Ray Flaherty All-Time Team

LOOKING BACK
By Chris Willis, NFL Films

Ray Flaherty, Hall of Famer (coach-player)

On Friday the NFL's 100th All-Time Team will wrap up with the selections of the ten quarterbacks. As we prepare to see the final selections, I came across another older All-Time Team article, this one done in 1990 by Ray Flaherty, the former Hall of Fame coach and two-way end.

His choices were very different since he selected a good mix of older and newer players when he choose the team in 1990. Flaherty picked old-timers he played or coached against, like Mel Hein, Don Hutson, Mike Michalske, Cal Hubbard and Clarke Hinkle; while selecting more modern players like Joe Montana, Steve Largent, Ronnie Lott, and Lawrence Taylor.

The other more unique aspect of this all-time team was that Flaherty choose both an offense and a defense- as he choose Hinkle at linebacker and Hubbard at def. tackle. Usually individuals who played or coached during the two-way era picked one team with 11 men. Not Flaherty. He went with 22 men and one punter and one kicker.

Za'Darius Smith Snubbed from Pro Bowl or Just Victim of Poor Timing?

PERSPECTIVE
By John Turney

Last night Za'Darius Smith had a dominant game versus the Vikings in a big win for the Packers,. Smith totaled 7 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 2 run stuffs and 9 total pressures.  That performance light a fire under some Twitter uses that Smith should be in the Pro Bowl.

It's a fair point. The issue is not that Smith was or wasn't worthy—he was it's just that his biggest game came after the voting.

Prior to this weekend's games Khalil Mack had 48 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and 5 forced fumbles. Smith had 54 tackles 10 sacks and 1 forced fumble.

(Shaquil Barrett and Chandler Jones' Pro Bowl spots seem secure so we are focusing on Mack.)

Mack had a sack this weekend and Smith had 3.5 and a ton of pressures. So while it was perhaps a close call when the voting ended, it was no longer.

To be fair, and nothing against Smith, most folks, if asked who they would rather have as their rush backer would pick Mack. And Pro Bowl voters likely thought similar thoughts—at least some of them.

However, the Pro Bowl is thought (not in all cases) to be a reward for the players having the best season that particular year. But the timing of the voting has sometimes created issues similar to the Za'Darius Smith situation. The voting is done after 14 games, not 16. Sometimes it was done after 15 games rather than 16. In any case, a player who has a strong finish to the season can get overlooked for the Pro Bowl.

Our best guess is that voting is closed with a couple weeks left in the season as a way to promote the game and the players chosen. That way TV announcers can say, "Such-and-such is going to his first Pro Bowl or such-and-such was named to his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl" in the final couple of weeks of the season.

Of course, there could be some practical reasons as well.

Regardless, late-season explosions are not ever counted. Here are a couple of examples.

In 1987 Richard Dent missed the Pro Bowl. having 8 sacks when voting closed but had 4.5 sacks in the season finale taking his total to 12.5 sacks—among the best in the NFC.

In 1988 Kevin Greene had 4.5 sacks in the final game to end season with 16.5. No Pro Bowl

In 1983 Curtis Greer had 4.5 sack to end the season with 16. Didn't make team.

The 1995 season was a big one for wide receivers with several of them having huge numbers. Isaac Bruce ended the season with 119 catches 1781 yards for a 15.0 average and 13 touchdowns. But 24 catches for 278 yards occurred after the voting ended. Certainly, his late-season surge would have been a difference-maker in the voting if the voting occurred after 16 games, not 14.

Why does this matter?

Well, good question. I may matter in terms of bonuses for the players. But the bigger thing is at the end of the career, especially when Hall of Fame considerations are being evaluated it can make a small difference.

Kevin Greene waited a while to get in the Hall of Fame, especially for someone who was 3rd All-time in sacks. Would the 1988 Pro Bowl have made a difference? Does six Pro Bowls rather than five make a difference? Same with Ike Bruce, does five Pro Bowls sound better than four?

Hard to know. We try to point out such seasons when we discuss the Hall of Fame and the honors of players. Frankly, we try and point out Pro Bowls a player didn't likely deserve, either.

That is why we take an "All of the Above" approach to the postseason honors and not a "Pro Bowl-centric" approach or the rediculous "AP only" approach. (The AP only approach is a false theory that the Associated Press is the official NFL All-Pro team—it is not).

But looking at Pro Bowls closely (who unfairly missed one or who got one they didn't deserve) and also the AP, PFWA, NEA, UPI and PFW All-Pro teams from first-team down to honorable mention we can get a sense of the seasons any given players was "above the line" of being an average.

Doing that is much more telling than just counting Pro Bowls or just the AP All-pro teams. That way, when something like this Za'Darius Smith situation occurs the rest of the gathered information can complete the picture.

Streaking Packers Roll in Minnesota

By Eric Goska

Mason Crosby, shown here in his rookie season, has scored in

101 of the 103 regular-season road games in which he has played.

(Eric Goska photo)

The Green Bay Packers manhandled the Minnesota Vikings 23-10 Monday night.

And if that wasn’t enough, the Green and Gold extended one of the longest-running shows in NFL history.

Give the Packers credit. They dominated defensively in capturing the NFC North Division title while improving to 12-3. They held the Vikings (10-5) to seven first downs and 139 yards of offense.

Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine’s unit never let KirkCousins get comfortable. Za’Darius Smith (3.5), Kenny Clark (1.0) and PrestonSmith (0.5) combined to sack the Vikings quarterback five times for 40 yards in losses.

Cousins’ final accounting came up far short of what his team needed. He completed 16 of 31 passes for 122 yards with one touchdown and one interception for a rating of 58.8.

The Vikings, on the other hand, could not prevent the Packers from scoring. They can take comfort in the fact that they are not the first to have failed in that regard.

Where were you in December 1990? Some of you, most assuredly, were not yet born.

On Dec. 16, 1990, Green Bay (6-7) visited Philadelphia (7-6). Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham (241 yards passing; 56 rushing), defensive end Reggie White (1.5 sacks) and others proved too much for the Packers who were throttled 31-0.

That was the last time the Green and Gold failed to score in a regular-season game away from Lambeau Field.

Five teams have fashioned road scoring streaks of 200 games or more: New Orleans (288), Green Bay (232), Washington (231), San Francisco (211) and Dallas (209). The work of the Saints and Packers remains ongoing.

The Packers got to 232 when Mason Crosby kicked a 42-yard field goal with two minutes left in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Those three points moved the team past the Redskins into second place alone on that short list above.

Coincidently, Washington’s run of 231 – then the NFL record – was halted 18 years ago when the Redskins visited Green Bay and lost 37-0.

Three decades worth of scoring is commendable. One might expect such an accomplishment to occur at home.

But the Packers – who have been shut out six times at Lambeau Field since 1990 – have taken a road less traveled.

Their feat bears further examination.

The streak began on the final weekend of the 1990 season when the first George Bush occupied the White House. Starting quarterback Anthony Dilweg tossed a scoring pass to receiver Sterling Sharpe, and Chris Jacke kicked two field goals in Green Bay’s 22-13 loss at Denver.

Since then, seven other starting quarterbacks have helped sustain it. Brett Favre (64-63 record) and Rodgers (44-43) head the list, followed by Don Majkowski (1-5), Brett Hundley (2-2), Mike Tomczak (1-2), Matt Flynn (1-2) and Scott Tolzien (0-1).

The Packers have been held to a single field goal four times during this long ride. Favre was at the helm for three of them – at Tampa Bay (3-31) and at Detroit (3-17) in 1992, and at Baltimore (3-48) in 2005. Rodgers started at Detroit (3-7) in 2010.

Green Bay was held to a single score on 14 occasions. Not surprisingly, the team was winless in those games.

Only once did the Packers triumph with fewer than 10 points. Crosby booted three field goals in downing the Jets 9-0 on Halloween 2010.

In the vast majority of games (217), Green Bay posted a score before halftime. In another 14, it got on the scoreboard before the fourth quarter opened.

The streak almost ended 23 years ago in Dallas. The Cowboys were pitching a shutout until Brett Favre found Derrick Mayes in the end zone with less than two minutes remaining.

Had the Green and Gold come up empty, the streak would have withered in Texas after just 46 games.

In fashioning this long-running roadshow, the Packers have scored against every one of the other 31 teams at least twice. Aside from the Bears, Lions and Vikings (29 games each), Green Bay has tallied points most often against the Buccaneers (16), Cowboys (9) and Panthers (9).

If any club was capable of snuffing out Green Bay’s penchant for scoring, it was the Vikings. Minnesota, with its no-nonsense defense, is among the top 10 teams in fewest points allowed.

But Aaron Jones (12 points), Crosby (9) and Geronimo Allison (2) ensured that didn’t happen. Jones counted on runs of 12 and 56 yards, Crosby nailed three field goals, and Allison hauled in a pass for a 2-point conversion that put Green Bay up 17-10 in the third quarter.

Obviously, furthering the streak – as impressive as it is – takes a back seat to victory. Perhaps the Packers can again do both (extend and win) Sunday in Detroit to cap one of the most improbable regular seasons in team history.

Extra point

Prior to its current record, Green Bay’s best road scoring streak had stretched for 85 straight games. It lasted from Nov. 9, 1958, through Dec. 13, 1970. The Lions scuttled it with a 20-0 win at Tiger Stadium to close out the 1970 season.

Scores of Road Trips

The five teams that fashioned road scoring streaks of 200 or more regular-season games.

Games      Team                  When                 Record

   288*       Saints                  1983-2019          145-143-0

   232*       Packers               1990-2019          113-119-0

   231         Redskins             1971-2001          117-114-0

   211         49ers                   1977-2004         119-91-1

   209         Cowboys            1960-1988          112-95-2

*active streak

source: Pro Football Reference

Chandler Jones Joins Elite Club

PERSPECTIVE
By John Turney

Chandler Jones

Today Chandler Jones sacked Russell Wilson four times and forced a pair of fumbles. That took hi season totals to 19 sacks and 8 forced fumbles, making on the second time in NFL history a player has had at least 19 sacks and 8 forced fumbles in a season.

The other was Robert Mathis in 2013 who had 19.5 sacks and 10 forced fumbles.

Robert Mathis

This is an all-time stat, not a "since 1982 stat".  For example, while Deacon Jones had seasons with 19 or more sacks his high in forced fumbles was six.

Oddly, we have not heard much buzz about Jones being considered for Defensive Player of the Year. While it's a close call and we are likely going with Stephon Gillmore but certainly Jones deserves a serious look. We'll see if he gets one.

The Hall of Fame Blue Ribbon Committee Deserves a Blue Ribbon

OPINION

By John Turney

Earlier today the Hall of Fame released its list of finalists for the 2020 Centennial Class and it was a very exciting list.

Certainly, no one can agree fully with all of the choices, I even might have a quibble or two, but they are just that-quibbles—the work-product by the Blue Ribbon committee is excellent. 

Reading the 'Twitter tea leaves' suggests Browns fans are not pleased with Art Modell being listed and the Bengals fans are upset no one from their favorite team is listed. And there are likely others disgruntled but much of that is partisan, people not liking "their guys" being snubbed.

But to me, the inclusion of six players who played their careers prior to 1950 was epically well done. In addition, there are three more players who finished their careers prior to 1960 for a total of nine "super seniors" if you will.

With only ten slots available all of them will not get in, nor should they. But in my view, there is a handful from the (call it 1951 and prior group) of "musts" or "essential to be included". And even then not all will get in, but it does open the door.

So, before I count the chickens before they hatch, let's just celebrate that there a lot fo the right eggs around so there is potential for celebration in Football Heaven (right net door to Rock and Roll Heaven) next summer because of today's announcement.

Well done, Hall of Fame Blue Ribbon Committee, well done. You deserve high praise in my opinion.

Have a Blue Ribbon on me—

Jordan Phillips is One Sack from 'Big-man' Sack Record

RECORDS
By John Turney

Earlier in the season, we posted that Jordan Phillips was the heaviest player (listed weight) get to have three sacks in one game.

He's continued his sack hunt and now has 9.5 sacks on the season. One more and he'll pass former Bill Marcell Dareus (who was listed at 331 pounds) more the most sacks for someone over 330.

Pre-1982, the year sacks became official, there were not any listed weights of over 330 pounds. It's possible a couple of players reached that weight, though then 300 was considered too heavy, even for a defensive tackle.

The question is what were their true weights? Dave Butz had 11.5 sacks in 1983, he was listed at 6-7 295 or so pounds. Was he really under 300? He didn't look like it. But we cannot go back in time and weigh him. We're sure Roger Brown was listed at 300 but was he? We are confident he was over tha, but don't think he was over 330—at least during the season.

So, Phillips is making his mark as the big man sack machine.

CAPTAIN AL WISTERT: 70 Years Ago Today

LOOKING BACK
By TJ Troup

Al Wistert

Two weeks left in the regular season, and of course some very strong compelling games that we all want to see. A tripleheader on Saturday, then the Sunday slate of games, and finally a rivalry game with true hatred on Monday night. Want to win a wager?

Coach TJ just might be watching some NFL this weekend! Before the anniversary story of the day; a few quick updates. The distinguished Mr. Eric Goska continues to enlighten us with facts on Packer history, and will dovetail to his story. Three times in Chicago Bear history two receivers have gained over 100 yards receiving against Green Bay in the same game, and all three times the cuddly little grizzlies have lost. Earlier today Mr. John Turney educated us with the fact-based saga of Elroy Hirsch and the repudiation of those so-called "historians/writers" that believed he was the first flanker. Was certainly glad to contribute.

Most coaches (especially crusty old retired ones)still enjoy watching old football film. Watch and learn the basics—what position did these men actually play, and how well did they play? The upcoming Hall of Fame vote to include many more players including those of the past has piqued interest in some of us who relish the history of the game.

One of those men who is truly deserving of enshrinement is Al Wistert of the Eagles. Seventy years ago today the Philadelphia Eagles are playing in their third consecutive title game, and after the victory over the Cardinals in the snow in '48 are attempting to repeat.

Take a look back at how few teams since 1933 had won consecutive titles? This talented tough Eagle team is on the road to Los Angeles and the December sunshine to take on the re-vitalized Rams who took the conference crown away from the Bears and Cardinals. Wait a minute? December sunshine? You mean it actually rains in southern California? You betcha!

The Captains meet for the coin toss, and representing Philadelphia is #70 right offensive tackle Al Wistert. My first book This Day in Football has its moments, yet the strongest part of the book is the foreword written by my departed friend Steve Sabol. Quoting him "In his hands, figures come alive and stats dance across the page, each number a tiny part of a bigger picture." Thank-you Steve, and yes sir the stats slogged through the mud during this game.

Steve Van Buren gains 196 yards on 31 carries; yes very impressive, but for me watching the film and the examination of those carries tells the story. Where did he run the ball? How many times to the left or right? How did the Eagles block the Rams 5-3 defense?

Did Los Angeles make any adjustments as SVB just kept moving the chains? Right offensive tackle Al Wistert should have received the game ball for his performance. He would drive block Dick Huffman straight back, he would pull out and lead SVB on toss sweeps to the right, with Pihos down blocking Huffman.

Wistert would down block on the middle guard or d-tackle as right guard Bucko Kilroy would cross block and kick out the first defender outside of Wistert. On the handful of plays run to the left you can see Wistert releasing quickly and making open-field blocks on the other side of the field; including one where he blocks two men on the same play.

The Eagles repeat as champions, and the result in Los Angeles is change. Just one man's opinion:  Clark Shaughnessy was dismissed, and replaced by a man who was a quality tackle in the league in Jumbo Joe.

Dick Huffman played well in '49 but was handled so easily in the title game that there is no doubt other teams would copy this strategy in 1950. Right offensive end Bob Shaw is traded to the Cardinals for an even better tackle (and bigger) in Bob Reinhard. Huffman moves to the other side, and Reinhard plays outstanding football in 1950. Who takes Shaw's place at right offensive end you ask? Why none other than athletic back-up left halfback Elroy Hirsch. He has talents, and he has proven he is just not a running halfback.

In essence Wistert's performance saved Hirsch's career. Hampton Pool "tinkered" with the Shaughessy offense and actually improved upon his concepts. The Rams return to the title game the next two years. Returning to the man of the hour Al Wistert, and the evaluation of his career. Have watched countless hours of him on defense earlier in his career, and he was a force on the right side as he usually crashed down to the b-gap, or penetrated into the backfield. Very able in pursuit, while also being more than adequate when rushing the passer.

The advent of two-platoon football in '49 put rangy Al on offense, and he was a textbook tackle. Able to drive block, pass block, downfield block, and pull. Geez, what's left? Drive the team bus? There was a celebration in my den when the announcement came that Jack Butler was going to be enshrined, and just might be another when Wistert joins him.

In closing, the NFL has the all-time 100 being shown for one and all to see. We all have opinions on who should be on the team—and will address two areas. First running backs. Picture the following; unbalanced line to the right (wide side of the field). Split end left and in the slot Gale Sayers. The wing on the right (H-back) is Mike Ditka, and their is a split end on the right (wide split to take the corner far outside). Quarterback is in the "gun" and stationed next to the QB is Sir Walter.

Sayers goes in motion, and we run jet sweep right and give to the Kansas Comet. Thus I have Sayers on my all-time team as a slot receiver/kick-off return man. He is joined by Brown, Sanders, and Faulk (Payton has already been mentioned). The versatility allows me to have running backs who can throw the option pass either way. Brown at fullback running behind left halfback Payton gives me the Lombardi off-tackle slant to the weak side. Second area is the secondary; and when Steve Sabol's folks interviewed me in 1998 named my all-time secondary.

An adjustment needs to be made with Ed Reed becoming the best/greatest right or free safety of all-time. His cohorts in the secondary are the Train at left corner, Rod Woodson at right corner, and Ronnie Lott at left or strong safety. When my defense goes to nickel and dime defenses, Mel Blount comes in at right corner, and Deion at slot corner, with Rod moving into a hybrid role. Larry Wilson would not be on my team, and as much as Willie Wood, Em Tunnell, and Jack Christiansen can bring to my team they also are on the taxi squad. My final choice to join the team is Albert Lewis. He was a quality corner, and safety, brought his A-game every week, and would block punts for me. Deion returns punts for me.