45 Years ago today
 

The Immaculate Reception. One of the most replayed plays of all time.

Was a classic play, but I've always wondered if what made the catch so insanely magical wasn't bad camera work. Or the limitations on camera work in those days. It looks like he comes out of nowhere to catch the ball. Was that simply because the camera work in those days was pretty basic compared to today? Would the catch seem as amazing today?

I think it was the game circumstances in which the catch occurred, and the surrounding controversy (ad lib instant reply to determine if the catch was legal), more than the catch itself that made it so memorable.

It was the Steelers 1st playoff game in their history after being losers for 40 years. That one play turned the franchise from the NFL's biggest loser into a big winner, winning 4 Super Bowls in the 70s. It also started a great rivalry with the Raiders. They would meet in the Playoffs 5 straight years, the last 3 for the AFC Championship with the winner winning the Super Bowl. It wasn't really a big play right after the game, but in the years after as both teams stoked the flames of their rivalry, it gained a mythical status.

It was a big play at the time too, a freak catch resulting in a 60 yard game winning touchdown as time expired in a playoff game. But I agree it became even bigger over time.

There were many amazing things in that game. Pittsburgh led 6-0 with less than a minute to go, then Oakland scored a touchdown to go up 7-6. That was devastating for the Steelers. And it was 4th and long when the play occurred, so it was do or die. Finally, Oakland swatted down the final pass, so it appeared the game was over. For Harris to then grab the deflected ball and run it for the game winning and AFC championship clinching touchdown was off the charts.

If Franco makes the same play in the second quarter of a regular season game, no big deal. As stated by others, it was the circumstance.

Not quite, it was a divisional game, the Steelers lost the next week to Miami.

Thanks. I was doing it by memory, and wasn't absolutely sure when I posted. Either way, it saved the season to that point.

Barry,

Our strength is in our achievements, not our memories.;)

I still have a pretty good memory for a card-carrying senior citizen (that's my Medicare card).:)

Immaculate extension is now historical as well...