Cam's Classics - Week 11: 2002 NFC Wild Card Playoff

JaMarcus Hustle

Week 11:



2002 NFC Wild Card Playoff
a.k.a "One Wild Finish"



New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers

Background

When the Pittsburgh Steelers rallied from a 17 point deficit in a 36-33 win over the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Wild Card Playoff back in 2002, you would have been forgiven for thinking you had seen the game of the playoffs. You would have been forgiven, because you weren't to know that when people looked back at the 2002 NFL Playoffs, the Steelers - Browns game wouldn't even be remembered as the best game that Sunday.

That's because a few hours later, the Giants and the 49ers served up a classic. Both Quarterbacks - Kerry Collins and Jeff Garcia respectively - were at the top of their game, and how could they not be with Amani Toomer and Terrell Owens at their disposal - both having put up over 1,300 receiving yards that season?

And how about Michael Strahan, who was in the middle of a ridiculous 52 sacks in three seasons stretch? (Yes, that read fifty-two, not a typo...)

With Tiki Barber and the not-so-affable Jeremy Shockey (who had taken Terrell Owens swagger, and reproduced it with a hint of white trailerpark-trash in the mix) also featuring, this game had it all.

But don't just take my word for it. As the winning coach would go on to say in his post-match press conference...

"As long as you live, you might never see a game better than that."

adrian522

Great Game, watched it again before this years NFC championship game, still can't believe how it ended...

Paully D

Great stuff mate, just heading to bed to watch this now. Will post my thoughts after.

UCD AFC

Paully D wrote: »

Great stuff mate, just heading to bed to watch this now. Will post my thoughts after.

Think I'll do the same. Gather up some snacks and drinks and chill in bed watching this.

As usual Cam it's much appreciated, uploading and of course the description that whets the appetite Thanks again.

Paully D

Just got to watch the first half but I'm falling asleep so will watch the second half tomorrow.

Garcia is excellent running the ball, I thought I was watching Tebow for a while

That play where Owens threw to Streets in the middle of the 2nd quarter was quality. I've missed so many great players such as Owens by only getting into the sport over the last year!

On a side note, were the players allowed more leeway back then? Maybe it's just me but there would have been about 20 pass interference calls if that exact game was played in today's game and at one stage the 49ers D-lineman threw a right hook at the Giants O-lineman. Gotta love it! :pac:

EDIT - Watched the 2nd half.

What an unbelievable last 3 minutes! I loved those little scraps at the end involving TO twice :pac: What a complete and utter balls

the Giants made of that last FG attempt try.

Thanks again for posting these videos Cam!

UCD AFC

Wow, what a game. I've watched the NFL for only a couple of years and last year was the first where I really got to know all the players and teams, learned a lot about everything etc. so was great to watch a classic game (and see TO play like he did there)

very exciting to watch Garcia as well, obviously able to scramble and his passing on the move was very good I thought. agree about the more physical pass coverage

adrian522

Have to say I'm loving you tube on the xbox 360