"Big plays equal points in this league," says Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.
One of the biggest momentum changers in the NFL is a long touchdown. Not only does it put points on the board, but it can change the direction of the game.
"Making big plays to help the team is what I dream about," says Minnesota running back ADRIAN PETERSON, who had a 60-yard touchdown run last week in the Vikings' 34-27 win over Pittsburgh at London's Wembley Stadium. "A big run at a key moment can swing the momentum of a game."
Peterson, the 2012 NFL MVP, has 12 career touchdown runs of at least 60 yards, the most in NFL history.
"I was just being patient and letting the holes open up for me," says Peterson about his latest 60-yard touchdown run. "I was able to press it and cut it back and then take it to the house. I have to give thanks to those guys up front. They were the ones that made it happen, as well as the receivers blocking down the field. It was a big momentum shift for us."
Most 60+ Yard TD Runs in NFL History
| Player | Team(s) | Years | 60+ Yard TD Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source: NFL *Active | |||
| Adrian Peterson* | Minnesota | 2007-2013 | 12 |
| Jim Brown | Cleveland | 1957-1965 | 9 |
| Chris Johnson* | Tennessee | 2008-2013 | 8 |
| Barry Sanders | Detroit | 1989-1998 | 8 |
| Ahman Green | Seattle, Green Bay, Houston | 1998-2009 | 7 |
Minnesota wide receiver Greg Jennings had a 70-yard touchdown reception last week, the seventh TD catch of at least 70 yards in his career. He is tied with the New York Giants' VICTOR CRUZ for the most 70+ yard touchdown receptions among active players.
"Greg made plays all game and he does a tremendous job with the run after the catch," says Vikings quarterback MATT CASSEL about Jennings' performance in Week 4. "He's strong with the ball and runs after the catch."
Cruz, who had a 69-yard touchdown catch last week against Kansas City, had a 70-yard receiving TD in Week 1 versus Dallas. In his career, he has seven touchdown receptions of at least 70 yards as well as a 68- and 69-yarder.
"Any time I get a chance to get the ball, I want to make the big play," says Cruz. "I am just trying to do the most I can when I catch the ball."
Since the 1970 merger, Jennings and Cruz are among the seven players with at least seven touchdown receptions of 70+ yards. Pro Football Hall of Famer JERRY RICE has the most in the NFL during that span with nine. Most 70+ Yard Rec TDs Since 1970
| Player | Team(s) | Years | 70+ Yard Rec TDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source: NFL *Active | |||
| Jerry Rice | San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle | 1985-2004 | 9 |
| James Lofton | Green Bay, LA Raiders, Buffalo, LA Rams, Philadelphia | 1978-1993 | 8 |
| Terrell Owens | San Francisco, Philadelphia, Dallas, Buffalo, Cincinnati | 1996-2010 | 8 |
| Wesley Walker | New York Jets | 1977-1989 | 8 |
| Victor Cruz* | New York Giants | 2010-2013 | 7 |
| Greg Jennings* | Green Bay, Minnesota | 2006-2013 | 7 |
| John Taylor | San Francisco | 1987-1995 | 7 |
NFL Football News & Analysis
NFL Football News & Analysis [...]
- NFL 2013 Week 5 Preview
- NFL 2013 Week 5: What to Look For
- Ben Roethlisberger Hopes Steelers Bounce Back from Awful Start
- Buccaneers Release Quarterback Josh Freeman
- Seahawks Claim 49ers Draft Pick B.J. Daniels Off Waivers
- Broncos Start Fast, Manning Climbs NFL Record Books
- NFL 2013 Week 5: Big Play Excitement
- NFL 2013 Week 4: AFC Players of the Week
- NFL 2013 Week 4: NFC Players of the Week
- NFL 2013 Week 4: The Week That Was
- NFL 2013 Week 4: Seven from Sunday
- NFL 2013 Week 4 Preview
- NFL 2013 Week 4 NFL Picks
- Chiefs and Dolphins Lead Crop of AFC Turnaround Teams
- Come-From-Behind Victories Highlight NFL's Unpredictability
- NFLPA Questions Raiders Handling of Terrelle Pryor's Concussion
- Mike Glennon Takes Bucs Starting QB job from Josh Freeman
- Cowboys to miss Anthony Spencer for remainder of season
- NFL 2013 Week 3: AFC Players of the Week
- NFL 2013 Week 3: NFC Players of the Week
- Ravens coach John Harbaugh confirms Jacoby Jones incident
- 49ers Linebacker Aldon Smith enters alcohol rehab facility
- Lions wideout Nate Burleson suffers broken arm in car crash
- Bears Henry Melton out for season with ACL tear
- NFL 2013 Week 3: The Week That Was
- NFL 2013 Week 3: Seven from Sunday
- Brian Hoyer, Jordan Cameron Shine as Browns Edge Vikings
- Colts Running Game Silences 49ers
- Broncos Von Miller allegedly corrupted NFL's urine-collection method
- NFL 2013 Week 3 Preview
- Five AFC Teams Look to Stay Perfect
- Passing Stats on the Rise as NFL Enters Week 3
- Chiefs Travel To Philadelphia to Face Eagles in Thursday Night Contest
- Browns Trade Trent Richardson to Colts for Draft Pick
Article: Copyright ©, iHaveNet.com
NFL 2013 Week 5: Big Play Excitement