# The Run to Super Bowl Licks (LIX). 2024 NFL playoffs **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-nfl\ **Created:** [December 9, 2024, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410 "2024-12-09T18:14:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/121 "2025-01-17T20:27:07Z")
Football fields are not 100 yards long, they are 120 yards long. A football field has an end zone at each end that is considered part of the field, and each end zone is 10 yards deep. That’s why you’re not out of bounds when in an end zone. While it seems unusual to have stats greater than 100 yards for a play or drive it really isn’t that rare. If a team starts a drive near their own end zone it’s common to have to start a play with a quarterback and/or runner within the end zone. And you often hear of kickoffs or turnovers that are returned for more than 100 yards for a touchdown, if the turnover or kickoff catch is made within the end zone to be returned to the other end zone. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/122 "2025-01-17T20:37:35Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > While it seems unusual to have stats greater than 100 yards for a play This will never happen, unless, as you say, it’s a kickoff return, punt return, or interception return, The longest ‘play’, meaning a run or pass, is 99 yards. Even if the ball is spotted inside the 1-yard line, for statistical purposes, it’s at the 1-yard line. If a touchdown is thrown when the QB is in his own end zone, the play is measured from the line of scrimmage. Similarly, the longest drive can be no more than 99 yards. The two examples that @TroutMan and I gave regarding passing stats of over 100 yards on the same drive are, I submit, exceedingly rare. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/123 "2025-01-17T20:38:21Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > Football fields are not 100 yards long, they are 120 yards long. That may be true, but they only have 100 yards of yardage as used by statisticians to quantify performance. The only time yardage inside of the end zone is used is for kick returns. If the ball is in the opponent’s 1-yard line, and a pass is completed at the back of the end zone, it isn’t a 10 yard reception, it’s a 1 yard reception. ---
**Author:** ![muldoonthief](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/muldoonthief/32/3188_2.png) [@muldoonthief](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/muldoonthief)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/124 "2025-01-17T20:41:58Z")
Right, and on the other side, it doesn’t matter how far back the QB drops, the length of the pass play is measured from the line of scrimmage to where the receiver is downed. So if the ball is on the 20, the QB completes a pass and the receiver is tackled on the 30, it’s a 10 yard play, regardless of how far back the QB was when he threw it. ---
**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/125 "2025-01-17T20:48:15Z")
> [@muldoonthief](#): > > Right, and on the other side, it doesn’t matter how far back the QB drops, the length of the pass play is measured from the line of scrimmage to where the receiver is downed. This. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/126 "2025-01-17T21:22:40Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > The only time yardage inside of the end zone is used is for kick returns. That’s absolutely not true. See this from [NFL.com](http://NFL.com): > **[NFL 100](https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/plays-63)** > > The National Football League's 100th season launched at Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta. And a century of NFL football is good reason to celebrate. > In 2004, Ravens Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed had intercepted a pass 106 yards for a touchdown, the longest such return in NFL history. > [@Railer13](#): > > This will never happen, unless, as you say, it’s a kickoff return, punt return, or interception return, You’re right though that this _is_ the case, and I suppose it happens now and then that a drive can end up with more than 100 yards of passing between the end zones after penalties and other losses of yardage. Imagine a situation where a QB starts a drive near his own goal line (let’s say the 2 yard line), and manages to air out the ball for a 45 yard gain (down to the 47 near midfield), and follows it up for a 35 yard pass (getting into the red zone at the 18). Then on the next play he drops back for a TD pass, but after holding the ball too long a couple of pass rushers get to him and after he unwisely scrambles around losing ground he gets sacked for a 14 yard loss to back them up to the 32. The defense runs a blitz on second down and the QB takes advantage to throw a dart downfield for the first down, but on that play one of the linemen had grabbed a rusher by the facemask to pull him down in an attempt to avoid another sack, which draws a 15 yard personal foul and backs them up to the 47, and it’s now 2nd and 39. The defense drops back into coverage expecting yet another long pass attempt, but the QB instead hands it off to the RB, who then tosses it back to the QB after a few steps, and the QB takes advantage of the misdirection and confusion to air it out to a wide-open receiver for a touchdown. That would be a total of 127 yards passing on that drive. Now, that is a crazy hypothetical but it’s not impossible, I’ve seen weirder stuff happen in a football game. I stand corrected that passing yards only count past the line of scrimmage, that’s absolutely correct and I had forgotten that fact. A guy who drops back nine yards and throws a checkdown that picks up 2 yards doesn’t get credited for 11 yards of passing. But in a few situations you do count yards within an end zone as part of a play (but I don’t think they ever get credited to an offense, they are going to either be a defensive play or a special teams play on a return that gets those yards from the end zone); some change of possession is involved in each case. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/127 "2025-01-17T21:33:31Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > This will never happen, unless, as you say, it’s a kickoff return, punt return, or interception return, Add in short field goal and short PAT. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/128 "2025-01-17T21:41:55Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > I suppose it happens now and then that a drive can end up with more than 100 yards of passing between the end zones after penalties and other losses of yardage. Yes, that’s exactly what happened in the two drives previously mentioned. But I’ve been following football for 50+ years, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard that stat mentioned, other than these two drives. If I have, I’ve forgotten, but certainly a LOT less than ‘now and then’. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/129 "2025-01-17T22:12:52Z")
> [@Munch](#): > > The only time yardage inside of the end zone is used is for kick returns. All returns. The reasonably common interception return, very rare fumble returns, and [exactly one punt return](https://youtu.be/WE1V-h0qPzQ). ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/130 "2025-01-17T22:18:01Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > Yes, that’s exactly what happened in the two drives previously mentioned. But I’ve been following football for 50+ years, and I don’t think I’ve ever heard that stat mentioned, other than these two drives. Oh, it has definitely happened more than a couple of times: Niners at Rams October 13, 2014 Colin Kaepernick had 101 yards passing in one drive. Titans at Colts, November 3rd, 2002, Peyton Manning had 111 yards passing in one drive. Joe Flacco had 103 passing yards for the Ravens in one drive against the Steelers on December 5, 2010. Patrick Mahomes had 116 yards passing on one drive on October 13, 2019 against the Texans. Steve DeBerg passed for 120 yards on one drive for the Dolphins against the Giants on December 5, 1993. Kerry Collins passed for 117 yards (and ran for 12!) on one drive for the Giants in a game against the Lions on November 19, 2000. Craig Whelihan had 109 yards for the Chargers in a game against the Broncos on November 30. 1997. Those are just a handful of examples I dug up, I’m sure there are plenty more. It doesn’t happen all the time, but I think “now and then” is fair (just in my opinion). ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2025, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/131 "2025-01-17T22:37:50Z")
If I remember right, the Texans"s drive was the third time it has happened in the playoffs. So yes, it has probably happened dozens of times in the regular season. Rare, but not exceedingly rare. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/132 "2025-01-18T12:00:08Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > Rare, but not exceedingly rare. Fair enough, and I stand corrected. ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/133 "2025-01-18T16:00:15Z")
It’s more common than I would have guessed. According to the current odds to win the Super Bowl, the Lions and Chiefs are favored and the Commanders and Texans are long shots. Detroit Lions +290 Kansas City Chiefs +350 Philadelphia Eagles +420 Baltimore Ravens + 470 Buffalo Bills +550 Los Angeles Rams +1600 Washington Commanders +2600 Houston Texans +4400 As per ➜ [FanDuel Sportsbook](https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nfl?tab=super-bowl) ■ ---
**Author:** ![Bullitt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bullitt/32/5725_2.png) [@Bullitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bullitt)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/134 "2025-01-18T21:16:14Z")
Here’s a wild fact: if the Chiefs win today they’ll be going to their 7th consecutive AFC Championship game. An amazing run. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/135 "2025-01-18T21:54:24Z")
Oops, Texans make the mistake of touching Mahomes as he threw the ball. Can’t allow that! ---
**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/136 "2025-01-18T22:00:15Z")
NOT a penalty! Good gravy. I’m surprised they allowed the sack right after that! ---
**Author:** ![Jaycat.again](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat.again/32/11525_2.png) [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/137 "2025-01-18T22:07:55Z")
Is it me, or is Troy Aikman’s voice getting even whinier than usual? ---
**Author:** ![Mighty\_Mouse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mighty_mouse/32/7776_2.png) [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/138 "2025-01-18T22:08:54Z")
I’m not sure that’s possible ---
**Author:** ![Hamlet](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hamlet/32/2818_2.png) [@Hamlet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamlet)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/139 "2025-01-18T22:18:39Z")
Outside of the typical commentators stoking the whining about bad calls, it’s been fun seeing Chris Jones and Wil Anderson kicking ass. ---
**Author:** ![John\_DiFool](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_difool/32/19543_2.png) [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2025, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410/140 "2025-01-18T22:56:11Z")
> [@Bullitt](#): > > Here’s a wild fact: if the Chiefs win today they’ll be going to their 7th consecutive AFC Championship game. An amazing run. The 60’s/70’s Raiders went to 8 out of 10 AFL/AFC Championship games. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-run-to-super-bowl-licks-lix-2024-nfl-playoffs/1011410.md?page=8)