Rams' Linebacker Nate Landman Sets Franchise Record in Combined Tackles. Or Did He?

 by John Turney 

This past week, the Los Angeles Rams public relations team released a meme on X that denoted Rams' linebacker Nate Landman set a franchise record for tackles in a single game with 17. The previous Sunday, versus the Baltimore Ravens, Landman recorded 8 solo tackles and was credited with 9 assisted tackles for a total of 17 tackles.

The meme:

Is the meme accurate, though? Well, it is the most total tackles by a Rams player ... since 1999. And that is the part of the meme that is omitted. It reads, at least to us, that it coveres the entirty of the existence of the Rams franchise. That's the rub. It does not.

However, it is understandable, Pro Football Reference (PFR) only goes back to 1999 in some statistics and one of them is tackles and PFR is the source many NFL public relations departments use, rather than old gamebooks. 

When you search for what Rams player made the most combined tackles in PFR (Stathead is their search engine), you get this list:

In the above table, you see Landman's 17 tackles on the top and right after that you can observe middle linebacker James Laurinaitis's game which he recorded 16 solo tackles but did not record any assists for a total of 16 combined tackles. That's a lot of lead (solo) tackles. 

But that list only includes games going back 26 years.

However, another linebacker -- Jim Collins -- recorded 20 tackles in a Week 7 game in 1984 versus the Saints. He was credited by the Saints' pressbox scorer with 14 tackles and 6 assists. It was notable enough that Pro Football Weekly named Colling its NFL Defensive Player of the Week.

Here is the tackle chart from that game:

Of course, perhaps someone made more tackles in a game sometime in Rams' history, we don't have film or a gamebook for -- maybe Riley Matheson made 21 tackles for the Cleveland Rams at some point so perhaps Collins' 20 tackles in 1984 is not the true mark.

All we know now is that he had more than Nate Landman, according to official NFL gamebooks. And that is worth remembering.

TUESDAY TIDBITS: "Not Really Sure What I Just Watched"

By TJ Troup 

Broncos take down Jets' QB Justin Fields

Which game was the most compelling drama this past weekend, and why? Sure would relish hearing all of your thoughts. Watching the highlights of Carolina's victory over Dallas with Dowdle running with fury, I thought, "Why did the Cowboys let this guy leave?"

Many teams this past weekend showcased their rushing attack, and while that is always enjoyable to watch, the emphasis of my column today will be on the pass rush. Should I cut Brandon Walker some slack? He stated that the '85 Bears set the standard of 72 sacks, when in fact those nasty Bears set the record in '84. No doubt, though, no team will ever match 136 sacks for back-to-back years. 

Watching the strategically flawed and pathetic Jets just before the half and Kurt Warner's appropriate and entertaining comment (the title of this week's column), we all no doubt wonder when the Jets will win a game. 

Since Fields "gained" -11 passing due to a handful of short completed passes, and the lost yardage from the aggressive and effective Bronco pass rush, the question quickly comes to mind: has a team ever lost more yardage than the Jets? 

September 20th, 1998, Ryan Leaf completed 1 of 15 for 4 yards, but lost 23 yards in sacks for -19 yards. Ouch! The Chargers did win five games that season; will the Jets win five? 

Back to the pass rush and Denver, which takes me back to October 19th, 1969, when the 2-3 Broncos are at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati to take on the 3-2 Bengals. 

The Broncos gain a season high 421 yards in total offense, including 272 rushing. In their first 118 games as a franchise, the Broncos had just seven individual rushing performances of 100 yards. 

Floyd Little

Floyd Little sets a team rushing record (at this point in team history) with 166 yards rushing. Denver leads 16-6 in the 2nd quarter when Little scoots 48 yards for a touchdown. Later in the quarter, Steve Tensi throws his second touchdown pass of the game as Denver leads 30-6 at the half. Cincinnati rallies behind Sam Wyche's two second-half touchdown passes, yet Denver hangs on to win 30-23. 

Rich Jackson

The key to the Denver defense is a record-setting pass rush, which registers 10 sacks; four of which are by All-AFL left defensive end Rich "Tombstone" Jackson. Possibly the Broncos believe October is pass rush month? 

See ya next week.

Packers Fence in Bengals for 30 Minutes in 27-18 Win

 By Eric Goska

(photos by Eric Goska)

Invisible fencing can teach a family pet to stay within a set boundary.

In a similar vein, stingy defense and ball-control offense can prevent an opponent from straying too far.

Green Bay erected its version of an unseen wall during the first half of its 27-18 victory over the Bengals Sunday at Lambeau Field. In holding Cincinnati scoreless in the opening two quarters, the Packers allowed their visitors to run just one play from beyond midfield.

Allowing an opponent to run no more than one play from beyond the 50 during the opening 30 minutes of play is not an everyday occurrence. The Packers have turned the trick 24 times since 1952, going 22-1-1 in those games.

Green Bay is undefeated at Lambeau Field when playing this type of game. Its record at the stadium, which opened in 1957, is 11-0-1.

In pitching a first-half shutout, the Packers held the Bengals to 65 yards on 22 offensive snaps. They permitted four first downs and only one drive that lasted more than five plays.

Despite facing Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, perhaps the best receiving duo in the NFL, Green Bay allowed Cincinnati to run but one play from beyond the 50 prior to halftime. No easy feat when three Bengals drives began at their own 36-, 37- and 40-yard lines.

But starting so close to the 50 did nothing for the Ohioans. Green Bay forced three three-and-outs and surrendered all of four yards on nine plays.

Not until one minute, six seconds remained in the second quarter did quarterback Joe Flacco marshal his teammates into Packers territory. The bulk of Cincinnati’s first-half yards (44) came on this advance which saw Flacco spike the ball from the Green Bay 49 to kill the clock with one second remaining.

From there, Evan McPherson would have connected on a record-setting 67-yard field goal that hit the crossbar and fell over, but the Packers had called a timeout. McPherson came up short on his second attempt from that distance.

While the Packers played stout defense, their offense engaged in a game of keep away. In running 38 offensive plays, Jordan Love and his teammates controlled the ball for 21:44. They possessed it for 13 minutes in the first quarter alone.

Aside from Love’s interception – a deflected pass off the hand of receiver Romeo Doubs – Green Bay had little trouble beyond the 50 in the first half. The Packers amassed 82 yards on 20 plays including a 29-yard pass to Josh Jacobs that set up the running back’s 3-yard touchdown run.

The second half, as any nail-biting Packers fan will tell you, was a different story. Cincinnati ran 27 of its 40 plays in Green Bay territory and gained 109 yards.

Flacco completed 14 of 22 passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns (104.0 rating) beyond the 50 in the second half. His scoring strikes to Tanner Hudson and Chase pulled the Bengals to within one score in the third and fourth quarters, respectively.

But Green Bay countered with 99 yards on 14 plays in Cincinnati territory. Jacobs scored on a 14-yard run and Tucker Kraft hauled in a 19-yard TD pass to keep the Packers out front until newcomer Lucas Havrisik all but put the game out of reach with a 39-yard field goal with 1:52 to play.

Extra Point
On Oct. 20, 1994, Green Bay permitted the Vikings but one play beyond the 50 in the first half in the Metrodome, but wound up losing 13-10 in overtime.

Binary Code Defense
The 12 regular-season games at Lambeau Field in which
the Packers allowed their opponent to run either zero or
one offensive play from beyond the 50 in the first half.
 
Date                       Team        0/1    Result
Oct. 12, 2025          Bengals         1        GB won, 27-18
Sept. 15, 2024        Colts              1        GB won, 16-10
Dec. 4, 2016           Texans           1        GB won, 21-13
Oct. 2, 2014            Vikings          0       GB won, 42-10
Dec. 21, 2006         Vikings          0       GB won, 9-7
Nov. 10, 2002        Lions              1        GB won, 40-14
Sept. 24, 2001       Redskins       0        GB won, 37-0
Oct. 15, 1995          Lions              0       GB won, 30-21
Nov. 30, 1975        Bears              1        GB won, 28-7
Dec. 3, 1972           Lions              0       GB won, 33-7
Oct. 3, 1971            Bengals         1        GB won, 20-17
Oct. 5, 1958           Lions              1       GB tied 13-13

An Extraordinary Coincidence

 by Nick Webster

What do you know, through week 5 of the NFL season, the two top active pass rushers named Smith (Preston and Za'Darius - no relation) are tied with precisely 70.5 sacks. In fact, between 2019 and 2021, both Smith's were rushing the passer for the same team - the Green Bay Packers. For 2025, Preston has landed back with his original team in Washington (though you may have heard they've changed their name since he left) and Za'darius has caught on with the Philadelphia Eagles

Speaking of the Washington and Philly franchises - two players who began their careers in those locals are in a similar boat. The two top active pass rushers named Sweat (Montez, who started in D.C. and Josh who started in Philly - also no relation) are also tied with 48 career sacks.

And while these two are actually related, if TJ Watt managed 3.5 more sacks before the Smith's and Sweat's tally anymore we'll have a 3rd same-name tie on the Career Sack leaderboard with TJ and his brother JJ tied at a more impressive 114.5.

TUESDAY TIDBITS: "Huge Character Win"

By TJ Troup 

Baker Mayfield

There is no doubt that every week this season there are going to be "nuggets" to share with all of you.

Ready? 

Here goes -- Baker Mayfield becomes just the third quarterback in league history to throw for at least 375 yards with less than 5 incompletions, joining Kurt Warner and Petyon Manning. Recently had an enjoyable conversation with one of the best football writers ever in Rick Gosselin and he shared his thoughts on Mayfield; his quote, "Baker Mayfield is Drew Brees with swagger". 

When Seattle took the field against Tampa Bay last Sunday, they wore the style and colors of the original uniforms from 1976. How refreshing; though wish Seattle would wear them every week. Watching the Lions demolish, destroy, overwhelm, hell you folks picks the adjective the Cincinnati Bengals this past Sunday showcases when an organization has a man of strong leadership qualities in charge. 

At the close of the 2021 season, the Lions finished 3-13-1, while the Bengals finished 10-7 and played so well in the playoffs that they earned the right to play for the Silver Trophy. Look at the records and direction of both teams now! 

Has the window closed on Cincinnati? Will Detroit advance to the NFC title game? Would relish any and all thoughts on these two teams. 

You all know my belief in team pass defense, and right now the bottom five teams in the category of the defensive passer rating category are 28) Saints, 29 Ravens 30), NYJ,  31) Cowboys, 32) Miami and the combined record of these five teams is 5-19-1. 

The October 2nd Thursday night game featured the two teams that each and every year demonstrate they are well coached and find a way to win. The 49er victory over the Rams just continues the legendary rivalry between these two teams, and the title for this week's column is a quote from Kyle Shanahan after the victory. 

Speaking of the 49ers, this coming Sunday, the 12th, marks the 73rd anniversary of one of those early-season wins that stands out. The two main contenders trying to dethrone the champion Rams in '52 are the Lions & Niners and they square off in Detroit. The 2-0 49ers put a stranglehold on the Lions offense, which gained just 65 yards on 48 offensive plays. San Francisco allows just 4 first downs to set a team defensive record that will stand for 21 years. 

Joe Perry carries against the Detroit Lions, 1952

Future Hall of Fame running backs Joe "The Jet" Perry & Hugh "the king" McElhenny combine to gain 136 yards rushing on 32 carries (Detroit allowed only 95 yards a game rushing all season). Y.A. Tittle was an efficient 13 of 18 for 90 yards passing as San Francisco built a 21-0 3rd quarter lead. 

Future Hall of Fame quarterback Bobby Layne completes just 5 of 15 for 43 yards. Lion passers are sacked five times for 49 yards, and the Leo "the Lion" Nomellini led the d-line stonewalls the Detroit ground game which gains just 40 yards on 17 rushing attempts. 49er linebacker Don Burke returns an interception 35 yards for a score in the 4th quarter, and the victory is complete. 

San Francisco registers their first shut-out in team history 28-0!

Seniors Screening Committee Recommends 52 Semifinalists With a Chance to be in the Class of 2026

 By John Turney 

Seniors' Screening Committee Recommends 52 Semifinalists with a chance to be in the Class of 2026. The next step in the process is that a Seniors nine-person Blue-Ribbon committee (BRC) will reduce the list of 52 candidates to 25 in the next couple of weeks, then again to nine perhaps a month later ot so  Ultimately, the BRC will choose three Finalists for the Class of 2026 and they will be presented to the full Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors.

Here are the 52 -- 

QUARTERBACKS (5): Ken Anderson, Charlie Conerly, Roman Gabriel, Jack Kemp, Don

Meredith.

All but Meredith have some sort of MVP award on their wall. Conely and Kemp have rings, but probably Anderson, the final 25 for sure, likely the final 9. 

RUNNING BACKS (6): Ottis Anderson, Larry Brown, Roger Craig, Chuck Foreman, Cecil Isbell, Paul “Tank” Younger.

Larry Brown was an MVP, Craig was a Player of the Year, the first 1,000-1,000 player was key to NFL Championships and has a strong case. Isbell, to me, should be listed with the QBs, yes, he was a tailback, but he was a passer ... he just wasn't a T-formation guy ... and should be listed with them in my opinion.

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS (9): Mark Clayton, Isaac Curtis, Lavvie Dilweg, Henry Ellard, Harold Jackson, Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, Stanley Morgan, Art Powell, Otis Taylor.

I think Dilweg is the most honored end of all these players, but he was a two-way end, as good on defense as he was on offense. But his chances are small.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (11): Jay Hilgenberg, Chris Hinton, Joe Jacoby, Mike Kenn, Bob

Kuechenberg, Marvin Powell, Dick Schafrath, Jerry Sisemore, Walt Sweeney, Jim Tyrer, Al

Wistert.

It is quite a surprise that George Kunz was off the list this year after representing well last year. Just as surprising that Jerry Sisemore essentially took his place. Sisemore was a Pro Bowler twice and was a starter on a Super Bowl team once. Seems thin.

Do we dare put Jim Tyrer's name through the process again? It would be a wasted vote. Mike Kenn and Bob Kuechenberg are two that I think should make it to the Final 9. At least I will support them in that fashion.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (4): L.C. Greenwood, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Jim Marshall, Harvey Martin.

No defensive tackles, all edge guys. That is a bit of a surprise. Greenwood has the jewelry (four rings), more than the other three ends combined. But all of then have better sack totals. But, Greenwood had the most Pro Bowls and also consensus first-team All-Pro selections.

I think L.C. is the top candidate of the four. 

LINEBACKERS (8): Carl Banks, Maxie Baughan, Mike Curtis, Larry Grantham, Lee Roy Jordan, Clay Matthews Jr., Matt Millen, Tommy Nobis.

Matt Millen? Three second-team All-AFC selections and one Pro Bowl? That is not a lot of end-of-season honors. But he does have four rings -- two with the Raiders and one each with the 49ers and Redskins.

Baughan made it to nearly the end until snubbed by the full board of voters. He has a strong chance of advancing that far again. Lee Roy Jordan, Tommy Nobis and now Mike Curtis -- how do you order them? If you had to rank them 1-2-3? Any group of people would come up with dozens of different ranks. That does not bode well for any of them.

DEFENSIVE BACKS (8): Dick Anderson, Bobby Boyd, Pat Fischer, Lester Hayes, Albert Lewis, Eddie Meador, Lemar Parrish, Everson Walls.

Like that, Lemar Parish made it through the screening committee; his seven Pro Bowls as a cornerback and one as a returner stand out. He was a player quarterbacks avoided. Albert Lewis is right with him in terms of coverage and he had a special teams skill like Parrish, but Lewis' forte was blocking punts. The most in recent NFL history.

Among safeties, I have Meador over Anderson, even though Anderson had a high peak and played or better teams. Anderson's career was cut short by injuries. It's a tough all.

SPECIAL TEAMS (1): Steve Tasker.

I think Billy "White Shoes" Johnson belongs in this category with Tasker. As a wide receiver, he was not a Hall-worthy player, but as a returner, especially a punt returner, he has a solid case. 

TUESDAY TIDBITS: "I'm Pretty Ruthless Back There"

By TJ Troup 

George Atkinson

Four weeks into the season, and so many storylines have led to plenty of compelling drama in the weeks to come. Which teams off to a hot start can continue to win? Which teams that have struggled can correct their issues, and put themselves back in the play-off hunt? The quote in the title of my short saga today comes from Marcus Jones after his impressive day returning punts. 

I wonder if Marcus would be impressed if he looked in the 1970 Record Book and saw the number of yards returned on punts by George Atkinson of the Raiders, or the Lions' Jack Christensen and Tom Watkins, as they had set the standard for both the AFL & NFL as the league headed into the merger? 

Jack Christensen

Our journey back in time today for October 5th, deals with a rivalry that was highlighted by Steve Sabol at NFL Films; the Eagles and Giants. We return to 1947 and the New York Giants have beaten the Eagles 19 of the 26 times they have played each other entering this game. Philadelphia is at home coming off its high-scoring victory over the Redskins. 

Earle "Greasy" Neale's defense has come to play today, as the Giants gain just 39 yards on the ground in shutting out New York 23-0 (just the second shut-out of the Giants). Philadelphia will allow just 80 yards rushing a game in their eight victories. 

Steve Van Buren

The Eagle ground game is in fine form as future Hall of Famer Steve Van Buren gains 105 yards on 16 carries (the third time he has gained 100 rushing against New York). Van Buren will win the rushing title and become just the second runner in league history to gain over 1,000 yards in a season, as the Eagles earn their first division title.