NFL's Most Exciting Plays Thus Far in the 2011 Season

There have been quite a few exciting plays in the NFL so far this year, so narrowing down the list is difficult. But this list has a little bit of something for everyone. It includes a lineman rumbling for a touchdown, some kick returns, a blocked punt and some long bombs.

I am biased towards those tide-turning special teams plays that can quickly and unexpectedly change the flow and outcome of a game. So maybe I went a little heavy on such plays here.

My favorite play can't be on the list because it was wiped out by a penalty. That was the play where the Chicago Bears' Devin Hester faked a fair catch of a punt in the game against the Green Bay Packers. The punt was actually received on the opposite side of the field by Johnny Knox, who ran it back for a touchdown. But a holding penalty eliminated this super play.

If I missed any plays that you would include on the list, please leave a comment and let me know. If you have a source for a video of the play, that would be even better. Thanks.

Long Pass from Tony Romo to Jesse Holley

This play occurred in the overtime game between the Dallas Cowboys and the San Franciso 49ers. It set up the winning field goal shortly later.

The unique thing about this play was that it was Jesse Holley's first NFL reception.

Cam Newton to Steve Smith Bomb

This long pass from Cam Newton to Steve Smith was Newton's first touchdown pass in the NFL.

With the way Newton has started his career, it looks that there should be many more to follow.

Brent Celek's Backward Catch

In this play, Brent Celek of the Philadelphia Eagles knocks the pass up in the air and then catches it while he falls down backwards.

Calvin Johnson Touchdown Catch in Triple Coverage

Somehow Calvin Johnson made this catch with three Dallas Cowboys defenders around him. 

This could be the best play of the year so far.

Joe McKnight Block of Punt

In this play, the New York Jets super special teams player Joe McKnight blocked a punt which resulted in a Jets touchdown.

Michael Huff Interception

The Houston Texans were driving for the winning score against the Oakland Raiders late in the game.  Then Michael Huff picked off the pass from Matt Schaub in the end zone to seal the emotional win for the Raiders.

This was their first game after the passing of Al Davis. I could not find a video, but this picture of the team celebrating in the end zone shows the emotion of this game.

One-Handed Catch by Victor Cruz

This play involves an amazing one-handed grab of a pass by Victor Cruz despite being well-covered.

Michael Vick Scrambles for 53 Yards

On this play Michael Vick of the Philadelphia Eagles sets the all-time NFL record for rushing yards for a quarterback.

Devin Hester Punt Return

In this 69-yard punt return, Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears sets the NFL record for most kick returns for a touchdown.

Jamaal Anderson

There haven't been very many highlights for the Indianapolis Colts this year, but this is one of them. It is great to see a big man score a touchdown.

Jamaal Anderson scooped up a fumble from Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers and rumbled 47 yards for the score.

Randall Cobb Kickoff Return

On the opening night of the season, Green Bay Packers rookie Randall Cobb returned a kickoff 107 yards for a touchdown.

DeSean Jackson Catch and Run

Every time I see DeSean Jackson run, it reminds me of the game-winning punt return against the New York Giants last year with the clock winding down. I still keep that play from last year on my iPhone and iPad so I can see it anytime I want to.

In this play, Jackson turns a short pass into a touchdown with his speed and elusiveness.

Joe McKnight Kickoff Return

Joe McKnight gets a second appearance on the list. This one is a 107-yard kickoff return against the Baltimore Ravens.

(See, I told you was biased towards special team plays.)