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Marino Monday: The Fake Spike Game

Dan Marino leads the Dolphins to another 4th-quarter comeback, and caps it off with one of the most infamous plays in NFL history.

Welcome to Marino Mondays!

Over the next few months, I’m going to be searching the internet looking for some of the GOAT’s best performances throughout his Hall of Fame career. And although the end result might not always be a Miami Dolphins’ victory, I assure you Marino will look damn good throwing the football. These videos will showcase Marino’s rocket arm. They will show off his ability to move effortlessly around in the pocket. You will have a chance to see his lightning quick release and pinpoint accuracy. Most of all, you will get to relive your childhood, and what made most of us fall in love with the Miami Dolphins.

Without further ado, the fifth installment in the Marino Monday series


November 27th, 1994

Dan Marino competed in some of the biggest games in NFL history, His resume was second-to-none, and his legacy will never be forgotten. However, despite all of his big plays and 4th quarter comebacks, one game always seems to stand up above the rest. Miami’s Week 13 matchup in 1994 vs the New York Jets- or better known- as the infamous “Fake Spike” game.

This game started out miserable for the Dolphins, as the Jets picked off Dan Marino not once, but twice in the first half. Marino struggled early, and the Jets were able to capitalize on his woes. New York was up 10-0 heading into the half, and appeared destined to finish the day atop the AFC East standings. But Pete Carroll and the Jets forgot one thing....Dan Marino was the Dolphins’ starting quarterback and he would not go down without a fight.

The Jets would go up 17-0 early in the third, and that’s when Dan Marino mounted one of the most memorable comebacks in NFL history. His first touchdown was a 10-yard strike to Mark Ingram. Miami would go for the 2-point conversion, but be denied. The Dolphins had new life, that is until Boomer Esiason connected with Johnny Mitchell for a 14-yard touchdown pass. 24-6. The rest was all Miami, as Marino once again connected with Ingram, this time from 17 yards out. The Right Arm of God hit Ingram in stride on a perfect throw. This time Miami would successfully convert the 2-point conversion, and like the play prior, hit Fryar on a perfect throw in man-to-man coverage.

24-14

New York moved the ball down field on their next possession, but a game-changing interception from Troy Vincent gave the Dolphins anl opportunity to cut the lead in half. And that’s exactly what they did, as Marino and Ingram hooked up for their third touchdown of the day, as Marino hit Mark Ingram in stride for a 28-yard touchdown

The rest, will go down as one of the greatest 4th quarter drives in NFL history. Marino completed big play after big play. With the clock ticking and 25 seconds left in the game, the ‘fake spike” was born. Marino hurried the offense to the line, signaled to Ingram on the outside, and threw a perfect pass to shock the New York Jets, and the world.

Marino finished the day 31/44 for 359 yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. His favorite target on this day was Mark Ingram, the man responsible for all four of the Dolphins’s touchdowns. His 9 receptions for 117 yards and 4 touchdowns secured the win for Miami. The Dolphins remained at the top of the AFC East, as the Jets would slowly plummet over the next few seasons. We will never forget Dan Marino and the legendary “fake spike” play.

Without further ado, the FAKE SPIKE game. Enjoy the 30 GIFs and pictures

CREDIT: YoutTube

Do you remember where you were on this historic day in 1985? Have any suggestions on what you would like to see in the next installment of Marino Mondays? Like? Dislike? Let us know in the comments below.


Previous installments

Dan Marino throws for 5 touchdowns vs New England in 1994

Dan Marino’s first career start vs the Buffalo Bills in 1983

Dan Marino leads the Dolphins to victory over the undefeated Chicago Bears

Dan Marino defeats the Bills in convincing fashion in 1993

Dan Marino vs John Elway

This article was written by Josh Houtz. Follow me on Twitter!

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