MVP Profile: Derrick Brooks, 2002

Linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Age:  29

8^th season in pro football & with Buccaneers

College: Florida State

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 235

Prelude:

The Buccaneers took Brooks in the first round of the 1995 NFL draft, and he moved into the lineup at OLB and was second on the team with 79 tackles as a rookie. Steady and solid, with outstanding range, he was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first of 10 straight years in his third season. He was used effectively both against the run and in pass coverage and regularly led the team in tackles. The defense fueled Tampa Bay’s rise into a contender, although Brooks was coming off a 2001 season in which he played hurt for most of the season.

2002 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 1

Interceptions – 5 [10, tied with five others]

Most interceptions, game – One on 5 occasions

Int. yards – 218 [3]

Most int. return yards, game – 97 (on 1 int.) at Baltimore 9/15

Int. TDs – 3 [1]

Fumble recoveries – 1

Fumble recovery TDs – 1

Forced fumbles – 1

Tackles – 88

Assists – 31

Scoring

TDs – 4

Points – 24

Postseason: 3 G

Sacks – 0.5

Interceptions – 2

Int. return yards – 44

TD – 1

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

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

1^st team All-NFC: Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Buccaneers went 12-4 to finish first in the NFC South while leading the NFL in total defense (4044 yards allowed), passing defense (2490 yards), fewest points allowed (196), and touchdowns allowed (18). Won NFC Divisional playoff over San Francisco 49ers (31-6), NFC Championship over Philadelphia Eagles (27-10), and Super Bowl over Oakland Raiders (48-21).

Aftermath:

Brooks continued to excel and was a consensus first-team All-Pro again in 2004 and ’05. His career finally came to an end when he was released by the Bucs following the 2008 season – still having been chosen to the Pro Bowl for the 11^th time. Over the course of 14 seasons, Brooks had 13.5 sacks, 25 interceptions that he returned for 530 yards and 6 touchdowns, and over 1300 tackles.

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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.

[Updated 2/4/14]

1985: Franco Kicks 5 Field Goals to Propel Bulls Over Stars

The Philadelphia Stars had appeared in the first two United States Football League Championship games, and won the second. For the 1985 season, they had become the Baltimore Stars in anticipation of the USFL’s move to the fall for ’86. While it created an awkward arrangement, with practice facilities in Philadelphia and home games shifted to Byrd Stadium at the University of Maryland, the Stars were still a strong team on both sides of the ball. The conservative offense continued to be directed by QB Chuck Fusina and featured RB Kelvin Bryant, and the defense was outstanding, having given up a league-lowest average of 12.5 points per game in ’84. Organizationally, under owner Myles Tannenbaum, President/GM Carl Peterson, and Head Coach Jim Mora, the Stars were the class of the league.

They opened the 1985 season on February 24 against the Jacksonville Bulls. Coming off a 6-12 record in their inaugural campaign, the Bulls had admirable fan support (an average attendance of 46,730 per game). Coached by Lindy Infante, the team had taken steps to improve the offense by dealing for 35-year-old veteran QB Brian Sipe, most recently of the New Jersey Generals, and adding RB Mike Rozier, whose rookie season was spent with the defunct Pittsburgh Maulers.   

A crowd of 51,045, the biggest of the USFL’s opening week, was on hand at the Gator Bowl. Near the end of the scoreless first quarter, Sipe went down with a shoulder separation after being hit from the blind side by CB Bill Hardee in the process of completing a seven-yard pass on a third-down play and backup Robbie Mahfouz took over for the Bulls. Sipe left the contest after having completed five of six passes for 51 yards.

Brian Franco got the Bulls on the board first with a 42-yard field goal. He and Baltimore’s David Trout traded three-pointers for the remainder of the period, with Franco connecting again from 24 yards in between Trout’s kicks from 30 and 27 yards. The score was 6-6 at the half.

Early in the third quarter, Fusina was picked off by Jacksonville safety Don Bessillieu. It set up Franco’s longest field goal of the day, from 51 yards, which barely cleared the crossbar. With 5:31 remaining in the period, and capping a 10-play, 69-yard drive, Mahfouz threw to FB Marvin Lewis for a two-yard touchdown. Jacksonville led by 16-6 after three quarters.

Franco added two more field goals in the final period, from 27 and 50 yards, the first following a second Fusina interception. The last field goal also followed a turnover when Bessillieu picked up a fumble by Stars FB David Riley and ran it 40 yards to the Baltimore 45. The score was 22-6 with 8:40 left in the contest.

Early in the fourth quarter, Fusina was sidelined with a thumb injury, bringing backup Tim Riordan into the game for the Stars. Now with one minute remaining in the contest, Riordan threw to WR Herbert Harris for a three-yard touchdown that he then followed with a pass to WR Willie Collier for a successful two-point conversion.

The ending turned dramatic as the Stars successfully executed an onside kick that was recovered by LB Larry McCoy. However, after advancing to the Jacksonville 32, Riordan was sacked for a ten-yard loss and Baltimore was able to run just two more plays before time ran out. Jacksonville won by a final score of 22-14.

The Stars had the edge in total yards (340 to 240) and first downs (23 to 12). They did well against Jacksonville’s running attack, holding the Bulls to 57 yards on 22 attempts while gaining 82 yards on their own 27 carries. However, the uncharacteristically sloppy defending champs also turned the ball over four times, to none suffered by the Bulls. Jacksonville also recorded four sacks, to none by Baltimore.

After replacing Brian Sipe, Robbie Mahfouz (pictured below) completed 17 of 24 passes for 132 yards with a TD and no interceptions. The team’s leading receiver was TE Mark Keel, who caught 6 passes for 54 yards. Mike Rozier rushed for 30 yards on 13 carries.  Brian Franco tied the USFL record with his five field goals in as many attempts.

For the Stars, Chuck Fusina was successful on 8 of 15 throws for 122 yards with no TDs but two interceptions before having to leave the game. Tim Riordan completed 13 of his 21 passes for 117 yards and one TD with none intercepted. Kelvin Bryant gained 53 yards on 13 rushing attempts. Willie Collier had 7 pass receptions for 112 yards and WR Scott Fitzkee contributed 64 yards on his 4 catches.

“Brian Franco had an incredible day,” exclaimed Coach Lindy Infante as he presented his kicker with a game ball.

“I have mixed emotions about this game,” added Infante, referencing the injury to Sipe. “Naturally, I’m upset we’ve lost a player of Brian’s ability, but we beat an awful good football team and I have to be happy about that.”

Franco had been cut by the Stars in favor of Trout two seasons before. He had also been cut by Jacksonville the previous year but was re-signed three games into the season. His opening-game performance ignited a fine season in which Franco was successful on 24 of 29 field goal attempts, was perfect on 45 extra points, and ended up with 117 points, which ranked fifth in the league and second among placekickers.

Sipe was diagnosed with a “complete shoulder separation” and was out for 12 weeks. In the meantime, veteran NFL backup QB Ed Luther took over the starting job. Robbie Mahfouz returned to the bench and ended up completing 24 of 38 passes for 205 yards with two TDs and an interception.

The Bulls put together a 9-9 record to finish sixth in the seven-team Eastern Conference. While the Stars continued to struggle during the first half of the season, they won five of their last six games and ended up in fourth place at 10-7-1. Having qualified for the postseason, they went on to retain the USFL title in the league’s last game.

Rookie of the Year: Raymond Chester, 1970

Tight End, Oakland Raiders

Age: 22

College: Morgan State

Height: 6’3”   Weight: 220

Prelude:

With veteran Billy Cannon coming up on his 11^th season and backup Roger Hagberg having died tragically in an auto accident, the Raiders were in the market for a tight end. They took Chester in the first round of the 1970 NFL draft (24^th overall), impressed with the speed he brought to the position. Cannon was let go, thus making room for the rookie in the starting lineup.

1970 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 42      

Most receptions, game – 8 (for 110 yds.) vs. Washington 10/19

Yards – 556

Most yards, game - 110 (on 8 catches) vs. Washington 10/19

Average gain – 13.2

TDs – 7 [9, tied with Fred Biletnikoff, Roy Jefferson & Jack Snow]

100-yard receiving games – 2

Scoring

TDs – 7 [18, tied with nine others]

Points – 42

Postseason: 2 G

Pass receptions – 4

Most pass receptions, game – 2 vs. Miami, AFC Divisional playoff; at Baltimore, AFC Championship

Pass receiving yards – 83

Most receiving yards, game – 47 vs. Miami, AFC Divisional playoff

Average yards per reception – 20.8

Pass Receiving TDs - 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: NEA

2^nd team All-AFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Raiders went 8-4-2 to finish first in the AFC West while leading the NFL in total offense (4829 yards). Won AFC Divisional playoff over Miami Dolphins (21-14). Lost AFC Championship to Baltimore Colts (27-17).

Aftermath:

Chester went to the Pro Bowl after the 1971 and ’72 seasons, although his numbers were below those of his first year. But while his output was 62 catches over those two seasons, 15 of them went for touchdowns. He was dealt to the Baltimore Colts for DE Bubba Smith in 1973 and, over the course of five seasons with them, caught 148 passes for 2122 yards and 11 TDs. Chester returned to the Raiders in 1978 and, in ’79, achieved NFL career highs in pass receptions (58) and yards (712) while earning a fourth Pro Bowl selection. His second stint with the Raiders came to an end in 1981, but in ’83 he played for the Oakland Invaders of the USFL and caught 68 passes for 951 yards and five TDs to earn All-League honors, after which he retired. For his 12-year NFL career, he had 364 pass receptions for 5013 yards (13.8 avg.) and 48 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). 

[Updated 2/4/14]

1995: Panthers Sign First Two Veteran Free Agents

On February 20, 1995, three days into the official free agency signing period, the expansion Carolina Panthers signed their first two unrestricted veteran free agents. PK John Kasay (pictured at right) and DE Mike Fox were both given five-year contracts and, each in their way signified the priorities of the new club as it built toward both the ’95 NFL season and beyond. The organization was taking immediate steps to set the tone for the defense as well as build effective special teams.

“We proved we’re going to aggressively pursue talent, and we’re headed in the right direction by signing Mike and John,” said GM Bill Polian.

The contract given to Fox raised some eyebrows ($9 million for the five years) since, while starting every game for the Giants in 1994, he had just 40 tackles (29 solo, 11 assists) and one sack. However, the Panthers were impressed with his toughness, intensity, durability, and 6’6” height. He had also been moved inside to tackle after playing four seasons as a defensive end, and the Panthers moved him back to the outside in their 3-4 alignment.

John Kasay had a strong leg and a 78.1 percent success rate on his field goals over the course of four years with Seattle. The concern there was that he had been playing his home games in a domed stadium and would not have that luxury in Carolina (Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium in ’95 and Ericsson Stadium, which later became Bank of America Stadium, thereafter). His five-year deal was for $4.3 million.

The Fox signing proved to be in line with other veteran defensive acquisitions that the new team made, including linebackers Sam Mills, Darion Conner, and Lamar Lathon; CB Tim McKyer; and SS Bubba McDowell. Likewise, Kasay was joined by veteran punter Tommy Barnhardt and kick returner Randy Baldwin. In all, Carolina signed 17 veteran free agents, taking advantage of plenty of salary cap space, which was more than any other NFL club.

Having failed to lure Joe Gibbs out of retirement, the Panthers made Dom Capers, who had been the defensive coordinator for the Steelers the previous three seasons, the club’s first head coach (and were penalized for violating the NFL’s anti-tampering rules as a result). “We looked to build a defense, then a kicking game, then an offense,” explained Capers regarding the new club’s signing strategy. 

The Panthers got off to the slow start typical of first-year teams, losing their first five games, but then reeled off four consecutive wins that included a stunning upset of the reigning NFL Champion 49ers. The ultimate record of 7-9 was the best for a modern NFL expansion team and set the stage for a division title and postseason run in 1996.

While overshadowed on the defense by the outstanding performance of the 36-year-old Sam Mills, Fox played well. In addition to 4.5 sacks, he was credited with a club-best 28 quarterback hurries and 10 batted passes along with 57 tackles. Kasay alleviated concerns about his ability to kick consistently outdoors by ranking fourth in the NFC in field goals - he was good on 26 of 33 attempts, a solid 78.8 percent.

Fox (pictured below) and Kasay were important cogs in Carolina’s 12-4 campaign in ’96 that resulted in a Division playoff win over Dallas and finally ended against the Packers in the NFC Championship game.  Utilizing the “zone blitz” scheme that Capers had developed at Pittsburgh, the linebacking corps of Mills, Lathon, and Kevin Greene justifiably received accolades as the backbone of the defense, while Fox’s ability to occupy blockers up front helped to present opportunities for the outside linebackers to rush the passer (Greene had 14.5 sacks and Lathon was right behind with 13.5). The fine defensive play took pressure off of the conservative offense, guided by second-year QB Kerry Collins, to good effect. Meanwhile, Kasay had a Pro Bowl year, connecting on a then-record 37 of his 45 field goal attempts (82.2 %) and scoring 145 points.

The high-flying Panthers, who had dramatically exceeded expectations in their first two seasons, fell to earth in 1997. Fox was a part of the problem as the defense that had fueled the ascent now led the slide to a 7-9 tally. The loss of Greene due to a contract dispute was the biggest issue, to be sure, and Lathon’s performance dropped off significantly as a result. Fox suffered injuries to both shoulders and appeared in just 11 games. Likewise, problems on the offensive side of the ball caused Kasay to have far fewer field goal opportunities. While hitting on a healthy 84.6 percent of his three-point tries, he attempted only 26 (and was successful on 22) in comparison to the 45 of the year before.

Fox was a reserve in 1998, with the team having added free agent DE Sean Gilbert plus rookie DE Jason Peter. It was a difficult year for the club in general, with the record falling to 4-12 amid turmoil and ending up with the departure of Capers.  It was the last season for Fox also, who had been such an important part of the defense in the first two overachieving seasons.

Kasay lasted with the Panthers far longer. He remained with the club until 2010 and was part of the NFC Championship squad of 2003. One of the first players signed, he ended up being the last of the original Panthers to play for the team. While he missed time due to a couple of significant leg injuries along the way (most notably in 2002, when he was limited to just two games), over the course of 15 years in Carolina he kicked 351 field goals out of 424 attempts (82.8 %) and 429 extra points (missing a total of nine). Along with his 1482 points, he set significant career standards in those categories for the young franchise.     

MVP Profile: Ken Stabler, 1976

Quarterback, Oakland Raiders

Age:  31 (Dec. 25)

9^th season in pro football & with Raiders (counting 1968 and ‘69 seasons, as detailed in Prelude)

College: Alabama

Height: 6’3”   Weight: 215

Prelude:

Following an outstanding college career, the left-handed Stabler was chosen by the Raiders in the second round of the 1968 NFL/AFL draft. He was farmed out for a brief apprenticeship in the Continental Football League in ’68 and spent 1969 on injured reserve before he saw his first regular season NFL action as the third-string QB in 1970. Knee injuries robbed Stabler of his mobility, but “The Snake” was an accurate passer who took over as starting QB in 1973 and led the league in completion percentage (62.7) while earning selection to the Pro Bowl. He followed that up with a MVP and consensus All-Pro season in 1974 in which he led the NFL with 26 TD passes and a TD percentage of 8.4 as the Raiders advanced to the AFC Championship game for the second straight year. They made it three straight in ’75, although Stabler had a lesser year as he struggled with another knee injury and tossed 24 interceptions.

1976 Season Summary

Appeared in 12 of 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 291 [13, tied with Greg Landry]

Most attempts, game – 38 vs. Pittsburgh 9/12

Completions – 194 [7]

Most completions, game – 22 at Kansas City 9/20

Yards – 2737 [4]

Most yards, game – 342 vs. Pittsburgh 9/12

Completion percentage – 66.7 [1]

Yards per attempt – 9.4 [1]

TD passes – 27 [1]

Most TD passes, game – 4 vs. Cincinnati 12/6

Interceptions – 17 [4]

Most interceptions, game – 4 vs. Pittsburgh 9/12, vs. Kansas City 11/14

Passer rating – 103.4 [1]

300-yard passing games – 2

200-yard passing games – 9

Rushing

Attempts – 7

Yards – -2

Yards per attempt – -0.3

TDs – 1

Scoring

TDs – 1

Points - 6

Postseason: 3 G

Pass attempts – 67

Most attempts, game - 32 vs. New England, AFC Divisional playoff

Pass completions – 41

Most completions, game - 19 vs. New England, AFC Divisional playoff

Passing yardage – 501

Most yards, game - 233 vs. New England, AFC Divisional playoff

TD passes – 4

Most TD passes, game - 2 vs. Pittsburgh, AFC Championship

Interceptions – 0

Rushing attempts – 1

Most rushing attempts, game - 1 vs. New England, AFC Divisional playoff

Rushing yards – 1

Most rushing yards, game - 1 vs. New England, AFC Divisional playoff

Average gain rushing – 1.0

Rushing TDs – 1

Awards & Honors:

NFL Player of the Year: Bert Bell Award

AFC Player of the Year: Sporting News

1^st team All-NFL: Pro Football Weekly

2^nd team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA

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

2^nd team All-AFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Raiders went 13-1 to finish first in the AFC West with the conference’s best record while leading the NFL in touchdown passes (33). Won AFC Divisional playoff over New England Patriots (24-21), AFC Championship over Pittsburgh Steelers (24-7), and Super Bowl over Minnesota Vikings (32-14).

Aftermath:

Stabler was again a Pro Bowl selection in 1977 and threw for a career-high 3615 yards in 1979. Traded to the Houston Oilers for QB Dan Pastorini with the expectation that he would get the Oilers into the Super Bowl, he instead endured two disappointing seasons before moving on to New Orleans for the last three years of his career. Overall, Stabler threw for 27,938 yards and, prone to taking chances, gave up 222 interceptions as opposed to 194 TDs. However, he was named to the Pro Bowl four times, his regular season record was 96-49-1, and he was 7-5 in postseason play.

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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 2/5/14]

Rookie of the Year: Tim Bowens, 1994

Defensive Tackle, Miami Dolphins

Age: 21

College: Mississippi

Height: 6’4”   Weight: 317

Prelude:

Bowens was taken by the Dolphins in the first round of the 1994 NFL draft (20^th overall) despite concerns about his weight and having played only nine games at the major college level. Still, he had performed well in pre-draft workouts and it was hoped that he would be able to dominate from the inside of the defensive line. While his lack of experience was apparent in his pass rushing during his rookie year, he excelled at stuffing the run.

1994 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

(Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20)

Sacks – 3

Most sacks, game – 1 at Minnesota 9/25, at NY Jets 11/27, vs. Detroit 12/25

Interceptions – 0

Fumble recoveries – 0

Forced fumbles – 2

Tackles – 44

Assists – 8

Postseason: 2 G

Sacks – 0

Interceptions – 0

TD – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA

2^nd team All-AFC: UPI

Dolphins went 10-6 to finish first in the AFC East. Won AFC Wild Card playoff over Kansas City Chiefs (27-17). Lost Divisional playoff to San Diego Chargers (22-21).

Aftermath:

The next few seasons featured uneven play from Bowens, in which he dominated at times but not consistently. However, he broke out with a Pro Bowl season in 1998 as the Dolphins ranked third in defense. Bowens continued to give Miami solid play in the middle of the defensive line. While he struggled with his weight, he could be surprisingly quick in spurts. He was selected to a second Pro Bowl in 2002 but a back injury limited him to two games in 2004, his last season. Always far better against the run than the pass during his 11-season career, Bowens had a total of 22 sacks and was twice selected to the Pro Bowl. While widely perceived to be a risky first-round draft choice in 1994, he went on to have a solid pro career.

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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). 

MVP Profile: Lawrence Taylor, 1981

Linebacker, New York Giants

Age: 22

1^st season in pro football

College: North Carolina

Height: 6’3”   Weight: 237

Prelude:

Following a college career in which he was a consensus first-team All-American and Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year for 1980, Taylor was chosen in the first round by the Giants in 1981 (second overall). It was expected that he would start right away, and he did with an immediate impact.

1981 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

(Bracketed numbers indicate league rank)

Sacks – N/A

Interceptions – 1

Int. return yards – 1

Int. TDs – 0

Fumble recoveries – 1

Postseason: 2 G

Sacks – N/A

Interceptions – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: AP

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

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

Pro Bowl

Giants went 9-7 to finish third in the NFC East while qualifying for the postseason as a Wild Card – the franchise’s first postseason appearance since 1963. Won NFC Wild Card playoff over Philadelphia Eagles (27-21). Lost NFC Divisional playoff to San Francisco 49ers (38-24).

Aftermath:

With his attacking style of play, Taylor almost immediately set new standards for outside linebackers and was a consensus first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in each of his first six seasons and NFL Defensive Player of the Year again in 1982. In 1986 he received consensus MVP honors and was the AP Defensive Player of the Year for a third time following a season in which Taylor recorded 20.5 sacks and the Giants won the Super Bowl. Taylor continued to be the leader of the Giants defense, achieving consensus first-team All Pro honors twice more and being selected to four more Pro Bowls (for a total of 10 consecutive, going back to his rookie year). He retired following the 1993 season, with 132.5 career sacks, and his #56 was retired by the Giants. Taylor was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1999.

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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.