July 30, 2013

MVP Profile: O.J. Simpson, 1975

Running Back, Buffalo Bills



Age: 28
7th season in pro football & with Bills
College: Southern California
Height: 6’1”   Weight: 212

Prelude:
Following an outstanding college career capped by winning the 1968 Heisman Trophy, the highly-coveted Simpson was drafted by the Bills with the first overall pick in the combined AFL/NFL draft. His pro career started slowly, as he was used sparingly and missed time due to injury during his first three seasons, never carrying more than 182 times or gaining more than 742 yards. However, the return to Buffalo of Head Coach Lou Saban in 1972 marked a change as Simpson became the centerpiece of the offense and led the NFL in rushing with 1251 yards, earning 1st-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He followed that up in 1973 by shattering the single-season rushing record with 2003 yards and gaining consensus MVP honors. While his rushing total dropped to 1125 yards in ’74, Simpson still received consensus 1st-team All-NFL and Pro Bowl honors for the third straight year and the Bills reached the postseason.

1975 Season Summary
Appeared in all 14 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing
Attempts – 329 [1]
Most attempts, game - 34 (for 126 yds.) vs. NY Giants 10/20
Yards – 1817 [1]
Most yards, game – 227 yards (on 28 carries) at Pittsburgh 9/28
Average gain – 5.5 [1]
TDs – 16 [1, tied with Pete Banaszak]
200-yard rushing games – 1
100-yard rushing games – 8

Pass Receiving
Receptions – 28      
Most receptions, game – 8 (for 117 yds.) at Miami 12/7
Yards – 426
Most yards, game - 117 (on 8 catches) at Miami 12/7
Average gain – 15.2
TDs – 7 [9, tied with five others]
100-yard receiving games – 1

All-Purpose yards – 2243 [2, 1st in AFC]

Scoring
TDs – 23 [1]
Points – 138 [1]

Awards & Honors:
AFC Player of the Year: Sporting News
1st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly
1st team All-AFC: AP, UPI, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News
Pro Bowl

Bills went 8-6 to finish third in the AFC East while leading the NFL in total offense (5467 yards), rushing yards (2974), scoring (420 points), and touchdowns (57).

Aftermath:
Simpson led the NFL in rushing for the fourth time in five years in 1976 with 1503 yards and received All-NFL and Pro Bowl recognition for the fifth and last time (he had also been chosen to one AFL All-Star Game). Injuries in 1977 limited him to seven games and he was dealt to the 49ers, where he spent his last two seasons (1978 and ’79). Upon retirement, he had gained 11,236 rushing yards, the second-highest total up to that time. Simpson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1985.  

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). 

[Updated 11/29/14]

July 28, 2013

Rookie of the Year: Jerome Bettis, 1993

Running Back, Los Angeles Rams



Age:  21
College: Notre Dame
Height: 5’11” Weight: 243

Prelude:
After gaining over a thousand all-purpose yards in his last college season, Bettis was taken by the Rams in the first round (10th overall) of the 1993 NFL draft. Head Coach Chuck Knox anticipated that the classic fullback would be the key to the team’s running game with his hard-running style and demonstrated ability to hold onto the football.

1993 Season Summary
Appeared in all 16 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing
Attempts – 294 [3]
Most attempts, game - 39 (for 146 yds.) vs. Chicago 1/2
Yards – 1429 [2]
Most yards, game – 212 yards (on 28 carries) at New Orleans 12/12
Average gain – 4.9 [3]
TDs – 7 [9, tied with four others]
200-yard rushing games – 1
100-yard rushing games – 7

Pass Receiving
Receptions – 26      
Most receptions, game – 5 (for 71 yds.) vs. Chicago 1/2
Yards – 244
Most yards, game - 71 (on 5 catches) vs. Chicago 1/2
Average gain – 9.4
TDs – 0

Scoring
TDs – 7 [19, tied with nine others]
Points – 42

Awards & Honors:
NFL Rookie of the Year: Sporting News
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA
NFC Rookie of the Year: UPI
1st-team All-NFL: AP, PFWA
1st-team All-NFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly
Pro Bowl

Rams went 5-11 to finish fourth in the NFC West.

Aftermath:
Bettis tailed off badly during the second half of the 1994 season and, while he still gained 1025 rushing yards and was selected to the Pro Bowl (and also caught a career-high 31 passes), averaged just 3.2 yards per carry. After running for 637 yards behind a poor line following the shift of the Rams to St. Louis in ’95, Bettis was traded to the Steelers. “The Bus” rejuvenated his career in Pittsburgh, where his power-running style was a perfect fit, and ran for 1431 yards, his first of six straight 1000-yard performances. He returned to the Pro Bowl as well as gaining consensus first-team All-NFL honors. Bettis reached his career high in rushing with 1665 yards in 1997. Overall, he played a total of 13 years, the last 10 with the Steelers, going out with a Super Bowl win following the 2005 season. Bettis rushed for 13,662 yards, which ranked fifth all-time, and scored a total of 94 touchdowns (91 rushing, 3 receiving). He was selected to the Pro Bowl six times.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

July 26, 2013

1957: Lions Obtain Tobin Rote from Packers


On July 26, 1957 QB Tobin Rote of the Green Bay Packers stopped by the team’s offices on the eve of training camp and was stunned to find out he had been traded to the Detroit Lions.  He was dealt along with DB Val Joe Walker for HB Don McIlhenny, tackles Ollie Spencer and Norm Masters, and G Jim Salsbury.

Chosen in the second round of the 1950 NFL draft out of Rice, Rote, a native Texan, had spent seven years with the Packers. While not always a consistent passer, he nevertheless led the league in pass attempts and completions on two occasions (1954 and ’56) and passing yards in ’56 with 2203. He also topped the circuit in touchdown passes in each of the previous two seasons, with 17 in 1955 (tied with San Francisco’s Y.A. Tittle) and 18 in ’56. Additionally, the 6’3”, 215-pound Rote was a fine runner who led the Packers in ground gaining on four occasions and topped all of the league’s quarterbacks in rushing six times, including a record 523 yards in 1951 that remained the NFL standard for a quarterback until 1971. Along the way he received his share of honors, including first-team All-NFL recognition from NEA in 1955 and selection to the Pro Bowl in ’56.

Things had not gone as well for the Packers as a whole as they never posted a record above .500 during that time period. Coach Lisle Blackbourn explained that, while the club hated to give up Rote, it had four quarterbacks on the roster and was in need of offensive line help. Other quarterbacks included Bart Starr (still a work in progress after one season), Babe Parilli, and rookie Paul Hornung – none of whom held the same trade value.

Both Rote and Val Joe Walker had talked retirement prior to the trade. Walker had been with the Packers for four seasons, both as a defensive halfback (modern cornerback) and safety, intercepting a total of 15 passes. He ended up not playing for the Lions, who traded him to the 49ers two months later.

The veteran Ollie Spencer was considered to be the key to the deal at the time for the Packers. A member of the 1953 team that won the NFL Championship as a rookie, he had spent the next two years in the military before returning in ’56.

Norm Masters, meanwhile, played in Canada in 1956 and had only recently been obtained in a trade from the Cardinals. Both regular tackles from the preceding season were gone, with John Sandusky having retired to go into coaching and Bob Skoronski in the service. Forrest Gregg played at guard in ’56 and was also in the military (Gregg returned to the team in 1958, Skoronski in ’59).

Jim Salsbury had been with the Lions for two years, having been taken in the second round of the 1955 NFL draft out of UCLA.

Don McIlhenny was Detroit’s leading rusher after the first four games of the ’56 season, his first after being drafted in the third round out of Southern Methodist, but ran into problems with injuries thereafter and finished up with 372 rushing yards in nine games.

In Detroit, star QB Bobby Layne had been bothered with a sore shoulder and then a concussion suffered on a blindside hit in a key game against the Bears late in the ’56 season had damaged the club’s ability to return to the top of the Western Conference. Rote was brought in as insurance.

Things got off to a rocky start for the Lions just before the preseason when Head Coach Buddy Parker abruptly quit, but with George Wilson at the helm the Lions went 8-4 and finished in a tie with San Francisco at the top of the conference. Layne and Rote alternated for most of the season with good results as they accumulated nearly identical passing statistics, and when Layne went down with a broken ankle in the eleventh week, Rote took over the job full-time. Detroit won both of the contests to end the regular season and then defeated the 49ers in a stunning come-from-behind victory to advance to the Championship game. The Lions went on to thrash Cleveland for the NFL title by a 59-14 score as Rote passed for four touchdowns and ran for another in the rout.

Early in the 1958 season, the Lions traded Layne to Pittsburgh and Rote had the starting job to himself. However, the injury-riddled team dropped to 4-7-1. The veteran quarterback threw for 1678 yards with 14 TDs. Rote struggled with a shoulder injury in ’59 and had a dreadful year, tossing 19 interceptions and only five TD passes. Young Earl Morrall saw considerable action and, with his contract expired, Rote jumped to the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL. After three successful seasons with the Argos, Rote moved on to the San Diego Chargers of the American Football League and guided them to a league title in 1963. A quarterback who experienced success in three leagues, Rote finished his career as a backup with the Denver Broncos at age 38 in 1966.

Meanwhile, the Packers didn’t gain much immediate benefit from the big trade, going 3-9 in Coach Blackbourn’s last year and a dismal 1-10-1 under Ray “Scooter” McLean in 1958. The arrival of Vince Lombardi in ’59 marked a significant turnaround, and Norm Masters (pictured below), along with Forrest Gregg, Bob Skoronski, Bart Starr, and Paul Hornung, was a part of it. Masters was with the Packers for eight seasons, including two that ended in NFL titles.



Don McIlhenny led the team in rushing in 1957 with 384 yards and returned 14 kickoffs for a 25.9-yard average. In three seasons with the Packers, he rushed for 854 yards, caught 46 passes for 459 more yards, and scored seven TDs before moving on to the expansion Dallas Cowboys in 1960.

Ollie Spencer spent two years with the Packers before returning to Detroit in 1959. Ultimately, he finished up his career with the AFL’s Oakland Raiders and stayed on as an assistant coach for many years. Jim Salsbury also spent two seasons in Green Bay, after which his NFL career ended.


July 24, 2013

1974: Last-Play TD Pass Propels Sun Past Sharks


In the third week of World Football League action in 1974, the Southern California Sun traveled to Florida to face the Jacksonville Sharks on July 24. Both teams had split their first two contests in the new league’s early going.

The Sun were coached by Tom Fears, a Hall of Fame player with the Rams who had been the first head coach of the NFL Saints. They had made preseason headlines by signing highly-touted rookie running backs James McAlister and Kermit Johnson out of UCLA as well as USC tackle Booker Brown. There was a good mix of veteran and new talent on the team. QB Tony Adams (pictured above), who had failed to catch on with the NFL Chargers the previous year, had proven veteran WR Dave Williams to throw to and Brown was joined on the offensive line by 13-year veteran OT Joe Carollo. After losing a close contest to Birmingham in their opening game, the Sun had won a shootout over The Hawaiians.

Jacksonville hired an ex-high school coach, Bud Asher, to direct the club but had plenty of players with NFL experience. QB Kay Stephenson was a backup with the Chargers and Bills. RB Tommy Durrance, a local college star out of Florida, led the running attack. The defensive line was anchored by seasoned veterans in DE Ike Lassiter and DT Bob Taterak. The club had won its opening nationally-televised game against the New York Stars but lost on a last-second field goal to the Chicago Fire the next week.

There was a big crowd of 46,780 in attendance at the Gator Bowl for the Wednesday night contest (although the number that had actually paid to attend was reportedly at least 15,000 less). Southern California had difficulty mounting an offensive threat in the first half as Tony Adams faced significant pressure from Jacksonville’s tough defensive line, tossing two interceptions, and McAlister and Johnson were held to just two rushing yards. Additionally, punter Steve Schroder bobbled two snaps and WR Terry Lindsey fumbled a punt return. The explosion and fire on a cargo ship on the nearby St. John’s River created far more excitement than the visiting team’s offense.

The Sharks used four Grant Guthrie field goals to take a 12-0 lead – the first, from 23 yards, provided the only points in the first quarter and the other three came from 29, 27, and 42 yards. Still, after dominating the first half, the home team had yet to penetrate the end zone and the visitors were still within striking distance.

Tony Adams and the Sun offense came alive in the third quarter and drives of 44 and 62 yards put them ahead by 15-12. The first ended with Adams throwing to Dave Williams for a 20-yard TD, but the action point attempt, a running play, failed (in the WFL, touchdowns counted for seven points and were followed by an action point, which could not be kicked). The second came on a one-yard run by RB Ralph Nelson and Adams threw to James McAlister to add the action point.

An eight-play, 68-yard series put the Sharks back in front on the first play of the fourth quarter. Kay Stephenson threw to WR Tony Lomax for a 16-yard touchdown. The pass for the action point was unsuccessful but the home team was ahead by 19-15.

Twice the Sharks stopped Southern California drives in the final period and, buoyed by the enthusiastic crowd, appeared to be in command. With 2 ½ minutes remaining, the Sun got the ball back and mounted a drive from their own 20. Short passes to McAlister and Williams moved the ball to midfield. On a fourth-and-six play Adams completed a pass to Kermit Johnson to the Jacksonville 40 for a first down but with only seven seconds left on the clock.

Following a timeout, and with the crowd in a frenzy, Adams threw deep into the end zone from 40 yards out and Williams made a leaping catch for a touchdown. Williams, a seven-year NFL veteran, made use of his four-inch height advantage to out-leap 5’10” Jacksonville CB Jerry Davis. The action point attempt failed, but it didn’t matter as the Sun came away with a stunning 22-19 win.

The Sharks outgained the Sun (271 yards to 258) although the visitors had the edge in first downs (17 to 16). However, Jacksonville also turned the ball over three times, to two by the Sun.

Despite a rough start, Tony Adams completed 18 of 31 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns as well as two interceptions. Kermit Johnson rushed for 88 yards on 15 carries while James McAlister, who ran for 18 yards on 6 attempts, led the club with 9 pass receptions for 74 yards. Dave Williams (pictured below) had 5 catches for 99 yards and the two TDs.



For the Sharks, Kay Stephenson was successful on 12 of 21 throws for 127 yards and a touchdown with one picked off. Tommy Durrance ran for 73 yards on 22 carries and RB Ricky Lake added another 60 yards on 9 attempts. WR Drew Buie topped the team’s receivers with four receptions for 51 yards.

“We just threw up a prayer and hoped someone would answer,” said Dave Williams of the climactic touchdown play.

It was the second straight game in which the Sharks had lost on the last play of the game and Coach Asher could only shake his head afterward and say “I can’t tell you how much this hurts – losing two in a row like that.” They lost again the next week and then scandal would hit the team – and the whole league – when it was revealed that robust attendance figures were inflated by the handing out of free tickets. Asher lasted six weeks before being fired and the financially troubled club failed to last the full season, ending up with a 4-10 record.

The Sun also had financial problems but completed the schedule, topping the Western Division with a 13-7 tally and reaching the playoffs. They lost dismally to The Hawaiians in the first round, however, after the star rookies McAlister, Johnson, and Brown chose to sit out the contest due to a missed payroll.

Tony Adams ended up being one of the WFL’s three Co-MVPs as he led the league in passing yards (3905). Dave Williams caught 59 passes for a team-leading 979 yards (16.6 avg.) and 11 TDs. 

Grant Guthrie went to the Birmingham Americans, who won the league title, after the Sharks folded and received All-League honors from both the WFL and The Sporting News. A veteran of two NFL seasons with the Buffalo Bills, his 18 field goals topped the WFL. 

July 23, 2013

MVP Profile: Daryle Lamonica, 1969

Quarterback, Oakland Raiders



Age:  28
7th season in pro football, 3rd with Raiders
College: Notre Dame
Height: 6’3”   Weight: 215

Prelude:
A 24th round draft pick of the Bills (12th round by Green Bay in the NFL draft), Lamonica backed up Jack Kemp in Buffalo for his first four seasons. Often used in relief of Kemp, he was effective but became restless in the backup role and was traded to Oakland for the 1967 season. He was also mobile and led AFL quarterbacks with 289 rushing yards in 1964. Given the opportunity to start, and with a strong arm and affinity for going deep, he proved to be an excellent fit in Oakland’s vertical passing game. Lamonica passed for 3228 yards and 30 touchdowns as he received AFL Player of the Year recognition for the first time and the Raiders won the league title. “The Mad Bomber” followed up in 1968 by passing for 3245 yards and 25 TD passes, and won a memorable duel against Joe Namath and the Jets in the so-called “Heidi Game”. The team went 12-2 and advanced to the AFL title game but lost in the rematch with New York.

1967 Season Summary
Appeared and started in all 14 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing
Attempts – 426 [1]
Most attempts, game – 44 at Cincinnati 11/2
Completions – 221 [1]
Most completions, game – 23 vs. Miami 9/20
Yards – 3302 [1]
Most yards, game – 333 at NY Jets 11/30
Completion percentage – 51.9 [2]
Yards per attempt – 7.8 [2]
TD passes – 34 [1]
Most TD passes, game – 6 vs. Buffalo 10/19
Interceptions – 25 [1]
Most interceptions, game – 5 at Cincinnati 11/2
Passer rating – 79.8 [2]
300-yard passing games – 2
200-yard passing games – 10

Rushing
Attempts – 13
Most attempts, game - 3 (for 6 yds.) at NY Jets 11/30
Yards – 36
Most yards, game – 12 yards (on 1 carry) vs. Buffalo 10/19
Yards per attempt – 2.8
TDs – 1

Scoring
TDs – 1
Points – 6

Postseason: 2 G
Pass attempts – 56
Most attempts, game - 39 vs. Kansas City, AFL Championship
Pass completions – 28
Most completions, game - 15 vs. Kansas City, AFL Championship
Passing yardage – 443
Most yards, game - 276 vs. Houston, AFL Divisional playoff
TD passes – 6
Most TD passes, game - 6 vs. Houston, AFL Divisional playoff
Interceptions – 4
Most interceptions, game - 3 vs. Kansas City, AFL Championship

Awards & Honors:
AFL Player of the Year: UPI, Sporting News
1st team All-AFL: AP, PFWA, UPI, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News
2nd team All-AFL: Hall of Fame, NEA, NY Daily News
AFL All-Star Game

Raiders went 12-1-1 to finish first in the AFL Western Division while leading the league in total yards (5036), passing yards (3271), scoring (377 points), and touchdowns (45). Won AFL Divisional playoff over Houston Oilers (56-7). Lost AFL Championship to Kansas City Chiefs (17-7).

Aftermath:
With the AFL/NFL merger in 1970, Lamonica was selected to the Pro Bowl but his numbers were in decline and injuries were becoming a factor. Following one more Pro Bowl selection in ’72, he lost his starting job to Ken Stabler in 1973 and, after throwing just 9 passes in ’74, played out his option and signed with the Southern California Sun of the WFL. A preseason injury knocked him out of action and he backed up rookie Pat Haden, completing just 9 of 19 passes for 90 yards with a TD and three interceptions before the league folded and his career came to an end. Overall, in the AFL and NFL he passed for 19,154 yards with 164 TDs and 138 interceptions and had a 66-16-6 regular season record as a starting quarterback (4-5 in the postseason).

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself).

July 21, 2013

Rookie of the Year: Barry Sanders, 1989

Running Back, Detroit Lions



Age: 21
College: Oklahoma State
Height: 5’8”   Weight: 203

Prelude:
Following a sensational Heisman-winning season as a junior in which he rushed for 2628 yards and scored 39 touchdowns, Sanders chose to forego his last year of eligibility and turn pro. He was taken by the Lions in the first round of the 1989 NFL draft (third overall) and while a contract holdout lasted through the preseason, he quickly established himself as a key component in the offense.

1989 Season Summary
Appeared in 15 of 16 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing
Attempts – 280 [7]
Most attempts, game - 30 (for 184 yds.) at Green Bay 10/29
Yards – 1470 [2, 1st in NFC]
Most yards, game – 184 yards (on 30 carries) at Green Bay 10/29
Average gain – 5.3 [4]
TDs – 14 [2, tied with Ottis Anderson]
100-yard rushing games – 7

Pass Receiving
Receptions – 24      
Most receptions, game – 6 (for 96 yds.) at NY Giants 9/17
Yards – 282
Most yards, game - 96 (on 6 catches) at NY Giants 9/17
Average gain – 11.8
TDs – 0

Kickoff Returns
Returns – 5
Yards – 118
Average per return – 23.6
TDs – 0
Longest return – 43 yards

All-purpose yards – 1870 [2, 1st in NFC]

Scoring
TDs – 14 [5, tied with Ottis Anderson]
Points – 84

Awards & Honors:
NFL Rookie of the Year: NEA, Sporting News
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA
NFC Rookie of the Year: UPI
1st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News
2nd team All-NFL: NEA
1st team All-NFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly
Pro Bowl

Lions went 7-9 to finish third in the NFC Central while leading the NFL in yards per rushing attempt (4.9) and rushing touchdowns (23).

Aftermath:
Sanders followed up with a league-leading 1304 yards in 1990 and again was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl participant. He rushed for 1548 yards in 1991, garnering MVP recognition for the first time, and maintained his excellence over a career of ten years before abruptly retiring after the 1998 season. Sanders led the league in ground-gaining four times, including a 2053-yard total in ’97, and never failed to gain a thousand yards – his lowest total was 1115 in 1993, when he missed five games due to injury, his only extended loss of playing time. He made up for lack of size with outstanding elusiveness and running instincts. Sanders was selected for the Pro Bowl following all ten seasons, was a consensus first-team All-Pro six times, and with his exciting, often-improvisational running style was a highlight film regular. He retired with 15,269 rushing yards and scored a total of 109 touchdowns. Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2004.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL (including NFC/AFC), AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

[Updated 11/29/14]

July 19, 2013

MVP Profile: Dan Fouts, 1979

Quarterback, San Diego Chargers



Age:  28
7th season in pro football & with Chargers
College: Oregon
Height: 6’3”   Weight: 210

Prelude:
A third-round draft choice by the Chargers in 1973, Fouts gradually took over the starting job as a rookie while an over-the-hill Johnny Unitas faded from the scene in his last season. He struggled for the next two years but benefited from the presence of Bill Walsh as offensive coordinator in 1976. Fouts missed the first 10 games in ’77 due to a lawsuit against the NFL. Head Coach Tommy Prothro was replaced by the pass-oriented Don Coryell during the 1978 season, and the sturdy drop-back passer’s career benefited greatly. He led the NFL in yards per attempt in ’78 (7.9).  

1979 Season Summary
Appeared and started in all 16 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing
Attempts – 530 [4]
Most attempts, game – 45 at Denver 10/7
Completions – 332 [2]
Most completions, game – 28 vs. Seattle 10/14, at Kansas City 11/4, vs. Atlanta 12/2
Yards – 4082 [1]
Most yards, game – 350 vs. Kansas City 11/25
Completion percentage – 62.6 [1]
Yards per attempt – 7.7 [6]
TD passes – 24 [6]
Most TD passes, game – 3 vs. Oakland 9/9, vs. Seattle 10/14, vs. Kansas City 11/25
Interceptions – 24 [3, tied with Doug Williams & Tommy Kramer]
Most interceptions, game – 4 at Cincinnati 11/11
Passer rating – 82.6 [3, 1st in AFC]
300-yard passing games – 6
200-yard passing games – 14

Rushing
Attempts – 26
Most attempts, game - 5 (for 42 yds.) vs. Atlanta 12/2, (for 7 yds.) vs. Denver 12/17
Yards – 49
Most yards, game – 42 yards (on 5 carries) vs. Atlanta 12/2
Yards per attempt – 1.9
TDs – 2

Scoring
TDs – 2
Points – 12

Postseason: 1 G (AFC Divisional playoff vs. Houston Oilers)
Pass attempts – 47
Pass completions – 25
Passing yardage – 333
TD passes – 0
Interceptions – 5

Awards & Honors:
AFC Player of the Year: Sporting News
1st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly
1st team All-AFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News
Pro Bowl

Chargers went 12-4 to finish first in the AFC West with the top record in the conference while leading the NFL in passing yards (3915) and tying with Pittsburgh for touchdowns (52). Lost AFC Divisional playoff to Houston Oilers (17-14).

Aftermath:
With an outstanding group of receivers to throw to in the Air Coryell passing game, Fouts broke his passing yardage record of 1979 in each of the next two seasons (4715 in 1980, 4802 in ’81) while leading the NFL in attempts and completions each year and in TD passes in 1981 (33). He was a Pro Bowl selection again following each season, although the team consistently came up short in the playoffs. In the strike-shortened ’82 season Fouts led the NFL in passing yards (2883), TD passes (17), and yards per attempt (8.7) and received MVP honors from the PFWA and NEA as well as Offensive Player of the Year recognition from AP. Playing in just 10 games in 1983, Fouts again achieved Pro Bowl recognition. While he never again passed for 4000 yards in the remaining five years of his career, he did throw for over 3000 three more times, led the league in yards per attempt (8.5) and TD percentage (6.3) in 1985, and was twice more selected to the Pro Bowl (for a total of six). At the time of his retirement, he ranked second all-time in NFL career pass attempts (5604), completions (3297), and yards (43,040) and had a passer rating of 80.2. The Chargers retired his #14 and Fouts was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1993.

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). 

[Updated 11/29/14]

July 17, 2013

1983: Panthers Edge Stars for First USFL Championship


The inaugural season of the United States Football League culminated in the Spring league’s first Championship game on July 17, 1983 at Denver’s Mile High Stadium. Participants were the Michigan Panthers, winners of the Central Division title at 12-6, and the Philadelphia Stars, who finished atop the Atlantic Division with a league-best 15-3 record.

Head Coach Jim Stanley’s Panthers had started off slowly at 1-4 before catching fire. Rookie QB Bobby Hebert (pictured above) developed rapidly into a star and ended up topping the league’s passers. Heralded first-year WR Anthony Carter got off to a slow start but, along with WR Derek Holloway, added an explosive element to the offense as the season progressed. Ken Lacy and John Williams were steady running backs. All were helped by improved line play as the club signed veteran guards Tyrone McGriff and Thom Dornbrook plus OT Ray Pinney. The defense was keyed by LB John Corker, who led the USFL with 28 sacks and the team with 116.5 tackles. NT Dave Tipton was a standout on the line and another heralded rookie, SS David Greenwood, led a fine backfield.

The Stars, coached by Jim Mora, were a less explosive club than the Panthers but had been steady all year. QB Chuck Fusina directed a ball-control offense that featured rookie RB Kelvin Bryant. The defense was rugged and opportunistic, having given up a league-lowest 11.3 points per game during the course of the season while compiling a +35 turnover ratio, also the USFL’s best. It included undersized but highly effective LB Sam Mills, who led a solid unit, and another All-League player in SS Scott Woerner.

The Panthers had easily won their Semifinal playoff game over the Oakland Invaders while the Stars had to stage a dramatic late comeback to defeat the Chicago Blitz in overtime to reach the Championship contest.

The game was played before a crowd of 50,906 in 80-degree heat. The low-scoring first half was filled with mistakes by both teams. Late in the first quarter, Bobby Hebert ran 20 yards for a first down in a third-and-15 situation to spark a drive that ended in the game’s first score, a 33-yard field goal by Novo Bojovic.

The Stars evened the score with a 30-yard David Trout field goal that ended a 13-play, 64-yard drive midway through the second quarter. Late in the first half, the Panthers put together an 80-yard scoring drive. In a third-and-20 situation at the Michigan 10, Hebert threw to Anthony Carter for a 27-yard gain. Ken Lacy ran the ball twice for 11 yards and then Hebert connected with Carter for 12 yards to the Philadelphia 40. A pass interference call on CB Jonathan Sutton moved the Panthers to the 25 and once again the Cajun quarterback found Carter at the sideline for a 13-yard gain. Forced out of the pocket on the next play, Hebert threw across to field for Derek Holloway, who scored a 12-yard touchdown. Although Michigan had outgained the Stars by 251 yards to 69, the score was only 10-3 in favor of the Panthers.

Following the second half kickoff, the Panthers put together an 80-yard drive in 15 plays that consumed over seven minutes, converting five third downs along the way. The key play was Hebert’s throw to Lacy that picked up 28 yards to the Philadelphia 31. Holloway scored a second TD, this on a 14-yard pass play, and with the successful extra point Michigan was up by 17-3.

The Stars had a chance to put some points on the board later in the period. Kelvin Bryant ran for a 22-yard gain after seemingly being bottled up in his own backfield. Chuck Fusina threw to WR Scott Fitzkee for gains of 20 and 17 yards. However, the drive stalled and, following an incomplete pass by Fusina on a third-and-four play, David Trout missed on a 34-yard field goal attempt.

Philadelphia finally scored again on its next possession, although the Stars had to settle for a 28-yard Trout field goal after having a first down at the Michigan eight. The big play of the series was an option pass by RB Allen Harvin to WR Rodney Parker that picked up 44 yards. Bryant again had big runs along the way. However, John Corker sacked Fusina for a crucial six-yard loss that set up the field goal.

The Stars got a big break when FS Mike Lush intercepted a Hebert pass and, after lateraling to Scott Woerner, Philadelphia had the ball at its own 41. Utilizing an efficient short passing game, the Stars moved down the field. Fusina threw to Harvin for eight yards, ran two yards for another first down, and then passed to Fitzkee for ten. A defensive holding penalty gave Philadelphia another first down. In a fourth-and-four situation, Fusina threw to WR Willie Collier for a first down at the Michigan 24. Two plays later, Fusina connected with Collier again, who made a diving catch in the end zone for a TD. The Stars went for a two-point conversion and Fusina, rolling to his right, hit Collier once more to make it a three-point game at 17-14.

There was still plenty of time, with 8:49 left on the clock. The Panthers got a first down on their next possession but moved no further and punted. However, David Greenwood’s wobbly kick bounced past Woerner and the Stars were pinned back at their five yard line. They couldn’t move either and Sean Landeta boomed a 52-yard punt that Carter fumbled but recovered.

Again the Panthers got a first down, to the Philadelphia 48. Ken Lacy was injured on a play that gained no yardage and, after the running back was helped off the field, the Stars called a timeout to try and conserve more time. On the ensuing second-and-10 play, the Stars blitzed but Hebert got the pass off to Carter, who had beaten CB Antonio Gibson and cruised into the end zone for what proved to be the game-clinching touchdown (pictured below). There were just over three minutes remaining in the game.



The Stars fought back but ran out of time. They scored a TD on the last play of the game, on a two-yard pass from Fusina to Parker, with fans already beginning to swarm the field. Michigan came away the winner by a final score of 24-22.

The Panthers, who dominated on offense for most of the contest, outgained Philadelphia (447 yards to 324) and had the edge in first downs (25 to 24). However, Michigan suffered the only two turnovers of the game. Each team recorded four sacks.

Bobby Hebert, the game’s MVP, completed 20 of 39 passes for 314 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Anthony Carter had a big day, catching 9 passes for 179 yards and the game-clinching TD, but also dropped three passes and mishandled two punts. Derek Holloway had three catches for 39 yards, two of which were good for scores. RB Cleo Miller led the club with 80 rushing yards on 12 carries and Ken Lacy, who left the game with an injury, gained 56 yards on 15 attempts.

For the Stars, Kelvin Bryant was, as usual, the key producer on offense with 89 yards on 13 carries and four pass receptions for another 15 yards. Chuck Fusina was successful on 25 of 47 throws for 192 yards and two TDs with none intercepted. Scott Fitzkee and WR Tom Donovan each caught 5 passes, for 58 and 36 yards, respectively.

“This is the greatest feeling I’ve ever had,” said a happy Bobby Hebert. “To be so young and able to accomplish this is something I can’t put into words. I just hope I can continue to live up to everyone’s expectations.”

“I’ll tell you this, I could fly to Detroit without a plane tonight,” said an elated Coach Jim Stanley. “That’s how high off the ground I feel right now.”

Michigan came back strong in 1984, winning its first six games before injuries, most notably to Anthony Carter and David Greenwood, caused the team to sputter the rest of the way. The Panthers made it to the playoffs as a Wild Card team but lost in an epic overtime game at Los Angeles in the first round. The Stars, playing like a team on a mission, were again dominant during the regular season and once more advanced to the league title game, which they won in less dramatic fashion over the Arizona Wranglers.

July 16, 2013

Rookie of the Year: Marcus Allen, 1982

Running Back, Los Angeles Raiders



Age: 22
College: Southern California
Height: 6’2”   Weight: 205

Prelude:
Allen was used primarily as a blocking fullback in his first two college seasons, but became the starting tailback as a junior with spectacular results. He won the 1981 Heisman Trophy, capping a season in which he rushed for 2427 yards and 22 touchdowns, and was chosen by the Raiders in the first round of the ’82 draft (10th overall).

1982 Season Summary
Appeared and started in all 9 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing
Attempts – 160 [6]
Most attempts, game - 25 (for 93 yds.) vs. LA Rams 12/18
Yards – 697 [4]
Most yards, game – 156 yards (on 24 carries) vs. Seattle 12/5
Average gain – 4.4 [7, tied with George Rogers]
TDs – 11 [1]
100-yard rushing games - 3

Pass Receiving
Receptions – 38 [12, tied with Wendell Tyler]
Most receptions, game – 8 (for 61 yds.) vs. LA Rams 12/18
Yards – 401
Most yards, game - 91 (on 5 catches) vs. Denver 12/26
Average gain – 10.6
TDs - 3

Passing
Pass attempts – 4
Pass completions – 1
Passing yardage – 47
TD passes – 0
Interceptions – 0

All-Purpose yards – 1098 [2]

Scoring
TDs – 14 [1]
Points – 84 [1]

Postseason: 2 G
Rushing attempts – 32
Most rushing attempts, game - 17 vs. Cleveland, AFC First Round playoff
Rushing yards – 108
Most rushing yards, game - 72 vs. Cleveland, AFC First Round playoff
Average gain rushing – 3.4
Rushing TDs – 3

Pass receptions – 12
Most pass receptions, game - 6 vs. Cleveland, AFC First Round playoff, vs. NY Jets, AFC Second Round playoff
Pass receiving yards - 112
Most pass receiving yards, game - 75 vs. Cleveland, AFC First Round playoff
Average yards per reception – 9.3
Pass Receiving TDs - 0

Awards & Honors:
NFL Rookie of the Year: NEA, Sporting News
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA
AFC Rookie of the Year: UPI
1st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly
1st team All-AFC: UPI
Pro Bowl

Raiders went 8-1 in strike-shortened season and were first seed in the AFC playoff tournament that replaced the usual postseason format. Won First Round playoff over Cleveland Browns (27-10). Lost Second Round playoff to New York Jets (17-14).

Aftermath:
Allen gained over a thousand yards rushing in each of the next three seasons, with a high of 1759 yards in 1985, which led the league along with his 2314 yards from scrimmage. He also was the MVP of the Super Bowl following the ’83 season, after rushing for 191 yards, and led the NFL with 18 touchdowns in 1984. Allen was a proficient receiver out of the backfield, catching a total of 237 passes in his first four seasons. He played for 16 years in the NFL, and went to the Pro Bowl six times, but after 1985 never again ran for a thousand yards or caught more than 51 passes. Bothered by injuries (and involved in disputes with owner Al Davis), Allen shared time with other running backs during the remainder of his career with the Raiders, most notably Bo Jackson. Signing with the Chiefs as a free agent in 1993 reinvigorated his career at age 33, and he led the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns. Allen retired in 1997 with 123 career touchdowns, as well as 12,243 rushing yards and 587 pass receptions for another 5412 yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2003.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

July 13, 2013

MVP Profile: Joe Montana, 1990

Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers



Age:  34
12th season in pro football & with 49ers
College: Notre Dame
Height: 6’2”   Weight: 195

Prelude:
Lightly regarded coming out of college for his slight build and seemingly weak arm, Montana was taken by the 49ers in the third round of the 1979 NFL draft. After seeing scant action as a rookie backing up Steve DeBerg, he moved into the starting lineup during the ’80 season and led the league in completion percentage (64.5). An excellent fit in Head Coach Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense, Montana broke out in 1981, passing for 3565 yards and 19 TDs and again placing at the top in completion percentage (63.7) as he achieved selection to the Pro Bowl. The team also prospered, going 13-3 and winning the Super Bowl. While the 49ers slumped in the strike-shortened ’82 season, Montana led the NFL in pass attempts (346) and TD passes (17). He had three straight Pro Bowl years from 1983 to ’85 and the 49ers went 33-13 during his starts (4-2 in the postseason) and won another NFL title in 1984. It seemed as though his career might come to an end when he had back surgery in 1986, but Montana only missed half the season and achieved consensus first-team All-Pro status as well as a return to the Pro Bowl in ’87, when he passed for a career-high 31 touchdowns. However, the 49ers were upset in the playoffs and he faced a challenge from younger backup Steve Young. Montana came back strong in a 1988 season that ended with a game-winning drive in the Super Bowl. He followed up in 1989 by leading the league in passing with a then-record 112.4 rating as the 49ers repeated as champions and he gained consensus MVP honors.

1990 Season Summary
Appeared and started in 15 of 16 games
[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing
Attempts – 520 [4]
Most attempts, game – 49 at Atlanta 10/14
Completions – 321 [2]
Most completions, game – 32 at Atlanta 10/14
Yards – 3944 [3]
Most yards, game – 476 at Atlanta 10/14
Completion percentage – 61.7 [3, 1st in NFC]
Yards per attempt – 7.6 [6]
TD passes – 26 [3]
Most TD passes, game – 6 at Atlanta 10/14
Interceptions – 16 [7, tied with Rich Gannon & Billy Joe Tolliver]
Most interceptions, game – 3 vs. LA Rams 11/25  
Passer rating – 89.0 [7]
400-yard passing games – 2
300-yard passing games – 5
200-yard passing games – 10

Rushing
Attempts – 40
Most attempts, game - 6 (for 13 yds.) at Green Bay 11/4
Yards – 162
Most yards, game – 32 yards (on 5 carries) vs. Cleveland 10/28
Yards per attempt – 4.1
TDs – 1

Scoring
TDs – 1
Points - 6

Postseason: 2 G
Pass attempts – 57
Most attempts, game - 31 vs. Washington, NFC Divisional playoff
Pass completions – 40
Most completions, game - 22 vs. Washington, NFC Divisional playoff
Passing yardage – 464
Most yards, game - 274 vs. Washington, NFC Divisional playoff
TD passes – 3
Most TD passes, game - 2 vs. Washington, NFC Divisional playoff
Interceptions – 1
Most interceptions, game – 1 vs. Washington, NFC Divisional playoff

Rushing attempts – 3
Most rushing attempts, game - 2 vs. NY Giants, NFC Championship
Rushing yards – 10
Most rushing yards, game - 9 vs. NY Giants, NFC Championship
Average gain rushing – 3.3
Rushing TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:
NFL MVP: AP
1st team All-NFL: AP, NEA
2nd team All-NFC: UPI
Pro Bowl

49ers went 14-2 to finish first in the NFC West and gain the top playoff seed in the conference while leading the NFC in passing yards (4177). Won NFC Divisional playoff over Washington Redskins (28-10). Lost NFC Championship to New York Giants (15-13).

Aftermath:
An injury suffered in the NFC Championship game loss to the Giants caused Montana to miss all of 1991 and virtually all of ’92 (he appeared in one game) and the team committed to Young as the starting quarterback. Montana moved on to Kansas City, where he had two productive seasons and was chosen for one last Pro Bowl (his 8th) in 1993. He retired following the ’94 season with the second-highest passer rating in NFL history (92.3) as he threw for 40,551 yards and 273 TDs as well as compiling a record of 117-47 as a starting QB (16-7 in the playoffs). Known for his coolness under pressure and admired for his class, Montana’s #16 was retired by the 49ers and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2000.

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). 

[Updated 11/29/14]