Football is often defined by power, speed, and strategy—but sometimes, it’s a single, well-timed hand movement that changes the course of a game. Batting, the act of deflecting or swatting a ball at the line of scrimmage or while shedding a block, has quietly evolved into one of the most impactful defensive techniques in the sport. While it may not always make the highlight แทงบอล reel like a one-handed catch or a strip sack, a crucial batted pass or swatted ball can seal victories, shift momentum, and rewrite history. Here are 10 unforgettable football batting moments that proved just how game-changing this technique can be.
One of the most iconic batting plays occurred during Super Bowl XLVIII, when Seattle Seahawks defensive end Cliff Avril batted a Peyton Manning pass that turned into a pick-six early in the game. That deflection helped the Seahawks seize control and dominate the Denver Broncos in a 43-8 blowout. Avril’s quick reaction and perfect hand placement set the tone for แทงบอล Seattle’s defensive showcase and showed how batting could swing momentum on the biggest stage. It wasn’t just a pass breakup—it was a game-shaping moment that altered the course of a championship.
Another classic came in the 2011 NFC Championship Game, where Justin Smith of the San Francisco 49ers batted down a critical third-down pass from Eli Manning late in the game. With the Giants trying to sustain a game-winning แทงบอล drive, Smith’s timing and awareness forced a punt and gave his team a chance to win. Although the 49ers would later lose in overtime, the play highlighted how a single batting move can halt a potentially game-ending possession.
The 2015 AFC Divisional Playoff between the Broncos and Steelers brought another memorable batting moment. DeMarcus Ware, known for his elite pass-rushing skills, timed his leap perfectly and swatted a Ben Roethlisberger throw on third down in the red zone. That deflection forced the Steelers to settle for a field goal rather than scoring a touchdown—an outcome that proved crucial as Denver won by just a touchdown and later went on to win Super Bowl 50. It was a perfect mix of athleticism and awareness at a critical juncture.
Not all great batting moments happen in the playoffs. In a 2020 regular season game, J.J. Watt delivered a textbook example of football batting when he tipped a pass from Lions QB Matthew Stafford and intercepted it himself. Plays like this show how elite defenders use batting not just to disrupt but to completely take over a play. Watt’s instincts and execution turned a standard throw into a game-changing turnover, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most disruptive defenders of his era.
Rounding out the list are lesser-known, but equally impactful moments, such as Chris Jones’ bat-down of a Joe Burrow pass in the 2022 AFC Championship, and Aaron Donald’s clutch swat of a Kyler Murray throw on fourth down in a key Rams-Cardinals matchup. These moments might not have had the fanfare of a pick-six or a sack, but they directly prevented scoring opportunities or extended their team’s lead—often deciding the outcome in tightly contested games.
In conclusion, football batting may not always be the most glamorous technique, but its influence on game outcomes is undeniable. The top 10 moments in this list show how one timed leap or swat can stop a drive, protect a lead, or even secure a championship. In a sport measured by margins as thin as milliseconds and inches, the art of batting continues to be one of the most underrated yet impactful tools in a defender’s arsenal. As offenses get faster and smarter, defenders who can master this technique remain crucial game-changers on every level of play.