Top 30 plays in NFL history

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 30: Running back John Riggins #44 of the Washington Redskins runs 43 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter as tight end Clint Didier #86 of the Redskins and defensive back Glenn Blackwood #47 of the Miami Dolphins pursue the play during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl on January 30, 1983 in Pasadena, California. The Redskins defeated the Dolphins 27-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 21: Quarterback Ken Stabler #12 of the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the 1974 AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 21, 1974 in Oakland, California. The Raiders defeated the Dolphins 28-26. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images) /

11. The Sea of Hands

The Raiders were part of some of the most memorable plays, and games, of the 1970s. While we’ll get to one where they weren’t on the winning end, this was arguably their play of the decade.

In the 1974 AFC Divisional Round, the Dolphins traveled to Oakland to take on the Raiders. The game started off terribly for Oakland, as the Dolphins returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. The Raiders tied the game later in the half via a Ken Stabler touchdown pass to Charlie Smith, and the Dolphins kicked a field goal before halftime to go into the locker room with a 10-7 lead.

The two teams began to light up the scoreboard in the second half. Fred Biletnikoff caught a touchdown pass from Stabler to give the Raiders the lead on the opening drive. The Dolphins came back with a touchdown of their own, as Bob Griese threw a touchdown to Paul Warfield. The PAT from Miami was blocked, and their lead was 16-14.

More scoring from both sides would ensue and the Dolphins were up 26-21 after a Benny Malone touchdown run that saw him zig and zag through the Raiders’ defense. Oakland drove down the field to Miami’s eight yard-line. Stabler rolled left and was being dragged to the ground where he heaved the ball into a sea of hands featuring several Raiders and Dolphins. Clarence Davis somehow made the catch for the Raiders, and Oakland went on to win the game 28-26.

The play was just another highlight in the career of Stabler, who was making it a habit of coming up in the clutch for the Raiders. While they would lose to the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game, the Sea of Hands is one of the most memorable plays in NFL history.

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