New York Jets - Santonio Holmes TD Beats Patriots
January 16, 2011
The New York Jets have little pockets of success in their history. Everyone knows about the “Guarantee” by Joe Namath before Super Bowl III. He eventually stunned the Colts to win the franchise’s only Super Bowl. We definitely considered Don Maynard’s catch in the previous game that got them there, but it was another catch that is our top play in Jets history.
Those same Jets were experiencing another spout of success under brash head coach Rex Ryan. He was known for making his own guarantees with his boisterous nature, many of which were laughed off. However, one Santonio Holmes catch made the NFL world take his team seriously.
Taking on their rival New England Patriots, the Jets were looking to put a dagger into Brady and Co. With around 13 minutes left in the fourth, Mark Sanchez sends the ball near the sideline in the end zone, and Holmes dives to catch the ball. He is able to get both feet (and a knee) in bounds while holding onto the ball.
So freaking cool! @ToneTime10 explained to @JakeAsman how he was able to make the catch & stay in bounds in the 2011 #Jets, #Patriots playoff game.
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) February 26, 2024
So much more went through Santonio Holmes’ head in the moment than I ever realized.
Great throw by @Mark_Sanchez + great call… pic.twitter.com/F4KZHWbRYi
This play eventually sends the Jets to the AFC Championship Game, where they lost, but the memory of ending a rival’s season on their home turf lasts a lifetime. It’s all most Jets fans have right now.