MVP Profile: Craig Morton, 1977

Quarterback, Denver Broncos

Age:  34

13^th season in pro football, 1^st with Broncos

College: California

Height: 6’4”   Weight: 214

Prelude:

Chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 1965 NFL draft (he was chosen by the Raiders in the AFL), Morton saw limited action as backup to Don Meredith for four seasons before taking over as the starting quarterback in 1969. A classic dropback passer with a good arm and limited mobility, he threw for 2619 yards and 21 TDs while averaging a healthy 8.7 yards per attempt in ’69 and in 1970 the Cowboys won the NFC Championship as Morton led the league with 8.8 yards per attempt. However, he had a rough outing in the Super Bowl loss to the Colts and then lost the starting job to Roger Staubach during the ’71 season. He stepped in when Staubach went down with an injury in 1972 but went back to the bench until he was traded to the New York Giants during the ’74 season. While expectations were high, the Giants were mediocre and Morton took a beating, tossing far more interceptions (49) than touchdowns (29) over the course of 34 games, only 8 of which were wins. Following the 1976 season, he was traded to the up-and-coming Broncos.

1977 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 254 [16]

Most attempts, game – 32 vs. Oakland 10/30, at San Diego 11/13

Completions – 131 [17]

Most completions, game – 19 vs. Oakland 10/30

Yards – 1929 [13]

Most yards, game – 242 vs. Oakland 10/30

Completion percentage – 51.6 [16]

Yards per attempt – 7.6 [2]

TD passes – 14 [9]

Most TD passes, game – 2 at San Diego 11/13, vs. Baltimore 11/27, at Houston 12/4

Interceptions – 8

Most interceptions, game – 2 at Kansas City 11/20

Passer rating – 82.0 [4]

200-yard passing games – 1

Rushing

Attempts – 31

Most attempts, game – 6 (for 15 yds.) vs. St. Louis 9/18

Yards – 125

Most yards, game – 35 yards (on 5 carries) at Seattle 10/2

Yards per attempt – 4.0

TDs – 4

Scoring

TDs – 4

Points - 24

Postseason: 3 G

Pass attempts – 58

Most attempts, game - 23 vs. Pittsburgh, AFC Divisional playoff

Pass completions – 25

Most completions, game - 11 vs. Pittsburgh, AFC Divisional playoff

Passing yardage – 427

Most yards, game - 224 vs. Oakland, AFC Championship

TD passes – 4

Most TD passes, game - 2 vs. Pittsburgh, AFC Divisional playoff; vs. Oakland, AFC Championship

Interceptions – 5

Most interceptions, game – 4 vs. Dallas, Super Bowl

Rushing attempts – 7

Most rushing attempts, game – 5 (for 0 yds.) vs. Pittsburgh, AFC Divisional playoff

Rushing yards – -4

Most rushing yards, game – 0 vs. Pittsburgh, AFC Divisional playoff

Average gain rushing – -0.6

Rushing TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

AFC Player of the Year: Sporting News

NFL Comeback Player of the Year: AP

1^st team All-AFC: Sporting News

Broncos went 12-2 to finish first in the AFC West with the conference’s best record, achieving the first postseason appearance in franchise history. Won AFC Divisional playoff over Pittsburgh Steelers (34-21) and AFC Championship over Oakland Raiders (20-17). Lost Super Bowl to Dallas Cowboys (27-10).

Aftermath:

The Broncos topped the AFC West again in 1978, but Morton had a lesser season and split time with backups Norris Weese and Craig Penrose. The team had trouble putting points on the board in ’79, with Morton again seeing most of the action behind center, and while his passing yards (2626) and touchdowns (16) went up, so did his interceptions (19). Matt Robinson was obtained from the Jets to challenge him in 1980, but Morton regained the starting job and, with the arrival of ex-Dallas teammate Dan Reeves as head coach in ’81, he enjoyed a revival as he achieved a career-high 3195 passing yards and tied his previous best with 21 TD passes while averaging 8.5 yards per attempt. But it was a last hurrah as he finished out his career in the strike-shortened 1982 season. Overall, Morton passed for 27,908 yards and 183 TDs, with 187 interceptions, over the course of 18 years in the NFL. 11,895 of the yards and 74 TDs came with the Broncos, where he enjoyed his greatest success and became part of that team’s Ring of Fame in 1988.

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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). 

1984: Late Williams TD Pass Gives Outlaws Win Over Federals

The Oklahoma Outlaws were coming off of two straight closely-fought wins as they took on the Washington Federals in a United States Football League game on April 14, 1984. One of six expansion franchises for the USFL’s second season, the Outlaws were 5-2 and a game behind the defending-champion Michigan Panthers in the Central Division. Coached by Woody Widenhofer, the offense was directed by QB Doug Williams (pictured at right), formerly of the NFL Buccaneers, and had capable receivers in WR Alphonso Williams and TE Ron Wheeler, but the running game was lacking.

Washington, just as had been in the case in 1983, was a poor team and poorly supported. The Federals were a miserable 0-7 and had undergone a coaching change from Ray Jauch to Dick Bielski after a first-week blowout. There was talent in WR Joey Walters and RB Curtis Bledsoe, and second-year QB Mike Hohensee showed potential, but overall the team had little going for it.

There were just 6075 fans in attendance at RFK Stadium. The Federals scored on their first possession, with Jeff Brockhaus kicking a 40-yard field goal that was set up by Mike Hohensee throwing to WR Greg Taylor for 12 yards on a third-and-17 play that moved the home team into range. It was the first successful field goal of the year for the Federals, with the newly-acquired Brockhaus the team’s third placekicker.

Brockhaus got another field goal before the opening period was over, this time from 25 yards that was set up by a Hohensee pass to WR Mike Fisher that picked up 54 yards to the Oklahoma 11. At just under five minutes into the second quarter, the Outlaws finally got on the board when Efren Herrera booted a 24-yard field goal and the score of 6-3 held up until halftime.

Washington put together another scoring drive in the third quarter as Hohensee completed passes to Joey Walters and RB Eric Robinson, and Curtis Bledsoe had an 18-yard carry. The series culminated in a third straight Brockhaus field goal, from 43 yards.

The Outlaws took advantage of a turnover midway through the period when Hohensee fumbled after being blindsided by blitzing DB Kelvin Middleton. The ensuing possession resulted in another Herrera field goal of 28 yards that cut Washington’s lead to 9-6.

Hohensee left the game due to a head injury and Reggie Collier came in at quarterback. The Federals extended their lead to 16-6 near the end of the third quarter when Collier ran for a two-yard touchdown and Brockhaus added the extra point.

The Outlaws came back with the help of an interception by Middleton, who returned it seven yards to give Oklahoma possession at the Washington 43. Two plays later, Doug Williams threw long to Alphonso Williams for a 43-yard touchdown. Herrera kicked the extra point to make it a three-point game.

Oklahoma had a chance to tie the score with seven minutes remaining on the clock, but a bad snap doomed a 38-yard field goal try by Herrera.

Getting the ball back with four minutes to go, the Outlaws drove 93 yards in 10 plays. Doug Williams completed six of nine passes for 71 yards along the way and, with 57 seconds to play, he connected with Ron Wheeler, who was open in the corner of the end zone, for an eight-yard touchdown. It was Oklahoma’s first lead of the game, and proved decisive as the Outlaws won by a final score of 20-16.

Oklahoma led in total yards (393 to 336) and first downs (19 to 18) while the Federals had the edge in time of possession (32:56 to 27:04) in the closely-fought contest. As usual, and especially since they were playing from behind for most of the game, the Outlaws gained far more yards through the air (333) than on the ground (60). Meanwhile, the Federals turned the ball over three times, to two by the Outlaws, and also hurt themselves with nine penalties, to six flags thrown on the visitors.

Doug Williams completed 24 of 45 passes for 333 yards and the two big fourth quarter touchdowns, as opposed to one interception. Ron Wheeler had 6 catches for 87 yards and the game-winning TD while Alphonso Williams gained 105 yards on his five receptions that also included a score. RB Sidney Thornton also caught 6 passes, for 54 yards, to go along with his 7 rushing attempts for 14 yards. RB Ted Sample led the Outlaws with 33 rushing yards on five carries.

For the Federals, Mike Hohensee was successful on 7 of 19 throws for 134 yards with no TDs and one interception before giving way to Reggie Collier, who completed 12 of 23 for 117 yards and also tossed an interception. WR Ricky Simmons pulled in 6 pass receptions for 68 yards and Mike Fisher gained 89 yards on his four catches. RB Billy Taylor led the club with 44 rushing yards on 16 carries and Curtis Bledsoe was right behind with 42 yards on 10 attempts. Jeff Brockhaus (pictured at left) was successful on all three of his field goal attempts, the first of the year for Washington.

The win for the Outlaws put them in a first-place tie with Michigan at 6-2, but it proved to be the high water mark of their season. The bottom fell out as they lost their remaining games, with the defense collapsing and Doug Williams eventually going out with an injury. They ended up with a 6-12 record and placed fourth in the Central Division. Washington eventually did break into the win column, but only three times as the Federals finished up tied with Pittsburgh in the basement of the Atlantic Division at 3-15.

Rookie of the Year: Louis Lipps, 1984

Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers

Age: 22

College: Southern Mississippi

Height: 5’10” Weight: 190

Prelude:

Lipps excelled as a pass receiver and punt returner in college, catching 91 passes for 1477 yards and averaging 10.6 yards on 78 punt returns. He was chosen by the Steelers in the first round (23^rd overall) of the 1984 NFL draft. With his great speed and a solid work ethic, he proved to be a good fit on a young and overachieving team.

1984 Season Summary

Appeared in 14 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 45      

Most receptions, game – 7 (for 118 yds.) vs. San Diego 11/25

Yards – 860

Most yards, game – 183 (on 6 catches) vs. Kansas City 9/2

Average gain – 19.1 [5]

TDs – 9 [7, tied with Paul Coffman & Mike Quick]

100-yard receiving games – 2

Rushing

Attempts – 3

Yards – 71

Average gain – 23.7

TDs – 1

Punt Returns

Returns – 53 [3, tied with Greg Pruitt]

Yards – 656 [1]

Most yards, game – 128 (on 4 ret.) at New Orleans 11/19

Average per return – 12.4 [3]

TDs – 1

Longest return – 76 yards

All-Purpose yards – 1587 [10]

Scoring

TDs – 11 [10, tied with four others]

Points – 66

Postseason: 2 G

Pass receptions – 8

Most pass receptions, game - 5 at Denver, AFC Divisional playoff

Pass receiving yards – 131

Most pass receiving yards, game – 86 at Denver, AFC Divisional playoff

Average yards per reception – 16.4

Pass Receiving TDs – 1

Rushing attempts – 1

Rushing yards – 0

Rushing TDs – 0

Kickoff Returns – 3

Yards – 73

Average per return – 24.3

TDs – 0

Punt Returns – 4

Yards – 16

Average per return – 4.0

TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: NEA, Sporting News

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA

AFC Rookie of the Year: UPI

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

2^nd team All-NFL: AP

1^st team All-AFC: Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Steelers went 9-7 to finish first in the AFC Central while leading the NFL in punt return yards (696). Won AFC Divisional playoff over Denver Broncos (24-17). Lost AFC Championship to Miami Dolphins (45-28).

Aftermath:

Lipps followed up with another Pro Bowl year in 1985, catching 59 passes for 1134 yards (19.2 avg.) and 12 touchdowns while averaging 12.1 yards on 36 punt returns that included two more TDs. Injuries hindered his performance the next two years, and he had just 49 receptions for 754 yards in a total of 17 games over that span. Lipps came back to catch an even 50 passes in each of the next three seasons, from 1988 to ’90, although his high for yards (973) came in ’88. While his speed began to diminish, making him more of a possession receiver than the deep threat he had been originally, he was still reliable and a good runner after the catch, regularly drawing double coverage. In 1991 he had 55 catches, but for just 671 yards (12.2 avg.). He departed for the New Orleans Saints, but appeared in only two games due to injury in what was his last year. Overall, Lipps caught 359 passes for 6019 yards (all but one catch and one yard coming with Pittsburgh) and returned 112 punts for an 11.0 average, scoring a total of 46 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). 

MVP Profile: Archie Manning, 1978

Quarterback, New Orleans Saints

               

Age:  29

7^th season in pro football & with Saints

College: Mississippi

Height: 6’3”   Weight: 200

Prelude:

Following an outstanding college career that culminated in his finishing second in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1970, Manning was taken by the Saints in the first round (second overall) of the ’71 NFL draft. With a strong arm and excellent mobility, he was moved directly into the starting lineup and led the Saints to an upset win over the Rams in his first game, but the team was mediocre and he suffered through far more defeats than victories. He was sacked a league-leading 40 times and missed two games due to assorted injuries. Manning led the NFL in pass attempts (448) and completions (230) in 1972, but again in being sacked (43). Over the next few years, there were more low than high points and injuries were factors again in ensuing seasons. Manning missed all of 1976 due to a shoulder injury that required surgery and put his career in jeopardy. He came back in ’77 to tie for fourth in the NFC in passing, although an ankle injury again cut his season short.

1978 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 471 [3]

Most attempts, game – 53 at Green Bay 9/10

Completions – 291 [2]

Most completions, game – 33 at Green Bay 9/10

Yards – 3416 [2]

Most yards, game – 344 at Pittsburgh 11/5

Completion percentage – 61.8 [2, 1st in NFC]

Yards per attempt – 7.3 [8, tied with Ken Stabler & Brian Sipe]

TD passes – 17 [7]

Most TD passes, game – 3 vs. LA Rams 10/1

Interceptions – 16 [18, tied with four others]

Most interceptions, game – 3 vs. Philadelphia 9/17, at Dallas 11/19

Passer rating – 81.7 [5]

300-yard passing games – 2

200-yard passing games – 10

Rushing

Attempts – 38

Most attempts, game - 5 (for 48 yds.) vs. LA Rams 10/1

Yards – 202

Most yards, game – 48 yards (on 5 carries) vs. LA Rams 10/1

Yards per attempt – 5.3

TDs – 1

Awards & Honors:

NFC Player of the Year: UPI, Sporting News

1^st team All-NFC: UPI, Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Saints went 7-9 to finish third in the NFC West, the franchise’s best record at the time.

Aftermath:

Manning followed up with another Pro Bowl year in 1979, completing 60 percent of his passes for 3169 yards and 15 touchdowns, although also 20 interceptions, as the Saints reached .500 for the first time in franchise history at 8-8. However, greater expectations for 1980 were dashed as the club dropped to a dismal 1-15, although Manning achieved career highs with 3716 passing yards, 23 TDs, and an 81.8 passer rating. His performance dropped off significantly in an injury-filled ’81 season and, losing his starting job to Ken Stabler, he was dealt to the Houston Oilers early in the 1982 season. He was traded again during the following year, to Minnesota, where he finished his career as a backup in 1984. Overall, Manning threw for 23,911 yards (21,734 with the Saints) with 125 touchdowns (all but ten with New Orleans) and 173 interceptions. He also rushed for 2197 yards and 18 TDs, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. While Manning played for losing teams and never fully met expectations as a pro, his sons Peyton and Eli went on to become noteworthy pro quarterbacks.

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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.

1984: Breakers Edge Maulers Despite Carano’s Big Passing Day

The Week 7 United States Football League contest on April 8, 1984 between the New Orleans Breakers and Pittsburgh Maulers appeared to be a classic mismatch on paper. The Breakers were 5-1, having lost for the first time in their previous game, and were in the thick of the Southern Division race. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh was struggling at 2-4, although they were coming off a win.

The Maulers were one of six expansion teams for the USFL’s second season and were coached by Joe Pendry, a former college assistant who had been offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Stars in ’83. They had made a high-profile signing by picking up the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, RB Mike Rozier, and they had a quarterback with NFL experience in former Dallas backup Glenn Carano. But the offense struggled, at least until picking up WR Jackie Flowers from the Chicago Blitz, and the defense had many holes.

The Breakers, coached by Dick Coury for the second year, had been in Boston in 1983 but were thriving in their new home. 36-year-old QB John Walton directed an offense that was productive both on the ground and through the air and the defense, anchored by LB Marcus Marek, was effective as well.

There was a crowd of 39,315 on hand at the Louisiana Superdome. The Breakers scored first on a five-yard carry around end by RB Marcus Dupree for a touchdown that finished off a 91-yard drive and Tim Mazzetti added the extra point. Dupree ran the ball five times for 31 yards during the series, but also aggravated a hamstring problem that hindered him the remainder of the game (he gained just ten more yards).

Just before the opening period ended, Glenn Carano connected with WR Greg Anderson for a nine-yard TD and Tony Lee added the point after to tie the score. The Maulers moved the ball well again on their next possession, going 77 yards, but they came up empty when a hurried throw by Carano was picked off by SS Eric Johnson.

Carano gave up another interception on the next Pittsburgh series, this time on a bomb intended for Anderson that was grabbed by CB Bruce Miller at the New Orleans 18. Pittsburgh got the ball back thanks to a fumble recovery when DT David Graham stripped RB Tony Good at the New Orleans 48. Once again the Maulers moved into scoring territory, but after reaching the 25 a penalty moved them back five yards and Lee ultimately was short on a 47-yard field goal attempt. Despite moving the ball well, Pittsburgh was unable to take advantage of scoring opportunities and the tally remained 7-7 at the half.

Early in the third quarter, Mazzetti booted a 33-yard field goal to put the Breakers back in front by 10-7. The Maulers responded with a field goal of their own, with Lee successful from 32 yards. New Orleans drove 79 yards on a series that ended with Walton throwing to WR Marion Brown, who dove to make the catch for a 15-yard touchdown, and Mazzetti’s PAT made it a seven-point contest with less than a minute remaining in the period.

In the fourth quarter, the Maulers came through with a big stop on defense when the Breakers attempted to convert a fourth-and-two play and RB Buford Jordan was tackled for a one-yard loss at the Pittsburgh 36. The Maulers responded with 63-yard drive in seven plays, all passes, six of which were completions. The last was to Anderson for a seven-yard TD and, with the successful extra point, the score was tied at 17-17.

The Maulers were backed up to their seven yard line when they next got the ball, but they went 93 yards to take the lead. Carano again had the hot hand, competing six of seven for 78 yards along the way, the biggest a toss to Anderson that picked up 27 yards down the left sideline. That got the ball to the New Orleans one, from where Carano got the touchdown on a quarterback sneak.

Down by seven points with 2:46 left in the contest, Walton led the Breakers 80 yards in five plays over the course of 57 seconds to tie the score. Three of the plays were pass completions to WR Charlie Smith that picked up a total of 48 yards, and each victimized safety Larry Friday, who was in the game as a nickel back. Friday hit Smith with an elbow after one reception to add another 15 yards and advance the ball to the Pittsburgh 24. Smith’s last catch was in the corner of the end zone for a 24-yard touchdown. Mazzetti tied the score once more at 24-24 with the extra point.

The ensuing kickoff was returned just 10 yards by RB William Miller, who was brought down hard at his own 11 yard line. Carano had a short toss to Mike Rozier for three yards but then threw two incomplete passes before Larry Swider, kicking from his end zone, launched a 49-yard punt to the New Orleans 36.

Jordan ran 21 yards on a draw play to the Pittsburgh 43. On a third down play, Walton connected with Smith once again for a 14-yard gain to the 24 that set up a 41-yard Tim Mazzetti field goal with 12 seconds left on the clock. Having scored ten points inside the last two minutes, the Breakers came away with a 27-24 win.

Pittsburgh led in total yards (452 to 425) and also had the edge in first downs (29 to 28). However, the Maulers had three turnovers, to one suffered by the Breakers, and they were also penalized 9 times at a cost of 84 yards, to 8 flags thrown on New Orleans for 49 yards.

John Walton completed 18 of 33 passes for 257 yards and two touchdowns with none intercepted. Buford Jordan ran for 111 yards on 12 carries and gained another 50 yards on his three pass receptions. The 10-year veteran Charlie Smith, who had been a teammate of Walton’s with the Eagles in the NFL, topped the receivers with 7 catches for 113 yards and a TD, most of which came in the clutch in the fourth quarter.

For the Maulers, Glenn Carano went to the air 48 times and had 35 completions for 388 yards and two TDs, although he also gave up three interceptions. Jackie Flowers and Greg Anderson each caught 10 passes, for 135 and 128 yards, respectively, and two of Anderson’s were good for scores. Mike Rozier led the ground game with 45 yards on 13 carries and also had 7 receptions for 23 yards.

“We’re fortunate to get out of here alive,” said a relieved Coach Dick Coury afterward.

“We let the offense down,” said Pittsburgh DE Sam Clancy. “We gave up ten points in the final two minutes. No team can win like that.”

The win improved New Orleans’ record to 6-1 but, after splitting their next two games, the Breakers collapsed and won only once more the rest of the way to finish at a disappointing 8-10 for third place in the Southern Division. Pittsburgh fell to 2-5 and continued to flounder, ending up at the bottom of the Atlantic Division along with the Washington Federals with a 3-15 record. Coach Pendry was gone after ten games and replaced by Ellis Rainsberger.

Glenn Carano, who had such a big day in a losing cause, went on to complete 53.7 percent of his passes for 2368 yards and 13 touchdowns against 19 interceptions in what was his last pro season. Greg Anderson led the team with 63 catches for 994 yards (15.8 avg.) and six TDs while Jackie Flowers contributed 51 receptions for 904 yards (17.7 avg.) and eight scores. 

Rookie of the Year: Edgerrin James, 1999

Running Back, Indianapolis Colts

Age: 21

College: Miami (FL)

Height: 6’1”   Weight: 220

Prelude:

James rushed for over a thousand yards twice in college, including 1416 yards and 17 touchdowns as a junior in 1998. He declared for the NFL draft and was chosen in the first round (fourth overall) by the Colts, who were looking to replace the Marshall Faulk, who had been traded to the Rams, and felt that, with his receiving ability out of the backfield, he was a better fit for their offense than Heisman Trophy-winner Ricky Williams.

1999 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 369 [1]

Most attempts, game – 32 (for 118 yds.) at New England 9/19

Yards – 1553 [1]

Most yards, game – 152 yards (on 22 carries) at Philadelphia 11/21

Average gain – 4.2 [13]

TDs – 13 [2, tied with James Stewart, 1st in AFC]

100-yard rushing games – 10

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 62      

Most receptions, game – 7 (for 92 yds.) vs. Dallas 10/31, (for 90 yds.) vs. Kansas City 11/7, (for 53 yds.) vs. NY Jets 11/28

Yards – 586

Most yards, game – 92 (on 7 catches) vs. Dallas 10/31

Average gain – 9.5

TDs – 4

All-purpose yards – 2139 [2, 1st in AFC]

Scoring

TDs – 17 [1, tied with Stephen Davis]

Points – 102

Postseason: 1 G (AFC Divisional playoff vs. Tennessee)

Rushing attempts – 20

Rushing yards – 56

Average gain rushing – 2.8

Rushing TDs – 0

Pass receptions – 1

Pass receiving yards - 8

Average yards per reception – 8.0

Pass Receiving TDs - 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: Sporting News

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA

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

1^st team All-AFC: Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Colts went 13-3 (following two straight 3-13 records) to finish first in the AFC East while leading the conference in total yards (5726), passing yards (4066), and scoring (423 points). Lost AFC Divisional playoff to Tennessee Titans (19-16).

Aftermath:

“The Edge” had another Pro Bowl season in 2000 as he again led the NFL in rushing (1709 yards) and also in yards from scrimmage (2303), scoring a total of 18 touchdowns. However, a knee injury finished him for the year six games into the 2001 season and, while he came back in ’02, was hindered by ankle and rib problems. While having lost some of his earlier explosiveness, he came back to rush for 1259 yards in 2003 and returned to the Pro Bowl in ’04 after running for 1548 yards and going over two thousand yards from scrimmage for the third time with 2031. After rushing for 1506 yards and 13 TDs in 2005, achieving one last Pro Bowl selection, he moved on to the Arizona Cardinals as a free agent. James was over a thousand yards in each of his first two years with the Cards, although with a declining average gain per carry and less production as a receiver out of the backfield. In clear decline by 2008, although he performed well in Arizona’s postseason run, he was let go afterward and finished his career with Seattle in 2009. Overall, James was chosen to the Pro Bowl four times as he rushed for 12,246 yards (9226 with the Colts) and gained a total of 15,610 yards from scrimmage as he added 3364 yards on 433 pass receptions. He scored a total of 91 TDs.

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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). 

MVP Profile: Bryce Paup, 1995

Linebacker, Buffalo Bills

Age:  27

6^th season in pro football, 1^st with Bills

College: Northern Iowa

Height: 6’5”   Weight: 247

Prelude:

Paup was chosen by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1990 NFL draft and saw little action in his rookie season. In ’91, he was used as a situational player and had 7.5 sacks, all of which came in the first four games. His intelligence and intuition made up for a lack of speed and he moved into the lineup in the role of a hybrid linebacker/defensive end. Paup had 11 sacks and 74 tackles in 1993 and received All-NFC and Pro Bowl recognition in ’94, following a year in which he accumulated 7.5 sacks and three interceptions. He signed with the Bills as a free agent in the offseason where he proved to be an effective complement to DE Bruce Smith.

1995 Season Summary

Appeared in 15 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 17.5 [1]

Most sacks, game – 3 vs. Indianapolis 9/17, at Indianapolis 11/5

Mulit-sack games – 5

Interceptions – 2

Most interceptions, game – 1 vs. New England 11/26, at San Francisco 12/3

Int. yards – 0

Int. TDs – 0

Fumble recoveries – 1

Forced fumbles – 3

Tackles – 70

Assists – 19

Postseason: 2 G

Sacks – 0

Interceptions – 0

Fumble rec. – 1

TD – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

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

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

Pro Bowl

Bills went 10-6 to finish first in the AFC East while leading the NFL in sacks (49). Won AFC Wild Card playoff over Miami Dolphins (37-22). Lost AFC Divisional playoff to Pittsburgh Steelers (40-21).

Aftermath:

Paup was hobbled by injuries in 1996 and held to just six sacks, but was still a second-team All-AFC selection by UPI and chosen to the Pro Bowl. He was chosen again in ’97 after registering 9 sacks, although the team’s switch to a 4-3 defense limited his effectiveness and he moved on as a free agent to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 1998. Following two disappointing years in which he had just 7.5 sacks, he finished up with the Vikings in 2000. Overall, Paup accumulated 75 sacks in 148 games and was named to the Pro Bowl on four occasions.

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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.