The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hosted its first NFL regular season game in 2019. The awe-inspiring stadium has hosted world championship boxing and football and is now the home for the NFL's UK business. This Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens take on the Tennessee Titans in the final London game of the season. Therefore, it is an excellent time to look back at some of the best games in the short history of Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
New York Giants 27 - 22 Green Bay Packers
The famous Green Bay Packers finally traveled across the pond in 2022, playing the New York Giants in a dramatic game. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a sea of green as international Packers fans watched their team, some for the very first time. This game featured a superb comeback from the Giants, as they scored 14 fourth-quarter points to snatch the victory.
The Packers dominated most of the game, leading 20-13 going into the final quarter. At one point, Green Bay's win percentage was 95.2%. The Giants looked defeated, and a comeback looked impossible in front of a pro-Packers crowd. But the Giants had other ideas. An eight-minute scoring drive from Big Blue hauled them level before Saquon Barkley scampered into the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. It was an exciting, unpredictable game between two of the NFL's jewel franchises.
Minnesota Vikings 28 - 25 New Orleans Saints
A week earlier, the Packers' big rivals, the Minnesota Vikings, outlasted the New Orleans Saints in a chaotic matchup. Both these teams went punch-for-punch on offense, and only one point separated the two going into the fourth quarter. Superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson put on a show with ten receptions and 147 yards. The Saints built their offense on the ground as they rushed for 111 yards and two touchdowns. As the teams dueled it out, going back and forth, the game's final play came down to a 61-yard field goal attempt as the Saints tried to send it into overtime. Will Lutz's kick hung high in the air but dropped short, and the Vikings staved off the Saints.
Jacksonville Jaguars 25 - 20 Buffalo Bills
Last Sunday's game was brilliant and came down to the final minutes between two playoff teams from 2022. The Jaguars entered a cauldron as Bills fans snapped up every ticket available. Jacksonville spent the entire week in London and looked fresher than Buffalo. The Jaguars jumped out to an 11-7 lead in the first half, as quarterback Trevor Lawrence made big plays for Jacksonville. Lawrence's highlight was a pinpoint-arrow of a touchdown to Zay Jones that gave Jacksonville the lead.
After a scoreless third quarter, the game found new life as the star players elevated their performances. Trevor Lawrence continued to make significant throws while running back Travis Etienne rushed for 136 yards and two late touchdowns. That gave Jacksonville the impetus, but in the penultimate drive of the game, Josh Allen strung together a four-play drive and went 75 yards in 45 seconds to keep the Bills in it.
An ensuing Jacksonville punt gave Allen the ball back, needing a miracle, but the Jags forced a fumble and closed the game. It was a game that highlighted the incredible ability of NFL athletes and the memorable plays they can make. It was a fitting game for a big occasion.