1957: Morrall Leads Steelers to Upset of Slumping Colts

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a 3-2 record and were struggling to score points as they faced the Baltimore Colts on November 3, 1957. Buddy Parker had taken over as head coach following his abrupt departure from the Lions during the preseason, and while Pittsburgh had a tough defense, the offense had deficiencies at running back and on the line. Second-year quarterback, Earl Morrall (pictured at right), who had been obtained from the 49ers, showed promise but was inexperienced and having difficulty against teams that sent a heavy pass rush. To help Morrall and the passing game, Parker countered against Baltimore by realigning the running backs so that FB Fran Rogel was behind G Mike Sandusky and could thus provide extra protection.

The Colts, under Head Coach Weeb Ewbank, had gotten off to a 3-0 start before losing their last two games prior to hosting the Steelers. Second-year QB Johnny Unitas, originally drafted by Pittsburgh, was rapidly developing into a star, and there were plenty of other formidable weapons on offense, such as ends Raymond Berry and Jim Mutscheller, FB Alan Ameche, and HB Lenny Moore. The defense was good, in particular the line – a further reason for Buddy Parker to sacrifice the already-suspect running game in order to better protect the young quarterback.

There were 42,575 fans in attendance at Memorial Stadium. The Colts scored the first time they had the ball, going 81 yards in 15 plays. On a third-and-five play, Unitas connected with Raymond Berry in the end zone for a five-yard touchdown. However, DHB Jack Butler blocked Bert Rechichar’s extra point attempt and the score remained 6-0.

In response, the Steelers put together a long drive of their own that extended past the opening period. While they had problems running the ball, Morrall made up for it with his passing. As the second quarter began, Pittsburgh had second-and-goal at the Baltimore nine but came up empty when Morrall was sacked for a seven-yard loss, overthrew a pass into the end zone intended for end Ray Mathews, and Gary Glick missed a 24-yard field goal attempt that was wide to the right.

The Colts had to punt following their next possession and Cotton Davidson’s kick went only 25 yards to give Pittsburgh good starting field position near midfield. A fumble and incomplete pass brought up third down, but then Morrall went deep for Mathews, who pulled it in for a 48-yard TD. Glick added the extra point and the Steelers led by 7-6.

The Colts had a chance to score before the first half ended, but a pass intended for end Jim Mutscheller in the end zone was picked off by Butler.

In the third quarter, the Colts had a promising series that reached Pittsburgh territory, but Butler (pictured at left) intercepted a Unitas pass at his 22 to end the threat. Later in the period, LB Aubrey Rozelle picked off a pass to give the Steelers the ball at the Baltimore 21. After HB Billy Wells lost a yard, Morrall again fired a long pass to Mathews for a 22-yard TD. Glick added the PAT and the visitors were up by 14-6.

After DB Dick Nyers returned the ensuing kickoff 38 yards for the Colts, George Shaw relieved Unitas at quarterback and directed the home team on a seven-play, 61-yard drive. Keeping the ball on rollouts, Shaw gained 20 rushing yards himself and went the final eight yards around right end for a TD. This time Rechichar successfully converted to make it a one-point game at 14-13.

Early in the fourth quarter, Rechichar missed a 41-yard field goal attempt that would have put the Colts in front. The Steelers then added to their lead on a possession highlighted by Mathews made a tumbling catch to gain 31 yards. Glick added a 16-yard field goal to make it a four-point game.

The Colts hurt themselves further when the kickoff bounced away and was finally corralled by Nyers at the two, who was only able to pick up two yards. Following a one-yard carry by Alan Ameche, the Colts were penalized half the distance and Unitas, fading back into his end zone, was pulled down by DE Bill McPeak for a safety. That was it for the scoring as Pittsburgh’s defense continued to frustrate the Colts. The Steelers won by a final score of 19-13.

Pittsburgh outgained the Colts (271 yards to 255) although Baltimore had the edge in first downs (17 to 12). The Steelers managed only 15 yards on the ground in 30 attempts, to 168 rushing yards for the Colts, but Baltimore was held to just 87 net yards through the air. The Colts also turned the ball over four times, all on interceptions, to one suffered by Pittsburgh.

Earl Morrall completed 18 of 30 passes for 270 yards and two touchdowns with one intercepted. He also led the anemic running game with 23 yards on three carries. Billy Wells gained 20 yards on 13 attempts. End Jack McClairen had 7 pass receptions for 64 yards and Ray Mathews (pictured at right) contributed 6 catches for 165 yards and two TDs. Of Pittsburgh’s four interceptions on defense, Jack Butler accounted for three of them and also had the blocked extra point to his credit.

For the Colts, Johnny Unitas had an abysmal day as he was successful on only three of 9 throws for 56 yards and a TD. George Shaw went three-of-six for 44 yards. Alan Ameche rushed for 56 yards on 10 carries. Raymond Berry had three catches for 56 yards and a score.

The game did not mark a turnaround for the Steelers – they lost their next three contests and finished third in the Eastern Conference at 6-6. Baltimore recovered to win four straight and stay in contention in the Western Conference, but losses in the final two games put them in third place at 7-5.

Earl Morrall had a respectable season, ranking second in the league in pass attempts (289) and third in completions (139) for 1900 yards and 11 touchdowns with 12 intercepted. His completion percentage (48.1) and yards per attempt (6.6) were ordinary, but he was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first of two times over the course of his long, 22-year career.

The game against the Colts was the biggest of the season for Ray Mathews, who ended up with 15 catches for 369 yards (24.6 avg.) and four touchdowns. Jack Butler, on the other hand, co-led the NFL with 10 interceptions and was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection as well as Pro Bowl honoree.

Johnny Unitas went on to have an outstanding breakout season, leading the NFL in pass attempts (301), yards (2550), TD passes (24), and yards per attempt (8.5). He was named league MVP by the NEA as well as receiving first-team All-NFL recognition from the organization and second-team honors from the AP, UPI, and New York Daily News. He was also chosen to the Pro Bowl for the first of an eventual ten times over the course of his career.

2003: Backup QB Banks Leads Texans to Upset of Panthers

The Houston Texans were going through the anticipated difficulties of being a second-year expansion team as they hosted the Carolina Panthers on November 2, 2003, although there were signs of improvement. Coached by Dom Capers, they had a star in the making in first-round draft choice WR Andre Johnson and also received an unexpected boost to the ground game in the form of fourth-round RB Domanick Davis, who had been expected to be a kick returner but was outperforming veteran RB Stacey Mack. Still, the team had lost three straight contests and was at 2-5. Furthermore, they were without the services of starting QB David Carr for the first time in the franchise’s brief history. The 2002 first overall draft pick was out due to a sprained right ankle and 30-year-old backup Tony Banks (pictured above) would be taking his place.

Carolina, coached by John Fox for the second year, was cruising at 6-1. The conservative offense was guided by QB Jake Delhomme and benefited from the presence of RB Stephen Davis, acquired after seven years in Washington. WR Steve Smith was a rising talent and dependable WR Muhsin Muhammad started across from him. The team’s defense was the key to the team’s success, however, in particular the solid line.

There were over 70,000 fans present at Reliant Stadium and they saw the Panthers get the opening kickoff and drive 83 yards in 12 plays. Eight of them were runs by Stephen Davis, who picked up 20 yards, a fourth-and-one was successfully converted, and Jake Delhomme completed all three of his passes, the last one to Steve Smith for a 24-yard touchdown. John Kasay added the extra point.

The Texans had to punt following their first possession and Carolina moved the ball all the way from its 12 to the Houston 25. While the Panthers again relied on Stephen Davis carrying the ball for the most part, Delhomme threw to TE Kris Mangum for 34 yards. However, on the first play of the second quarter, a Delhomme pass was intercepted by CB Aaron Glenn to snuff out the threat.

Another Houston punt was followed by a nine-play drive by the Panthers that featured Stephen Davis compiling 41 yards on the ground, but the series stalled at the Houston 44 to force a punt. The teams continued to trade punts until the end of the half, with the visitors holding onto the 7-0 lead.

It was Houston’s turn to put together a long scoring series to start the third quarter. Domanick Davis ran the ball effectively, with carries of 23 and 17 yards along the way, and Tony Banks completed three passes. The third, to TE Billy Miller, picked up 11 yards on a third-and-nine play and set up a one-yard touchdown carry by Stacey Mack. Kris Brown’s successful PAT tied the score.

Carolina once again moved the ball effectively on a long possession of 14 plays that covered 68 yards. Stephen Davis carried six times and Delhomme had completions of 12 yards to Smith and 20 yards to Muhsin Muhammad. Another throw to TE Jermaine Wiggins in a third-and-four situation at the Houston eight gained six yards, but the Panthers couldn’t punch the ball into the end zone and settled for a 23-yard Kasay field goal. The third quarter ended with Carolina back in front by 10-7.

Houston started off the final period by driving 67 yards in nine plays. Banks had two big completions to Andre Johnson, with the second gaining 35 yards to the Carolina 28 in a third-and-18 situation. Banks finished the series off by threading a pass through coverage to Miller, who made a one-handed grab for a 20-yard touchdown. With Brown’s extra point, the Texans were in front by four.

It was all the home team needed. The Panthers reached the Houston 46 on the next series and had to punt, set back by a personal foul penalty on Smith after he kicked DE Jerry Deloach, and the Texans were able to effectively run out the clock. Banks had key third down passes to WR Jabar Gaffney for 12 yards and 21 yards to Miller. Carolina got the ball back with just one second remaining and Houston held on for the 14-10 win.

In a game that featured plenty of long, ground-based possessions by the offenses (each team had the ball seven times), Carolina had more total yards (367 to 267) and also led in first downs (21 to 14). There was only one turnover – by the Panthers – and Carolina was penalized seven times, to four flags thrown on the Texans. The Panthers also recorded the only two sacks of the game, both by DE Mike Rucker.

Tony Banks had an efficient performance, completing 13 of 19 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Domanick Davis, who was lost to a chest injury in the second half, rushed for 74 yards on 12 carries. Andre Johnson had four catches for 64 yards and Billy Miller also had four receptions, for 58 yards and a TD.

For the Panthers, Stephen Davis (pictured at left) ran the ball 30 times for 153 yards. Jake Delhomme was successful on 13 of 23 throws for 193 yards and a TD with one interception. Steve Smith caught 5 passes for 88 yards and a score, although he also had the costly penalty in the fourth quarter.

“I’ve seen Tony Banks play before, and we did not take Tony Banks lightly,” said Carolina’s Coach Fox. “I thought he had a terrific second half.”

David Carr was back behind center for the Texans the next week in a loss to Cincinnati, but further injuries had Banks in action again as well as third-string QB Dave Ragone. Houston ended up at 5-11 and last in the AFC South. The Panthers topped the NFC South with an 11-5 record and won the NFC Championship, but lost a closely-fought Super Bowl to the New England Patriots.

Tony Banks had been a disappointment when starting for the Rams, moving on to the Ravens and Redskins, before becoming the backup for the new Texans in 2002. He saw no action that first year as Carr took every snap. Appearing in seven games in ’03, and starting three of them, he completed 61 of 102 passes (59.8 %) for 693 yards and five touchdowns with three interceptions. He was the backup quarterback in Houston for two more seasons but never again saw as much action.

Domanick Davis (who would later change his last name to Williams) continued to have a productive rookie year, ending up with 1031 rushing yards on 231 carries (4.3 avg.) and another 351 yards on 47 pass receptions. Andre Johnson also had an outstanding first season, catching 66 passes for 976 yards (14.8 avg.) and four touchdowns.

Stephen Davis rushed for a career-high 1444 yards on 318 attempts (4.5 avg.) and scoring eight TDs. It was his fourth (and last) thousand-yard rushing season and resulted in his being selected to the Pro Bowl for the third time. 

Rookie of the Year: Shawne Merriman, 2005

Linebacker, San Diego Chargers

Age: 21

College: Maryland

Height: 6’4”   Weight: 272

Prelude:

The Chargers picked Merriman in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft (12^th overall), who had received All-ACC recognition in college. While it was speculated that he might play at defensive end, he was utilized as an outside linebacker for San Diego. A holdout initially slowed his progress and he didn’t move into the starting lineup until seven games into the season, but his presence had a major impact on the defense.

2005 Season Summary

Appeared in 15 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 10 [15, tied with Adewale Ogunleye]

Most sacks, game – 2 vs. Kansas City 10/30, vs. Buffalo 11/20, at Indianapolis 12/18

Interceptions – 0

Fumble recoveries – 0

Forced fumbles – 2

Tackles – 43

Assists – 14

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: Sporting News

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA

1^st team All-NFL: Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Chargers went 9-7 to finish third in the AFC West while leading the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed (1349).

Aftermath:

Merriman followed up in 2006 by leading the NFL in sacks with 17. He received consensus first-team All-NFL honors as well as another Pro Bowl selection. Tenacious, aggressive, and fast, he quickly established himself as a premier pass-rushing linebacker who could also play well when dropping back into coverage. He had another 12.5 sacks and was selected to a third Pro Bowl in 2007, but a major knee injury that required surgery cost him virtually all of the ’08 season and marked the beginning of the end of his career. While he came back in 2009, nagging injuries hindered Merriman’s play and he was released while on injured reserve during the 2010 season and signed by Buffalo. He saw little action with the Bills due to injuries and, after playing at defensive end in 2012, retired. Overall, he accumulated 45.5 sacks, with all but six of them coming during the first three outstanding years of his injury-derailed career.

--

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). 

1954: Harlon Hill Stars as Bears Topple 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers were 4-0-1 and leading the Western Conference as they hosted the Chicago Bears on October 31, 1954. Coached by Buck Shaw, the 49ers had a potent offense directed by QB Y.A. Tittle throwing to end Billy Wilson or handing off to an outstanding group of running backs that included halfbacks Hugh McElhenny, who came into the game as the NFL’s rushing leader, and John Henry Johnson plus FB Joe Perry.

The Bears, coached by “The Papa Bear”, George Halas, were struggling at 2-3, having dropped their last two games. Rookie end Harlon Hill (pictured above), out of little Florence State College in Alabama, was proving to be a potent deep threat and there were promising rookies on the line in OT Stan Jones and C Larry Strickland. San Francisco had beaten the Bears two weeks earlier in Chicago by a 31-24 score.

There were 49,833 fans on hand at Kezar Stadium. The teams traded punts to start off the game. On Chicago’s second series, HB Billy Stone fumbled and DE Marion Campbell recovered for the 49ers. San Francisco wasted no time in cashing in on the break as Y.A. Tittle threw to Billy Wilson for a 32-yard touchdown on the next play. Gordie Soltau added the extra point.

The Bears came right back with a seven-play drive that covered 80 yards. Stone and FB Chick Jagade ran effectively and Blanda threw to Stone for a 14-yard gain. Finally, a Blanda throw to Harlon Hill went 47 yards for a TD and, following Blanda’s successful conversion, the score was tied at 7-7.

In the closing minutes of the opening period, the 49ers drove into Chicago territory. On the first play of the second quarter, John Henry Johnson sliced through the line and then cut to his left on the way to a 38-yard touchdown. Soltau was again successful on the PAT to put the Niners back in front by seven points.

On Chicago’s next play from scrimmage, Blanda again threw to Hill, this time picking up 39 yards to the San Francisco 41. Runs by Stone and Jagade picked up nine yards and, going for it on fourth down, the 49ers were penalized for defensive holding. Moved back by a penalty themselves, the Bears reached the 35 before Blanda misfired on two passes and then was short on a 42-yard field goal attempt.

Both teams were stymied on offense and traded punts until a Blanda pass was intercepted by DT Al Carapella, who returned it 27 yards to the Chicago 40. Joe Perry ran for nine yards, another 15 yards were tacked on due to a personal foul penalty on the Bears, and then Hugh McElhenny broke away for a 16-yard touchdown run. Soltau’s kick put San Francisco ahead by 21-7. The Bears were forced to punt from near midfield on their next series and Tittle passed the Niners into Chicago territory before time ran out in the first half.

The Bears punted following a short series to start the third quarter but got the ball back three plays later when safety Stan Wallace intercepted a Tittle pass. However, after Jagade ran for nine yards, Blanda was sacked for a loss of 13 and his long pass intended for end Jim Dooley fell incomplete, forcing Chicago to punt.

The 49ers had good starting field position at the Chicago 47. McElhenny immediately took off for a 20-yard gain, but facing a third-and-five situation, Tittle’s pass bounced off Wilson’s hands and was intercepted by DHB S.J. Whitman, who returned it 27 yards with another 15 added on for a personal foul. Now with the Bears having the good starting field position at the San Francisco 48, they took advantage by scoring in seven plays. Jagade and HB John Hoffman had good runs that set up Blanda’s 20-yard touchdown pass to Hill. Blanda’s extra point narrowed the margin to 21-14.

The 49ers reached midfield on their next series, but when Perry was a yard short on a third-and-three running play, they had to punt. The third quarter ended with the Bears methodically moving the ball and Blanda passed them into San Francisco territory in the early stages of the final period. He completed passes to Dooley for 15 yards, to end Bill McColl for 11 in a second-and-ten situation, and to Jagade for 15 yards to the eight yard line on a third-and-eight play. However, three passes from there were incomplete and the Bears had to settle for a Blanda field goal from 15 yards.

In response, San Francisco put together a long drive. It stalled early, but a punt was nullified when the Bears were penalized for having 12 men on the field, and Tittle (pictured above) took advantage of the break to throw long to McElhenny for 36 yards to the Chicago 24. Two plays later, and facing third-and-11, Tittle connected with Wilson for 17 yards. The Bears stiffened on defense and the 49ers also had to settle for a field goal by Soltau from 16 yards, but the home team’s lead was now 24-17.

Blanda filled the air with passes on the next series, hitting McColl for 17 yards and converting a third-and-12 play with a 22-yard completion to Hill. Dooley made an outstanding catch of a Blanda pass on the next play to pick up 30 yards to the San Francisco 15 and, after a short throw to Hoffman picked up four, Blanda threw to Hill, who grabbed the ball away from DB Bill Jessup at the goal line for an 11-yard touchdown. The 82-yard drive was capped by Blanda’s all-important extra point that tied the score at 24-24.

There were less than four minutes to play as the 49ers started the next series at their 20. Keeping the ball on the ground, they faced a fourth-and-one situation that Perry successfully converted with a two-yard gain. Tittle was sacked and then threw an incomplete pass, but on third-and-14, he connected with HB Pete Schabarum for a 42-yard gain to the Chicago 31. Two plays later, and in the face of a heavy rush, Tittle completed a pass to Johnson for 14 yards and, two plays after that, Soltau kicked a 17-yard field goal. It looked good for the 49ers, who were ahead by 27-24 with 36 seconds remaining on the clock.

DE Ed Sprinkle covered the short kickoff at the Chicago 34. Strong-armed backup QB Ed Brown, setting up wide and taking a lateral from Blanda, fired long for Hill, who gathered in the pass without breaking stride at the San Francisco 25 and raced to the end zone for an electrifying 66-yard touchdown – his fourth of the game. Blanda added the extra point, and the game ended with the 49ers at their own 36. The Bears came away with a stunning 31-27 win.

Chicago led in total yards (469 to 388) while both teams generated 21 first downs. They also each turned the ball over twice and were penalized four times. Harlon Hill was the star of the game with his 7 catches for 214 yards and the four touchdowns.

Hugh McElhenny suffered a shoulder separation in the fourth quarter and was lost for the season, which would prove to be a big blow for the 49ers. They lost three of their next four contests and ended up at 7-4-1 and third in the Western Conference. The Bears, meanwhile, found their stride and lost only once more to finish in second place at 8-4.

Harlon Hill continued to excel in his first year, ranking second in the league with 1124 yards on his 45 catches for a NFL-high 12 touchdowns and 25.0 yards per catch. He was selected to the Pro Bowl. George Blanda, in his sixth of an eventual 26 pro seasons, was limited to eight games due to injury and threw for 1929 yards and 15 TDs with 17 interceptions while connecting on 8 of 16 field goal attempts and all 23 of his extra point tries.

1949: Browns Edge 49ers in Pivotal AAFC Showdown

Throughout the four-year history of the All-America Football Conference, the Cleveland Browns were the dominant club while the San Francisco 49ers had been just as consistently second best. The teams were Western Division rivals for the first three years, but as the teams faced off on October 30, 1949, they were part of a division-less AAFC, the league having dropped to seven clubs for its fourth (and final) season.

The teams had met three weeks earlier in San Francisco, where the 49ers humiliated the Browns by a score of 56-28. The result briefly put San Francisco ahead in the standings, but the 49ers, who had thus far played one more game than Cleveland, lost to the Yankees the week prior to the rematch and were thus 6-2. They also lost two stalwarts of their running game, halfbacks Johnny Strzykalski and Ed Carr, to injuries. The Browns, having thrashed the Los Angeles Dons before their bye week, were on top at 5-1-1. While the top four teams in the league were guaranteed playoff spots – and there was no doubt that the Browns and 49ers would be two of those teams – the game was clearly a grudge battle between the league’s two premier franchises. It was also billed as a showdown between the two quarterbacks who had been co-MVPs of the AAFC in 1948, Otto Graham of the Browns (pictured above) and San Francisco’s Frankie Albert.

Games between the Browns and 49ers typically drew big crowds, and there were 72,189 in attendance at Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium. They saw a scoreless first quarter as both offenses were slow to get on track, although a one-yard scoring plunge by Cleveland’s Graham was nullified by a penalty. On the first play of the second quarter, the deadlock was broken when Frankie Albert of the 49ers threw to HB Len Eshmont, who went 48 yards for a touchdown, thus finishing off an 88-yard drive. Joe Vetrano added the extra point.

The Browns came back quickly. HB Dub Jones returned the kickoff 66 yards to the San Francisco 28. Otto Graham threw to end Mac Speedie for 16 yards and then to end Dante Lavelli for a nine-yard TD. Lou Groza’s PAT tied the score at 7-7.

The 49ers responded in kind as, taking over at their 30 following the kickoff, Albert went long for HB Sam Cathcart, who gained 62 yards. HB Verl Lillywhite ran the last eight yards for a touchdown and, with Vetrano’s extra point, San Francisco was up by 14-7. Three TDs had been scored in a space of less than three minutes.

Before the first half was over, the Browns mounted another scoring drive. Graham threw to Speedie and Lavelli to bring the team down the field and Jones ran for a six-yard touchdown. The score at halftime was 14-14.

Early in the third quarter, Graham carried directly over center for 20 yards and a TD to put the Browns in the lead for the first time. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Niners tied the game back up when Albert completed two passes to end Alyn Beals that covered 35 yards, including 22 yards for a touchdown. The extra points were successful and the score was 21-21.

Midway through the final period, Lou Groza kicked a 38-yard field goal to break the deadlock. It followed a Graham pass to Lavelli for 30 yards to the San Francisco 32. The Browns then padded their lead with a Graham-to-Speedie touchdown pass that covered 12 yards. However, the extra point attempt failed when the snap from center was high and Groza, grabbing the ball at shoulder level and unable to kick, ran and was pushed out of bounds at the one. Nevertheless, Cleveland was up by nine points.

Time finally ran out on the visitors. The 49ers scored one last touchdown on a quarterback sneak by Albert, but there were only 15 seconds left at that point and the Browns won by a final score of 30-28.

The 49ers had the edge in total yards (477 to 400) and first downs (19 to 17). The passing statistics of the two quarterbacks were similar as Otto Graham completed 14 of 25 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns with none intercepted while Frankie Albert was successful on 14 of 27 throws for 253 yards, also including two touchdowns with no interceptions. San Francisco’s Joe Perry was held in check, but rookie Sam Cathcart (pictured below) ran effectively for the 49ers, gaining 116 yards on just 11 carries.

The win for the Browns effectively decided the race for first in the AAFC. They didn’t lose again the rest of the way (including another tie) and finished at 9-1-2. San Francisco also didn’t lose again on the way to a 9-3 record and second place. The teams met one last time for the league championship, and the Browns won.

Otto Graham led the AAFC in pass completions (161), yards (2785), and yards per attempt (9.8) while Frankie Albert topped the league in TD passes (27). Joe Perry was the top rusher (783 yards) and Mac Speedie the top pass receiver (62 catches, 1028 yards). Alyn Beals led in touchdowns (12) and scoring (73 points).

Over the course of four seasons, the Browns went 47-4-3 and won all four league titles. Two of their losses came at the hands of the 49ers, who were 38-14-2. While the league folded following the ’49 season, both franchises moved into the NFL for 1950 and have remained there, although they were never again in the same division and the intensity of the great AAFC rivalry diminished.

1989: Broncos Rally, But Eagles Pull Out Win

The Philadelphia Eagles were 5-2, including wins in their last three games, as they came to Denver to take on the 6-1 Broncos on October 29, 1989. However, even in winning the Eagles had difficulty putting points on the board. QB Randall Cunningham (pictured at right) could be an exciting performer both passing and running the ball, but the receiving corps lacked speed and in particular missed WR Mike Quick and TE Keith Jackson, who were out with injuries. The heart of brash Head Coach Buddy Ryan’s team was its aggressive defense, led by DE Reggie White.

The Broncos, coached by Dan Reeves for the ninth year, were benefiting from the presence of rookie RB Bobby Humphrey to add balance to an offense dominated by the big-play passing ability of QB John Elway. WR Vance Johnson was having an outstanding season and the defense was responding well to the coaching of first-year defensive coordinator Wade Phillips.

It was a cold afternoon at Mile High Stadium with 75,065 in attendance. Things did not start in promising fashion for the Eagles when RB Heath Sherman fumbled the opening kickoff and, while he recovered, they had to start the opening possession with the ball at their own four yard line. With running backs Keith Byars and Anthony Toney running effectively, the visitors got out of the shadow of their own end zone. Randall Cunningham helped when, flushed out while back to pass out of the shotgun in a third-and-five situation, he ran for 24 yards to the Denver 42. Philadelphia kept the ball on the ground and the methodical 13-play, 96-yard drive ended with Byars running the final 16 yards for a touchdown. Luis Zendejas added the extra point for the 7-0 lead.

The Eagles got the ball back shortly thereafter when John Elway, who had started off with a 22-yard throw to Vance Johnson, had a deflected pass intercepted by CB Izel Jenkins, which he returned 18 yards to the Denver 42. Once again the Eagles moved down the field by running the ball. Facing fourth-and-one at the seven, Cunningham leaped two yards for the first down and then threw to WR Cris Carter for a five-yard TD. With the successful PAT, Philadelphia’s lead was extended to 14-0.

A short Denver series resulted in a punt. On the first play of the second quarter, the Eagles punted the ball back, but RB Ken Bell fumbled the kick and LB Britt Hager recovered at the Denver 13. However, the visitors came up empty when QB Matt Cavanaugh, briefly in for Cunningham, threw an interception. LB Rick Dennison gave the Broncos the ball at their 10.

Denver reached the 36 before Elway was sacked by Reggie White for a loss of eight yards and then was intercepted by CB Eric Allen. But Philadelphia again failed to get points when, after the resulting series stalled at the Denver 23, Zendejas was wide to the left on a 41-yard field goal attempt.

The Broncos responded with an eight-play, 76-yard drive. Elway completed four passes, including three to Johnson (pictured at left) that gained a total of 41 yards, and, rolling out to his right, ran the last 10 yards for a touchdown. David Treadwell added the PAT and Philadelphia’s lead was cut to 14-7, which remained the score at the end of the half.

The teams traded punts to start the third quarter until, on the first play of their second series, the Eagles got a big play as Cunningham threw to TE Jimmie Giles who went the distance for a 66-yard touchdown. Zendejas’ conversion made it 21-7, but the Broncos came back with a 66-yard drive that took eight plays. Elway converted a third-and-five situation along the way when, flushed out of the pocket, he ran for 11 yards and also completed a pass to Johnson for 21 yards to the Philadelphia 25. It was Elway-to-Johnson for the last 13 yards and a TD. Treadwell added the extra point to again make it a one-touchdown game.

The teams once more traded punts until the Broncos got a break when Cunningham fumbled while being sacked deep in his own territory and NT Greg Kragen recovered at the Philadelphia three. Denver wasn’t able to penetrate the end zone, however, and settled for an 18-yard Treadwell field goal.

The Broncos regained possession following a punt by the Eagles early in the fourth quarter. Elway completed a pass to WR Mark Jackson for 11 yards in a third-and-10 situation and, two plays later, connected with Johnson for 33 yards to the Philadelphia 18. Two incompletions were followed by Elway running for 14 yards on a third-and-10 play and he followed up with a four-yard TD pass to RB Melvin Bratton that put Denver in front with just over nine minutes remaining by a 24-21 score after Treadwell added the PAT.

The Eagles were unable to move on their next series but, in a key play, a punt by John Teltschik that was ruled to have hit Denver CB Darren Carrington was recovered by DB William Frizzell at the Denver 24. DE Alphonso Carreker sacked Cunningham for an eight-yard loss and, after an incomplete pass, Philadelphia was facing third-and-18. However, Cunningham threw to WR Gregg Garrity for 21 yards and, three plays later, Byars ran for a touchdown from a yard out. Zendejas added the extra point and the Eagles were back in the lead by four.

The Broncos still had 5:15 to work with following the kickoff. Elway completed passes to Johnson for 13 yards and to RB Steve Sewell for 19, but after reaching the Philadelphia 44 he was intercepted by CB Eric Everett.

The Eagles were able to run two minutes off the clock on their next series, with Cunningham getting a first down on a 13-yard run to help the cause, before having to punt. Now with 1:32 left on the clock, the Broncos took over at their 20. Elway threw to Jackson twice for 41 yards. With the ball at the Philadelphia 39, he spiked the ball to stop the clock. Two more passes fell incomplete before, facing fourth down, Elway took off on a quarterback draw for 10 yards but fumbled.  FS Wes Hopkins recovered to seal the 28-24 win for the Eagles.

Denver held a slight edge in total yards (320 to 313) and also had more first downs (22 to 17). The Eagles ran the ball 45 times for 215 yards, which was their best rushing output of the year thus far (and would remain so until the season finale). They also sacked Elway seven times (with 3.5 accounted for by DE Clyde Simmons), as opposed to Denver recording four sacks. The Broncos turned the ball over six times, with two of them coming in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, as opposed to two suffered by Philadelphia.

Randall Cunningham completed 11 of 20 passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns with none intercepted and also ran the ball six times for 57 yards. Keith Byars (pictured at right) rushed for 93 yards and two TDs on 23 carries and had three pass receptions for 22 yards. Jimmie Giles led the club in receiving yards with his 66 yards on the one scoring catch.

For the Broncos, John Elway was successful on 19 of 39 throws for 278 yards and two TDs, but also had three passes intercepted. Vance Johnson had 9 catches for 148 yards and a touchdown. Elway was Denver’s top rusher with 45 yards on four attempts that included a TD while Bobby Humphrey was right behind with his 44 yards on 12 attempts.

Of the critical call on the punt that hit Denver’s Darren Carrington in the fourth quarter, Dan Reeves said, “Darren says the punt did not hit him. I don’t think the referee saw it clearly.”

“I had an excellent view and I saw the ball hit the Denver player,” said Philadelphia’s Buddy Ryan. “I was just afraid the ref was going to miss it.” Both referee Jim Tunney and the replay official confirmed the call.

The Eagles lost their next two games before reeling off five wins in their last six games to place second in the NFC East at 11-5. Qualifying for a Wild Card playoff berth, they lost to the Rams in the opening round. The Broncos remained on top of the AFC West following the loss and won their next four games. They won the division title with an 11-5 record and advanced to the Super Bowl where they were crushed by the 49ers.

Randall Cunningham had a relatively ordinary season, throwing for 3400 yards and 21 touchdowns but completing only 54.5 percent of his passes and averaging 6.4 yards per attempt. He led the team in rushing with 621 yards and was selected to the Pro Bowl. Keith Byars, typically more effective as a receiver out of the backfield than as a runner, gained 452 yards on the ground while averaging just 3.4 yards per carry but caught a team-leading 68 passes for 721 yards.

Vance Johnson, in his fifth year, went on to have his best season. He caught 76 passes for 1095 yards and seven touchdowns, which were all career highs.

MVP Profile: James Harrison, 2008

Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers

Age:  30

6^th season in pro football & with Steelers

College: Kent State

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 242

Prelude:

Joining the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2002, Harrison spent most of his time on the practice squad and was briefly signed by the Ravens in 2003, who sent him to the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe. Cut by Baltimore, Harrison returned to Pittsburgh and finally caught on for good in 2004 as he showed great improvement and started four games. Versatile and a good special teams performer, he got his chance to start full-time at outside linebacker in 2007 after Joey Porter was released and had a breakout year. He recorded 8.5 sacks and was named team MVP as well as to the Pro Bowl. Showing great strength and toughness, he was good against the run as well as rushing opposing quarterbacks.

2008 Season Summary

Appeared in 15 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 16 [4]

Most sacks, game – 3 vs. Houston 9/7

Multi-sack games (2 or more) – 4

Interceptions – 1

Int. yards – 33

Int. TDs – 0

Fumble recoveries – 0

Forced fumbles – 7

Tackles – 59

Assists – 34

Scoring

Safeties – 1

Points – 2

Postseason: 3 G

Sacks – 1

Interceptions – 1

Int. return yards – 100

Tackles – 10

Assists – 4

TDs – 2

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

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

Pro Bowl

Steelers went 12-4 to finish first in the AFC North while leading the NFL in fewest yards allowed (3795), fewest passing yards allowed (2511), and fewest points (223) and the AFC in sacks (51) and fewest rushing yards allowed (1284). Won AFC Divisional playoff over San Diego Chargers (35-24), AFC Championship over Baltimore Ravens (23-14), and Super Bowl over Arizona Cardinals (27-23).

Aftermath:

Harrison’s sack total dropped to 10 in 2009 as he was also receiving more attention from opposing blockers, but he still played well in tandem with LaMarr Woodley. He was selected to a third straight Pro Bowl. Harrison made it five straight in 2010 and ’11, and was again a consensus first-team All-NFL selection in 2010 although his aggressive play often had him targeted by the league for illegal hits that led to multiple fines and a one-game suspension in 2011. Following a lesser year at age 34 in 2012, Harrison was released by the Steelers and joined the Cincinnati Bengals for 2013, converting to outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense. Through 2012, he had accumulated a total of 64 sacks, 29 forced fumbles, and five interceptions. Harrison has been chosen to the Pro Bowl a total of five times and received at least some first- or second-team All-NFL honors in four seasons.

--

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.