We as fans have been blessed to see two great Super Bowl games these past two years. In both of these games, we have also had the privilige to see two of the best catches in Super Bowl history.We all remember David Tyree's catch in Super Bowl XLII. It started out with quarterback Eli Manning miraculously evading the Patriot defense, eventually heaving the ball down field to David Tyree. Who? That's right, David Tyree. This is a guy who caught four passes in the regular season, but on this night etched his name among the Super Bowl greats. Tyree leaped up over Patriots defender Rodney Harrison, grabbed the ball out of midair, pulled it down, and caught the ball on the top of his helmet.
This catch kept the drive alive, and was anything but an easy catch. If Tyree did not make this play, we would be looking at the Patriots possibly completing the first undefeated season since the the 1972 Dolphins.
However, Tyree made the play, and the Giants eventually scored on a Plaxico Burress touchdown, winning the game and ending the Patriots hopes of an undefeated season.
Last night, in Super Bowl XLIII, Santonio Holmes also made one of the best catches in Super Bowl History. The Cardinals took the lead off of a Larry Fitzgerald touchdown, and the Steelers had 2:37 to get the ball down the field and score. Roethlisberger somehow found Holmes in the corner of the endzone. Holmes made the amazing catch among three Cardinals defenders, keeping both feet in bounds, with just 42 seconds left, to give the Steelers the lead 26-23.
But which was the better catch?
To me, there is really no question at all. It is still David Tyree's catch, and here's why. What makes that catch amazing is what was on the line for him to catch this pass. The Giants were the true definition of underdog in this game. They were matched up against one of the best teams in the recent memory, the 2007 Patriots. It's the whole package that makes this catch better, with the game winning drive to defeat the undefeated Patriots, Eli Manning's Superman heroics, and David Tyree's improbable catch to keep the drive alive, eventually allowing the Giants to score and win the game.
In my opinion, David Tyree's catch in Super Bowl XLII is among the top 5 catches in not just Super Bowl history, but NFL history.
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I think that Cone Head Tyree's catch was a Top 5 catch in NFL History, as well as, the Super Bowl. The way he held on to the ball was a thing of beauty.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. Holmes' catch might have required more athleticism, but Tyree's was a more impressive overall play. And like you said, it's always more enjoyable to see it from the underdog team.
ReplyDeleteLets just end this debate and speculation right now. David Tyree's catch was not a Top 5 catch in NFL history... It was THE best catch in NFL history. Anyone who begs to differ I dare to name one catch that was more adrenaline pumping, game changing, and unbelievable all wrapped into one beautiful moment of NFL history. What's that I hear? Silence? That's because you can't name any better catch because there simply isn't one. Nice post
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree. That catch has to be atop the list.
ReplyDeleteTyree's was way better. Definitely.
ReplyDeleteEasily David Tyree.
ReplyDelete3rd and 5. Clock ticking down. Needing a score. Against a team that can flaunt multiple Super Bowl rings. With a QB who had been nearly beat down by the press of his predicted underachievement to come. Near sack, after sack. High throw. Defenders all around. The stage was set for failure. But he completed the catch. Grabbed up the momentum and ran with it.
Holmes' catch? Sure, it was pretty. Textbook maybe? But can't quite compare... :)