The Browns had hit a rough patch at the worst possible time in their game against the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 19, 1980 at Cleveland Stadium.

After getting a first down at the Green Bay 36 late in the fourth quarter, the Browns, trailing 21-20, committed a clipping penalty, followed by two incomplete passes by quarterback Brian Sipe, to face a third down-and-20 situation from the 46 with 25 seconds left.

They desperately needed points —either a field goal or a touchdown, it really didn’t matter — to avert suffering a huge upset loss. To be sure, the Browns absolutely could not fall to the mediocre Packers, or else their hopes of capturing the AFC Central title would get diminished somewhat.

A third straight incomplete pass to force a fourth down? Perish the thought!

Here’s the way iconic Browns radio play-by-play announcer Gib Shanley, with color analyst Jim Mueller at his side, might well have described the situation heading into the play:

“The Browns come out of the huddle. (Tight end Ozzie) Newsome split seven (yards) to the left. (Wide receiver Dave) Logan flanked eight (yards) to the right. (Wide receiver Reggie) Rucker slot right. (Running backs) Mike and Greg Pruitt in the backfield.

“Sipe goes under center. He looks to the left, he looks to the right and then he looks back to the right.”

The huddle clock was winding down. It was almost time to snap the ball. The big crowd held its breath.

Steve King