Denico Autry's Impactful Return Puts Him in Rare Air

 by Nick Webster

After months sidelined by a knee injury, Denico Autry made his 2025 season debut in Monday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks—and boy, did he deliver, even in limited play. In a game the Texans ultimately dropped 27-19, Autry stepped up as one of the league's most versatile and opportunistic players. 

Reactivated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list just hours before kickoff, he suited up as a reserve behind starters Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. But Autry brings a completely different style to the Texans’ D-line: a power-first, run-stuffing presence who outweighs Hunter by 20 pounds and Anderson by a whopping 40 pounds, giving Houston a heavy-hitting change-of-pace option in key situations.

In limited action—just 10 defensive snaps—Autry wasted no time making his mark: two tackles, including a sack on Seahawks QB Geno Smith that almost resulted in a Safety that would have brought the game back into reach.

That alone would have been a fantastic welcome-back party. But the real fireworks came on special teams. Late in the second quarter, with Seattle lining up for a 53-yard field goal attempt by kicker Jason Myers, Autry exploded up the middle. He timed his leap perfectly, deflecting the ball off course to keep the Texans' deficit from ballooning to two scores. 

This was no ordinary swat—it's the 12th blocked kick of Autry's career, catapulting him to a tie for 11th place on the unofficial all-time list. He's now knotted up with four players, two of them gridiron legends and a couple of underrated performers: Hall of Famer Dick "Night Train" Lane, 49ers icon and Hall of Famer Leo Nomellini, six-time Pro Bowler Erich Barnes, and an interior force for the Cardinals Bob Rowe—all at 12 apiece. 

That puts Autry three clear of the No. 2 active player, Arizona Cardinals DE Calais Campbell, who sits at nine. In an era where 50+ yard Field Goals are routine and protections are airtight, Autry's knack for disrupting kicks stands out.

Of course, on those historical rankings; for some of these older players, like Leo the Lion and The Night Train, the full statistical record isn't always clear. Pre-merger NFL Gamebooks didn't track blocks with today's precision - and aren't even available for every game of their careers, so there could be uncovered gems waiting in dusty archives or film reels. That said, Autry's tally is rock-solid in the modern era, and it underscores what makes him such an anomaly.

Think about it—since 2000, only two players have more kicks blocked than Autry's dozen: former Browns and Lions DT Shaun Rogers with 17 (a beast who used his 350-pound frame to bull-rush interiors) and Hall of Fame legend Julius Peppers with 13 (the freakish athlete who blocked basketballs in College before blocking kicks in the NFL). 

Everyone else? Crickets. 

Autry's special-teams acumen is a dying breed and it's the kind of blue-collar edge that can make a big difference in tight games.  Autry's return couldn't come at a better time for the Texans who need every edge they can get after a 2-4 start. 

TUESDAY TIDBITS: "There's Always a Will, and There's Always a Way"

By TJ Troup

The standings in the NFC West have three teams tied for first at 5-2; that said would relish hearing from any and all of you out there in "football land" to share which team will win the west, and why? Years ago, Paul Lionel Zimmerman and I would try to establish a player who was so much improved and playing so well, he might actually catch the eyes of all who watched the game. 

Many times, for me, it would be a linebacker, and this year is no different. As we approach the halfway point of the season, Nate Landman stands out with his pursuit and tackling skills with the Rams. All the pertinent questions can be asked: Why did Atlanta let him go? Did they not realize how to "use" his talents? 

Nate Landman

Landman is a player to watch, and since the Rams will be in so many key games the rest of the season; he figures to be a key figure in the success of the Rams defense, and a defensive coach that is making his "mark" in Chris Shula. 

The Colts this season have scored 232 points in seven games and this is the most for a Colts team since 1964, when the BALTIMORE Colts under the leadership of Johnny Hightops and Don Shula won the Western Conference Crown. 

Since there are many games yet to be played this season, would be folly to state that the NYG vs. Broncos game this past Sunday is the game of the year, yet what an incredible game to watch! The performances, the twists & turns in this compelling drama; especially the final six minutes of the game. 

Read online that there have been 1,062 teams that led by as much as 26-8 with under six minutes in the game left, and all of those teams won, TILL Sunday. Did NYG lose due to the failure of its defense or the Broncos' offense? Possibly a combination of both? Brian Burns of the Giants was apoplectic with the consistent decision by Coach Cohen to drop eight and rush just three. So many quarterbacks can find the open receiver with so much time to throw, knowing where the pass defenders are, and gain the necessary yards to have such a dramatic comeback! 

Bo Nix of Denver is the first quarterback to run for two touchdowns and throw for two touchdowns in the final quarter of a game. Will the Giants continue to find a way to lose games? Their opponent this coming Sunday are the Eagles in Philadelphia (who they upset earlier this year), and the law firm of Smith & Brown just might find room to maneuver through the Giants' secondary. 

Since I mentioned the Eagles will end this saga with my weekly journey back in history to October 26th, 1980 when Philadelphia defeated Chicago 17-14. Down the stretch in 1979 the Eagles won five of their final six regular-season games to earn a second consecutive wild-card berth in the playoffs. 

Their opponent in the wild-card game was the "red hot" Chicago Bears and in a stirring battle, the Eagles outlasted the Bears 27-17. Again fighting Dallas for the NFC East title in '80, the Eagles have started strong and with a victory at home in the rematch with the Bears can stay in first place with a 7-1 record. Even without standout running back Wilbert Montgomery, the Eagles were able to achieve victory on the late field goal by Tony Franklin.

Packers Force a Rare Turnover in Arizona

 By Eric Goska

Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley
(photos by Eric Goska)

Sunday in Arizona, the Packers came away with a timely reminder of the game-changing potential of takeaways.

In beating the Cardinals 27-23 at State Farm Stadium, Green Bay forced a turnover for just the third time this season. The Packers’ offense then turned that recovery into a touchdown, getting seven crucial points in a game in which they did not take the lead until the final two minutes.

Pending the outcome of tonight’s games, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense leads the NFL in a number of categories. According to the league’s Game Statistic and Information System, Green Bay defenders ranks first in yards per play (4.48), rushing yards allowed per game (76.5) and passing yards per play (5.34).

One glaring weakness: the unit has been less than stellar in manufacturing turnovers.

The best teams are often those that can separate the ball from their opponents. The Bears (4-2) are again relevant because they have forced a league-leading 16 turnovers. The Jets (0-7) are again a doormat because they have but one takeaway through seven games.

In its first five games, Green Bay had but two. Safety Evan Williams picked off Detroit’s Jared Goff in the opener and Xavier McKinney intercepted the Browns’ Joe Flacco two weeks later.

Steal No.3 arrived courtesy of Rashan Gary and Williams early in the third quarter in Glendale. Gary knocked the ball from quarterback Jacoby Brissett’s hand and Williams, who had been flagged for pass interference the play previous, swallowed up the bouncing ball.

According to ESPN, the forced fumble was the seventh by Gary in his 96-game regular-season career. The recovery was a first for Williams, a fourth-round pick in 2024.

Evan Williams

The collaboration by Gary and Williams gave Green Bay new life at the Arizona 44. Jordan Love whistled passes to Romeo Doubs (two) and Matthew Golden before Josh Jacobs sprinted seven yards around left end for a touchdown to tie the game 13-13.

Instead of possibly falling behind 16-6 or 20-6, Green Bay pulled even thanks to the work of Gary and Williams.

That this was the first takeaway via fumble recovery of 2025 for the Green and Gold does not inspire confidence. If this pace is maintained, Green Bay will come away with three which would match the franchise low set in 1995.

Opponents – Detroit, Washington, Cleveland, Dallas, Cincinnati and Arizona – had run 318 plays against the Packers without losing a fumble. A year ago, Halfley’s defense had come away with five after that many plays by its opponents.

Turnovers matter. They tend to go hand in hand with winning. The 1985 champion Bears extracted 54. The 2000 Ravens squeezed 49 from the competition.

Just don’t expect Green Bay to approach those numbers. Turnovers are becoming more difficult to come by as the average number per game has fallen from 4.5 in 1986 to 4.0 in 1992 to 3.5 in 2005 to 3.0 in 2014 to last year’s record low of 2.42 per game.

More than ever, teams have to work to force the issue. In a results-based league, Green Bay is lagging behind.

Its three turnovers after six games are the fewest by the team in 105 seasons of play. Further, that meager total fails to measure up to what playoff teams of the past have done.

At their present pace, the Packers would finish with eight or nine takeaways. In the Super Bowl era, no team has reached the postseason in a non-strike season without coming away with at least 14.

And the two teams that did – the Lions (9-7) of 2016 and the Dolphins (9-8) of 2022 – were both one and done in the postseason.

Turnovers matter. Hafley made this clear a year ago on a Thursday before the Packers hosted the Texans.

“I think what’s always been really important to me, philosophically, is taking the ball away. And I don’t think it happens by accident or by any luck. I think you gotta talk about it, you gotta be about it and you have to go out and practice it. And then it’s going to show up in games. And then once they believe in it, it’s going to show up more and more.”

Last year the Packers forced 31 turnovers (fourth in the NFL). This year’s team has a long way to go.

Playing Patty-Cake
Since 1921, the fewest turnovers forced by the Packers through six games.

No.     Year     Final Record
3          2025       unknown
4          1995       11-5
4          2020      13-3
4          2022        8-9
5          2023        9-8
6          2004      10-6

Review: Leo Lyons, the Rochester Jeffersons and the Birth of the NFL Book

 By John Turney 

This past summer, author and award-winning historian Jeffrey J. Miller and the great-grandson of pro football great Leo Lyons -- John D. Steffenhagen -- released their book on the elder Lyons.

The book resurrects the story of a self-taught visionary who helped midwife the National Football League from its chaotic infancy. At just 20 years old, Lyons bootstrapped the Rochester Jeffersons into a powerhouse semi-pro team, self-funding rosters and risking financial ruin to chase his obsession with the gridiron. Four years previously, the 16-year-old began playing for the team. 

What elevates this beyond a standard sports bio is the intimate perspective. Steffenhagen's familial connection lends authenticity, drawing on unpublished letters and artifacts that paint Lyons as a brilliant self-taught visionary.

We learn the details of Lyons' role in integrating pro football, developing football trading cards, and perhaps most notably helping with the redesigning of the football itself, from a roundish ball to the elongated sphere to help with the passing of the football, something that was legalized in 1906. Later, the team, thanks to Lyons, donned bright red jerseys with the team logo across the front, which was not common in that era but became standard in ensuing years.

Through Miller and Steffenhagen, we learn new details about his attendance at the NFL's founding meeting at Ralph Hay's auto dealership in Canton and the Jeffs being one of the new pro league's original teams.

As it turns out, if there was something that needed to be done to run a pro football team, Lyons did it. Playing, managing, general managing, negotiator, PR man and so many more roles. 

Miller's meticulous research includes box scores from forgotten barnstormers, the Jeffersons' folding after 1925 amid mounting debts, and Lyons' post-NFL life as the league's unofficial historian.

The book is also a call for Lyons' Hall of Fame induction, arguing his overlooked innovations (integration, equipment evolution, branding) demand a bust in Canton beside the likes of George Halas and Jim Thorpe and Red Grange. 

They make good points. Very good points.

The photos in the volume (including several team photos) are mostly high resolution and enlightening as well, and timeline the development of the Jeffersons (named after the Jefferson street) from a club affair to semi-pro to professional.

In a multibillion-dollar NFL dominated by multi-million dollar players, Leo Lyons is a refreshing reminder of the league's scrappy roots and a testament to one man's dogged belief in a new sport. 

The book is 214 pages, including notes, and the paperback sells for about $40. Highly recommended for anyone who shares an interest in learning more about an era that prefaced the game hundreds of millions of people worldwide enjoy. This past summer, acclaimed author and award-winning historian Jeffrey J. Miller, alongside John D. Steffenhagen—the great-grandson of pro football pioneer Leo Lyons—published their biography of the elder Lyons.

The volume revives the narrative of a self-educated innovator who played a pivotal role in shepherding the National Football League through its turbulent early years. At age 20, Lyons transformed the Rochester Jeffersons into a formidable semi-professional squad, personally financing player rosters and courting financial peril in pursuit of his passion for the sport. Remarkably, he had joined the team as a player just four years earlier, at 16.

What distinguishes this work from a conventional sports biography is its deeply personal lens. Steffenhagen's familial ties infuse the account with authenticity, incorporating unpublished letters and artifacts that portray Lyons as a shrewd, self-taught trailblazer.

Readers gain fresh insights into Lyons' contributions to professional football's integration, the creation of early trading cards, and—most strikingly—his involvement in redesigning the football from a more rounded shape to the elongated prolate spheroid, facilitating the forward pass legalized in 1906. Under his influence, the Jeffersons adopted vibrant red jerseys emblazoned with the team logo on the front—a bold choice uncommon at the time but one that later became an industry norm.

Through Miller and Steffenhagen's collaboration, new particulars emerge about Lyons' presence at the NFL's inaugural meeting in Ralph Hay's Canton auto dealership, where the Jeffersons secured their place as one of the league's founding franchises.

In essence, Lyons embodied the multifaceted demands of operating a professional team: player, manager, general manager, negotiator, public relations specialist, and beyond.

Miller's rigorous scholarship unearths archival gems, such as box scores from obscure barnstorming games, the Jeffersons' dissolution after the 1925 season amid escalating debts, and Lyons' subsequent career as the league's de facto historian.

The book also mounts a compelling case for Lyons' induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, positing that his underrecognized advancements in integration, equipment innovation, and branding merit a bronze bust in Canton alongside luminaries like George Halas, Jim Thorpe, and Red Grange.

These arguments are persuasive—and profoundly so.

The publication features high-resolution photographs, including numerous team images, that illuminate the Jeffersons' evolution—from a neighborhood club on Jefferson Street to semi-professional status and eventual entry into the pros.

In today's multibillion-dollar NFL, rife with multimillionaire athletes, Leo Lyons serves as a vital reminder of the league's gritty origins and the unyielding conviction of one individual in a nascent game.

Spanning 214 pages with extensive notes, the paperback retails for approximately $40. It comes highly recommended by us for those eager to explore the formative era that laid the groundwork for the sport, captivating hundreds of millions worldwide.

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.

Packers Start Strong, Settle for a Tie in Dallas

 By Eric Goska

The 1940 Packers

If a football game consisted solely of first quarters, your Green Bay Packers would be undefeated.

For the fourth time this season, the Packers dominated early. But in Dallas, as in Cleveland, Green Bay could not sustain that effort and had to settle for a 40-40 overtime tie with the Cowboys Sunday night.

In the spirit of “if you can’t say something nice …,” we’ll focus on Green Bay’s historic first-quarter run. We’ll leave the unpleasantries that played out in the heart of Texas for others to sort through.

Historic, when invoked here, is not hyperbole. The Green and Gold have outgained their competition in first quarters by a wide margin, breaking a record that had stood for 85 years.

Green Bay’s early-bird ways were on display for all to see at AT&T Stadium. Jordan Love and his offensive mates posted 149 yards on 17 plays in the first quarter. The Cowboys managed 26 on eight snaps.

The Pack possessed the ball for 10 minutes, two seconds. They earned six first downs to the Cowboys’ one. They ran six plays beyond the fifty to zero for Dallas.

And, of course, Love hit Romeo Doubs with a 2-yard TD pass that put Green Bay up 7-0 heading into the second quarter.

The first quarter in Dallas was typical of what the Packers did against the Lions, Commanders and Browns in Weeks 1 through 3. Here’s how Green Bay fared in the first quarter against those teams – in order – in the opening 15 minutes.

   Offensive yards:              104 to 46; 151 to 11; 51 to 46
   Time of possession:        8:28 to 6:32; 10:10 to 4:50; 8:28 to 6:32
   First downs:                     6 to 2; 7 to 0; 3 to 2
   Plays beyond the 50:      11 to 0; 9 to 0; 7 to 3
   Score:                                10 to 0; 7 to 0; 0 to 0

Let’s pretend these first quarters made up one game. How would that look statistically?

   Offensive yards:              455 to 129
   Time of possession:        37:08 to 22:52
   First downs:                     22 to 5
   Plays beyond the 50:      33 to 3
   Score:                                 24 to 0

Packers coach Matt LaFleur

Pretty heady numbers. And the type that, posted over the course of an entire game, one would expect to result in victory.

Much of Green Bay’s early superiority has come through the air. Love has 29 completions in 39 attempts for 385 yards and three touchdowns (130.8 rating). His counterparts – Jared Goff, Jayden Daniels, Joe Flacco and Dak Prescott – combined for 14 completions in 17 attempts for 70 yards (83.8).

Love’s favorite targets have been Doubs (6-68-2) and Tucker Kraft (5-109-1). No. 10 has connected with 10 different receivers in the first quarter.

In clamping down on those it has faced while running rampant itself, Green Bay has amassed 326 more yards in the first quarter than its opponents. That differential is a team record, 35 better than the 1940 squad that previously held the mark.

First and Foremost
The six seasons in which the Packers outgained their opponents by more than 200 yards in the opening quarters of their first four games.
 
     Difference      Year      GB Yards    Opp Yards
           +326              2025           455                 129
           +291              1940            497                 206
           +284              2015            461                 177
           +256              1995            364                 108
           +206              1947            399                 193
           +206              2019            421                 215
 

Note: Numbers from 1940 and 1947 are unofficial. Numbers from 1921, 1922 and 1941 are unavailable.

Rams New Front Making Waves Like the Old Ones

 By John Turney 

Byron Young, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Jared Verse.

While they haven’t replicated that nine-sack outburst in a single regular-season game yet, opponents are clearly wary of their relentless pressure. Protection schemes have adjusted, but the Rams' defensive line, bolstered by players like nose tackle Poona Ford—who excels when shifted to a 3-technique role—continues to dominate.

The Los Angeles Rams' pass rush erupted late in the 2024 season, culminating in a historic performance on January 13, 2025, when they sacked the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback nine times in a Wild Card playoff game, tying the NFL record for sacks in a postseason contest. This game signaled that the Rams' defensive front was a force to be reckoned with.

While they haven’t replicated that nine-sack outburst in a single regular-season game yet, opponents are clearly wary of their relentless pressure. Protection schemes have adjusted, but the Rams' defensive line, bolstered by players like nose tackle Poona Ford—who excels when shifted to a 3-technique role—continues to dominate.

The Rams' defense, under rookie coordinator Chris Shula, started 2024 sluggishly but gained momentum as Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and standout Braden Fiske found their rhythm. Quarterbacks began to feel the heat, and the sacks piled up. Over an eight-game stretch, dating back to 2024 and through their most recent game in Philadelphia, the Rams recorded 35 sacks. This places them tied for tenth in franchise history for sacks in an eight-game span since 1963, with only nine Rams defenses having surpassed this mark:

The Rams' defense, under rookie coordinator Chris Shula, started 2024 sluggishly but gained momentum as Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse and standout Braden Fiske found their rhythm. Quarterbacks began to feel the heat, and the sacks piled up. Over an eight-game stretch, dating back to 2024 and through their most recent game in Philadelphia, the Rams recorded 35 sacks.

This places them tied for tenth in franchise history for sacks in an eight-game span since 1963, with only nine Rams defenses having surpassed this mark:

Source: Pro Football Reference.

The current Rams squad has a chance to climb higher. Their next game against the Indianapolis Colts, led by Daniel Jones, replaces a 2024 game against the New York Jets where they managed just one sack on Aaron Rodgers. Adding more than one sack in this matchup could push them into the top five—or even higher—on the franchise’s all-time list. However, the Colts’ offensive line has been stingy, allowing only two sacks this season, presenting a tough challenge.

Historically, the top three spots for sacks in an eight-game span belong to the 1988 Rams (with some games from late 1987), who notched 39 sacks. That year, injuries decimated the defensive line, prompting coordinator Fritz Shurmur to deploy his innovative “Eagle/Hawk” scheme, using two defensive linemen and five linebackers. Led by Kevin Greene’s ferocious blitzes, this unit overwhelmed quarterbacks and secured the franchise record.

Kevin Greene.

Tied with 39 sacks is the legendary Fearsome Foursome from late 1968 to early November. Featuring Hall of Famers Deacon Jones and Merlin Olsen, alongside Pro Bowler Roger Brown and Lamar Lundy, this front four was relentless, achieving their sack total against fewer pass attempts than modern teams. They also stifled the run, allowing just 3.3 yards per rush attempt, showcasing their all-around dominance.

Deacon Jones and Merlin Olsen.

The 1999 St. Louis Rams, the Super Bowl-winning “Greatest Show on Turf” team, rank fifth with 34 sacks over eight games. Often overshadowed by their explosive offense, this defense—led by Kevin Carter, D’Marco Farr, Ray Agnew, and Grant Wistrom—topped the NFL in sacks that year.

Kevin Carter, D'Marco Farr, Ray Agnew and Grant Wistrom.

Other notable Rams defenses on the upper regions of the list feature icons like Jack Youngblood, Olsen, Larry Brooks, and Fred Dryer, cementing the franchise’s legacy of elite pass rushing both in late 1973 early 1974 as well as the last half of 1979 (sans Olsen).

Jack Youngblood, Fred Dryer, Merlin Olsen and Larry Brooks

But that was then. This is now.

Last year, the 2024 Rams, powered by young stars Verse, Fiske, Byron Young, and Kobie Turner, totaled 38 sacks—a strong but not jaw-dropping figure. However, their current pace suggests they could reach 50 or 60 sacks in 2025, a mark that would place them among the franchise’s all-time greats.

Note: Ignore the yards per rush allowed for the op team and the current Rams. Stopping the run is a work-in-progress. To a degree, the 1988 teams got it under control and if the last three games are an indication, the 2025 Rams won't be pushed around too often and not give up piles of yards to the likes of Saquon Barkley and others.

What to Watch For Tomorrow:

One sack against the Colts keeps the Rams tied for tenth in franchise history for an eight-game span.

Two sacks tie them for seventh.

Five sacks matches the franchise record of 39.

Six sacks would give the 2025 Rams sole possession of the record with 40 sacks in eight consecutive games.

With their young talent and relentless momentum, the Rams are poised to continue climbing the ranks of the franchise’s storied pass-rushing legacy.

Keep an eye out.

UPDATE: 9/28/25—Rams sacked Daniel Jones twice in a 27-20 win, so they are tied for seventh in Rams hisotry for sacks over any eight-game span.