Worst Defensive Fails in Sports

With every flashy dunk, electric spin move and jaw-dropping juke, a player can garner league-wide attention.

However, one man's accomplishment always comes at the expense of a vulnerable opponent.

While these players are applauded for their immense talent and elusiveness, they often realize that an opponents' blunder made it all possible.

As fans' mouths hang open in awe, saliva dripping off the sides, a memorable play occurs before their eyes.

All one can do is appreciate their ability, as well as their opponents' inability to hinder his progression. 

In other words, "Dude, you just got faked right out of your jock strap."

Here are the worst defensive fails in sports.

Enjoy.

Honorable Mention: Rodney Stuckey Thinks Blake Is a Flake

Rodney Stuckey might actually be dead after this play.

Blake Griffin continues to establish his role as destroyer on Los Angeles' upcoming young team.

Lakers beware.

Honorable Mention: Joe Washington Makes a Memory Against OSU

In the final game of the 1974 regular season, Oklahoma running back Joe Washington put on a show against Oklahoma State that convinced many scouts that he was worth a high draft pick.

He finished third in the Heisman voting that same year and went on to get drafted with the No. 4 overall pick in the 1976 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.

With 4,839 yards in 10 seasons, Washington never had the same effectiveness, but this was enough for us.

50. Bobby Ryan Uses an Arm and a Legwand

The 2005 NHL Entry Draft may have been headlined by the iconic Sidney Crosby, thought to be the next great playmaker, but the second pick in the draft was no slouch.

With 100 goals and 92 assists in the past three years, the 24-year-old is quietly becoming a force in the NHL.

However, he may be overshadowed by Crosby for the rest of his career.

49. Seneca the Younger Takes on Texas Tech Defense

This may be the same Seneca Wallace who is now a backup on the Cleveland Browns, but playing with reckless abandon.

It is also the same man who has thrown for only 4,241 yards in his eight years in the league, but something here is different.

As the signal caller for Iowa State, Wallace was a man to be reckoned with.

The talent has always been there.

48. Deron Loves When It's Sonny

Nets point guard Deron Williams clearly doesn't care about Sonny Weems' well-being, considering the ankle-breaking defensive fail that just occurred.

Even more impressive is the alley-oop finish.

You can only hope to contain him.

47. Janne Niinimaa Is McCarted off the Ice

Most fans had to be sent to the emergency room following this play as the electricity was shaking the arena. 

While the commentary by Gary Thorne may be more riveting than the goal itself, the move begs us to applaud.

The next film session will be a tough one for this Flyers squad.

46. Anything Luke Young Kanu Do, Kanu Can Do Better

The defender not only looks like a deer in the headlights as the ball gingerly eludes his head, but he freezes in disbelief.

Nigerian footballer Nwankwo Kanu uses an exciting kick to himself over Luke Young to set up a brilliant goal.

Teammates are unnecessary.

45. Jamal Crosses Kirk

He may average only 15.4 points in his career, but the former Knick has an electrifying crossover than can't be imitated. Kirk Hinrich found that out quickly.

Crawford's career has been hindered by ball-hogging possessions and inconsistency, but his sporadic, yet exhilarating moves always turn heads.

Especially from his victims.

44. The Wright Way to Run by Adrian Peterson

There is a reason Adrian Peterson is seen as one of the most electric runners in the NFL, and it's not just his 5,782 career rushing yards.

Cleveland defensive back Eric Wright is clearly no match for the elite athlete he attempts to take down.

He soon learns that this is a man's game.

For Peterson, this is just a minor speed bump on the way to a 64-yard touchdown.

43. Antonio Daniels Lacks Artificial Intelligence

They can't possibly hope to contain this man.

Known as one of the best crossover artists in NBA history, Allen Iverson has always been electric and unstoppable.

He may be in Turkey now, but there is no doubt he is still breaking ankles.

42. AV Needs an IV from Nash

Anderson Varejao is known for his defensive prowess, but sneaky point guard Steve Nash shows why he is a potent NBA playmaker.

The Cavaliers' power forward is able to stay with him for only so long before the Suns' point guard uses a baby crossover to complete this possession.

It's only a matter of time.

41. This Is Bush League Against UCLA

Fans continue to wonder what happened to this human highlight reel.

While Bush continues to search for NFL prosperity, fans continue to question what went wrong.

With the Dolphins set to spread the offense out more, we could be seeing more runs like this in the near future.

Here's one man who once looked like the next Reggie Bush.

40. Jeff Owens Is Introduced to the World Wide Webb

The saddest part of this play is the fact that Eagles defender Jeff Owens is at least five yards away from the Vikings quarterback before his day ends. He seemingly gave up before any attempt to stop further progression.

Joe Webb had 120 yards rushing last season, showing fans his immense athletic ability.

While he may not be the prototypical pocket passer, there is no doubt he can create mayhem with his feet.

39. MJ Creates Much-Needed Russell Separation

Everyone in the sports world remembers the shot that won it for the Bulls in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals.

There are many who believe Michael Jordan slightly pushed Bryon Russell to create room for the crossover, but we'll never know if they touched.

Either way, it was the ultimate finish to a remarkable career.

This play epitomized this man's legacy.

Michael Jordan hit the game-winning jumper over Bryon Russell and the Utah Jazz in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals.

38. Cowboys Defense Can't Wrangle Barry

As Cowboys defenders gingerly hunt for the elusive running back, he weaves in and out of their sight.

Barry Sanders left a legacy on the game that has yet to be topped.

On the other hand, defense is least effective when players' backs are facing the line of scrimmage.

37. Long Island Is Shining with Strome

This is the future of Islanders hockey. 

The fifth overall pick of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft looks like a gem.

They need to solve this Nassau Coliseum debacle immediately and give fans an optimistic view of the future.

Kansas City Islanders... it just doesn't work.

36. Ovechkin Deceives Brian Boucher

To the defense's credit, the Phoenix Coyotes did everything right, under the watchful eye of Wayne Gretzky. 

As Ovechkin slides on the ice in seemingly obvious defeat, he awakens from the dead and flicks the puck in with a natural ease that few can emulate.

Arguably the goal of the century.

35. Jordan Aims to Sealy the Deal

If Malik Sealy were to be questioned on Michael Jordan's whereabouts following this shot, he would seemingly gaze around in bewilderment.

This was a patented Jordan move that few could stop.

Instant replay doesn't do it justice.

34. 11 Texans Miss One Chris Johnson

Gary Kubiak may be the smartest man on the planet, or the most clueless.

Everyone in the stadium had their eyes on the electric running back except for the 11 Texans defenders.

We'll assume that this was the defense's plan all along.

33. Hurricane Ike Attacks Florida State

Two vulnerable Florida State defenders were left in the dust on this play.

With 126 receptions for 2,214 yards in his college career at Florida, Hilliard put himself in perfect position for the NFL draft.

The Giants saw something special and took him with the No. 7 pick in the 1997 NFL Draft.

He had few plays like this at the next level.

32. Anthony Is Mellow While Facing Bodiroga

Retired Serbian basketball player Dejan Bodiroga embarrassed Carmelo Anthony over and over again.

Melo's defense clearly needed some work after this European baller destroyed his ankles.

It's all about focus.

31. Datsyuk Pavels His Way Against Antero Nittymaki

There are many who believe that the Red Wings center is among the best playmakers in the league, considering he has 221 goals and 430 assists in his nine-year career.

Sneaky and elusive, this is a man who cannot be stopped.

It takes more than two clueless defenders to stop him.

30. The Cream of the Cruyff Shows Up Sweden

With moves like this, goal scoring is just superfluous.

Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff naturally came in IFFHS's World Player of the Century poll behind the famous Pele.

Talk about creating separation.

29. Diesel with the Facial over Hakeem

Only the most dominant big man of this generation could lay the smackdown on Hakeem Olajuwon like this.

The man who patented the "Dream Shake" gets armpit and shame thrown in his face.

Classic Shaq.

28. Peterson Gives Kenoy Kennedy Some High-Pitched Shame

While we're used to Chris Berman's colorful commentating, the pitch on his voice reached an all-time high during this run.

Adrian Peterson continues to excite the crowd.

And the Swami.

27. The Jackson of All Trades Against Tennessee

The most baffling part of this run is the fact that DeSean Jackson didn't drop the ball before the goal line, as he so loves to do.

Jackson brought his returning prowess to the NFL, with 1,112 punt-return yards and four touchdowns in his three seasons.

College defenses had no chance.

26. He Hans-Brought His Best Stuff Against George

We may never see ex-Tar Heel Tyler Hansbrough dominate like this ever again, but let's appreciate the zealous aggression put on against 7'7" center Kenny George.

However, George doesn't seem to have much motivation as he stands there and takes it like a man.

Little man always wins.

25. He May Have Won the Battle, but the Warrick Roars on over Florida

He sidesteps as fast as he runs, and with as much ease.

With only 275 receptions for 2,991 yards and 18 touchdowns in his mundane NFL career, fans forget that this was a man who electrified college football during his tenure at Florida State.

The MVP of the 2000 Sugar Bowl with over 163 yards receiving and two touchdowns, including a 59-yard punt return, Warrick never tapped the potential that most scouts believed was there for the professional game.

Still causes jaws to drop.

24. He's Going to Spiller His Drink Against Georgia Tech

Buffalo Bills fans are still waiting for their 2010 first-round pick (No. 9 overall), C.J. Spiller, to explode on the NFL scene.

At Clemson, he was a dynamic runner, with 3,480 yards and 32 touchdowns, and an electric returner, but has yet to find the same success in upstate New York.

His time will come.

23. Shannon Browns Jason Richardson's Night

It may have been a missed dunk, but Shannon Brown got the foul called on this unreal leap towards the basket.

Never having eclipsed the 8.7 points per game average in a season, Brown is naturally unnoticed and under-appreciated, but not for long.

Dunks like this continue to garner him more attention around the league.

Jason Richardson won't forget him.

22. John Celestand Gets Carter

Vintage Carter.

The Lakers' John Celestand had no chance to defend this drive.

There is a reason Vince was the 2000 Slam Dunk Champion and a feared dunker throughout his career.

21. Hold the Mayo on Wade's Sandwich

Welcome to the league, rookie.

O.J. Mayo wasn't quite prepared to have his ankles twisted by a higher power.

Dwyane Wade makes sure to appreciate his opponent's fall as he embraces the free space and calmly hits the jumper.

20. DeSean Doesn't Dodge This One

Giants fans are still steaming about this one. This can be called the worst punting fail in recent memory.

If Matt Dodge meant to kick a line drive directly at electric returner DeSean Jackson, then he did a great job.

Tom Coughlin, however, made it clear that he had a different plan in mind when he got in Matt Dodge's face and pleaded with him to understand why.

Just kick it out of bounds.

19. Joel Anthony Doesn't Think Roses Are Red

This was an aesthetically pleasing sight for all those Heat haters out there.

Unfortunately for the feisty Bulls, the Heat took the series in five games.

But Joel Anthony was still embarrassed after getting posterized.

18. The King Loves the Holiday

Sixers guard Jrue Holiday wasn't ready for the King on this play.

While he's unstoppable when he chooses to be, there is no fighting this man's urge to be irrelevant in crunch time.

However, this seemed pretty clutch to us.

17. Yi Barac's the Rim Down

This may be international basketball, but these games are never bereft of excitement.

Wizards forward Yi Jianlian throws down the facial on Croatia's Stanko Barac while playing for China.

John Wall must love the potential.

16. Neal Down in Defeat to J.R.

Oh boy.

As J.R. Smith flies through the air, with time running down, Gary Neal starts to quiver as he readies himself for impact.

Nothing could prepare him for this.

Just get out of the way.

15. Invisible Water Slide

Before the Andrei Kirilenko foul, Dwyane Wade sends his opponent water-sliding into cameramen.

Perhaps this is another one of the Khaki Kid's subtle appearances.

The real King.

14. He Would Be Weis to Move out of Vince's Line

This is why fans are baffled when the United States team loses.

Vince Carter was a potent dunking threat in his prime and officially put Frederic Weis in his place.

His place being the bust draft pick of the Knicks, who took him No. 15 overall in the 1999 NBA Draft.

13. Statue of Liberty in Idaho Against Oklahoma

Boise State completed the ultimate trick play.

The defense made an obvious drop back in coverage to protect against Jared Zabranksy's expected attempt to throw for a touchdown.

Unfortunately for Oklahoma, the Boise State signal caller had another plan in mind.

Ian Johnson waited tentatively for the hand off, ready to skip into the end zone.

12. It Was Timothy Before This Blake Dunk, Now It's Timofey

These two dunks are the direct result of Mike D'Antoni's lack of a competent defensive game plan.

As well as the furious aggressiveness of Clippers superstar Blake Griffin.

He made the Knicks look disgusting.

11. Patriots Defense Can't Contain the Barry

Barry Sanders seems to be the only running back in history who can consistently cause defenders to turn their backs in confusion.

The Patriots are clearly helpless and alone in their pursuit of the god-like running back.

A last-ditch effort at the end fails mightily.

10. Fresno State Takes a Trip to Reggie Bush Gardens

Dolphins fans are salivating at the prospect of seeing these runs next year.

However, in his five years, the USC phenom hasn't been able to find his groove and continues to elude himself more than his opponents.

It's all in his head.

9. Walter Payton Brings the Sweet and Sour

The Hall of Fame running back may have rushed for 16,726 yards and 110 touchdowns, while playing 170 consecutive games, but it was his consistency and unstoppable runs that earned him the nickname "Sweetness."

This is slightly better than sweetness.

One-man wrecking crew.

8. Devils Are Blue After This Hester Return

Duke undoubtedly ran an endless amount of sprints after this performance, or lack thereof.

While this run is more than impressive, it's Devin Hester's 2,724 kick-return yards and his almost-parallel 2,200 punt-return yards and 14 total return touchdowns that have placed Hester in the upper echelon of return men.

The true definition of a specialist.

7. Tommie Boy Defeats Florida

This is the type of run usually exerted by a flashy running back in high school against helpless students, not against a Division I program with pending NFL players on their squad.

Nebraska quarterback Tommie Frazier didn't care and made sure people remembered his name.

Unfortunately, he couldn't bring his talent to the next level, as a blood clot in his left leg, a side effect of Crohn's disease, caused him to retire.

6. The Human Joystick Slips by Broncos

Fans surely miss the human highlight reel's mind-blowing weekly juke moves.

He may have failed as a receiver, but as a return man, there was nobody better.

12,397 return yards and 21 touchdowns essentially says it all.

5. Shawn Kemp Destroys Gatling

The finger point is an epic ploy used by self-conscious athletes to appear tough.

However, on this night, the joke was on Chris Gatling.

Shawn Kemp is an impressively-sized human being.

4. Hakeem Teaches David Robinson the Dream Shake

After being chosen with the first overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, Olajuwon proved to be too dominant to defend.

David Robinson, a former MVP and Hall-of-Fame center for the San Antonio Spurs, found defending this man comparable to a sweaty trek through the Mojave Desert.

So smooth.

3. Hall Pass in Denver

Dante Hall is just exhausting to watch.

Being inside his own 5-yard line didn't stop the elite returner from putting on a ridiculous variety of moves that boggle the defense.

He can't be stopped.

2. George Is Best Against Fort Lauderdale Strikers

George Best eludes as many defenders as there are fans watching the game and decides to slam it in with a vigorous kick at the end.

They refer to that as "sick handles."

1. Lynch Marches over the Saints

This run never gets old.

Marshawn Lynch finds another gear and runs through six tackles, topped off by an easy toss of cornerback Tracy Porter to the turf.

A truly memorable playoff run for the hungry Seahawks.