Edelman's Catch

Mooch · Feb 6, 2017

The Tyree catch was equal parts instinct and luck. The Edelman catch involved less luck and more determination, pure athletic ability and skill.

Red(s)HawksFan · Feb 6, 2017

It had the lucky bounce of the Kearse catch two years ago combined with the "how the hell did he keep it from hitting the ground" aspect of the Tyree catch.

Best ever.

8slim · Feb 6, 2017

Greatest Super Bowl catch ever.

Every great catch has a bit of an element of luck involved, and the ball bouncing off of #23's leg was that element. But Edelman's supreme focus and incredible skill to keep that ball off the carpet is a feat of absolute mastery.

I mean, Kearse's catch 2 years ago was a lot of luck. The ball fell into his lap.

Edelman's was an all-timer. Particularly crazy coming after Jones's sideline catch that should have sealed the game.

Byrdbrain · Feb 6, 2017

The Tyree catch was more pivotal in the game, the Giants don't win if that catch isn't made.
The Edelman catch came on 1st down and I think the Pats likely win without it, though I'm happy not to ever have to know.

Both catches required lots of luck but I think Edelman's catch required more skill and concentration.
To throw in another comparison Kearse's catch was almost all luck as the ball just fell on to his chest.

Edit:I see others making the same point about the Kearse catch.

johnmd20 · Feb 6, 2017

Mooch said:
The Tyree catch was equal parts instinct and luck. The Edelman catch involved less luck and more determination, pure athletic ability and skill.

Wait wait wait. The Edelman catch didn't have more luck than Tyree? That's a comically stupid comment, it was amazingly lucky the ball got slowed between the Falcons' legs, giving Edelman a chance to make the scoop.

But without about 5 different lucky bounces, Edelman doesn't have a chance.

B H Kim · Feb 6, 2017

I agree with everything said here about the huge amount of luck involved in the catch and that it wasn't as critical to the outcome as the Tyree catch, but I still felt a strange sense of relief after it was upheld as a catch, almost like it closed the book on SB 42. Even after the SB 49 win, I still cringed and felt a momentary sense of dread every time I saw or heard anything about the Tyree catch. I think the win last night, and in particular the Edelman catch, put that to rest.

Marciano490 · Feb 6, 2017

The Edelman catch because it's not tainted by 15 uncalled holds.

8slim · Feb 6, 2017

Byrdbrain said:
The Tyree catch was more pivotal in the game, the Giants don't win if that catch isn't made.
The Edelman catch came on 1st down and I think the Pats likely win without it, though I'm happy not to ever have to know.

Both catches required lots of luck but I think Edelman's catch required more skill and concentration.
To throw in another comparison Kearse's catch was almost all luck as the ball just fell on to his chest.

Edit:I see others making the same point about the Kearse catch.

Wasn't the Tyree catch a 3rd down? So there always the chance they make it on 4th. Or am I misremembering that?

loshjott · Feb 6, 2017

8slim said:
Wasn't the Tyree catch a 3rd down? So there always the chance they make it on 4th. Or am I misremembering that?

No, you are right. I can't believe I'm actually writing about this, but Eli could have pulled out a 4th down miracle had the catch not been made.

Edelman's on first down makes it less significant, IMO.

Byrdbrain · Feb 6, 2017

8slim said:
Wasn't the Tyree catch a 3rd down? So there always the chance they make it on 4th. Or am I misremembering that?

I was thinking it was fourth down but I couldn't bear to look it up so you could be correct.

I see it was confirmed that it was on third down so yea, it would have been possible to win without the catch but obviously very unlikely.

Beomoose · Feb 6, 2017

Edelman re-gripping it to secure the catch still blows my mind.

BigSoxFan · Feb 6, 2017

Byrdbrain said:
I was thinking it was fourth down but I couldn't bear to look it up so you could be correct.

I see it was confirmed that it was on third down so yea, it would have been possible to win without the catch but obviously very unlikely.

Yeah, Tyree was on 3rd and 5. They probably would have converted anyways.

jsinger121 · Feb 6, 2017

The Edelman catch since he had 3 guys tackling him to the ground with the ball not even caught yet fully and he still had to secure it when it was like two inches off the ground. Unbelievable catch.

Ralphwiggum · Feb 6, 2017

The tragedy of the Tyree play is that it should have been a sack.

SocrManiac · Feb 6, 2017

All of the slow-motion replays seem to speed up when he snaps his hands around the ball for the final time. Except they don't. His hands move faster than mine when in slow motion.

8slim · Feb 6, 2017

Ralphwiggum said:
The tragedy of the Tyree play is that it should have been a sack.

Bingo. In real time I was screaming that Eli was in the grasp. He wasn't, but he should've been!

I tend to avoid these kinds of observations, because they're rarely correct, but I think Edelman's catch really broke Atlanta's spirit.

Toe Nash · Feb 6, 2017

BigSoxFan said:
Yeah, Tyree was on 3rd and 5. They probably would have converted anyways.

Couple things:

In both cases, the catch could have very easily been an interception. In both cases defenders had their hands on the ball as well as the receiver at some point and could have wrested it away, ending the game. This seems more important than the down.

But, with the Tyree catch there were only 75 seconds left and it was a 32-yard gain which brought NY to the NE 24. So, they probably could have converted on 4th and 5 but it was unlikely they were getting a big chunk play. Though they did have 2 timeouts so maybe that doesn't matter so much.

Also with Tyree, it came right after the dropped INT by Samuel so it was a major backbreaker.

With Edelman there was 2:30 left and as it ended up they scored with 59 seconds left. I think they score anyway if that drops incomplete.

If they call the hold(s) in the Giants game, they have 3rd and 15 from their 34 with a little over a minute left, needing a TD. That's obviously much tougher. Fuck the refs forever.

JMDurron · Feb 6, 2017

I think the overlooked element of luck in the Edelman catch is that despite the skill of Edelman in making the catch despite the tangle of humanity that he was in the middle of, it was still extremely lucky that the initial defender completely whiffed on the interception, and deflected the ball to where it ended up landing. From the point where Edelman had a shot at the ball onward, it was far more skill than luck, but was *still* lucky to have defender appendages in just the right places at the right time. That's a double-dose of luck there, despite which I'd still put it over the Tyree catch if only due to having to fight with 3 defenders instead of 1. Tyree had position and height to make the play against Harrison, while Edelman had neither the best position nor an advantage in reach relevant to the angle of the ball to make the play, and STILL MADE IT ANYWAY.

Kull · Feb 6, 2017

What's really amazing is the juxtaposition with the Franco catch at the 20 that felt like "game over". That was such an amazing catch, it was like a Tyree/Kearse/Manningham moment where you could feel the dagger being applied. And yet, in the SAME GAME we have this Edelman catch that almost wipes the other from memory.

It says a lot about these things that their importance is heightened in retrospect by what happens next..

staz · Feb 6, 2017

Manningham and Julio were predicated by perfect throws, the ball fell right in Kearse's lap, and Tyree displayed incredible strength in what otherwise was really just a glorified jump ball. This required split-second improvisation, reaction and execution. Julian Edelman is goddamned Spider-Man. As a physical act (not considering the game context), it's the greatest SB catch ever.

And kudos to the officials for getting it right immediately.

MyDaughterLovesTomGordon · Feb 6, 2017

Did Kull just turn Julio Jones into Julio Franco? Or is that an actual nickname for him here?

Kull · Feb 6, 2017

MyDaughterLovesTomGordon said:
Did Kull just turn Julio Jones into Julio Franco? Or is that an actual nickname for him here?

LOL - Just shoot me......

Gunfighter 09 · Feb 6, 2017

Unlike the Kearse or Helmet catches, the Edelman catch is simply a dropped interception that had a bunch of crazy shit follow it, including incredible concentration and determination from Edelman. Alford jumped the route perfectly and had two hands on the ball. If he catches it the game is over and Alford is the Super Bowl MVP.

I dont think Ryan should have thrown the ball of the Julio Jones catch, based on the view that they showed from behind Ryan when he threw the ball. That would have been an interception if Julio wasn't an alien.

Jnai · Feb 6, 2017

I feel like "greatest" is the wrong adjective for something so completely fucking bananas.

heavyde050 · Feb 6, 2017

staz said:
Manningham and Julio were predicated by perfect throws, the ball fell right in Kearse's lap, and Tyree displayed incredible strength in what otherwise was really just a glorified jump ball. This required split-second improvisation, reaction and execution. Julian Edelman is goddamned Spider-Man. As a physical act (not considering the game context), it's the greatest SB catch ever.

And kudos to the officials for getting it right immediately.

The Manningham throw was amazing but that catch by Jones was all Jones. Ryan just threw and knew that he had an all-world guy that good make the catch.
It wasn't a bad throw to Jones, but only a couple of guys on the planet make that catch.

heavyde050 · Feb 6, 2017

Gunfighter 09 said:
Unlike the Kearse or Helmet catches, the Edelman catch is simply a dropped interception that had a bunch of crazy shit follow it, including incredible concentration and determination from Edelman. Alford jumped the route perfectly and had two hands on the ball. If he catches it the game is over and Alford is the Super Bowl MVP.

I dont think Ryan should have thrown the ball of the Julio Jones catch, based on the view that they showed from behind Ryan when he threw the ball. That would have been an interception if Julio wasn't an alien.

I agree with everything except the dropped interception.
For some reason the DB just knocked the ball down rather than go for the pick. It wasn't like he ties to catch it and dropped it.
The rest of the play was just magic,skill,luck or something.

Edit - just rewatched the catch and the defender did get two hands on it to tip the pass, but that would have been one heck of an interception as he was completely outstretched reaching back for the ball

Dollar · Feb 6, 2017

MyDaughterLovesTomGordon said:
Did Kull just turn Julio Jones into Julio Franco? Or is that an actual nickname for him here?

I thought he was bringing up the Immaculate Reception to compare it with the other miracle catches for some reason.

Gunfighter 09 · Feb 6, 2017

heavyde050 said:
I agree with everything except the dropped interception.
For some reason the DB just knocked the ball down rather than go for the pick. It wasn't like he ties to catch it and dropped it.
The rest of the play was just magic,skill,luck or something.

Edit - just rewatched the catch and the defender did get two hands on it to tip the pass, but that would have been one heck of an interception as he was completely outstretched reaching back for the ball

Well, Alford thinks you are right:

“I looked back, and the ball was, like, right there,” Alford said. “All I could do was get my hands up to hit it. I knew if I tipped it in the air—it’s something we have been going over in practice. Just tip it in the air, and if you can’t get it, then my brother will get it.”

This article by Jenny Vrentas is really required reading before commenting, seeing how she got a detailed breakdown from all of the involved players and coaches:

http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2017/02/06/super-bowl-51-julian-edelman-miracle-catch

If there is a common theme here it is how many little things the Falcons either screwed up or missed, but just barely. Alford not catching this ball, Beasley being half a second late in the end zone. Freeman missing the Hightower block. Shanahan's forgetting to run the ball. The two holds by the LT both happening / getting called in huge spots.

The greatness of Brady in the second half and the incredible coaching by Belichick that kept his players going all out and believing are easy to appreciate. I would just be so sick if I was a Falcons fan this morning, because choking this away required them to miss about 14 consecutive opportunities and they did.

nothumb · Feb 6, 2017

I think in terms of sheer improbability, the Edelman catch is crazier than any of the others. But within game context (importance to eventual outcome, etc) the Tyree catch was bigger.

I don't really care that much where that puts it in terms of "greatest"... it's my favorite.

BigSoxFan · Feb 6, 2017

And they're going to open their flashy new stadium this year under slightly less festive circumstances than they thought. Would have been such a big moment for the city.

Jim Ed Rice in HOF · Feb 6, 2017

I feel we need a GIF in here.

Kull · Feb 6, 2017

Kudos on the camera-work too. Just the perfect angle in the midst of all that body part chaos to provide "no doubt" visual evidence of just how crazy (and legal) it all was.

Old Fart Tree · Feb 6, 2017

THAT WAS A THING.

THAT WAS A THING THAT HAPPENED.

LesterFan · Feb 6, 2017

ESPN Sports Science http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=18630489

Kull · Feb 6, 2017

One thing i hadn't seen before - Edelman was kicked in the face just moments before securing the ball. And not a love tap, either.

johnmd20 · Feb 6, 2017

heavyde050 said:
The Manningham throw was amazing but that catch by Jones was all Jones. Ryan just threw and knew that he had an all-world guy that good make the catch.
It wasn't a bad throw to Jones, but only a couple of guys on the planet make that catch.

Call it luck or call it skill, but Ryan's pass to Julio Franco was utterly perfect. High enough to get it over the hands of the defense, but not TOO high to make it impossible to Julio to make the catch.

That was an incredible pass, there was no other window where the pass could have been completed.

24JoshuaPoint · Feb 6, 2017

He was also pretty much in mid air when he went to lock the ball up with his hands. The concentration level and instinct in that situation is off the charts. Trying to fathom it in real time is mind boggling.

Marciano490 · Feb 6, 2017

You couldn't even film that in a movie without CGI. I didn't appreciate it in real time because of adrenaline and go go go, but damn that's amazing.

8slim · Feb 6, 2017

Kull said:
One thing i hadn't seen before - Edelman was kicked in the face just moments before securing the ball. And not a love tap, either.

Like after a dozen undiagnosed concussions one more kick to the head is gonna make a difference to Jules.

wiffleballhero · Feb 6, 2017

All of these catches are unfathomably crazy in their particular contexts.

The Edelman catch is less important in that it was first down. They are still playing without it.

Tyree's catch was 3rd and five, just after Samuel dropped the 19-0 ball. So it was the profound swing point where you knew the Pats were likely doomed (as opposed to dancing in their confetti moments after if Samuel pulls it in).

lars10 · Feb 6, 2017

johnmd20 said:
Call it luck or call it skill, but Ryan's pass to Julio Franco was utterly perfect. High enough to get it over the hands of the defense, but not TOO high to make it impossible to Julio to make the catch.

That was an incredible pass, there was no other window where the pass could have been completed.

Julio also put his left hand on rowes left shoulder right before going up that seemed to knock him slightly off balance and get perfect separation.. super subtle and it could never be called, but to do that and catch it and get two feet in was amazing

Al Zarilla · Feb 6, 2017

Jim Ed Rice in HOF said:
I feel we need a GIF in here.

If it doesn't bounce off a Falcon defender's leg, it hits the ground and who knows what happens from there.

dhappy42 · Feb 6, 2017

wiffleballhero said:
All of these catches are unfathomably crazy in their particular contexts.

The Edelman catch is less important in that it was first down. They are still playing without it.

Tyree's catch was 3rd and five, just after Samuel dropped the 19-0 ball. So it was the profound swing point where you knew the Pats were likely doomed (as opposed to dancing in their confetti moments after if Samuel pulls it in).

Sure, but for me, it's still the iconographic play of the game -- ridiculously improbable and an amazing feat of concentration, athleticism and guts.

Kull · Feb 6, 2017

8slim said:
Like after a dozen undiagnosed concussions one more kick to the head is gonna make a difference to Jules.

We probably need Marciano to weigh in on this, but that was a solid shot. Even through the face guard, his nose takes the brunt of it. It looks like the sort of thing that makes a normal mortal's eyes water.

singaporesoxfan · Feb 6, 2017

johnmd20 said:
Call it luck or call it skill, but Ryan's pass to Julio Franco was utterly perfect. High enough to get it over the hands of the defense, but not TOO high to make it impossible to Julio to make the catch.

That was an incredible pass, there was no other window where the pass could have been completed.

What's with people calling Julio Jones Julio Franco on this site lately? The catches aged us, not him.

8slim · Feb 6, 2017

Kull said:
We probably need Marciano to weigh in on this, but that was a solid shot. Even through the face guard, his nose takes the brunt of it. It looks like the sort of thing that makes a normal mortal's eyes water.

No doubt, I was just joking.

johnmd20 · Feb 6, 2017

singaporesoxfan said:
What's with people calling Julio Jones Julio Franco on this site lately? The catches aged us, not him.

I was being ironical.

Al Zarilla · Feb 6, 2017

singaporesoxfan said:
What's with people calling Julio Jones Julio Franco on this site lately? The catches aged us, not him.

Spell checker changes it.

Kull · Feb 6, 2017

And lest we forget, the "Kyle Van Noy" face on the sidelines after he watched the replay on the big screen. Just pure astonishment.

Edelman's Catch

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