Miracle at the Meadowlands: How the QB Kneel Came to the NFL
The 1978 matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, famously known as the “Miracle at the Meadowlands,” is one of the most iconic moments in NFL history. Played on November 19, 1978, at Giants Stadium, this game not only delivered a shocking ending but also led to the creation of the now-standard quarterback kneel play.
The Giants were leading 17-12 with just seconds left on the clock. The Eagles had no timeouts remaining, and the game seemed all but over. Conventional wisdom dictated that the Giants should have run out the clock by having their quarterback, Joe Pisarcik, kneel. However, offensive coordinator Bob Gibson called for a handoff to fullback Larry Csonka. The decision proved disastrous. Pisarcik fumbled the snap, and Eagles cornerback Herman Edwards scooped up the loose ball, returning it 26 yards for a game-winning touchdown. The Eagles triumphed 19-17 in a stunning turn of events.
The aftermath of this play was immediate and far-reaching. Gibson was fired the next day and never coached football again. Giants head coach John McVay was also let go at the end of the season. For the Eagles, the victory was a morale booster that propelled them to a playoff berth, while the Giants spiraled further into dysfunction.
The “Miracle at the Meadowlands” also had a lasting impact on the game itself. The shocking loss highlighted the risks of running unnecessary plays in such situations, leading to the widespread adoption of the “Victory Formation.” This formation, where the quarterback takes a knee to safely run out the clock, is now a standard practice in football.
This game remains a defining moment in the Eagles-Giants rivalry and a cautionary tale about the importance of sound decision-making in sports. It also serves as a reminder of how a single play can change the course of a game—and even the history of the sport.
