The Best Sports Plays of 2019

1/1/2020

The Best Sports Plays of 2019

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The Best Sports Plays of 2019

With each passing year, the “Top Sports Plays” list seems to get more and more ambitious; I prepare myself all year for it, writing down and saving clip after clip of incredible athletic feats on each day I see them, from January 1st right on down.

After getting to today without having a list, I think I maybe went a little too hard this year. When I compiled my preliminary list, I had over 225 plays to choose from, and I was tasked with whittling it down to 100. And, honestly, I ran out of time and energy to rank 12 different diving baseball catches that all pretty much look the same.

For me, having even 115 and narrowing it down to 100 is difficult enough, so I thought I’d take a different approach for 2019’s version of the list.

So, welcome to According to Andrew’s selections for the Best Sports Plays of 2019.

Here’s how this is going to work:

I have organized the plays you’re about to read about and see into categories by sport. Baseball, Football, Hockey, Basketball, etc. Each sport will have its own subdivisions, with anywhere from 1-5 unranked entries in each subdivision. Instead of having an enormous ranked list, you’ll see each type of play grouped together and celebrated.

But here’s the kicker- I still have enough audacity in me to create a ranked list somewhere in here. At the end, you’ll see my ranked picks for the Top 10 Sports Plays of the year. As a result, those plays will not be included in the different play sections under each sport. The top 10 are simply transcendent above the rest, and can exist in a top 10 list of their own.

There. Mischief managed.

Now let’s dive in. This is the best sports had to offer over the past year.

Hockey

Best Save

Tuukka Rask stacks the pads against Alex Iafallo
Boston Bruins vs. Los Angeles Kings (2/16)

The Bruins played in Los Angeles on this night, but with how loud the “Tuuk” cheers were after this save, you would have never known it. The Bruins net minder throws both legs in the air and spins around to take away a sure goal from Kings forward Alex Iafallo.

Jake Oettinger's brilliant paddle save
Texas Stars vs. San Antonio Rampage (4/11)

Man, do I love paddle saves. Texas Stars (the Dallas AHL affiliate) goalie Jake Oettinger goes cross crease and is able to get his stick out in just the right place in order to stop the puck from going into a wide open net.

Marc-Andre Fleury's brilliant diving glove save
Vegas Golden Knights vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (11/20)

Dear God, Marc-Andrei Fleury. The Golden Knights net minder makes a spectacular diving stop on Nic Petran to keep Vegas in the lead. If Fleury had a mind to go into baseball, he probably could with a glove like that.

Carter Hart denies Jaden Schwartz with cross-crease save
Philadelphia Flyers vs. St. Louis Blues (1/7)

Jaden Schwartz thought he had a goal. Carter Hart thought otherwise. Watch as he sprawls across the crease and makes a great save with his blocker, stopping this shot dead in its tracks.

Pekka Rinne double feature: Robberies of Tavares, Hymen, Radulov and Benn
Nashville Predators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (3/20)
Nashville Predators vs. Dallas Stars- Game 5, Western Conference Quarterfinals (4/20)

Rinne gets two plays (well, three) because he’s a contortionist who gets paid a lot of money to play hockey. The first sees him make not one, not two, but THREE stops against John Tavares and Zach Hymen, making a great blocker save in the process. The second comes in the playoffs against the Stars, as he stones Alexander Radulov and Jamie Benn. Because in the playoffs, sometimes you need your goaltender to stand on his head in order to win.

Matt Murray stones the Blue Jackets twice
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (3/9)

Since stepping in for Marc-Andre Fleury, Murray has been a wonder. His first save on Boone Jenner is a great paddle save, and he follows it up by stopping the Markus Nuutivaara with his thumb. When the other team thinks it went in and it didn’t, you know you’ve done something right.

Best Goal

Jeff Petry bats in overtime winner
Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins (1/14)

From the paddle saves to the paddle goal, Jeff Petry blasts one past Tuukka Rask off the rebound, giving the Habs the win in OT over their rival.

Connor McDavid dangles for his 40th of the season
Edmonton Oilers vs. Dallas Stars (3/28)

Like it was nothing. McDavid goes through his legs to beat Anton Khudobin for his 40th goal of last season.

Mark Scheifele bats his own rebound in out of mid-air
Winnipeg Jets vs. Colorado Avalanche (1/8)

It’s one thing to smack in the rebound from someone else. It’s quite another to do it from your OWN rebound. A little shake and bake action for a great goal.

Aleksander Barkov goes through his legs and scores
Florida Panthers vs. Montreal Canadiens (2/17)

This is right up there for goal of the year. Aleksander Barkov shows some balls here with a great pass between his own legs, and then going top shelf to beat Carey Price.

Best Hit

Torey Krug runs through Robert Thomas
Boston Bruins vs. St. Louis Blues- Stanley Cup Final, Game 1 (5/27)

A little guy with no helmet is a dangerous thing. As Robert Thomas advances the puck, he runs into Torey Krug, fresh off a tussle with David Perron in which he lost his helmet, who is coming full speed down the eyes, and lays him out with a thunderous hit.

Max Martin sends Keith Getson flying
Prince Albert Raiders vs. Halifax Mooseheads- Memorial Cup (5/18)

Keith Gets, prepare for takeoff. In this game from the Memorial Cup, Max Martin gives Getson a great hip check that sends the man flying into the boards… and possibly the lower glass.

Baseball

Best Defensive Stop

Nolan Arenado's barehand, cross body throw
Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (7/7)

This one is probably the defensive play of the year. Don’t hit it at Nolan Arenado. The dude is playing the best baseball of his career and he will throw you out at first no matter what.

Fernando Tatis Jr. leaps to make a great grab
San Diego Padres vs. Tampa Bay Rays (8/12)

I could not escape seeing Fernando Tatis this year. Plays just like this are why. The dude is floating in the air and makes an incredible snag.

Francisco Lindor's backhand pick
Cleveland Indians vs. Detroit Tigers (7/16)

.@lindor12bc is a vacuum. pic.twitter.com/gm1kIRHwX6
— MLB (@MLB) July 17, 2019

I’m a Red Sox fan. Xander Bogaerts is nowhere near as good as Francisco Lindor. This is an excellent backhanded pick in the dirt. Dear Barbara.

Ryan Zimmerman's diving NLCS stop
Washington Nationals vs. St. Louis Cardinals- NLCS, Game 1 (10/11)

Here’s a nifty grab from Ryan Zimmerman as he dives on the dirt to take away a hit in Game 1 of the NLCS.

Javy Baez and Addison Russell combine for brilliant DP
Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (7/13)

Javy Baez makes an excellent diving stop and shovels the ball to Addison Russell, who tags the bag and guns it to first to complete the double play. This highlight reel stop ended the game, too, so that’s fun.

Best Outfield Grab

Jonathan Davis makes a superman catch on the run
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Tampa Bay Rays (5/29)

Like Kevin Pillar before him, Jonathan Davis’ diving grab in the gap in left center had it all: leaving one’s feet, the complete lack of regard for his own safety, and the excitement to top it all off.

Michael Brantley robs Hicks, doubles up Judge
Houston Astros vs. New York Yankees- ALCS, Game 6 (10/19)

In last year’s ALCS, Andrew Benintendi made a catch similar to this one, ending an exciting game 4. This year, the Astros were the ones making the great defensive plays, as Michael Brantley robs Aaron Hicks of a hit, then doubles up Aaron Judge, preserving the Astros lead in the seventh.

Scott Kingery lays out for a great catch
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Washington Nationals (7/12)

With men on first and third, this Ryan Zimmerman liner probably would have scored both runners had it gotten through. Thankfully, Scott Kingrey was there to make a brilliant catch, saving further damage in the inning.

Raimel Tapia's web gem in left
Colorado Rockies vs. Arizona Diamondbacks (8/20)

Like a rag doll, Tapia lays out in left to make an excellent diving grab. His arm seems to whip down into the turf, showing the desperation to make this web gem possible.

Greg Allen makes excellent snag on the run
Cleveland Indians vs. Cincinnati Reds (7/7)

We don’t see many of these, and for good reason: they’re hard as hell to do. Watch as Greg Allen reaches up over his head while facing away from the play, and makes an excellent backhand play on the ball for the out.

Best Home Run Robbery

Lorenzo Cain robs Jose Martinez to end it on opening day
Milwaukee Brewers vs. St. Louis Cardinals (3/28)

Lo Cain not wasting any time in coming up with the first highlight reel catch of the new season, as he takes back the would-be game tying homer from Jose Ramirez to end the game.

Ronald Acuña Jr's excellent grab at the wall
Atlanta Braves vs. New York Mets (8/15)

The young Braves star continues to make a name for himself, and this catch certainly exemplifies that. JD Davis launches a ball to right, and Acuña says “nope!” He shows off his ups by grabbing the ball just before it goes over the fence.

Albert Almora Jr gets some ups to rob Yadi Molina
Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals (9/27)

Albert Almora got UP on this one. As Yadier Molina sends one into deep left center, Almora climbs the wall and reaches into the shrubbery to take away a sure home run.

Stevie Wilkerson's barrel roll on the Fenway wall
Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox (9/29)

This ball was long gone at Fenway. Fortunately for Stevie Wilkerson, the wall in right in Boston is only 3 feet high. Easy for him to leap up and basically do a barrel role after making this great grab.

Jackie Bradley Jr reels in a would-be walk-off in extras
Boston Red Sox vs. Baltimore Orioles (5/8)

The Red Sox sucked this season. But their fielding was one bright spot in a season of disappointment. Enter Jackie Bradley Jr, who makes a great catch in centerfield in extra innings to keep the game tied.

Best Throw

Marwin Gonzalez guns out Jeff Pann at the plate
Minnesota Twins vs. Oakland A's (7/3)

Ah, yes. Cutting down a runner at home plate. There’s nothing like it. Twins outfielder Marwin Gonzalez is able to make a great throw from the corner to get Jeff Pann before he reaches home plate.

Mookie Betts' throw from the track to get Garcia at third
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays (9/23)

The former AL MVP shows his range in the outfield with a mutant throw from the warning track to get Avisail Garcia. By the way, this is 305 feet in the air. We’re talking Carlos Guillen territory here.

Yasiel Puig's laser throw starts rare 9-5-6 double play
Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals (7/18)

Yasiel Puig makes a great throw from right to get the runner at third, who then throws to second, where the shortstop tags the runner who overslid the bag. Your casual 9-5-6 double play.

Ramon Laureano robs homer and doubles up runner at first
Oakland A's vs. Toronto Blue Jays (4/21)

Catch aside, this is a throw we’ve come to expect from Ramon Laureano, as he rockets the ball to first, and in fact overthrows the base. Thankfully the catch was backed up, and the A’s are able to double up Justin Smoak at second base. This thing is a sure home run, and Laser Ramon not only brought that back, but cut down the Blue Jays in the process. You thought a 9-5-6 was rare? Try a 9-2-6 instead.

Best Homer

Bryce Harper sprints around bases on walk-off grand slam
Philadelphia Phillies vs. Chicago Cubs (8/15)

When Bryce Harper hits home runs, the world shakes. This walk-off grand slam followed by the home run sprint is the best.

Bryce Blaum hits walk-off grand slam to eliminate West Virginia
Texas A&M vs. West Virginia- College World Series, Morgantown Regional Semifinal (6/22)

Speaking of dudes named Bryce who hit grand slams, enter Bryce Blaum, who pulled Texas A&M out from under a 3-run deficit in the bottom of the 9th in a College World Series regional semifinal. 3-2 count, 2 outs, bases loaded, home run. Every kid’s dream.

Rendon and Soto take Kershaw deep to tie Game 5
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Washington Nationals- NLDS, Game 5 (10/9)

You get two homers for the price of one here. Up 3-1 in the 8th inning of the deciding game of the National League Division Series, the Dodgers decided to bring in Clayton Kershaw to close the door on the Nationals. But the Nationals reminded us why Kershaw has had trouble in the playoffs. Enter Anthony Rendon and Juan Soto. The Nationals won in extras and went on to win the World Series.

Best Slide

Fernando Tatis Jr goes matrix to escape rundown
San Diego Padres vs. Atlanta Braves (7/14)

Remember what I said about Fernando Tatis Jr being good at baseball? Yeah. This slide.

Best Lucky Play

Freddy Galvis' barehanded, over the shoulder grab
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Oakland A's (4/21)

I’m not sure how much skill was involved here, but it sure is lucky. Galvis sticks his barehand out, knowing he probably won’t be able to make a good catch with his glove. The ball finds his bare hand, miraculously.

Steven Piscotty fights the sun and catches the ball anyway
Oakland A's vs. San Francisco Giants (8/24)

Fighting the sun as an outfielder is the worst. But sometimes, you just have to stick your glove out anyway and see what happens. If you’re Steven Piscotty, the ball just finds you. Sun? What sun?

Adam Warren snags DJ LeMahieu's liner behind his back
San Diego Padres vs. New York Yankees (5/29)

MLB Street Vol. 17. pic.twitter.com/b5gxQCwbXa
— MLB (@MLB) May 29, 2019

Man, do I love comebackers like this one. Adam Warren makes an excellent backhanded stab on DJ LeMahieu’s liner up the middle, and throws him out at first. As cool as the other side of the pillow.

Jeremy Jeffress' reflexes prevent bad situation
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Minnesota Twins (5/27)

On the other side of the comebacker, watch as Jeremy Jeffress narrowly avoids death, as this liner back at him finds its way into his glove as he fends off a vicious attack from the baseball.

Golf

Best Golf Shot

Tiger bends one around the trees from the bunker
WGC-Mexico Championship (2/26)

From the sand trap. With a 9 iron. Around a tree. Getting the ball to cut to the right when it hits the green. Jesus Christ, do I wish I could do this. He missed the putt, but wow is this an impressive shot from Tiger.

Jhonattan Vegas' 70-foot putt on 17 at The Players
The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass (3/17)

It’s hard enough hitting the green at 17 at TPC Sawgrass. It’s also probably just as hard to hit a 70 foot putt. Combine the two together, and you get the longest putt ever made on the iconic hole of golf's fifth major. A brilliant putt by Jhonattan Vegas to tie him for second at The Players.

Tiger's final putt seals Masters victory
2019 Masters Tournament, Final Round (4/16)

Honestly I don't think anyone ever thought they'd see Tiger win another major. And then his marvelous run at the final round at Augusta made us all believe again. We're witnessing greatness. The best shot of the year might be this four footer for a bogey.

Tennis

Most Creative Return Shot

Rafael Nadal returns one around the side of the net
US Open, Round of 16 (9/3)

This is just unfair, Rafa. Doing the poor guy dirty like that.

Dan Evans behind the back return
Australian Open Qualifying (1/10)

And this is straight up just showing off. Do you think he planned to do this just too toy with the guy?

Boxing & MMA

Best Knockout

Anthony Pettis KO’s Stephen Thompson with a Superman punch
UFC Fight Night 143 (3/30)

Roman Reigns would be proud of this Superman punch.

Kevin Lee KOs Gregor Gillespie with a kick
UFC 224 (11/3)

It’s never a good sign when an MMA falls to the canvas like that, but damn, does that mean the knockout was excellent.

Deontay Wilder ends Dominic Breazeale in the first round
WBC Heavyweight Title Fight (5/18)

BOOM.

Also peep the excellently placed “Mamma Mia!” from announcer Mauro Ranallo.

Soccer

Best Assist

Ball boy makes quick throw, essentially assisting on goal
Tottenham vs. Olympiacos (11/27)

This is some really great quick thinking on the ball boy’s part in helping to assist on that goal. If I were that ball boy, I totally would try to do this every time, or do the opposite if it were the opposing team. Here's an extra: Spurs manager Jose Mourinho praising the kid's work Also, this is all the soccer I watched this year.

Basketball

Best Posterizing Dunk

Terrence Davis throws down over Yves Pons
Ole Miss vs. Tennessee (2/17)

There’s a point where, if you know you’re the one in a two-on-one, and the other guy is going to dunk on you, you shouldn’t even consider jumping. It was at this moment, that Yves Pons knew, he fucked up.

Jaxson Hayes climbs the ladder
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets- NBA Summer League (7/8)

And in Summer League?? This is just rude. But hey, anything to get the attention of the people determining the state of your contract, am I right?

Danny Green throws down monster putback dunk
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Atlanta Hawks (11/18)

Danny Green says he was drug tested after this rim-rattling dunk against the Hawks. “Catch one dunk and get drunk tested,” tweeted Green, with a crying laughing emoji. “#surprisesurprise,” he continued.

Tanner Groves dunks over everybody
Eastern Washington vs. Multnomah (12/13)

White dudes throwing down jams in a blowout win over a school fielding local nerds posing as a basketball team. Whatever. I’ll allow it. This is a great dunk.

Ja Morant jumps over a dude in rim-rattling slam
Murray State vs. UT Martin (1/10)

Ja is a dominating rookie in the pros nowadays, but there’s a reason he was highly touted prospect out of Murray State. Check this out as he jumps OVER a dude en route to a nasty slam.

Best Alley-Oop Dunk

Derrick Jones Jr throws down a huge dunk, literally
Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors (3/10)

He THREW this one in. This is some DeAndre Jordan type nonsense. Probably the dunk of the year.

Malik Monk defies gravity on Hornets fast break
Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets (11/23)

Another two-on-one breakaway dunk. When will these defenders learn to just stay put and let them have the basket???

Best NBA Buzzer-Beater

Bulls come from down 5 with 8 seconds left thanks to Zach LaVine
Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets (11/23)

So the Bulls are down by 5 with 8 seconds left when Tomas Sataransky hit a 3 to make it 115-113, New Orleans. After a scramble for the ball on the inbound, the ball is stripped, and LaVine, a la Reggie Miller, retreated to the three point line, and let loose what would be his franchise record 13th made 3-pointer, capping off a miracle win for the Bulls.

Rajon Rondo hits game-winner against former team
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (2/7)

The Lakers are in the midst of a bad season. They lost by 42 in the previous game. It’s just not working. The Celtics are rolling. And then Rajon Rondo makes this incredible jumper to beat his former team and send his current team into a frenzy. A cool moment.

Jeremy Lamb's rainbow from half court
Charlotte Hornets vs. Toronto Raptors (3/24)

This thing got some HEIGHT. This is a straight up rainbow shot.

Best College Buzzer-Beater

Stephen F. Austin buzzer-beater sinks Duke
Stephen F. Austin vs. Duke (11/26)

Duke just couldn’t hold onto the ball even though they had a chance for the last shot. The Lumberjacks took advantage, took the ball, and took it down the court, and Nathan Bain went coast to coast for the layup at the buzzer, handing the top-ranked Blue Devils a loss, and Stephen F. Austin its biggest win in program history. March is going to be fun.

Jarred Dixon hits half-court winner after wild scrum
Missouri State vs. Illinois State (2/10)

How in the world does this play even materialize the way it does? There’s a mad scramble for the ball from the inbound all the way until it finds the bottom of the net. Jarred Dixon is the lucky hero, with the ball seemingly just landing in his hands before he launches a prayer that finds its way in. This one is crazy.

Iowa's baseball pass and corner bank three to down Rutgers
Iowa vs. Rutgers (2/16)

This is what it looks like to draw up a great play. First is the baseball throw from the far baseline all the way into the opposite corner from Nicholas Baer. Then comes the shot from Joe Wieskamp, which banks off the backboard (from the CORNER), and beats the buzzer, giving the Hawkeyes the win over Rutgers.

Elijah Hughes from the other free-throw line
Syracuse vs. Duke (1/14)

This isn’t a game-winner, but it is a buzzer-beating full court shot, and it’s against Duke. What’s not to love?

Markus Golder's half-court runner banks in
Valparaiso vs. Illinois State (1/2)

Did I mention how half-court shots off the glass are the best thing?

Best Crossover

Lance Stephenson crosses Jeff Green, Laker bench goes crazy
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Washington Wizards

The crossover is straight up disrespectful from Lance here, as Jeff Green goes tumbling backwards. You know this play is good because of the bench’s reaction after the fact- players lying on the ground in disbelief. A truly unfair move.

Chris Paul crosses DJ Wilson into next week
Houston Rockets vs. Milwaukee Bucks (3/26)

The announcers are correct here- you do still have to make the shot. Thankfully, Chris Paul is, well, Chris Paul, as he takes a second to admire his work of crossing DJ Wilson into the next century, before draining a three.

Trae Young puts defender through the spin cycle
Atlanta Hawks vs. Detroit Pistons

YEESH. Sometimes the best crossovers are the fastest, most subtle ones. Watch closely as Trae dribbles backwards through his legs to spin his defender around completely in one of the best, most hilarious, most disgusting moves of the year.

Geno Crandall puts his defender on skates
Gonzaga vs. BYU (2/22)

MBB | GENO CRANDALL JUST PUT HIM ON SKATES. □

We have the same reaction right now as everyone in The Kennel. You serious, @ZagMBB?! #WCChoops pic.twitter.com/4mqMlNq6Hm
— WCC Basketball (@WCChoops) February 24, 2019

He was like “See ya!”

Best Block

Zion covers ground and makes thunderous block
Duke vs. Virginia (2/9)

For Zion, a player of his size, to get over to the corner of the court that quickly, and jump that high, and be able to make this block on a three point attempt is really something special.

Best Pass

Steph Curry's behind the back, full court pass to Kevin Durant
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers (4/4)

This is just unfair. The game of basketball is really missing these two superstars right now.

Football

Best of Quarterbacks

Aaron Rodgers just throws it up for Aaron Jones
Green Bay Packers vs. Kansas City Chiefs (10/27)

NO WORDS □□ @AaronRodgers12 @jswaggdaddy pic.twitter.com/xBtjY2hwZS
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) October 28, 2019

Aaron Rodgers has this uncanny ability to have his throws caught from anywhere. He just kind underhanded it, like “I don’t know. Here. Catch this one. I don’t even care.” Thankfully, Aaron Jones was there for the grab, completing the incredible pass sequence.

Deshaun Watson gets kicked in the face, throws TD pass
Houston Texans vs. Oakland Raiders (10/30)

The full Deshaun Watson kicked in the face/eye touchdown play to Darren Fells. #Texans pic.twitter.com/hS4LzxQgFi
— patrick (@PatDStat) October 27, 2019

How you gonna get kicked in the face and still throw a touchdown pass? Watson does exactly this, somehow escaping a sack, and throws a touchdown to Darren Fells, in the 4th quarter, to come from behind. Deshaun is one of the best quarterbacks in this league. This is why.

Josh Allen fumbles snap, fights for first down
Buffalo Bills vs. Dallas Cowboys (11/28)

from Bills GIFs via Gfycat

Speaking of great young quarterbacks, here’s Josh Allen on fourth and one against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. He fumbles the snap, manages to pick it up, and not just get the first down, but also force his way through the Cowboys defensive line for like five yards. This dude is a freak.

Phillip Nelson throws backwards pass
San Diego Fleet vs. Orlando Apollos (2/17)

This one relies a little more on luck, but Phillip Nelson is a quarterback from the defunct AAF, so it counts. Here, he throws a backwards pass to his receiver Gavin Escobar.

Best Catch

Deebo Samuel makes catch after ball caroms off two defenders
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals (11/17)

Deebo caught this. □ @19problemz #GoNiners #AZvsSF

□: FOX
□: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/414bcK9I5b pic.twitter.com/h59dwyrxGl
— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2019

The more I watch this, the more I can’t believe Deebo caught this. It’s between two defenders, and he basically takes the first one with him (a la Francis Owusu) before the ball pops into his hands.

James Washington holds on while falling to the turf
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns (12/1)

That was incredible.@JamesWashington hangs on for the unreal TD catch! #HereWeGo #CLEvsPIT

□: CBS
□: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/uPnyeJSIAR pic.twitter.com/uGazaZsEz0
— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2019

Washington basically caught this ball while upside down on his back. Think about that for a few seconds. After you’re done, think about him catching it, and then having to wrestle the ball away from a defender, and essentially catching it again, and think about THAT for a few seconds.

Justyn Ross makes great one-handed grab at sideline
Clemson vs. Alabama- College Football Playoff National Championship (1/7)

Clemson toyed with Alabama in the National Championship last year. This catch by Justyn Ross is that game summed up in a nutshell- everything went the Tigers’ way. Everything they threw, their receivers caught.

Kyle Rudolph's one-handed TD grab
Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys (11/10)

.@KyleRudolph82 with one of the best one-handed catches of the year! □@VIkings on top early. #SKOL

□: #MINvsDAL on NBC
□: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/RXk10jUojC pic.twitter.com/EUZjrdlucS
— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2019

What I love most about this catch is that it may be the most blasé one-handed grab I’ve ever seen by a tight end. Kirk Cousins kind of just chucks it to the back of the end zone, and of COURSE a player of Kyle Rudolph’s caliber comes down with it.

Michael Gallup makes crazy circus catch
Dallas Cowboys vs. Detroit Lions (11/17)

All the way Gall-UP!@Michael13Gallup | #DALvsDET pic.twitter.com/oPHH4LPjo0
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) November 17, 2019

Michael Gallup is one of the best young players in this league. Fight me on it.

Best Hit

The Helicopter Hit
Mississippi State vs. Kansas State (9/14)

The helicopter hit: Jim Ross edition (□⬆️) pic.twitter.com/qa5qXI92Jl
— SportsNation (@SportsNation) September 14, 2019

I have attached this clip of the hit in question along with the one dubbed over with commentary by WWE’s Jim Ross. I feel that it is better experienced in that way. Also, the fact that Mississippi State QB Garrett Shrader reaches for the first down afterwards shows us how much of a champ he is.

Shaan Washington lights up Berkovici with vicious shot
San Diego Fleet vs. San Antonio Commanders (2/9)

This was the hit that made us all say “THE NFL COULD NEVER!” I would agree. This is just great, hard-nosed football from these two AAF teams.

Adrian Magee demonstrates how to block properly
LSU vs. Vanderbilt (9/21)

“SIT DOWN. Okay, who’s here to try to get to the QB? No one? Solid. Oh, you again? You want some more? I said SIT DOWN.”

Best Touchdown Runs

Lamar Jackson hits the B button en route to touchdown
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals (11/10)

Lamar Jackson... you are ridiculous. 47 yards to the house. This is just... WOW.

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/64S3feeiMy
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) November 10, 2019

It was hard to narrow this list down to 10 plays. This could easily be number 11. Watch closely as the likely MVP goes to work with this designed run, juking defenders out of their shoes, breaking ankles, and taking it to the house.

Najee Harris goes beast mode against South Carolina
Alabama vs. South Carolina (9/14)

A vicious stiff arm, a hurdle, and a touchdown. What’s not to love? Beast Mode would be proud of this run from Alabama RB Najee Harris.

Shaun Shivers trucks defender so hard his helmet flies off
Auburn vs. Alabama (11/30)

HE HIT HIM SO HARD IT MADE HIS ANCESTORS DIZZY. Watch as Shaun Shivers trucks Xavier McKinney into the next dimension.

Best Trick Play

Matt Haack flips to Jason Sanders for Punter to Kicker TD
Miami Dolphins vs. Philadelphia Eagles (12/1)

Dolphins P Matt Haack TD PASS to Dolphins K Jason Sanders. Glorious.

(Via: @nfl). pic.twitter.com/gR9oPkWPrK
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 1, 2019

This is the first ever touchdown pass from a punter to a kicker. Ever. Also, didn’t the Colts try something similar to this, just to catastrophic effect?

Tulane fake kneel leads to game winning TD pass
Tulane vs. Houston (9/19)

Tulane isn’t taking shit from Houston, as the little school that could fakes the knee in order to get a first down at the end with the game tied. Then, Justin McMillan fired a 53-yard touchdown pass to Jalen McClesky, who fought off two defenders to give Tulane the win as time wound down.

Florida State's triple pass for a big gain
Florida State vs. Syracuse (10/26)

With all these passes, you would hope that they at least get a first down, right? Alex Hornibrook passes it to Cam Akers, who passes it back to Hornibrook, who finds receiver Tamorrior Terry, who ran it for 54 yards. This one looked it was dead in its tracks, but the Noles made something out of nothing in dramatic fashion.

Best of Luck

Chris Olave's leg catch
Ohio State vs. Rutgers (11/16)

Chris Olave combines both luck and skill as he manages to keep the ball pinned to his leg while he maintains control.

Corey Sutton's circus grab
Appalachian State vs. Georgia State (11/16)

Sometimes, you get so lucky, the ball finds you. App State’s Corey Sutton appears to have run out of luck as the ball bounces off his and a defender’s hands. Fortunately, Sutton is able to keep the ball off the ground as the football hits both his feet, before falling into his arms. Talk about luck.

Ball hits off four defenders before Kalil Pimpleton makes the grab
Central Michigan vs. Northern Illinois (11/2)

“No, he did NOT catch that.” I mean, the more I look at this, it doesn’t look like there’s any way Kalil Pimpleton makes this grab. The ball bounces off his fingers, then finds its way between three defenders, before finally squirting free, allowing Pimpleton to dive and make a miraculous catch before it hits the ground- or worse, become intercepted.

And now that we've reached the end of that, here my selections for the top 10 plays of 2019.

10. JP Crawford's jumping, twisting throw from shortstop
Seattle Mariners vs. Detroit Tigers (7/27)

I can’t even fathom the kind of athleticism it takes to make a throw like this. Crawford doesn’t have time to set his feet, so instead, he just twists his body in midair and makes a throw across the diamond to get Jeimer Candelario at first base.

9. Dwyane Wade's emotional (and brilliant) game winner
Miami Heat vs. Golden State Warriors (2/28)

Dwyane Wade was in his 16th season as an NBA player. It was the twilight of his career, that much is certain. But for one shining moment, the former NBA champion showed us the has a little bit left in the tank. With time winding down, and the Warriors leading by 2, Wade got the ball at the top of the key. He went to fire up a shot that was blocked by Jordan Bell. Wade somehow was able to get the ball back, and then fire a desperation shot on one leg, pretty much all in the same one motion. The ball hit the backboard and caromed in, giving the Heat a win. It is a perfect final stroke for an artist of the hardwood, who clearly left it all on the court.

8. Courtland Sutton's insane one-handed grab
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (12/1)

Highlight: Drew Lock throws it deep for a crazy one handed catch from Courtland Sutton! from r/nfl

Remember when OBJ made a catch like this against the Redskins? Sutton does his best impression, as he lays out and snags the ball with one hand just before it reaches the ground. Not a bad first touchdown pass for QB Drew Lock, although it’s clearly Courtland Sutton that does all the work here.

7. Andrei Svechnikov's lacrosse goals
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Calgary Flames (10/29)
Carolina Hurricanes vs. Winnipeg Jets (12/17)

So nice, he did it twice. Andrei Svechnikov pulls what is commonly referred to in hockey as “The Michigan,” picking the puck up off the ground and lifting it into the back of the net from behind the goal. First, he does it to Flames goalie David Rittich, then does it again to Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck.

6. Altuve's walk-off sends Astros to World Series
Houston Astros vs. New York Yankees- ALCS, Game 6

The year’s most important home run came from the player with the smallest stature, but the biggest heart. With the game tied in the 9th inning, and the Yankees just having tied the game in the top of the inning, Jose Altuve took this pitch from Aroldis Chapman and sent it into the second deck, sending the Astros to the World Series.

5. Tuukka Rask's unreal save with the glove of his blocker
Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres (11/21)

In the unending contest to determine the most creative way to stop a puck from going into the net, this is right up there- I’ve watched a lot of hockey, and I’ve never seen anything like this before. Evan Rodrigues thought he had a wide open net, especially considering Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask lost his stick in the scrum of players on the other side of the crease. Miraculously, Rask was able to make the save using the glove side of his blocker- the glove typically reserved for holding his stick.

4. Russell Wilson threads the needle to find Lockett
Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams (10/3)

[Highlight] Russell Wilson insane TD pass to Tyler Lockett from r/nfl

I have seen stat after stat about “tight window throws” this NFL season. This one probably got ESPN or the NFL to keep track of that stat. Somehow, Russell Wilson finds Tyler Lockett on this play. Lockett, who is working with what must be almost no room at all, makes a great toe-tapping catch in the back corner of the end zone. This is one of the best throw and catch combos I have ever seen. Though Wilson probably isn’t going to win MVP this year, he was in the conversation early on, and this throw is one of the reasons why.

3. Aaron Hicks' leaping grab to end the game
New York Yankees vs. Minnesota Twins

This game might be the game of the year. A back and forth, 14-12 slugfest that took extras to be decided. With the Yankees up 14-12 in the top of the 10th, the Twins had the bases loaded and were poised to capitalize on their runners in scoring position. Max Kepler hit a ball hard into left centerfield, where it looked like it was headed for the gap. Aaron Hicks covered a lot of ground and made a sensational diving catch to end the game and seal the victory for New York. One of the games of the year dictates that a catch of the year be involved.

2. Damian Lillard's buzzer-beater sinks Thunder
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder- Western Conference Quarterfinals, Game 5 (4/23)

Damian Lillard has been here before. He won a playoff series for the Blazers against the Rockets back in 2015. I dare say this shot is more impressive. It’s game 5 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals, and the Blazers are up 3-1 in the series. With time winding down, and the Trail Blazers with the ball, Lillard absolutely nails this shot from about 40 feet out, sending Oklahoma City home. It’s always Dame Time in Portland.

1. Kawhi Leonard teeters on the edge of greatness
Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers- Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 7 (5/12)

Bounce. Bounce bounce bounce. Bounce. Teeter. FALL. What else is there to say about this one? Even the ball knew the stakes were high, so it decided to add to the drama. With this incredible shot, Leonard and the Raptors eliminated the Sixers, and used this momentum to propel them to a win in the NBA Finals.

Thank you for bearing with me through all that. What plays made you stand up and cheer? Leave a comment down below.

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