Highlighted Year: Mike Cofer, 1988

Placekicker, San Francisco 49ers

Age: 24

2^nd season in pro football, 1^st with 49ers

College: North Carolina State

Height: 6’1”   Weight: 190

Prelude:

In college, Cofer connected on 50 of 68 field goal attempts (73.5 %), topping the Atlantic Coast Conference in 1984 (18) and ’86 (13), and 97 of 108 PATs (89.8 %) for a total of 247 points. Undrafted in 1987, he signed with the Cleveland Browns and barely lost out to Jeff Jaeger in the preseason. He was a replacement player with New Orleans during the season and then signed with the 49ers in 1988 and won the placekicking job in the preseason, impressing with his leg strength.

1988 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Kicking

Field goals – 27 [3, tied with Nick Lowery, 1^st in NFC]

Most field goals, game – 3 at Phoenix 11/6, vs. New Orleans 12/11, vs. LA Rams 12/18

Field goal attempts – 38 [1]

Most field goal attempts, game – 4 at NY Giants 9/11, at Seattle 9/25, at Atlanta 12/4

Field goal percentage – 71.1 [17]

PATs – 40 [7, tied with Chip Lohmiller]

PAT attempts – 41 [7, tied with Chip Lohmiller]

Longest field goal – 52 yards vs. Washington 11/21

Scoring

Field Goals – 27

PATs – 40

Points – 121 [2, 1^st in NFC]

Postseason: 3 G

Field goals – 2

Most field goals, game – 2 vs. Cincinnati, Super Bowl

Field goal attempts – 5

Most field goal attempts, game – 4 vs. Cincinnati, Super Bowl

PATs – 10

Most PATs, game – 4 vs. Minnesota, NFC Divisional playoff; at Chicago, NFC Championship

PAT attempts – 11

Longest field goal – 41 yards vs. Cincinnati, Super Bowl

49ers went 10-6 to finish first in the NFC West while leading the conference in rushing yards (2523) and total yards (5900). Won NFC Divisional playoff over Minnesota Vikings (34-9), NFC Championship over Chicago Bears (28-3) & Super Bowl over Cincinnati Bengals (20-16).  

Aftermath:

Cofer followed up by connecting on 29 of 36 field goal attempts (80.6 %), with just one miss inside of 40 yards, and adding 49 PATs to lead the NFL with 136 points in 1989. He received first-team All-NFL recognition from the Associated Press and Newspaper Enterprise Association. Cofer spent a total of six years with the 49ers, with declining reliability, until being let go after the 1993 season. He joined the Colts in ’95 and, while he had a 52-yard game-winning field goal against the Jets, Cofer still lacked consistency and was released, ending his career. Overall, he was successful on 133 of 201 field goal attempts (66.2 %), with 128 of 191 coming with the 49ers. Cofer also booted 303 extra points and scored a total of 702 points (296 PATs and 673 points with San Francisco). He received first-team All-NFL honors once.

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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: Scott Case, 1988

Cornerback, Atlanta Falcons

Age: 26

5^th season in pro football & with Falcons

College: Oklahoma

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 178

Prelude:

Case starred as a free safety at Northeastern Oklahoma A & M, which won a national junior college championship during his freshman year, and transferred to Oklahoma, where he was shifted to cornerback and intercepted eight passes as a senior in 1983. He was chosen by the Falcons in the second round of the ’84 NFL draft and moved into the starting lineup at strong safety in his second year, intercepting four passes and gaining credit for 95 tackles. Case moved to cornerback in 1986 with good results, displaying savvy and toughness if not great speed. After four seasons with the Falcons, he had intercepted nine passes and accumulated over 250 tackles.

1988 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions – 10 [1]

Most interceptions, game – 2 vs. Green Bay 11/6, vs. Tampa Bay 11/27

Int. return yards – 47

Most int. return yards, game – 13 (on 2 int.) vs. Tampa Bay 11/27

Int. TDs – 0

Sacks – 1

Fumble recoveries – 0

Tackles – 65

Awards & Honors:

2^nd team All-NFL: AP

1^st team All-NFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

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

Aftermath:

Following a lesser season in 1989 due to nagging injuries, Case moved back to free safety in ’90 and continued to overachieve until diminishing skills, especially speed in pass coverage, cost him his starting job in 1994, his last year with Atlanta when he was used primarily as a nickel back. Case spent one last season with the Dallas Cowboys in ’95, ending his career with a Super Bowl appearance. Overall, he played in 178 games, starting 124 of them, and intercepted 30 passes, one of which he returned for a touchdown. Case also recovered seven fumbles and was credited with 7.5 sacks as well as over 900 tackles. 1988 remained the only season in which he received postseason honors.

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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: Tim Brown, 1988

Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Raiders

Age: 22

1^st season in pro football

College: Notre Dame

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 190

Prelude:

The versatile Brown was utilized primarily as a flanker in college and also as a runner from scrimmage and kick returner. He ended up as Notre Dame’s all-time pass receiving yardage leader (2493 on 137 catches), returned six kicks (three punts and three kickoffs) for touchdowns, and won the 1987 Heisman Trophy as well as receiving consensus All-American honors. Brown was chosen by the Raiders in the first round of the 1988 NFL draft (sixth overall) and had an impact both as a pass receiver and kick returner.

1988 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 43      

Most receptions, game – 8 (for 95 yds.) vs. Kansas City 10/30

Yards – 725

Most yards, game – 114 (on 4 catches) at Seattle 11/28

Average gain – 16.9 [15]

TDs – 5

100-yard receiving games – 1

Rushing

Attempts – 14

Most attempts, game – 3 (for 17 yds.) at Denver 9/26, (for 13 yds.) vs. Miami 10/9, (for 17 yds.) vs. Atlanta 11/20

Yards – 50

Most yards, game – 17 yards (on 3 carries) at Denver 9/26, (on 3 carries) vs. Atlanta 11/20

Average gain – 3.6

TDs – 1

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 41 [1, tied with Joe Cribbs]

Yards – 1098 [1]

Most yards, game – 178 (on 5 ret.) at Seattle 11/28

Average per return – 26.8 [1]

TDs – 1 [1, tied with seven others]

Longest return – 97 yards

Punt Returns

Returns – 49 [2]

Yards – 444 [3]

Most yards, game – 102 (on 7 ret.) at San Diego 11/6

Average per return – 9.1 [14]

TDs – 0

Longest return – 36 yards

All-Purpose yards – 2317 [1]

Scoring

TDs – 7

Points – 42

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: PFWA, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News

1^st team All-AFC: Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Raiders went 7-9 to finish third in the AFC West.

Aftermath:

Brown’s 1989 season ended with torn knee ligaments in the opening game and he was slow to come back, following up with a mediocre year in ’90. He began to return to form in 1991 and ’92, catching 36 and 49 passes, respectively, before breaking out with 80 receptions for 1180 yards and seven TDs in 1993. It was the first of seven straight seasons in which he had at least 80 catches and nine consecutive thousand-yard receiving totals, with highs of 104 receptions and 1408 yards in 1997. While lacking his former speed, Brown remained a dangerous runner after the catch. He stayed with the Raiders, who returned to Oakland in 1995, through the 2003 season, a total of 16 years, and caught 1070 passes for 14,734 yards and 99 touchdowns, all franchise records, as well as his 104 total TDs. He finished up with Tampa Bay in 2004, bringing his career totals to 1094 pass receptions, which ranked third in NFL history at the time, for a second-ranked 14,934 yards and 100 TDs. He added another 45 catches for 581 yards and three TDs in 12 postseason games. As a kick returner, he averaged 25.2 yards on 49 kickoff returns with one TD and 10.2 yards on 326 punt returns, scoring three touchdowns. In all, he compiled 19,682 all-purpose yards, the league’s fifth highest total at the time. Brown received consensus first-team All-NFL honors once, at least some first-team recognition after one other season, was first- or second-team All-AFC seven times, and was selected to nine Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2015.

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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: Eddie Brown, 1988

Wide Receiver, Cincinnati Bengals

Age: 26 (Dec. 17)

4^th season in pro football & with Bengals

College: Miami (FL)

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 185

Prelude:

Following an outstanding college career in which he was part of the 1983 National Championship team and caught 59 passes for 1114 yards and 9 TDs in ‘84, Brown was chosen by the Bengals in the first round of the 1985 NFL draft (13^th overall). The retirement of 12-year WR Isaac Curtis opened a starting spot across from fifth-year veteran Cris Collinsworth, and Brown moved immediately into the lineup and caught 53 passes for 942 yards (17.8 avg.) and eight touchdowns. He received NFL Rookie of the Year honors from NEA and The Sporting News and Offensive Rookie of the Year recognition from the Associated Press. Having added to Cincinnati’s explosive passing offense in his first year, Brown accumulated 58 catches for 964 yards (16.6 avg.) and four TDs in 1986 and, in the strike-interrupted ’87 season, had another 44 receptions for 608 yards (13.8 avg.) and three scores.

1988 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 53      

Most receptions, game – 7 (for 216 yds.) vs. Pittsburgh 11/6

Yards – 1273 [3, 1^st in AFC]

Most yards, game – 216 (on 7 catches) vs. Pittsburgh 11/6

Average gain – 24.0 [2]

TDs – 9 [5, tied with Jerry Rice & Bruce Hill]

200-yard receiving games – 1

100-yard receiving games – 5

Rushing

Attempts – 1

Yards – -5

TDs – 0

Punt Returns

Returns – 10

Yards – 48

Most yards, game – 14 (on 4 ret.) at New England 10/16

Average per return – 4.8

TDs – 0

Longest return – 13 yards

Scoring

TDs – 9 [18, tied with four others]

Points – 54

Postseason: 3 G

Pass receptions – 4

Most pass receptions, game – 3 vs. San Francisco, Super Bowl

Pass receiving yards – 55

Most pass receiving yards, game – 32 vs. San Francisco, Super Bowl

Average yards per reception – 13.8

Pass receiving TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: NEA

2^nd team All-NFL: AP

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

Pro Bowl

Bengals went 12-4 to finish first in the AFC Central while leading the NFL in total yards (6057), rushing yards (2710), touchdowns (59), and scoring (448 points). Won AFC Divisional playoff over Seattle Seahawks (21-13) and AFC Championship over Buffalo Bills (21-10). Lost Super Bowl to San Francisco 49ers (20-16).

Aftermath:

Brown played another three years, following up with 52 catches for 814 yards (15.7 avg.) and six touchdowns in 1989 and pulling in a career-high 59 receptions for 827 yards (14.0 avg.) in 1991. A neck injury cost him the entire 1992 season and effectively ended his career. While criticized for dropping passes on occasion, his big-play ability was undeniable. Over the course of his seven seasons with the Bengals, Brown caught 363 passes for 6134 yards (16.9 avg.) and 41 touchdowns.

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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: Greg Bell, 1988

Running Back, Los Angeles Rams

Age: 26

5^th season in pro football, 1^st complete with Rams

College: Notre Dame

Height: 5’10” Weight: 210

Prelude:

Bell had an injury-riddled college career but still was chosen by the Buffalo Bills in the first round (26^th overall) of the 1984 NFL draft. He made an impact as a rookie, rushing for 1100 yards, including 206 in an upset of the Cowboys, and catching 34 passes, and was selected to the Pro Bowl. Bell followed up with another productive season in 1985, gaining 883 yards on the ground and catching 58 passes for another 576 yards and a total of 1459 yards from scrimmage. However, injuries limited him to six games and 377 rushing yards in ’86 and Bell was dealt to the Rams as part of the three-team trade that sent RB Eric Dickerson to the Colts during the strike-interrupted 1987 season. He saw little action while RB Charles White had a big year in Dickerson’s place, but with White missing time in 1988, Bell moved to the forefront.

1988 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 288 [6]

Most attempts, game – 31 (for 112 yds.) at NY Giants 9/25

Yards – 1212 [4]

Most yards, game – 155 yards (on 21 carries) at Atlanta 10/9

Average gain – 4.2

TDs – 16 [1]

100-yard rushing games – 5

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 24

Most receptions, game – 4 (for 24 yds.) vs. Phoenix 10/2

Yards – 124

Most yards, game – 24 (on 4 catches) vs. Phoenix 10/2

Average gain – 5.2

TDs – 2

Scoring

TDs – 18 [1]

Points – 108 [9, tied with Chuck Nelson]

Postseason: 1 G (NFC Wild Card playoff at Minnesota)

Rushing attempts – 17

Rushing yards – 91

Average gain rushing – 5.4

Rushing TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Comeback Player of the Year: AP

Rams went 10-6 to finish second in the NFC West and qualified for a Wild Card playoff slot while leading the conference in scoring (407 points). Lost NFC Wild Card playoff to Minnesota Vikings (28-17).

Aftermath:

Bell followed up by rushing for 1137 yards in 1989 and again leading the league in rushing touchdowns with 15. But he did not get along well with teammates or the front office and, when he threatened to hold out in ’90, he was traded to the Raiders. Bell appeared in just six games due to an ankle injury and rushed for 164 yards in what ended up being his last active season. He was released the following preseason and retired after being let go by Green Bay prior to the 1992 season. Overall, Bell rushed for 4959 yards on 1204 carries (4.1 avg.) and caught 157 passes for 1307 yards (8.3 avg.), scoring a total of 58 touchdowns. Of those totals, 2375 rushing yards and 31 TDs, came with the Rams. He was chosen to one Pro Bowl. 

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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: Cornelius Bennett, 1988

Linebacker, Buffalo Bills

Age:  23

2^nd season in pro football & with Bills

College: Alabama

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 235

Prelude:

Bennett won the Lombardi Trophy as college football’s top lineman as a senior in 1986 and was the SEC Player of the Year in addition to being a consensus first-team All-American. He was chosen by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1987 NFL draft (second overall), but the Colts were unable to sign him and traded his rights to Buffalo as part of a large three-team deal that also sent star RB Eric Dickerson from the Rams to Indianapolis. Bennett stepped into the starting lineup at outside linebacker for the last seven games of the strike-interrupted season and recorded 8.5 sacks. With his excellent speed and ability, he quickly established himself as a top player at his position.

1988 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 9.5 [14, tied with Dan Hampton & Jim Skow]

Most sacks, game – 2.5 vs. Green Bay 10/30

Multi-sack games – 1

Interceptions – 2

Most interceptions, game – 1 vs. Minnesota 9/4, at Miami 11/14

Int. return yards – 30

Most int. return yards, game – 30 (on 1 int.) at Miami 11/14

Int. TDs – 0

Fumble recoveries – 3

Fumble recovery TDs – 0

Forced fumbles – 3

Tackles – 103

Postseason: 2 G

Sacks – 0

Interceptions – 0

TD – 0

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News

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

Pro Bowl

Bills went 12-4 to finish first in the AFC East while leading the conference in sacks (46), fewest yards allowed (4578), and fewest points allowed (237). Won AFC Divisional playoff over Houston Oilers (17-10). Lost AFC Championship to Cincinnati Bengals (21-10).

Aftermath:

Bennett was hampered by a knee injury in 1989 and had a lesser performance, but bounced back to gain selection to four straight Pro Bowls in the ensuing seasons. Versatile and capable of dominating play, he was part of an excellent corps of linebackers for a club that won AFC Championships from 1990 through ’93. Bennett remained with Buffalo through 1995 before moving on to Atlanta as a free agent in ’96. He provided leadership as well as good play, despite some problems with injuries and declining skills, and in 1998 again started for a team that reached the Super Bowl. Bennett spent his last two seasons with the club that originally drafted him, the Colts, in 1999 and 2000. Overall, he played in 206 regular season game over 14 seasons, 129 of those games coming in nine years with Buffalo. Bennett recorded 71.5 sacks and over a thousand tackles, recovered 27 fumbles, and received first-team All-NFL honors after two seasons, at least some All-AFC honors after three others, and was named to five Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.

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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

1988: Buccaneers Trade Steve DeBerg to Chiefs

On March 31, 1988 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded QB Steve DeBerg to Kansas City for safety Mark Robinson and two draft choices that were fourth and eighth-round selections in the pending NFL draft.

The 34-year-old DeBerg was considered to be intelligent and a hard worker, but also athletically limited. He was drafted out of San Jose State by the Dallas Cowboys in the tenth round in 1977 and was cut, catching on with the San Francisco 49ers for ’78. He became the starting quarterback for a poor team that went 2-14, and DeBerg completed just 45.4 percent of his passes while giving up 22 interceptions as opposed to 8 touchdowns. The arrival of Bill Walsh as head coach in 1979 didn’t bring an immediate improvement in record, but DeBerg had a much better season in Walsh’s controlled passing offense, setting then-NFL records for pass attempts (578) and completions (347) while gaining 3652 yards through the air and 17 TD passes against 21 interceptions.

DeBerg lost the starting job to the up-and-coming Joe Montana during the 1980 season and was dealt to the Denver Broncos for ’81, with Coach Walsh pronouncing the verdict that he was “just good enough to get you beat”.  He backed up Craig Morton for a year, saw most of the action behind center during the strike-shortened 1982 season, and then split time with first draft choice John Elway in ’83. Tampa Bay obtained DeBerg from Denver in 1984 for two draft picks. He had a good first year with the 6-10 Bucs, setting a franchise record by completing 60.5 percent of his passes, for 3554 yards and 19 touchdowns. But the return was less in 1985 and Steve Young, a refugee from the USFL, started the last five games. Young was gone by 1987, but another overall top draft choice, Vinny Testaverde, joined the club and took over for the last four games after DeBerg started the first seven in the strike-interrupted campaign.

With the team committing to Testaverde, Head Coach Ray Perkins decided that dealing DeBerg for draft choices would be more beneficial to improving the club. Thus far in his career, DeBerg had passed for 19,582 yards and 116 touchdowns while giving up 139 interceptions, although in ’87 he led the NFC with the lowest percentage of interceptions thrown (2.5). He started 33 games for the Bucs, but they won only eight of them.

As for the other players involved in the trade, four-year veteran Mark Robinson was drafted in the fourth round out of Penn State in 1984 and had backed up star safeties Deron Cherry and Lloyd Burruss. He came highly recommended by Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Doug Graber, who had previously coached the KC defensive backs. Safety was viewed as a significant area of need, and he became the starting strong safety and intercepted 12 passes in three seasons, with a high of six in 1989. The fourth-round draft pick received for DeBerg (86^th overall) was used to take Tennessee G John Bruhin, who lasted four years with Tampa Bay and started 21 games. Eighth-round draft choice RB Anthony Simpson from East Carolina failed to make the team.

DeBerg signed a three-year contract with the Chiefs and Head Coach Frank Gansz indicated that he would back up injury-prone starting QB Bill Kenney. He ended up seeing most of the action behind center, throwing for 2935 yards and 16 touchdowns, as well as 16 interceptions, for a team that went 4-11-1. DeBerg started the games that KC won and Kenney was released in the offseason. Under a new head coach, Marty Schottenheimer, DeBerg began and ended 1989 as the starting quarterback, but in between was benched in favor of two other veterans, Ron Jaworski and Steve Pelluer. Overall, the Chiefs led the AFC with a 59.5 completion percentage, and DeBerg’s was 60.5, but none of the quarterbacks were especially effective.

DeBerg finally put it all together in 1990, starting every game and passing for 3444 yards and 23 touchdowns while giving up only four interceptions. Along the way, he had a streak of 233 consecutive passes without an interception, which ranked second in NFL history at the time. The Chiefs ran the ball well with Christian Okoye and Barry Word, and that set up opportunities to utilize play-action, which worked to DeBerg’s advantage due to his excellent ball-handling skills. Kansas City finished with an 11-5 record, its best since 1971, and a Wild Card spot in the playoffs for the first time in four years.

The Chiefs qualified for the postseason again in 1991, compiling a 10-6 tally, and this time won a playoff game before falling to Buffalo in the Divisional round. DeBerg had a lesser statistical season, however, passing for 2965 yards while having fewer TDs (17) and more interceptions (14). He missed one game due to injury during the regular season and went down again in the playoff loss to the Bills. At age 37, the Chiefs determined that it was time for a change and DeBerg was allowed to depart as a free agent in the offseason, with Seattle’s Dave Krieg brought in as his replacement.

DeBerg returned to Tampa Bay in a strictly backup role in 1992, and split time with the Buccaneers and Dolphins in ‘93, with Miami putting him in the lineup after Dan Marino was lost due to injury. He then retired, but came back with Atlanta in 1998 at age 44 to provide depth when QB Chris Chandler was injured and started one game.

Despite his limitations, Steve DeBerg lasted for 17 NFL seasons in all. He completed 57.2 percent of his passes for 34,241 yards and 196 touchdowns while giving up 204 interceptions. Of that, 11,873 yards and 67 TDs came with the Chiefs, and in terms of team performance, he enjoyed his greatest success in Kansas City, which went 31-20-1 in games he started (he didn’t reach double figures in wins with any of the other five teams he suited up for).

1988: Bengals Dominate First Half, Defeat Seahawks in AFC Divisional Playoff Game

The Cincinnati Bengals were the top-seeded team in the AFC as they hosted the Seattle Seahawks in a Divisional Playoff game on December 31, 1988. The Bengals were 4-11 in 1987 but climbed to the top of the AFC Central with a 12-4 record in ’88. Head Coach Sam Wyche’s team operated a high-powered offense that was the league’s most productive and was directed by QB Boomer Esiason, who received multiple MVP honors but struggled with a sore shoulder late in the season. The running game topped the NFL and featured veteran RB James Brooks plus unheralded rookie FB Ickey Woods (pictured above), who entertained fans with the “Ickey Shuffle” after each of his 15 touchdowns. The defense was less heralded, utilizing a 3-4 alignment anchored by All-Pro NT Tim Krumrie.

Seattle, coached by Chuck Knox, topped the AFC West with a 9-7 record, which reflected the team’s inconsistency. QB Dave Krieg missed time with a shoulder separation and 34-year-old WR Steve Largent had injury problems that limited his effectiveness. The Seahawks were better at running the ball with RB Curt Warner and FB John L. Williams, but the team was typically outgained by its opponents as the defense ranked 24^th in the NFL.

It was a cold and cloudy late afternoon at Riverfront Stadium, where the Bengals had not lost all season, with 58,560 fans in attendance. Cincinnati had the game’s first possession and went 85 yards in 11 plays. Boomer Esiason completed passes to WR Cris Collinsworth for 30 yards and WR Eddie Brown for 23 and Ickey Woods ran effectively. FB Stanley Wilson ran gained the last three yards for a touchdown and Jim Breech added the extra point.

The teams traded punts before a long pass by Dave Krieg was intercepted by CB Eric Thomas. In a series that extended into the second quarter, the Bengals drove 75 yards in 10 plays. Esiason started off with a pass to TE Rodney Holman for 11 yards and James Brooks (pictured below) followed up with a 26-yard run to the Seattle 38. Woods and Brooks ran the ball to the 15, Esiason again connected with Holman for a gain of nine, and two plays later, Wilson ran for another three-yard TD. Breech converted to make the score 14-0.

A short series by the Seahawks that ended with a punt was followed by a five-play, 56-yard Cincinnati possession. Woods took off for 30 yards on the first play, Brooks had a 17-yard carry, and Wilson gained eight to reach the Seattle one. Two plays later, it was Woods reaching the end zone and Breech’s PAT had the Bengals up by a comfortable 21-0 score, and that remained the tally at halftime. Cincinnati had dominated on the ground, rolling up 165 rushing yards in the first thirty minutes, to none for Seattle.

The teams exchanged punts to start the third quarter. Seattle finally put together a promising drive as Krieg completed passes to WR Brian Blades for 13 yards and John L. Williams for 24. A sack by LB Reggie Williams had the Seahawks facing a third-and-21 situation at the Cincinnati 45, but a pass interference penalty erased the deficit and advanced the ball to the 21. Krieg passed the Seahawks to the three, but a fourth-and-two throw was broken up in the end zone by CB Rickey Dixon and the visitors came up empty.

The Bengals responded with a long drive of 95 yards with Woods and Brooks largely carrying the load. Esiason completed three passes, the first to Holman for 24 yards and the last to Brooks for nine yards to set up a fourth-and-two situation at the Seattle three. Woods came up short on the next play and the Seahawks had the ball back on downs, but at their own two with the period almost over.

Two plays into the fourth quarter, a Krieg pass was intercepted to give the Bengals the ball at their own 40, but two plays after that Esiason fumbled while being sacked and NT Joe Nash recovered for Seattle. Krieg threw to Blades for 17 yards and TE John Spagnola for seven to reach the Cincinnati seven, and three plays later the Seahawks finally got on the board on a seven-yard pass to Williams. Norm Johnson added the point after.

A three-and-out series by the Bengals resulted in a punt and the Seahawks drove 69 yards in nine plays. Krieg connected with WR Paul Skansi for 11 yards in a third-and-ten situation and a completion to WR Ray Butler for 32 yards advanced the ball to the Cincinnati 12. Three plays later, Krieg kept the ball himself for a one-yard TD, but, critically, Johnson missed the extra point and Seattle remained behind by eight points with just under six minutes to play.

Another short Cincinnati series resulted in a punt, but this time the Seahawks were unable to move the ball as Krieg threw three incomplete passes and the visitors punted as well. With the help of a 20-yard run by Woods, the Bengals reached the Seattle 44 on their next series before punting and pinning the Seahawks back at their two yard line with 2:40 remaining on the clock. Krieg was able to complete four passes, but not his last three as the drive – and Seattle’s season – ended at the Cincinnati 44. The Bengals won by a final score of 21-13.

Cincinnati had the lead in total yards (345 to 294), with 254 yards of that total coming on the ground as opposed to just 18 rushing yards for the Seahawks. The Bengals also had the edge in first downs (22 to 19) and time of possession (35:19 to 24:41). Seattle turned the ball over three times, to two suffered by Cincinnati.

Ickey Woods gained 126 yards on 23 rushing attempts that included a touchdown and James Brooks added 72 yards on 13 carries. Stanley Wilson contributed 45 yards on 7 rushes that included the two short TDs. Boomer Esiason completed just 7 of 19 passes for 108 yards and no TDs but also gave up no interceptions. Rodney Holman was the only Cincinnati receiver with more than one catch, pulling in three passes for 44 yards.

For the Seahawks, Dave Krieg was successful on 24 of 50 throws for 297 yards and a touchdown while being intercepted twice. John L. Williams (pictured at left), who gained just 10 rushing yards on 7 attempts, caught 11 passes for 137 yards and a TD. Brian Blades contributed 5 catches for 78 yards. Curt Warner was held to 11 yards on 8 carries.

“They (the Bengals) did a good job the first half, we didn’t, and that’s where we lost the game,” summed up Dave Krieg for the Seahawks.

The Bengals won again the next week as they defeated Buffalo for the AFC Championship, but then lost a closely-contested Super Bowl to the 49ers. Seattle dropped to 7-9 in 1989 and didn’t return to the postseason until 1999.

The loss to Cincinnati also was Chuck Knox’s last postseason coaching appearance. His teams (the Rams and Bills in addition to the Seahawks) reached the playoffs a total of eleven times, compiling a 7-11 record (3-4 with Seattle).   

MVP Profile: Mike Singletary, 1988

Linebacker, Chicago Bears

Age:  30 (Oct. 9)

8^th season in pro football & with Bears

College: Baylor

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 228

Prelude:

Singletary was taken by the Bears in the second round of the 1981 NFL draft and moved into the starting middle linebacker position during his rookie year. While there initially was concern about his lack of ideal size, by his third season in 1983 he was named to the Pro Bowl for the first of 10 straight years and was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection in 1984. Initially taken out of games in passing situations, he became adept at pass coverage as well as defense against the run. Singletary’s ability to dominate the middle of the field was a key component in defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan’s stifling 46 defense and he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985, a season in which the Bears achieved victory in the Super Bowl. Singletary continued to star in the middle of Chicago’s defense, which ranked at the top of the league for the third straight year in 1986.

1988 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 1

Interceptions – 1

Int. yards – 13

Int. TDs – 0

Fumble recoveries – 1

Fumble recovery TDs – 0

Tackles – 170

Postseason: 2 G

Sacks – 0

Interceptions – 0

TD – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News

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

Pro Bowl

Bears went 12-4 to finish first in the NFC Central while leading the NFL in fewest rushing yards (1326) and fewest points allowed (215). Won NFC Divisional playoff over Philadelphia Eagles (20-12). Lost NFC Championship to San Francisco 49ers (28-3).

Aftermath:

Singletary played for another four seasons and went to the Pro Bowl after each while also continuing to be a consensus first-team All-NFL selection in two of the next three years (a total of seven times overall, in addition to the 10 Pro Bowl selections), a tribute to his toughness and work ethic. He appeared in 172 regular season games and 12 more in the postseason on his way to induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1998.

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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). Also includes Associated Press NFL Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

Rookie of the Year: John Stephens, 1988

Running Back, New England Patriots

Age: 22

College: Northwestern State (LA)

Height: 6’1”   Weight: 220

Prelude:

After setting a school rushing record with 3057 yards at Northwestern State, Stephens was chosen by the Patriots in the first round (17^th overall) of the 1988 NFL draft. He proved to be a key component in turning the team around from a 2-4 start with his solid running between the tackles.

1988 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 297 [5]

Most attempts, game – 35 (for 124 yds.) vs. Chicago 10/30

Yards – 1168 [5]

Most yards, game – 134 yards (on 25 carries) at Buffalo 10/23

Average gain – 3.9

TDs – 4

100-yard rushing games – 5

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 14      

Most receptions, game – 3 (for 15 yds.) vs. Miami 11/6, (for 29 yds.) at Denver 12/17

Yards – 98

Most yards, game – 29 (on 3 catches) at Denver 12/17

Average gain – 7.0

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 5

Points – 30

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: NEA

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA (co-winner)

AFC Rookie of the Year: UPI

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

Pro Bowl

Patriots went 9-7 to finish third in the AFC East.

Aftermath:

Beginning in the preseason, Stephens was dogged by injuries in 1989 and his production slipped to 833 rushing yards with an average of 3.4 yards per carry. It was a similar situation in ’90, gaining 808 yards on the ground with a 3.8-yard average gain. While an effective power runner who rarely fumbled, his tendency to carry the ball with both arms slowed him down. Relegated to a backup role behind rookie Leonard Russell in 1991, Stephens was shifted to fullback in ’92. He was traded to Green Bay in 1993 but lasted five games before finishing up with the Chiefs in what was his last pro season. Overall, he rushed for 3440 yards on 945 carries (3.6 avg.) and gained another 812 yards on 105 pass receptions, scoring a total of 20 touchdowns.

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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). 

Rookie of the Year: Erik McMillan, 1988

Safety, New York Jets

Age: 23

College: Missouri

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 200

Prelude:

Son of Ernie McMillan, a former NFL offensive tackle, McMillan was an All-Big 8 selection in his last collegiate season and was taken by the Jets in the third round of the 1988 NFL draft. In an effort to bring greater speed to the defensive backfield, the club used three of its first four picks on defensive backs (the other two were Terry Williams and James Hasty). He became the starting free safety and proved to be one of the fastest in the league at that position.

1988 Season Summary

Appeared in 13 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 0

Interceptions – 8 [2, tied with Terry Hoage, Vestee Jackson & Carl Lee, 1st in AFC]

Most interceptions, game – 3 at Miami 10/23

Int. return yards – 168 [2]

Most int. return yards, game – 57 (on 3 int.) at Miami 10/23

Int. TDs – 2 [1, tied with Carl Lee]

Fumble recoveries – 0

Tackles – 80

Scoring

TDs – 2

Points – 12

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA

2^nd team All-AFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Jets went 8-7-1 to finish fourth in the AFC East while leading the conference in interceptions (24).  

Aftermath:

Daring and aggressive, McMillan was again selected to the Pro Bowl in 1989 after intercepting six passes, one of which he returned 92 yards. However, a change in defensive schemes affected his performance adversely in 1990. His play became marked by inconsistency and, following the ’92 season, he was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent. McMillan failed to last the year with the Eagles and made appearances with the Chiefs and Browns in what was his final season. Overall, over the course of six years he intercepted 22 passes, five of which he returned for touchdowns, but he failed to live up to the promise of his first two seasons in the NFL.

[Updated 8/4/13]
[Updated 11/29/14]

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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).