VIDEOS: Top 5 NFL plays of the year
The 2014 NFL campaign gifted fans with an arsenal of incredible plays. From Beast Mode smashes to one-handed catches, this season had it all.
Without further ado, here are the top five NFL plays of the year:
Odell Beckham defies physics with Best Catch Ever
Where were you when Odell Beckham Jr. made the Best Catch Ever? Beckham's 43-yard touchdown went viral after the New York Giants rookie snagged the ball with three fingers (not to mention having Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr draped all over him). It was the play that put Beckham on the radar for most people, and his campaign for Offensive Rookie of the Year started with arguably the best grab in league history.
Brent Grimes goes airborne for an interception
It took something sublime to deny Calvin Johnson a touchdown in the end zone. Miami Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes came down with the most spectacular defensive play of the year, leaping to grab the ball at its highest point to make a one-handed interception. The 5-foot-10 corner stayed in bounds, and the play resulted in a touchback. Although the Dolphins lost 20-16 to the Detroit Lions, Grimes's play is one of the defining moments of Miami's inconsistent season.
Marshawn Lynch redefines Beast Mode
Marshawn Lynch had another outstanding campaign in 2014, going over 1,000 yards rushing for a fourth consecutive year. Lynch pulled off a stunning touchdown run against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 16, eerily reminiscent to the "Beast Quake" four years ago. The Seattle Seahawks' star rushed for a 79-yard score, making the Cardinals' defense look downright silly in the process.
Steve Smith gets his vengeance against Panthers
Although Steve Smith holds the franchise record for every major receiving category, the Carolina Panthers decided he wasn't worth it anymore. Carolina released Smith on March 13, ending his 13-year tenure with the club. Big mistake.
Smith vowed he'd get his revenge on his former club, claiming there would be "blood and guts everywhere." While we've yet to confirm if there were any limbs left on the field, Smith made one of the plays of the year against the Panthers. Owen Daniels deflected a pass into the hands of a streaking Smith and the Baltimore Ravens' new receiver burned his old team for a 61-yard touchdown.
Living up to his promise, Smith had his best game of the year, catching seven passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Safe to say the Panthers learned not to mess with Steve Smith.
Stedman Bailey fools the entire Seahawks' defense
The St. Louis Rams pulled off the special teams play of the year in their 28-26 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
Tavon Austin signaled for a fair catch and a number of Rams blockers and Seahawks defenders headed toward him. Only problem for Seattle was that Rams returner Stedman Bailey had the ball.
Bailey caught the ball and sprinted down the sidelines before the Seahawks realized their error, scoring a 90-yard touchdown.