The WORST In-Season Collapses in Sports History
Sports are a rollercoaster of emotions, with teams rising to greatness or crumbling under pressure. Among the most unforgettable moments are in-season collapses—those shocking falls from grace when everything seemed to go right, only to unravel spectacularly. These collapses don’t just hurt fans; they often become cautionary tales for teams across all leagues.
Here, we dive into some of the most devastating in-season collapses, examining the factors behind them and the lessons they provide.
1. 2007 New York Mets: A Historic MLB Collapse
The 2007 New York Mets were cruising toward the postseason, holding a seven-game lead in the National League East with only 17 games left. The team seemed destined for October glory, but their wheels fell off in spectacular fashion.
The Collapse:
The Mets lost 12 of their final 17 games, allowing the Philadelphia Phillies to overtake them for the division title.
On the final day of the season, the Mets were eliminated after an embarrassing 8-1 loss to the Florida Marlins.
What Went Wrong?
Pitching Meltdown: Their starting rotation faltered, with key players failing to deliver when it mattered most.
Pressure and Complacency: The Mets underestimated their rivals, and the mounting pressure only made their play sloppier.
2. 2015-16 Golden State Warriors: The 73-Win Team That Fell Short
The Golden State Warriors had a historic regular season, setting the NBA record for most wins with a 73-9 record. But the greatest regular-season team couldn’t seal the deal in the postseason, making their campaign one of the most memorable collapses in basketball history.
The Collapse:
In the NBA Finals, the Warriors held a 3-1 series lead against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavaliers made an incredible comeback, winning three straight games to take the series and the championship.
What Went Wrong?
Overconfidence: The Warriors seemed to lose their edge after dominating the early games.
Injuries and Suspensions: Draymond Green’s suspension in Game 5 and injuries to key players contributed to their downfall.
LeBron’s Brilliance: James and Kyrie Irving elevated their games to historic levels, outlasting Golden State.
3. 2011 Boston Red Sox: The September Swoon
The 2011 Boston Red Sox began September with a comfortable nine-game lead in the AL Wild Card race. Fans were already dreaming of another postseason run, but the team fell apart in the final month of the season.
The Collapse:
The Red Sox lost 20 of their last 27 games, including a devastating defeat on the final day of the season to the Baltimore Orioles.
The Tampa Bay Rays, fueled by a historic comeback win against the Yankees on the same night, overtook Boston for the Wild Card spot.
What Went Wrong?
Pitching Problems: The Red Sox’s rotation was plagued by injuries and ineffectiveness.
Clubhouse Issues: Reports of dysfunction, including players drinking beer and eating fried chicken during games, highlighted a lack of focus.
4. 2020 Pittsburgh Steelers: An NFL Collapse to Remember
The Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2020 NFL season with an impressive 11-0 record, looking like Super Bowl favorites. But their perfect season dreams quickly turned into a nightmare.
The Collapse:
The Steelers lost four of their final five regular-season games, including a blowout loss to the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card round.
Their offense, which had looked unstoppable early in the season, became predictable and ineffective.
What Went Wrong?
Injuries and Fatigue: Key players suffered injuries, and the team appeared worn down as the season progressed.
Predictable Playcalling: Opposing defenses adjusted to the Steelers’ short-passing game, exposing their lack of offensive diversity.
5. 2013 Toronto Maple Leafs: The Game 7 Meltdown
The Collapse:
In Game 7 of the first round, the Leafs held a 4-1 lead with just over 10 minutes left in the third period.
The Bruins stormed back, scoring three goals to force overtime and then sealing the victory with a goal from Patrice Bergeron.
What Went Wrong?
Defensive Breakdown: The Leafs failed to close out the game, making costly mistakes in their own zone.
Mental Collapse: The pressure of the moment seemed to paralyze Toronto, allowing Boston to seize the momentum.
6. 2022 Arizona Cardinals: The NFL’s Midseason Implosion
The Arizona Cardinals started the 2022 NFL season on fire, jumping to an 8-2 record. However, their campaign took a dramatic downturn as injuries, inconsistency, and internal strife derailed their season.
The Collapse:
The Cardinals lost five of their last seven games, dropping out of the playoff race and leaving fans wondering what happened to the promising start.
What Went Wrong?
Injuries to Key Players: Kyler Murray’s health and offensive line struggles limited their offensive potential.
Coaching Issues: Kliff Kingsbury’s schemes were exposed, and the team failed to make in-game adjustments.
Off-Field Distractions: Rumors of discord between players and coaches created a toxic environment.
What These Collapses Teach Us
- Momentum Is Fragile: Success in sports often hinges on maintaining momentum, and once it’s lost, it’s hard to regain.
The Importance of Leadership: Strong leadership, both on and off the field, is critical during adversity.
Sustainability Matters: Teams that rely on unsustainable factors, like turnovers or one-dimensional strategies, are more prone to collapse.
Mental Toughness: Handling pressure and staying focused are as important as physical ability in achieving long-term success.
Honorable Mentions
2010-11 Miami Heat (NBA): Despite assembling a superteam, the Heat collapsed in the Finals against the Mavericks.
2019 Atlanta Falcons (NFL): Known for their 28-3 Super Bowl collapse, but their entire season felt like a continuation of heartbreak.
2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL): The Presidents’ Trophy winners were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Conclusion
In-season collapses are as much a part of sports as triumphs. They remind us of the human elements behind the game—pressure, overconfidence, and the ever-present unpredictability of competition. While these teams’ failures were painful for fans, they’ve become part of sports lore, teaching lessons about resilience and preparation.
For teams teetering on the edge of greatness, these stories serve as warnings: no lead is safe, and no success is guaranteed until the final whistle blows.
