By TJ Troup
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| Fran Tarkenton and Norn Van Brocklin |
For the first time since Norm Van Brocklin took the field with his "36 stiffs"... the Vikings play a meaningful game against the Lions this coming Sunday night!
If Minnesota wins is Kevin O'Connell coach of the year? If Detroit wins is Dan Campbell coach of the year? While there are a handful of other interesting or compelling games this coming weekend; Minnesota vs. Detroit sure stands out!
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| Dan Campbell |
Was able to watch Eric Dickerson play against the Bears in Angels Stadium during both 1983 and 1984, and boy oh boy did he lug the leather impressively in the Ram victories those afternoons.
That said, how much should Barkley play on Sunday? His health is paramount, yet that record would be a signature moment for him, and his offensive line—which by the way is coached by who I believe is the position coach of the year in Stoutland.
For those of you who have read my column over the years you know that the defensive passer rating is my key stat; and that will never change. Four teams have the opportunity to finish first in this team stat, and those teams are Minnesota, Philadelphia, Houston, and Detroit. The combined record of those four teams entering this weekend's games is 50-14.
Looking back at past historical games has always been a joy for me and sharing my perspective here at the journal is hopefully enjoyable for all of you.
December 29th, 1974 is the day the Steelers finally realized that they were in fact a team of destiny for their performance in the 24-13 victory over Oakland.
December 29th, 1968 remains truly the hallmark game in AFL History when the Jets met the Raiders for the right to play the Colts in the Silver Trophy game.
December 29th, 1963, though, is still my favorite game of all time. The George Allen-coached Bears defense made enough big plays to limit Tittle and the Giants on a frigid day at Wrigley Field and win the title.
Twelve years old glued to the radio with my dad sitting next to me----with a day!
Not sure how many of you enjoy the music of the past; and this past week went and saw "A Complete Unknown" at the theater. Robert Allen Zimmerman impacted me in 1964 when his song "The Times They Are a Changin" came across the airwaves—thus the title for today's saga. 
Timothée Chalamet is compelling as Bob Dylan, and just might garner some awards. You might want to check out the flick.....believe you will be entertained.
well then you need to do a deep dive into the 63 title game for this journal, TJ.....one of the most memorable games/teams of all-time.....+29 in turnovers that year.....is that the record?...."most" people recall the 85 Bears D.....I still think of that George/Fortunato/Morris anchored D (Atkins off the right edge in modern parlance) as maybe the best ever....
ReplyDeleteBW ...
DeleteAt least I have the great Steelers victory over Oakland. I would give anything for the other two victories by the Jets and Bears on videotape. If someone could smuggle me a copy of the NFL/AFL film from either endzone of the Jets or Raiders, would pay top dollar ... haha. At least I have the radio broadcasts of the games. Those announcers, including Summerall, Simpson and DeRogatis, could run circles around today's bombastic, team homers, although I like the funny banter between Mike Keith and Dave McGuiness, calling Titans radio games in Nashville.
The Lions have struggled defensively, lately, but I didnt realize they were still one of the top teams against opposing QBs?
Could this truly be their year--as key players come back from injury--or will The Sam Darnold Story keep chugging along?
Whats your thoughts, Jim and TJ, on Barkley agreeing to sit for his team, rather than getting the rushing record?
Would you guys have let him pursue it?
BW ...
DeleteMcGinnis, my bad ... must have been thirsty ... haha
Happy New Year, Brian!....to respond to your question, individual records (maybe Train's 14 ints excepted) are not important to nor do they impress me....if the Eagles were 6-10 "maybe" I'd feel differently, but in the midst of a possible title chase, WINNING is the priority.
DeleteOn a tangentially related topic, let me express an opinion that invites responses: no one who reads my posts on this site can accuse me of recency bias, but I will state that I firmly believe that after Jim Brown, Derrick Henry is the greatest running back in NFL history. Yes, Peyton, Sanders, Peterson, et.al. have advocates, but only Henry and Brown have the combination of elusiveness, breakaway speed, consistency and brute force that these 2 have.....the greatest stiff-arm ever.....thoughts?