Inside Josh McDaniels’ Mind: How He Called the Most Thrilling Trick Play in NFL History

The 2014-15 NFL playoffs saw one of the most exciting trick plays in football history. During the AFC Divisional Round, the New England Patriots faced the Baltimore Ravens in what became an iconic showdown. The Ravens led 28-21 in the third quarter when Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator for the Patriots, made a bold and unforgettable call—a double pass that would tie the game at 28-28.

Josh McDaniels’ Bold Move

With the Patriots trailing by a touchdown, McDaniels and his offense faced mounting pressure. The Ravens’ defense, playing aggressively, had the upper hand. “It was one of those moments where you have to believe, even when there’s doubt,” McDaniels recalled in a recent conversation on Julian Edelman’s Games with Names podcast. Known for his calm under pressure, McDaniels devised a play that would defy expectations and turn the tide of the game.

The Double Pass

Dubbed the “Double Pass,” the play involved a lateral pass from Tom Brady to wide receiver Julian Edelman, who, instead of running forward, would launch a deep pass to Danny Amendola. It was a gutsy call that required precise timing and perfect execution.

McDaniels explained his thought process on the Games with Names podcast: “We knew Baltimore was biting hard on everything short. We thought we could catch them off guard by going big with Edelman.”

Edelman, who had a background as a college quarterback, sold the lateral pass perfectly, drawing the defense in. “I just wanted to give Danny a chance,” Edelman added, reflecting on the pressure of the moment.

Execution and Impact

The play worked to perfection. Edelman threw a 51-yard bomb to a wide-open Amendola, leaving the Ravens’ defense stunned. The touchdown tied the game at 28-28, reigniting hope and shifting momentum.

McDaniels’ risk-taking paid off. The Patriots would go on to win 35-31, completing a thrilling comeback and securing their spot in the AFC Championship. “It was one of those moments where everything just clicked,” McDaniels said. “The execution, the timing—it all lined up perfectly.”

Legacy of the Play

The “Double Pass” is now considered one of the greatest trick plays in NFL history. For McDaniels, it was a defining moment in his career, showcasing his ability to innovate under pressure. “It was all about trusting the players to make the right decisions,” McDaniels said in the podcast, crediting the team’s preparation.

That unforgettable 2014-2015 playoff run culminated in the Patriots securing their fourth Super Bowl championship with a win in Super Bowl XLIX, their first title in nearly a decade. This victory not only reinforced the team’s dynasty but also solidified McDaniels’ status as one of the NFL’s most creative and tactical minds. His creative play-calling has since become synonymous with high-risk, high-reward football.

“Looking back, it’s those moments that define you,” McDaniels, the former Raiders head coach reflected. “And that play, it’s one I’ll never forget.”

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