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!