The New Orleans Saints kick off the season in 34 days against the Arizona Cardinals. The countdown to kickoff continues with a look at Joe Morgan's 34-yard touchdown reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Morgan was known for his blazing speed. His second catch of his NFL career was an 80-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. He finished the season averaging nearly 40 yards per catch.
On this play, Morgan shook the cornerback at the line. It was all she wrote from there. There was no chance the corner was catching Morgan on a go route. Ronde Barber was slow to get over from his safety position. The result was an easy touchdown for Morgan. It wasn't his first score versus Tampa Bay either.
Joe Morgan had the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' number as a rookie
This reception was one of a few highlights Morgan had during his rookie season. Two of those highlights came against the Buccaneers. His 34-yard touchdown was one of those plays, and the other is probably the highlight of his career.
Morgan caught a 48-yard touchdown against the Buccaneers earlier in the season. He streaked down the field past the cornerback and safety. Morgan had to come back to the ball. He shrugged off a tackle from the safety and dipped down to the ground.
In little league football, we had a drill where you had to put your hand on the ground and spin around in a full circle. It was essentially to help you avoid hitting the ground and continuing the run after being hit, I guess. I'd never seen it used in live action except when Morgan avoided that first tackle. The cornerback trying to catch up couldn't press the brakes and went flying over Morgan.
It was a wild looking play, but it resulted in a touchdown. Clearly the Buccaneers didn't learn to not let Morgan get behind them. Otherwise, we wouldn't be including his 34-yard touchdown in our play of the day. That was two touchdowns in two games against Tampa Bay. That was just two parts of a promising rookie campaign.
Morgan's career hit the fan after his rookie year, unfortunately. Injuries kept him from reaching the ceiling set in his rookie year. Morgan had one more game against the Buccaneers in his career. It came in his second to last game