Pro Football Reference Blog

Archive for February, 2024

10 Best Defensive Ends of All Time

26th February 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? 

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11 Best Long Snappers of All Time

17th February 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.

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Teams with Worst Records in NFL History

1st February 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.

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