Pro Football Reference Blog

Archive for September, 2024

Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time

28th September 2024

Whether it has been in Baltimore or Indianapolis, the Colts have always been a very relevant franchise in professional football. They have won four championships (1958, 1959, 1970, & 2006). Their two Super Bowl titles have come in different cities (Super Bowl V – Baltimore) and (Super Bowl XLI – Indianapolis). Only the Colts (Baltimore/Indy) and Rams (St. Louis/LA) can make that rare claim. From Johnny U and Mad Dog Mike Curtis to the Triplets in Indianapolis, the Colts have had plenty of legends all over the gridiron. Today we are just going to focus on one pretty vital position: quarterback. This team has had some legends behind center, so let’s look at the best quarterbacks in the history of the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Top 5 Running Backs of All Time

27th September 2024

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been an NFL franchise for almost a half-century, and in that time, the players who have appeared on the Bucs roster have been substantial. The corp of running backs lined up for the team has consisted of bruisers, bangers, and speed demons who have all wreaked havoc on opposing defenses.

As we embark on a journey through the careers of the best running back legends, we will explore the impact of the top five rushers in the Tampa Bay Buccaneer’s history. With their exceptional athleticism, these players have captivated audiences and left us in awe, becoming beloved figures among fans and inspiring respect and admiration.

This post will delve into each standout player’s accomplishments, impact, and legacy, reminding us of the significant contributions that not only helped shape the Bucs’ identity but also cemented their place among the greatest running backs in NFL history, a legacy we can all be proud of and feel connected to.

The following regular season criteria will be examined to select the quintet of the franchise’s greatest running backs. This process involves a comprehensive review of rushing yards, overall touchdowns, receptions, and awards with the team. Secondly, if applicable, we will look at playoff numbers with the club, what stats they may have had in the League while not a member of the subject franchise, and any other circumstances or events that warrant consideration.

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Tennessee Titans Top 5 Running backs of All-Time

21st September 2024

The Tennessee Titans’ history is a rich tapestry that stretches back to the 1960s when they played in the American Football League in Texas. The franchise, now based in Nashville, had its humble beginnings in Houston, Texas, in 1959 as the Oilers. Over 60 football seasons, the Titans/Oilers team has seen a parade of outstanding runners grace their backfield.

Join us to examine the best running backs’ accomplishments, impact, and legacy in the Tennessee Titans franchise’s history. This journey will remind us of their significant contributions to shaping the franchise’s identity and solidifying their place among the greatest running backs in NFL history.

To select the quintet of the franchise’s greatest running backs, the following regular season criteria will be examined: rushing yards, overall touchdowns, receptions, and awards while with the team. Secondly, if applicable, we will look at playoff numbers with the club, what stats they may have had in the League while not a member of the subject franchise, and any other circumstances or events that warrant consideration.

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Arizona Cardinals Top 5 Running Backs of All Time

20th September 2024

The Arizona Cardinals, a franchise that has existed longer than any of its NFL counterparts, have a rich history that dates back to 1898 in Chicago. This extended history has produced its fair share of remarkable ball carriers and backfield stalwarts.

As we delve into the careers of the best running back legends, we will examine the impact of the top five rushers in the Chicago/St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals’ history. With their exceptional athleticism, these players have captivated audiences and become beloved figures among fans, inspiring respect and admiration.

This post will delve into each standout player’s accomplishments, impact, and legacy, reminding us of the significant contributions that helped shape the Cardinals’ identity and cemented their place among the greatest running backs in NFL history.

The following regular season criteria will be examined to select the quintet of the franchise’s greatest running backs: rushing yards, overall touchdowns, receptions, and awards while with the team. Secondly, if applicable, we will look at playoff numbers with the club, what stats they may have had in the League while not a member of the subject franchise, and any other circumstances or events warrant consideration.

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Washington Commanders Top 5 Running Backs of All-Time

15th September 2024

The Washington Commanders, a storied franchise with a rich history dating back to 1937, have seen countless talented players don their uniforms. Among these athletes, the running backs have often been the driving force behind the team’s success. Their ability to pound the ball between the tackles, break off explosive runs, and contribute to the passing game has left countless stories and accolades for the franchise.

As we explore the best running back legends, we will examine the careers of the top five rushers in the Washington Commanders’ history. These players have not only showcased their exceptional athleticism but have also become beloved figures among fans. From the franchise’s early days to the modern era, these top running backs have captivated audiences with their performances on the field.

This post will examine each standout player’s accomplishments, impact, and legacy. Their contributions helped shape the Washington Commanders’ identity and cemented their place among the greatest running backs in NFL history.

The following regular season criteria will be examined to select the quintet of the franchise’s greatest running backs: rushing yards, overall touchdowns, receptions, and awards while with the team. Secondly, if applicable, we will look at playoff numbers with the club, what stats they may have had in the League while not a member of the subject franchise, and any other circumstances or events warrant consideration.

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Washington Commanders Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time

14th September 2024

Since the Washington Commanders franchise hasn’t had much success the last 30 years, it is easy to forget their hallowed past and legendary players. This team by the Potomac River has made five Super Bowl appearances and is only one of ten teams with at least three Super Bowl titles. It hasn’t helped that they play in the NFC East, historically one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. The NFC East is the only division in football where every franchise has won at least one Lombardi Trophy (Dallas → 5, New York → 4, Washington → 3, & Philadelphia → 1). Washington has even had three head coaches enshrined in the Hall of Fame. But if we look under center, who were the best quarterbacks in DC? It is time to see the cherry blossoms in our nation’s capital and find out the top quarterbacks in Washington Commanders/Redskins history.

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Longest NFL Playoff Drought

13th September 2024

The NFL playoffs are where legends are born, stories are etched in history, and glory awaits. But for some franchises, that stage feels like a distant dream. This article dives into the NFL’s longest playoff droughts, exploring the team’s yearning to return to the postseason spotlight. We’ll uncover their struggles, the years of frustration, and perhaps even a glimmer of hope for their playoff return. So, snap up your chinstraps and join us as we delve into the world of NFL teams yearning to break free from their playoff exile.

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NFL Teams with the Most Rushing Yards in a Single Season

7th September 2024

In football, an offense has three ways to advance the ball down the field: running it, passing it, or by penalty yardage. This post will focus on the oldest and most basic form, running the rock, and the NFL teams that performed it at the highest level.

The ground game. The smash-mouth attack. Rushing yards are the lifeblood of many NFL offenses, a testament to a team’s physicality and commitment to controlling the tempo. But which teams have carved their names into history with the most rushing yards in a single season? This article dives deep into the archives, exploring the rushing juggernauts that have dominated the trenches and racked up eye-popping yardage totals. We’ll uncover the offensive schemes, the dominant running backs, and the unique circumstances that propelled these teams to the top of the rushing charts. Buckle up and get ready to celebrate the power and precision of the NFL’s most prolific rushing offenses!

We will use the exciting metrics and historical statistics provided by Stathead.com to identify and present the most rushing yards by a team in a season in NFL history.

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San Francisco 49ers Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time

6th September 2024

The San Francisco 49ers are and have been one of the model franchises in the NFL for the last 50 years or so. Eight Super Bowl appearances and five Lombardi Trophies have set a high bar for this franchise. The Niners actually have the most conference championship game appearances in NFL history (19). This team by the bay was undoubtedly the team of the 1980s with four championships and a charismatic quarterback. Then they added another title in the 1990s with a matinee idol signal caller. Since then they have been close several times and appear primed to win another title soon. With a rich legacy, you know the 49ers have had some great gunslingers at quarterback. In fact, three of the men on this list have a permanent residence in Canton. Now let’s glide over the Golden Gate Bridge and examine the top quarterbacks in San Francisco 49ers history.

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