Tim Tebow's 2011 NFL Playoff Appearance Symbolizes A Chaotic Season

When historians look back at the 2011 NFL season, there will be little attention given to the fact it was one of the sloppiest seasons ever played in the league's history. Perhaps a slight nod of acknowledgement to the players lockout that pretty much wiped out training camp and retarded the development of the game.

Another footnote was how the game got softer, thanks to another laundry list of rules that effeminate football to the point it now practically resembles basketball with pads on. This mission, led by commissioner Roger Goodell, contradicts a history the league uses in their advertisements with pride. Commercials that celebrate gridiron warriors bloodied in a battle amongst the trenches that haven't been seen throughout the NFL in decades.

As the playoffs commence this weekend, no team may better personify the league right now than the Denver Broncos. After beginning the season 1-4, Denver rattled off seven victories in eight weeks before finishing the year with three straight losses.

Tim Tebow got a lions share of the credit for the Broncos victories, which included three in overtime. The defense gave up 17 of fewer points seven times this year, but the quarterback dominated the headlines. His image of being a wholesome religious boy captured so much attention, it drowned out critics who pointed to Tebow's miniscule 46.5 completion percentage this season.

Some considered him no more than a glorified fullback when he entered the 2011, while others of a modern day version Bobby Douglass. A second round draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 1969, the fellow lefty quarterback ended his 11 NFL seasons with a 43 percent completion percentage.

Douglass could run better than Tebow, once holding the record for most rushing yards gained by a quarterback when he churned out 968 yards in 14 games during the 1972 season. He averaged 69.1 yards rushing per game, which is better than the 64.9 yards Michael Vick had in 2006 when he surpassed Douglass' record in a 16 game season.

Tebow piled up 660 yards and six touchdowns on the ground this year. He played mistake-free football much of the year until the last two games of the year, where he tossed four of his six total interceptions. Tebow completed just 19 of 51 attempts for 245 yards over that time.

Denver still reached the playoffs despite an abysmal ending to a forgettable NFL season, thanks to playing in a division where three teams finished 8-8 and the fourth team went 7-9. The AFC West was perhaps the most mediocre in the NFL in 2011, which is a statement in itself because the NFC West, NFC East and AFC East were far from impressive as well.

Coaches and general managers on many inept teams suffered from the shortened season to the extent they lost their jobs. Yet the NFL, as it has for the past 40 years, continued to rake in piles of cash even though the product they present today recedes and mollifies each snap of the ball under the Goodell regime.

Image over substance is now in play as receivers and quarterbacks prance around untouched. College football shows the future is bleaker with recent bowl games where teams frequently combining to put up 80 or more points.

Defense is now as extinct as the commercialized images the NFL sells of warriors battling because now accolades are attained minus a struggle. Where honing skills through practice has now joined the defense as a spectator.







My cousin 7thStoneFromTheSun is nowhere to be found, though I did receive a blank postcard from Guam recently. While I will assume his prediction duties this week, it should be noted he finished 2011 with an overall record of 154-95.




Cincinnati Bengals @ Houston Texans

The Bengals got into the playoffs because of a stingy defense that carried an erratic offense led by two rookies. The defense ended the season ranked seventh in yards allowed and ninth in points given up. While wide receiver A.J. Green, running back Cedric Benson and quarterback Andy Dalton are the key offensive weapons, Jermaine Gresham and Jerome Simpson also contribute heavily.

The Texans are playing in their first playoff game in franchise history. It is also the first time Houston has hosted a playoff game since 1993, when the Oilers accomplished the feat before becoming the Tennessee Titans not long afterwards. The Texans are also the first team from Houston to win a division title since that 1993 season.

Much has been made of the key injuries Houston's offense incurred this season. Quarterbacks Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart were lost for the season by the 12th game, and star wide receiver Andre Johnson suited up for just seven contests himself.

But the team finished with a 10-6 record thanks to a smothering defense that was second in the league in yards allowed and fourth in points given up. This was even accomplished despite losing star defender Mario Williams in the fifth game for the season.

Rookies J.J. Watt and Brooks Reed were special this year, but linebackers Conner Barwin and Brian Cushing have been stars in their own right. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph made the Pro Bowl, but his bookend, Jason Allen, was just as effective. Brice McCain and Kareem Jackson have also been solid, so opponents have found it difficult to pass the ball successfully often this year.

Cincinnati will need their defense and running game to be special this week. Houston will have Johnson back to help their rookie quarterback, but his limit appears to be no more than 45 snaps. The Texans have a powerful running game that was first in attempts, second in yards gained and third in touchdowns scored. While the Bengals were tenth in rushing yards allowed, they finished 20th in touchdowns given up.

Halfbacks Benson and Arian Foster will get a lot of attention, but the effectiveness of reserves Ben Tate and Bernard Scott may determine the outcome. Tate churned out 942 yards this season as he proved to be the best backup running back in the game today.

Dalton may make less mistakes than T.J. Yates, thanks to more snaps, but both teams will have the benefit of playing in the climate controlled Texans stadium. Return men Jacoby Jones, Danieal Manning and Brandon Tate could make a big play that breaks open the game.

These two teams battled just under a month ago, where the Texans prevailed with a 20-19 victory on a late touchdown pass from Yates to Kevin Walter. Houston had gained 127 more yards but coughed up two more turnovers than Cincinnati.

Johnson and Green will draw special defensive attention from two units that have excelled all season. Both franchises rosters are young and inexperienced, so several members will be participating in the first playoff games of their careers.

Once all the nervousness subsides, the defenses should take over. Houston's home field advantage will help carry their team a long way, but the combination of Foster and Ben Tate should drive the Texans into the next round.

Texans 24 Bengals 16








Detroit Lions @ New Orleans Saints

Many pundits are expecting an offensive battle in this game, mainly because both teams have offenses that can put up points in bunches. The two teams squared off in the beginning of December and gained 904 yards, with the Lions outgunning New Orleans by 28 yards in their 31-17 loss to the Saints.

Detroit's defense has been a major disappointment in 2011. Their vaunted defensive line never excelled as expected and the secondary was frequently ripped apart by the opponents passing attack. The Lions gave up 20 or more points 12 times this season, while giving up less than 312 total yards just once.

The Lions final game of 2011 saw them cough up a season high 550 yards, which included six touchdown passes and 480 yards to a fourth-year backup quarterback who entered the contest with 515 career yards and nine touchdowns off of 88 attempts. Detroit gained 25 more yards but lost 45-41.

The offense ranked fourth in scoring and fifth in yards gained this year, but Detroit's defense ranked 23 in both points and yards allowed. The running game was amongst the very worst in football, ranking 29th in total yards gained.

New Orleans was led by a balanced offensive attack that relied mainly on Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees. Brees set an NFL record this year with 5,476 yards passing, surpassing Hall of Famer Dan Marino. Detroit's Matthew Stafford wasn't too shabby himself, tossing the ball for a franchise record 5,038 yards and 41 scores. Brees had 46 touchdown passes.

The Super Bowl XLIV MVP now has set or tied several Saints franchise records. He set six NFL records in 2011, which includes most completions in a season, most 300 yard passing games in a season, most consecutive 300 yard passing games, most consecutive games with 350 yards passing and highest completion percentage in a season. He also has set or tied 16 other NFL records in his career thus far.

The Saints gained the most yards in the NFL this season while scoring the second most points. Besides having the top passing attack, the running game gained the sixth most yards in the league this season.

New Orleans relies heavily on Brees, but the quarterback has a plethora of weapons at his disposal. Four different running backs gained 374 yards or more while nine players ended up in double digits in receptions.

Detroit will be facing a defense that finished 24 in yards allowed, but 13th in total points scored upon. The Saints only picked off nine passes this season, but safety Roman Harper finished the season by leading the team with 96 tackles and a career best 7.5 sacks.

If New Orleans cannot rush the football, the arms of both Brees and Stafford will be put to use seemingly every play. The Saints run defense was the 12th best in the NFL this year, so the Lions anemic ground game faces quite a challenge ahead of them.

Greg Williams is a defensive coordinator who is known to love blitz packages to throw opposing quarterbacks off their game. If Detroit fails to run the ball, he will load up his Saints defense with complex packages. The New Orleans defense garnered 33 sacks this season, but Detroit gave up 36 sacks this season.

New Orleans has scored over 40 points six times this year and have never scored less than 20 in a game. Their defense has given up 20 or less than points in nine contests while Detroit has accomplished that feat just five times.

A bunch of yards should be gained in this game, but it may end up where the Lions end up fruitlessly try to catch up to the Saints all game. The Lions have had a habit of giving up a ton of points early before coming back, but not many teams have stopped the Saints from scoring in 2011.

Saints 48 Lions 34







Atlanta Falcons @ New York Giants

Two of the most erratic and inconsistent teams of the 2011 NFL season meet here. Both barely made the playoffs following underwhelming seasons that will soon be forgotten.

While injuries basically buried the Giants before the season started, they fought through a mediocre NFC East to capture the division crown in the last game of the season. Atlanta did finish the year with a respectable 10-6 record, but it seemed a far cry from expectations that had been placed on them after winning the NFC South in 2010 with a 13-3 record.

Atlanta might have seemed to regress slightly on offense this year, after moving up in the draft to snag wide receiver Julio Jones in the first round of the 2011 draft. They finished fifth in scoring in 2010, averaging 25.9 points per game, while finishing seventh in scoring this year by averaging 25.1 points per contest.

But the Falcons did gain 532 more yards while quarterback Matt Ryan and Michael Turner had very similar seasons to 2010. Star wide receiver Roddy White had 15 less receptions and eight less scores this season, but Jones picked up the slack while future Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzales remained consistent and excellent as always.

The defense was also an area that regressed in a few areas as opposed to 2010. While finishing fifth last year in points allowed, Atlanta finished this season 18th. They also finished at plus eight in the giveaway/ takeaway ratio differential this year, as opposed to the plus 14 they had in 2010.

Atlanta did improve in yards allowed, interceptions, sacks and run defense this season, but they also had eight contests where they gave up 23 or more points. The Falcons offense had 11 games where they scores 23 or more points.

Atlanta is a well balanced team that has the talent, but gives the impression they are on the verge of exploding and have yet to do so. Most see the roster and fear any week will be the day they put it all together on a consistent basis, but it has yet to happen. Yet it is evident there is enough firepower there to win a Super Bowl.

The Giants winning their division, no matter how mediocre it was in 2011, shows a great deal of experience and character. They went through much of the season with a defensive secondary filled with players that would not have made the team if it were not for the numerous injuries to hit that unit.

The New York defense finished 29th in passing yards allowed, 27th in total yards allowed and 25th in points given up. Yet the offense finished eighth in yards gained and ninth in points scored. The running game was the worst in the NFL, but the passing game was ranked fifth in yards and sixth in passing attempts and touchdowns scored.

Pro Bowl quarterback Eli Manning had nine receivers end up with double digits in catches. Wide receivers Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks combined for 158 catches for 2,728 and 16 touchdowns this year.

If the Falcons cornerback duo of Dunta Robinson and Brent Grimes shuts down Cruz and Nicks, New York will be in major trouble. Atlanta may have too many weapons for the Giants to stop, bit no one can really be sure what versions of these teams will take the field Sunday.

Falcons 37 Giants 20










Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos

Tim Tebow will run onto the field Sunday with the cameras fixated on him. Mainly to appease a nation where religion is important, but also because he happens to play a position the NFL puts on a pedestal and carries like a golden child. Tebow truly embodies this NFL dream.

Yet he will face a nightmare on the sabbath in the form of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. A unit that ranked ranked first in both points a yards allowed, this veteran group will come into the salivating at the chance the expose a limited player with a questionable arm.

Pittsburgh will be dealing with injuries to starting halfback Rashard Mendenhall and strong safety Ryan Clark, but the team has more than enough depth at these positions to succeed. Plus their quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has two Super Bowl rings and obviously knows how to win the big game.

The Steelers win the old school way of controlling the clock while the defense destroys their opponents. Tebow, playing in the first playoff game of his very young career, will have to summon all of his abilities to keep his team within reach of victory.

Ten Steelers have 11 or more receptions, so the Broncos defense will have their hands full trying to contain the Pittsburgh offensive onslaught. Denver's defense finished the 2011 season 20th in yards allowed and 24th in points scored upon.

The Broncos offense wasn't any better, finishing 25th in scoring and 23rd in yards gained. Their best player, halfback Willis McGahee, finished the season with 1,199 rushing yards. Denver had just two players with more than 19 receptions this season.

This game should get ugly quick. Unless the Broncos special teams and defense is exceptional, it should be over before halftime. This learning process may help Tebow one day, but teams have recently figured him out and there needs to be a dramatic improvement in his game if he wants to remain the starting quarterback for Denver in the future. This improvement, however, will probably not happen this Sunday.


Steelers 27 Broncos 9

NFL Farewell : Players You Might Miss In 2012

Every year in the NFL brings both a sunrise and sunset to the careers of many participants. The departures are especially filled with melancholy because years of contributions have allowed the fan to grow accustomed to their faces.

While a typical NFL career averages out to just about two seasons for players, there are some who defy these laws. Olin Kreutz retired after four games this year, despite being the starting center of the New Orleans Saints, because the 14-year player thought he production was declining and chose to remembered as a six-time Pro Bowler instead of playing out the string and hoping to win his first Super Bowl title.

Jason Hanson is close to completing his 20th season as the placekicker of the Detroit Lions. The two-time Pro Bowler has shown no signs of slowing down and remains one of the top kickers in the entire league.

He has missed just four kicks this year, a typical rate in his career. Two came from distances 50 yards or further, but he has made four at that range so far. Hanson will be 42 next season, so his retirement would have a tremendous impact on a franchise that has relied on the 1,997 points he has provided in his career.

While the 41 year old Hanson may not be as well known outside of the Motor City, some players are considered well enough known that their images transcends beyond the gridiron. These individuals have raked in so much cash for the league that they will mist likely be offered jobs when the cleats come off for the final time.

Peyton Manning is telling everyone he plans to play again, but he will be 36 years old and entering his 15th season in 2012. Manning sat out this year with a neck injury that has given mixed reports on the healing process. There has even been rumors that Manning underwent stem cell surgery to accelerate the healing process, but it did not take as expected.

As Indianapolis trudges through the 2011 season without a win thus far, they are also primed to have the very first draft pick next year. Most expect them to snag quarterback Andrew Luck, who exhibits many of the traits of the 11-time Pro Bowl Manning. The likely scenario is both will be on the Colts roster next year, though some media members have wondered if the Colts would be brash enough and trade Manning to excise his salary from their payroll.

Manning isn't the only future Hall of Famer who might retire at the end of this season. Ray Lewis, Jason Taylor, Brian Dawkins, Ronde Barber, Tony Gonzales, Hines Ward and LaDainian Tomlinson are all old veterans who may decide to call it quits.

Lewis is considered one of the finest middle linebackers in the history of professional football. The 12-time Pro Bowler would most likely call it quits if the Baltimore Ravens won the Super Bowl this year, but other factors may lead Lewis to that decision regardless.

The leader of the Ravens is currently sidelined with a frustrating toe injury that has caused him to miss three games so far. His production has also declined somewhat, so Lewis may decide to leave before he is a shell of his former self. He will be 37 years old soon, so the inevitable retirement approaches more rapidly each day.

Taylor has six sacks this season and could probably still be able to sack a quarterback in 2032. He has 138.5 sacks in his career and has the most touchdowns off of fumble recoveries in NFL history.

Yet he will be 37 years old in 2012. His switching from defensive end to outside linebacker in 2009 has extended his career, one many thought was over after a subpar 2008 season, but Taylor may not want to return to a Miami Dolphins franchise many expect to struggle again next year.

Dawkins is 38 years old right now. He is in his 15th season and many expect it to be his last. The eight-time Pro Bowler is as much a leader as he is a ferocious and smart player, but the Denver Broncos now have a pair of young safeties perched to take over in 2012. A coach on the field, Dawkins will certainly be able to stay in the game by joining the coaching ranks on the sidelines in 2012.

The writing appears to be written on the wall for Tomlinson, but there are no guarantees he will want to retire just yet. He has beaten the odds of many NFL running backs so far by lasting 11 years in the league while being an absolute workhorse in eight seasons.

Tomlinson gained over 1,100 rushing yards in his first eight years, but the San Diego Chargers thought his career was over after he struggled for 730 yards in 2009. Even though he signed to be a reserve on the New York Jets last year, Tomlinson showed his greatness by churning out 914 yards on the ground.

This year has not only been filled with injuries that have curtailed him somewhat, the rushing production has fallen at the lowest levels of his career. Tomlinson can still go out and catch the ball, as his 610 career receptions show, but he may not find that to be enough to return in 2012.

The Jets could ask him back, because the 13.5 yards per catch is the best of his career, but Shonn Greene is now the man. Tomlinson has never had fewer than 219 rushing attempts in his career, but it now appears he won't reach 75 in 2011. By grinding out 13,590 yards so far, his is a career most running backs could only dream of having.

Barber, Ward and Gonzales are all still very productive players, but the clock is certainly pulling the pads slowly off of them as well. These proud players may decide to stave off retirement for another year of football.

Barber is still the best cornerback on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the five-time Pro Bowler will be 37 years old in 2012. His 13 non-offensive touchdowns is the fourth most in NFL history and he did record the first safety of his career this season. There haven't been a ton of cornerbacks his age in NFL history, though Barber may want to challenge that logic.

Ward is still getting open as a possession wide receiver, but he has seen Antonio Brown taking starts from him while Mike Wallace has become the top pass catcher on the team. The Pittsburgh Steelers may want to hang onto a veteran that is the longest-tenured current player on the team and has helped them win a pair of Super Bowls, but the Super Bowl XL MVP will be 36 years old next year and may not want to continue playing while watching his production to continue to steadily decline.

Gonzales is a 11-time Pro Bowler who has the most career catches, receiving yards and touchdowns by a tight end in NFL history. He also holds the record for the most receptions ever in a single season by a tight end.

While he will soon be 36 years old, the 15-year veteran has had a more productive season than he did in 2010. Gonzales hasn't had fewer than 70 receptions since 2003 and he still one of the main weapons of the Atlanta Falcons. After such a productive season, his prediction earlier this year appears to be correct when Gonzales said he had three years left in him.

There are other great players who also may be appearing in their final games these next few weeks. Many that have been to the Pro Bowl and a few that have played in Super Bowls.

Players like Jeff Saturday, London Fletcher, Marion Barber, Chad Clifton, Kelly Gregg, Takeo Spikes, Adam Vinatieri, Matt Bryant, Ricky Williams, Clark Haggins, Thomas Jones, Shaun Ellis, Na'il Diggs, Orlindo Mare, Casey Wiegmann, James Farrior and Matt Birk all have been productive this season without showing any real signs of aging. Yet they all are players who have played in a ton of games and are at a point of their careers where retirement is on the cusp.

Others appear ready to retire even if they are interested in returning. Players who may not be asked to play for an NFL team because there are younger and cheaper options.

Kerry Collins, Jon Kitna, Jeff Garcia and Jake Delhomme are all quarterbacks who might not be seen on a sideline wearing pads again. They are all considered too old, even if they have resumes that many upcoming quarterbacks can only hope to attain one day.

Keith Brooking, Mike Sellers, Joey Porter, Mike Peterson, Reggie Kelly, Vonnie Holliday, Gerald Warren, Aaron Smith, Charlie Batch, Chris Hoke, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Matt Turk, Anthony Becht and Brandon Stokley all showed a decline in production that usually accompanies players of their experience and age. A group of excellent players who have had Father Time catch up to them and most likely ended their playing careers after this season concludes.

Some players have hung on this year despite aging bodies telling them it is time to retire. Derrick Mason is a wide receiver who has lasted 15 years in the league and has 943 career receptions so far. Once a dynamic return specialist as well, the two-time Pro Bowler has rarely been used this season after being traded by the Jets to the Houston Texans a few months ago.

Bob Sanders was the 2007 Defensive Player of the Year, but he has not been the same since singing a contract that year that made him the highest paid safety in the history of the NFL at the time. He has played in 11 games since then, which includes a two game stint with the Chargers this season.

While it appears Sanders has run out of chances, running back Kevin Faulk might try to stay on with the New England Patriots next year. He just returned from an injury that has limited him to just seven games since 2010, but Faulk's role has a pass catcher has now seemingly been taken over by a group of other Patriots backs and he will be 36 years old soon.

Al Harris is a cornerback who beat the odds to become a Pro Bowl player twice since being drafted by the Buccaneers in the sixth round of the 1998 draft. After the Bucs cut him, he was soon starting for the Philadelphia Eagles. After five years there, Harris logged productive seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers.

Though he has spent the last two years with the Dolphins and Saint Louis Rams, Harris has not been able to stay healthy since 2008. He is now 37 years old and it seems unlikely any team will want to sign any team will sign an oft-injured cornerback of his age.

Sometimes a player will decide to retire at the pinnacle of their game. The NFL has seen Hall of Famers like the immortal Jim Brown and Barry Sanders do it, and even saw it this year when the Channing Crowder retired at just 27 years old.

Antonio Gates is on the verge of surpassing Hall of Famer Charlie Joiner for the most receptions in Chargers history. He made the NFL in 2003 as an undrafted player because he played just basketball in college.

Yet the seven-time Pro Bowler has been hobbling around on bad feet the last two seasons, causing him to miss eight games so far. While highly productive at just 31 years old, Gates plays the game for love rather than money. No one could begrudge him for choosing to walk away from the game in relative good health, much like Brown and Sanders did, rather than risking further damage to his brittle wheels.

Yet it is a quick good bye to many of these greats. There are no gold watches handed out and few dinners given. As soon as one player leaves, another quickly steps in to replace him. Even if the level of play may decrease, the uniforms stay the name even if the names don't.

It is hard to say a man is old and past his prime at such a young age, but a career in the NFL is fleeting. All one is left with are enjoyable memories, even if they temporarily frustrated because that player beat a fans favorite team. Even if these players all come back in 2012 to the gridiron and enjoy a child's game, enjoy them now as much as possible.






Yoooooooo! Dis iz 7thStoneFromTheSun, 3rdStones cuzin, again. OK, I went 11-4 las weak and iz now 125-76 overall.

Lets get two it!


Dallas Cowboys @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers

OK, da Cowboys knead too win two stay on top da NFC East. Da Bucs ain't playing for nuttin, not even pride it seems.

Cowboys 31 Buccaneers 17







Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills

Both teems have run hot and cold las yeer, mostly cold. Flip a coin.

Bills 24 Dolphins 23








Seattle Seahawks @ Chicago Bears

Let's see if Marion Barber THROWS another game on PURPOSE in this battle of to teems wif playoff hopes on life support.

Bears 21 Seahawks 17








Carolina Panthers @ Houston Texans

I don't tink Gary Kubiak saved his job by winnin da AFC South. I tink he may have by beetin a tough and desperate Bengals las week even after dey had alreddy clinched da first playoff birth in franchise history the week befour.

Texans 27 Panthers 24










Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts

Does anyone care? Dat includes da Titans and Colts fans.

Titans 23 Colts 20










Green Bay Packers @ Kansas City Chiefs

Poor Chiefs. New head coach but da same old results.

Packers 34 Chiefs 10









New Orleans Saints @ Minnesota Vikings

Da Saints will win da AFC South crown, sorry Falcons,

Saints 30 Vikings 17








Washington Redskins @ New York Giants

Da Giants get revenge on da Redskins, kneading dis too stay on top of da NFC East.

Giants 34 Redskins 20









Cincinnati Bengals @ Saint Louis Rams

Da Bengals KNOW dey can kiss any playoff dreems goodbye of dey lose hear.

Bengals 27 Rams 7









Detroit Lions @ Oakland Raiders

Dese too teems is on da edge of being obsolete if dey lose hear. Both knead dis bad, yet both are erratic and unreliable. I EXPECT a helluva battle and I iz flippin a coin.

Lions 31 Raiders 27








Cleveland Browns @ Arizona Cardinals

Who cares? I'm staying home hear.

Cardinals 27 Browns 24








New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos

I just don't tink Da Hoodie would let any of his players throw a game for Teblow and da NFL.

Patriots 27 Broncos 19










New York Jets @ Philadelphia Eagles

I tink dis will be close. A game da Igglez can win! But da Jets knead dis if dey wanna go to da playoffs, sumthin da Eagles ain't doing this yeer.

Jets 23 Eagles 20









Baltimore Ravens @ San Diego Chargers

IF da Chargers had a head coach? Dis game would meen sumthin! I don't get it! Todd Haley gets da Chiefs a divishun title in 2010, but gets fired las week. Norv Turner constantly has him teems underachieve and lose as he keeps a job he should never have had in da first place.

Ravens 34 Chargers 24








San Francisco 49ers @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Game of the Week

DEFENSE! DEFENSE! Old school football baby! Well, with faggy rules included dat iz. I like da fact both teems rin da ball well yet stop the run even better. Neither squad is great throwin da ball, but dey don't stink at it either.

Ben Roethlisberger is hobbled, while Alex Smith is about as consistent as swirling winds. But Big Ben knows how two win while Smith doesn't.

I tink da key hear is health. Da Steelers are dinged up while da Niners iz in pretty good shape. I tink dat San Francisco's blockers can do OK against Pittsburgh's blitzes, but I'm not sure if da Steelers hurting blockers will keep Roethlisberger upright with his one bad leg and thumb.

If defensive end Justin Smith goes nuts, rookie Aldon Smith will be able to crash in off da edges. Pittsburgh halfback Rashard Mendenhall will hold da key.

Frank Gore has now rushed for da most yards in Niners history, though no one will confuse him with Hall of Famer Joe "Jet" Perry. He will be critical because I expect Troy Polamalu to shadow Vern Davis all game.

It will come down to who makes da least mistakes and special teams. Many expect da Steelers to stomp on Cinderella's glass slipper, but I'm going out on a limb and say David Akers makes da difference hear.

49ers 20 Steelers 17






Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. San Francisco 49ers
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
5. New Orleans Saints
6. Houston Texans
7. New England Patriots
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. New York Jets
10. Detroit Lions
11. Denver Broncos
12. New York Jets
13. Cincinnati Bengals
14. Dallas Cowboys
15. Oakland Raiders
16. Tennessee Titans
17. Chicago Bears
18. Seattle Seahawks
19. San Diego Chargers
20. Arizona Cardinals
21. Philadelphia Eagles
22. Buffalo Bills
23. Kansas City Chiefs
24. Miami Dolphins
25. Cleveland Browns
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
27. Carolina Panthers
28. Washington Redskins
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
30. Minnesota Vikings
31. Saint Louis Rams
32. Indianapolis Colts



OK, I had it. I iz goin to buy sum xmas wrapping paper and scotch tape befour stoppin at da bar for a glass of scotch. Dis da seesun to bee jolly and scotch always puts a smile on my face and makes my nose red. As dey say in Ol' Mexico= A.M.F.

Cincinnati Bengals Blow Smoke While ESPN Blows Tim Tebow

Like a pound of high grade skunk smuggled past the vigilant guard dogs at an airport by being crazy glued to the taint of a 400 lbs midget, it is time for POINTLESS PONDERING.

Does anyone besides me make the huge mistake of turning on ESPN while an actual sporting event is not being broadcast? Not that crap the network pretends is a sport, like poker or competitive eating, but a sport where a participant actually breaks a sweat from physical activity while not sitting on their fat asses?

I did.

Turning on the boob tube one day, I saw ESPN oozing out a gabfest called "First Take." The shrow sprinkles a few active and retired athletes around three women who are the main characters of this pretend talk show. The most dramatic queen of the three is a geriatric know-nothing named Skip Bayless.

Bayless, who probably couldn't tell you who George Halas was even though he was born ahead of Papa Bear, has the memory of a fruit fly and thinks that everything at this moment is the 'greatest of all-time.' This pole smoker is known throughout ESPN as the former sports journalist who tries to get attention by besmirching athletes like Lebron James.

ESPN has been in mourning since Brett Favre retired finally a few months ago. Missing scrolling his name in huge letters constantly across the viewers screen, they still mention the Hyckocrite several times a day even if Favre is no longer part of the sports landscape and was last seen being accused of molesting women younger than his own children.

They knew they had a replacement lined up. A guy who, compared to Favre, is akin to being near beer versus real beer. Yet, like Favre, his concocted image far outweighs his actual abilities or talents. In others words : all hype and no substance. Just like EPSN itself.

Bayless and his fellow paparazzi have spent the 2011 NFL season drooling and batin' to Tim Tebow's picturesque image. Tebow, who is a third-string quarterback who even has a former first-round draft pick bust named Brady Quinn ahead of him on the depth chart, has become a polarizing figure thanks to the constant attention he receives from stalkers who pose as sports media members.

Tebow is not even close to being a NFL quarterback in most experts eyes, but do not tell that to Bayless. The old fruit spends every possible moment he can calling Tebow the best player the Denver Broncos have, because Bayless is a typical NFL puppet who believes the game revolves around the universe of this one position on the gridiron.

Ever since ESPN took over the Monday Night Football duties, they have tried to rival the NFL's own network in soft coverage they try to pawn off as news to viewers, carefully trying not to besmirch the monster entity. They earned this by constant on-air fellatio on the likes of Favre and other questionable characters with personal lives just as shady as the Hyckocrite's is.

A few weeks ago, Denver was losing agame on Monday Night Football. Broncos starting quarterback Kyle Orton played admirably, despite having terrible blocking and a shoddy rushing attack that produced a paltry 25 yards from his running backs against one of the worst run defenses in the league.

While Orton threw for over 300 yards in a game Denver would lose by a field goal, ESPN spent their times using the cameras to scan the stands for any idiot wearing a Tebow jersey or holding a sign professing their love for a player who has yet to do anything worth noting on a professional football field. The same "Christian" fans who would later piss away $10 grand on a billboard showing support for Tebow instead of doing something for society... like feeding homeless children.

Skippy has twisted his manpon since this moment, as well as showing the world once again he knows absoloutely nothing about football. Bayless has basically called Orton a loser while proclaiming Tebow to be the next Favre. He continued his tirade even after Orton led Denver to a win after getting help from an effective rushing attack last Sunday.

It doesn't really seem it will matter if Tebow is a career reserve or a future Hall of Famer to ESPN, because the network has found their new deity to stand along Favre on the ESPN pedestal. They will continue to feed their sheep while dropping his and the Hyckocrite's name at every turn possible, while viewers are forced to watch people like Bayless drools incessantly at perverted dreams that will never come true.



Breaking news! A Cincinnati Bengals player is in trouble with the law. No...wait! Make that two Bengals. As Led Zeppelin once said, "The Song Remains The Same."

Some franchises are forever snakebitten by bad karma, it seems. The ghosts of men Paul Brown, who founded the team, screwed over seem to be drowning this team in ignorance and forgettable obscurity. Somewhere upstairs, the ghosts of Mac Speedie and others are probably smiling in content as yet another Bengals player embarrasses himself, his family and teammates.

Whether the player is a moron like Adam "Pac Man" Jones paralyzing a person for life after making it 'rain money' at a strip club, or a deceased player like Chris Henry for having continual alcohol issues while alive, the Bengals franchise has had their players arrested over 32 times since 2000. It is easily this highest number amongst NFL teams, and this issue is a huge reason the team has gone 73-104 since 2000.

Brown, a legendary Hall of Fame coach who won seven championships in his 17 years with the Cleveland Browns, founded the Bengals in 1968. Though he coached in Cincinnati for just eight years, he got the franchise off to a fast start by helping them to a 55-56-1 record. He then ran the team from his offices from 1976 to 1991, when he died of complications from pneumonia.

The Bengals reached the playoffs three times with Brown as their head coach, then four more times with him as the general manager. This includes the only two Super Bowl appearances in franchise history, where Brown's teams lost both times to the San Francisco 49ers. The team has reached the playoffs just twice since Brown passed away.

It is ironic the team lost both Super Bowls to the 49ers Hall of Fame head coach Bill Walsh. Walsh is another person who was once screwed over by Brown after having been a Bengals assistant coach from 1968 to 1975. He was promised the Bengals head coaching job for years, but offensive line coach Bill "Tiger" Johnson was chosen instead.

Johnson resigned five games into the 1978 season while Walsh became the San Francisco head coach in 1979 and won three Super Bowls in his nine seasons on the Niners sidelines. Brown was accused of almost preventing Walsh of even getting the head coaching job in San Francisco once by Walsh himself.

Walsh claimed that Brown "worked against my candidacy" to be a head coach anywhere in the league. "All the way through I had opportunities, and I never knew about them," Walsh said. "And then when I left him, he called whoever he thought was necessary to keep me out of the NFL."

It is reminiscent of Brown's issues with Speedie, a Pro Bowl wide receiver during the Browns championship years. When Speedie wanted a raise in pay, he was rebuffed by Brown. He then bolted to the Canadian Football League for a bigger paycheck.

Years later, Speedie became a coach and scout in the American Football League. The Bengals joined the AFL initially, so the two men once met on the gridiron before a contest. When Speedie extended his hand as a greeting, Brown turned his back on him after telling Speedie, "Yes, I know. You're the one who went to Canada."

Speedie went to his grave believing Brown's influence prevented his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. There are other frustrating examples of how Paul Brown infuriated people along his career, but time constraints will inhibit this endeavor.

His son Mike hasn't done any better since taking over the team, as the Bengals have gone 113-181 under his regime. He is known for his frugality and much as he is for overseeing squads that frequently have members ending up arrested.

Brown has frustrated people himself, as recently seen by quarterback Carson Palmer's refusal to play for the team and walking away from millions of dollars after Brown turned down his request to be traded to another team.

Now current players Jerome Simpson and Anthony Collins are in trouble after being arresting in a drug sting where over five pounds of marijuana was taken from Simpson's home after undercover agents delivered about two pounds of the drug to the wide receivers home.

Simpson, who is leading the Bengals in receptions this year, has been viewed a disappointment as a player since being drafted in the second round of the 2008 draft by the team. Before 2011, he had appeared in just 11 games and had 21 receptions in his career. Collins, drafted two rounds behind Simpson in 2008, has started has started 16 of 34 career games as an offensive tackle.

Both of their NFL careers are in jeopardy right now, a conundrum the league offices are used to dealing with when it comes to Bengals players. It may seem to be business as usual for this team, but the act has to have worn thin for the NFL long ago. Perhaps the only way out of these constant messes for the Bengals is to hold an exorcism in an attempt to finally bring this team good karma




Yoooooooooooo! Dis iz 7thStone once again! I is 3rdStone's cuzin, four doze of yous who fourgot me. I do predikshuns of da NFL four him becuz I iz a ex-bookie.

Yo! I iz 21-11 overall now after goin 11-5 las weak. Not two shabby, not to strong. Capeesh?






Jacksonville Jaguars @ Carolina Panthers

I know Cam Newton has a lot of passin yards, but yoooooooo! Da Panthers dont run da ball no mo! WTF iz dey paying DeAngelo Williams all dat cash and givin him da ball on just 22 times so far? Jonathan Stewart, who ran for 1,133 yards in 2009, has only 23. Newton leads da teem in rushing attempts and yards, besides bein da only Panther to run four a score dis seasun.

I don't care how good Newton iz, dat is STUPID Yo! Dis teem kneads two run too win! For all dat passin, dey iz still only 18th in scoring in da NFL so far. Da D is 26th in points allowed.

Dey should move up dis week facin a Jags teem dat has one player, Maurice Jones-Drew, who can actually do sumfin with da football. Jack Del Rio's gamble on cuttin David Garrard has looked dumb so far because his replacemint sucked donkey balls. Capeesh?

Now Jacksonville is starting there rookie quarterback, but dis guy cant do any badder den da scrub dat was their las weak. Still, dey is goin to feed MJD da ball like 30 times or more. Dat will bee da key hear.

Jaguars 23 Panthers 21







Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings

Da Donovan McNabb Era haz gone so good dat Vikings fans iz calling four rookie Christian Ponder. Dis teen cant score and dey iz ranked 31st in da league in passing.

Detroit iz doin just what we all tought dey iz doin. Yo! Dis teem iz four reel. Capeesh? Watch dem and sea what I meen.

Lions 34 Vikings 20







San Francisco 49ers @ Cincinnati Bengals

Yo! Not only did da Bungles top receiver get busted with sum good smoke by da Feds da other day, da teem just found out top running back Cedric Benson iz being suspended three games. Guess Benson can go finish out his jail time now after his apeel iz reduces his sentence or gets rejected next Tuesday.

Da Niners blew a win las week, but dat iz cuz Alex Smith is just a crap QB. Dis piece of crap is going to be benched wifin three weeks, mark my words. But da 49ers iz pissed enough over las weak to win dis one.

49ers 24 Bengals 19







Miami Dolphins @ Cleveland Browns

OK, da Browns iz not as good as I tought dey would be. Dey iz young, so I still feal dey will bee good by da end of da yeer. Miami iz da better teem hear, espeshully after finding a good running back in Daniel Thomas las weak.

Dolphins 27 Browns 24






New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills

Everyone iz happy da Bills is 2-0. But da dreem stops hear. A reality check is cummin. Capeesh?

Patriots 37 Bills 27






New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles

I saw dis stat dat Mike Vick completed 43% of his passes against da Giants blitz las yeer. Now da dog killer is hurtin in his chicken neck.

Still, da Jints secondary sucks ass and Eli Manning just has had reality's scrotum teabagging his girly ass so far. Dis boob says he in a elite QB, but do elite quarterbacks lead a 27th ranked scoring offense wif a 80 QB rating? Dat ratin goes down more against dem three Pro Bowl cornerbacks Philly has.

Eagles 30 Giants 21






Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans

Da Titans shocked da NFL in weak 2 by beatin da Ravens HANDILY with no running game to speek of. Chris Johnson looks like a guy who didn't do training camp with his 77 yards on 33 carries.

But dat defense is da story Yo! Ranked fouth in da league in points allowed, it iz hard to pass on dem. Dey already have alreddy forced 8 turnovers.

Denver kneads to run da ball hear. Dey cant rely on just chuckin passes, so mebbe Tim Teblow will run a few option plays since dat iz about allhe iz good four.

Titans 20 Broncos 10






Houston Texans @ New Orleans Saints

Since 1950, only 11 running backs have run for over 100 yards in their first 11 games. This list includes Hall of Famers Earl Campbell and Marshall Faulk. Another guy is dis list iz Ben Tate of da Texans. Look four him do get his third easily against a terruble Saints run defense.

Drew Brees will be testin out Wade Phillips revamped Houston defense. They rank first in both points and yards allowed so far. Dis will bee da difference as dat explosive Texans offense wears down a mediocre Saints defense.

Texans 38 Saints 27






New York Jets @ Oakland Raiders

Watchin da Raiders blow dat win against Buffalo las weak was ugly yo. While dey can score points, dey cant stop opponents from scoring. Da Raider have scored and given up 58 points, not a formula four success.

Da Jets dont let opponents score. Oaklands rushing attack is there best strength, while da Jets run defense is dat squads best strength. Plus New York kneads to stay pace wif da Pats yo.

Jets 34 Raiders 20






Kansas City Chiefs @ San Diego Chargers

Da Chiefs are goin so bad, head coach Todd Haley will bee luckin two win five games dis yeer. All there best players are getting hurt so bad, dey iz out all seesun. Da Chargers offense iz just two powerfull.

Chargers 42 Chiefs 14







Baltimore Ravens @ Saint Louis Rams

Da Ravens got embarrassed last weak after embarrasin da Steelers da weak before. Saint Louis iz goin to attack dat suspect Ravens secondary dat iz ranked 28th in passing yards alloud. With deep threat Lee Evans out dis weak, Baltimore will knead to rely on da run game and young tight ends.

Sam Bradford won't have Danny Amendola two throw too, so Mike Sims-Walker will knead two bee big. Even if star halfback Steven Jackson plays this weekend, he may be best served is the passing attack since Baltimore is stout against the run.

Ravens 24 Rams 21







Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Game of the Week

This could be a helluva battle! Da Bucs rediscovered the run game las weak, witch will helps against a mediocre Falcons defense that is 28th in points alloued and 27th in yards alloud. Tampa Bay cannot leen on da pass game as much as dey have da furst too weaks.

Matt Ryan has been incunsistunt so far, but he did help Atlanta cum back in a thrillin win las weak. Pro Bowl halfback Michael "Burner" Turner has been da Falcons biggest star this yeer, which is not a good deel for a Buccaneers defensedisappointedly ranked 31st in run defense and 28th in total yards alloud.

Da best run game should win dis, witch iz why I iz goin wif Atlanta.

Falcons 23 Buccaneers 17








Green Bay Packers @ Chicago Bears

Da Bears have played no teem more den dey have da Pack. Though they are 91-83-6 against Green Bay, da teems have met just twice in postseesun. Da last time was in da 2010 NFC Championship Game, where da Packers prevailed 21-14. In da three games dey played las yeer, every contest was decided by a one score difference.

Da 2011 Bears season iz lookin a lot like 2010, where da defense is carrying a erratic offense. The Bears offense kneads two step up dis weak cuz da Pack has da worst padd defense in da NFL after givin up 800 yards in da air alreddy.

But da Packers got weapons galore on offense. Plus dey take care of da football by not turnin it over. The secondary is da weekness of da Chicago defense, so I expect Aaron Rodgers to pick them apart when he kneads it mostest.

Packers 23 Bears 21







Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks

Yo! Snoozeville! Capeesh? Let's leeve it at Larry Fitzgerald has a big day.

Cardinals 30 Seahawks 20







Pittsburgh Steelers @ Indianapolis Colts

OK, Kerry Collins iz alreddy banged up and hasn't even been in da Colts system for to months. Dis iz not a good sign when facing a angry Steelers teem still seething for having there butts kicked two weaks ago.

Steelers 34 Colts 10







Washington Redskins @ Dallas Cowboys

OK, dis rivalry is like all NFL rivalrees today. Watered down by free agency, so dey have A LOT less meening to da players these daze. But Dallas is banged up good and da undefeeted Redskins iz healthy.

If dat moron Kyle Shanahan does almost blow it again wif his crappy play calling, like how the jackass forgot da run game in da second half of las weaks win after Tim Hightower had dominated da furst half, den Washington should get there 39th win in 101 games versus da Cowboys thanks too dat solid defense.

Redskins 27 Cowboys 24




Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Houston Texans
3. New York Jets
4. New England Patriots
5. Detroit Lions
6. Washington Redskins
7. Buffalo Bills
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. Philadelphia Eagles
10. Baltimore Ravens
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
12. Chicago Bears
13. Tennessee Titans
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
15. New Orleans Saints
16. San Diego Chargers
17. Oakland Raiders
18. New York Giants
19. Dallas Cowboys
20. Cincinnati Bengals
21. Jacksonville Jaguars
22. Arizona Cardinals
23. Minnesota Vikings
24. Miami Dolphins
25. San Francisco 49ers
26. Cleveland Browns
27. Saint Louis Rams
28. Denver Broncos
29. Seattle Seahawks
30. Carolina Panthers
31. Indianapolis Colts
32. Kansas City Chiefs

OK, I gots two go. I gots dis fine hunny lined up at dis club I know. She can spin on a pole, capeesh? As dey say in Ol' Messico = A.M.F.

NFL Predictions For Week One

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
Game of the Week

These two teams dislike each other, and this is the best rivalry in the NFL today. The Steelers are 18-12 in this series, and five of the last six were decided by three points or less.

I like the Ravens, but I think it will take a few more weeks until they hit their stride. The Steelers know each other right now, so familiarity will win.

Steelers 19 Ravens 17






Atlanta Falcons @ Chicago Bears


The Falcons balance on both sides of the ball will be hard to handle for their opponents this season. The Bears defense is excellent, but it remains to be seen if the offense has improved for their sub par 2010 performance.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler has chucked 79 interceptions in 68 career games. It is the highest total in the NFL over that time. If Cutler continues to make errors, it will make it easier for Atlanta to win.

Falcons 23 Bears 17




Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns


The snoozer of week one of the NFL to some. Cincinnati has a chance at being the worst team in the AFC North this year, while the improving Browns really need a strong start to show their improvements.

Browns 31 Bengals 14







Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans


No Peyton Manning means no hope for the Colts. This is the Houston Texans time to win the AFC South, and they should use their running attack to destroy the Colts porous run defense.

Texans 37 Colts 20









Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars


These teams mirror each other in several ways. Both have new starting quarterbacks, though the Titans Matt Hasselbeck holds the edge here.

Running the ball well should decide this. Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew is ready to go after a full training camp under his belt, while Tennessee's Chris Johnson has only been at it about a week.

Jaguars 21 Titans 17








Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs


It seems the only way Buffalo wins here is by an excellent defensive effort and halfback Fred Jackson running wild. While the Bills defense should be improved from last year, the Chiefs plan to run the ball down their throats.

Chiefs 23 Bills 13









Philadelphia Eagles @ Saint Louis Rams


Philly needs to show why owner Jeff Lurie plunked down over $200 million this year. The Rams are a promising team who can run the ball well with a Pro Bowl halfback and one of the best offensive lines in football.

The Eagles defensive weakness is stopping the run, so this area will be exploited by the Rams. Yet Philadelphia gets wide receivers Jeremy Maclin and Steve Smith back this week, and the Rams secondary is the weakness of the Saint Louis team.

Eagles 34 Rams 24









Detroit Lions @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers


If you love to watch young defensive lines with the ability to dominate, tune into this game. Both teams feature trench play from pretty deep defensive units, led by Detroit's Ndamukong Suh.

It comes down to the young quarterbacks on both teams. Matt Stafford may have Calvin Johnson to throw to, but the Lions quarterback has been brittle so far in his career. The Buccaneers Josh Freeman does not make many mistakes, and this could be the difference this week.

Buccaneers 14 Lions 10








Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals


Two new quarterbacks start here, but the Cardinals hold the edge. Kevin Kolb will enjoy throwing the football to Larry Fitzgerald and Todd Heap this season, something that should be seen in week one.

Cardinals 31 Panthers 17








Minnesota Vikings @ San Diego Chargers



Minnesota changed head coaches last year, but the Chargers hung onto theirs for some reason. That reason needs to be shown immediately.

While Minnesota's back seven in their defense is pretty good, they have questions along the defensive line. The Chargers offense is explosive, so a fast start is needed by them in order to show they are Super Bowl contenders.

Chargers 28 Vikings 24









Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers


Both teams have pretty lousy quarterbacks, so the run game will be big here. Both teams have nice receiving trios, but no one to get them the ball.

While special teams may decide things, this could be the week Frank Gore reminds fans of just how good he can be.

49ers 20 Seattle 17










New York Giants @ Washington Redskins



It is fitting New York will be represented in the nation's capitol on the tenth anniversary 9-11. Washington will need to run the ball and eat up the clock to keep the Giants excellent offense on the sideline.

The Giants severely depleted secondary will be tested soon, but it is doubtful this will come from Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman. His penchant for mistakes will probably make the difference.

Giants 27 Redskins 24








Dallas Cowboys @ New York Jets


This could get ugly fast, as Dallas can't stop the run and probably will not be able to run against the excellent Jets defense. Tony Romo may end up chucking over 50 passes in this one.

Jets 27 Cowboys 14








New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins


Miami fully expects to have a better offense compared to last year as young quarterback Chad Henne matures into the player they hope for. But their rushing attack is still in question.

The Patriots, considered by some to be the best team in the AFC, only have to question of how many games they will win this year.

Patriots 23 Dolphins 16









Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos


Oakland loves to run the football, as they should with Darren McFadden and Michael Bush taking carries. But their defensive secondary in an unknown commodity when extra defensive backs are needed, and the run defense on both teams is nothing special.

Kyle Orton could light up the Raiders secondary for over 300 yards, but the amount of offensive plays the Broncos could have may be limited due to the Raiders ground game controlling the clock.

Raiders 20 Broncos 17

Drew Hill : Titans, Rams, and NFL Fans Say Goodbye to a Legend

When the Los Angeles Rams took a flier on wide receiver Drew Hill in the 12th round of the 1979 draft, they knew they were getting a 5'9" player with excellent speed.

It was also a long shot that he'd make the team, having spent much of his time at Georgia Tech University blocking for running back Eddie Lee Ivory.

Ivory was the Green Bay Packers first-round draft pick that year. Offensive linemen Kent Hill and Roy Simmons were the only other Tech offensive players drafted that year.

Kent Hill happened to be the Rams first-round selection and would be Drew Hill's teammate his entire career except for the 1985 season.

Hill made the team as a kick returner. He took a return 98 yards for a score in his second season and led the league in returns in his third. He was rarely used as a receiver in his first three years, as the Rams leaned on veterans like Ron Jessie, Preston Dennard, and Bill Waddy.

Yet he did help the Rams reach their first ever Super Bowl as a rookie. After missing the entire 1983 year because of injury, Hill returned with luster.

Los Angeles finally used him more on offense, where he teamed with Pro Bowler Henry Ellard and Olympic sprint Gold Medalist Ron Brown to comprise of a very exciting receiving trio.

Though the Rams leaned on Hall of Fame halfback Eric Dickerson and his then-record 2,105 yards off a whopping 379 carries, Hill averaged an amazing 27.9 yards on 14 receptions. Brown averaged over 20 yards and Ellard averaged over 18 yards per catch as well that season.


Despite just 60 receptions in five years, Houston traded two draft picks to acquire Hill to help out Warren Moon, who was signed in 1984. Moon, a future Hall of Fame quarterback, came to the Oilers with new head coach Hugh Campbell and quickly bonded with Hill.

Moon and Campbell won five Grey Cups together with the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. Campbell won nine CFL titles total with the Eskimos.

Campbell was focused on stocking the defense in the draft. He drafted two players, Steve Tasker and Mike Golic, who went on to help other teams.

Hill caught 64 balls his first year as an Oiler, while gaining a career best 1,169 yards. The nine touchdown catches he had had year would be the second best total of his career. Campbell was fired before the season ended, replaced by Jerry Glanville.

Glanville began getting Moon and Hill players on offense by drafting wide receivers Haywood Jeffries, Ernest Givens and Curtis Duncan in the 1987 draft.

Kent Hill had come over from the Rams in 1986 to help Mike Munchak, Bruce Matthews, and Dean Steinkuhler form an excellent offensive line. Munchak and Matthews would later be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Oilers reached the playoffs in 1987 for the first time since 1980. They would go to the playoffs every year until 1993. Though they lost in the first round for times and reached the second round just thrice, their "Run and Shoot" offense was prolific.

Though Hill weighed 170, he was the inside receiver for Houston. While he often would stretch the seam of defenses, he was tough enough to go over the middle and was a good blocker. He soon became the guy Moon could rely on most.


“Drew was a great receiver, one who knew the offense and was always in the right spot,” Moon said. “I always knew exactly where Drew would be. He had a low-key demeanor. He didn’t get upset. He was always cool under pressure.”

While the 1987 season is most noted for losing four games because of a players strike, Hill was still able to pile up 989 yards on 49 receptions. He then followed that up the next year with perhaps the finest season of his career.

While obtaining his first Pro Bowl nod, Hill set a career high mark of 10 touchdown catches while grabbing 72 passes for 1,141 yards. He got dinged up with injuries the next year, missing four starts, but still was able to gain 938 yards on 66 receptions and eight scores.

The 1990 season was his last Pro Bowl year after Hill caught 74 passes. He followed that up with a career best 90 receptions the next season despite being 35-years old. Hill also has a knack of making his fellow wide receivers better too.

His leadership and influence helped Jeffries, Givens, and Duncan all become Pro Bowl players as well. The quartet caught 315 passes as a group in the 1991 season. Hill and Jeffries had 190 by themselves. He left the Oilers after that year to back to his home state and join the Atlanta Falcons.

He was the Oilers leader in career receptions and receiving yards when he left. He still ranks fourth in receptions and second in receiving yards and touchdowns. Hill caught 94 balls in two tears with the Falcons before retiring after the 1993 season.


Though he was a humble man who shunned the spotlight, Hill had over 1,000 yards receiving in five of his seven years with Houston. His 15.6 yards per catch average shows his ability to get deep into a defense despite working through the heart of the defense most of the time.

While he was old school, just doing his job in a steady fashion that was as reliable as the sun rising and setting, Hill never made waves or wanted superfluous attention. Yet his 634 career receptions for 9,831 yards and 61 touchdowns show he was beyond spectacular.

Former teammates said he lived his last years an avid golfer who ran a business in the Atlanta area. Alonzo Highsmith saw Hill in December, saying Hill told him he was doing well. Yet he had two massive strokes Friday and passed away. News of his passing has slowly been trickling out at a low-key pace since.

Even in passing, Hill has found a way to temporarily avoid the spotlight. Yet now is the time for any fan anywhere, especially those blessed enough to actually get to watch him play, to take a moment of silence and appreciate the gridiron exploits of Drew Hill.

NFL All-Decade All-Time Canton Snubs : Defense

Defensive Tackle : Houston Antwine


6' 270
Defensive Tackle
New England Patriots
1961 - 1972
12 Seasons
156 Games Played
6 Pro Bowls
AFL All-Time Team

Antwine was a third round draft choice by the Detroit Lions in the 1961 NFL Draft, the 38th player picked overall, and an eight round draft pick of the Houston Oilers in the AFL Draft.

When the Oilers traded his rights to the Boston Patriots, Antwine joined the the team.
Though Antwine was still recovering from an injury he suffered at the College All-Star Game, the Patriots first put him at offensive guard. They eventually switched him to defensive tackle during his rookie season. It turned out to be a smart move.

Antwine would be named to an AFL All-Star from 1963 to 1968. He garnered these honors despite having to face multiple blockers on virtually every play. His force enabled fellow Patriot defensive linemen Larry Eisenhauer, Bob Dee, and Jim Hunt become Pro Bowlers multiple times themselves.

He was named to The Sporting News All-AFL First Team in 1969, as well as the Associated Press All-AFL Second Team. Despite having probably the best defensive line in Patriots history, the team became a perennial loser after 1964.

They made the playoffs just one in Antwine's career. The 1963 season saw them reach the AFL Championship Game before losing to the San Diego Chargers. They has the second best defense in the AFL that year, and shut down the Buffalo Bills to reach the title game. Buffalo would go on to win the next two titles.

After his six-year steak of Pro Bowls ended after 1968, Antwine continued to be a powerhouse in the middle of the Patriots defense despite the fact the team could never quite find a home, ending up having to play on four different fields in the Boston area during their AFL days.

Antwine had an injury plagued 1971 season, and was only able to play three games.
He joined the Philadelphia Eagles the next year, then retired at the conclusion of the season. His 39 career sacks are tied with Richard Seymour as the most ever in franchise history.

Antwine was a wrestling champion in college, and his expertise on leverage and technique made him a dominating force. He was also a team leader, and was the Patriots captain and player representative throughout most of his career.

He is a member of the All-Time All-AFL First Team, but is somehow not in Canton. This is confusing, since Buck Buchanan of the Kansas City Chiefs is and Buchanan is on the second team.

Another confusing factor is how the Patriots have yet to retire his jersey, and especially the fact he has not been inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame thus far.

His six Pro Bowls is tied with Hall of Fame cornerback Mike Haynes as the most ever by a Patriot defender, and it is the third most behind Hall of Fame guard John Hannah and center Jon Morris.

Houston Antwine is easily the best defensive tackle in Patriots history. He would have made an equally dominating nose tackle if the 3-4 defense had been invented in his era. His knowledge of wrestling and leverage, as well as having a squatty body that was impossible to move, is reminiscent of Curley Culp, the greatest nose tackle in NFL history.

Despite being ahead of Buchanan on the All-Time AFL Team, is seems unlikely Canton will give "Twine" his respect. Not only because the Patriots did not win very often in the AFL, but also it appears the voters have mostly turned up their noses at the great players from the league.

Billy Shaw played guard for the Bills and is the only AFL player inducted with no NFL experience. He often pointed out Antwine's exceptional abilities and athleticism. An ability echoed by other AFL greats.

Though lesser defensive tackles have been enshrined into Canton since his retirement, it is a position often overlooked by the voters. It took until 1990 for Buchanan to get in, and he is the only AFL defensive lineman inducted. Antwine is amongst several AFL greats certainly worthy of having a place in Canton.




Defensive Tackle : Keith Millard


6'6 260
Defensive Tackle
Minnesota Vikings
1985 - 1993
8 Seasons
93 Games Played
2 Pro Bowls
1989 Defensive Player of the Year
NFL 1980's All-Decade Team
All-Time USFL Team

Millard was a first round draft pick of the Vikings in 1984, but he decided to sign with the Arizona Wranglers of the United States Football League instead. The Wranglers traded him to the Jacksonville Bulls. The USFL folded in 1985, so he joined the Vikings.

Minnesota had the 6'6" Millard play backup nose tackle as a rookie, which is extremely rare for a player of that height. The rookie started five games and led Minnesota with 11 sacks, which plated in the top-ten in the league. Counting the USFL, Millard had 23 sacks in 1985.

The Vikings switched to a 4-3 defense in 1986, moving Millard to defensive tackle on the right side. After getting 22 sacks over three years, including the strike-shortened 1987 season, Millard was set to have one of the greatest seasons ever by a defensive tackle.

The 1989 season saw him get 18 sacks, the most ever by a defensive tackle in the NFL and only 15 players have ever gotten more. His teammate, Chris Doleman, led the league with 21 that season thanks to lining up next to Millard. Even Al Noga and Henry Thomas were extremely effective. Noga had a career best 11.5 sacks, while the nine Thomas had was the second best total of his career.

Millard also picked off a pass, rumbling for 47 yards, and took a fumble 31 yards for a touchdown. He was given his second and last Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors, while becoming the second, and so far last, Viking named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Hall of Famer Alan Page was the first NFL player to ever win it in 1971 while with the Vikings.

He was also named the UPI NFC Defensive Player of the Year, an award only Page and Doleman also won while with Minnesota. Page was the first defensive player ever to have won that award, which went defunct after the 1996 season.

Suffering a major knee injury in the fourth game on the 1990 season, he did not suit up again until 1992 as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. Despite a sack in two games played, Seattle released him and the Green Bay Packers had him on their roster for two games.

Millard joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1993, appearing in 14 games and starting five. He had four sacks, then retired. His 53 sacks with the Vikings still ranks fourth best on the NFL list for the franchise, but Hall of Famers Page and Carl Eller had 108.5 and 130.5 "unofficially with Minnesota, and Jim Marshall, who should be in Canton, had 127 himself.

Though injuries shortened a career that appeared destined for Canton, Millard was ranked 21st of the 50 Greatest Vikings Team put together in 2010. Minnesota has two defensive tackles enshrined in Canton with Page and John Randle, but Keith Millard was surely on their level for a short time before his injury.

Cortez Kennedy, Tom Sestak, Alex Karras, and Tom Keating deserve mention.






Defensive End : Harvey Martin


6'5" 260
Defensive End
Dallas Cowboys
1973 - 1983
11 Seasons
158 Games Played
114 Sacks
4 Pro Bowls
Super Bowl XII MVP
1977 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
NFL 1970's All-Decade Team


Martin was drafted by the Cowboys in the third round of the 1973 draft by the Cowboys, and was the 53rd player chosen overall. He was a reserve his first two seasons, yet it did not stop him from setting a still-standing franchise record of eight sacks for a Cowboys rookie.

Martin continued to be a pass rushing extraordinaire, helping the Cowboys form one of the better defenses in the NFL. He was named a starter in 1975, opposite of long time bookend "Too Tall" Jones, who was entering his first season as a starter. Dallas would reach the Super Bowl that year.

The 1976 season was the first of four consecutive years Martin would be named to the Pro Bowl, and he also had his first career interception. He had a Dallas record 20 sacks in 1977, and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

His 1977 season helped the Cowboys go on to win Super Bowl XII. In that game, Martin and Randy White shared the Super Bowl MVP honors. They are the only defensive linemen to have ever done this.

Martin then had 14 sacks in 1978, along with the last interception of his career. He had nine sacks the next year, and recorded a safety, followed by 12 sacks in 1980. He retired after the 1983 season with an total of 114 sacks. It is unofficially the most in Cowboys history. His two career safeties is tied as the most in Cowboys history.

Dallas had a defensive line that was dominating in the 1970's. Led by Hall of Fame defensive tackle "Manster" White, Martin, Jones, and Jethro Pugh often took over games. White had 111 sacks and Jones had 106. Teammates called Martin "The Beautiful" or "Too Mean" to bookend "Too Tall".

He is also a member of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. Though his entry into Canton seems unlikely, given all of the great defensive ends still waiting on induction, I expect Harvey Martin to one day find his rightful place in the Cowboy's Ring Of Honor. It is absolutely stunning that the Cowboys, a team who claims to honor their history, has neglected to do so yet.





Defensive End : Rich "Tombstone" Jackson


6'3" 255
Defensive End
Denver Broncos
1966 - 1972
Seven Seasons
82 Games Played
3 Pro Bowls
AFL All-Time Team


Jackson was signed by the Oakland Raiders as a free agent in 1966. His athleticism was so astounding that Oakland had him wearing the number 32 on his jersey and taking reps as a running back, tight end, and defensive end. He played in 5 games as a rookie before joining the Broncos the following year.

"Tombstone" played as a reserve that year at defensive end, and recorded a safety, Jackson earned the starting job in 1968. He would be named an AFL All-Star that year, then the next two seasons.

Jackson suffered a knee injury in the seventh game of 1970, and was out the rest of the year. After playing in 4 games in 1971, the Broncos traded him to the Cleveland Browns. He retired at the end of that year because of his knee woes.

"Tombstone" was a fierce pass rusher with a wide variety of moves. His favorites were the "head slap" and the "halo spinner". He once broke an opponents helmet with a head slap.

He was also ferocious and strong. Notorious tough guy Lyle Alzado, a Raiders and Broncos legendary defensive end, said that Jackson was the toughest man that he had ever met. Though he left the Broncos over 40 years ago, Jackson is still a respected legend to this day.

He is a member of the Broncos Ring of Honor and their 50th Anniversary Team. Jackson is in the Colorado Sports Hall Of Fame. He is also on the AFL's All Time Team.

Some think Rich Jackson was the best defensive end to have ever played the game. Paul Zimmerman, a long-time writer for Sports Illustrated, has often called "Tombstone" the best pass rusher he has ever seen play.

Many people missed his exploits because the Broncos were a small-market team that no one paid much attention to due to the fact they lost so much in the AFL. Yet Jackson did rack up 31 of his 43 career sacks over three seasons and he is probably the best the Broncos have ever had.

He certainly was headed for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame until his injury, but it appears unlikely he will ever get in now. Yet the legend on "Tombstone" still looms large in the Rockies.

L.C. Greenwood, Chris Doleman, Neil Smith, Jerry Mays, Gerry Philbin, Ron McDole, and Ed Sprinkle deserve mention.





Outside Linebacker : Robert Brazile



6'4" 244
Linebacker
Houston Oilers
1975 - 1984
10 Seasons
147 Games Played
13 Interceptions
7 Pro Bowls
NFL 1970's All-Decade Team

Brazile was a first round pick by the Houston Oilers in 1975. He was the sixth player picked overall. Brazile was part a deal former Oilers coach Sid Gillman had made at the end of 1973.

The Oilers acquired Kansas City's 1975 first round selection, along with nose tackle Curley Culp, for defensive end John Matuszak. New head coach/general manager Bum Phillips switched Houston's base defense from the from a 4-3 to a 3-4.

Brazile is credited by many to be most important in making the 3-4 popular by his ability to rush the quarterback from his outside linebacking position. Brazile was the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 1975. He was named to the Pro Bowl in each of his first seven seasons.

He was a key member of Oilers teams that went to back-to-back AFC Championship games in 1978 and 1979. In 1984, Brazile's wife died in a car wreck. He retired immediately from the NFL.

Brazil was chosen on the 1970's NFL All-Decade Team. He is the only linebacker from that team not in Canton. Many may remember his moniker in the NFL. Brazile was nicknamed "Dr. Doom" by his team mates after being tossed out of a game in his rookie year for hitting Washington Redskin quarterback Billy Kilmer in the head.

Some may recall the time he bulldogged Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett by the face mask. Brazile was a vicious hitter. He was equally excellent is pass coverage and run support as he was rushing the passer.

He didn't always play on good teams, so he wasn't given the nation wide notice, during that era, he deserved. Since the NFL did not record sacks as a statistic until 1982, his impact on the game may not be fully realized by newer fans.

Those who saw Brazile play knew he was always one of the better defensive players in the NFL in his era year in and year out. Robert Brazile deserves to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Ask his peers.





Middle Linebacker : Tommy Nobis


6'2" 240
Linebacker
Atlanta Falcons
1966 - 1976
11 Seasons
133 Games Played
5 Pro Bowls
1966 NFL Rookie of the Year
NFL 1960's All-Decade Team


Nobis was the first draft pick ever by the expansion Atlanta Falcons in the 1966 NFL draft. He was also the first player chosen overall. Nobis started right away for the Falcons, and was very busy on a new team that struggled to a 3-11 record.

He set a Falcons record, that still stands today, when he amassed 294 tackles. It may be an NFL record, but that stat is unofficial and kept by individual teams. He was named to his first Pro Bowl, and was the 1966 NFL Rookie of the Year. He intercepted the first three passes of his career the next season, and returned one for a touchdown. He was also selected to his second Pro Bowl and only First Team All-Pro honor.

In 1968, he was named to his third Pro Bowl, as the struggling Falcons went through a coaching change by hiring Hall of Famer Norm Van Brocklin after the third week of the season. Nobis was injured in the fifth game of the following year, and missed the rest of the season.

Nobis came back in 1970 and was named to the Pro Bowl. He then was injured in the fourth game of the following season, and missed the rest of the year. Nobis would only miss two games for the rest of his career.

He made his last Pro Bowl in 1972, and also scored the last touchdown of his career. The
1973 season would be the best record the Falcons had during Nobis' career. They went 9-5. Atlanta won 50 games in his eleven seasons.

His number 60 the first number retired by the team, and he is a member of the Falcons' Ring of Honor, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame.

He has also been named the NFL Man of the Year (Dodge and Vitalis), and Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. award, due to his work with the Special Olympics as a member of the Falcons front office, and in his own foundation. Nobis is on the NFL's All-1960s team, which is quite an accomplishment if you consider he didn't even play half of the decade.

It is TRULY astounding that 'Mr. Falcon' still has yet to be inducted into Canton. Sure, he played on many lousy Falcons teams, but he was outstanding. The team got little publicity during his time, but the voters CANNOT use this as an excuse.

These voters are supposed to represent the whole NFL, not just the media driven franchises. They are supposed to be experts, or at least this is what their positions as voters implies. The exclusion of Nobis for all of these years belies that thought.

Tommy Nobis epitomizes what a Hall of Fame football player is supposed to symbolize. Both on and off the field. It is truly disgraceful, and disrespectful, that Nobis is not in Canton.

Levon Kirkland, Hardy Nickerson, and Dan Conners deserve mention.







Outside Linebacker : Kevin Greene


6'3 247
Linebacker
Los Angeles Rams
1985 - 1999
15 Seasons
228 Games Played
160 Sacks
3 Safeties
5 Pro Bowls
1996 NEA Defensive Player of the Year
NFL 1990's All-Decade Team

Greene was a fifth round draft pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 1985. After spending his rookie year as a special teams player, the Rams used him as a pass rush specialist the next two years.

Besides scoring a touchdown off an interception, he compiled 13.5 sacks over that time. Fritz Shurmur, the Rams legendary defensive coordinator and innovator of the nickel defense, then decided to get Greene out of a three-point stance and start him at outside linebacker.

Greene got 16.5 sacks in each of the next two year, the second bringing him a Pro Bowl berth. After 13 sacks and a career best four forced fumbles in 1990, the Rams hired Jeff Fisher as defensive coordinator. Fisher switched the Rams to a 3-4 defense, having Greene line up often at defensive end.

After getting a safety and just three sacks in 1991, Fisher was fired and Greene went back to linebacker. He responded by piling up a career best 87 tackles along with 10 sacks and the third and final safety of his career.

Now a free agent, the usually frugal Pittsburgh Steelers signed him to a big contact. He lasted three years with them, getting named First Team All-Pro in 1994 after leading the league in sacks. Despite going to the Pro Bowl twice in his three seasons, and helping them reach Super Bowl XXX, Pittsburgh allowed him to sign with the Carolina Panthers in 1996.

He made the Pro Bowl in his one year with Carolina, as well as his final First Team All-Pro honor. The Touchdown Club named him NFC Player of the Year, and the Associated Press and NFL Alumni both named him NFL Linebacker of the Year. He also won the very last UPI NFC Defensive Player of the Year Award as well as the NEA Defensive Player of the Year Award after the Panthers reached the NFC Championship Game.

After having maybe his best season, Greene decided to try his hand in professional wrestling. The Panthers were unhappy, so they released him. The San Francisco 49ers quickly signed Greene, using him strictly as a pass rush specialist on third down. His 10.5 sacks that year allowed him to break Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor's sacks record for a linebacker.

The 49ers released him after the 1997 season, so Greene went back to the Panthers and was named NFC Linebacker of the Year by the NFLPA after getting15 sacks and making the final Pro Bowl of his career. At 37-years old, and in his 15th season, Greene got 12 sacks in 1999 then retired.

His 160 career sacks still rank as the third most by any player in NFL history since the league began recording the statistic in 1982. His three safeties is tied with several other players as the second most in NFL history.

The 72.5 sacks he had with the Rams still ranks second best all-time on the official list, even if Hall of Famers Deacon Jones and Merlin Olsen had more "unofficial" sacks that are not recognized by the NFL. Greene's three safeties with the Rams is a team record.

Greene also ranks third on the Panthers sack list and eighth on the Steelers sacks list despite playing only three years with both clubs. While Greene was obviously a great pass rusher, his pass coverage skills were underrated. His hard work to becoming a well rounded player under Shurmer and Dom Capers was a big reason he lasted 15 seasons in the NFL.

Capers employed Greene while coaching the Steelers and Panthers. When Capers became defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers in 2009, he made Greene his outside linebackers coach. Greene's work with Clay Matthews III helped the Packers win Super Bowl XLV.

He has been a semi-finalist for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame three times already, a good sign considering so many fantastic outside linebackers have been awaiting induction for decades. Men like Maxie Baughan, Chuck Howley, Robert Brazile, to name just a few. It seems inevitable that Kevin Greene will one day find himself an inductee.

Cornelius Bennett, Carl Banks, John Anderson, Larry Morris, Dave Robinson, George Webster, Larry Grantham, Mike Stratton, and Joe Fortunato deserve mention.








Strong Safety : Johnny Robinson


6'1" 205 Strong Safety/ Running Back
Kansas City Chiefs
1960 - 1971
12 Seasons
164 Games Played
57 Interceptions
77 Receptions
1, 886 Total Yards Offense
18 Total Touchdowns
8 Pro Bowls
AFL All-Time Team


Robinson was a first round pick of the Detroit Lions in 1960. He was the third player picked overall. He opted to go to the fledgling American Football League, where he was a territorial pick of the Dallas Texans.


Under Hall of Fame coach Hank Stram, Robinson started his pro football career as a running back. He rushed for 458 yards in his rookie year at an average of 4.7 yards per carry. He also caught 41 passes for 611 yards, accruing an impressive 14.9 yards per catch average.

Robinson also returned 14 punts for 207 yards at an outstanding 14.8 yards per return average, and returned three kickoffs for 54 yards. He scored four touchdowns rushing, four touchdowns receiving, and returned a punt for a score. He threw the only pass of his pro career that year too, but it was intercepted.

Robinson rushed the ball less in 1961. He had 52 carries for 200 yards and scored twice via the run. He did catch 35 passes for 601 yards, which is an exceptional yards per catch average of 17.2. He caught five touchdowns that year as well. He only returned two punts that year, and would only be asked to return four more his entire career.


In 1962, Robinson was moved to strong safety on defense by Stram. It turned out to be a great move for the Texans. Though he did catch the last pass of his career on offense for 16 yards, he also picked off four passes.

The Texans moved to Kansas City after that season and were renamed the Chiefs. In 1965, Robinson picked off five passes and returned them for 99 yards. The 1966 season was one of Robinson's best years.

He set a career high in interceptions with 10, and returned them for 136 yards, while scoring the only defensive touchdown of his career via an interception. He helped lead the Chiefs to the first Super Bowl ever against the Green Bay Packers. Robinson followed that with five interceptions in 1967. In 1968, he picked off six passes.

In 1969, Robinson set a career high with 158 yards off of eight interceptions. The Chiefs would go on to beat the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. Robinson would intercept a pass and recover a fumble that game while playing with broken ribs, which helped keep the Vikings from scoring more than seven points.

He then had a great year in 1970, when the AFL merged with the NFL. He tied his career high with 10 interceptions. He also had 155 interception return yards. He took a fumble 46 yards for the last touchdown of his professional career.

In 1971, Robinson had four interceptions. His last game came on Christmas Day, when the Chiefs and Miami Dolphins played the the longest game in NFL history. It was also the Chiefs' last game in Municipal Stadium. Robinson retired during the off season.

Robinson hold the Chiefs franchise record for a safety with 57 interceptions for his career. He ranks second overall in interceptions behind Hall of Fame cornerback Emmitt Thomas in Chiefs history.

He is still ranked 11th all-time in NFL history in career interceptions, tied with four other players. His 43 interceptions in the AFL ranks third all-time in the leagues history. He led his team in interceptions five times in his career.

No other strong safety in pro football history has more interceptions than him, and only three safeties have had more. His six First Team All-Pro honors is tied with Jim Tyrer and Bobby Bell as the most in team history, and his seven Pro Bowls are the most by a defensive back in Chiefs history.

Robinson is a member of the AFL All-Time Team and one of only twenty players who were in the AFL for its entire ten-year existence. Robinson was a six-time All-American Football League selection and is credited by many to have redefined the role of the strong safety in professional football.

His career was more than spectacular. He was the consummate team player who did whatever it took to help his team win, whether it was on offense, defense, or special teams. His stats do not lie, and his impact on the game is immeasurable.

Maybe the voters have yet to induct him due to the inductions of Buck Buchanan, Emmitt Thomas, Willie Lanier, and Bobby Bell? It certainly took the voters way too long to induct Thomas. Much as they are taking much too long in Robinson's case.

Many fans today don't know much about the AFL. Some may think I am referring to Arena football? It is up to the NFL Seniors Committee to call this to mind while they still can, and while the players are still alive. The Seniors Committee must be woken up and nudged.

Carnell Lake, LeRoy Butler, Joey Browner, Ken Easley, Kenny Graham, and Dick Anderson deserve mention.










Free Safety : Cliff Harris



6' 188
Free Safety
Dallas Cowboys
1970 - 1979
10 Seasons
141 Games
29 Interceptions
18 Fumbles Recovered
1 Touchdown
6 Pro Bowls
NFL 1970's All-Decade Team

Harris was not chosen in the 1970 NFL Draft. He started immediately at free safety in his rookie year. He intercepted two passes, returning one for 60 yards, and also recovered three fumbles.

Although military obligations caused him to miss the second half of the season, he returned in time for the Cowboys' Super Bowl VI win. Harris also returned punts and kickoffs for the Cowboys from his second season until his fifth season. His best season returning kickoffs was in his second year.

Harris returned 29 kicks for 823 yards at an excellent 28.3 average. All of these stats are his career highs. He took one kick 77 yards for the longest return of his career. He also averaged a career best 7.6 yards per punt return on 17 punts. Harris picked off two passes that year and recovered three fumbles as well.

He ended up with 63 kick returns at a very impressive 25.7 average for his career. He also returned 66 punts in his career. Harris was steady. He intercepted two or more passes every year of his entire career. His career high was five in 1977, when the Cowboys won Super Bowl XII.

In 1975, Harris took an interception 27 yards for the only touchdown of his NFL career. Harris was named to his first Pro Bowl in 1974, and would be named to the Pro Bowl each year for the rest of his career.

Harris earned the nickname "Captain Crash" during his career. He was a starter his entire NFL career, and was fearless versus the run. Harris was a notoriously hard hitter who would make opposing wide receivers get alligator arms when coming across the middle.

He was on five Dallas Super Bowl teams during his career. Harris wore the pads of place kickers in order to keep his speed and quickness up throughout his career, making his hitting prowess even more impressive.

Harris announced his retirement following the 1979 to concentrate on his business ventures, where he runs a company with former Cowboys strong safety Charlie Waters. They also wrote a memoirs about their time together with the Cowboys. Sports Illustrated named him to their Dream Team at free safety. "Captain Crash" was named to the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2004.

Harris changed the way the free safety position was played. His run support is legendary in Texas, and his intelligence was a big part of his game. Harris teamed with his best friend, Waters, to form one of the better safety duos in the NFL throughout the 70's.

Waters made three Pro Bowls from 1976 to 1978, the same stretch of time Harris was named First Team All-Pro. Harris was noted for always being around the ball. He got the ball back for the Cowboys 47 times in his 10 year career. He has been a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

I don't know what the voters are waiting for. He should have been in already. With his being so close in 2004, there is little doubt in my mind that Cliff Harris will one day be in Canton. Hopefully sooner than later.

Steve Atwater, Nolan Cromwell, Deron Cherry, Eddie Meador, George Saimes, and Goose Gonsoulin deserve mention.






Cornerback : Louis Wright


6'2" 200
Cornerback
Denver Broncos
1975 - 1986
12 Seasons
166 Games Played
26 Interceptions
11 Fumble Recoveries
512 Return Yards
4 Touchdowns
5 Pro Bowls
NFL 1970's All-Decade Team


Wright was drafted in the first round of the 1975 draft by the Denver Broncos. He was the 17th player picked overall. He started all 11 games that he played in his rookie year. He intercepted two passes and recovered one fumble.

In 1977, he had three interceptions for 128 yards. He also scored the first touchdown of his career. Wright was a key member of the "Orange Crush" defense that went to Super Bowl XII. Wright would garner his first Pro Bowl nod that year as well.

Wright would make the Pro Bowl in each of the next two seasons as well. In 1979, he took a fumble 82 yards for a touchdown. He ended up missing half on 1981 due to an injury, but still was named to the UPI All-Conference Second Team.

Wright came back at full health for 1982 with two interceptions. He snared a career high six interceptions in 1983, and was named to the Pro Bowl team.

In 1984, Wright would return a fumble for a touchdown and was named to The Sporting News All-NFL First Team, Pro Football Weekly All-NFL First Team, Pro Football Weekly All-Conference First Team, UPI All-Conference Second Team, and Newspaper Ent. Association All-Conference Second Team.

The 1985 season saw him intercept five passes, and score the last touchdown of his career. Wright also made his last Pro Bowl team that year as well.

Wright played his last season in 1986. He picked off three balls, and helped lead the Broncos to Super Bowl XXI. Wright is a member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame. His five Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pro nods were the most ever by a Broncos cornerback ever until Champ Bailey passed him by one each recently.


Wright was a shutdown cornerback the day he walked onto an NFL field. Teams would hardly throw the ball to his side of the field. He was also a hard hitter, and was one of best run supporting cornerbacks of his era.

He was vital to the "Orange Crush" defense. Hall of Famer Stan Jones coached a line that featured Lyle Alzado and Rubin Carter. Tom Jackson and Randy Gradishar were top notch linebackers. Strong safety Billy Thompson was also great. The Broncos were first in the NFL against the run in 1977.

Wright was consistently excellent. His 163 starts rank seventh all-time in Broncos history. Opponents feared him. He is the greatest defensive back in the history of the Denver Broncos. Many of his contemporaries feel he was the best cornerback in the AFC, if not the entire NFL, during his career. He was big, and fast.

He wasn't one to blow his own horn, and has flown under the radar of the Hall of Fame voters since he has retired. Recreational football fans may look at his stats and not be impressed, but tackles were not a recorded statistic throughout much of Wrights career.

He was always amongst the teams leaders in tackles, which is impressive when you consider how much teams tried to avoid him. If you were blessed enough to have seen Louis Wright play, then you would agree he deserves induction into Canton.





Cornerback : Jack Butler



6'1" 200
Cornerback
Pittsburgh Steelers
1951 - 1959
9 Seasons
103 Games Played
52 Interceptions
827 Yards
10 Fumble Recoveries
9 Touchdowns
5 Pro Bowls
NFL 1950's All-Decade Team

Butler was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Steelers in 1951. He started right away and had five interceptions for 142 yards and a touchdown in his rookie year, and followed that up with seven interceptions for a career high 168 yards the next year. He also caught three passes for two touchdowns.

In 1953, he caught two passes for a touchdown and had nine interceptions for 147 yards and another touchdown. He also had a career high three fumble recoveries.

Butler led the NFL in 1954 with two touchdowns off of his four interceptions. Butler was named to his first Pro Bowl in 1955, despite it being the only season of his career where he did not record an interception. He would be named to the Pro Bowl until 1958.

He recorded six interceptions for 113 yards in 1956, and returned a fumble for the last defensive touchdown of his career. He also caught the last pass of his career, a 10-yard touchdown reception. It was also the last touchdown of his career.

Butler led the NFL with 10 interception in 1957. He followed that up with nine picks the next season. Though he only managed to play seven games due to a knee injury in 1959, he still had two interceptions. He was named First Team All-Pro in each of his last three seasons in the NFL.

He retired after that season because of the injury. His 52 interceptions in nine seasons were second most in NFL history when his career abruptly ended in 1959 and still rank second in the Steelers history.

Butler was named to the NFL's Team of the Decade for the 1950s, and was selected as one of the top 300 players to play in the NFL at that time. In October 2008, Butler was named as one of the 33 greatest Pittsburgh Steelers of all time.

The Steelers named those players to this team as part of their 75th anniversary season celebration. He is also a member of the Steelers 50th Anniversary All Time Team. When he retired from playing, Butler became an NFL scout. He was the director of BLESTO for over 40 years until he retired at 80 years old in 2007.

If you know the game, you realize how important BLESTO is to the NFL. Butler has helped start the career of innumerous scouts, player personnel directors, and general managers in the NFL.

There is only two reasons I can see how the voters in Canton have overlooked Butler as a player. Winning and lack of knowledge when it comes to professional football. The Steelers didn't do a whole lot of winning until the 1970's, and I have long said in this series that the majority of voters are incompetent. Many do not know a thing about football, and get their insights from headlines...and maybe even kickbacks.

Butler was one of the hardest hitting cornerbacks to have ever played the game. Yet, he also had shut down ability, which is shown with his 52 thefts. Those 52 interceptions were tied for second All-Time in NFL history when he retired.

Personally, I think Butler's contributions off the field make him worthy two different ways. But, sticking to just his play on the gridiron, there is no question that is is truly a disgrace that Jack Butler has not yet been inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

Aeneas Williams, Frank Minnifield, Lester Hayes, Bobby Boyd, Dave Grayson, Butch Beard, and Miller Farr deserve mention.







Punter : Ray Guy


6'3" 195
Punter
Oakland Raiders
1973 - 1986
14 Seasons
207 Games Played
1049 Punts
44,493 Yards
42.4 Yard Average Per Punt
7 Pro Bowls
NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL 1970's All-Decade Team


Guy was a first round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders in the 1973 draft. He was the 23rd player picked overall. He is considered the greatest punter to have ever played college football, and has a trophy named after him. The Ray Guy Award is given annually to the best collegiate punter in the nation.


Guy is the first punter to ever be drafted in the first round by the NFL. His impact was immediate. He was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie, when he averaged 45.3 yards per punt. Guy would be named the Pro Bowl Punter every year up until 1978.

At the 1976 Pro Bowl, Ray Guy became the first punter to hit the Louisiana Superdome video screen. In 1979, he was named to the UPI All Conference Second Team, and the Newspaper Ent. Association All-NFL Second Team.

He was named to his final Pro Bowl in 1980 after averaging 43.6 yards per punt. He also booted a career long punt of 77 yards that year. For some unknown reason, he was not named to the 1981 Pro Bowl, despite punting a career high 96 times and having a 43.7 average. He was named to the UPI All Conference Second Team.

Guy booted the ball over 70 yards in four of his seasons, and kicked five over 60 yards in one season alone. His shortest season long was 57, in the strike shortened 1982 season. That season also was the only season of his career when he did not average over 40 yards per punt, finishing with a 39.1 average.

He ended the last three years of his career averaging 90 punts per season, when he retired after the 1986 season. Guy did more than just punt for the Raiders. He threw three career passes, completing two for 54 yards. His first career pass was intercepted. Guy also rushed for 43 yards on 11 attempts.

In 1976, Guy was asked to kick an extra point, but missed. He only had three punts blocked in his entire career, and never had a punt returned for a touchdown. He led the NFL in punting three times also. He also kicked off for aging kicker George Blanda, a Hall of Famer, for several years.


Guy was an integral part of the Raiders. He also was on three Super Bowl winning teams in Oakland during his career. The highlight of his Super Bowls was in 1983. His punt in Super Bowl XVIII pinned the Washington Redskins inside their 12-yard line, which led to a Raiders touchdown via a turnover the next play.

He was also named the punter on the National Football League's 75th Anniversary Team, the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team and as a member of the NFL 1970's All-Century team. He was recently inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

If you saw Guy play, you must be scratching your head right now as to why he isn't yet in Canton. His punts were legendary. Other teams would test the balls that he punted for helium, due to the heights his punts attained.

I had thought, after seeing kicker Jan Stenerud inducted in 1991, that the voters were FINALLY recognizing the importance of special teams. In 1994, Guy was the first punter to be nominated, but he still has not been elected.

I find myself often questioning the football knowledge of the voters. Some claim to be "purists", saying that specialist do not belong because they only get on the field for a few plays each game. Still, isn't Cantons reason for existence based upon what players do once on the field?

There is NO DOUBT that Guy helped the Raiders win many games. Even if you disregard his statistics, you cannot look past his impact on football at all levels. Wake up the voter in the media that represents your area. Ray Guy deserves his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame right now!

Jerrell Wilson, Darren Bennett, Reggie Roby, Don Chandler, and Bob Scarpitto deserve mention.