What are the 5 worst calls in NFL postseason history?

The Tuck Rule

Even as the controversial postseason calls continue to pile up, one stands out above the rest. With 15 years passed, it’s difficult to see The Tuck Rule Game being dethroned as the worst call in NFL postseason history.

Down 13-10 in the 2001 AFC Divisional Game in snowy conditions in Foxboro, the New England Patriots were driving into Oakland Raiders territory with just under two minutes remaining with a chance to tie or take the lead. Charles Woodson hit Tom Brady during a pump fake, jarring the ball loose in an apparent fumble recovered by Oakland.

However, the fumble was ruled a forward pass due to an obscure rule that had only been used a couple of times. The referees ruled that Brady was attempting to tuck the ball back into his body during the pump fake and lost possession, making it a forward pass. Had Brady tucked the ball back into his body, it would have been ruled a fumble.

It’s at least controversial whether Brady was still in his pump fake motion, and the situation wasn’t helped by a complicated rule that was later scrapped. The fact that it was ruled a fumble and then overturned with evidence that was somehow indisputable makes this stand out as the worst of the worst in NFL postseason history.

Plenty of credit has to go to Brady for leading a drive that cut the lead to three a few minutes before, and Adam Vinatieri for making the game-tying and game-winning kicks in miserable conditions. Still, the Raiders would have very likely been able to salt away the game had the fumble been upheld.

It’s easy to play the what-if game with this decision as well. Brady went on to win the Super Bowl and start an incredible dynasty. This may have been Oakland’s best chance, as it lost the Super Bowl the following year and hasn’t finished above 8-8 since.