I know I haven't posted in a while, but I've been having a ball watching the Olympics. Curling is great strategy. Not athletic, but I'm having a blast thinking about the different shot possibilities. Funny to have Vernon Davis as the honorary captain of the USA team and talk about having to endure ribbing from NFL guys about it. The USA men's hockey team has been great to watch. Beating Canada, then against the Swiss, missing getting a goal by about .2 seconds when time ran out at the end of 2 and finally beating them with 2 in the third. The US and Canadian women's hockey teams are completely destroying everyone, each outscoring their opponents by combined scores of around 42-2. The ice dancing was beautiful. What a great story with the Canadian couple and American couple that train together getting gold and silver and the two skaters who just lost their moms being able to put together great performances in their grief bringing honor to their parents who no doubt sacrificed a ton to get them there. The flips and twists of the freestyle ski aerials and snowboarding are just crazy. 90 mph face first on the skeleton is insane. Bode Miller, Vonn, and the rest of the alpine skiers are doing well and carrying themselves well.
They aren't my standard sports, but they are a great change of pace and I love cheering for my country. God bless America.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Dreaded C Word
This year we football fans have heard more about concussions than ever before. I think it is a very good thing. The evidence of brain damage in some football players that have suffered multiple concussions as they get older is sobering. We have seen it in boxers, but I don't think that many of us have thought that a concussion here or there was a big deal and we certainly don't want to think about it happening to the football players that we cheer for every week. Growing up if you get 'shaken up' you just take a little break. When you can see and think straight again get back out there. I would not be surprised if in the next 5 years we will take our precaution to an over-kill extreme, but I'm really glad for the direction that we are moving. Having two boys 14 and 7 who love football, I want their brains protected. Neither of them have the wisdom to sit out for a few weeks or months if their bell gets rung. I know that I would not have sat out. So, I'm all for the rules that say in Pop-Warner and high school player have to sit out a month or so if you get a concussion. Their brains are worth it as well as the hundreds of thousands of other brains that will take a pounding playing football.
States consider youth concussion laws
ESPN story on Concussions
States consider youth concussion laws
ESPN story on Concussions
Monday, February 8, 2010
Super Bowl XLIV: Great Game for the Saints
The Saints had one early drop and basically no other mistakes. They had a different defense every quarter to keep Peyton off balance. Greg Williams did a great job of switching things up. The onside kick was a great, gutsy move, but very calculated. Even if they don't get it, their defense had done well in the second quarter and it was a great time for that gamble. Porter was sitting on the route for his pick. He watched the Colts setup to do their bread and butter inside route, when he saw Wayne take go outside, that was the tell tale sign he was waiting for. He knew the next move was inside to get the pass that was about to be released. Porter stepped in, stole it, and sealed the ballgame.
Saints did their research and the Colts became a bit predictable. It was a closer game than the score reflected. Hats off to the Saints whose aggressive play foiled the conservative play of the masters of methodical, the Colts.
Peyton was good, but Brees was near perfect. The Saints o-line kept Brees upright the entire second half allowing him to be 29-32 after the first quarter. One was a drop, one was spiking the ball, leaving him with only one legit incomplete pass.
The Colts o-line played a good game as well opening things for Addai to gain 77 yards on just 13 carries.
Congrats Saints. Peyton, we need to see some more of your greatness in top games if you are going to go down as the greatest QB of all time. You will probably retire as the greatest regular season QB, but the playoffs have not been quite so great.
Saints did their research and the Colts became a bit predictable. It was a closer game than the score reflected. Hats off to the Saints whose aggressive play foiled the conservative play of the masters of methodical, the Colts.
Peyton was good, but Brees was near perfect. The Saints o-line kept Brees upright the entire second half allowing him to be 29-32 after the first quarter. One was a drop, one was spiking the ball, leaving him with only one legit incomplete pass.
The Colts o-line played a good game as well opening things for Addai to gain 77 yards on just 13 carries.
Congrats Saints. Peyton, we need to see some more of your greatness in top games if you are going to go down as the greatest QB of all time. You will probably retire as the greatest regular season QB, but the playoffs have not been quite so great.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees
I wasn't too far off on my look at this year's Hall of Fame Class. I was surprised that Shannon Sharp and Chris Carter will have to wait another year. I especially feel for Carter because many people in the media keep saying that his time should be very soon and he has been past over for the third time now. I'm also partial to the Vikings since I spent elementary school there.
Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith were no brainers. It was great to see them enjoy the fact that they will go in together.
I never really liked the Redskins, but I'm very glad to see Russ Grimm is getting in. The 'Hogs' were a big part of the 80's and Grimm was the founder and anchor.
Rickey Jackson is very fitting for this year. The Saints go to their first Super Bowl and get their first HOF inductee together.
John Randle was a great selection. I thought that he would get passed over this year making room for Sharp or Carter, but I'm glad to see this Viking get his due.
I am so happy for Dick LeBeau. He means so much to the game of football. I know that he is going in as a player and his greatest contribution has been as a coach, but I really don't care how he gets there. I'm happy.
I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing more about Floyd Little. His numbers were very good, but didn't seem to add up to HOF to me, so there must be more about the Denver back than meets the eyes. I'm looking forward to finding out about him.
Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith were no brainers. It was great to see them enjoy the fact that they will go in together.
I never really liked the Redskins, but I'm very glad to see Russ Grimm is getting in. The 'Hogs' were a big part of the 80's and Grimm was the founder and anchor.
Rickey Jackson is very fitting for this year. The Saints go to their first Super Bowl and get their first HOF inductee together.
John Randle was a great selection. I thought that he would get passed over this year making room for Sharp or Carter, but I'm glad to see this Viking get his due.
I am so happy for Dick LeBeau. He means so much to the game of football. I know that he is going in as a player and his greatest contribution has been as a coach, but I really don't care how he gets there. I'm happy.
I'm looking forward to hearing and seeing more about Floyd Little. His numbers were very good, but didn't seem to add up to HOF to me, so there must be more about the Denver back than meets the eyes. I'm looking forward to finding out about him.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Super Bowl XLIV: Who and Why
The Saints have a punchers chance because of their propensity to generate turnovers and return them for touchdowns. They have a reasonable running game, a very accurate QB in Brees, and a lot of talented targets to throw to. They were the top scoring team this season.
The Colts have the most in-control explosive offense. They can run the ball, but they usually don’t because Peyton has his own set of very talented targets and prefers to use them. They beat the Dolphins controlling the ball for less than ¼ of the game because they scored so quickly. He shreds defenses and puts them in positions where they don’t have the personnel to defend what he is going to do. The Colts defense is no powerhouse, but they are sure tacklers and fast enough to cover the field well. They held the Jets stud running game to ~70 yards and that is the Colts weak spot. I think that the Saints balanced attack will fair better than the Jets.
The Saints live and die by the turnover. Peyton Manning has not fumbled in … 2 YEARS! Peyton only had 17 turnovers in 18 games this year. I think that the Saints die.
Colts: 38
Saints: 27
The Colts have the most in-control explosive offense. They can run the ball, but they usually don’t because Peyton has his own set of very talented targets and prefers to use them. They beat the Dolphins controlling the ball for less than ¼ of the game because they scored so quickly. He shreds defenses and puts them in positions where they don’t have the personnel to defend what he is going to do. The Colts defense is no powerhouse, but they are sure tacklers and fast enough to cover the field well. They held the Jets stud running game to ~70 yards and that is the Colts weak spot. I think that the Saints balanced attack will fair better than the Jets.
The Saints live and die by the turnover. Peyton Manning has not fumbled in … 2 YEARS! Peyton only had 17 turnovers in 18 games this year. I think that the Saints die.
Colts: 38
Saints: 27
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Super Bowl XLIV: Thoughts About the Game
These are some of my favorite thoughts surrounding this year's Super Bowl.
I'm a bit tired of hearing about Katrina and I have heard the same from some people from New Orleans. I just think that it is great to see one more team off of the list of those who have never made it there. Especially one that has had such lows for such long periods of time.
I like the work that Drew Brees has done on the field and off. He invests time and money in the community as well as in the international charity, Operation Kids. On the field he is amazingly accurate. This is a fun video pointing that out. He spreads the ball all over the place. 21 different players have scored for the Saints this year. It makes them fun to watch.
As Archie was the QB for the Saints, Peyton and his brothers grew up cheering for the Saints. Mom wouldn't let the kids 'boo' with the rest of the fans. Oldest son, Cooper did once wear an 'Aints bag over his head at a game before his mom caught him. When Brees came to New Orleans, Cooper Manning showed Drew and his family the ins and outs of the city. Their families are very good friends, but Coop and the rest of the Mannings are still rooting for Peyton first. It really eats at Archie though because his entire career was with the Saints and they never had a winning record while he was there. Now, they finally make the Super Bowl, and he can't cheer for them.
All of the Colts' Super Bowls have been in Miami. I loved Peyton's quote "I'm not superstitious, just a little stitious. I got that from my brother, Eli." I love his corniness. He is so NOT slick.
You could not get two better QBs both by skill and humble character (I guess Kurt Warner would fit there, too.) They are both great to listen to. They understand that they are very good at what they do, but they are not full of themselves and you can tell their aren't just 'saying the right thing.' That really seems to be them. They have a great respect for the game, it's players, and it's history. They understand that they are very fortunate to be in the situation that they are in.
I like that the Saints are not bashful about wanting to rattle the opposing QBs. That is what everyone is doing. It isn't a secret, but I hate hearing about wanting to injure them with hits that are not legal. Part of the game is hitting hard so that the player gets somewhat fearful, but playing with the goal to injure and not caring if it is even a legal hit should have no place in sports. That game is moving the football down the field and stopping them, not beating the snot out of someone so that they can't play. I'm not naive, I know that it happens all the time, but that does not make it right. I find no honor in that.
I like that these two teams really don't know one another at all. It could be the beginning of a great rivalry.
I'm really hoping that Freeney and Shockey can play at least to 90% of their ability. They each are a big part of their teams and I want to see them do their thing. Shockey already missed one Super Bowl due to injury.
Colts' Offensive Coordinator, Tom Moore and Offensive line coach, Howard Mudd will most likely be coaching their last games. Tom Moore starting coaching in the NFL in 1977 with the Steelers. Along the way, he turned the Lions offense into the #1 offense in the mid 90's with Barry sanders and 2 WR's topping 100 catches. He came to the Colts in 1998 and has coached Peyton his whole career. Ask Manning about Tom and he can't say enough good things about his coach. Mudd was the 3 time Pro Bowler before coaching. He started coaching in 1974 and like Moore has been with the Colts since 1998. The players will all tell you that their consistency and excellence has played a large part int he Colts' continued success. Last year both of these guys were going to be semi-forced to retire because their pension was going to be adversely affected if they continued. Things were worked out such that they could continue one more year. It would be very sweet to send them out on top.
Side note: I was in a prayer group that regularly prayed for one of Tom Moore's high school friends. When the Colts came to play the Raiders a few years ago, Tom got tickets for all of us to go to the game. Out of the blue kindness makes me a big Tom Moore fan.
I'm a bit tired of hearing about Katrina and I have heard the same from some people from New Orleans. I just think that it is great to see one more team off of the list of those who have never made it there. Especially one that has had such lows for such long periods of time.
I like the work that Drew Brees has done on the field and off. He invests time and money in the community as well as in the international charity, Operation Kids. On the field he is amazingly accurate. This is a fun video pointing that out. He spreads the ball all over the place. 21 different players have scored for the Saints this year. It makes them fun to watch.
As Archie was the QB for the Saints, Peyton and his brothers grew up cheering for the Saints. Mom wouldn't let the kids 'boo' with the rest of the fans. Oldest son, Cooper did once wear an 'Aints bag over his head at a game before his mom caught him. When Brees came to New Orleans, Cooper Manning showed Drew and his family the ins and outs of the city. Their families are very good friends, but Coop and the rest of the Mannings are still rooting for Peyton first. It really eats at Archie though because his entire career was with the Saints and they never had a winning record while he was there. Now, they finally make the Super Bowl, and he can't cheer for them.
All of the Colts' Super Bowls have been in Miami. I loved Peyton's quote "I'm not superstitious, just a little stitious. I got that from my brother, Eli." I love his corniness. He is so NOT slick.
You could not get two better QBs both by skill and humble character (I guess Kurt Warner would fit there, too.) They are both great to listen to. They understand that they are very good at what they do, but they are not full of themselves and you can tell their aren't just 'saying the right thing.' That really seems to be them. They have a great respect for the game, it's players, and it's history. They understand that they are very fortunate to be in the situation that they are in.
I like that the Saints are not bashful about wanting to rattle the opposing QBs. That is what everyone is doing. It isn't a secret, but I hate hearing about wanting to injure them with hits that are not legal. Part of the game is hitting hard so that the player gets somewhat fearful, but playing with the goal to injure and not caring if it is even a legal hit should have no place in sports. That game is moving the football down the field and stopping them, not beating the snot out of someone so that they can't play. I'm not naive, I know that it happens all the time, but that does not make it right. I find no honor in that.
I like that these two teams really don't know one another at all. It could be the beginning of a great rivalry.
I'm really hoping that Freeney and Shockey can play at least to 90% of their ability. They each are a big part of their teams and I want to see them do their thing. Shockey already missed one Super Bowl due to injury.
Colts' Offensive Coordinator, Tom Moore and Offensive line coach, Howard Mudd will most likely be coaching their last games. Tom Moore starting coaching in the NFL in 1977 with the Steelers. Along the way, he turned the Lions offense into the #1 offense in the mid 90's with Barry sanders and 2 WR's topping 100 catches. He came to the Colts in 1998 and has coached Peyton his whole career. Ask Manning about Tom and he can't say enough good things about his coach. Mudd was the 3 time Pro Bowler before coaching. He started coaching in 1974 and like Moore has been with the Colts since 1998. The players will all tell you that their consistency and excellence has played a large part int he Colts' continued success. Last year both of these guys were going to be semi-forced to retire because their pension was going to be adversely affected if they continued. Things were worked out such that they could continue one more year. It would be very sweet to send them out on top.
Side note: I was in a prayer group that regularly prayed for one of Tom Moore's high school friends. When the Colts came to play the Raiders a few years ago, Tom got tickets for all of us to go to the game. Out of the blue kindness makes me a big Tom Moore fan.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalists 2010
The problem with this year is that there can only be 4 to 7 inductees and this is an extremely deep class. When considering HOF enshrinement it seems that we always start with stats and that is a good place to start. Certainly if you don't have good stats you don't belong. The Hall is also about being a difference maker and one of the greatest at what you do. You have to look at the era and the situation surrounding the individual being considered. With that in mind, here are my thoughts on those up for enshrinement. Yes, a lot of it is based on stats, but also in the context of those they played with and for. This is a tough year to get in because the all-time leading wide receiver, running back, and tight ends are each eligible and have to get in, so here it goes.
** indicates that I think they should get in this year.
Receivers:
Andre Reed – Wide Receiver – 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins One of the Bills' big three, Jim Kelley, Thurman Thomas, and Andre Reed. They went to (but lost) 4 consecutive Super Bowls and came close to a fifth. Reed was a yards after the catch guy similar to Jerry Rice. He played about the same time as HOF Michael Irvin. In 4 more years than Irvin, he did only slightly more. He only had four 1000 yard seasons. He did have 951 receptions which was 3rd all-time when he retired. It is hard to keep a guy out of the Hall when he was #3 all time when he left the game, he never led the league in receptions, yards, or TDs, but he put up consistently very good seasons. He made 7 pro bowls, but but I'm not quite sure if he goes to Canton as he was never an All Pro or a statistical leader (though some of the has to do with playing the same years as the other 3 receivers nominated.
**Jerry Rice – 1985-2000 San Francisco 49ers, 2001-04 Oakland Raiders, 2004 Seattle Seahawks Jerry Rice is the standard for wide receivers. In his 20 years in the NFL, he set all of the major career marks for receiving: receptions (1,549); receiving yards (22,895); most 1,000-yard receiving seasons (14) … Had record 208 total touchdowns; 23,546 combined net yards. 22 TD receptions in 1987 (12 game season) was a record until 2007. He led NFL in receiving yards and touchdown receptions 6 years. He was first-team All-Pro 11 consecutive seasons and sent to 13 Pro Bowls. 11 of his 14 1,000+ yard seasons were consecutive. Nobody compared to Rice.
Tim Brown – Wide Receiver/Kick Returner – 1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Call him Mr. Raider. He was an All-Pro as a rookie leading the league in kick returns. He had a string of 9 seasons with 1000+ yards with various quarterbacks. He led the league in receptions one year. He is still 4th in career receptions and yards and had 9 Pro Bowl selections. At some point, I think that he needs to be in the hall, but it won't be this year
**Cris Carter – Wide Receiver – 1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins: He caught ANYTHING remotely close to him. His era and totals are very similar to Andre Reed, but his peak was much better than Reeds. Carter had a slow start because of substance abuse issues and was cut by the Eagles. In Minnesota he played second fiddle to star Anthony Carter. He later had major competition for getting the ball from future HOF receiver Randy Moss. The QB for the Vikings was a rotating door during much of his career, but he kept putting up great numbers. He had 8 straight 1000+ yard seasons, leading the league in receptions once and is currently #3 all-time. He had the reputation for only catching TDs leading the league 3 times and is #4 all time. 8 Pro Bowls and 2 All-Pro selections. He needs to be in the Hall.
Tight End:
**Shannon Sharpe – 1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens Shannon Sharpe set the standard for receiving tight ends and holds most career receiving records for tight ends. He had 1000+ yards 3 times and was an integral part of three Super Bowl winning teams. He had 4 All Pro selections and 8 Pro Bowls.
Coach:
Don Coryell – 1973-77 St. Louis Cardinals, 1978-1986 San Diego Chargers Coryell took the Cardinals from 4-9-1 to going 31-11 between 74 and 76 making the playoffs twice. In 1978 he came to an average Charger team that was slowly on the rise. In his next 4 seasons he took the Chargers to the playoffs and 2 championship games. Then, things started to fall apart. He won 2 coach of the year awards, one with each team and had a lifetime record of 114-89-1. Strictly from a record and longevity point of view, he does not belong in the HOF, but his offense in San Diego was a sight to see. For six straight seasons "Air" Coryell's Chargers led the league in passing. That offense did not win any titles, but it did leave a huge mark on the game which is why he is being considered. I don't think that he makes it though.
Running Backs:
**Emmitt Smith – 1990-2002 Dallas Cowboys, 2003-04 Arizona Cardinals Emmit was at the Pro Bowl 8 of his first 10 years and an All-Pro 4 times. He led the league in rushing 4 times and has more career TDs, carries, and rushing yards. He, like Rice is an automatic HOF player. Only Rice has more total yards from scrimmage. It is fitting that they be enshrined together.
Roger Craig – 1983-1990 San Francisco 49ers, 1991 Los Angeles Raiders, 1992-93 Minnesota Vikings. He was the grinder for the 49ers in the Montana years. The only player to ever have 1000 rushing and 1000 receiving in one year when he actually led the league in receptions. This makes him unique, but I'm not sure that the one great year should put him in. He also had another season where he topped 2000 total yards, but never led the league in rushing or touchdowns. He was an important part in the 49ers Super Bowl teams, but he was not a leading the part. He made it to 4 Pro Bowls and was select All Pro 1 time. He was a very good back, hard to tackle as he always kept his legs churning, but I don't see him in the HOF at least not this year.
Floyd Little – 1967-1975 Denver Broncos. A Senior committee nomination, Floyd played 9 years and was a pro bowler 5 times and all pro twice. He led the league in rushing as well as total yards from scrimmage one year, but does not have career marks that rank very high. He was the Bronco's first ever 1000+ yard rusher and led the league in kick returns a couple of years and punt return average one year. He was also an apt receiving threat at a time when passing was not nearly as big as it is today. I have a hard time seeing him in the HOF, but there may be more that I am missing.
Offensive Linemen:
Dermontti Dawson – Center – 1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers. Dawson replaced HOF center Mike Webster and continued the excellence at the position. He went to 7 Pro Bowls and was All-Pro 6 times. The Steelers led the league in rushing behind the line that he anchored a couple of seasons and one year they led the league in scoring. He had a string of 170 starts. It is hard to argue with a man who was the consensus best for 6 years straight, but he'll have to wait.
**Russ Grimm – Guard – 1981-1991 Washington Redskins. The founding member of the 'Hogs', Grimm was a 4 time All-Pro and Pro Bowler blocking for the offensive line that is recognized as one of the best in NFL history. During his 11 years the Redskins went through 5 different running backs and 4 quarterbacks and still made the playoffs 7 times and were in the top five scoring 6 times winning 3 Super Bowls and losing 1. Russ would be the only member of that front 5 in the HOF. It is time that line was represented and Grimm was the embodiment of the 'Hogs.'
Defensive Linemen:
Richard Dent – Defensive End – 1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Indianapolis Colts, 1997 Philadelphia Eagles. Dent was part of the stifling 1985 Bear defense that went 15-1, was not scored on in the playoffs and only allowed 10 points in the Super Bowl where he was the very few defensive MVPs. He had 17 sacks that year after 17.5 the year before. He retired as #3 on the all-time sack list with 137.5 behind HOF players Reggie White and Bruce Smith. He also grabbed 21 turnovers and scored 2 TDs. He played in 4 Pro Bowls and was All Pro 4 times. He belongs in the HOF both because of his individual accomplishments on the field and I give him a bit of a push also because of the part that he played in perhaps the best defense ever with the '85 Bears, but I'm going to ask him to wait one more year to let Rickey Jackson in this year.
Charles Haley – Defensive End/Linebacker – 1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys. Haley played about the same time as Dent. He didn't generate the same sack totals as Dent, only recording 100.5 sacks, but that was partially because his first 6 seasons were spent at linebacker, not defensive end. He was named to 2 All-Pro teams and 5 pro bowls. He is uniquely the only player to win 5 Super Bowls. He seems to be a worthy candidate, but I don't think that this is his year.
Cortez Kennedy – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks. Cortez was an 8 time pro bowler and 5 time All Pro anchor for the Seahawks d-line. He was commonly double or even triple teamed and still was one of the team leaders in tackles and led the team in sacks twice totaling 58 sacks in his career. He didn't get a lot of recognition because the Seahawks were not very good, but Cortez was amazing and needs to be in the HOF.
John Randle – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Minnesota Vikings, 2001-03 Seattle Seahawks. In 14 years John Randle tied Richard Dent's 137.5 sacks, but he did it from the defensive tackle position. Nobody else has matched his totals from the interior of the line. He played in 183 consecutive games with a wild personality. Face paint and a running mouth characterized him. Favre took most of his sacks and called him unblockable on turf. He was selected to 7 Pro Bowls and was All Pro 6 times. As the best pass rushing defensive tackle he must get in the Hall... next year.
Linebacker
**Rickey Jackson – 1981-1993 New Orleans Saints, 1994-95 San Francisco 49ers. Many think that this should be Rickey Jackson's year so that the first Saint gets in the Hall as the Saints play in the their first Super Bowl, and while that is sweet. We need to look at the merits of the 6 time Pro Bowler. He was an excellent linebacker and defensive end his last 2 seasons with the 49ers. His 128 sacks would be 136 counting 1981 when it was not an official stat. Which makes him 10th all-time, but second for a linebacker. He forced 40 fumbles recovered 29 to go with 8 picks. While he was racking up his sacks he was also leading the Saints in tackles a combination which rarely goes hand in hand. The curious think is why no All Pro selections? He played almost exactly the same career as HOF linebackers Lawrence Taylor, Andre Tippett, and Mike Singletary and overlapped with Derrick Thomas as well. His stats stand up with theirs but with much less hoopla since much of his career his team was not very good and he never got to a Super Bowl. I agree, it is time for Rickey to be in the Hall.
Cornerback:
**Dick LeBeau* – 1959-1972 Detroit Lions. LeBeau is another senior committee nominee. His play was above average and had a number of interceptions between that of HOF corners Herb Adderley and Dick (Night Train) Lane who played the same era. He was selected for 3 Pro Bowls and had a reputation for playing very solid run defense as well as pass. He seems to the stats to be in the discussion, but when people discuss the top corner for the era, it is always Dick Lane, so I'm not sure I have the information to make a judgment on his playing career, but where LeBeau has shined even more is as a coach/coordinator. He may coach too long to be able to live long enough to see his bust put in Canton for his work on the sidelines which may be a good enough reason in itself to get him in as a player and then add him as a coach as well later.
** indicates that I think they should get in this year.
Receivers:
Andre Reed – Wide Receiver – 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins One of the Bills' big three, Jim Kelley, Thurman Thomas, and Andre Reed. They went to (but lost) 4 consecutive Super Bowls and came close to a fifth. Reed was a yards after the catch guy similar to Jerry Rice. He played about the same time as HOF Michael Irvin. In 4 more years than Irvin, he did only slightly more. He only had four 1000 yard seasons. He did have 951 receptions which was 3rd all-time when he retired. It is hard to keep a guy out of the Hall when he was #3 all time when he left the game, he never led the league in receptions, yards, or TDs, but he put up consistently very good seasons. He made 7 pro bowls, but but I'm not quite sure if he goes to Canton as he was never an All Pro or a statistical leader (though some of the has to do with playing the same years as the other 3 receivers nominated.
**Jerry Rice – 1985-2000 San Francisco 49ers, 2001-04 Oakland Raiders, 2004 Seattle Seahawks Jerry Rice is the standard for wide receivers. In his 20 years in the NFL, he set all of the major career marks for receiving: receptions (1,549); receiving yards (22,895); most 1,000-yard receiving seasons (14) … Had record 208 total touchdowns; 23,546 combined net yards. 22 TD receptions in 1987 (12 game season) was a record until 2007. He led NFL in receiving yards and touchdown receptions 6 years. He was first-team All-Pro 11 consecutive seasons and sent to 13 Pro Bowls. 11 of his 14 1,000+ yard seasons were consecutive. Nobody compared to Rice.
Tim Brown – Wide Receiver/Kick Returner – 1988-2003 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders, 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Call him Mr. Raider. He was an All-Pro as a rookie leading the league in kick returns. He had a string of 9 seasons with 1000+ yards with various quarterbacks. He led the league in receptions one year. He is still 4th in career receptions and yards and had 9 Pro Bowl selections. At some point, I think that he needs to be in the hall, but it won't be this year
**Cris Carter – Wide Receiver – 1987-89 Philadelphia Eagles, 1990-2001 Minnesota Vikings, 2002 Miami Dolphins: He caught ANYTHING remotely close to him. His era and totals are very similar to Andre Reed, but his peak was much better than Reeds. Carter had a slow start because of substance abuse issues and was cut by the Eagles. In Minnesota he played second fiddle to star Anthony Carter. He later had major competition for getting the ball from future HOF receiver Randy Moss. The QB for the Vikings was a rotating door during much of his career, but he kept putting up great numbers. He had 8 straight 1000+ yard seasons, leading the league in receptions once and is currently #3 all-time. He had the reputation for only catching TDs leading the league 3 times and is #4 all time. 8 Pro Bowls and 2 All-Pro selections. He needs to be in the Hall.
Tight End:
**Shannon Sharpe – 1990-99, 2002-03 Denver Broncos, 2000-01 Baltimore Ravens Shannon Sharpe set the standard for receiving tight ends and holds most career receiving records for tight ends. He had 1000+ yards 3 times and was an integral part of three Super Bowl winning teams. He had 4 All Pro selections and 8 Pro Bowls.
Coach:
Don Coryell – 1973-77 St. Louis Cardinals, 1978-1986 San Diego Chargers Coryell took the Cardinals from 4-9-1 to going 31-11 between 74 and 76 making the playoffs twice. In 1978 he came to an average Charger team that was slowly on the rise. In his next 4 seasons he took the Chargers to the playoffs and 2 championship games. Then, things started to fall apart. He won 2 coach of the year awards, one with each team and had a lifetime record of 114-89-1. Strictly from a record and longevity point of view, he does not belong in the HOF, but his offense in San Diego was a sight to see. For six straight seasons "Air" Coryell's Chargers led the league in passing. That offense did not win any titles, but it did leave a huge mark on the game which is why he is being considered. I don't think that he makes it though.
Running Backs:
**Emmitt Smith – 1990-2002 Dallas Cowboys, 2003-04 Arizona Cardinals Emmit was at the Pro Bowl 8 of his first 10 years and an All-Pro 4 times. He led the league in rushing 4 times and has more career TDs, carries, and rushing yards. He, like Rice is an automatic HOF player. Only Rice has more total yards from scrimmage. It is fitting that they be enshrined together.
Roger Craig – 1983-1990 San Francisco 49ers, 1991 Los Angeles Raiders, 1992-93 Minnesota Vikings. He was the grinder for the 49ers in the Montana years. The only player to ever have 1000 rushing and 1000 receiving in one year when he actually led the league in receptions. This makes him unique, but I'm not sure that the one great year should put him in. He also had another season where he topped 2000 total yards, but never led the league in rushing or touchdowns. He was an important part in the 49ers Super Bowl teams, but he was not a leading the part. He made it to 4 Pro Bowls and was select All Pro 1 time. He was a very good back, hard to tackle as he always kept his legs churning, but I don't see him in the HOF at least not this year.
Floyd Little – 1967-1975 Denver Broncos. A Senior committee nomination, Floyd played 9 years and was a pro bowler 5 times and all pro twice. He led the league in rushing as well as total yards from scrimmage one year, but does not have career marks that rank very high. He was the Bronco's first ever 1000+ yard rusher and led the league in kick returns a couple of years and punt return average one year. He was also an apt receiving threat at a time when passing was not nearly as big as it is today. I have a hard time seeing him in the HOF, but there may be more that I am missing.
Offensive Linemen:
Dermontti Dawson – Center – 1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers. Dawson replaced HOF center Mike Webster and continued the excellence at the position. He went to 7 Pro Bowls and was All-Pro 6 times. The Steelers led the league in rushing behind the line that he anchored a couple of seasons and one year they led the league in scoring. He had a string of 170 starts. It is hard to argue with a man who was the consensus best for 6 years straight, but he'll have to wait.
**Russ Grimm – Guard – 1981-1991 Washington Redskins. The founding member of the 'Hogs', Grimm was a 4 time All-Pro and Pro Bowler blocking for the offensive line that is recognized as one of the best in NFL history. During his 11 years the Redskins went through 5 different running backs and 4 quarterbacks and still made the playoffs 7 times and were in the top five scoring 6 times winning 3 Super Bowls and losing 1. Russ would be the only member of that front 5 in the HOF. It is time that line was represented and Grimm was the embodiment of the 'Hogs.'
Defensive Linemen:
Richard Dent – Defensive End – 1983-1993, 1995 Chicago Bears, 1994 San Francisco 49ers, 1996 Indianapolis Colts, 1997 Philadelphia Eagles. Dent was part of the stifling 1985 Bear defense that went 15-1, was not scored on in the playoffs and only allowed 10 points in the Super Bowl where he was the very few defensive MVPs. He had 17 sacks that year after 17.5 the year before. He retired as #3 on the all-time sack list with 137.5 behind HOF players Reggie White and Bruce Smith. He also grabbed 21 turnovers and scored 2 TDs. He played in 4 Pro Bowls and was All Pro 4 times. He belongs in the HOF both because of his individual accomplishments on the field and I give him a bit of a push also because of the part that he played in perhaps the best defense ever with the '85 Bears, but I'm going to ask him to wait one more year to let Rickey Jackson in this year.
Charles Haley – Defensive End/Linebacker – 1986-1991, 1999 San Francisco 49ers, 1992-96 Dallas Cowboys. Haley played about the same time as Dent. He didn't generate the same sack totals as Dent, only recording 100.5 sacks, but that was partially because his first 6 seasons were spent at linebacker, not defensive end. He was named to 2 All-Pro teams and 5 pro bowls. He is uniquely the only player to win 5 Super Bowls. He seems to be a worthy candidate, but I don't think that this is his year.
Cortez Kennedy – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks. Cortez was an 8 time pro bowler and 5 time All Pro anchor for the Seahawks d-line. He was commonly double or even triple teamed and still was one of the team leaders in tackles and led the team in sacks twice totaling 58 sacks in his career. He didn't get a lot of recognition because the Seahawks were not very good, but Cortez was amazing and needs to be in the HOF.
John Randle – Defensive Tackle – 1990-2000 Minnesota Vikings, 2001-03 Seattle Seahawks. In 14 years John Randle tied Richard Dent's 137.5 sacks, but he did it from the defensive tackle position. Nobody else has matched his totals from the interior of the line. He played in 183 consecutive games with a wild personality. Face paint and a running mouth characterized him. Favre took most of his sacks and called him unblockable on turf. He was selected to 7 Pro Bowls and was All Pro 6 times. As the best pass rushing defensive tackle he must get in the Hall... next year.
Linebacker
**Rickey Jackson – 1981-1993 New Orleans Saints, 1994-95 San Francisco 49ers. Many think that this should be Rickey Jackson's year so that the first Saint gets in the Hall as the Saints play in the their first Super Bowl, and while that is sweet. We need to look at the merits of the 6 time Pro Bowler. He was an excellent linebacker and defensive end his last 2 seasons with the 49ers. His 128 sacks would be 136 counting 1981 when it was not an official stat. Which makes him 10th all-time, but second for a linebacker. He forced 40 fumbles recovered 29 to go with 8 picks. While he was racking up his sacks he was also leading the Saints in tackles a combination which rarely goes hand in hand. The curious think is why no All Pro selections? He played almost exactly the same career as HOF linebackers Lawrence Taylor, Andre Tippett, and Mike Singletary and overlapped with Derrick Thomas as well. His stats stand up with theirs but with much less hoopla since much of his career his team was not very good and he never got to a Super Bowl. I agree, it is time for Rickey to be in the Hall.
Cornerback:
**Dick LeBeau* – 1959-1972 Detroit Lions. LeBeau is another senior committee nominee. His play was above average and had a number of interceptions between that of HOF corners Herb Adderley and Dick (Night Train) Lane who played the same era. He was selected for 3 Pro Bowls and had a reputation for playing very solid run defense as well as pass. He seems to the stats to be in the discussion, but when people discuss the top corner for the era, it is always Dick Lane, so I'm not sure I have the information to make a judgment on his playing career, but where LeBeau has shined even more is as a coach/coordinator. He may coach too long to be able to live long enough to see his bust put in Canton for his work on the sidelines which may be a good enough reason in itself to get him in as a player and then add him as a coach as well later.
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