Highlighted Year: Marcus Coleman, 2003

Cornerback, Houston Texans

Age: 29

8^th season in pro football, 2^nd with Texans

College: Texas Tech

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 210

Prelude:

Coleman was chosen by the New York Jets in the fifth round of the 1996 NFL draft. Fast and athletic, he was also a raw talent but moved into the starting lineup at cornerback late in his rookie year. Moved to free safety in ’97 with disappointing results, he became strictly a backup through 1998 but came back strong in ’99 as he returned to the starting lineup at right cornerback and intercepted six passes, one of which he ran back 98 yards for a TD. He became a fixture in the lineup over the next two years, although his performance dropped off in 2001 and he moved on to the expansion Texans in 2002. Coleman started in Houston across from Pro Bowler Aaron Glenn, who he had played in tandem with in New York.

2003 Season Summary

Appeared in 15 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions – 7 [4, tied with Ed Reed & Patrick Surtain, 1^st in AFC]

Most interceptions, game – 2 at Miami 9/7

Int. return yards – 95 [18, tied with Marlon McCree]

Most int. return yards, game – 41 (on 1 int.) vs. Indianapolis 12/28

Int. TDs – 0

Sacks – 0

Fumble recoveries – 0

Forced fumbles – 1

Tackles – 57

Assists – 12

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 1        

Yards – 6

TDs – 0

Texans went 5-11 to finish fourth in the AFC South.  

Aftermath:

With the arrival of first draft choice CB Dunta Robinson, Coleman was shifted to free safety in 2004, with good results (before suffering a late-season shoulder injury) that included a 102-yard return of an interception. He was supplanted by C.C. Brown in ’05 and finished his career with the Cowboys in 2006, where he was released following a four-game suspension for substance abuse. Overall, over the course of eleven seasons, Coleman intercepted 25 passes, two of which he returned for long touchdowns, recovered five fumbles, and was credited with over 400 tackles.

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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

1997: Saints Edge Bears in Mike Ditka’s Return to Chicago

Mike Ditka had been a popular and successful player and coach with the Chicago Bears, and was making his return to Chicago as head coach of the New Orleans Saints for a game on October 5, 1997. It was hardly a marquee matchup, however, as both teams were playing poorly. There were those pundits who referred to the contest as “the Peyton Manning Bowl”, with the presumption that the loser might well be on the way to having the first overall pick in the ’98 NFL draft that would presumably be used to select the Univ. of Tennessee’s star quarterback.

The Saints were coming off a 3-13 record in 1996 and, with Ditka now at the helm, had a 1-4 tally thus far. The defense was showing signs of improvement, but the offense was mediocre at best. QB Heath Shuler was a first-round bust in Washington and clearly nothing more than a stopgap for his new team. WR Randal Hill was the best of the receivers, the running backs were nondescript, and the line, other than OT William Roaf, was poor.

The Bears, in their fifth year under Ditka’s successor as head coach, Dave Wannstedt, were just a shadow of the team that had won in double figures five times in a row under “Iron Mike”, including a NFL Championship in 1985. Chicago had last been to the playoffs in ’94, was coming off a 7-9 record in ’96, and was off to an abysmal 0-5 start. QB Erik Kramer was under challenge from another first-round disappointment, Rick Mirer, late of the Seahawks. RB Raymont Harris led the running game but the best wide receiver, Curtis Conway, was injured. The defense was not at all formidable, especially the weak pass rush.

There were 58,865 fans in attendance for the Sunday night game at Soldier Field and they gave Ditka a warm welcome. The game they saw was sloppy, at best. The teams traded punts to start the contest before New Orleans RB Mario Bates fumbled and DT Paul Grasmanis recovered for the Bears at the Saints’ 32. Rick Mirer immediately threw to TE Ryan Wetnight for a gain of 24 yards and, four plays later, Jeff Jaeger kicked a 23-yard field goal.

The Bears quickly got the ball back when FS John Mangum intercepted a pass by Heath Shuler, but they were unable to capitalize on the turnover this time and punted. Neither team was able to mount a threat for the remainder of the opening period.

That remained the case until, with just over four minutes remaining in the half, Shuler completed a pass to TE John Farquhar for 42 yards to the Chicago 27. Another completion to Farquhar picked up nine yards and, as the clock ticked down to the two-minute warning, Doug Brien kicked a 38-yard field goal to tie the score at 3-3, and thus it remained at halftime.

The Bears, who now had Erik Kramer at quarterback, had the opening possession of the third quarter, went three-and-out, and punted. Shuler completed two passes and Bates then broke away for a 49-yard touchdown run. Brien added the extra point and the visitors were in front by 10-3.

Following another Chicago punt, the Saints advanced 41 yards in eight plays, the biggest of which was a 27-yard run by FB Ray Zellars. The drive stalled at the Bears’ 31 and Brien booted a 48-yard field goal to stretch the New Orleans lead to ten points.

The penalty-filled contest headed into the fourth quarter. The Bears finally mounted a scoring drive after getting good field position at the New Orleans 33 following a punt from deep inside Saints’ territory. Kramer threw to WR Chris Penn for 14 yards and to WR Bobby Engram for 12 in a third-and-five situation at the 14. Kramer carried for the last yard and a TD, and with Jaeger’s conversion, the New Orleans lead was cut to 13-10.

On the next series, Shuler fumbled deep in his own territory and DT Jim Flanigan recovered at the Saints’ eight. A pass interference penalty in the end zone moved the ball to the one and from there Raymont Harris blasted up the middle for a TD. Jaeger added the extra point and the Bears were in front by 17-13 with six minutes left in the game.

The home crowd was cheering, but the celebration, as well as Chicago’s lead, didn’t last long. On the first play following the ensuing kickoff, Shuler passed to WR Randal Hill and he went the distance for an 89-yard touchdown. Brien kicked the PAT and the Saints were back on top by three.

With Kramer passing on almost every down, the Bears moved down the field, converting a fourth down along the way. But after reaching the New Orleans 38, Kramer was sacked on third down for a six-yard loss by DT Wayne Martin and a fourth down pass to Engram came up a yard short. That essentially settled the matter – Chicago got the ball back once more following a New Orleans punt, but with 12 seconds remaining. Ditka and the Saints came away winners by a score of 20-17.

The teams combined for 21 punts, with 12 by the Bears and 9 for New Orleans, and 18 penalties, evenly distributed at nine apiece. The Saints accumulated the most total yards (322 to 266) while Chicago had more first downs (19 to 11). New Orleans also recorded five sacks, to two by the Bears, but also turned the ball over three times, while Chicago had none. 

Heath Shuler completed just 9 of 23 passes for 195 yards and the one long touchdown as well as one interception. Randal Hill (pictured above), thanks to the big TD, gained 121 yards on 5 catches. Ray Zellars rushed for 65 yards on 14 carries and Mario Bates contributed 58 yards and a touchdown on his 9 attempts.

For the Bears, Rick Mirer was successful on only 7 of his 16 throws for 58 yards and Erik Kramer was 12 of 20 for 131 yards in relief. Raymont Harris gained 82 yards on 28 rushing attempts that included a score. Bobby Engram had 6 pass receptions for 59 yards.

“I’m sure a lot of people turned off their TVs, it wasn’t pretty,” summed up Mike Ditka.

The Saints went on to lose their next three games, although they rallied somewhat during the second half of the season to finish with a 6-10 record that placed fourth in the NFC West. Chicago reached 0-7 before finally entering the win column and placed last in the NFC Central at 4-12. Despite the “Peyton Manning Bowl” speculation, it was the 3-13 Indianapolis Colts who ultimately ended up with the first overall draft pick that was used to take Manning.

As for the game’s two starting quarterbacks, Heath Shuler’s winning touchdown pass was one of only two that he tossed all season, while giving up 14 interceptions and losing the starting job (ultimately to Billy Joe Hobert). It would prove to be the last year of his disappointing pro career. Rick Mirer yielded the starting job back to Erik Kramer and threw a total of 103 passes in 1997, with none for touchdowns and six interceptions, and averaging just 4.1 yards per attempt. He moved on to journeyman status, starting with a year in Green Bay in which he saw no action.

Mike Ditka’s stated intention was to have the Saints in contention in three years, but another 6-10 record in 1998 was followed by a controversial decision to trade the entire 1999 draft slate in order to move up in the first round and take RB Ricky Williams, the highly-touted Heisman Trophy winner from Texas. The result was a drop to 3-13 and Ditka was finished, having posted a record of 15-33 in New Orleans.

1970: Falcons Upset 49ers as Last Second FG Attempt Fails

The Atlanta Falcons had gotten off to a 1-1 start as they hosted the San Francisco 49ers on October 4, 1970. Under Head Coach Norm Van Brocklin, they were looking to improve upon a 6-8 record in ’69. QB Bob Berry (pictured above) was efficient, if limited, and there was an outstanding tight end in Jim Mitchell, but there was a lack of speed at wide receiver where able but aging veterans Paul Flatley and Gail Cogdill were available. The defense was tough and included DE Claude Humphrey, linebackers Tommy Nobis and Don Hansen, and CB Ken Reaves.

San Francisco, coached by Dick Nolan, was 2-0 and good on both sides of the ball. 35-year-old QB John Brodie was a fine passer and had WR Gene Washington leading the receiving corps while steady FB Ken Willard was the best runner. The defense was talented and included such stalwarts as DT Charlie Krueger, DE Tommy Hart, LB Dave Wilcox, and CB Jimmy Johnson.

There were 58,850 fans in attendance at Atlanta Stadium on a sunny afternoon. The Falcons had first possession and drove to midfield with FB Art Malone and HB Jim “Cannonball” Butler running effectively, but ultimately they had to punt. San Francisco had to punt as well following its first series, got the ball back quickly when Butler fumbled, but went three-and-out and punted again. John Brodie was off to a slow start, missing on his first six passes.

Butler took off for a 33-yard gain to advance the ball into San Francisco territory at the 42 and Bob Berry threw to WR Gail Cogdill for 10 yards, but the drive stalled and Ken Vinyard’s 42-yard field goal attempt fell short.

The teams traded punts but, as the scoreless game moved into the second quarter, the 49ers were on the move. From deep in their own territory, Brodie threw to WR Preston Riley on a third-and-six play and it was good for a 68-yard gain to the Atlanta 21. Brodie connected with Riley again for 12 yards and Ken Willard ran the ball three straight times, the last for a three-yard touchdown. Bruce Gossett kicked the extra point to stake the visitors to a 7-0 lead.

The Falcons moved well in response, with Malone and Butler carrying and Berry tossing a pass to Cogdill for a 16-yard gain on a third-and-six play. But after reaching the San Francisco 42, Vinyard again missed on a field goal attempt, this time from 50 yards.

The teams exchanged punts until Atlanta, taking possession with 1:40 left in the half, put together a scoring drive. Berry had three completions to WR Paul Flatley that covered 16, 15, and 11 yards and a 12-yard throw to Jim Mitchell (pictured at left). He then tossed a three-yard scoring pass to Butler and, with Vinyard adding the PAT, the score was tied at 7-7 at halftime.

San Francisco had the first possession in the third quarter and put together an 11-play, 62-yard drive. Brodie connected with Gene Washington twice for 12 and 14 yards and to TE Bob Windsor for a 16-yard gain in a third-and-seven situation and again for a one-yard touchdown. Gossett converted and the 49ers were back on top by 14-7.

The Falcons moved well in response, with Berry completing a pass to Flatley for 30 yards to reach midfield, but Butler fumbled at the San Francisco 42 and Tommy Hart recovered for the Niners. The turnover resulted in another scoring series, with Willard running effectively and Brodie hitting on consecutive passes to HB Doug Cunningham of nine and seven yards. The drive finally stalled at the Atlanta 19 and Gossett kicked a 27-yard field goal that put the visitors ahead by ten.

In a possession highlighted by a 29-yard carry by Butler, the Falcons reached the San Francisco 34 before a holding penalty and a sack moved them all the way back to their 34. They punted on the first play of the fourth quarter, and CB Bruce Taylor returned the kick 40 yards to the San Francisco 45, but two plays later Willard fumbled and DE John Zook recovered for the Falcons at his 46. Berry immediately went to Mitchell for 29 yards and, with a penalty tacked on, Atlanta was all the way to the Niners’ 12. Two plays later, Berry passed to Mitchell again, this time for a nine-yard TD, and with Vinyard’s extra point the visitors’ lead was narrowed to 17-14.

The ensuing kickoff produced another good return for the 49ers as HB Bill Tucker ran it back 43 yards. Three runs by Cunningham gained a total of 17 yards to the Atlanta 40 and, after a third down pass to Tucker came up a yard short, Gossett kicked another field goal, this time of 43 yards. The 49ers were ahead by six with less than ten minutes to play.

The Falcons had to punt following their next series, and San Francisco got a break on its next possession when Steve Spurrier, back to punt, was roughed. However, two plays later Cunningham, hit hard by linebackers Tommy Nobis and Don Hansen, turned the ball over on a fumble and, thanks to FS Tom McCauley’s 45-yard return, Atlanta had possession at the San Francisco 13. Two carries by HB Sonny Campbell and an incomplete pass set up a fourth-and-four situation at the seven, but Berry threw to Cogdill in the left corner of the end zone for a touchdown. Vinyard added the all-important extra point and the Falcons were ahead by one.

The 49ers regained possession at their 27 with the clock at 3:46. Cunningham ran up the middle for eight yards followed by Willard carrying for 14. Three plays later they faced third-and-six and Willard ran for seven yards. Two more Brodie completions mixed with three more carries by Willard had the ball down to the Atlanta 12 with six seconds in the game, but the normally reliable Gossett was wide by a few inches on a 19-yard field goal attempt. Atlanta came away with a 21-20 upset victory.

The statistics reflected the closeness of the score. The Falcons had the edge in total yards (356 to 326) while both teams accumulated 18 first downs apiece. The also each turned the ball over two times, although San Francisco’s were more untimely.

Jim Butler (pictured at right) set two club records, rushing for 127 yards on 17 carries but also fumbling four times. Bob Berry completed 17 of 32 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Paul Flatley caught 6 passes for 99 yards and Jim Mitchell also had 6 receptions, for 77 yards and a TD. Gail Cogdill contributed three catches for 33 yards and a score.

For the 49ers, John Brodie, who was on his way to a consensus MVP year, was successful on 16 of 27 throws for 182 yards and a TD while giving up no interceptions. Ken Willard ran for 90 yards on 25 carries that included a touchdown and Doug Cunningham added 69 yards on 14 attempts as well as four catches for 29 more yards. Preston Riley and Gene Washington had four receptions apiece, for 90 and 37 yards, respectively.

“I don’t care how we do it as long as we win,” said Bob Berry, “and the people are getting their money’s worth, I guess. I didn’t see anybody leaving.”

The Falcons failed to win often, losing their next two contests and finishing in third place in the NFC West with a 4-8-2 record. San Francisco recovered to go 5-0-1 over the next six games on the way to a division-topping 10-3-1 tally. In the first year of the merged and realigned NFL, the 49ers reached the NFC Championship game before succumbing to the Dallas Cowboys.

Bob Berry completed a healthy 58.0 percent of his passes, 16 of them for touchdowns. Jim Butler rushed for 636 yards and fumbled a total of 10 times. Jim Mitchell led the team with 44 catches for 650 yards (14.8 avg.) and six touchdowns while Paul Flatley had 39 receptions for 544 yards (13.9 avg.) and the one TD. Gail Cogdill, injury-plagued as his career that was played mostly in Detroit reached its final season, managed just seven catches for 101 yards in six games of action, with the touchdown against the 49ers his last.

Rookie of the Year: Rick Mirer, 1993

Quarterback, Seattle Seahawks

Age:  23

College: Notre Dame

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 216

Prelude:

As a starting quarterback in college, Mirer went 29-7-1 and was co-MVP of the 1992 Sugar Bowl. He set several career records at Notre Dame, including passing yards (5997) and touchdown passes (41) and was chosen by the Seahawks with the second overall pick in the first round of the 1993 NFL draft.

1993 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 486 [4, tied with Neil O’Donnell]

Most attempts, game – 43 vs. New England 10/24

Completions – 274 [7]

Most completions, game – 25 vs. San Diego 10/3

Yards – 2833 [14]

Most yards, game – 287 vs. Kansas City 12/5

Completion percentage – 56.4

Yards per attempt – 5.8

TD passes – 12 [18, tied with Scott Mitchell, Wade Wilson & Stan Humphries]

Most TD passes, game – 2 at Kansas City 1/2

Interceptions – 17 [5, tied with Bobby Hebert & Steve Beuerlein]

Most interceptions, game – 3 at Detroit 10/17

Passer rating – 67.0

200-yard passing games – 4

Rushing

Attempts – 68

Most attempts, game - 9 (for 17 yds.) at Cincinnati, (for 52 yds.) at LA Raiders 12/12

Yards – 343

Most yards, game – 52 yards (on 9 carries) at LA Raiders 12/12

Yards per attempt – 5.0

TDs – 3

Scoring

TDs – 3

Points – 18

Awards & Honors:

AFC Rookie of the Year: UPI

Seahawks went 6-10 to finish fifth in the AFC West while leading the conference in rushing yards (2015).

Aftermath:

Mirer’s promising first season remained his best. He struggled in 1994 until knocked out of the last three games with a broken thumb, dealing with poor mechanics and a weak supporting cast. It got worse in ’95 when he tossed 20 interceptions and, after another mediocre year in 1996, he was traded to Chicago. Athletic but with a poor throwing arm, Mirer lasted a year with the Bears, was cut, and picked up as a third-string backup for the Packers in ’98. He saw no action that year and continued as a journeyman with the Jets, 49ers, and Raiders. Over the course of eight active seasons and 80 games, Mirer threw for 11,969 yards and 50 TDs with 60 interceptions while completing 53.3 percent of his passes and averaging only 5.9 yards per attempt.

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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).

2005: Eagles Rally to Beat Chiefs

The Philadelphia Eagles, defending NFC Champions, were 2-1 as they faced the Kansas City Chiefs on October 2, 2005. Under Head Coach Andy Reid, the pass-heavy Eagles featured QB Donovan McNabb (pictured at right), who had put together back-to-back 300-yard passing games the previous two weeks, and had other formidable offensive weapons in WR Terrell Owens and RB Brian Westbrook. However, McNabb was suffering from a sports hernia, among other ailments, and the Eagles were also without dependable PK David Akers due to a groin pull and would be going with untested Todd France in his place.

Kansas City was coached by Dick Vermeil, a former NFC-winning coach with Philadelphia, and was also coming into the game at 2-1. 35-year-old QB Trent Green directed the attack and WR Eddie Kennison was the best of the wide receivers while TE Tony Gonzalez was a premier tight end. RB Priest Holmes still led the ground game, although Larry Johnson, in his third year, was waiting in the wings. The defense was vulnerable against the pass.

The Chiefs took the opening kickoff and drove 63 yards in nine plays. Trent Green completed three passes, two of them to Eddie Kennison for 15 and seven yards, and Priest Holmes rushed six times for 31 yards, the last three for a touchdown. Lawrence Tynes added the extra point.

The Eagles drove just past midfield before having to punt and Kansas City again put points on the board thanks to a series highlighted by Green throwing to Kennison (pictured below) for a 49-yard gain. Tynes kicked a 38-yard field goal and the Chiefs were ahead by 10-0.

Kansas City got the ball right back on the ensuing kickoff when CB Roderick Hood fumbled and LB Kris Griffin recovered for the Chiefs at the Philadelphia 27. Three plays into the second quarter, Green once again connected with Kennison, this time for an eight yard TD. Tynes converted to stretch the home team’s margin to 17-0.

The teams traded punts before the Eagles, starting at their 24, put together an effective drive. Donovan McNabb completed four straight passes, two of them to Terrell Owens, to reach the KC 23 before the advance stalled and the 40-yard field goal attempt by Todd France, his first in the NFL, was blocked by DE Eric Hicks. On the ensuing series, the Eagles got a break on defense when CB Sheldon Brown intercepted a pass by Green that was intended for Kennison and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown. The try for a two-point conversion failed, and the Chiefs quickly turned the tables when WR Dante Hall returned the kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown. Tynes added the extra point and the Kansas City lead was 24-6.

The Eagles punted following their next series but took advantage of another KC turnover when RB Larry Johnson fumbled and DT Sam Rayburn recovered at midfield. The visitors went 50 yards in five plays, the last two of which were McNabb completions to Owens for 28 yards and then a seven-yard touchdown. France added the extra point to narrow Kansas City’s lead to 24-13, and that was the score at the half.

Philadelphia had first possession in the third quarter and drove into Kansas City territory, with McNabb completing three passes, but the series stalled at the 26 and France kicked a 44-yard field goal. Neither team threatened again until, with fewer than four minutes remaining in the period, McNabb connected with Owens for a 30-yard gain to the KC 30 and, two plays later after a sack, followed up with another pass to Owens for 28 yards to the three. From there, TE Mike Bartrum had a catch for a three-yard touchdown and the Eagles added a two-point conversion when McNabb completed a throw to Westbrook, tying the score at 24-24.

The Chiefs had a short series and punted, and as the game headed into the fourth quarter, Philadelphia drove to another score. McNabb had four completions, including one for an 18-yard gain to RB Lamar Gordon and another to WR Greg Lewis for 34 yards to the Kansas City 25. The Eagles again had to go for a field goal, and France was successful from 37 yards to put the visitors in front by 27-24.

It quickly got worse for the Chiefs when Hall fumbled the kickoff return and RB Reno Mahe recovered for Philadelphia at the KC 25. McNabb threw to Owens for 14 yards and to TE L.J. Smith, who made an outstanding catch for seven, and two plays later he hit Smith again for a one-yard TD. France added the extra point that put the Eagles ahead by ten.

The next possession by the Chiefs ended with Green being picked off by Brown once again, who returned it 20 yards to the KC 41. McNabb picked away at the Chiefs once more, completing four consecutive passes, and while the drive stalled at the eight, the Eagles again came away with points on a 26-yard field goal by France with 3:31 to play.

In the waning minutes, Green passed the Chiefs down the field and they came away with a 15-yard completion to Hall for a touchdown. Tynes added the extra point to make it a six-point game, but the onside kick was recovered by Mahe to seal the 37-31 win for the Eagles.

Philadelphia had the edge in total yards (396 to 353) and first downs (25 to 19). The Eagles managed only 28 rushing yards but gained 368 net passing yards. McNabb was sacked once while Philadelphia recorded three sacks. The Chiefs also turned the ball over four times, to two suffered by the Eagles.

Donovan McNabb completed 33 of 48 passes for 369 yards and three touchdowns, giving up one interception. Terrell Owens (pictured below) had 11 catches for 171 yards and a TD and L.J. Smith contributed 9 receptions for 67 yards and a score. Brian Westbrook ran for only 15 yards on 9 attempts but had 6 catches for 33 yards. On defense, Sheldon Brown accounted for two interceptions that he returned for 60 yards and a touchdown. The fill-in placekicker Todd France was successful on three of four field goal attempts and both of his extra points.

For the Chiefs, Trent Green was successful on 19 of 30 throws for 221 yards and two TDs, but with two interceptions. Eddie Kennison caught 7 of those passes for 109 yards and a touchdown and also had a 23-yard run. Priest Holmes ran for 84 yards on 18 carries that included a score and had five receptions for 24 yards. Dante Hall contributed four catches for 45 yards and a TD (which tied the then-NFL career record of six) and averaged 29.3 yards on eight kickoff returns that included a touchdown.

“He’s unbelieveable, man,” said Kansas City CB Patrick Surtain of McNabb. “The second half, they got on a roll and it was like they were doing anything they wanted.”

Things did not go so well for McNabb and the Eagles the rest of the way. Feuding broke out between the quarterback and Terrell Owens, who was ultimately suspended from the team. McNabb finally succumbed to the sports hernia, which required surgery, and missed the last five games. Philadelphia plummeted to a 6-10 record and last-place finish in the NFC East after having won the division four straight times. The Chiefs rebounded to win their next two games on the way to a 10-6 record and second place ranking in the AFC West, although they failed to qualify for the playoffs in Dick Vermeil’s last season.

Donovan McNabb, who became the first quarterback in franchise history to pass for over 300 yards in three successive games with his performance in Kansas City, ended up throwing for 2507 yards and 16 touchdowns in his injury-shortened season. Terrell Owens caught 47 passes for 763 yards (16.2 avg.) and six TDs before he was banished. L.J. Smith had a career-high 61 catches for 682 yards (11.2 avg.) and three scores.

Todd France lasted three games with the Eagles and was successful on six of seven field goals as well as all five of his extra point attempts. He later played for Tampa Bay in what was his only NFL season. Already having seen action with NFL Europe, he went on to kick in the Arena Football League.

1978: Campbell-less Oilers Rally Past Browns

Both teams meeting in Cleveland on October 1, 1978 were missing key personnel and coming off losses the previous week. The visiting Houston Oilers were without star rookie RB Earl Campbell, who was sidelined by a pulled hamstring, and WR Billy “White Shoes” Johnson, the outstanding kick returner who had gone down with a knee injury. Head Coach Bum Phillips’ team was 2-2 after a low-scoring loss to the Rams and still had a potent defense while QB Dan Pastorini continued to direct the ball-control offense.

The host Cleveland Browns had won their first three games under first-year Head Coach Sam Rutigliano, but lost a close contest to the Steelers the previous week thanks to a flea-flicker pass in overtime after an apparent Pittsburgh fumble had been blown dead. They were without HB Greg Pruitt, who had a calf injury, although FB Mike Pruitt (no relation) was healthy. QB Brian Sipe was showing improvement and had capable receivers in WRs Reggie Rucker and Dave Logan plus rookie TE Ozzie Newsome. There was talent in the defensive backfield, but the pass rush was lacking.

It was an overcast day at Municipal Stadium with 72,776 fans in attendance. The Oilers took the opening kickoff and drove into Cleveland territory. HB Ronnie Coleman (pictured above), starting in place of Campbell, carried four times for 15 yards and caught a pass for another seven, but when the drive was held up at the Cleveland 33, an attempt to convert a fourth-and-one situation failed when Dan Pastorini was stopped for no gain.

The Browns advanced 43 yards in nine plays, helped by a pass interference penalty in a third-and-10 situation. Brian Sipe converted another third-and-10 play with a pass to Reggie Rucker for 18 yards to the Houston 26, but the drive finally stalled and Don Cockroft kicked a 41-yard field goal.

The Oilers put together a long series. Pastorini completed three passes and Coleman and FB Tim Wilson ran effectively, but after getting a first-and-goal at the seven, the drive came to a halt at the one. On the first play of the second quarter, Pastorini once again tried to convert a fourth down, and once again was stopped short when tackled by LB Charlie Hall before he could reach the goal line.

Cleveland managed to get out to the 14 before punting and Coleman’s 17-yard return gave Houston good field position at the Browns’ 41. With Coleman and Wilson carrying the load and Pastorini throwing to WR Mike Renfro for eight yards to convert a third-and-four play, the Oilers again moved into scoring territory, but Coleman fumbled at the 15 and DE Mack Mitchell recovered for the Browns.

The teams traded punts until, with 1:40 remaining in the half, CB Clarence Scott intercepted a Pastorini pass to give the Browns the ball at the Houston 42. They scored in seven plays, four of them Sipe pass completions. The last two were to Dave Logan, for a 21-yard gain followed by a seven-yard touchdown. Cockroft added the extra point and the home team took a 10-0 lead into halftime.

The Browns went three-and-out to start the third quarter but got the ball back when Coleman fumbled again and CB Ron Bolton recovered. However, four plays later the Oilers benefited from a turnover when CB Willie Alexander intercepted a Sipe pass at midfield. Pastorini converted a third down with an 18-yard completion to Renfro and, two plays later, connected with WR Rich Caster for a 41-yard TD. Toni Fritsch’s extra point attempt was blocked, but the Oilers were on the board and behind now by 10-6.

The teams again traded punts, with Houston winning the battle for field position. A kick that pinned the Browns back at their two led to a punt that gave the Oilers the ball at the Cleveland 43, and in a series that extended into the fourth quarter, they went 43 yards in eight plays. FB Rob Carpenter ran for the last seven and a touchdown, and this time Fritsch successfully converted to give the visitors a three-point lead.

Neither team was able to move the ball and punted following a possession apiece. They then traded turnovers, with FS Mike Reinfeldt intercepting a Sipe pass and Hall recovering a Coleman fumble at the Houston 24, and that led to Cockroft booting a 40-yard field goal that tied the score at 13-13.

There were just over six minutes remaining as the Oilers started their next series, and they were forced to punt. Cleveland took over at its 30 but, four plays later and with 1:24 left on the clock, Mike Pruitt fumbled and LB Art Stringer recovered for Houston at the Browns’ 48. Pastorini immediately went long to WR Ken Burrough, who out-wrestled Bolton for a 44-yard gain. To the Browns and their fans, it appeared that Bolton had been the winner in the battle for the ball and that it should have been ruled an interception. Cans and bottles came flying out of the east stands, delaying play and finally causing the officials to shift to the other end of the field. Three running plays were followed by a Fritsch field goal from 19 yards. A last-gasp pass by Sipe was intercepted and the Oilers won by a final score of 16-13.

The yardage totals were low, reflecting the defensive nature of the game, with Houston gaining the most (215 to 104) and also accumulating the most first downs (20 to 11). Even without Earl Campbell, the Oilers rushed for 164 yards, to just 78 for Cleveland. Each team turned the ball over four times.

Dan Pastorini completed 14 of 29 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown as well as an interception. Tim Wilson led the ground game with 72 yards on 16 carries and Ronnie Coleman contributed 63 yards on 19 attempts to go along with his team-high four catches, good for another 63 yards. With the controversial late-game catch, Ken Burrough (pictured at left) had 68 yards on three pass receptions.

For the Browns, Brian Sipe was successful on just 12 of 32 throws for 106 yards and a TD, giving up three interceptions. Reggie Rucker topped the club with three catches for 48 yards. Mike Pruitt ran for 41 yards on 11 attempts. 

“I think it was a helluva call,” said Coach Phillips of the Oilers regarding the controversial catch awarded to Ken Burrough. “When you go down in a tie, it goes to the offense…I know the fans didn’t like it.”

“I reached over and pulled the ball in and he came with it,” added Burrough. “I caught the ball and Bolton held on.”

Not surprisingly, Ron Bolton’s perspective was different (Bolton pictured below). “I had the ball,” he said. “He came across my back, which is a foul, reached over my shoulder and got his hand on the ball.” 

The Oilers, with Earl Campbell back in action, lost at Oakland the following week but then won seven of their last ten games to finish at 10-6 and second in the AFC Central. Qualifying for a Wild Card playoff spot, they advanced to the AFC Championship game before succumbing to the Steelers. Cleveland won the next game but was successful only sporadically thereafter, ending up third in the division at 8-8.

For Ronnie Coleman, once a starting halfback for the Oilers but now relegated to backup duty when Campbell was playing, the rushing total against the Browns was his highest output of the season as he gained 188 yards on 61 carries (3.1 avg.) and caught 19 passes for 246 yards.  

1962: Tittle’s 4 TD Passes Propel Giants Past Steelers

The New York Giants, defending champions of the NFL Eastern Conference, were 1-1 as they met the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had the same record, on September 30, 1962. In their second year under Head Coach Allie Sherman, the Giants were an outstanding passing team, with a rejuvenated QB Y.A. Tittle (pictured at right), in his 15^th pro season but second in New York, throwing to split end Del Shofner and Frank Gifford, once a star halfback but, following a year missed due to injury, back as a flanker. The ground game was led by 31-year-old FB Alex Webster, operating behind a good veteran line. The defense was also experienced and a tough and cohesive unit.

Pittsburgh, coached by Buddy Parker for a sixth season, still had QB Bobby Layne, who was a worn but savvy veteran. The offense also featured FB John Henry Johnson and split end Buddy Dial while the defensive line was anchored by DT Ernie Stautner. However, Pittsburgh’s normally good corps of linebackers was depleted by injury and Parker started only two against the Giants, George Tarasovic and Tom Bettis, until Ken Kirk joined them midway through the second quarter while Gene “Big Daddy” Lipscomb, normally a defensive tackle, lined up at middle guard.

There were 40,916 fans in attendance on a sunny afternoon at Pitt Stadium. Pittsburgh had first possession and drove 84 yards in 12 plays, the highlight of which was a 36-yard carry by John Henry Johnson. HB Joe Womack ran for the last seven yards and a touchdown. Lou Michaels added the extra point and the Steelers held the early 7-0 advantage.

The Giants responded with a good drive of their own, but it stalled in Pittsburgh territory and Don Chandler kicked a 23-yard field goal. CB Brady Keys returned the ensuing kickoff 55 yards with a sensational run to give the Steelers good field position at the New York 40. A two-yard loss on an end-around was followed by a 15-yard penalty against the Giants for defensive holding. Bobby Layne (pictured at left) finished the series off with a throw to flanker Red Mack in the corner of the end zone for a 28-yard TD. Michaels again converted and the home team was up by a 14-3 lead at the end of a quarter of play.

Early in the second quarter, safety Jim Patton intercepted a Layne pass and returned it ten yards to the Pittsburgh 38. The Giants advanced to the two, but after being backed up five yards by a penalty, Y.A. Tittle threw to HB Paul Dudley for an 11-yard touchdown. Chandler added the PAT and Pittsburgh’s lead was narrowed to 14-10.

Once again Keys made an outstanding kickoff return for the Steelers, running it back 57 yards this time to the New York 39. They moved inside the ten but they lost sizable yardage to a holding penalty and sack, and settled for a 41-yard Michaels field goal.

In the final two minutes of the half, the Giants came up with a big play when Tittle connected with Alex Webster (pictured at right) on a screen pass, and he went the distance for a 58-yard touchdown. Chandler’s extra point tied the score at 17-17.

The Steelers fought back in what proved to be a wild close to the first half. End Harlon Hill dropped a pass at the New York two and Michaels attempted a 53-yard field goal that was blocked, but HB Dick Hoak recovered for Pittsburgh and ran to the New York 17. With the clock down to seven seconds, the Steelers again lined up for an apparent kick, but instead tried a fake. The resulting pass by holder and backup QB Ed Brown was intercepted in the end zone by safety Allan Webb and the score remained tied at halftime.

Early in the third quarter, Keys intercepted a Tittle pass at his own 43 and the Steelers took advantage as Michaels capped the ensuing series with a 33-yard field goal. The home team was back in front by 20-17. 

New York responded with a scoring drive of its own. Tittle passed the Giants down the field and threw to a well-covered Frank Gifford, who pulled the pass away from safety Clendon Thomas for a 27-yard TD. Chandler’s conversion put the visitors in front for the first time by a score of 21-20. The Steelers threatened again late in the period, but a Michaels field goal try from 42 yards was short.

In the early seconds of the fourth quarter, Tittle threw to split end Del Shofner for a 16-yard touchdown. The Steelers fought back, helped by penalties on New York for roughing the passer and pass interference, and Johnson leaped the last yard for a TD. Michaels was good on the extra point to put Pittsburgh four points behind.

As the time wound down in the game, and with the home crowd cheering wildly, the Steelers again drove into scoring position. But after reaching the New York 16, a Layne pass into the end zone that was intended for Buddy Dial was instead intercepted by CB Erich Barnes to seal the 31-27 win for the Giants.

New York accumulated the most total yards (427 to 317) although the Steelers held the edge in first downs (23 to 19). Pittsburgh did a good job defensively against New York’s running game, at least until the fourth quarter, holding the Giants to 95 yards on 27 attempts while gaining 175 yards themselves. However, the Steelers also turned the ball over three times, including the climactic interception in the fourth quarter, to one suffered by New York. The Giants also recorded three sacks while Pittsburgh had none.

Y.A. Tittle completed 17 of 29 passes for 332 yards and four touchdowns while giving up one interception. Alex Webster led the Giants with 77 rushing yards on nine carries and also in pass receiving with 5 catches for 101 yards and a TD. Frank Gifford gained 99 yards on four receptions that included a score. 

  

For the Steelers, Bobby Layne was successful on 12 of 23 throws for 166 yards and a TD as well as two interceptions. John Henry Johnson rushed for 113 yards on 20 attempts that included a touchdown. TE Preston Carpenter had 5 receptions for 44 yards while Buddy Dial accumulated 70 yards on his four catches. Brady Keys (pictured below) averaged 36.8 yards on five kickoff returns that included two of 55 and 57 yards.

Two weeks later, the teams met again at Yankee Stadium and Pittsburgh prevailed, but it was the only loss for the Giants the rest of the way. New York posted a 12-2 record to again top the Eastern Conference, although the Giants still came up short against Green Bay in the NFL title game. The Steelers were a mediocre 3-4 at the season’s halfway point before catching fire and winning six of their last seven games to place second in the conference at 9-5. They appeared in the Playoff Bowl, the postseason exhibition game for second place teams during that era, and lost to Detroit.

Y.A. Tittle received MVP honors from United Press International as well as consensus first-team All-NFL and Pro Bowl recognition as he passed for 3224 yards and a league-record 33 touchdown passes (Houston’s George Blanda passed for 36 in the AFL in 1961, a mark that Tittle would match in ’63). Alex Webster rushed for 743 yards on 207 carries (3.6 avg.) and caught 47 passes for another 477 yards (10.1 avg.), for 1220 yards from scrimmage and a total of nine TDs.

In his last season, Bobby Layne threw for 1686 yards and nine touchdowns and left the NFL as the career leader in several major passing categories. John Henry Johnson enjoyed a big year in his ninth season, rushing for 1141 yards and gaining selection to the Pro Bowl.