Do You Believe in Magic?

I know I'm late in commenting but I wasn't online yesterday. But I did get to watch the last 4 minutes of the Saints vs Vikings game. As a football fan I have to say the end of the game was one for the ages. It has reaffirmed my personal belief that sports; the games, the players and their fans, is one of the last places where magic can still be created, conjured and witnessed.

There were four lead changes in the last 3+ minutes. Two FG's that, in most circumstances, would have decided an ordinary game. Two teams that played their hearts out down to the last second. Combined with the support, love and faith of fans around the country and the world that cheered, cried and prayed with every new play; All of efforts ended in a game that was decided in the last seconds by a play that contained elements of the greatest and worst efforts that athletes can achieve. The victory came as a result of a Hail Mary toss, an incredible catch that was as athletic as they come and one of the worst timed attempts at tackling ever seen!

Anyone who saw the game live couldn't help but be astonished at its unlikely outcome. But that's where the magic that sports promises us can still be found. It's where the Davids can still defeat the Goliaths if they just give their best effort... and believe.

In games like this, players hopes and dreams can be both crushed and realized within a span of moments. Their hearts can dive into the depths of despair or soar to the heights of Heaven all based on one play, one effort and one individual.

After the Vikings drove down the field and kicked a FG with less than two minutes left, it was up to, Drew Brees, to get the Saints in position to kick a FG and get the lead back.And he did just that. The Saints drove downfield and kicked a FG to take the lead with 25 seconds left.The Vikings had their backs to the wall. They got the ball back after and worked to get back upfield. But they came up seriously short.

They had 10 seconds left, no timeouts and needed about 30 yards to get into field goal range. This was going to be their last try. EVERYONE knew that game was over. But that's where the magic happened.

On 3rd and 10, the Vikings QB, Case Keenum, threw the ball long and high just hoping against hope it would find a friendly pair of hands. A Vikings receiver, Stefon Diggs, leaped high into the air and made a sensational catch. All the Saints defender had to do was make a routine tackle and the game was over. But then, nothing is routine in sports.

The Saints rookie defender, Marcus Williams, went low and missed hitting Diggs' legs. To compound the missed tackle, Williams hit the only other Saints player with a chance to make the tackle and took him out of the play. Diggs landed on his feet, kept his balance and sprinted into the end-zone for the winning touchdown.

The Vikings and their fans went wild. The Saints players were left to struggle with the unbelievable end while their cheering fans fell silent with disbelief. I felt so bad for the Saints player because, even though most of the planet is asking "What was he thinking?" I think I know what he was thinking. "If I take out his legs he'll come down inbounds and the clock will run out."

And it's true... if the Viking guy landed on his feet and managed to get out of bounds, the clock stops with 1 or 2 seconds and they have time to set up for a FG attempt from well within the kickers range.

It never should have happened... but it did. Two players became part of a sports play that will go down as one of the most miraculous plays in sports history. Williams will never forget it... Diggs will always remember it.

Despite the role each one played, together they were a part of one hell of a a magical ending... It's what I love the most about sports.