By TJ Troup
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| Lions running back Billy Sims |
We all have influences, and am still influenced by songs and the folks that compose, play, and sing those songs.
Today is Eddie Brigati's birthday, and in '67 with the Young Rascals, one his signature songs and thus the title for today's column.
This past Sunday afternoon the Lions and Vikings had one helluva game!
Filled with twists & turns; outstanding plays, and plenty of drama. These two teams have met many times, but has never really been much of a rivalry since the Vikings have won so often when these two teams play.
Have researched every 100-yard rushing performance in league history, and when one team has a 100-yard rusher, and the opponent does not—the team with the 100-yard rusher wins 77% of the time. Gibbs of the Lions gained 116 luggin' the leather in the Detroit victory.
What is the Lions record when they have had a 100-yard rusher against Minnesota you ask? Detroit has won 11 lost 7 and tied once; not near 77%, yet what is the Lions record historically in the games against the Vikings when they don't have a 100-yard rusher?
Since October 27th, 1963 the Vikings have won 73 lost just 33 and tied once. Most of those Lion 100-yard rushing performances against Minnesota were accomplished by Sims and Sanders. When James Stewart of the Lions gained over 100 rushing on October 14th, 2001 would be the last time a Detroit runner would pound out 100 yards on the ground against the Vikings till this past Sunday!
How many teams have had such failure in running the ball against a division opponent that twenty-three years must pass before a runner could go over the century mark? We all know the league now is a quarterback-driven league, but a few old former coaches (that are also dinosaurs) still enjoy the run game.
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| Derrick Henry (l) and Sanquon Barkley (r) |
Speaking of the men who can lug the leather, am sure looking forward to the December 1st match-up between the Eagles and Ravens, and possibly that day the focus will be on Barkley and Henry? Those two workhorses still might be ranked at the top of the rushing leaders of the league then?
i'm (as readers of PFJ know) pretty old school and Mr. Derrick Henry is in my all-time top 10 runners (all types) and right now edging towards top 5......he is a beast with arguably the greatest stiff-arm ever.....
ReplyDeleteBW ...
DeleteIf Henry can keep it going Jim, he just might be first ballot. At his pace he is projected to pass Eric Dickerson for the record but they need to sit him wk 18, if they can take the division over Pittsburgh. How well can Wilson play the rest of the season for the Steelers?
well Brian, apparently we agree now (kidding!) that Mr. Henry is HoF bound, I would go farther and state that he WILL be first ballot.....Wilson has shaken off the rust and in Mike Tomlin's system/culture is going to thrive....I'm projecting Pittsburgh to go deep into January....mmm?
DeleteNot sure who else would be on the ballot that Henry wouldn't get in right away. I think he was a first ballot lock a year or two ago. Anything good he does now is just cementing it.
ReplyDeleteShaking my head at the guys on the PFRA forum years ago who said Jerome Bettis would be the last big back to ever be good.