3. Calvin Johnson catch in triple coverage vs. Bengals (2013)
More than any other play, this one defines Matthew Stafford through the first half of his career, and Calvin Johnson for his entire career.
It’s the type of audacious pass that few besides Stafford would attempt to begin with, and few besides Johnson could come down with. You can argue that it’s the type of decision Stafford shouldn’t have been making, but how can you argue with the result?
https://twitter.com/espn/status/1178298245870751745?s=20
With the ball at midfield early in the 4th quarter in this late October game against Cincinnati, Stafford sent Calvin deep, and eluded the rush long enough for Megatron to set up shop in the end zone. Stafford was leveled from behind just as he released the ball, but still had enough arm strength to get it to the end zone.
Despite being surrounded with a true triple coverage (and a fourth defender arriving at the end), Johnson unleashed his otherworldly vertical jump (rumored to be 45 inches in his prime).
Megatron rose a full ahead above the four Bengals to come down with the type of touchdown catch that happens every decade or so if you’re most receivers … and whenever you felt like it if you’re Calvin Johnson.
CLICK HERE to watch this highlight via NFL.com.