By Darin Introduction
The Miami Dolphins, chasing their fourth consecutive Super Bowl appearance, were the dynasty of the early 1970s. But on December 21, 1974, they faced their fiercest rivals, the Oakland Raiders, in the AFC Divisional Playoff. This game, played in the raucous atmosphere of Oakland, would not only live up to the hype but would also produce one of the most miraculous and dramatic finishes in NFL history, instantly earning the nickname: “The Sea of Hands.”
The Playoff Showdown: Oakland vs. Miami (1974 AFC Divisional)
The rivalry between the Raiders and the Dolphins was characterized by bruising defense and high-stakes drama. Miami’s powerful ground game, led by Larry Csonka, clashed with the Raiders’ explosive offense, helmed by the legendary Ken “The Snake” Stabler. The 1974 meeting was a back-and-forth masterpiece, featuring six lead changes and offensive fireworks that defied the playoff intensity.
The tension ratcheted up in the final minutes. Miami, determined to keep their dynasty alive, scored late to take a heart-stopping 26-21 lead with less than two minutes remaining. This left Ken Stabler and the Raiders with one final, desperate possession. Stabler, cool under pressure, marched his team down the field, getting the ball to the Dolphins’ 8-yard line with just 35 seconds left.
What happened next is etched in football lore. Stabler was flushed out of the pocket and, instead of throwing the ball away, he fired a pass toward the endzone. The ball was contested by multiple players—three Dolphins defenders and Raiders running back Clarence Davis—creating a chaotic mass of limbs. Out of this impossible scenario, Davis somehow managed to corral the ball and fall across the goal line for the game-winning touchdown. The resulting 28-26 victory ended the Miami dynasty and is forever known as “The Sea of Hands” for the unbelievable final catch.
Conclusion
The “Sea of Hands” game delivered a stunning end to a dominant era and marked a signature moment for the Raiders franchise. It wasn’t just a win; it was a legendary feat of desperation, skill, and sheer luck that changed the course of NFL history and is still celebrated as one of the greatest playoff games ever played.
Our thanks to Pro-Football-Reference.com and Newspapers.com
