#1978 Houston Oilers

[mydaddywiki]

Buddy Ryan

Physique: Husky Build Height: 5"10"

James David "Buddy" Ryan (February 17, 1931 – June 28, 2016; aged 85) was an American football coach in the NFL and AFL. During his 35-season coaching career, Ryan served as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 1986 to 1990, and of the Arizona Cardinals from 1994 to 1995. Ryan also served as the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears from 1978 to 1985, and of the Houston Oilers in 1993. Coaching multiple Hall of Fame defensive players throughout his career, Ryan is considered by many to be one of the greatest defensive minds in the history of American football.

Authentic and ornery, Ryan had that rugged, tough look that always get me going. Even his sons, Rex Ryan and Rob Ryan have it to some degree, but not the way Buddy did.

Born in Frederick, Oklahoma, Ryan played college football for Oklahoma A&M University (now Oklahoma State) where he earned four letters as a guard between 1952 and 1955. He served as a sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his service in the military, Ryan's a career as a defensive troubadour began, winding its way through New York, Minnesota, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and Arizona.

Twice married, Ryan had had three sons, including fraternal twins, Rex and Rob with his first wife, Doris Ryan. Ryan married his second wife, Joanie Ryan in 1970. Ryan died on June 28, 2016, on his ranch in Shelbyville, Kentucky, at the age of 85, after a lengthy illness. Ryan's passion for the game often made him a divisive figure. As a coordinator, he warred with his head coach and fellow assistants. Most memorably, Ryan throwing a punch at Kevin Gilbride on the sideline of a nationally televised game. And he stay in the back of my mind ever since.

Career Highlights and Awards 2× Super Bowl champion as assistant coach (III, XX)

Head Coaching Record Regular season: 55–55–1 (.500) Postseason: 0–3 (.000) Career: 55–58–1 (.487)

[lboogie1906]

Harold Warren Moon (November 18, 1956) is a former gridiron football quarterback who played for 23 seasons. He spent the majority of his career with the Houston Oilers and the Edmonton Eskimos. In the NFL, he played for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs.

He began his professional career with the Eskimos in 1978 after going unselected in that year’s NFL Draft. His success during his six CFL seasons, five of which ended in Grey Cup victories, led to him being signed by the Oilers in 1984. Over his 17 NFL seasons, he was named to nine Pro Bowls, received first-team All-Pro honors in 1990, and made seven playoff appearances. Following ten seasons with the Oilers, he had brief stints with the Vikings, Seahawks, and Chiefs before retiring in 2000.

He held several all-time professional gridiron football passing records. Although relatively unsuccessful in the NFL postseason, his five consecutive Grey Cups (1978-82) remain a CFL record and he was twice named Grey Cup MVP. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, becoming the first African American quarterback and the first undrafted quarterback to receive the honor. He is the only player to be inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. He married Felicia Hendricks (1981-2001). #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[discovernashville]

Discovering Nashville's Sports Legacy

Nashville, Tennessee, often lauded for its vibrant music scene and rich cultural heritage, also boasts a thriving sports legacy. Beyond the melodies of country music and the bustling nightlife, sports enthusiasts can uncover a tapestry of athletic history woven into the fabric of this bustling city. Join us on a journey through Nashville's sports legacy, where every stadium, arena, and hall of fame tells a story of triumph, perseverance, and community spirit.

The Titans of the Gridiron: Nashville's NFL Heritage

Nashville's love affair with football runs deep, epitomized by the Tennessee Titans' presence in the NFL. Originally known as the Houston Oilers, the team relocated to Nashville in 1997, capturing the hearts of locals and solidifying the city's status as a sports destination. Nissan Stadium, the Titans' home turf, stands as a testament to Nashville's passion for football, hosting electrifying games and unforgettable moments that resonate throughout the city. A corporate Nashville tour isn't complete without a visit to this iconic stadium, where visitors can immerse themselves in the excitement of game day and witness the fervor of Titans fans firsthand.

Hockey and Harmony: The Predators' Prowess

In a city synonymous with music, the Nashville Predators bring a harmonious blend of athleticism and entertainment to the ice. Since their inception in 1998, the Predators have carved out a niche in the NHL, captivating audiences with their fast-paced play and unwavering dedication. Bridgestone Arena, affectionately known as the "The Stone," serves as the Predators' home base and a focal point of Nashville's sports scene.

Diamonds in the Rough: Nashville's Baseball Heritage

Baseball aficionados will find solace in Nashville's rich baseball heritage, anchored by the city's Minor League Baseball team, the Nashville Sounds. First established in 1978, the Sounds have been a fixture in Nashville's sports landscape, providing fans with countless memories and unforgettable moments on the diamond. First Horizon Park, the team's home stadium, offers a quintessential baseball experience, complete with hot dogs, peanuts, and the crack of the bat. A corporate Nashville tour provides the perfect opportunity to catch a Sounds game and bask in the timeless allure of America's pastime.

Beyond the Stadiums: Honoring Legends and Icons

While Nashville's sports legacy is undeniably tied to its professional teams and state-of-the-art stadiums, the city also pays homage to its athletic heroes through various museums and halls of fame. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements of legendary athletes and coaches who have left an indelible mark on the state's sporting landscape. From football icons like Peyton Manning to basketball phenoms like Pat Summitt, the Hall of Fame honors the contributions of those who have shaped Tennessee's sporting identity. A corporate Nashville tour offers a glimpse into this storied history, allowing visitors to pay tribute to the legends who have paved the way for future generations.

Conclusion

In Nashville, sports are not just a pastime—it's a way of life. From the gridiron to the ice rink, the diamond to the hall of fame, the city's sports legacy is a testament to the enduring spirit of competition, camaraderie, and community. Whether you're catching a Titans game at Nissan Stadium, cheering on the Predators at Bridgestone Arena, or exploring the halls of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, a corporate Nashville tour promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Athletic Capital.

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[nflfanpointii]

First Look: Saints vs. Titans

The New Orleans Saints (11-3) look to keep pace in the NFC Playoff race, as they'll be on the road for the next two weeks to close out the season. They meet the Tennessee Titans (8-6) in Nashville in what feels like a desperation game for Mike Vrabel's squad. According to the NFL, this year marks just the second time since the league adopted the 16-game schedule in 1978 that four NFC clubs are tied for the conference’s best record with two-or-fewer weeks to play. It also happened in 2014, when five NFC teams were 11-4 heading into the final week.

This will be the 14th time these two franchises meet, with nine of those matchups occurring when the Titans were the Houston Oilers. Tennessee leads the all-time series 8-5-1. The Saints have lost five out of their past six matchups against the Titans, with a lone 22-17 road win in 2011 to show for.

The last time these two met came on 11/8/15 inside the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, a game that saw all sorts of craziness transpire. The Saints jumped out to a 14-3 lead, and then at the end of the first quarter, Marcus Mariota found Delanie Walker on a crazy 61-yard connection in which Keenan Lewis and Jairus Byrd seemed like they were going to intercept.

The Saints would answer and go up 21-10, but the Titans would cut the lead to 21-17 before halftime. Tennessee would add a field goal in the third quarter, and New Orleans would get a Drew Brees to Michael Hoomanawanui touchdown pass to take a 28-20 lead early in the fourth quarter. Mariota countered and drove the Titans down the field to strike again, this time to Justin Hunter, and they'd convert the 2-point conversion to tie the game with 7:06 to play.

The Titans looked to provide the go-ahead field goal attempt after Brandon Browner was called for a penalty (which was a lot that season), but Ryan Succop was short on the 55-yard field goal attempt with less than two minutes to play. The Saints got an opportunity to take the lead with a minute to go, but Kai Forbath's kick was partially blocked. In overtime, the Saints defense couldn't stop the Titans, and Mariota would find Anthony Fasano for the game-winning 5-yard touchdown to win 34-28.

What to Watch For

The Passing Game: Michael Thomas, or better known as 'Can't Guard Mike', needs just 10 receptions on Sunday to tie Marvin Harrison for the single-season catch record (143) set in 2002. Naturally, 11 will give him the record. Thomas has been absolutely dominant for the Saints, and there has been little to no resistance in defending against him. Last week, DeAndre Hopkins finished with 6 receptions for 119 yards, as Deshaun Watson tossed for 243 yards on 19 completions. Watson was picked twice, but had two passing touchdowns. Drew Brees has been red-hot lately, with 9 touchdown passes and 10 total touchdowns over the past two games.

Chill Ryan Tannehill: Tannehill is 6-2 this season, and has been pretty accurate (71.2 percent) and relatively mistake free (11 touchdowns to 2 interceptions) in his past five games. Prior to the loss against the Texans, the Titans rattled off four straight wins, which included wins over the Chiefs, Jaguars, Colts, and Raiders. In each of those victories, Tennessee averaged well over 30 points per game. The Titans are 4-3 at home this season, and the Saints are 5-1 on the road. New Orleans needs to generate some heavy pass rushing to help in this one, and of course contain the NFL's second leading rusher, Derrick Henry.

New Faces in New Places: The Saints have made a few additions recently, most notably claiming cornerback Janoris Jenkins off of waivers from the Giants. New Orleans also added pass rusher Noah Spence last week, and picked up safety D.J. Swearinger on Wednesday. The verdict is still out as to whether or not these veterans will make an impact, but if New Orleans can get some of these players performing at the high levels that they have demonstrated in their career previously, then they could be very scary pickups at this point in the season.

[thenewdemocratus]

NBC Sports: NFL 1978-AFC Wildcard-Houston Oilers @ Miami Dolphins: First Half

NBC Sports: NFL 1978-AFC Wildcard-Houston Oilers @ Miami Dolphins: First Half

  I love these old games, especially starting in 1978 or so and going through the 1980s. The NFL of the last 10-15, years I would’ve lived very well without experiencing. Because the Roger Goodell is so offensive and money oriented, that they are coming damn close to eliminating defense and physical play on defense. But the NFL of the late 1970s and the 1980s was a balanced league. Where offenses…

[packernet]

New Post has been published on https://www.packernet.com/blog/2022/04/29/packers-history-of-drafting-wide-receivers-in-the-nfl-draft/

Packers History Of Drafting Wide Receivers In The NFL Draft

April and the intriguing annual ‘NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting’ or simply the NFL draft is now complete. Barely two months after the fascinating Super Bowl LVI clash between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals, each NFL franchise is seeking players who can fit into their roster and propel them to greatness.

With the NFL schedule out in mid-May, placing a bet on the ongoing draft can be pretty fun, not forgetting the upcoming games. At some new sports betting sites, having a go at which players may or may not join a particular team when placing your stake can be thrilling. You can invite your friends and see who can outwit the other while betting to spice things up.

Need to fill holes now

Fresh from winning the NFC North for the third year running, the Packers lost the Divisional playoff to the 49ers 13-10. However, Green Bay are already in full swing in the latest NFL draft, adding Georgia’s defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt and linebacker Quay Walker to their squad with their first-round picks.

A bone of contention from fans is the Packers seemingly unwillingness to draft wide receivers, one of the positions in their attack they feel needs attention. On their 22nd pick, Green Bay barely had any wide receivers to choose from, and instead of capturing an offense player to aid Aaron Rodgers, they skipped on a wide receiver.

A peek at the Packer’s history of drafting wide receivers paints a gloomy picture. The last time they drafted a wide receiver in the first round pick was in 2002 in Javon Walker. A wunderkind at the time, Javon Walker captured the eyes of many while playing college football at Florida State, and Green Bay didn’t waste time drafting him.

In each of his first two playoff games against Atlanta in 2002 and Seattle in 2003, Javon had 100 receiving yards, becoming the fourth player in NFL history to do that. He was selected for the NFC’s Pro Bowl team in the 2004 season due to his famous antics. During the first game of the 2005 season, Walker got an injury and was subsequently placed on the injured reserve. He would, later on, be traded to the Denver Broncos in 2006.

One of the best ever

You have to jump back another 14 years to when the Packers drafted a wide receiver. In 1988, Sterling Sharpe made his debut rookie season with Green Bay and had a tremendous impact. Starting all sixteen games, Sharpe caught 55 passes and, in his second season, was leading the NFL with 90 receptions, the first Packer to achieve that feat since Don Hutson in 1945.

A few years later, the 1992 season saw him attain the coveted ‘Triple Crown’ of the receiver position—top in receptions, receiving touchdowns and receiving yards—becoming one of only seven NFL players to attain that title.

The Packers found a gem in James Lofton in 1978, fresh from Stanford University. With Green Bay, James enjoyed a stellar career, being named in the NFL Pro Bowl seven times and was the all-time leading receiver with 9,656 yards, which Donald Driver later broke.

The frequency of drafting wide receivers in the past wasn’t far apart, and in 1973 the Packers got their hands on Barry Smith. Barry played for three seasons, with Green Bay achieving 692 yards. The Packers drafted Larry Elkins in the 1965 NFL Draft first round but later joined the Houston Oilers, where he spent three seasons.

From their history, the Packers tend to overlook the wide receiver position, with the reasons being anyone’s guess. However, the receivers brought in usually perform and either set or break records. With the current draft going on and no wide receiver brought in yet, it’ll be interesting to see how Green Bay will fare in the offense come next season.  

[everythangculture]

Earl Christian Campbell (born March 29, 1955), nicknamed The Tyler Rose, is a former American professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for the Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints. Known for his aggressive, punishing running style and ability to break tackles, Campbell gained recognition as one of the best power running backs in NFL history. Earl Campbell became the first Texas Longhorn to win the Heisman after leading his team to an undefeated regular season in 1977. After his star-studded collegiate career, Campbell took his talents to the National Football League. Selected No. 1 overall by the Houston Oilers in the 1978 NFL Draft, he quickly made a name for himself. As a rookie, Campbell claimed virtually every award possible including Rookie of the Year, MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. The former Longhorn led the NFL in rushing again in 1979 with 1,697 yards and garnered his second consecutive league MVP and Offensive Player of the Year award. He wound up his playing career with New Orleans before retiring in 1985. Campbell is now a prominent businessman residing in Austin, Texas and still actively participates in Texas athletics. He currently serves as President of Earl Campbell Meat Products, Inc. which manufactures and sells Earl Campbell’s Smoked Sausage and other food products and barbecue sauce. #blackhistorymonth #everythangculture (at Tyler, Texas) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZpb7DVPKd4/?utm_medium=tumblr

[tkmedia]

Steelers’ Donnie Shell Recalls Hit Heard ‘Round The World Against Houston’s Earl Campbell

Early on in the December 3, 1978 showdown between the Houston Oilers and the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Houston Astrodome, Steelers’ future Hall of Fame safety Donnie Shell laid one of the biggest hits heard around the world on fellow future Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell. On Campbell’s seventh carry of the game, the star running back spun his way out of a tackle and found himself in the crosshairs of Shell, the hard-hitting, hard-charging safety off right tackle. Shell connected with a perfectly-placed, textbook tackle on Campbell, blasting him in the ribs with a sound football tackle as the running back had his midsection completely exposed while trying to find his balance, leading to the monster hit from Shell. Shell popped the ball free from Campbell on the tackle, leading to a recovery by Steelers’ cornerback Ron Johnson as Campbell lay motionless on the field. Ultimately, Campbell missed the rest of the game, leading to Shell receiving a chorus of boos from Oilers’ fans. Prior to entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Shell spoke with reporters reflecting on his NFL career as a former undrafted free agent out of South Carolina State, ultimately landing in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after a long wait. One question brought up was the hit on Campbell and where it ranks in the Hall of Famer’s career. “I’d rank that number one, but closely behind is the three interceptions that I had against Brian Sipe one game versus Cleveland, but that play, it propelled us into the AFC championship. I think Earl Campbell had 80 yards at halftime. I looked right at Joe Green and I said if he keeps running like that,  we’re not going to advance in the playoffs. So, my teammates were very excited about that, about their play, because it kind of knocked him out of the game and we were able to secure the win for the AFC championship.” Shell is a bit mistaken with the circumstances leading up to the play. Campbell had roughly 38 yards prior to the carry, finishing with 41 yards in the game on just seven carries. The win also gave the Steelers the AFC Central division title, not the AFC championship. Though Shell mistakes a few facts of the hit, it still ranks up there in terms of plays in Steelers history, considering what it did for the Steelers. Pittsburgh was in the middle of a three-game winning streak when Shell laid the big hit, allowing the Steelers to pick up the 13-3 win on the road, eventually winning five more games in a row, capping off the 8-game winning streak with a 35-31 win over the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl. Not to be overlooked though was the 34-5 (yes, you read that right) trouncing of those same Oilers in the AFC Championship Game at Three Rivers Stadium.

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[wsmith215]

The best ATS season ever for every NFL team

9:04 AM ET

NFL NationESPN

The 2020 NFL schedule has been released, but there is still a ways to go until the season begins. So what better time to look back fondly on the best betting season for all 32 teams?

Our NFL Nation reporters give their perspective on the best individual seasons against the spread for each team, using research from ESPN Stats & Information.

Jump to: ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND JAC | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

AFC East

New England Patriots

2003: 13-2-1 (.867)

This was when Tom Brady the sixth-round pick was starting to become Tom Brady the star. The 2003 season was his fourth in the NFL (third as a starter), and came after a 9-7 year in which the Patriots had missed the playoffs. Bill Belichick had shockingly cut safety Lawyer Milloy before the season opener and the Patriots lost their first game 31-0 to the Bills, who had signed Milloy. But after a 2-2 start to the season, the Patriots never lost again as Brady’s star began to shine brighter en route to a second Super Bowl championship. — Mike Reiss

Miami Dolphins

1972: 11-2-1 (.846)

1 Related

Dolphins fans shouldn’t have a hard time remembering why the 1972 season is their best against the number — it is the only team to go undefeated in NFL history. Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris became the first pair of teammates to rush for more than 1,000 yards each in a given season, and the Dolphins won 11 of their 14 regular-season games by double digits. The No-Name defense never got the love that offense did but it was the best defense in football that season, securing three shutout victories (including a 52-0 win over the Patriots) and allowing opponents to score more than 17 points three times all year. This was the first Dolphins title in what ended up being a minidynasty from 1970-1974 with five division titles, three AFC championships (1971, 1972, 1973) and two Super Bowl wins. — Cameron Wolfe

Buffalo Bills

1978: 12-3-1 (.800)

In the team’s first season without star running back O.J. Simpson, the Bills turned to rookie Terry Miller — who turned in the lone 1,000-yard season of his career, as well as seven of his eight career rushing touchdowns. However, their ATS didn’t exactly translate to success on the field, as Buffalo went 5-11 in 1978. Only four of those losses, however, were by multiple scores; the Bills were able to hang around longer than their talent should have allowed. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

New York Jets

1998: 12-4 (.750)

The 1998 Jets were the best in franchise history ATS (12-4) — and arguably the best team, period, since the 1968 Super Bowl championship squad. The team was balanced, but was known mainly for its offense. Vinny Testaverde, an interception-prone quarterback for most of his career, flourished in New York and delivered a career year — 29 touchdown passes, only seven interceptions. He was surrounded by two future Hall of Famers in running back Curtis Martin and center Kevin Mawae, plus a dynamic receiving tandem in Keyshawn Johnson and Wayne Chrebet. Coach Bill Parcells, with Bill Belichick as his right-hand man, did a masterful job, leading the Jets to 10 wins in their last 11 games and the AFC East title. They fell to the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game, blowing a 10-point lead on the road. To this day, Parcells calls it the most heartbreaking loss of his Hall of Fame coaching career. — Rich Cimini

Andy Dalton was having an MVP-caliber season in 2015 before going down with an injury. Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY SportsAFC North

Cincinnati Bengals

2015: 12-3-1 (.800)

This was the season the Bengals were primed to win their first playoff game since 1991. Cincinnati started the season with eight straight wins behind a strong start from quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton was in the midst of his best NFL season when he suffered a season-ending thumb injury against the Steelers in Week 14. Backup A.J. McCarron picked up where Dalton left off and the Bengals won the AFC North and reached the playoffs for the fifth straight season. The Bengals were 12-3-1 ATS in the regular season and finished with a 12-4 overall record. The ending — a playoff loss to the Steelers that featured that hit by Vontaze Burfict — ended the year and the franchise’s best run in nearly 30 years. — Ben Baby

Baltimore Ravens

2008: 12-4 (.750)

The 2008 season marked the start of the most successful era in Ravens history, even though many wouldn’t have anticipated it. Baltimore hired a little-known assistant (John Harbaugh) to become its coach and drafted a player with a big arm from a small school (Joe Flacco) to be its franchise quarterback. The Ravens were such an unknown that they were underdogs in half of their games (covering five of them) and were favored by more than a touchdown just twice. Baltimore relied heavily on an old-school game plan. With two Hall of Famers still in their prime (Ray Lewis and Ed Reed), the Ravens had the NFL’s second-best defense. And, with a rookie quarterback, Baltimore kept the ball in the hands of running backs Willie McGahee, Le’Ron McClain and rookie Ray Rice. The Ravens finished as one of the hotter teams in the league and ended up in the first of three AFC Championship Games under Flacco. — Jamison Hensley

Pittsburgh Steelers

1972: 11-3 (.786)

The Steelers’ 1972 season laid the foundation for the run of four Super Bowl championships in six years during the Steel Curtain era. In Chuck Noll’s fourth season, the Steelers went 11-3 and made the playoffs for the first time since 1947 to kick off a streak of eight consecutive playoff appearances. After losing two of their first four regular-season games, the Steelers went on to win nine of their final 10 games and capture their first division title. And, of course, rookie first-round pick Franco Harris delivered the playoff win against the Oakland Raiders with the Immaculate Reception on the deflected throw from Terry Bradshaw. Though the Steelers’ season ended in the AFC Championship Game to the undefeated Miami Dolphins, the play — and the 1972 season — gave the Steelers momentum through the next decade. — Brooke Pryor

Cleveland Browns

2007: 12-4 (.750)

The 2007 Browns didn’t make the playoffs, but after going 4-12 in 2006, Cleveland went 10-6 on the way to becoming one of the NFL’s biggest surprises. Among the primary reasons was quarterback Derek Anderson. A 2005 sixth-round pick who was then waived by the Baltimore Ravens, Anderson capitalized on Brady Quinn’s training-camp holdout as a first-round rookie and Charlie Frye’s flop as the Week 1 starter to propel Cleveland to — still! — its only double-digit winning record since returning to the league in 1999. Despite making the Pro Bowl in 2007, Anderson lost his starting job to Quinn the following year and never started a full season again the rest of his career. — Jake Trotter

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts

1968: 12-2 (.857)

Success for the Colts in 1968 seemed like a longshot after quarterback Johnny Unitas — league MVP in 1967 — was injured in the final preseason game. However, backup quarterback Earl Morrall stepped in and threw for 2,909 yards and 26 touchdowns while going 13-1 as a starter during the 1968 season. Don Shula, the coach at the time, had a defense that was ranked first in the league and an offense ranked No. 2 that helped the Colts get to the Super Bowl where they were double-digit favorites over the Joe Namath and the New York Jets. Namath and his “guarantee” were this team’s downfall, as the Jets upset the Colts 16-7. — Mike Wells

Houston Texans

2011: 11-5 (.688)

The 2011 Texans got hot in the middle of the season, winning seven games in a row, but during that winning streak lost quarterback Matt Schaub for the rest of the year with a foot injury. Rookie quarterback T.J. Yates took over and won two straight, but Houston lost its final three to end the regular season. The Texans won their first AFC South title and postseason game in team history, but they went on to lose to the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. — Sarah Barshop

Jacksonville Jaguars

2007: 11-5 (.688)

The Jaguars rode the one-two punch of running backs Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew and got efficient quarterback play from David Garrard and Quinn Gray. Taylor ran for more than 1,000 yards for the fifth time in six seasons and Jones-Drew ran for nine touchdowns to help the Jaguars finish second in the league in rushing and make the playoffs. The Jaguars opened the playoffs with an upset in Pittsburgh, winning 31-29 on Josh Scobee’s 25-yard field goal with 37 seconds remaining. The winning kick was set up by one of the greatest plays in franchise history: Garrard’s 32-yard scramble on fourth-and-2. The win made the Jaguars the first franchise to win two games in Pittsburgh in the same season. — Mike DiRocco

Tennessee Titans

1975: 12-2 (.857)

The 1975 Houston Oilers went 10-4 but finished one game behind the Bengals for a wild-card spot. All four of the Oilers’ losses came against the Bengals and Steelers. The Oilers’ season was highlighted by a four-game winning streak starting in Week 4 and capped by a three-game winning streak that included a victory over the Oakland Raiders. It was the franchise’s first winning season in seven years and its first season under coach Bum Phillips. Billy “White shoes” Johnson was their most dynamic player, returning three punts for touchdowns. — Turron Davenport

AFC West

Denver Broncos

1973: 10-3-1 (.769)

The 1973 Broncos didn’t make the playoffs — they finished 7-5-2 — but it still was a landmark season, the first winning season for the franchise, which began play in the AFL in 1960. And for a franchise that has since been to eight Super Bowls and had more Super Bowl appearances than losing seasons in Pat Bowlen’s tenure as owner, the ’73 season often is looked at as the year where, in some ways, the foundation was put into place. The lineup shows a Hall of Famer at running back in Floyd Little in his seventh season to go with future Ring of Fame members Tom Jackson, Charley Johnson, Billy Thompson and Haven Moses. The Broncos’ defense also had Lyle Alzado. The Broncos were second in the AFC in scoring at 25.2 PPG. — Jeff Legwold

Kansas City Chiefs

1997: 11-3-2 (.786)

The Chiefs in 1997 had one of their best teams in the 50 years between appearances in Super Bowl IV and LIV. They allowed 33 fewer points than any other NFL team that season and gave up just 43 total points over their final five games. Their one playoff game that season felt like the de facto Super Bowl involving the NFL’s two best teams. The Chiefs lost 14-10 in the divisional round to the Denver Broncos, who indeed went on to win the Super Bowl. The Chiefs lost an apparent touchdown when Tony Gonzalez was ruled out of the end zone on a catch, and in those pre-replay review days the call couldn’t be challenged. Gonzalez to this day will tell you he and the Chiefs were robbed. — Adam Teicher

Los Angeles Chargers

2004: 13-1-2 (.929)

In a stark turnaround from a 4-12 record in 2003, the 2004 San Diego Chargers finished 12-4 and won the AFC West. Rookie quarterback Philip Rivers watched from the sideline as Drew Brees set out to prove the Chargers didn’t need to take a QB in the first round. Brees passed for 27 touchdowns with seven interceptions as he — along with running back LaDainian Tomlinson and tight end Antonio Gates — earned Pro Bowl honors. Tomlinson scored a league-best 17 rushing touchdowns and Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer was named the NFL Coach of the Year as the Chargers capped the season with their first playoff appearance in nine seasons … a wild-card loss to the Jets. — Lindsey Thiry

Las Vegas Raiders

1990: 12-4 (.750)

The 1990 Los Angeles Raiders were a team on the rise, one with the power and speed of Bo Jackson, Marcus Allen, Willie Gault, Mervyn Fernandez and a rehabbing Tim Brown on offense, and a stout defense that accounted for 48 sacks (second-most in the NFL) thanks to the likes of Greg Townsend (12.5 sacks), Scott Davis (10), rookie Aaron Wallace (9) and Howie Long (6). They just ran into misfortune (Jackson’s career-ending hip injury in the playoff victory over the Bengals) and, well, a buzzsaw in the high-powered Bills, who blew them out 51-3 in the AFC title game. Aside from the 1983 Super Bowl-winning season, the 1990 campaign was the Raiders’ best in Los Angeles. — Paul Gutierrez

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

1991: 13-3 (.813)

Perhaps this was a sign of things to come for the Cowboys, who went on to win three Super Bowls in four seasons from 1992-95. They went 11-5 in 1991, just two years removed from a 1-15 campaign. This was a young team, growing together and learning how to win. And they won their last four games without an injured Troy Aikman. The Cowboys found their formula with Emmitt Smith running the ball at least 25 times per game and a stifling defense allowing more than 14 points just once in Games 13-16. Jimmy Johnson won his first playoff game, a wild-card victory against Chicago as his young team started to come of age. — Todd Archer

Philadelphia Eagles

1980 and 2003: 11-5 (.688)

The 2003 season was the Eagles’ first at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the famous “4th-and-26” pass from Donovan McNabb to Freddie Mitchell that helped lift Philadelphia over the Packers in the divisional round of the playoffs and into the NFC Championship Game for a third straight year, where they were upset by Carolina.

The Eagles shook off a bad start to create a memorable season and finish 12-4. They went 0-2 out of the gate and were on the cusp of dropping to 2-4 before Brian Westbrook ripped off an 84-yard punt return in the closing moments against the Giants, sparking a nine-game winning streak. — Tim McManus

Washington Redskins

1983: 11-4-1 (.733)

The Redskins parlayed their first Super Bowl win into a dominant regular season. They scored a then-NFL record 541 points, outscoring the opposition by a league-best 209 points. Running back John Riggins rushed for 1,347 yards and 24 touchdowns at age 34 and the Redskins went 14-2. Their losses came by a combined two points, including the season-opening Monday night game in which rookie corner Darrell Green chased down Dallas running back Tony Dorsett. They lost to Green Bay 48-47 in another Monday night game where the teams combined for 1,025 yards.

Their most memorable regular-season win came in a 37-35 shootout over the Raiders at RFK Stadium. The Redskins won 11 straight games entering a Super Bowl rematch vs. the Raiders. But the Raiders blew them out 38-9 and the 1983 Redskins were left with the title of being one of the best teams to lose a Super Bowl. — John Keim

New York Giants

2008: 12-4 (.750)

This was the one that got away, with the team that Tom Coughlin said was better than the franchise’s two Super Bowl winners. It’s also the year their season was derailed by the Plaxico Burress self-inflicted gunshot wound. Before the Burress incident, the Giants were 10-1, which included wins on the road against three of the league’s best teams. Their offense was never the same after the shooting. The Giants dropped four of their last five and lost at home in their playoff opener to the Eagles. — Jordan Raanan

NFC North

Green Bay Packers

2007: 12-3-1 (.800)

In many ways, this season came out of nowhere. Two years earlier, Brett Favre had his worst season, throwing 29 interceptions on the way to a 4-12 season that ended Mike Sherman’s coaching tenure. The next season began badly, too, as the Pack started 4-8 under new coach Mike McCarthy before winning the final four games.

Still, no one could have seen coming what happened next. McCarthy transformed Favre into an effective game manager and put together one of the QB’s most efficient non-MVP seasons and led them to the NFC title game. However, it ended poorly when Favre — on his final pass as a Packer — threw an overtime interception that led to the Giants’ game-winning field goal. — Rob Demovsky

Minnesota Vikings

2015: 13-3 (.813)

Mike Zimmer’s second season in Minnesota featured a four-game improvement from his first. The Vikings finished 11-5, winning their first NFC North title since 2009 and clinching a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2012. Teddy Bridgewater showed promise in his first full season as a starter (3,231 passing yards, 14 TDs, 9 INTs, his first Pro Bowl) the same year the Vikings got Adrian Peterson back from suspension. Peterson led the NFL in rushing with 1,485 yards in his All-Pro/Pro Bowl season.

But all the excitement and hope built during the regular season came crashing down in a 10-9 wild-card loss to the Seahawks when kicker Blair Walsh missed a 27-yard game-winning field-goal attempt in the final seconds of the game. — Courtney Cronin

Teddy Bridgewater led the 2015 Vikings to the playoffs. AP Photo/Ben Margot

Detroit Lions

2010: 13-3 (.813)

The Lions were still rebuilding from their disastrous 0-16 season in 2008 and were starting to build for the future with Calvin Johnson in his prime and a first-round pick ready to take over the league in defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and a dynamic young running back in rookie Jahvid Best. Detroit also had a young starting quarterback in Matthew Stafford — and his shoulder injuries are a likely reason why the Lions were able to do so well against the spread. Stafford was limited to three games in 2010, but the combination of Shaun Hill and Drew Stanton — though not imposing as quarterbacks — could get Detroit out of a game.

The way the season unfolded — starting 2-10 before winning four straight to end the season — did two things: it set expectations low on the Lions toward the end of the year to pick up games against the spread and in a bigger picture helped set up the team’s run to the playoffs in 2011 with a healthy Stafford. The Lions played all but four games — losses to New England, Minnesota and Dallas, along with a win over St. Louis — incredibly close, again helping the spread numbers. — Michael Rothstein

Chicago Bears

1985: 12-3-1 (.800)

Led by the greatest NFL defense of all-time, the 1985 Bears struck fear in the hearts of their opponents and finished the regular season 15-1. Chicago cruised through the playoffs en route to winning the franchise’s first — and only — Super Bowl championship. The fact the Bears failed to cover the spread three times that year is a surprise, given the dominant nature of that team. — Jeff Dickerson

NFC South

Carolina Panthers

1996: 12-4 (.750)

Nobody expected the second-year expansion team to be a playoff contender in 1996, even though the Panthers won an expansion-record seven games in their first season. So a 12-4 record overall and against the spread and an NFC West title in a division with then-powerhouse San Francisco was nothing short of spectacular.

The key was the defense. First-time head coach Dom Capers was a disciple of the 3-4 zone blitz. He brought in a veteran-laden group, led by outside linebackers Kevin Greene (14.5 sacks) and Lamar Lathon (13.5 sacks), that caused opposing quarterbacks nightmares with a league-best 60 sacks. That group allowed only 13.6 points per game, the second-fewest in the NFL. It was old-school football at its best with a solid running game and shut-down defense that got this team of vagabonds to the NFC Championship Game in Green Bay. It was a true Cinderella story. — David Newton

New Orleans Saints

2011: 12-4 (.750)

This was Sean Payton, Drew Brees, Jimmy Graham and Darren Sproles at their career peaks. The 2011 Saints still hold the NFL record with 7,474 yards gained in a season. And Brees threw for 5,476 yards and 46 TDs while surrounded by a ridiculous cast of talent that also included Marques Colston, Pierre Thomas, Mark Ingram, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem. Many Saints fans will swear this was their best team ever, even though this 13-3 squad didn’t reach the Super Bowl. — Mike Triplett

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

1999: 11-4-1 (.733)

The Bucs had a very specific formula for winning games under Tony Dungy. They relied on a stout defense led by Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, John Lynch and Ronde Barber. During the regular season, that defense held opponents to 17 points or fewer in 12 games and eight times held foes to 10 points or fewer. They controlled the clock on offense, running the ball behind Mike Alstott and Warrick Dunn and, at times, capitalized on the ultraconsistent kicking of Martin Gramatica, which protected rookie quarterback Shaun King, who stepped in for Trent Dilfer after he suffered a broken clavicle. — Jenna Laine

Atlanta Falcons

1980: 13-3 (.813)

Behind quarterback Steve Bartkowski and running back Williams Andrews the Falcons won the team’s first division title (NFC Western Division) with a 12-4 record. That season included a nine-game winning streak, which was a franchise best. Individual franchise records were established, too, with Bartkowski (3,544 passing yards, 31 touchdowns), Andrews (1,308 rushing yards) and receiver Alfred Jenkins (1,025 receiving yards) all hitting high-water marks at the time. Linebacker Al Richardson created a turnover in nine consecutive games out of the 3-4 scheme. And the Falcons had six Pro Bowl selections. — Vaughn McClure

The Russell Wilson-led Legion of Boom Seahawks teams were good to bettors. Jonathan Ferrey/Getty ImagesNFC West

Seattle Seahawks

2011, 2012 and 2013: 11-5 (.688)

The 2013 Seahawks were a trendy Super Bowl pick after making some marquee offseason additions (Percy Harvin, Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett) to an up-and-coming team that reached the divisional round the year before, taking advantage of the financial flexibility afforded by Russell Wilson’s cheap rookie contract.

They lived up to the hype with the best season in franchise history. Seattle won the NFC West and earned the conference’s No. 1 seed behind the NFL’s top defense, a strong running game led by Marshawn Lynch and a second-year quarterback who was more than a game manager while leading five comebacks in the fourth quarter or overtime. That included Seattle’s win in the NFC Championship Game, which was sealed by Richard Sherman’s famous end zone deflection. Harvin missed most of the regular season with a bizarre hip injury and was traded early the next season, but he contributed one of the memorable plays of the Seahawks’ Super Bowl XLVIII victory over Denver when he returned the second-half kickoff for a touchdown to put the game out of reach. — Brady Henderson

San Francisco 49ers

1989: 13-3 (.813)

It should be no surprise that the 1989 team, which went 14-2, was so good against the spread given that it was one of the best and most complete teams in NFL history. That juggernaut of a squad was first in the league in points scored, third in points allowed and had a plus-189 scoring margin on its way to a 45-point victory in Super Bowl XXIV.

Quarterback Joe Montana put together one of the best seasons in history, posting a passer rating of 112.4 in the regular season before a red-hot postseason run in which he improved that passer rating to a whopping 146.4 as he collected the NFL’s Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year awards and was named Super Bowl MVP. The star-studded Niners had six Pro Bowlers and five first- or second-team All Pros. — Nick Wagoner

Los Angeles Rams

1999: 13-3 (.813)

The 1999 Rams coached by Dick Vermeil were dubbed the “Greatest Show on Turf” as they outscored opponents 526-242, produced an 8-0 record at home and finished the season 13-3 with a Super Bowl XXXIV title.

The offense was led by four future Hall of Fame players, including quarterback Kurt Warner, running back Marshall Faulk, receiver Isaac Bruce and left tackle Orlando Pace. The defense also was among the best in the NFL. It ranked first against the run, allowing only 74.3 rushing yards per game, was tied for the lead in sacks with 57 and produced seven interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. — Lindsey Thiry

Arizona Cardinals

1993, 2013 and 2014: 11-5 (.688)

When Bruce Arians came to town in 2013, he changed the Cardinals’ culture and their fortunes. A year after going 5-11, the Cardinals went 10-6, which led to one of the franchise’s three best seasons since the merger against the spread at 11-5. No one thought this team would be any good considering what had transpired the previous season, which started with four wins before a nine-game losing streak. The perception of quarterback Carson Palmer was that he was washed up and riding out the final years of his career. But Arians and Palmer proved everyone wrong and did it again the next year, going 11-5 — their same record against the spread — after starting 9-1. Their march to a Super Bowl was cut short by Palmer’s ACL injury. — Josh Weinfuss

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[lboogie1906]

John David “Jack” Tatum (November 18, 1948 – July 27, 2010) was a football safety who played 10 seasons (1971-80) with the Oakland Raiders and the Houston Oilers. He was popularly known as “the Assassin” because of his playing style. He was voted to three consecutive Pro Bowls (1973–75) and was a member of one Super Bowl-winning team in his nine seasons with the Raiders. He is known for a hit he made against New England Patriots wide receiver Darryl Stingley in a 1978 preseason game, that paralyzed Stingley from the chest down.

A member of the College Football Hall of Fame, he played college football at Ohio State and was twice All-American in 1969 and 1970. He was drafted by the Raiders in the first round of the 1971 NFL Draft, and with them earned a reputation as a fierce competitor and one of the hardest hitters ever to play the game. He was noted for his involvement in the immaculate reception play during a 1972 playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was born in Cherryville, North Carolina, and grew up in Passaic, New Jersey, where he had little interest in playing sports in his early years. He did not begin playing football until he entered his sophomore year at Passaic High School, where he played as a running back, fullback, and defensive back and was selected first-team All-State. He was selected as a high school All-American as a senior. In 1999, the Newark Star-Ledger named him as one of New Jersey’s top ten defensive players of the century.

He retired after being released by the Oilers following the 1980 season. He first worked for the Raiders organization, and soon became a land developer and moved into the real-estate business. He became part owner of a restaurant in Pittsburg, California. He married and had three children, and wrote three best-selling books: They Call Me Assassin (1980); They Still Call Me Assassin (1989); and Final Confessions of NFL Assassin Jack Tatum (1996). #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[sportsleague365]

TORONTO — Sports as a whole are always driven by debate. With the current world situation, fans have a chance to interact with one another and bicker over who their favourite players are and what their lasting legacies are in the Canadian Football League. Earlier this week, Donnovan Bennett asked CFL fans who they’d have on their list as the best CFL quarterbacks of all time. It garnered a number of responses, so why not see how a pair of CFL pundits would rank the greatest signal-callers across the history of the league. On the latest episode of The Waggle presented by Sport Clips, Davis Sanchez and Bennett chatted with CFL.ca’s Marshall Ferguson, and the trio gave their respective top five pivot lists. Episode 205: Trusting the Tape w/ Marshall Ferguson EPISODE OVERVIEW:Davis returns with news of his happy and healthy second child while Marshall Ferguson joins us to explain his toughest assignment to date: formulating a mock draft without a combine. Later, Donnovan stirs up the classic top 5 QBs of all-time debate. Does Bo belong in that conversation? Listen to find out. EPISODE RUNDOWN:Marshall Ferguson on formulating a Mock Draft (5:29); How will no Combine alter players w/ injury histories (16:16); Mechanics of social distancing on Draft night (20:00); Territorial picks and Ottawa’s options (25:17); Debating the Top 5 QBs of all-time (33:00); Will Bo Levi MItchell enter the Top 5 while playing (47:44); Binge-watching suggestions (53:10). “But I think one two and three, I think if you have a get those ones wrong or you’re different than mine you’re just out to lunch,” Sanchez said. “I’m gonna go with Doug Flutie at number one. Warren Moon, I go number two, and the great Damon Allen is number three.” Flutie was a lock across the board. The Boston College product came into the league in 1990 after spending his first five seasons as a professional in the USFL and NFL. He started out with the BC Lions and also made stops with the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts. Over eight seasons north of the border, the Manchester, Maryland native completed over 60 percent of his passes for 41,355 yards and 270 touchdowns while adding 4,660 yards and an additional 66 majors on the ground. He holds the record for most passing yards in a single season (6,619) as well as the most passing yards per game over a career (306.3). “Doug Flutie is the best quarterback, period,” Bennett said. “He was the first guy that I ever saw where the most athletic person on the field was a quarterback — something that we take for granted now.” Moon turned to the CFL in 1978 after going undrafted. In his first season with the Eskimos, Moon helped start an unprecedented run of success, with the team winning five consecutive Grey Cups from 1978-82. His success up north wouldn’t go unnoticed, as the Houston Oilers came calling, and the rest is history. Over six seasons, Moon threw for 21,228 yards and 144 touchdowns in 94 games. He also added 14 rushing touchdowns and 1,706 yards. Along with his championship run, he also was named the league’s Most Outstanding Player in 1983 and was a two-time Grey Cup Most Valuable Player (1980, 1982). Allen played for seven different franchises over his 23 seasons in the league. He started out with the Esks before moving on the play for the Rough Riders, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the expansion Memphis Mad Dogs — there was also another two-year stint with Edmonton sandwiched in between those stops. Arguably his most memorable tenures would come at the end of his career, during his seven-year-long stint with the BC Lions before joining the Double Blue to finish off his illustrious career. Over 370 career games, Allen posted 72,381 yards and 394 touchdowns while also adding 11,920 yards and 93 rushing scores. He’s a four-time Grey Cup champion (1987, 1993, 2000, 2004) and also has league MOP (2005) and Grey Cup MVP (1987, 1993, 2004) to his name. As for the fourth and fifth positions, those are up for debate. There are several quarterbacks who could be in the conversation, as the likes of Anthony Calvillo,Henry Burris,Ricky Rayand Matt Dunigan are all strong options to round out the list. Ferguson did have another nomination for his list, as he looked to a McMaster and Ottawa Rough Rider legend as one of the greatest pivots of all time. “To me, Russ Jackson is like the grandfather of Canadian quarterbacking and he is the golden standard,” Ferguson said. “I know that his name comes up a lot as this ghost of the past but I’m telling you, when I watch Russ Jackson and games that he played in, I’m stunned because yeah, the game has changed and the footballs have evolved and the conditions and the equipment, I understand it’s a completely different time. “But I watch Russ Jackson make throws when I’m watching old games in the CFL, and I’m like, ‘That dude … if he would have grown up in the evolved modern offensive systems today, it would have been insane to watch.” Calgary Stampeders QB Bo Levi Mitchell runs out of the tunnel ahead of the team’s Labour Day game against the Edmonton Eskimos Photo: Johany Jutras (CFL.CA) So where do today’s signal-callers factor into this conversation? Names likeTrevor Harris,Mike ReillyandBo Levi Mitchellare undoubted superstars in the CFL, but do any of them have a stake as a top-five quarterback of all-time at this point? Mitchell seems to be the most obvious candidate out of the trio at the moment. At just 30 years old, he’s done just about all there is to do in the CFL. He’s a two-time Grey Cup champion — winning MVP in both wins — while also being a three-time Divisional All-Star and a two-time league All-Star. “I wonder at what point an activeBo Levi Mitchellgets included in this conversation because he’s on the edge,” Ferguson said. “It’s not just Stampeders fans that are doing. Looking through some replies to the original tweet, there are a lot of people who kind of tossed him in as well you know maybe or you know he’s fringe guy. “If he ends up being able to win one or two over the next three or four years, I think you’re gonna see the conversation shift to where he’s gonna start to bump some of the names we’ve been talking about.” It’ll be extremely interesting to see if the current crop of pivots can ultimately push for a bigger spot in the conversation. The most interesting part of this debate is that two people will more than likely have different top fives when it comes to the most important position in the league. There have been so many legendary names to grace the position and there will be more to cement their legacies in the coming years. The post Discussing the Top Five CFL quarterbacks of all time appeared first on American Football International. #AnthonyCalvillo #DamonAllen #DougFlutie

[mitchbeck]

CANTLON: HOCKEY NEWS AND NOTES VOLUME 4 PART 1

eing t: Gerry Cantlon, Howlings HARTFORD, CT - The Hartford Wolf Pack hockey season stopped suddenly but is still getting awards from across the hockey universe. Wolf Pack captain, Steven Fogarty, was named the winner of the Wolf Pack's IOA/American Specialty Team Man-Of-The-Year. He and the winners from the other 31 AHL Teams became eligible to win the AHL Yanick Dupre Award. Over the past five seasons and recently as the Wolf Pack team captain this year, Fogarty is one of the most admired players both on-and-off the ice. Fogarty is a Notre Dame grad and always expresses his calm and friendly demeanor toward fans, teammates, and media alike, and always willing to participate in ways to help the community. He's attended several fan-related events, volunteered his time at shelters, worked with youth programs such as the Police Athletic League (PAL), the annual Bowl-a-Thon for Special Olympics, and many other team-related community initiatives. Fogarty, of Edina, MN, was actively involved in youth/school reading programs, has made several hospital visits at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Newington, and has been a leader behind the commitment and participation of Wolf Pack players at community and team events. Fogarty is now one of 31 finalists for the AHL's 2019-20 Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, honoring the overall winner of the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man-Of-The-Year. The naming of the Yanick Dupre Award is after the former Hershey Bears forward and AHL All-Star who died in 1997 following a 16-month battle with leukemia. The announcement of the winner of the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award will be later this spring. The first winner of the award was defenseman John Jakopin from the Beast of New Haven in 1997-98. Jakopin played one season for the Wolf Pack 2003-04. Some other team winners include Sound Tigers winner, goaltender, Christopher Gibson, former Wolf Pack, Daniel Walcott (Syracuse), and former Yale University Bulldog, Kenny Agostino (Toronto). Another milestone day would be this Good Friday. It would have been the last regular season home game for the Wolf Pack scheduled against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The day was to be the celebration of the 2000 Calder Cup Championship team complete with the Calder Cup, autograph and picture signings, and a post-game party at the Tavern, but, like everything else, the COVID-19 pandemic caused its cancelation. Those scheduled to attend included Derek Armstrong, Brad "Shooter" Smyth, Terry Virtue, Todd Hall, J.F. Labbe, Tony Tuzzolino, P.J. Stock, Daniel Goneau, Mike Harder, Chris Kenady, Stefan Cherneski, and head coach John Paddock. Also on the invite list would have been Medical trainer Tim Macre and equipment manager Jason Levy, then Wolf Pack GM, Don Maloney, and Rangers president Neil Smith. Former Wolf Pack reporters, Bruce Berlet (Hartford Courant), and George Dalek (Meriden Record-Journal) were also going to take part in the festivities. TOM WEBSTER Sad news for New Englan / Hartford Whaler fans was the passing of Tom Webster, 71, of brain cancer at his home in Windsor, Ontario, with family at his side. His wife, Carole, passed away earlier in the past year. His daughter, Stacy, and his son, Brent, as well as grandchildren, survive him. Webster was "Mr. New England Whaler." He played six-of-their-seven WHA years, and his number 8 brought many a cheer at Hartford Civic Center in the glistening early years of professional hockey in Hart City. Bruce Landon, the then goalie for the New England Whalers, was complimentary in praise, "Tom was a great guy and good teammate, tremendous player. It's a sad day for hockey," Webster finished first with 215 career goals and 425 points. He was third in assists with 205, just behind Larry Pleau and Rick Ley. Webster was fourth in games played at 352 games behind only Rick Ley, Brad Selwood, and Larry Pleau. He finished as the 13th all-time leading goalscorer in the seven wild years of the WHA. The WHA elected him to their Hall-Of-Fame in 2012. He hung with the best of the WHA, including Real "Buddy" Cloutier, Robbie Ftorek, Anders Hedberg, and eventual teammate, Andre Lacroix. Webster topped the Whalers as their only 50-goal scorer in franchise history (53) and 103 points in their first season in Boston winning their Avco Cup title and first and only franchise title. "He was a dynamic player," commented former teammate, Tim Sheehy from Florida. "He, Terry Caffery, and Brit Silby were an excellent line. Silby was an NHL Calder Trophy winner (with Toronto in 1965-66), and Caffery (WHA Rookie of the Year) set him up so many times. He was a great finisher." In Webster's second season, he didn't lead the team in scoring. He was second by two points behind John French with 43 goals and 70 points. In the first year in Hartford, 1974-'75, he finished second to Wayne Carleton but tallied 40 goals and 64 points. In 1975-76 Webster was limited to just 55 games due to injuries but still managed to lead the Whalers with 33 goals and 83 points for the Kelly-Green harpooned logo Whalers. In 1976-77 he scored 33 goals and 85 points behind only Mike Rogers in assists. In 1977-78 his last active season in Hartford, his severe back injury limited him to just 20 games, but he was a point-a-game producer still with 15 goals and 20 points. The Whalers knocked off Edmonton and Quebec before losing in four to the mighty Winnipeg Jets in the Avco Cup final. He missed the entire last season of New England Whaler 1978-79 because of third back surgery. Many New England Whaler fans felt Webster's number eight should have been retired instead of the late Johnny "Pie" McKenzie's 19. Howard Baldwin, Sr. strictly did it, to antagonize the Bruins. The Bruins led by owner Jeremy Jacobs never voted for the Whalers to be a part of the NHL and forced them to abandon New England from their team name as a price of admission into the NHL. It was then and still is, a glaring oversight that it was never retired. After a low-ball post-career job offer, Webster ended his playing days in Glen Falls, NY, with a brand new AHL team, the Adirondack Red Wings as a player-coach and got in his last NHL game with Detroit. Before landing in Hartford, Webster was drafted by the Boston Bruins with the fourth pick, 19th overall, in the 1966 NHL Draft. They were the last six team draft before the first NHL expansion in 1967. He led the Niagara Falls Flyers and then OHA (now OHL) ins scoring 50 goals and 114 points in 54 games winning the Eddie Powers Trophy, but was voted only to the OHA Second All-Star team. The team won their second Memorial Cup in three years by downing the Estevan Bruins in five games with Webster scoring the double-overtime winner in Game 4, still the longest game in Memorial Cup history. Webster posted 18 points in 10 games of the tournament In 1965, they beat the Edmonton Oil Kings in five games as well in Edmonton. The 1968 team would feature three future New England Whaler teammates in Gary Swain, who finished number two behind him in scoring, Rick Ley and Brad Selwood and two future NHL'ers, Phil Roberto and Phil Myre. He played at the beginning of the early big, bad Bruins before they won a pair of Stanley Cups, but only got 11 games in three years. He played two years in Oklahoma City (CHL) before being involved in a merry-go-round of transactions. The Buffalo Sabres took him in the 1970 NHL expansion draft on June 10, 1970, but before he ever got to wear a Sabres sweater, he was dealt the same day to Detroit for Roger Crozier. Webster took advantage of the chance with the Red Wings and, in 1970-71, led them in scoring in 78 games with 30 goals and 67 points. Webster played on the last Gordie Howe Red Wing team that also featured Alex Delvecchio, Garry Unger, Red Berenson, and future star a rookie named, Mickey Redmond. He would play against Howe in the WHA when he was in Houston and was reunited with him on the New England Whalers in 1977. In 1971-72 his back problems first surfaced that saw him limited him to five games with the Red Wings and was traded again to the California Golden Seals for Ron Stackhouse on October 22, 1971. Then four months later, on February 12, 1972, he was taken in the WHA General Draft by the New England Whalers, and his hockey course was set. Webster had an even longer coaching career starting with an AHL Calder Cup championship for Adirondack in 1980-81 in just their second year of existence and the first of four the franchise would have. After two years, he went to coach the Tulsa Oilers in the old Central Hockey League, winning the title with future Whaler Dave Barr and future Ranger and current Vegas President of Hockey Ops, George McPhee. He then migrated to Salt Lake City (IHL) and was hired by the Rangers, but he coached just 15 games with Rangers in 1985-86 before resigning, because an acute inner ear infection prevented him from flying. Webster then spent two years with Windsor (OHL) in a bus orientated league from 1987-89, leading the Spitfires to their first OHL championship. The team had a 21 game playoff winning streak in 1988, getting to the Memorial Cup final in Chicoutimi, Quebec, but wound up losing in heartbreaking fashion 7-6 to the Medicine Hat Tigers coached by Barry Melrose. The team featured Ranger great Adam Graves and two current NHL coaches Peter DeBoer and Paul Maurice and NHL playing brothers, Darryl and Darrin Shannon. Maurice, who collected his 700th win this season, holds Webster as his primary coaching role model. "Tom Webster would be the guy," he said." He was my junior coach, who I eventually hired as an assistant coach in the NHL. He would absolutely be the man who influenced me the most. Really, really intense guy, but a big family guy, very emotional guy. Systems. That was kind of the first time I heard of the word systems, like, 'Hey, we've got a plan here.' After coaching the 1989 Canadian National Junior Team at the WJC tournament in Anchorage, Alaska finishing fourth, Webster returned to the NHL. He spent four years as the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings from 1989-1992 amassing, a solid record of 115-94-31 helping the Kings win their first franchise division title in 1991. Ironically, he was replaced with Barry Melrose. Webster coached the Detroit Jr. Red Wings (OHL) for one year in 1992-'93, then the next five seasons, he was as an Assistant Coach in the NHL for the two years in Philadelphia, the last season of the Hartford Whalers in Connecticut and their first two seasons in Carolina with the Hurricanes. He concluded his coaching career back in Windsor with the OHL Spitfires for four seasons till 2002. He was a long time pro and amateur scout with the Calgary Flames from 2003-2014 before retiring. Webster is the seventh member of the 1972 championship team to pass away being preceded by Mike Byers, John Cunniff, Teddy Green, Rick Jordan, Al Smith, and Tommy Williams. Read the full article

[imran16829]

Who is Carlene Dempsey Wiki, Bio, Age, Net Worth, Instagram, Twitter & More Facts Carlene Dempsey Wiki - Carlene Dempsey Biography Carlene Dempsey is the wife of Tom Dempsey, an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints (1969–1970), Philadelphia Eagles (1971–1974), Los Angeles Rams (1975–1976), Houston Oilers (1977) and Buffalo Bills (1978–1979).

[thenewdemocratus]

NBC Sports: NFL 1978-AFC Wildcard-Houston Oilers @ Miami Dolphins: 2nd Half

NBC Sports: NFL 1978-AFC Wildcard-Houston Oilers @ Miami Dolphins: 2nd Half

  The Houston Oilers were playing a AFC Wildcard game on the road in 1978, because they finished second only to the Pittsburgh Steelers that year. But not because the Miami Dolphins were a better team. Because if anything the Oilers were better, but back then and until 1990, you had to win your division in order to host an NFL playoff game. As it should be, at least as far as I’m concern. So…

[junker-town]

Here’s a brief history of all the NFL games played in Mexico

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL’s history in Mexico actually dates back decades.

The New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders will meet in Mexico City in Week 11, marking the third time that an NFL regular season game has been played in Estadio Azteca.

It’s the second time in as many years that the Raiders will travel South of the border. In 2016, they defeated the Houston Texans, 27-20, in Mexico City on Monday Night Football. For the Patriots, it’s a third international game, but each of the two other trips out of the country were to London.

That presents Tom Brady the chance to add another accomplishment to his impossibly great career résumé, and join a small list of other globetrotting quarterbacks:

With a win Sunday in Mexico, Tom Brady will join Jay Cutler and Ryan Fitzpatrick as the only QB to win @NFL games in three different countries. #FunFact@NFLResearch

— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) November 15, 2017

To get that win, Brady will have to defeat the Raiders at 7,380 feet above sea level — 2,100 feet higher than Mile High Stadium in Denver. Few have had to contend with that kind of altitude, but the NFL’s history in Mexico actually dates back decades:

Aug. 11, 1968: Lions vs. Eagles (cancelled)

Days before the NFL was set to make its debut in Mexico City with an exhibition game at Estadio Azteca, it was abruptly cancelled. No reason was given, but the Associated Press reported that protests in the city coupled with no one caring much — tickets were selling for 40 cents — caused the cancellation.

Aug. 5, 1978: Saints 14, Eagles 7

The first game in Mexico happened a decade later at Estadio de la Ciudad de los Deportes, a 30,000-seat soccer venue that’s now called Estadio Azul. It wasn’t exactly the smoothest experience. Via ESPN:

"When we went there, they weren't prepared," Ron Jaworski, the Eagles' starting quarterback that season, says of that preseason matchup 38 years ago. "We played in a bullring, the locker rooms were too small, and the goal posts were crooked."

It wasn’t a literal bullring — there was one across the street — but the NFL didn’t return for 16 years.

1994-2001: American Bowl

Over a span of 20 seasons, the NFL aimed to expand its brand internationally with preseason games all over the globe, including stops in London, Tokyo, Montreal, Berlin and Barcelona, among others.

It included five stops at Estadio Azteca between 1994 and 2001:

Aug. 15, 1994: Oilers 6, Cowboys 0

Aug. 4, 1997: Dolphins 38, Broncos 19

Aug. 17, 1998: Patriots 21, Cowboys 3

Aug. 19, 2000: Colts 24, Steelers 23

Aug. 27, 2001: Cowboys 21, Raiders 6

The trips to Mexico did really well, including 112,376 fans in attendance in 1994 and 106,424 in 1998.

Oct. 2, 2005: Cardinals 31, 49ers 14

This marked the first regular season game ever played outside the United States and 103,467 fans filled Estadio Azteca for it. The success was part of the reason why the NFL began playing more regular season games internationally, including annual matchups at Wembley Stadium in London starting in 2007.

Nov. 21, 2016: Raiders 27, Texans 20

The NFL’s return to the country came over a decade later on Monday Night Football. Unfortunately, a major storyline in the game was the use of a laser pointer aimed primarily at Texans players, including quarterback Brock Osweiler.

Still, that won’t make the NFL think twice about returning to Mexico on Sunday or beyond, as the league continues to branch out to other countries of interest, including Canada, Germany and/or China.

Nov. 19, 2017: Patriots 33, Raiders 6

The good news for Mexican fans of the NFL was that they got to watch the defending Super Bowl champs play a regular season game. The bad news was they only got to see the Patriots beat the hell out of the Raiders. The best news of all, though, was that the game happened at all after an earthquake in Mexico City threatened to have the matchup moved.

Nov. 19, 2018: Chiefs vs. Rams (cancelled)

The NFL pulled the plug on the 2018 game in Mexico City due to concerns about the playing surface. The game was moved to Los Angeles instead and ended up being an instant classic.

Nov. 18, 2019: Chiefs 24, Chargers 17

The state of the grass at Estadio Azteca was again a concern in 2019, but the game was played as scheduled. After a slow start to the game, the Chiefs offense found life in the second half and pulled away from the Chargers. Philip Rivers led a drive down the field late, but a throw to the end zone in the final seconds was intercepted.

It was possibly the last game to be played in Mexico for the foreseeable future. While the league is interested in expanding its brand internationally, its contract with Mexico expires after the 2019 season and the issues with the playing surface have been consistently present on an annual basis.

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Harold Warren Moon (born November 18, 1956) is a former gridiron football quarterback who played for 23 seasons. He spent the majority of his career with the Houston Oilers and the Edmonton Eskimos. In the NFL, he played for the Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs. He began his professional career with the Eskimos in 1978 after going unselected in that year's NFL Draft. His success during his six CFL seasons, five of which ended in Grey Cup victories, led to him being signed by the Oilers in 1984. Over his 17 NFL seasons, he was named to nine Pro Bowls, received first-team All-Pro honors in 1990, and made seven playoff appearances. Following ten seasons with the Oilers, he had brief stints with the Vikings, Seahawks, and Chiefs before retiring in 2000. He held several all-time professional gridiron football passing records. Although relatively unsuccessful in the NFL postseason, his five consecutive Grey Cups from 1978 to 1982 remain a CFL record and he was twice named Grey Cup MVP. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, becoming the first African-American quarterback and the first undrafted quarterback to receive the honor. He is the only player to be inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. He married Felicia Hendricks (1981-2001). #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence https://www.instagram.com/p/ClGdv43r9Nz/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=