NFL.com, in the spirit of the 4th of July yesterday, pieced together several highlights of “Statue of Liberty” trick plays from recent NFL contests and the Miami Dolphins’ trickery made the list — twice!
Most football fans remember the “Statue of Liberty” as the trick play the Boise State Broncos used to defeat the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, but the play has been used numerous times in Dolphins history.
The first play highlighted by NFL.com comes on a 2-point conversion attempt against the New York Jets early in 2007. This is, of course, the infamous 1-15 squad, led by quarterback Trent Green and head coach Cam Cameron. The Dolphins trailed 31-13 in the 4th quarter before a Ronnie Brown rushing touchdown pulled the Dolphins within 12 — and then came the trickery. Trent Green faked a throw left and Brown pulled the ball off Green’s hip, twisting into the end zone for two points and pulling the Dolphins within 10. They’d eventually lose, 31-28.
The second play came against the Buffalo Bills in 2011, a rush attempt by wide receiver Davone Bess. Bess took the handoff from quarterback Matt Moore in a 7-7 football game in the 2nd-quarter, darting quickly through a gap in the line before being corralled at the 1-yard line.
The Dolphins would win 30-23, holding off a late push in the final 3 minutes (10 points scored) by the Bills.
