YEAR: 1994 & 2005
SIGNIFICANCE: Bears scored miraculous TD on fake FG AND longest play in NFL history (108 YDS) on missed FG
Down just three points in the first quarter to the Dolphins, the Bears lined up for a game-tying FGA at the Miami 24-yd line in a peculiar formation. The kicker and holder were aligned normally, but the snapper was left by himself with seven “linemen” a few yards to his left, and WR Curtis Conway a few yards behind them parallel to the holder. The defense knew that Chicago had something up their sleeve, yet had no idea what it could be.
A direct snap to Conway was followed by a chaotic series of events as seen in the video above, including K Kevin Butler whiffing a block then redeeming himself, a cross-field throw that was tipped up into the air, and finally a juggling catch by the unintended receiver (Keith Jennings), who was able to score. A 17-14 victory for Chicago, the first-quarter gamble proved the be the difference in the game, and one of the most memorable special teams plays of all-time.
A decade later, the Bears were locked into a defensive battle plagued by weather with the 49ers on this date. Holding a 3-0 lead with just a few seconds left until halftime, San Francisco attempted to extend their lead with a 52-yard FGA. Strong winds were gusting through Soldier Field that night, however, and Joe Nedney’s kick directly into the wind was pushed short and wide right.
Anticipating a short kick, Nathan Vasher was back to return and snagged the ball on the run in the very back of the end zone. Hesitating at first, he ran to his closest blocker but was immediately met with a swarm of 49ers. He planted his foot, spun out of danger, then widened the field for his blockers to gain ground and positioning, and they did the rest of the work. The Chicago FG unit set up a wall on the sideline to shield Vasher, who bobbed and weaved his way to a 108 yard TD return which was the longest TD in NFL history at the time (broken in 2008).