took a 27-20 lead on a touchdown pass from Stafford to Burleson, followed by a successful two-point conversion. The celebration was short-lived, as just 12 seconds later, the Titans returned the kickoff for a 105-yard touchdown, tying the game at 27-27.
The Titans then seized momentum, scoring two quick touchdowns. First, they took a 34-27 lead on a 71-yard touchdown pass with 3:11 remaining. They extended their lead to 41-27 with 1:16 left when they returned a Lions fumble 72 yards for another score.
Facing a 14-point deficit, the Lions had to sub in Shaun Hill for the now injured Matthew Stafford. Hill led a quick scoring drive, finding the end zone with 18 seconds left to narrow the gap to 41-34. In a dramatic turn of events, the Lions recovered the ensuing onside kick. As time expired, Hill completed a Hail Mary pass to Young, improbably tying the game at 41-41 and sending it to overtime.
Key Stats:
Shaun Hill (replacing injured Matthew Stafford): 10/13, 172 yards, 2 TDs
Titans' Jake Locker: 29/42, 378 yards, 2 TDs
Titans' Nate Washington: 3 receptions, 112 yards, 1 TD
7. Bears vs. Buccaneers (2016) - Cutler to Meredith
Date: November 13, 2016
Final Score: Buccaneers 36, Bears 10
The Play: With 5 seconds left in the first half, Jay Cutler connected with Cameron Meredith on a 50-yard Hail Mary touchdown.
This game was a struggle for the Bears, who were thoroughly outplayed by the Buccaneers. The Hail Mary was a rare bright spot in an otherwise forgettable performance.
Key Stats:
Jay Cutler: 16/30, 182 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Buccaneers' Jameis Winston: 23/33, 312 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Buccaneers' defense: 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 1 INT returned for TD
8. Packers vs. Cardinals (2016 Playoffs) - Rodgers to Janis
Date: January 16, 2016
Final Score: Cardinals 26, Packers 20 (OT)
The Play: With 5 seconds left in regulation, Aaron Rodgers heaved a 41-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Janis, sending the game to overtime.
This NFC Divisional Playoff game was a thriller from start to finish. The Packers were trailing 20-13 with 1:50 seconds left when Rodgers led a miraculous drive, culminating in this Hail Mary to force overtime.
Key Stats:
Aaron Rodgers: 24/44, 261 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Jeff Janis: 7 receptions, 145 yards, 2 TDs
Cardinals' Carson Palmer: 25/41, 349 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald: 8 receptions, 176 yards, 1 TD (including the game-winning 5-yard TD catch in OT)
9. 49ers vs. Cowboys (2020) - Beathard's Late Heroics
Date: December 20, 2020
Final Score: Cowboys 41, 49ers 33
The Play: With 7 seconds left in the game, C.J. Beathard, who was in for Nick Mullens, threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Kendrick Bourne.
This late-season game had playoff implications for the Cowboys, who were somehow still in the mix and trying to stay alive in the NFC East race. The 49ers, decimated by injuries, were playing for pride.
Key Stats:
C.J. Beathard: 5/7, 100 yards, 1 TDs, 0 INTs
Cowboys' Andy Dalton: 19/33, 209 yards, 2 TDs
Cowboys' Tony Pollard: 69 rushing yards, 2 TDs
10. Cardinals vs. 49ers (2007) - Warner to Fitzgerald
Date: November 25, 2007
Final Score: 49ers 37, Cardinals 31 (OT)
The Play: With 2 seconds left in the first half, Kurt Warner connected with Larry Fitzgerald on a 48-yard Hail Mary touchdown.
This divisional matchup was a back-and-forth affair that eventually went to overtime. The Hail Mary gave the Cardinals a 21-17 halftime lead, but they couldn't hold on for the win.
Key Stats:
Kurt Warner: 34/48, 484 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Larry Fitzgerald: 9 receptions, 156 yards, 2 TDs
49ers' Trent Dilfer: 25/39, 256 yards, 2 TDs
11. Jets vs. Bengals (2007) - Pennington's Deflected Miracle
Date: October 21, 2007
Final Score: Bengals 38, Jets 31
The Play: With 3 seconds left in the game, Chad Pennington threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Jerricho Cotchery. The pass bounced off the chest of Jets receiver Brad Smith before Cotchery caught it.
This high-scoring game saw the Bengals build a big lead in the 4th quarter before the Jets attempted a late comeback. The Hail Mary brought the Jets within seven points, but it was too little, too late.
Key Stats:
Chad Pennington: 20/31, 272 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Bengals' Carson Palmer: 14/21, 226 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Bengals' Kenny Watson: 130 rushing yards, 3 TDs
12. Saints vs. Falcons (2008) - Brees to Moore
Date: November 9, 2008
Final Score: Falcons 34, Saints 20
The Play: With 6 seconds left in the game, Drew Brees threw a 32-yard touchdown pass to Lance Moore.
This divisional matchup saw the Falcons dominate for most of the game. The Saints' late touchdown was merely a consolation in an otherwise one-sided affair.
Key Stats:
Drew Brees: 31/58, 422 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
Falcons' Matt Ryan: 16/23, 248 yards, 2 TDs
Falcons' Michael Turner: 96 rushing yards, 1 TD
The Takeaway
These 12 plays remind us of the unpredictable nature of football. Even when teams pull off the seemingly impossible, victory isn't guaranteed. Hail Mary touchdowns often provide a spark of hope or a momentum shift, but as these games show, it takes a complete team effort to secure a win.
In each of these cases, the Hail Mary represented a fleeting moment of glory in otherwise challenging games. Whether it was the Bengals falling short in overtime, the Browns unable to contain Kyler Murray, or the Ravens facing a superior Chiefs team, these plays serve as bittersweet reminders of what could have been.
The next time you witness a miraculous Hail Mary completion, remember these moments where the football gods giveth, but the final score taketh away. It's a testament to the old adage: "It's not over 'til it's over" – in both encouraging and heartbreaking ways.
You're right that most of these plays were... entirely forgettable. The thing about Hail Maries is that they're not particularly exciting taken in a vacuum as football plays. For instance, the endless lateral extravaganzas are much more fun than Hail Mary passes. It's only the surrounding circumstances (or stakes) that make them exciting. When you take the stakes away, you end up with a list of plays like these, that nobody remembers.
Of the 12 on this list, the only two I remembered were the Shaun Hill one, and like you described, the Hail Mary pass is not why one would remember that game, and also the Aaron Rodgers one, which to its credit has become one of the more iconic plays in NFL history, despite the loss, but that's got more to do with that it was thrown by an all-time great in a playoff game than the play itself.
The thing with Hail Mary passes is that it takes no inherent skill to do them. There is no pattern of great players being systematically more successful on them than poor players. It's mostly just luck, and the laws of physics. That's not fun, which is why nobody really cares about Hail Mary passes just because they're Hail Mary passes. They care about them because they're plays that dramatically swing the tide late in close games, and if a Hail Mary pass doesn't fit that description, nobody cares, and it ends up on a list like this.
Good post here Peter. This was a fun stroll down memory lane.