KNACK OF THE LOOSE HUDDLE
By
Richard J. Noyes
Joe Montana, arguably the foremost quarterback in NFL history, had the knack for grace under pressure, consistent execution and late-game comebacks. One of the ever-cool Montana’s unforgettable moments came during a need-a-touchdown-to-win, 89-yard-closing-seconds drive in the 1981 NFC Championship game against the Dallas Cowboys. Joe asked his 49’ers teammates in the huddle, “Isn’t that John Candy in the stands? The team looked up at the comedian, and when they came back down every one of them was relaxed and knew they were going to win.
With the football on the six-yard line, Montana retreated under extreme pressure from Ed “Too Tall” Jones and other Dallas defenders, but managed to launch a back-on-the-heels pass deep into the end zone. Receiver Dwight Clark (who led the league in receptions that year and the next) leapt to the extent of his rangy frame, caught the ball in his fingertips, and came down barely inside the end line.
In sports television coverage at its best, a video camera at the back of the end zone recorded what has become known as “The Catch.” Joe Montana’s spiral appeared ready to impact the lens when Dwight Clark’s hands came into the frame and grabbed the football for the victory and a trip to the Super Bowl, which the 49ers won.
(Excerpted from Guts in the Clutch, see below.)
Richard J. Noyes, former Associate Director, Center for Advanced Engineering Study, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a consultant to public and private sector organizations.
Noyes is the co-author with Pamela J. Robertson of Larceny of Love, a provocative print and eBook novel that traces the interwoven careers of three men in jeopardy (one of them is a professional pitcher who suffers from sudden, unexplained, career-threatening wildness) and the unforgettable women in their lives. http://larcenyoflove.com/
“Whenever dramatic storytelling about people you like is created around business, sports and film, I'm a happy reader. I'm sure you will be as well.” –Kevin Marcus, Real Estate Vice President (more)
Another recent print and eBook by Richard Noyes and Pamela Robertson: Guts in the Clutch: 77 Legendary Triumphs, Heartbreaks, and Wild Finishes in 12 Sports, with a Foreword by Drew Olson of ESPN. http://gutsintheclutch.com/
“The best compilation of fascinating sports stories I have read.” -David Houle, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer of documentaries on Hank Aaron and the Harlem Globetrotters.
“The best compilation of fascinating sports stories I have read.” -David Houle, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer of documentaries on Hank Aaron and the Harlem Globetrotters.
No comments:
Post a Comment