"Madden's on the field. He wants to know if it's real. They said yes, get your big butt outta here! He Does" Bill King's radio call of The Holy Roller (aka "the most zany, unbelievable, absolutely impossible dream of a play") is must-hear stuff.
The Holy Roller is just one of many "zany, unbelievable" plays to end a Raiders game. Today, another was added to the collection with an end-game play that will live in the hearts and souls of Raider Nation for years. It was a play that would have had late Raiders coach John Madden on the field wondering if it's real.
The Raiders took advantage of a New England Patriots lateral blunder on the last play of a 24-24 tie game.
With :03 left on the clock in regulation, Raiders DE Chandler Jones intercepts an ill-advised New England Patriots lateral, stiff-arms Patriots quarterback Mack Jones into submission, and gallops untouched for a winning 48-yard touchdown. Booyah!
Finally, it was the Raiders taking advantage of an opponent's blunder in the closing seconds of a tight game.
With almost as many Patriots fans in the stands as Raiders fans, Allegiant stadium seemed to go almost silent in disbelief. Raiders coaches, players and fans alike did celebrate, but their look was one of dreamlike unbelievability. It was a stunning NFL moment for all viewers and participants. But more importantly it produced a Raiders victory to help their slim playoff chances. This one's for John.
Somewhere up in the Heavens the late, great coach John Madden is beaming down through clouds with that big split watermelon smile of his, gazing at the referees.
"He wants to know if it's real. They said yes, get your big butt outta here! He does."
Patriots 24
Raiders 30
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