Wild 'Immaculate Reception' allows Eagles to score in final seconds of half
What should have been an easy interception for Atlanta turned into a big completion for the Eagles in the NFC divisional playoffs Saturday.
With under 20 seconds to play in the first half, Philadelphia quarterback Nick Foles was hit as he attempted a pass over the middle.
The pass sailed well over the heads of nearby Eagles receivers and right at the chest of a Falcons DB.
Instead of making the catch, the Atlanta player somehow managed to hit the ball with his knee, sending it flying a full 10 yards backward — and into the hands of Eagles receiver Torrey Smith, who made it to the 50 yard line before he was tackled.
The 🏈 bounces off the DB's knee…
And right into @TorreySmithWR's hands. 😱 #FlyEaglesFly #NFLPlayoffs https://t.co/a1ahJIqfQ9
— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2018
The play was eerily reminiscent of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ famous “Immaculate reception” from the 1972 playoffs, except it didn’t go for a touchdown.
Instead, Foles was able to hit receiver Alshon Jeffrey on the sideline with one second left, setting up a 53-yard field goal attempt that was converted by Jake Elliot.
The game went to halftime with Atlanta leading 10-9.
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