Oakland Raiders: 30 Iconic Moments In Franchise History

Nov 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA;New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

11. January 19, 2002 – The Tuck Rule Game

It’s easily one of the most recognizable and most controversial plays in franchise history. It’s this generation’s “Immaculate Reception.” But it went against the Raiders, so why is it included on this list? Because it was still an incredible play and one of the franchise’s most iconic.

In Tom Brady’s first postseason game, the Raiders led 13-10 with just under two minutes to go. With Foxboro Stadium buried under fifteen billion feet of snow, the game had been a slogfest. It wasn’t pretty football, but Oakland had the lead – and had the officials made the right call, would have moved on to the next round of the playoffs.

Brady took the ball and dropped back. He was blasted by Charles Woodson and coughed up the ball. Linebacker Greg Biekert alertly jumped on the ball, which should have ended the game and given the Raiders a victory.

But the referees gathered and decided that Brady’s arm was actually coming forward when he was hit, resulting in an incomplete pass, not a fumble. The Patriots would eventually go on to win the game in overtime and launch their dynasty. But it was a dynasty that shouldn’t have been launched that day. But of course, when there’s a close, marginal call, you can almost expect the Raiders to get hosed.

The Tuck Game was no exception. It was a terrible call back then; it’s still a terrible call today. And it’s telling that the league has since banished the rule entirely. Hmm…

Next: December 23, 1972