By John Turney
Rams' rookie Night Train Lane intercepted an NFL-record 14 passes in 1952, mostly as a defensive halfback, what is now called cornerback.
But not all came playing outside. He played some safety that year as well. Earlier in the year he played some defensive end and linebacker, perhaps so the Rams coaches could to get an understanding of what a 6-1, 195-pound man could do who had excellent speed and instincts.
Here he gets a tipped ball for one of those 14 picks versus the Bears in Chicago. He was the left safety who walked up into a middle linebacker position to form a 7-1 "diamond" front.
Steve Romanik is the Bears quarterback and he floats one to left end Gene Schroeder and Rams right safety Herb Rich defends the pass, knocking it in the air for the Train to pick.
Here is the complete play. Enjoy—
Shroeder lining up with hands on knees (like a blocking back on a punt) is one of the oddest stances I think I've ever seen for an end....the Train of course is exactly where he needs to be on the play.....the best corner with the best nickname of all time....Richard "Night Train" Lane....thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDelete