Sunday Night’s NFL Wild Card matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens featured one of the most incredible plays on the goal line in recent memory to completely shift the direction of the game.
Despite the Ravens being without star quarterback Lamar Jackson in this game, they did a great job to keep it extremely competitive with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley under center.
The play occurred with the game tied at 17-17 with the Ravens moving the ball quickly down the field. An impressive run from Huntley set the Ravens up on the two-yard line looking to take the lead.
Tyler Huntley with the longest run of his career! 🏈🔥 pic.twitter.com/8rSgqlsFeL
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 16, 2023
After getting nowhere on their first two plays on the goal line, the Ravens attempted to let Huntley run it in himself on third down.
As Huntley attempted to reach the ball over the goal line, Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson made an incredible play to not only deny him the touchdown, but also knock the ball out of his hands. The fumble was recovered by Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard, who proceeded to return it 98 yards for a Bengals touchdown.
ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS PLAY FOR THE BENGALS TD 🏈 pic.twitter.com/X2j8ePt4DP
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 16, 2023
This play was potentially a 14-point swing in the game, which undoubtedly changed the outlook of the game.
NBC Sports color commentator Cris Collinsworth detailed just how impactful this play was for Cincinnati, revealing that the Bengals had a 45.8 percent chance of winning before the fumble, skyrocketing to an 87.6 percent chance after the fumble.
In one play, the Bengals went from slight underdogs to overwhelming favorites. pic.twitter.com/rlP4gDgLM9
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 16, 2023
Collinsworth also broke down the play with replay angles:
Cris Collinsworth breaks down the Bengals' insane touchdown. 🏈 pic.twitter.com/tTlfG8Jyd7
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 16, 2023
Wilson’s incredible play to stuff the Ravens and turn defense into offense certainly garnered some high praise from the NFL world.
“What. Just. Happened. A 98 yard fumble TD for the Bengals. Unbelievable,” tweeted Lukas Weese of The Athletic.
WHAT. JUST. HAPPENED.
A 98 yard fumble TD for the Bengals.
Unbelievable. #BALvsCIN #NFLPlayoffs
— Lukas Weese (@Weesesports) January 16, 2023
“Biggest swing play ever?!?!” tweeted Ross Tucker of CBS Sports.
Biggest swing play ever?!?!
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) January 16, 2023
Hubbard’s 98-yard return broke a number of records, including the longest fumble return in NFL history and the longest touchdown of any kind in Bengals playoff history.
That amazing, game-swinging play proved to be the difference, with the Bengals holding on to win 24-17.
The Bengals hang on for the victory!
Cincinnati 24, Baltimore 17. 🏈 pic.twitter.com/QrsMcsqiT4
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) January 16, 2023
[The Comeback on Twitter] [Photo Credit: NBC]
