Pro Football Reference Blog

10 Best NFL Teams of All Time

Posted by Brian Wright on March 12, 2024

There are varying opinions as to which aspect of a team is most vital to its success. What is commonly known is that to be considered among the greatest teams to ever play in the NFL, you can’t sail smoothly without a leak in the ship. All the choices below made it through to a championship…except for one.

Read the rest of this entry

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 10 Best NFL Teams of All Time

14 Best Left Tackles of All Time

Posted by Darin Hayes on March 10, 2024

Protecting the Blind Side: A Salute to the Greatest Left Tackles in NFL History

They stand tall and resolute, guardians of the quarterback’s blind side, facing the fiercest pass rushers with unwavering determination. Left tackles: the unsung heroes of the gridiron, their impact often measured in silence averted rather than sacks recorded. With this in mind, we embark on a journey through the trenches of NFL history, celebrating the titans who have mastered this demanding position, the men who have redefined the art of pass protection.

From the pioneering prowess of Rosey Brown and Art Shell to modern marvels like Walter Jones and Jonathan Ogden, we’ll delve into the careers of these legendary blockers. We’ll dissect their techniques, analyze their impact on their teams’ success, and relive the iconic moments that cemented their place among the game’s elite.

But this isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. We’ll also explore the evolution of the left tackle position, examining how the changing landscapes of offensive and defensive schemes have shaped the skillset required for dominance. Along the way, we’ll uncover hidden gems, debate controversial selections, and spark lively discussions about who deserves the title of “Best Left Tackle in the NFL.”

So, buckle up, football fans, as we gear up for an in-depth exploration of the men who stood their ground, blew open running lanes, and kept quarterbacks upright.

Read the rest of this entry

Posted in Top Lists | Comments Off on 14 Best Left Tackles of All Time

10 Best Strong Safeties of All Time

Posted by Andrew Weise on March 9, 2024

In the defensive backfield, the aptly named safety is the last line of defense. In order to be one of the top strong safeties in the NFL, a player needs the speed to cover receivers, and strength and tackling ability to cover tight ends and stop the run. Here is our list of the 10 best strong safeties of all time, using data and statistics from the Pro Football Reference database.

Read the rest of this entry

Posted in Top Lists | Comments Off on 10 Best Strong Safeties of All Time

10 Best Defensive Ends of All Time

Posted by Andrew Weise on February 26, 2024

Defensive end is one of the most difficult and demanding positions to play in football. It’s the most important player on an NFL defense vs tight ends and tackles. For this reason, they need an exceptional combination of size, strength and athleticism to be able to rush the passer, jam tight ends and drop back in coverage. 

Many of the all-time greatest defensive players in NFL history have played defensive end. Who are the very best NFL defensive ends to ever play? Here are our top 10 using stats from Pro Football Reference. Who is your top NFL defensive end? 

Read the rest of this entry

Posted in Top Lists | Comments Off on 10 Best Defensive Ends of All Time

11 Best Long Snappers of All Time

Posted by Darin Hayes on February 17, 2024

Imagine having a job where you are successful only if you get little recognition. Many of us may relate. The position of the NFL specialty player called the long snapper fits this criteria to a tee.

While “playmakers” such as quarterbacks and wide receivers steal the spotlight, the NFL’s hidden gem often goes unnoticed. This specialist, responsible for snapping the ball accurately and consistently to the punter or holder, plays a crucial yet frequently underappreciated role in the game’s flow.

Unlike other positions, an NFL long snapper’s success lies not in statistics or highlight-reel plays but in flawless execution. A perfect snap, delivered with precision and timing, is crucial for punts, field goals, and extra points. A single errant snap can have disastrous consequences, stalling drives, creating turnovers, and costing teams precious points.

The long snapper’s value extends beyond technical expertise. They must possess exceptional mental fortitude, remain calm under pressure, and perform flawlessly amidst the crowd’s roar. They must also be versatile, adapting to different formations and snap counts to meet the demands of various plays.

While the spotlight rarely shines on them, long snappers are the silent heroes of the gridiron. Their dedication, precision, and pressure-proof mentality are essential ingredients in any successful football team. They are the cornerstone of special teams, ensuring smooth execution and laying the foundation for crucial scoring opportunities.

In this article, we will highlight some of the standouts of these unsung gridiron heroes.

Read the rest of this entry

Posted in Top Lists | Comments Off on 11 Best Long Snappers of All Time

Teams with Worst Records in NFL History

Posted by Brian Wright on February 1, 2024

This is the kind of article that should come with a warning label. The following teams make you wince, laugh, and maybe even cry (depending on your rooting interests). It takes a special kind of…um…something to be this bad. So, for that, congratulations to our winners at losing.

Read the rest of this entry

Posted in Top Lists | Comments Off on Teams with Worst Records in NFL History

NFL Playoff Overtime Latest Rules 2023

Posted by Darin Hayes on January 31, 2024

When an NFL game is granted a rare extra session, the excitement of the contest reaches a new level. The scoreboard: a cruel mirror reflecting the agonizing symmetry of a tie. The gridiron ecstasy is the crucible of NFL overtime, a stage where the fate of a game hinges on a knife’s edge, and the rules, though nuanced, hold the key to victory or defeat.

Whether you’re a seasoned football fanatic or a curious newcomer, navigating the complexities of overtime can be daunting. Fear not, for this post will serve as your compass, guiding you through the labyrinth of regulations and unwritten narratives that govern this most thrilling yet controversial chapter of the NFL.

But overtime isn’t just about Xs and Os; it’s about heart. It’s about witnessing the resilience of a defense that bends but doesn’t break, the heroics of a quarterback leading a last-ditch drive, and the electrifying energy of a stadium on the precipice of pandemonium.

First, let’s dispel the myth that overtime is sudden death. 

While a single score can seal the deal, in most cases, both teams get to strut their stuff on offense. But the dance of possession is far from a simple back-and-forth. The seemingly innocuous coin toss holds the weight of fate, granting one team the initial advantage of starting with the ball. From there, the playbook unfolds, a delicate blend of strategy, execution, and a touch of luck. Sudden Death was the old way of extending tied at the end of regulation NFL contests. The new NFL Overtime Rules is one way for the regular season and a bit different in the postseason.

Regular Season: How does NFL overtime work?

The revised regular-season overtime rule retains the 10 minutes but guarantees each team at least one possession unless the opening drive culminates in a touchdown. If the team that takes the ball first crosses the goal line, it is game over and that squad wins. No score or a field goal on the first offensive series in OT makes the game continue on. After that first mele of offense by each team, if the score is still tied the “sudden death” element returns.  

This seemingly minor tweak carries significant implications. Proponents hail it as a win for fairness, ensuring both teams have a chance regardless of a coin toss. Detractors, however, argue that no matter what even in the case of the fist team garnering a TD, their opponent should have the opportunity to follow suit. Traditionalist sudden death supporters argue priorities of efficiency over suspense, potentially diminishing the heart-stopping tension of sudden-death finishes.

The safety argument also plays a prominent role. Shorter games translate to less physical exertion, potentially reducing injury risk. However, critics point out that fatigue accumulates over time, particularly for defensive units exposed to repeated drives. Ultimately, the impact on player safety remains to be seen, necessitating further data and analysis.

Postseason: Parity of the NFL Playoff Overtime Rules

The postseason rules undergo a more dramatic transformation. Gone is the first touchdown win mantra of the regular season OT rules and, in its place, the guarantee of at least one possession for each team, regardless of initial scoring. This significant shift prioritizes fairness, ensuring both offenses have a chance to showcase their firepower.

But what about the drama? Will extended overtime dilute the electrifying tension of sudden death? Fans accustomed to nail-biting finishes might initially lament the change. However, the potential for extended back-and-forth battles could create its brand of excitement, showcasing offensive prowess and defensive resilience over multiple drives.

The Reasons for Change

The recent wave of revisions to the NFL Overtime Rules is a culmination of frustrated fans from recently played games. Sudden Death seemed like a cheap fix to an otherwise exciting back-and-forth slugfest, and it was a deflating sequence when a kicker of the team that won the OT coin flip and would win on the leg of their kicker without the other having a chance to answer the bell.

13 Seconds: Echoes of Heartbreak in the “Mahomes vs. Allen Epic

2021 AFC Divisional playoff game


2021 Kansas City Chiefs Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports

Record: 12-5-0, 1st in AFC West Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Andy Reid (12-5-0)

Points For: 480 (28.2/g) 4th of 32

Points Against: 364 (21.4/g) 8th of 32

Expected W-L: 11.2-5.8

SRS: 7.38 (5th of 32),  SOS: .56

Playoffs:
Won Wild Card 42-21 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Won Divisional Round 42-36 vs. Buffalo Bills
Lost Conference Championship 24-27 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Offensive Coordinator: Eric Bieniemy

Defensive Coordinator: Steve Spagnuolo

Other Notable Asst.: Ken Flajole (Outside Linebackers) and Mike Kafka (Quarterbacks/PGC)

Stadium: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium

Chairman/CEO: Clark Hunt

General Manager: Brett Veach

Offensive Scheme: West Coast

Defensive Alignment: 4-3

Preseason Odds: Super Bowl +450; O/U: 12.5

Training Camp: Missouri Western State (St. Joseph, Missouri)


2021 Buffalo Bills Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports

Record: 11-6-0, 1st in AFC East Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Sean McDermott (11-6-0)

Points For: 483 (28.4/g) 3rd of 32

Points Against: 289 (17.0/g) 1st of 32

Expected W-L: 13.1-3.9

SRS: 9.83 (2nd of 32),  SOS: -1.59

Playoffs:
Won Wild Card 47-17 vs. New England Patriots
Lost Divisional Round 36-42 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Offensive Coordinator: Brian Daboll

Defensive Coordinator: Leslie Frazier

Other Notable Asst.: Bob Babich (Linebackers), Rob Boras (Tight Ends), Ken Dorsey (Quarterbacks/PGC) and Eric Washington (Defensive Line)

Stadium: Highmark Stadium

Owner/President: Kim Pegula

Owner/CEO: Terry Pegula

General Manager: Brandon Beane

Offensive Scheme: Erhardt-Perkins

Defensive Alignment: 4-3

Preseason Odds: Super Bowl +1100; O/U: 11.5

Training Camp: ADPRO Sports Training Center (Orchard Park, New York)

The 2021 AFC Divisional playoff game of the Buffalo Bills visiting the Kansas City Chiefs is the main culprit of change, at least for the NFL Playoff Overtime Rules fixes.

The 2021 AFC Divisional Round matchup between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs wasn’t just a playoff game; it was an epic duel etched in football lore. A symphony of offensive fireworks, quarterback heroics, and a gut-wrenching finish, all condensed into 63 minutes that left fans breathless and some with hearts shattered. This thriller had four lead changes and 25 points scored in the final two minutes of the regularly allotted time. Yet, the final 13 seconds of the Fourth Quarter hold a special place in NFL history, forever branded as the “Mahomes vs. Allen Epic” and “13 Seconds” for the legendary narrative they weave.

Josh Allen, the Bills’ gunslinger, had carved his name on the scoreboard with four touchdown passes, defying gravity and logic with his athleticism. Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ maestro, countered with laser throws and Houdini-esque escapes, orchestrating his own three-touchdown masterpiece. It was a back-and-forth ballet of offensive brilliance, leaving the Bills up on the score with a 36-33 lead as the clock held only thirteen ticks remaining.

Those 13 seconds seemed like a safe bet for Buffalo’s victory, but they have been a few seconds too many. A Chiefs drive fueled by Mahomes’ magic marched 44-yards to allow KC Kicker Harrison Butker to nail a 49-yard boot through the uprights to send the game into OT.

In the extra session, the home team Chiefs, won the coin toss and marched down the field again, scoring a TD to end the battle without a single possession by the Bills in overtime.

Almost Repeated the Same Day


2021 Los Angeles Rams Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports

Record: 12-5-0, 1st in NFC West Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Sean McVay (12-5-0)

Points For: 460 (27.1/g) 7th of 32

Points Against: 372 (21.9/g) 15th of 32

Expected W-L: 10.6-6.4

SRS: 5.29 (6th of 32),  SOS: .11

Playoffs:
Won Wild Card 34-11 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Won Divisional Round 30-27 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Won Conference Championship 20-17 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Won Super Bowl 23-20 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Offensive Coordinator: Kevin O’Connell

Defensive Coordinator: Raheem Morris

Other Notable Asst.: Thomas Brown (Asst. HC/Running Backs), Ejiro Evero (Def. Passing Game Coordinator/Secondary) and Wes Phillips (Tight Ends/Passing Game Coordinator)

Stadium: SoFi Stadium

Owner/Chairman: Stan Kroenke

General Manager: Les Snead

Offensive Scheme: West Coast

Defensive Alignment: 3-4

Preseason Odds: Super Bowl +1200; O/U: 10.5

Training Camp: University of California-Irvine (Irvine, California)


2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports

Record: 13-4-0, 1st in NFC South Division  (Schedule and Results)

Coach: Bruce Arians (13-4-0)

Points For: 511 (30.1/g) 2nd of 32

Points Against: 353 (20.8/g) 5th of 32

Expected W-L: 12.0-5.0

SRS: 8.56 (3rd of 32),  SOS: -0.74

Playoffs:
Won Wild Card 31-15 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Lost Divisional Round 27-30 vs. Los Angeles Rams

Offensive Coordinator: Byron Leftwich

Defensive Coordinator: Todd Bowles

Other Notable Asst.: Mike Caldwell (Inside Linebackers), Clyde Christensen (Quarterbacks), Larry Foote (Outside Linebackers), Harold Goodwin (Asst. Head Coach/RGC), Tom Moore (Offensive Consultant) and Kacy Rodgers (Defensive Line)

Stadium: Raymond James Stadium

Co-Chairman: Bryan Glazer (Joel Glazer & Edward Glazer also listed)

General Manager: Jason Licht

Offensive Scheme: Air Coryell

Defensive Alignment: 3-4

Preseason Odds: Super Bowl +700; O/U: 12.0

Training Camp: AdventHealth Training Center (Tampa, Florida)

Just hours later, the NFC Divisional Playoff between the Champion Tampa Bay Bucs and the LA Rams almost went down similarly. Tom Brady and his Tampa mates erased a 27-3 Rams lead to tie the game with 42 seconds left. The Rams, on the arm of Matthew Stafford and the soft hands of Cooper Cupp, positioned themselves for a Rams game-winning FG as time expired. Had this game gone to overtime and a victory arose from the first possession of the extra session, it would have been an NFL fandom meltdown. 

Conclusion

So, while the NFL Overtime Rules have expanded and adapted to the sport’s progression, the change is dynamic and hopefully reviewed each year by the NFL Competition Committee to keep the game as exciting of a fair and level playing field for both teams as possible. Let’s hope we get to enjoy more OT in the future, as it extends the game we love, and also hope that it provides equal footing and opportunity for the participants.


How does the NFL Overtime Work?

At the end of regulation, if the score is tied, there is a short break, and then the team captains are called to the center of the field for yet another coin toss. The winner gets the choice of kick, receive, or direction they want to go in the extra session. In the regular season, if the team that gains possession first scores a TD, they win, but if they kick a field goal or do not score at all, then the opposition gets a chance on offense. A defensive score ends the game. After that, the first score wins, and if no one does or FGs are traded on the first mele, the contest ends as a tie in the regular season after time expires. If it is a post-season game, they play off in extra sessions till someone scores and a winner is established.


Join our Sports Reference Community

Of Statheads:

Subscribe to Stathead, the most powerful research tools in sports, and find any player, team, season, game, and any play. With over 80 different search tools for baseball, basketball, football, and hockey, you’ve got infinite answers at your finger tips.

Purple Stathead sign up button. Get your first month free.

With Our Email Newsletters:

Sign up for our newsletter and get curated stats, recaps, and more from the Pro Football Reference to your inbox every morning. No commitment, unsubscribe at any time.

Green Pro Football Reference newsletter sign up button

On Social Media:

Stay connected with Pro Football Reference on social media! Bringing you stats, trivia, and more on all our channels daily.

TwitterInstagramFacebookTikTokYouTubeRedditLinkedIn

Follow the rest of the Sports Reference sites on social here.

Posted in NFL Rules Explainers | Comments Off on NFL Playoff Overtime Latest Rules 2023

Best NFL Defense All Time

Posted by Darin Hayes on January 30, 2024

Introduction

It is an age-old water cooler conversation between sports fans on who the best NFL defense of all time is. There are differing opinions on what determines what great defense is and who the title belongs to. This article lists the best defenses of All Time in NFL history and some of the reasons and players that give them that status.

Read the rest of this entry

Posted in Top Lists | Comments Off on Best NFL Defense All Time

Wild Card teams that won the Super Bowl

Posted by Darin Hayes on December 4, 2023

Introduction

The National Football League has allowed “at-large” non-divisional winner to gain entrance in the conference playoff tournament since the 1970 season. When the League expanded the regular season from 14 to 16 games for each team, the amount of Wildcards from each conference increased from one to two. In 1990, the NFL bumped that number to three from the AFC and NFC. These teams have come to be known as the Wildcards, and though they are not the odds-on favorites of the postseason, they have the same chance that other teams in the playoffs have.

This article will examine the most successful Wild Card entrants of the last half a century as they came from the bottom of the playoff seeding to win the Super Bowl.

Read the rest of this entry

Posted in Top Lists | Comments Off on Wild Card teams that won the Super Bowl

The 10 Best Plays in Super Bowl History

Posted by Darin Hayes on December 1, 2023

Introduction to the Play Making in the Big Game

The NFL’s Modern-day Championship game, called the Super Bowl since the late 1960s, has become so big that it is almost a national holiday. The annual contest has the League’s best teams and some top players. The athleticism and talent of the players, combined with the high-pressure moments in front of a large worldwide audience, have provided some of the top plays in history. Please sit back and relax as we provide the Greatest Super Bowl Plays.

Read the rest of this entry

Posted in Top Lists | Comments Off on The 10 Best Plays in Super Bowl History