Highlighted Year: Joey Galloway, 1997

Wide Receiver, Seattle Seahawks

Age: 26 (Nov. 20)

3^rd season in pro football & with Seahawks

College: Ohio State

Height: 5’11” Weight: 188

Prelude:

Galloway caught 108 passes for 1894 yards (17.5 avg.) and 19 touchdowns in college. He was chosen by the Seahawks in the first round of the 1995 NFL draft (eighth overall), who were looking to add speed at wide receiver, and moved directly into the starting lineup. Galloway caught 67 passes for 1039 yards (15.5 avg.) and seven TDs as a rookie and also returned 36 punts for a 10.0 average with one touchdown. He followed up with 57 receptions for 987 yards (17.3 avg.) and seven more TDs in 1996.

1997 Season Summary

Appeared in 15 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 72 [15, tied with Andre Rison & Shannon Sharpe]     

Most receptions, game – 8 (for 75 yds.) at St. Louis 10/19, (for 98 yds.) at Denver 11/2

Yards – 1049 [16]

Most yards, game – 117 (on 7 catches) vs. Oakland 10/26

Average gain – 14.6

TDs – 12 [2, tied with James Jett, Rod Smith & Antonio Freeman, 1^st in AFC]

100-yard receiving games – 3

Rushing

Attempts – 9

Yards – 72

Yards per attempt – 8.0

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 12 [5, tied with four others]

Points – 72

Seahawks went 8-8 to finish third in the AFC West while leading the NFL in passing yards (3959).

Aftermath:

Galloway had another strong year in 1998, catching 65 passes for 1047 yards (16.1 avg.) and 10 touchdowns, but a long contract holdout in ’99 cost him half the season, as well as good will with the organization, and he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2000. A knee injury suffered in the first week cost him the remainder of the season and he had a mediocre year in 2001, averaging a then-career-low 13.4 yards on 52 catches. He bounced back in ’02 with 61 receptions for 908 yards (14.9 avg.) and six TDs and led the NFL by averaging 19.8 yards, although on just 34 catches, in 2003. Traded to Tampa Bay for WR Keyshawn Johnson in ’04, Galloway spent the next five seasons with the Buccaneers and, following an injury-plagued year in which he was limited to ten games, he achieved career highs with 83 receptions for 1287 yards in 2005. It was the first of three straight thousand-yard receiving seasons in his mid-thirties. A foot injury hindered his performance in 2008 and he was released, finishing up with brief stints with New England and Washington in 2009 and ’10. Overall, Galloway caught 701 passes for 10,950 yards (15.6 avg.) and 77 touchdowns, with 283 of those catches for 4457 yards and 37 TDs coming with the Seahawks. He also returned 141 punts for a 9.6-yard average and five TDs.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

Highlighted Year: Jim Cason, 1949

Halfback, San Francisco 49ers

Age: 22

2^nd season in pro football & with 49ers

College: LSU

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 168

Prelude:

Cason was part of the LSU team that went 9-1-1 in 1946 and appeared in the Cotton Bowl, and was chosen by the 49ers in the third round of the 1948 AAFC draft (he was also picked by the Chicago Cardinals in the seventh round of the corresponding NFL draft). He gained 245 yards from scrimmage and scored three touchdowns as a rookie on offense, averaged 14.0 yards on 22 punt returns and 21.2 yards returning kickoffs, and intercepted five passes on defense.

1949 Season Summary

Appeared in all 12 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions

Interceptions – 9 [1]

Int. return yards – 152 [1]

Int. TDs – 0

Rushing

Attempts – 21

Yards – 70

Yards per attempt – 3.3

TDs – 1

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 5

Yards – 38

Yards per catch – 7.6

TDs – 0

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 11 [8, tied with Buddy Young]

Yards – 247 [9]

Average per return – 22.5

TDs – 0

Punt Returns

Returns – 21 [2]

Yards – 351 [1]

Average per return – 16.7 [3]

TDs – 0

Passing

Attempts – 2

Completions – 1

Yards – 38

TD passes – 1

Interceptions – 0

Scoring

TDs – 1

Points – 6

Postseason: 2 G

Pass receptions – 1

Pass receiving yards – 30

Pass receiving TDs – 0

Interceptions – 2

Int. return yards – 21

TDs – 0

Kickoff returns – 1

Kickoff ret. yards – 23

Kickoff ret. TDs – 0

Punt returns – 8

Punt ret. yards – 108

Average per return – 13.5

Punt ret. TDs – 0

Longest return – 10 yards

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL/AAFC: INS

49ers went 9-3 to finish second in the AAFC while leading the league in interceptions (32) and fewest yards allowed (3313). Won AAFC First Round playoff over New York Yankees (17-7). Lost AAFC Championship to Cleveland Browns (21-7).

Aftermath:

Cason moved on to the NFL with the 49ers in 1950 and was chosen to the Pro Bowl in ’51 after intercepting eight passes, one of which he returned for a TD. The versatile halfback also caught 30 passes for 374 yards in 1950. Cason spent the 1953 season in Canada with Saskatchewan but returned to the 49ers in ’54 and was chosen to another Pro Bowl. He was traded to the Rams in 1955 and spent his last two seasons with them, playing defensive halfback and intercepting nine passes. Over the course of eight years with the 49ers and Rams, he accumulated 34 interceptions, two of which he returned for TDs, with 25 occurring with San Francisco, 14 while in the AAFC. Cason also rushed for 351 yards and four TDs, caught 40 passes for 519 yards and another four scores, returned 67 punts for a 14.1-yard average and 33 kickoffs for an average of 21.3 yards. He was chosen to two Pro Bowls. Cason was an assistant coach for the Denver Broncos in their inaugural 1960 season.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

Highlighted Year: John Carney, 1994

Placekicker, San Diego Chargers

Age: 30

7^th season in pro football, 4^th complete with Chargers

College: Notre Dame

Height: 5’11” Weight: 170

Prelude:

Carney kicked 51 field goals in college and set a Notre Dame season record with his 89.5 percentage in 1984 (17 of 19). He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1987 but failed to make the team and sat out the year. Carney finished out the last four games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1988, substituting for the injured Donald Igwebuike, and started the year in ’89, playing in a total of five games and making good on two of five field goal attempts and all six of his PAT attempts. After failing to make the Chargers during the 1990 preseason, he appeared in one game with the Rams and was then re-signed by San Diego, succeeding on 19 of 21 field goal attempts. Following a lesser year in ’91, Carney bounced back to have two strong seasons, including hitting on 31 of 40 field goal tries in 1993, with two games in which he kicked six field goals in as many attempts.

1994 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Kicking

Field goals – 34 [1, tied with Fuad Reveiz]

Most field goals, game – 5 at New Orleans 10/16, vs. Denver 10/23

Field goal attempts – 38 [3]

Most field goal attempts, game – 5 at New Orleans 10/16, vs. Denver 10/23

Field goal percentage – 89.5 [2]

PATs – 33 [9, tied with Ed Murray]

PAT attempts – 33 [9, tied with Ed Murray]

Longest field goal – 50 yards at Atlanta 11/6, vs. San Francisco 12/11

Scoring

Field Goals – 34

PATs – 33

Points – 135 [1]

Postseason: 3 G

Field goals – 4

Most field goals, game – 2 vs. Miami, AFC Divisional playoff

Field goal attempts – 4

Most field goal attempts, game – 2 vs. Miami, AFC Divisional playoff

PATs – 5

Most PATs, game – 2 vs. Miami, AFC Divisional playoff; at Pittsburgh, AFC Championship

PAT attempts – 5

Longest field goal – 31 yards vs. San Francisco, Super Bowl

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: AP, Sporting News

1^st team All-AFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Chargers went 11-5 to finish first in the AFC West. Won AFC Divisional playoff over Miami Dolphins (22-21) & AFC Championship over Pittsburgh Steelers (17-13). Lost Super Bowl to San Francisco 49ers (49-26).   

Aftermath:

Carney spent another six years with the Chargers and departed following the 2000 season as the club’s all-time leader in field goals (261) and scoring (1076 points). While not strong on kickoffs, and with concerns about his range, he joined the New Orleans Saints in 2001 and stayed for six years, providing reliability if not long distance. Carney split time with the Jaguars and Chiefs in 2007 before moving on to the New York Giants in ’08, where he had an excellent season, making good on 35 of 38 field goal attempts and gaining selection to the Pro Bowl at age 44. However, his contract was not renewed and he spent parts of the 2009 and ’10 seasons back with the Saints, finishing his 23-year career at 46 years old. Overall, Carney kicked 478 field goals in 580 attempts (82.4 %) and added 628 extra points (with 10 misses) for a total of 2062 points The field goal and point totals ranked third all-time in NFL history. He received first-team All-NFL recognition once, second-team honors twice, and was chosen to two Pro Bowls. Carney was named to the Chargers’ 50^th anniversary all-time team.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

1976: Boryla Unlikely Star as NFC Rallies to Win Pro Bowl

There were 32,108 fans in attendance at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans for the Pro Bowl on January 26, 1976, a Monday night. The coaches were Chuck Knox of the Rams for the NFC and Oakland’s John Madden for the AFC. The league had to dig deep to find a second quarterback for the NFC behind Jim Hart of the Cardinals. Philadelphia’s Mike Boryla (pictured at right) made the roster because Minnesota QB Fran Tarkenton, who was originally selected, had to drop out due to a sore arm and QB Roger Staubach of the Cowboys, chosen in his place, was forced to skip the game due to injured ribs suffered during the preceding week’s Super Bowl loss to Pittsburgh. Archie Manning of the Saints, Atlanta’s Steve Bartkowski, and James Harris of the Rams all backed out, leaving Boryla as the next available substitute. In his second season, he had been underwhelming, completing 87 of 166 passes (52.4 %) for 996 yards with twice as many interceptions (12) as TD passes (6) and started just five games in competition with the veteran Roman Gabriel.

The first quarter was scoreless as both teams missed field goals. Kansas City’s Jan Stenerud was wide to the right on a 46-yard try following the AFC’s first possession and Jim Bakken of the Cardinals was short on a 50-yard attempt that concluded a long series by the NFC in which his St. Louis teammate, Jim Hart, completed two 17-yard passes, to Minnesota WR John Gilliam and HB Terry Metcalf of the Cards.

The AFC had the ball in a series that extended into the second quarter. Pittsburgh FB Franco Harris ran effectively, with a long carry of 15 yards, and Cincinnati QB Ken Anderson threw to WR Lynn Swann of the Steelers for 11 yards to the NFC 11 on the final play of the opening period. However, a sack by LB Isiah Robertson of the Rams cost the AFC seven yards and a 35-yard field goal attempt had to be aborted when punter Ray Guy of the Raiders, the holder, couldn’t handle the snap.

The NFC punted following the next possession and WR Billy “White Shoes” Johnson of the Oilers, who initially bobbled the kick, returned it 55 yards to the NFC 33. On second down, HB Lydell Mitchell of the Colts reversed field and ran 20 yards to the 11 and, while the drive stalled at that point, Stenerud kicked a 20-yard field goal for the game’s first points.

Neither side was able to generate much offense until , with 1:31 remaining in the first half, the AFC took possession at its 45 following a punt and Houston QB Dan Pastorini threw to WR Cliff Branch of the Raiders for 32 yards on first down. After reaching the NFC 18, Stenerud kicked another field goal from 35 yards to put the AFC up by 6-0.

There was still time for the NFC and, following a short carry by FB Chuck Foreman of the Vikings on first down, Hart passed to Detroit TE Charlie Sanders for 28 yards to the AFC 43. However, Hart’s next throw was intercepted by Pittsburgh LB Jack Lambert, and on the next play Pastorini went long for his Houston teammate, WR Ken Burrough, for a 64-yard touchdown. Stenerud added the extra point and the AFC took a 13-0 lead into halftime.

The teams exchanged punts to start the third quarter, with Guy booting one that hit the replay screen that hung 90 feet above the playing field – the first player to ever do so in the Superdome. The play having been ruled dead as a result, Guy’s re-kick traveled 50 yards and the NFC proceeded to drive 62 yards in nine plays. Metcalf ran for 14 yards on first down and he and Foreman got the ball to the AFC 29 before Hart completed a short toss to Gilliam. The advance was blunted at that point and Bakken came on to score the first points for the NFC with a 42-yard field goal.

The AFC drove into NFC territory on a possession that featured Anderson running for nine yards and then tossing a lateral to Buffalo HB O.J. Simpson for another 13. But the AFC was forced to punt and the NFC responded with an 80-yard advance in 11 plays. Foreman broke away for a 26-yard gain and on a third-and-four play he caught a pass from Hart for 10 yards to the AFC 35. Three plays later Hart converted another third down with an eight-yard completion to Philadelphia TE Charle Young. Foreman lost a yard on the next play but Metcalf ran for 19 yards to set up a Hart pass to Foreman in the end zone for a four-yard TD. Bakken’s try for the extra point was blocked by DT Joe Greene of the Steelers, but the AFC lead was narrowed to 13-9.

As the game entered the fourth quarter, the AFC advanced to the NFC 31, but came up empty when Stenerud missed a 48-yard field goal attempt. But a short NFC series ended in a punt that Johnson gathered in at his ten yard line and returned 90 yards for a touchdown, setting a Pro Bowl record. Stenerud converted and the AFC had a seemingly comfortable 20-9 advantage.

On the NFC’s next play from scrimmage, HB Lawrence McCutcheon of the Rams broke away for a 41-yard gain (also a new Pro Bowl high) and, while he fumbled at the end, Los Angeles WR Harold Jackson recovered to maintain possession at the AFC 28. Runs by St. Louis FB Jim Otis and McCutcheon moved the ball to the AFC 13, but Hart threw two incomplete passes and Bakken’s 31-yard field goal attempt missed to the left.

The AFC punted after its next series and, with 5:39 remaining to play and the ball at the NFC 36, Mike Boryla came in at quarterback. After a running play and an offside penalty, Boryla connected with WR Mel Gray of the Cardinals for 25 yards. An incompletion and a three-yard McCutcheon run had the NFC facing third-and-seven, and another pass drew a 20-yard pass interference penalty on Pittsburgh CB Mel Blount. Two plays later, Boryla threw to Metcalf in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown and, with Bakken adding the point after, it was a four-point contest with the clock down to just over three minutes remaining.

The AFC went three-and-out on the ensuing possession and the NFC used razzle-dazzle to again move into scoring position. Returning the AFC punt, a lateral by Green Bay WR Steve Odom to CB Lem Barney of the Lions resulted in a 50-yard return to the AFC 30. Boryla overthrew Foreman on first down, but the AFC drew an offside penalty, and the next throw to Foreman in the flat picked up 26 yards to the AFC eight. Two plays later, it was Boryla to Gray for an eight-yard TD and Bakken’s extra point provided the final three-point margin. The NFC held on to win by a final score of 23-20.

Despite starting slowly on offense, the NFC ended up with the edge in total yards (389 to 325) and first downs (22 to 14). Each team turned the ball over once, and while the AFC recorded two sacks and harassed the opposing passers consistently, the NFC had more sacks with five.

Jim Hart completed just 10 of 28 passes for 100 yards and a touchdown while giving up an interception, and in relief Mike Boryla was four-of-eight for 73 yards and two TDs with none picked off. Chuck Foreman led the NFC with 85 yards on 13 rushing attempts and Lawrence McCutcheon contributed 75 yards on just seven carries. Foreman also led the club in pass receiving with 5 catches for 48 yards and a score. DE Cedrick Hardman of the 49ers was credited with three of the NFC sacks.

For the AFC, Dan Pastorini was successful on five of 12 throws for 133 yards and a TD with one picked off and Ken Anderson was four-of-12 for 48 yards. O.J. Simpson rushed for 52 yards on 10 attempts and Franco Harris (9 carries, 48 yards) and FB John Riggins of the Jets (10 carries, 47 yards) were right behind. With the one long scoring TD, Ken Burrough topped the team with four pass receptions for 96 yards. Thanks to the two long punt returns, Billy “White Shoes” Johnson (pictured above) edged out Boryla for game MVP honors.

“The whole thing was very unexpected, being here and all,” said Mike Boryla. “I didn’t get called until Monday.”

Boryla’s unexpected participation and strong performance didn’t portend better things to come in his career. While he saw more action in 1976, again in combination with Roman Gabriel, the results again were not strong. With Head Coach Dick Vermeil choosing to pursue a different direction (the Eagles obtained QB Ron Jaworski from the Rams in ’77), Boryla was dealt to Tampa Bay but, beset by injuries, he saw little action and retired. His Pro Bowl appearance ended up being the high point of his pro career.

Highlighted Year: Jim Benton, 1945

End, Cleveland Rams

Age: 29 (Sept. 25)

7^th season in pro football, 6^th with Rams

College: Arkansas

Height: 6’3”   Weight: 195

Prelude:

A star receiver at Arkansas, where he caught 48 passes for 814 yards as a senior in 1937, Benton was chosen by the Rams in the second round of the 1938 NFL draft. His 19.9-yard average on 21 catches as a rookie led the league and he topped the NFL with seven TDs among his 27 receptions in ’39, when he was a second-team All-NFL choice and selected to the Pro All-Star Game (predecessor to the Pro Bowl). Benton took a year off in 1941 to coach high school football in his native Arkansas, but he rejoined the team in ’42. Due to the Rams suspending play for a year in 1943, Benton played for the Chicago Bears and, while his numbers dropped off, he was a key receiver in clutch situations for the NFL title-winning club. He rejoined the Rams in ’44 and achieved new personal highs with 39 catches for 505 yards.

1945 Season Summary

Appeared in 9 of 10 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 45 [2] 

Most receptions, game – 10 (for 303 yds.) at Detroit 11/22

Yards – 1067 [1]

Most yards, game – 303 (on 10 catches) at Detroit 11/22

Average gain – 23.7 [3]

TDs – 8 [3]

300-yard receiving games – 1

100-yard receiving games – 5

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 3

Yards – 16

Average per return – 5.3

TDs – 0

Longest return – 10 yards

Scoring

TDs – 8 [5, tied with Ted Fritsch & Fred Gehrke]

Points – 48 [7, tied with Fred Gehrke]

Postseason: 1 G (NFL Championship vs. Washington)

Pass receptions – 9

Pass receiving yards – 125

Average yards per reception – 13.9

Pass receiving TDs – 1

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: AP, Chicago Herald-American, Pro Football Illustrated, NY Daily News

2^nd team All-NFL: INS, UPI

Rams went 9-1 to finish first in the NFL Western Division while leading the league in rushing yards (1714). Won NFL Championship over Washington Redskins (15-14).

Aftermath:

With the franchise moving from Cleveland to Los Angeles, Benton followed up his outstanding 1945 season by leading the NFL in both pass receptions (63) as well as receiving yards (981) in ’46. He was again a consensus first-team All-NFL selection. Benton played one more season for the Rams in 1947, catching 35 passes for 511 yards (14.6 avg.) and six TDs. Overall, over nine seasons he caught 288 passes for 4801 yards (16.7 avg.) and 45 touchdowns, with all but 13 receptions, 235 yards, and three TDs occurring while with the Rams. Benton was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection twice and received at least some second-team honors following two other seasons. He was chosen to the NFL All-1940s team selected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. Benton’s NFL single-game record of 303 pass receiving yards lasted until 1985.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

2006: Seahawks Overwhelm Panthers for NFC Championship

The NFC Championship game on January 22, 2006 featured the Seattle Seahawks, winners of the NFC West and top-seeded team in the conference, hosting the Carolina Panthers, a Wild Card team that finished second in the NFC South.

The Seahawks were coached by Mike Holmgren, who had previously guided the Packers to a NFL Championship, and posted a 13-3 record during the 2005 regular season. RB Shaun Alexander (pictured above) topped the league in rushing (1880 yards) and scoring (168 points) while setting a new NFL record for touchdowns (28, which was broken the next year) and QB Matt Hasselbeck achieved career highs in completion percentage (65.5), yards per attempt (7.7), and passer rating (98.2). The defense was unspectacular but effective and benefited from the addition of rookie MLB Lofa Tatupu. Seattle, which was in the playoffs for the third consecutive year, defeated the Redskins in the Divisional round to advance to its first conference title game since 1983, when the Seahawks were in the AFC (they moved to the NFC as part of the 2002 reorganization). If there was a major concern coming into the game, it was that Alexander had suffered a concussion the previous week.

Carolina, coached by John Fox, was two years removed from a losing Super Bowl appearance and, after dipping to 7-9 in 2004, had bounced back to 11-5 in ’05. Key players on offense were Pro Bowl QB Jake Delhomme and WR Steve Smith, who was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection after catching 103 passes for 1563 yards (15.2 avg.) and 12 TDs. However, the running game struggled due to injuries and RBs Stephen Davis and DeShaun Foster were both out for the NFC title contest. The defense had trouble against the run, having lost DT Kris Jenkins to injury for virtually the entire season, although there were capable pass rushers in ends Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker. The Panthers shut out the Giants in the Wild Card playoff round and then defeated the Bears at the Divisional level.

There were 67,837 fans in attendance at Qwest Field. The teams traded punts until the Seahawks, gaining the advantage in field position, put together a 57-yard drive in five plays. The last two were the biggest as Matt Hasselbeck threw to QB/WR Seneca Wallace for 28 yards and then connected with a wide-open TE Jerramy Stevens for a 17-yard touchdown. Josh Brown added the extra point.

Seattle got the ball back on the next series when Lofa Tatupu intercepted a Jake Delhomme pass that was thrown into coverage and returned it 21 yards to the Carolina 20. The Seahawks weren’t able to reach the end zone again, but Brown kicked a 24-yard field goal to extend the lead to 10-0.

With time running down in the opening period, the Seahawks again took advantage of a turnover as FS Marquand Manuel picked off a throw by Delhomme and ran it back 32 yards to the Carolina 17. Shaun Alexander had a 15-yard run on the last play of the first quarter and, two plays later it was Alexander running for a one-yard TD. Brown’s conversion put the home team up by 17-0.

The Panthers, who had lost yet another running back in Nick Goings during the first quarter, fought back as Delhomme completed a pass to WR Drew Carter for 41 yards to the Seattle 26, but a holding penalty backed the visitors up and a sack by DT Rocky Bernard took them out of field goal range, forcing a punt. A short Seattle possession also resulted in a punt and Steve Smith returned it 59 yards for a touchdown. While a penalty flag was thrown during the return, a conference by the officials led to no infraction being called and, when John Kasay kicked the point after, the Seahawks’ lead was narrowed to 17-7.

Seattle responded by advancing to another score. Hasselbeck (pictured below) completed three passes, all to WR Darrell Jackson, and Alexander had back-to-back carries of 11 and 18 yards. A 15-yard penalty for an illegal crackback block blunted the drive, but Brown booted a 39-yard field goal to make it a 20-7 game. Following a punt by the Panthers, the Seahawks had an opportunity to add to their margin with 33 seconds remaining in the first half, but Brown missed a field goal try from 49 yards. Thus far the Seahawks had been dominant on defense, holding Carolina to three first downs and 62 total yards in the first thirty minutes.

Seattle took the second half kickoff and drove 65 yards in eight plays, essentially putting the game out of reach for Carolina. Alexander again ran effectively, with a 16-yard gain along the way, and Hasselbeck had three completions, the last to Jackson for a 20-yard TD. Brown’s extra point had the Seahawks up by an imposing 27-7.

Seattle’s defense kept the Panthers in check as their next two possessions went three-and-out, resulting in punts, and the third ended with a Delhomme pass being intercepted by SS Michael Boulware. An exchange of punts led to the last score for the Seahawks on a one-yard carry by Alexander. Carolina responded with one last hurrah, a Delhomme throw to WR Drew Carter for a 47-yard touchdown, but with six minutes remaining in the contest, the outcome was not in doubt. The Seahawks won convincingly by a final score of 34-14.

The statistics reflected Seattle’s dominance. The Seahawks had big leads in total yards (393 to 212), first downs (27 to 11), and time of possession (41:51 to 18:09). In addition, Carolina turned the ball over four times, to none suffered by Seattle.

Matt Hasselbeck completed 20 of 28 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns with none intercepted. Shaun Alexander, showing no ill effects from his concussion the week before, rushed for 132 yards on 34 carries that included the two short TDs. Darrell Jackson and Jerramy Stevens each accounted for a team-leading six pass receptions, for 75 and 66 yards, respectively, and scored a touchdown apiece. On defense, Rocky Bernard was credited with both of Seattle’s sacks.

For the Panthers, Jake Delhomme was successful on only 15 of 35 throws for 196 yards and a TD while giving up three interceptions. RB Jamal Robertson, forced into action due to the attrition at running back, led the club in pass receiving with 37 yards on five catches and in rushing with only 19 yards on four attempts. Steve Smith, who was well bottled up by the defense, also had five pass receptions, gaining 33 yards, but he provided one of Carolina’s few highlights with his lone punt return for a 59-yard TD.

“I don’t know if we ran out of gas,” said Carolina’s Coach Fox from the losing team’s perspective. “I’m not too sure what the problem was. Their defense played tremendous. We know we’d have our hands full with their offense.”

The Seahawks lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl. They topped the NFC West with a lesser record in 2006 but lost in overtime to the Bears at the Divisional level in the postseason. Carolina dropped to 8-8 and missed the playoffs in ’06, next appearing in the postseason in 2008.

Highlighted Year: Pat Brady, 1953

Punter, Pittsburgh Steelers

Age: 26 (Sept. 7)

2^nd season in pro football & with Steelers

College: Nevada, Bradley

Height: 6’1”   Weight: 195

Prelude:

Following military service in World War II, Brady played quarterback and punted at Nevada, where he set an unbreakable record with a 99-yard kick. Acclaimed for his long, booming punts, he transferred to Bradley after Nevada briefly dropped football in 1951 (the program was revived the following year). The left-footed Brady was chosen by the New York Giants in the 13^th round of the 1952 NFL draft but joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL. Released by the Tiger-Cats, he signed with the Steelers and averaged 43.2 yards on 77 punts.

1953 Season Summary

Appeared in all 12 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Punting

Punts – 80 [1]

Yards – 3752 [1]

Average – 46.9 [1]

Punts blocked – 0

Longest punt – 64 yards

Passing

Attempts – 1

Completions – 0

Interceptions – 0

Steelers went 6-6 to finish fourth in the NFL Eastern Conference.

Aftermath:

Brady followed up by again leading the NFL in punting with a 43.2-yard average in 1954. However, a torn Achilles tendon injury suffered during the 1955 preseason ended his career after just three seasons. Overall, he averaged 44.5 yards on 223 punts. Brady was selected to the Steelers’ 50^th anniversary all-time team chosen in 1982. He was also inducted into the Univ. of Nevada Athletic Hall of Fame and was selected to Nevada’s Team of the Century in 1998.

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Highlighted Years features players who were first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

Highlighted Year: Adrian Burk, 1954

Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles

Age: 27 (Dec. 14)

5^th season in pro football, 4^th with Eagles

College: Baylor

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 190

Prelude:

Burk was an All-Southwest Conference selection in 1949, noted for both his play at quarterback and as a punter. He was chosen in the first round of the 1950 NFL draft (second overall) by the Baltimore Colts. Backing up QB Y.A. Tittle with a poor team, he completed just 36.1 percent of his passes and also handled the punting, averaging 40.0 yards on a league-leading 81 punts. Upon the dissolution of the franchise, he moved on to the Eagles in ’51 and stepped into the starting job vacated by the retired Tommy Thompson, throwing 14 TD passes but also giving up a NFL-high 23 interceptions. Burk had a good arm but tended to throw into traffic and was a low-key leader. With the arrival of QB Bobby Thomason in 1952, the two shared the starting job, an arrangement that lasted for the next five years. Burk started a total of seven games in 1952 and ’53, passing for 1349 yards and eight TDs with 14 interceptions. He continued to handle the punting and averaged 41.1 yards on 124 punts during that period.

1954 Season Summary

Appeared in all 12 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 231 [9]
Most attempts, game - 35 at Detroit 12/5

Completions – 123 [8]
Most completions, game - 19 at Washington 10/17

Yards – 1740 [8]

Most yards, game – 345 vs. Washington 11/28

Completion percentage – 53.2 [8]

Yards per attempt – 7.5 [5]

TD passes – 23 [1]

Most TD passes, game – 7 at Washington 10/17 (tied NFL record)

Interceptions – 17 [5, tied with four others]

Passer rating – 80.4 [1]

Rushing

Attempts – 15

Yards – 18

Yards per attempt – 1.2

TDs – 0

Punting

Punts – 73 [1]

Yards – 2918 [2]

Average – 40.0 [9]

Punts blocked – 0

Longest punt – 58 yards

Awards & Honors:

Pro Bowl

Eagles went 7-4-1 to finish second in the NFL Eastern Conference while leading the league in touchdown passes (33).

Aftermath:

Burk’s numbers dropped to 9 TD passes and 17 interceptions in 1955 while he averaged 42.9 yards on 61 punts and he was again selected for the Pro Bowl. He saw significantly less action in ’56 after which he retired to pursue a legal career. Overall, Burk passed for 7001 yards and 61 touchdowns with 89 interceptions and punted 474 times for a 40.9-yard average. He was twice selected for the Pro Bowl. Burk became an assistant to owner Bud Adams upon the formation of the AFL’s Houston Oilers franchise in 1960. He later went on to become a NFL game official and worked the 1969 contest in which Minnesota QB Joe Kapp tied the single-game record that Burk shared with three others (prior to that point) with seven TD passes. Burk also was the back judge who made the call on the “Immaculate Reception” for the Steelers against the Raiders in the AFC Divisional playoff game following the 1972 season.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

[Updated 2/21/17]

Highlighted Year: George Blanda, 1967

Quarterback/Placekicker, Oakland Raiders

Age:  40 (Sept. 17)

18^th season in pro football, 8^th in AFL & 1^st with Raiders

College: Kentucky

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 215

Prelude:

Blanda was chosen by the Chicago Bears in the 12^th round of the 1949 NFL draft and, with a very brief hiatus in Baltimore, played for them for ten years. He led the league in passing attempts (362) and completions (169) in 1953, but otherwise was forced to share the quarterback job while handling the placekicking. After two seasons (1957 & ’58) in which he saw scant action at quarterback, he retired. The creation of the new AFL in 1960 pulled Blanda out of retirement, and he led the Oilers to the first league title while throwing for 2413 yards and 24 touchdowns. He followed that up with a 1961 season that started slowly (he was actually briefly benched) but ended up with his winning AFL Player of the Year honors, leading the league in passing yards (3330) and yards per attempt (9.2) as well as tossing a record 36 TD passes (tied by Y.A. Tittle in the NFL in 1963 but not broken until 1984) as the Oilers, following a fortuitous coaching change, went on to win a second AFL title. Blanda was an AFL All-Star after each of the next two seasons and led the Oilers back to the AFL Championship game in ’62 despite being intercepted a record 42 times. He led the league in interceptions thrown for four straight years (1962-65), but also in passing yards in 1963 (3003) and both passes and completions from 1963-65. The team’s record had tailed off badly after ’62, however, and young QB Don Trull was drafted to be Blanda’s replacement. At age 39, Blanda was let go by Houston following the 1966 season and signed with the Oakland Raiders.

1967 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 38 [15]

Most attempts, game – 13 vs. Buffalo 12/24

Completions – 15 [15]

Most completions, game – 3 vs. Denver 9/10, at Kansas City 11/23, vs. Buffalo 12/24

Yards – 285 [13]

Most yards, game – 111 vs. Denver 9/10

Completion percentage – 39.5

Yards per attempt – 7.5

TD passes – 3 [10, tied with Jacky Lee]

Most TD passes, game – 1 vs. Denver 9/10, at Boston 10/22, vs. San Diego 10/29

Interceptions – 3 [14]

Most interceptions, game – 2 vs. Buffalo 12/24

Passer rating – 59.6

Kicking

Field goals – 20 [2]

Most field goals, game – 4 at Houston 12/10

Field goal attempts – 30 [4, tied with Dick Van Raaphorst]

Most field goal attempts, game – 5 vs. Kansas City 10/1, at Houston 12/10

Field goal percentage – 66.7 [1]

PATs – 56 [1]

PAT attempts – 57 [1]

Longest field goal – 46 yards at Denver 11/5

Points

Field goals – 20

PATs – 56

Points – 116 [1]

Postseason: 2 G

Pass attempts – 2

Pass completions – 0

Interceptions – 0

Field goals – 4

Most field goals, game – 4 vs. Houston, AFL Championship

Field goal attempts – 7

Most field goal attempts, game – 6 vs. Houston, AFL Championship

PATs – 6

Most PATs, game – 4 vs. Houston, AFL Championship

PAT attempts – 6

Longest field goal – 42 yards vs. Houston, AFL Championship

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-AFL: Sporting News

AFL All-Star Game

Raiders went 13-1 to finish first in the AFL Western Division while leading the league in scoring (466 points) and TDs (58). Won AFL Championship over Houston Oilers (40-7). Lost Super Bowl to Green Bay Packers (33-14).

Aftermath:

Blanda followed up in 1968 by kicking 21 field goals and 54 PATs for a total of 105 points, and he also started a game at quarterback. After a similar year in ’69, both Blanda’s quarterbacking and placekicking came into play in 1970 as he put together a remarkable string of clutch performances during the season and received the Bert Bell Award from the Maxwell Club as NFL Player of the Year. Blanda remained a capable backup quarterback and placekicker for the Raiders through 1975, at age 48. He retired as the all-time NFL leader in scoring (2002 points) and field goals (335) at the time, as well as seasons played (26), and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1981.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

1993: Cowboys Defeat 49ers to Win NFC Championship

The Dallas Cowboys were appearing in the NFC Championship game for the first time in ten years as they faced the San Francisco 49ers on January 17, 1993. The Cowboys had improved steadily under Head Coach Jimmy Johnson and topped the NFC East with a 13-3 record during the ’92 season. The offense was built around QB Troy Aikman (pictured above), RB Emmitt Smith, and WR Michael Irvin and the defense was outstanding behind a solid line that included DE Charles Haley and tackles Russell Maryland and Tony Casillas. Dallas blew out the Eagles in the Divisional playoff round to advance to the conference title game.

The 49ers, coached by George Seifert, finished first in the NFC West at 14-2, having bounced back from a 1991 season in which they missed the playoffs for the first time in nine years. QB Steve Young, emerging from the shadow of his illustrious predecessor Joe Montana, was coming off a MVP season and WR Jerry Rice, despite dealing with some injuries, was chosen to his seventh straight Pro Bowl. RB Ricky Watters, in his first season after having missed his entire rookie year due to injury, gained 1418 yards from scrimmage and also was selected to the Pro Bowl. San Francisco defeated Washington in its Divisional game the previous week and had not lost since November 1 for a string of nine straight wins.

There were 64,920 fans in attendance at Candlestick Park on a rainy day, and the field was muddy. The 49ers had the game’s first possession and had to punt following a series in which an apparent 63-yard scoring play to Jerry Rice was nullified due to a holding penalty called on guard Guy McIntyre. Dallas reached the San Francisco 48 before also having to punt, but the Cowboys regained possession at the 22 when CB Alan Grant fumbled on the return and FB Daryl Johnston recovered. Troy Aikman immediately threw to Michael Irvin for 21 yards to the one, but the 49ers held as Emmitt Smith was thrown for a one-yard loss and two Aikman passes were incomplete. Lin Elliott kicked a 20-yard field goal to put the visitors ahead by 3-0.

RB Marc Logan returned the ensuing kickoff 50 yards and San Francisco advanced 48 yards in eight plays during which Steve Young completed three passes and Ricky Watters had a 16-yard run. Young gained the final yard on a quarterback sneak and, with Mike Cofer adding the extra point, the Niners were in front at 7-3.

With the rain falling again, the Cowboys were forced to punt following their next possession and Grant returned it 15 yards to give San Francisco good starting field position at the Dallas 47. As the game entered the second quarter, the 49ers advanced to the 28 but came up empty when Cofer was wide to the left on a 47-yard field goal attempt.

Once again the Cowboys had to punt, but on the 49ers’ next offensive play Watters fumbled after being hit by CB Larry Brown at the end of a 16-yard run and CB Kevin Smith recovered and returned it 11 yards to the San Francisco 39. Smith carried three straight times for a total of 23 yards and two short passes got Dallas to the eight. Three plays later it was Smith running around end for a four-yard touchdown and, with Elliott’s conversion, the Cowboys were back in the lead by a 10-7 score.

The Niners came back on offense with 5:05 to play in the first half and Young completed three passes, the longest to Rice for 26 yards. The drive was finally halted at the Dallas nine and Cofer tied the game with a 28-yard field goal.

There was still time for the Cowboys, and after Smith (pictured at left) ran for 15 yards and caught two passes for another 14, Aikman threw to Michael Irvin for 14 yards to the San Francisco 22. Aikman was sacked by LB Tim Harris, however, and the visitors were forced to try for a 43-yard field goal with eight seconds left on the clock. Elliott’s kick was wide to the right and the contest remained tied at the half.

Dallas took the second half kickoff and drove 78 yards in eight plays. Smith again ran effectively and Aikman completed three passes, the biggest to WR Alvin Harper for 38 yards to the San Francisco seven. Johnston ran for a three-yard TD and, with Elliott’s point after, the Cowboys were back in front by a 17-10 margin.

The 49ers responded with a seven-play, 66-yard series that also featured a big pass play when Young connected with Rice for 36 yards to the Dallas 32. They had to settle for a field goal, and Cofer’s 42-yard boot narrowed the score to 17-13.

The Cowboys were in the midst of a long 14-play possession that covered 78 yards as the game headed into the fourth quarter. Aikman completed seven passes along the way, four of them on third down plays. That included the last, which was to Smith for a 16-yard touchdown. Elliott’s extra point put Dallas ahead by 24-13.

The next series for the 49ers ended with a Young pass being intercepted by LB Ken Norton and returned to the San Francisco 44. Smith burst up the middle for 28 yards on first down, but the Cowboys failed to add to their lead when they chose to forgo a field goal when facing fourth-and-one at the seven and Smith was stopped for no gain.

Young passed the 49ers down the field, connecting on seven throws as the home team went 93 yards in nine plays. Four were to Watters, including the first two that covered 17 and 10 yards, and the last was to Rice for a five-yard TD. Cofer converted to narrow the margin to 24-20 with 4:22 remaining in regulation.

On the first play following the ensuing kickoff, the Cowboys, choosing not to play it safe, came through with a huge play when Aikman passed to Harper, who beat the man-to-man coverage for a 70-yard gain. Three plays later, it was Aikman to WR Kelvin Martin, who dove and barely made it into the end zone for a six-yard touchdown. Elliott’s extra point attempt was blocked, but the visitors were ahead by ten points with the clock down to 3:43.

Young again came out passing, but after three completions to the Dallas 45 he was again picked off, this time by FS James Washington. It effectively finished off the 49ers as the Cowboys were able to run the clock down to 22 seconds before punting and won by a final score of 30-20.

Statistically, the game was very evenly played. Dallas outgained the 49ers by just a yard (416 to 415) and each team accumulated 24 first downs, although the Cowboys led significantly in time of possession (35:20 to 24:40). However, the 49ers turned the ball over four times, to none by the Cowboys.

Troy Aikman completed 24 of 34 passes for 322 yards and two touchdowns while giving up no interceptions. Emmitt Smith had a big day on the muddy turf as he rushed for 114 yards on 24 carries that included a TD and had 7 catches for another 59 yards and a score. Michael Irvin contributed 6 pass receptions for 86 yards and, thanks to the one long catch, Alvin Harper (pictured at right) gained 117 yards on his three receptions.

For the 49ers, Steve Young was successful on 25 of 35 throws for 313 yards and a TD but was picked off twice. He also rushed for 33 yards and a touchdown on eight attempts. Ricky Watters gained 69 yards on 11 carries and had 6 catches for 69 yards. Jerry Rice gained 123 yards on 8 pass receptions that included a touchdown.  

“We’ve played aggressive all year long,” said Coach Johnson of the Cowboys. “But that’s our style.”

“A lot of people would have been conservative, but they took chances and it worked for them,” said San Francisco’s Coach Seifert regarding the Cowboys. “They made good calls in key situations.”

Dallas went on to rout the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl. It was the first of two straight NFL Championships for the Cowboys (and three in four years), who repeated as NFC East champs in 1993. The 49ers won the NFC West and the teams met again for the conference title, with the Cowboys once more coming out on top.