CINCINNATI, OHIO – JANUARY 15: Sam Hubbard #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs down the field after recovering a fumble by Tyler Huntley #2 of the Baltimore Ravens to score a 98 yard touchdown during the fourth quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Paycor Stadium on January 15, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard recorded the longest fumble return for a touchdown in NFL playoff history at the expense of the Baltimore Ravens.
The Baltimore Ravens weren’t given much of a chance against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card Round, considering quarterback Lamar Jackson wasn’t playing, and Tyler Huntley just began throwing a football for the first time since the New Year’s Day earlier this week. Yet, the Ravens came to play on Sunday night, going head-to-head against their AFC North rivals.
From the end of the third quarter to the start of the fourth, the Ravens were threatening to break a 17-17 tie on a productive drive led by Huntley. In fact, they gained 80 yards on eight plays before setting up a third-and-goal at Cincinnati’s one-yard line. Huntley dove over the line of scrimmage to reach the football over the plane. However, Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson slapped the football out of Huntley’s hands, allowing defensive end Sam Hubbard to recover it and return it 98-yards for a touchdown.
Let’s take a look at some of the best memes and reactions of Hubbard’s huge play that shifted the momentum away from the Ravens.
This turned out to be just what the Bengals needed, as they picked up the 24-17 victory over the Bengals. However, the Ravens were just fingertips away from potentially tying the game, as wide receiver James Proche II nearly caught a touchdown pass from Huntley in the end zone on the final play of the game.
Longest fumble return in NFL Playoff history
Hubbard needed the oxygen mask after that long run, but he showed the cameras he was fine by flexing his biceps. It was plenty for Hubbard to be happy about with that play. Not only did he give Cincinnati a lead, but this play was officially the longest fumble return for a touchdown in NFL playoff history.
Longest defensive touchdown in NFL Playoff history
While Hubbard’s touchdown was the longest fumble return in NFL playoff history, it wasn’t the longest defensive touchdown in the history of the postseason.
Taron Johnson of the Buffalo Bills recorded a 101-yard interception return for a touchdown in the 2021 AFC Divisional Round against the Ravens. George Teague of the 1993 Green Bay Packers recorded a 101-yard interception return for a touchdown in the Wild Card Round against the Detroit Lions.
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