Patch Picks: 7 Most Memorable Super Bowl Plays

In the weeks leading up to Sunday's Super Bowl 51, Patch has shared our picks for the most memorable Super Bowl commercials, national anthems and halftime shows in the game's storied history. But with the contest, which pits the New England Patriots against the Atlanta Falcons, only two days away, it's time to shift our focus away from the entertainment aspect to what really matters: the crazy catches, dazzling runs and improbable plays that decide which team gets to hoist the Lombardi Trophy when the final seconds tick off the clock.

From "The Helicopter" to "The Helmet Catch," here are Patch's picks for the seven most memorable plays in Super Bowl history.

Super Bowl III (1969): Joe Namath guarantees Jets' victory

It's not one play, but it has earned a spot on our list regardless, as Broadway Joe's brash guarantee that his New York Jets — 18-point underdogs to the Baltimore Colts and a member of the lesser-regarded AFL — is one of the big game's most legendary moments, particularly because Namath delivered, leading the Jets to a 16-7 win on his way to being named the game's MVP.

Super Bowl X: (1976): Lynn Swann 's spectacular catch

Steelers Hall of Famer Lynn Swann racked up a Super Bowl-record 161 receiving yards, including the 64-yard score that sealed the win over the Cowboys. But it was a catch earlier in the game that stands out as one of the best ever in the big game. Swann darted downfield as Terry Bradshaw's pass lofted his way. He leapt into the air, as did Dallas defensive back Mark Washington, as the two battled for the ball. Washington deflected it, but Swan was able to tip the ball to himself and haul it in for the highlight-reel play.

Read also:

Patch Picks: See 7 Most Memorable Super Bowl Halftime Shows

Patch Picks: 7 Most Memorable Super Bowl National Anthems

Patch Picks: 7 Best Super Bowl Commercials

Super Bowl XVII (1983): John Riggins' 43-yd run

Some memorable plays are about finesse, but others are about brute force, like bruising Redskins' John Riggins' heroics in Super Bowl XVII against the Miami Dolphins. Needing only inches to convert on a 4th down, Riggins took the Joe Theismann handoff and rumbled 43 yards for a touchdown after powering his way through the line of scrimmage and breaking an early would-be tackle. At the time, it was the longest run from scrimmage in Super Bowl history.

Super Bowl XXVII (1993): Don Beebe strips Leon Lett

Buffalo Bills receiver Don Beebe and Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Leon Lett's names will be forever linked thanks to one play late in Super Bowl XXVII. Lett recovered a Bills' fumble on his team's 35-yard line and appeared to be coasting to a sure TD when he began celebrating, holding the ball out before he crossed the end zone. Little did Lett know, Beebe was streaking down the field and knocked the ball loose, preventing the touchdown.

Super Bowl XXXII (1998): John Elway helicopter run

Needing 6 yards for a 1st down on a 3rd-down play in the third quarter, Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway dropped back into the pocket but then tucked the ball and ran for it, seemingly willing himself to the 1st down, throwing himself at his destination and getting clobbered so hard by two Packers defensive players that he spun around in the air; hence, "The Helicopter." Two plays later, the Broncos scored on their way to a 31-24 win.

Super Bowl (XLII 2008): David Tyree's helmet catch

Coming into Super Bowl XLII, David Tyree was the New York Giants' seldom-used wide receiver who had caught only four passes during the season. That changed quickly during the NFL title game, first when Tyree caught a short touchdown pass to give the Giants a 10-7 lead. But he etched his name into Super Bowl lore when on a key 3rd-and-5 play he jumped and pinned an Eli Manning pass to his helmet, barely securing the ball and setting his team up for the game-winning TD over the Patriots. It was dubbed the "Helmet Catch" and might be the most impressive play in Super Bowl history.

Super Bowl XLIII (2009): James Harrison's 100-yard INT reception

It was the ultimate "pick 6." Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, down 10-7 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, took his team to the Steelers' 2-yard line on a 1st-and-goal when Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison picked off Warner's short pass at the goal line then ran end-zone-to-end-zone for the 100-yard score, bursting through a slew of tacklers and making a pretty nifty cut around the Cardinals' 20-yard line to boot. It's the longest play in Super Bowl history.

What do you think is the most memorable play in Super Bowl history? Let us know in the comments.

Image: David Tyree's "Helmet Catch" in Super Bowl XLII. Credit: YouTube/NFL