Rookie of the Year: Bill Maas, 1984

Nose Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs

Age: 22

College: Pittsburgh

Height: 6’4”   Weight: 265

Prelude:

Maas started for three seasons at defensive tackle in college and was a first-team All-American choice by The Sporting News in 1982. He was chosen by the Chiefs in the first round of the ’84 NFL draft (fifth overall) and moved into the starting lineup, although he was hobbled by a leg injury late in the season.

1984 Season Summary

Appeared in 14 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 5

Most sacks, game – 3 vs. Cleveland 9/30

Interceptions – 0

Fumble recoveries – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: AP

Chiefs went 8-8 to finish fourth in the AFC West.

Aftermath:

Maas continued to play very well in the middle of the defensive line. He had a seven-sack season in 1985 and again in ’86, when he was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first of two consecutive years and also received some All-NFL and All-AFC recognition. A knee injury limited Maas to eight games in 1988 and he broke his arm 10 games into the ’89 season, at which point Dan Saleaumua stepped in and excelled. Maas was thus moved to right defensive end in 1990 and adjusted well, garnering 5.5 sacks and four forced fumbles, although he lacked the speed to be a truly effective pass rusher. Following an injury-riddled ’92 season, Maas departed the Chiefs for the Packers as a free agent and moved back to nose tackle in what was his last season. Overall, Maas played in 130 games, recorded 40 sacks, returned two of his eight fumble recoveries for touchdowns, and was credited with two safeties.

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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). 

1974: Wheels Defeat Blazers for Only Win

The Detroit Wheels of the World Football League were limping along at 0-11 as they traveled to Orlando to meet the Florida Blazers on September 11, 1974. With the Blazers on top of the Eastern Division at 7-3, it did not seem likely that the Wheels might finally break into the win column.

The Wheels, coached by Dan Boisture, were typically competitive in their games, but unlucky in close contests as well as largely ignored by the Detroit area fans. They were not helped by playing home games in Ypsilanti, some 30 miles away from the city, and were in bad financial condition from the start. The Wheels drew heavily from ex-CFL players, including QB Bubba Wyche (pictured above), who performed ably.

Florida had more wins, if not a better financial situation. The Blazers were coached by former NFL linebacker Jack Pardee and featured ex-Jet QB Bob Davis, rookie RB Tommy Reamon, and TE Greg Latta on offense and DT Mike McBath and CB Miller Farr on defense. They had beaten the Wheels earlier in the season in Ypsilanti.

There were 9003 fans in attendance at the Tangerine Bowl. In the second quarter, the Blazers drove 61 yards in 13 plays, culminating in Bob Davis throwing a swing pass to RB Jim Strong for a 16-yard touchdown. The pass attempt for the action point failed but the home team carried a 7-0 lead into halftime (in the WFL, touchdowns counted for seven points and were followed by an “action point”, that could not be kicked).

That was it until the Wheels started their third series of the third quarter with good field position at midfield and Bubba Wyche threw to WR Jon Henderson at the sideline, who went the distance for a 49-yard TD. Detroit also failed to complete a pass for the action point and the score remained tied at 7-7.

The Blazers weren’t able to get beyond their 25 on the next series and Detroit again had good starting field position at its 45 following the punt. This time the Wheels needed ten plays to score, although they lined up to punt at one point but Eric Guthrie, a backup quarterback as well as punter, passed instead of kicking and safety Terry Hoeppner caught it for a 22-yard gain. RB Billy Sadler ran six yards for a touchdown and then caught the pass for the action point that made it a 15-7 game with less than two minutes to play in the period.

With 8:07 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Blazers began to move on offense, going 80 yards in six plays. Davis threw to Tommy Reamon for 16 yards and WR Eddie Richardson for 25 on a throw down the middle of the field. A pass to WR Matt Maslowski picked up another 25 yards and another toss to Maslowski for 17 yards moved the ball to the Detroit two. Reamon ran the final yard for a TD but Detroit LB Dick Blanchard broke up a pass intended for Greg Latta on the attempt for the action point. The Wheels remained in front by one, and it was enough as Detroit held on to win by a final score of 15-14, setting off a wild celebration by the players.

The Blazers outgained Detroit (381 yards to 248) and had more first downs (20 to 12). However, Florida also turned the ball over three times, to none by the Wheels. There were a total of 15 punts (8 by Detroit, 7 by the Blazers).

Bubba Wyche completed 7 of 14 passes for 91 yards and a touchdown, but he was also sacked seven times. Billy Sadler had 55 rushing yards on 10 carries that included a TD. Thanks to the long scoring catch, Jon Henderson (pictured at left) gained 61 yards on three pass receptions.

For the Blazers, Bob Davis was successful on 16 of 33 throws for 245 yards and was intercepted twice. Tommy Reamon ran for 65 yards on 17 carries and Greg Latta caught three passes for 84 yards.

“We just took the night off,” said a frustrated Coach Jack Pardee. “It was a team loss.”

The loss dropped the Blazers into a tie for first in the Eastern Division with the New York Stars at 7-4. They managed to win their next four games and ultimately topped the division with a 14-6 record, advancing to the WFL Championship game (or “World Bowl”) before falling to the Birmingham Americans and barely staying ahead of their creditors. Detroit was 1-10 and would not win again – nor would the Wheels finish out the schedule as the franchise folded three weeks later.

Bubba Wyche was one of sixteen players that were picked by the remaining WFL franchises after the Wheels folded. He joined the Chicago Fire for the remaining four games. Overall, he completed 50.9 percent of his passes for 2342 yards and 11 touchdowns with 21 interceptions. He also rushed for 287 yards and scored 11 TDs on his own.

1989: Kelly Runs for TD on Final Play as Bills Edge Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins had a string of 13 straight home-opening wins on the line as they hosted the Buffalo Bills on September 10, 1989. However, the Dolphins were coming off a 6-10 record in ’88 and had not been to the playoffs in four years. Head Coach Don Shula’s team was always productive through the air with QB Dan Marino, but the running game was not up to par and the defense ranked 26^th in the league.

The Bills, coached by Marv Levy, appeared to be heading in a better direction. Following four consecutive losing years, they won the AFC East with a 12-4 tally in 1988. Tough and talented QB Jim Kelly (pictured above) led an offense that featured RB Thurman Thomas, coming off an outstanding rookie season, and WR Andre Reed, who set a club record with 71 receptions. The defense was anchored by DE Bruce Smith and included solid linebackers Cornelius Bennett and Shane Conlan plus overachieving FS Mark Kelso.

There were 54,541 fans in attendance at Joe Robbie Stadium. The Dolphins drove into Buffalo territory on their first series but were forced to punt, pinning the Bills back at their one yard line. However, the visitors proceeded to put together a long 16-play, 82-yard drive. Thurman Thomas ran seven times for 39 yards and Jim Kelly completed three passes. The possession finally stalled at the Miami 17 and Scott Norwood kicked a 34-yard field goal.

The score remained 3-0 as the game entered the second quarter. The teams exchanged punts before the Dolphins went 71 yards in 10 plays. Dan Marino tossed six completions, the longest of which were 20 yards to TE Ferrell Edmunds and 21 yards to WR Mark Duper, and RB Troy Stadford ran for the final yard and a touchdown. Pete Stoyanovich’s extra point put Miami ahead by 7-3.

The teams again traded punts until the Bills, starting off at the Miami 45 after a 14-yard return by DB Erroll Tucker, put together a promising drive. Kelly completed four passes, but on the last, Andre Reed fumbled inside the ten and CB Rodney Thomas recovered and ran 39 yards. With 32 seconds left in the half, Marino threw to WR Jim Jensen for 10 yards and a pass interference penalty moved the ball to the Buffalo 11. Stoyanovich kicked a 29-yard field goal and the home team took a 10-3 lead into halftime.

The Bills had the first series of the third quarter, punted, but soon regained possession when CB Nate Odomes forced Stradford to fumble and Cornelius Bennett recovered at the Miami two. From there, FB Larry Kinnebrew ran for a TD on the next play and Norwood’s extra point tied the score at 10-10.

The Dolphins drove to midfield on their next series but had to punt. Starting from their own 11, the Bills reached the 27 before Kelly was sacked by LB Barry Krauss on third down for a 17-yard loss, and John Kidd’s punt was blocked by Jensen, with RB Marc Logan running it in for a touchdown. Stoyanovich added the PAT and Miami was back in front at 17-10.

The Bills put together a 10-play, 52-yard series in response. Kelly completed an eight-yard pass to Reed to convert a third-and-five situation and also threw to RB Ronnie Harmon for 20 yards along the way. Norwood booted a 37-yard field goal to narrow the score to 17-13.

The Dolphins were driving as the period ended, with Marino completing three passes, the first to RB Tom Brown for 23 yards. But after reaching the Buffalo 27 early in the fourth quarter, Odomes intercepted a pass to end the threat. The teams exchanged fumbles deep in Buffalo territory and the Bills were then able to punt the ball away. However, the Dolphins put together a long drive of 73 yards in 12 plays, with seven of them pass completions by Marino. The last was to WR Andre Brown for a touchdown and, with Stoyanovich adding the extra point, the home team was in front by 24-13 with 4:17 remaining on the clock.

The Bills came out throwing following the ensuing kickoff and, after an incompletion on first down, Kelly connected on five straight passes, the last to WR Flip Johnson for a 26-yard TD. Norwood added the extra point, but the Bills were behind by four points and still needed a touchdown to win.

It looked good for the Dolphins on the next series when Marino completed a pass to Edmunds for the necessary yards on a second-and-14 play, but Odomes picked off another pass and the visitors had possession at their 49 with the time remaining now down to 1:44.

Kelly completed three straight passes, two of them to WR Chris Burkett, to gain 21 yards. Following an incompletion, he hit Thomas for 11 yards, Reed for 15 and, with an offside penalty moving the ball half the distance to the goal, Kelly ran the ball himself out of shotgun formation for a two-yard touchdown – his first ever rushing touchdown in the NFL (he had six in the USFL). In dramatic fashion, the Bills came away the winners by a score of 27-24.

Buffalo had the edge in total yards (367 to 323) and first downs (27 to 20). The Dolphins turned the ball over four times while the Bills suffered two turnovers. However, Miami sacked Kelly four times while Buffalo failed to get to Marino at all.

Jim Kelly completed 25 of 40 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions in addition to running for a TD. Thurman Thomas (pictured below) gained 94 yards on 13 rushing attempts and caught 8 passes for 65 more yards. Andre Reed had 6 catches for 58 yards and Flip Johnson gained 60 yards and scored a touchdown on his three receptions. Nate Odomes had a hand in three of the four Buffalo takeaways with two interceptions and a forced fumble.

For the Dolphins, Dan Marino was successful on 25 of 38 throws for 255 yards and a TD but gave up two interceptions. Ferrell Edmunds caught 5 passes for 58 yards and Tom Brown was right behind with 5 for 57 yards. Andre Brown gained 58 yards on his four receptions that included a score.

“The play was a pass to the fullback coming out of the backfield,” explained Jim Kelly of the winning touchdown. “I saw the linebacker go with him. I just took off…I was hoping I’d make it because I knew if I didn’t, I’d never hear the end of it for the rest of my career.”

“We felt good about ourselves. We felt real confident. Then it was like this huge building fell on us,” said Miami G Roy Foster in summing up the defeat.

Buffalo continued on to an 8-4 start but tailed off amid much off-field griping to finish at 9-7. It was still enough to again top the AFC East, but the Bills lost to Cleveland in the Divisional playoff round. For the Dolphins, the loss to Buffalo was their tenth straight to AFC East teams and set the tone for a 1-3 start, although they then won six of seven before losing four of their last five games to end up at 8-8 and end up third in the division.

Jim Kelly missed three games with an injured shoulder and was in the midst of some of the locker room bickering, but passed for 3130 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also had a second rushing TD during the season. Thurman Thomas was selected to the Pro Bowl after gaining a NFL-leading 1913 yards from scrimmage, which included 1244 on the ground. Andre Reed led the AFC in pass receptions, breaking his own club record with 88 catches that were good for 1312 yards and nine touchdowns.

1962: Grosscup’s 3 TD Passes Spur NY Titans to Win Over Raiders

In the opening week of the American Football League’s third season, two of the new circuit’s more problematic franchises faced each other on September 9, 1962. The New York Titans and Oakland Raiders had both suffered from difficulties in the front office, on the field, and at the gate.

The Titans had broken even at 7-7 in each of their first two seasons. Mercurial owner Harry Wismer replaced Head Coach Sammy Baugh, once an all-time great quarterback in Washington, with another ex-NFL great in Clyde “Bulldog” Turner, formerly of the Bears. The team had outstanding receivers in flanker Don Maynard and split end Art Powell, but veteran QB Al Dorow was dealt away and replaced by 38-year-old Butch Songin, obtained from the Patriots. Just a few days prior to the opener, Lee Grosscup (pictured above) was picked up after being waived by the Minnesota Vikings. Grosscup was a highly-touted passer out of Utah who failed to make the grade with the Giants and, cut by them at the end of July, had only been with Minnesota for a short time before his release.

Oakland had the AFL’s worst record the previous year at 2-12. Marty Feldman replaced Eddie Erdelatz as head coach during the season and was still at the helm. One positive change was that, after playing in San Francisco the first two years (Kezar Stadium in 1960, Candlestick Park in ’61), the Raiders finally had a home field in Oakland. A temporary stadium called Frank Youell Field had been erected until a projected new facility was ready. However, promising QB Tom Flores was out for the year with tuberculosis and Don Heinrich, formerly of the Giants and Cowboys, had been signed to take his place. Like the Titans, the Raiders had difficulty in signing rookie draft choices, thus making it all the harder to become more competitive.

There were 12,893 fans in attendance for the first Raiders home game actually played in Oakland. The teams traded punts to start the contest before the Raiders, starting at their own 38, drove deep into New York territory. HB Clem Daniels had a 12-yard run and a 12-yard reception on a swing pass from Don Heinrich, but after reaching the 18 yard line, Jackie Simpson’s 25-yard field goal attempt was wide to the right.

On the next play, Butch Songin threw long and was picked off by safety Tom Morrow, who returned it 29 yards to the New York 16. However, the Raiders again came up empty when they once more had to try for a field goal and Simpson missed from 16 yards.

The game remained scoreless heading into the second quarter. A fumble on a lateral gave the Raiders possession at the New York 41 and, spurred by a six-yard carry by HB Bo Roberson and an eight-yard run by FB Alan Miller, they drove 20 yards. This time Simpson successfully kicked a 28-yard field goal to stake the home team to a 3-0 advantage.

Following the kickoff, it was Lee Grosscup replacing Songin at quarterback for the Titans. With the ball at his own 20, he made a quick impression by going long for Art Powell (pictured below), who pulled the ball in at the Oakland 35, and the fleet receiver continued on for an 80-yard touchdown. Bill Shockley added the extra point for a 7-3 lead.

It didn’t take long for the Titans to regain possession and strike again. On the first play after the kickoff, LB Larry Grantham sacked Heinrich for a nine-yard loss and then a bad pass was intercepted by safety Billy Atkins to give the Titans the ball at the Oakland 19. Grosscup threw to HB Dick Christy, who was wide open on the left, and it was good for another TD. Shockley added the PAT and, in just two plays, Grosscup had accounted for two scores and New York was ahead by 14-3.

The Raiders moved methodically down the field on their next series, with M.C. Reynolds now in at quarterback. He completed two passes and had a nine-yard scramble, but again it came down to a field goal attempt by Simpson, and he missed badly from 36 yards. The score remained unchanged at the half.

Butch Songin was back behind center when the Titans started off the third quarter and, taking a cue from Grosscup, he threw to Powell for seven yards before connecting with Maynard, who broke an attempted tackle by CB Fred Williamson for a 64-yard touchdown. Shockley added the extra point and the tally stood at 21-3.

Miller fumbled the ensuing kickoff and DB Wayne Fontes recovered for the Titans at the Oakland 34, but the Raiders got the ball back on the next play when Songin’s throw was intercepted by Simpson, a linebacker as well as placekicker. Oakland had to punt, and Grosscup was back in at quarterback for the Titans, but this time the visitors were also forced to kick it away.

Taking over at their 17, the Raiders came alive on offense after Miller ran for four yards up the middle. Heinrich, returning at quarterback, fired a pass to end Max Boydston that picked up 58 yards and, on the following play, he threw to HB Gene White for a 21-yard touchdown. Simpson kicked the extra point and New York’s lead was cut to 21-10.

The Titans again had to punt following their next possession and Oakland moved into New York territory, helped by a pass interference penalty. Heinrich threw to HB Charley Fuller for 25 yards, but a throw into the end zone was dropped by Roberson. Three more passes fell incomplete and it was New York’s ball on downs. Four plays later, Grosscup once again went long for Powell, and it was complete for a 64-yard TD. Shockley added another extra point.

Oakland wasn’t finished yet, however, and in a series that ended early in the fourth quarter, Miller blasted into the end zone from a yard out. Simpson converted to narrow the margin to eleven points. On their next series after a punt by the Titans, Daniels took off for a 50-yard gain to the New York 14. But from there, the Titans took control on defense. Roberson was trapped for a six-yard loss, Heinrich was sacked for the loss of another 14 yards, a pass was incomplete, and on fourth-and-30, Heinrich’s pass intended for White was knocked down by safety Lee Riley.

The Raiders got the ball back on an interception at their own 26, but Heinrich was picked off by Fontes and the Titans were able to run out the clock, winning by a final score of 28-17.

New York had the edge in total yards (424 to 313) although the Raiders accumulated more first downs (20 to 13). The Titans hurt themselves with five turnovers, to three suffered by the Raiders, and they also drew 11 penalties, at a cost of 111 yards, while Oakland was flagged only twice. However, New York also registered six sacks on defense while giving up three. The Raiders were further hurt by their inability to reach the end zone when they had opportunities, and those failures were compounded by Jackie Simpson’s three missed field goals in four attempts.

In limited action, Lee Grosscup completed 5 of 8 passes, but they were good for 186 yards and three touchdowns, while he gave up one interception. Butch Songin was 7 of 16 for 114 yards and a TD as well as two interceptions. Art Powell had 5 catches for 175 yards that included the two long touchdowns and Don Maynard gained 85 yards on his three receptions that also included one for a score. Dick Christy ran for 106 yards on 10 carries and added another 40 yards on four catches that included a TD.

For the Raiders, Don Heinrich was successful on just 10 of 29 throws for 156 yards and a touchdown while being picked off twice. Clem Daniels (pictured at right) had 101 yards on 10 rushing attempts and caught three passes for 21 more yards. Alan Miller ran the ball 16 times for 56 yards and a TD and Max Boydston gained 82 yards on three pass receptions.

The Titans won only one of their next six games, finishing at 5-9 and at the bottom of the Eastern Division. Harry Wismer was forced to give up the team, which was operated by the league to complete the season, and that set the stage for new and more stable ownership. Oakland suffered through a dreadful 1-13 campaign and Coach Feldman was replaced by Red Conkright, although that also set the stage for the hiring of a dynamic new head coach and general manager in ‘63, Al Davis.

Lee Grosscup played well until sidelined by injury, passing for 855 yards and eight touchdowns against eight interceptions. Butch Songin saw less action, and it was ex-Bills QB Johnny Green behind center for most of the way. Art Powell went on to catch 64 passes for 1130 yards (17.7 avg.) and eight touchdowns and Don Maynard had 56 receptions for 1041 yards (18.6 avg.) and another eight TDs. Dick Christy was the AFL’s all-purpose yardage leader, gaining 535 yards on 114 rushing attempts, 538 on 62 catches and, with kick returns added in, totaled 2147 yards.

The Raiders also sought another answer at quarterback. Don Heinrich was done after the opening loss and a trade was made with the Dallas Texans for Cotton Davidson. Clem Daniels broke out to rush for 766 yards on 161 carries (4.8 avg.) and caught 24 passes for 318 yards (13.3 avg.), and would be part of the team’s dramatic improvement the next year. 

Highlighted Year: Troy Aikman, 1991

Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys

Age:  25 (Nov. 21)

3^rd season in pro football & with Cowboys

College: UCLA

Height: 6’4”   Weight: 218

Prelude:

Aikman started off in college at Oklahoma and was starting quarterback as a sophomore until breaking his ankle four games into the season. He transferred to UCLA where, after sitting out a year, he passed for 5298 yards and 41 touchdowns and led the Bruins to a 20-4 record with two bowl victories and received consensus first-team All-American honors as a senior in 1988. The Cowboys chose Aikman with the first overall pick in the ’89 NFL draft and he took over the starting job, showing great toughness with a rebuilding 1-13 team and missing time with a broken finger. A drop-back quarterback with a strong arm, Aikman continued to develop in 1990 and passed for 2579 yards until suffering a late-season shoulder separation that required surgery.

1991 Season Summary

Appeared in 12 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts – 363 [16]

Most attempts, game – 42 vs. Washington 9/9, at Detroit 10/27

Completions – 237 [14]

Most completions, game – 31 at Green Bay 10/6

Yards – 2754 [16]

Most yards, game – 331 at Detroit 10/27

Completion percentage – 65.3 [2, 1^st in NFC]

Yards per attempt – 7.6 [4]

TD passes – 11 [16, tied with seven others]

Most TD passes, game – 3 vs. Washington 9/9

Interceptions – 10

Most interceptions, game – 3 vs. Philadelphia 9/15

Passer rating – 86.7 [6]

300-yard passing games – 1

200-yard passing games – 8

Rushing

Attempts – 16

Most attempts, game - 3 (for 9 yds.) vs. Washington 9/9, (for -5 yds.) vs. NY Giants 9/29

Yards – 5

Most yards, game – 9 yards (on 3 carries) vs. Washington 9/9

Yards per attempt – 0.3

TDs – 1

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 1

Yards – -6

Yards per catch – -6.0

TDs - 0

Scoring

TDs – 1

Points – 6

Postseason: 1 G (NFC Divisional playoff at Detroit)

Pass attempts – 16

Pass completions – 11

Passing yardage – 114

TD passes – 0

Interceptions – 1

Rushing attempts – 2

Rushing yards – 0

Average gain rushing – 0.0

Rushing TDs – 0

Missed one postseason game due to injury

Awards & Honors:

Pro Bowl

Cowboys went 11-5 to finish second in the NFC East and qualifying for the postseason as a Wild Card. Won NFC Wild Card playoff over Chicago Bears (17-13). Lost NFC Divisional playoff to Detroit Lions (38-6).

Aftermath:

The best was yet to come for Aikman and the Cowboys as the team won three of the next four NFL Championships. Aikman passed for 3445 yards and a career-high 23 touchdowns in 1992 and capped the year by being selected as the Super Bowl MVP. He was chosen to six consecutive Pro Bowls and was a steady, solid leader as well as consistent performer in an offense where he was often overshadowed by RB Emmitt Smith and WR Michael Irvin. But he had five 3000-yard passing seasons and averaged over seven yards per pass attempt six times. The team went into decline and concussions became an issue, forcing Aikman’s retirement in 2000. Overall, he completed 61.5 percent of his passes for 32,942 yards and 165 touchdowns and, in the postseason, threw for another 3849 yards and 23 TDs while the Cowboys won 11 of his 16 starts. Aikman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2006.    

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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

2003: Delhomme Rallies Panthers Past Jaguars

The Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars, who had come into the NFL together in 1995, started off the 2003 season on September 7 in Charlotte. It was the head coaching debut for Jacksonville’s Jack Del Rio, who had been Carolina’s defensive coordinator the previous year.

The Jaguars were coming off of three straight losing seasons under their original head coach, Tom Coughlin, after having been a playoff team the previous four years. The team was looking to the future, not only by hiring Del Rio, but in drafting QB Byron Leftwich out of Marshall in the first round, although Mark Brunell, nearing his 33^rd birthday, would start the season. Sixth-year RB Fred Taylor was still a key player in the offense, although star WR Jimmy Smith, at age 34, appeared to be on the downside and would miss the first four games of the season due to a drug suspension. The defense was in transition.

Carolina, in its second year under Head Coach John Fox, was on the upswing. A 1-15 team two years earlier, the Panthers were 7-9 in ’02. 37-year-old QB Rodney Peete played well in the conservative offense the previous year, but Jake Delhomme (pictured above) had joined the team after five years as a backup in New Orleans to mount a challenge. RB Stephen Davis arrived from the Redskins to strengthen the ground game and 35-year-old WR Ricky Proehl to bolster the receiving corps. The defense was young and tough, featuring ends Julius Peppers and Mike Rucker up front.

There were 72,134 fans in attendance for opening day at Ericsson Stadium. Stephen Davis took a handoff on the first play from scrimmage of the game and ran for 20 yards, but it would prove to the Carolina’s only first down of the first half. The teams traded punts throughout the opening period until, early in the second quarter, Mark Brunell fumbled and DE Al Wallace recovered for the Panthers at the Jacksonville 31.

However, the punchless offense was unable to capitalize on the turnover, moving backward rather than forward. Peete was sacked for a nine-yard loss on third-and-nine, and Todd Sauerbrun punted for the fifth time. The Jaguars proceeded to drive 80 yards in nine plays. Brunell completed three passes, the longest to WR J.J. Stokes for 22 yards, and the Panthers were penalized twice. FB Marc Edwards ran two yards up the middle for a touchdown to cap the series and, with Seth Marler’s extra point, Jacksonville was ahead by 7-0.

The contest reverted to form until, with 29 seconds left, the Jaguars regained possession at their own 47 following a punt and 12-yard return by WR Jermaine Lewis. Brunell connected with Fred Taylor for 18 yards and, after a false start, tossed two short passes to Stokes before going long to WR Matthew Hatchette for a 33-yard touchdown on the last play of the half. Marler kicked the PAT and the visitors took a 14-0 lead into the intermission.

The Jaguars added more points with their first possession of the third quarter, driving 46 yards in ten plays that concluded with a 40-yard Marler field goal and 17-0 lead. When the Panthers came out for their first series of the second half, Jake Delhomme was at quarterback in place of Rodney Peete. Clearly excited at the opportunity to play, he immediately energized the offense. Davis ran the ball three times for 24 yards and the Panthers got on the board when Delhomme threw to WR Muhsin Muhammad for a 13-yard touchdown. John Kasay’s extra point made it a ten-point game.

Jacksonville had to punt following a short possession and the Panthers again drove to a score. Davis ran three times for 14 yards and caught a pass for another 11, one of two completions for Delhomme. However, after reaching the Jacksonville 20, an offensive pass interference penalty backed the Panthers up and they settled for a Kasay field goal from 49 yards. Still, they were just a touchdown behind at 17-10.

It got worse for the Jaguars, who bogged down in their own territory, thanks to a penalty and a sack. Carolina RB Rod Smart blocked Chris Hanson’s punt, which resulted in a safety and two more points for the Panthers.

WR Steve Smith returned the free kick 38 yards and, with Davis and RB DeShaun Foster running effectively, the Panthers again moved into Jacksonville territory. However, they came up empty this time when a Delhomme pass was intercepted by CB Rashean Mathis. The reprieve was a short one for the Jaguars as they went three-and-out and punted once again, and this time Carolina did not fail to reach the end zone, going 52 yards in seven plays. Delhomme had three more completions, with the last resulting in a 24-yard touchdown to Smith. An attempted two-point conversion failed, but the Panthers were in front by 18-17.

The Jaguars weren’t ready to quit, however, and pulled off a big play in short order as Brunell threw to Lewis for a 65-yard TD. They also failed in their try for a two-point conversion, but were back in the lead at 23-18 with less than six minutes to play.

Delhomme gave up another interception on the next series, this time by LB Akin Ayodele. Playing conservatively, the Jaguars punted the ball back four plays later, and Smith returned the kick 36 yards to give the Panthers good starting field position at their 46 with 3:34 remaining.

Davis ran twice for nine yards and Delhomme gained a yard to convert third down. Passes to Smith and Foster picked up 19 yards and, on a third-and-two play, Davis ran around end for four yards. Reaching the 12 and facing fourth-and-11, Delhomme threw to Ricky Proehl in the left corner of the end zone (pictured at right), who made the catch for the touchdown with a scant 16 seconds left to play. Yet another two-point conversion attempt failed, but Carolina was back in front by a point.

In the time remaining, Brunell passed the Jaguars down the field, but a 55-yard field goal try by Marler was blocked by safety Mike Minter and the Carolina celebration began. In dramatic fashion, the Panthers had won by a score of 24-23.

Jacksonville had the edge in total yards (331 to 242) although both teams generated 17 first downs. The Panthers turned the ball over twice, to one suffered by the Jaguars, and Jacksonville had the edge in sacks (five to four), although three of those sacks were of Peete during the first half. There were 17 penalties, divided almost evenly, with Carolina drawing nine and the Jaguars eight.

Jake Delhomme completed 12 of 20 passes for 122 yards and three touchdowns, giving up two interceptions. By comparison, Rodney Peete had been four of ten for 19 yards. Stephen Davis rushed for 111 yards on 22 carries. Steve Smith topped the Carolina receivers with four catches for 44 yards and a TD.

For the Jaguars, Mark Brunell (pictured at left) completed 13 straight passes at one point to tie the franchise record and ended up being successful on 23 of 27 throws for 272 yards and two TDs, with none intercepted. J.J. Stokes had the most catches, with 6 for 42 yards, while Jermaine Lewis gained 90 yards on three receptions, thanks to the long touchdown. Matthew Hatchette contributed 60 yards and a TD on his four catches and, in addition to rushing for 71 yards on 22 attempts, Fred Taylor also had 5 catches for 51 yards.

“We needed to do something to spark our offense and I thought Jake did an outstanding job,” said Coach John Fox. “We are going to enjoy this win and make decisions later.”

The decision was to make Jake Delhomme the starting quarterback, and the Panthers started off the season with five straight wins on the way to an 11-5 finish, NFC South title, and playoff run that made it to the Super Bowl, where they lost to the Patriots. Jacksonville, on the other hand, lost its first four games in going 5-11 and placed fourth in the AFC South.

Delhomme, in his first year as a starting quarterback, threw for 3219 yards and 19 touchdowns. He would remain with the Panthers for another six years. Stephen Davis ran for 1444 yards on 318 carries (4.5 avg.) and eight TDs and was selected to the Pro Bowl.

In what was his last of nine seasons in Jacksonville, Mark Brunell yielded the starting job at quarterback to the rookie Leftwich after three games. He ended up throwing just 82 passes for 484 yards and his two TD passes against the Panthers were his only ones of the year. Overall in Jacksonville, he passed for 25,698 yards and 144 touchdowns and was named to the Pro Bowl three times.

1968: Bengals Fall to Chargers in AFL Debut

The Cincinnati Bengals, an AFL expansion team for 1968, started off their inaugural season on September 6 at San Diego. At the helm was Paul Brown, already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his near-legendary work with the Cleveland Browns from 1946 through ’62. After five years out of the game, he was back as a part-owner, general manager, and head coach. The first-year Bengals were a typical collection of fading veterans and untested young talent. First draft choice Bob Johnson was to anchor the line at center, there was a promising rookie halfback in Paul Robinson, as well as HB/WR Warren McVea, and while a deal with Miami had brought former minor league QB John Stofa to the team, Dewey Warren, a rookie out of Tennessee, was behind center for the debut.

The Chargers, coached by Sid Gillman, were coming off of a respectable 8-5-1 record in ’67, although in the tough Western Division that was good only for third place. The offense was typically explosive and contained QB John Hadl, flanker Lance Alworth (who was coming off of an injury-plagued season), and HB Dickie Post, among others, but the defense was less impressive and still in rebuilding mode.

There were 33,687 fans on hand at San Diego Stadium for the nationally televised Friday night game. Taking the opening kickoff, the Bengals drove impressively down the field for 72 yards in eight plays. Warren McVea had a run of 28 yards and Paul Robinson had a 14-yard gain. Robinson capped the series by running two yards around end for a touchdown.

The Chargers drove into Cincinnati territory but stalled at the 34 and Dennis Partee kicked a 42-yard field goal to get the home team on the board. On San Diego’s next possession, and still in the opening period, Dickie Post broke away on a sweep for a 48-yard TD. With Partee’s extra point, the home team carried a 10-7 lead into the second quarter. Neither offense could move consistently during the remainder of the first half, but the Bengals managed to tie the score with a 22-yard field goal by Dale Livingston.

In the second half, John Hadl began to exploit weaknesses in Cincinnati’s pass defense. The Chargers moved 76 yards to start the third quarter and FB Brad Hubbert plunged into the end zone to put the home team in front. Partee added the extra point that made it 17-10.

TE Willie Frazier (pictured at top), who caught 57 passes and was an AFL All-Star in 1967, had lost his starting job to Jacque McKinnon and didn’t get into the game until the second half, but he made an impact when he did. Up by four points late in the third quarter, Hadl threw down the middle to Frazier, who caught the ball at the 20 and carried three defenders into the end zone for a 48-yard touchdown. Partee’s extra point attempt was blocked but it had no effect with the Chargers up by ten.

Attesting to the physicality of the game, Lance Alworth, who was clotheslined after his first catch by CB Fletcher Smith, was ejected in the fourth quarter for fighting. But the Chargers were able to keep the visitors in check for the remainder of the contest. In the closing seconds, Frazier pulled in a second scoring pass, this time from five yards out to secure the win. San Diego came out on top by 29-13.

The Chargers dominated in total yards (554 to 226) and first downs (27 to 13). They were impressive on both the ground and through the air, gaining 229 rushing yards and 325 via passing. However, San Diego was also hurt by 10 penalties, at a cost of 100 yards, while the Bengals were flagged five times. Each team turned the ball over twice, and the Bengals also gave up two sacks.

John Hadl completed 20 of 37 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns with none intercepted. Dickie Post ran for 140 yards on 16 carries that included the one long TD and Brad Hubbert added 54 yards and a touchdown on his 11 attempts. WR Gary Garrison led San Diego’s receivers with 5 catches for 101 yards while TE Jacque MacKinnon added four receptions for 87 yards, Lance Alworth four for 58, and Willie Frazier contributed three catches for 66 yards and the two touchdowns. Dennis Partee (pictured below) had an uneven performance in his first game as placekicker/punter for the Chargers, connecting on one of three field goal attempts and failing on his last two extra point tries.

For the Bengals, Dewey Warren received praise for his poise after completing 14 of his 26 throws for 125 yards, giving up one interception. Paul Robinson gained 33 yards on 16 rushing attempts that included a TD. FB Tom Smiley ran for 26 yards on 9 attempts and led the club with 6 catches for 51 yards.

“My timing was off in the first half,” explained John Hadl regarding San Diego’s sluggish start. “We just didn’t click.”

“If we lose every game this year and are contenders in three years, I’ll be satisfied,” said Paul Brown, attesting to the difficulties as well as the ultimate goal in starting from scratch with an expansion team.

Coach Brown need not have worried about going winless, however, for the Bengals won their next two games at home, although they came out on top just one more time on the way to a 3-11 record and last place in the Western Division. San Diego won its first three contests, but again finished third in the division at 9-5.

Dewey Warren (pictured at left) was replaced by John Stofa the following week and, as one of three quarterbacks who started for the Bengals in their first year, completed 58.8 percent of his 80 passes for 506 yards and a touchdown with four intercepted. Paul Robinson, who scored the franchise’s first TD, had a much bigger year, leading the league in rushing with 1023 yards and gaining All-AFL as well as Rookie of the Year honors.

John Hadl went on to lead the AFL in pass attempts (440), completions (208), yards (3473), and TD passes (27), but also in interceptions (32). Dickie Post ranked fifth in rushing with 758 yards and Lance Alworth and Gary Garrison both finished over a thousand receiving yards (1312 and 1103, respectively). Willie Frazier remained a backup at tight end and caught 16 passes for 237 yards and a total of three touchdowns. Dennis Partee kicked 22 field goals, the third-highest total in the AFL, averaged 40.7 yards on 56 punts, and spent eight years with the Chargers.