Welcome to the final edition of the 2012 NFL Last Place Update.
Congratulations 2-14 Kansas City Chiefs, by losing 38-3 to the Denver Broncos, you are the 2012 Kings of the Cellar Champions and new owners of the first pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. The Chiefs will get a new head coach next year and could put themselves in a position to win as the Colts did this season. The 2-14 Jacksonville Jaguars put up a good fight by getting dominated by the Tennessee Titans, 38-20, but it wasn't enough. They get the second pick in the draft. The defending champ Indianapolis Colts went a very respectable 11-5 and earned a berth in the playoffs.
The real competition has been for the honorable mention. For a while, it was a broken record, with the Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles getting the mention for several weeks. Even Tampa Bay made it. However, none of these teams earned the nod. If the mention was only based on losses or straight losses, the 4-12 Detroit Lions would get the final nod...but it isn't. All of these teams were beaten by one unit on one team and they also earned multiple mentions. This year's Honorable Mention goes to the New Orleans Saints Defense, for allowing more yards than other defense in the history of the NFL. While giving up 530 yards to the Carolina Panthers, the Saints D allowed a season total of 7,074 total yards, eclipsing the 1981 Baltimore Colts defense, who gave up 6,793 yards. That's an average of 442 yards per game. The Saints' high powered offense only gained 6,574 yards.
Other thoughts...
As I do with each conclusion of the final Last Place Update of the season, the updates are a tongue-in-cheek look at the worst teams in whatever professional sport is featured. However it's important to remember that only a tiny percent of our population is even good enough to play for a professional sports team. It doesn't matter if that team wins it all or dwells in the cellar. It's important to remember and appreciate that it takes a special kind of athlete to earn the privilege to play for a professional sports team, whether it's for only a season or a long, Hall of Fame career.
I wrote the NBA Last Place Update last week on a whim and was surprised by the number of views. There were more views for that entry than the previous two blog entries combined. After tomorrow's entry, if that trend continues, there will be weekly Last Place Updates for the NBA season.
As much as I enjoy writing these entries, I need to focus on finishing the final draft of my upcoming novel and novella. The first draft of my second novel needs to be finished as well, hopefully before baseball season starts. So outside of the possible updates, there will be fewer posts for now. However, I may continue the series trivia posts for the NFL playoffs.
Hats off to the NFL players and coaches for another great season!!
Thank you, Reader, for taking the time to read these entries!!!
Hope you all have a Happy New Year!!!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Some Bowl Series Trivia
This is for my drum corps friends on Soundmachine.org, who are participating in a friendly pool.
Valero Alamo Bowl - #23 Texas vs #13 Oregon State: Texas leads the series 2-0, both wins at home. They first met in 1980, when the Longhorns shut out the Beavers 35-0. Their other meeting was a 61-16 Texas spanking of Oregon State in 1987.
Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl - TCU vs Michigan State: These two teams only met one other time, in 1953. The Spartans won that game 26-19.
Music City Bowl - North Carolina State vs Vanderbilt: The Commodores beat the Wolfpack 7-0 in their only other meeting in 1946.
Hyundai Sun Bowl - USC vs Georgia Tech: The Trojans lead the series 2-1, winning their last meeting in 1973, 23-6 at Georgia Tech. They first met in 1961 and the Yellow Jackets won that game 27-7. The highest scoring game in the series was in their second meeting in 1969. USC won that one, 29-18.
Chik-fil-A Bowl - #14 Clemson vs #8 LSU: This series between the two Tigers teams has been played in nothing but bowl games. LSU leads the series 2-0. They first met in the 1959 Sugar Bowl and LSU beat Clemson 7-0, winning the national championship. They met again in the 1996 Peach Bowl, which LSU won 10-7.
Heart of Dallas Bowl - Purdue vs Oklahoma State: Their only other meeting was in the 1997 Alamo Bowl, which Purdue won 33-20.
Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl - Mississippi State vs #20 Northwestern: This is their first ever meeting.
Capital One Bowl - #16 Nebraska vs #7 Georgia: They only met one other time, in the 1969 Sun Bowl. The Cornhuskers beat the Bulldogs 45-6.
Outback Bowl - #18 Michigan vs #10 South Carolina: The series is tied 1-1. They first met in 1980, when South Carolina won 17-14. Michigan won the second meeting in 1985, 34-3.
Rose Bowl - Wisconsin vs #6 Stanford: Wisconsin leads the series 3-0-1. They first met in 1959, which the Badgers won 16-14. The highest scoring game in the series was also the only tie, 24-24 in 1995. They last met in their only other bowl game against each other, the Rose Bowl, in January 2000. Wisconsin beat the Cardinal 17-9. The lone shutout of the series was a 14-0 Badger win in 1996.
Discover Orange Bowl - Northern Illinois vs #12 Florida State: This is their first ever meeting.
Allstate Sugar Bowl - #21 Louisville vs #3 Florida: The Gators lead the series 2-0. They first met in 1980, the Florida shut out the Cardinals 13-0. They next played in 1992, when the Gators beat Louisville 31-17.
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - #5 Kansas State vs #4 Oregon: This is their first ever meeting.
AT&T Cotton Bowl - #9 Texas A&M vs #11 Oklahoma: The Sooners lead the series 19-11, going 11-2 against the Aggies since 1999. They first met in 1903, when Oklahoma blanked the Aggies 6-0. The highest scoring game in the series was a 66-28 Sooner win in 2008. The last time Oklahoma shut out Texas A&M was 77-0 in 2003. The last time Texas A&M shut out Oklahoma was 29-0 in 1998.
BBVA Compass Bowl - Pittsburgh vs Ole Miss: This is their first ever meeting.
GoDaddy.com Bowl - Kent State vs Arkansas State: This is their first ever meeting.
BCS Championship - #2 Alabama vs #1 Notre Dame: This is definitely NOT their first ever meeting. Notre Dame leads the series 5-1. They met in two bowl games. The Irish beat then #1 Alabama the Sugar Bowl in 1973, 24-23, winning the national championship. This was also the highest scoring game in the series. They faced each other again the next season, in the Orange Bowl in 1975. Notre Dame beat the Crimson Tide again 13-11, knocking them out of the #2 spot. Legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant was winless against Notre Dame. Alabama's only win against the Irish was 28-10 in 1986. The only shutout in the series was a 7-0 Notre Dame win in 1980.
Have a great day!!!
Valero Alamo Bowl - #23 Texas vs #13 Oregon State: Texas leads the series 2-0, both wins at home. They first met in 1980, when the Longhorns shut out the Beavers 35-0. Their other meeting was a 61-16 Texas spanking of Oregon State in 1987.
Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl - TCU vs Michigan State: These two teams only met one other time, in 1953. The Spartans won that game 26-19.
Music City Bowl - North Carolina State vs Vanderbilt: The Commodores beat the Wolfpack 7-0 in their only other meeting in 1946.
Hyundai Sun Bowl - USC vs Georgia Tech: The Trojans lead the series 2-1, winning their last meeting in 1973, 23-6 at Georgia Tech. They first met in 1961 and the Yellow Jackets won that game 27-7. The highest scoring game in the series was in their second meeting in 1969. USC won that one, 29-18.
Chik-fil-A Bowl - #14 Clemson vs #8 LSU: This series between the two Tigers teams has been played in nothing but bowl games. LSU leads the series 2-0. They first met in the 1959 Sugar Bowl and LSU beat Clemson 7-0, winning the national championship. They met again in the 1996 Peach Bowl, which LSU won 10-7.
Heart of Dallas Bowl - Purdue vs Oklahoma State: Their only other meeting was in the 1997 Alamo Bowl, which Purdue won 33-20.
Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl - Mississippi State vs #20 Northwestern: This is their first ever meeting.
Capital One Bowl - #16 Nebraska vs #7 Georgia: They only met one other time, in the 1969 Sun Bowl. The Cornhuskers beat the Bulldogs 45-6.
Outback Bowl - #18 Michigan vs #10 South Carolina: The series is tied 1-1. They first met in 1980, when South Carolina won 17-14. Michigan won the second meeting in 1985, 34-3.
Rose Bowl - Wisconsin vs #6 Stanford: Wisconsin leads the series 3-0-1. They first met in 1959, which the Badgers won 16-14. The highest scoring game in the series was also the only tie, 24-24 in 1995. They last met in their only other bowl game against each other, the Rose Bowl, in January 2000. Wisconsin beat the Cardinal 17-9. The lone shutout of the series was a 14-0 Badger win in 1996.
Discover Orange Bowl - Northern Illinois vs #12 Florida State: This is their first ever meeting.
Allstate Sugar Bowl - #21 Louisville vs #3 Florida: The Gators lead the series 2-0. They first met in 1980, the Florida shut out the Cardinals 13-0. They next played in 1992, when the Gators beat Louisville 31-17.
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - #5 Kansas State vs #4 Oregon: This is their first ever meeting.
AT&T Cotton Bowl - #9 Texas A&M vs #11 Oklahoma: The Sooners lead the series 19-11, going 11-2 against the Aggies since 1999. They first met in 1903, when Oklahoma blanked the Aggies 6-0. The highest scoring game in the series was a 66-28 Sooner win in 2008. The last time Oklahoma shut out Texas A&M was 77-0 in 2003. The last time Texas A&M shut out Oklahoma was 29-0 in 1998.
BBVA Compass Bowl - Pittsburgh vs Ole Miss: This is their first ever meeting.
GoDaddy.com Bowl - Kent State vs Arkansas State: This is their first ever meeting.
BCS Championship - #2 Alabama vs #1 Notre Dame: This is definitely NOT their first ever meeting. Notre Dame leads the series 5-1. They met in two bowl games. The Irish beat then #1 Alabama the Sugar Bowl in 1973, 24-23, winning the national championship. This was also the highest scoring game in the series. They faced each other again the next season, in the Orange Bowl in 1975. Notre Dame beat the Crimson Tide again 13-11, knocking them out of the #2 spot. Legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant was winless against Notre Dame. Alabama's only win against the Irish was 28-10 in 1986. The only shutout in the series was a 7-0 Notre Dame win in 1980.
Have a great day!!!
Friday, December 28, 2012
Some NFL Series Trivia - Week 17 (Part 2)
Here is the rest of this week's series trivia for the final week of the season. All-time records include postseason games. Also, to clear up any confusion, postseason years reflect the season of the previous year, ie, "They won in the Wild Card round in 2010" is from the 2009 season.
Tampa Bay vs Atlanta: The series is tied 19-19, but Atlanta is 7-2 against the Buccaneers since 2008. The Falcons lead the series at home 10-7, winning the last four games in Atlanta. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime three times. The Falcons lead that series 2-1, winning the last time they went to OT in 2008, 13-10. The last time Tampa Bay shut out Atlanta was 27-0 in 2004. The last time Atlanta shut out Tampa Bay was 17-0 in their first ever meeting in 1977.
Baltimore vs Cincinnati: Baltimore leads the series 19-14 and won their last four meetings by six points or more. The Bengals lead the series at home 9-6 and is 5-2 against the Ravens in Cincinnati since 2005. They never met in the postseason nor have they ever gone to overtime. The last time Baltimore shut out Cincinnati was 16-0 in 2001. Cincinnati has never shut out Baltimore.
Green Bay vs Minnesota: Green Bay leads the series 54-48-1, going 10-3 against the Vikings since 2006 and winning their last four meetings. The series is tied 25-25 in Minnesota, but the Packers are 4-2 in their last six meetings in Minneapolis. They met in the postseason once, in the Wild Card round in 2005, when the Vikings won 31-17. They went to overtime six times. Minnesota leads the OT series 4-1-1, but the Packers won the last time they went to OT in 2000, 26-20. The last time Green Bay shut out Minnesota was 34-0 in 2007. The last time Minnesota shut out Green Bay was 3-0 in 1971. Their only tie was 10-10 in 1978, their first overtime game in the series.
Dallas vs Washington: Dallas leads the series 62-41-2 and is 6-3 against the Redskins since 2008. The series is tied 27-27 in Washington, but the Cowboys are 3-1 against the Redskins in DC since 2008. They met in the postseason twice, both times in the NFC Championship game. The Redskins won both games, first in 1972, 26-3, moving on to lose Super Bowl VII against the undefeated Miami Dolphins 14-7 and in 1983, 31-17, moving on to defeat the not so undefeated Miami Dolphins 27-17 in Super Bowl XVII. They went to overtime three times. Dallas leads the overtime series 2-1, winning the last time they went to OT in 2011, 27-24. The last time Dallas shut out Washington was 17-0 in 2009. Washington has never shut out Dallas. Their last tie was 35-35 in 1962.
Kansas City vs Denver: The former Dallas Texans leads the series 56-49 over Denver and the series is tied 3-3 since 2010. The Broncos lead the series at home 32-20 and are 9-2 against the Chiefs in Denver since 2001. They met in the postseason once, in the Divisional round in 1998. The Broncos won that game 14-10 and went on to break the NFC's 13 game winning streak in Super Bowl XXXII over the Green Bay Packers 31-24. They went to overtime five times. Denver leads the overtime series 4-1, winning the last time they went to OT, 9-6 in 2006. The last time Denver shut out Kansas City was 21-0 in 1984. The last time Kansas City shut out Denver was 16-0 in 1970.
St. Louis vs Seattle: The Seahawks lead the series 17-12 and is 13-3 against the Rams since 2005. The Seahawks lead the series at home 10-5, winning their last seven meetings in Seattle. They met in the postseason once, in 2005, when St. Louis won in the Wild Card round 27-20. They went to overtime once, in 2004. The Rams won that game 33-27. The last time Seattle shut out St. Louis was 28-0 in 2009. The last time the Rams shut out Seattle was 24-0 in 1979, when they were the Los Angeles Rams.
Oakland vs San Diego: Oakland leads the series 58-46-2, but San Diego is 15-4 against the Raiders since 2003. Oakland leads the series 30-22-1 in San Diego, winning their last two meetings there. They met in the postseason once, in the AFC Championship game in 1981. Oakland won that game 31-27 and went on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in Super Bowl XV. They went to overtime five times. The Chargers lead the overtime series 3-2, but the Raiders won the last time they went to OT in 2003, 34-31. The last time San Diego shut out Oakland was 27-0 in 2006. The last time Oakland shut out San Diego was 24-0 in 1977. Their last tie was 17-17 in 1972.
Arizona vs San Francisco: The 49ers lead the series 25-17 and are 6-1 against the Cardinals since 2009. San Francisco leads the series at home 14-8, winning their last three meetings at Candlestick Park. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime six times. The 49ers lead the overtime series 4-2, winning their last meeting in OT in 2007, 37-31. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Here are some historical scores for teams facing each other this week, December 28:
1987 New England 24 - Miami 10
1997 New England 17 - Miami 3
2002 New York Giants 10 - Philadelphia 7 OT
2003 Indianapolis 20 - Houston 17
2003 San Diego 21 - Oakland 14
2008 Pittsburgh 31 - Cleveland 0
2008 Carolina 33 - New Orleans 31
Here's some lagniappe I found on YouTube, remembering the previously mentioned 1982 NFC Championship game between the Cowboys and Redskins.
Tampa Bay vs Atlanta: The series is tied 19-19, but Atlanta is 7-2 against the Buccaneers since 2008. The Falcons lead the series at home 10-7, winning the last four games in Atlanta. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime three times. The Falcons lead that series 2-1, winning the last time they went to OT in 2008, 13-10. The last time Tampa Bay shut out Atlanta was 27-0 in 2004. The last time Atlanta shut out Tampa Bay was 17-0 in their first ever meeting in 1977.
Baltimore vs Cincinnati: Baltimore leads the series 19-14 and won their last four meetings by six points or more. The Bengals lead the series at home 9-6 and is 5-2 against the Ravens in Cincinnati since 2005. They never met in the postseason nor have they ever gone to overtime. The last time Baltimore shut out Cincinnati was 16-0 in 2001. Cincinnati has never shut out Baltimore.
Green Bay vs Minnesota: Green Bay leads the series 54-48-1, going 10-3 against the Vikings since 2006 and winning their last four meetings. The series is tied 25-25 in Minnesota, but the Packers are 4-2 in their last six meetings in Minneapolis. They met in the postseason once, in the Wild Card round in 2005, when the Vikings won 31-17. They went to overtime six times. Minnesota leads the OT series 4-1-1, but the Packers won the last time they went to OT in 2000, 26-20. The last time Green Bay shut out Minnesota was 34-0 in 2007. The last time Minnesota shut out Green Bay was 3-0 in 1971. Their only tie was 10-10 in 1978, their first overtime game in the series.
Dallas vs Washington: Dallas leads the series 62-41-2 and is 6-3 against the Redskins since 2008. The series is tied 27-27 in Washington, but the Cowboys are 3-1 against the Redskins in DC since 2008. They met in the postseason twice, both times in the NFC Championship game. The Redskins won both games, first in 1972, 26-3, moving on to lose Super Bowl VII against the undefeated Miami Dolphins 14-7 and in 1983, 31-17, moving on to defeat the not so undefeated Miami Dolphins 27-17 in Super Bowl XVII. They went to overtime three times. Dallas leads the overtime series 2-1, winning the last time they went to OT in 2011, 27-24. The last time Dallas shut out Washington was 17-0 in 2009. Washington has never shut out Dallas. Their last tie was 35-35 in 1962.
Kansas City vs Denver: The former Dallas Texans leads the series 56-49 over Denver and the series is tied 3-3 since 2010. The Broncos lead the series at home 32-20 and are 9-2 against the Chiefs in Denver since 2001. They met in the postseason once, in the Divisional round in 1998. The Broncos won that game 14-10 and went on to break the NFC's 13 game winning streak in Super Bowl XXXII over the Green Bay Packers 31-24. They went to overtime five times. Denver leads the overtime series 4-1, winning the last time they went to OT, 9-6 in 2006. The last time Denver shut out Kansas City was 21-0 in 1984. The last time Kansas City shut out Denver was 16-0 in 1970.
St. Louis vs Seattle: The Seahawks lead the series 17-12 and is 13-3 against the Rams since 2005. The Seahawks lead the series at home 10-5, winning their last seven meetings in Seattle. They met in the postseason once, in 2005, when St. Louis won in the Wild Card round 27-20. They went to overtime once, in 2004. The Rams won that game 33-27. The last time Seattle shut out St. Louis was 28-0 in 2009. The last time the Rams shut out Seattle was 24-0 in 1979, when they were the Los Angeles Rams.
Oakland vs San Diego: Oakland leads the series 58-46-2, but San Diego is 15-4 against the Raiders since 2003. Oakland leads the series 30-22-1 in San Diego, winning their last two meetings there. They met in the postseason once, in the AFC Championship game in 1981. Oakland won that game 31-27 and went on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-10 in Super Bowl XV. They went to overtime five times. The Chargers lead the overtime series 3-2, but the Raiders won the last time they went to OT in 2003, 34-31. The last time San Diego shut out Oakland was 27-0 in 2006. The last time Oakland shut out San Diego was 24-0 in 1977. Their last tie was 17-17 in 1972.
Arizona vs San Francisco: The 49ers lead the series 25-17 and are 6-1 against the Cardinals since 2009. San Francisco leads the series at home 14-8, winning their last three meetings at Candlestick Park. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime six times. The 49ers lead the overtime series 4-2, winning their last meeting in OT in 2007, 37-31. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
Here are some historical scores for teams facing each other this week, December 28:
1987 New England 24 - Miami 10
1997 New England 17 - Miami 3
2002 New York Giants 10 - Philadelphia 7 OT
2003 Indianapolis 20 - Houston 17
2003 San Diego 21 - Oakland 14
2008 Pittsburgh 31 - Cleveland 0
2008 Carolina 33 - New Orleans 31
Here's some lagniappe I found on YouTube, remembering the previously mentioned 1982 NFC Championship game between the Cowboys and Redskins.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Some NFL Series Trivia - Week 17
Here's some NFL series trivia for this week, featuring some rivalries going back to 1930, when Herbert Hoover was president.
Philadelphia vs New York Giants: The Giants lead the series 82-75-2, but the Eagles are 8-2 against their New York rivals since 2008. New York also leads the series at home 46-35-1, but Philadelphia is 5-0 in Giants Stadium since 2008. In the beginning of the series history, the Eagles couldn't buy a win when playing the Giants in New York. From 1933-43, the Giants were 10-0 at home versus the Eagles and shut Philly out five times during that stretch. They met in the postseason four times, twice in the Wild Card round and twice in the Divisional round. The playoff series is tied 2-2, with Philadelphia winning their last meeting in the Divisional round in January 2009, 23-11. They went to overtime seven times. New York leads the overtime series 6-1, the last time a 30-24 Giants win in 2006. The last time the Giants shut out the Eagles was 20-0 in 1998. The last time the Eagles shut out the Giants was 10-0 in 1976. Their last tie was 23-23 in 1973.
Miami vs New England: Miami leads the series 50-44, but New England won the last five meetings. The Patriots lead the series at home 28-18 and are 9-2 against the Dolphins in Foxboro since 2001. They met in the postseason three times. New England leads the playoff series 2-1, winning their last meeting in the Wild Card round in January 1997, 17-3. They met in the AFC Championship game in 1986 for a slot in Super Bowl XX. The Patriots won that game 31-14 and were then spanked by the Chicago Bears 46-10 in that Super Bowl. As with the Eagles vs Giants, the Dolphins and Patriots went to overtime seven times. Miami leads the overtime 4-3, but New England won the last time they went to OT, 19-13, in 2003. The last time Miami shut out New England was 21-0 in 2006. The last time New England shut out Miami was 12-0 in 2003.
Cleveland vs Pittsburgh: The Steelers lead the series 64-57 and are 23-5 against the Browns since their return to the NFL in 1999. The Steelers lead the series at home 40-21. They are 19-2 against the Browns in Pittsburgh since 1990 and won the last eight games at home in the series. They met in the playoffs twice, with Pittsburgh winning both of them, the last one in the Wild Card round in January 2003, 36-33. They went to overtime five times and the Steelers lead that series 4-1. They last went to OT in 2002, which the Steelers won 16-13. The last time Pittsburgh shut out Cleveland was 31-0 in 2008. The last time Cleveland shut out Pittsburgh was 51-0 in 1989.
Chicago vs Detroit: This series goes back to the days when the Chicago Bears played the Portsmouth Spartans in 1930. Chicago leads the series 95-65-5 and is 12-3 against the Lions since 2005. As the Portsmouth Spartans, the Lions trail that series 2-5-1. Detroit leads the series at home 41-39-1, but the Bears are 7-5 in the Motor City since 2000. Throughout their storied rivalry, the Bears and Lions have never met in the postseason. However, they did go to overtime five times. The Bears lead the OT series 4-1, their last overtime game against the Lions, a 19-13 win in 2005. The last time Chicago shut out Detroit was 24-0 in 2001. The last time Detroit shut out Chicago was 20-0 in 1979. Their last tie was 10-10 in 1966.
Carolina vs New Orleans: Carolina leads the series 18-14, but New Orleans is 5-2 against the Panthers since 2009. The Saints trail the series at home 8-9, but won the last three games against Carolina in the Superdome. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime once. Carolina won that game 26-23 in 2003. The only shutout in the series was a 13-0 win by Carolina in 1997.
Jacksonville vs Tennessee: The Titans lead the series 20-16, but Jacksonville is 4-3 against Tennessee since 2009. Tennessee leads the series at home 9-8, but the series is tied 4-4 in Nashville since 2004. They only met in the postseason once and that was for the 1999 AFC Championship in January 2000. Tennessee won that game 33-14 and went on to lose Super Bowl XXXIV to the St. Louis Rams 23-16. They never went to overtime nor has either team ever shut out the other.
Houston vs Indianapolis: The Colts dominate this series 17-4, with all of their wins against Houston having Peyton Manning as their quarterback. However, the Texans are 3-2 against Indy since 2010. The Colts are 10-0 at home against Houston, including a 19-16 win last season, with Dan Orlovsky as Indy's quarterback. They have never met in the postseason nor have they gone to overtime. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
New York Jets vs Buffalo: The Bills lead the series 54-50, but the Jets are 8-1 against Buffalo since 2008, winning the last six meetings. The Bills lead the series at home 28-23, but New York is 4-0 against Buffalo in Rich Stadium since 2008. They met in the postseason once and Buffalo won that Wild Card game in 1981, 31-27. They went to overtime three times. The Bills lead the that series 2-1, winning the last time they went to OT with the Dolphins 16-13 in 2009. The last time Buffalo shut out the Jets was 37-0 in 1989. The Jets have never shut out the Bills.
Here are some historical scores for teams facing each other this week, December 27:
1981 New York Giants 27 - Philadelphia 21
1981 Buffalo 31 - New York Jets 27
1992 Kansas City 42 - Denver 20
1992 Pittsburgh 23 - Cleveland 13
1992 Minnesota 27 - Green Bay 7
1992 Philadelphia 20 - New York Giants 10
1992 Miami 16 - New England 13 OT
1998 Dallas 23 - Washington 7
1998 New York Giants 20 - Philadelphia 10
2009 Dallas 17 - Washington 0
We also have a little lagniappe today, by observing one of the craziest endings to a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, the Miracle At the Meadowlands.
Philadelphia vs New York Giants: The Giants lead the series 82-75-2, but the Eagles are 8-2 against their New York rivals since 2008. New York also leads the series at home 46-35-1, but Philadelphia is 5-0 in Giants Stadium since 2008. In the beginning of the series history, the Eagles couldn't buy a win when playing the Giants in New York. From 1933-43, the Giants were 10-0 at home versus the Eagles and shut Philly out five times during that stretch. They met in the postseason four times, twice in the Wild Card round and twice in the Divisional round. The playoff series is tied 2-2, with Philadelphia winning their last meeting in the Divisional round in January 2009, 23-11. They went to overtime seven times. New York leads the overtime series 6-1, the last time a 30-24 Giants win in 2006. The last time the Giants shut out the Eagles was 20-0 in 1998. The last time the Eagles shut out the Giants was 10-0 in 1976. Their last tie was 23-23 in 1973.
Miami vs New England: Miami leads the series 50-44, but New England won the last five meetings. The Patriots lead the series at home 28-18 and are 9-2 against the Dolphins in Foxboro since 2001. They met in the postseason three times. New England leads the playoff series 2-1, winning their last meeting in the Wild Card round in January 1997, 17-3. They met in the AFC Championship game in 1986 for a slot in Super Bowl XX. The Patriots won that game 31-14 and were then spanked by the Chicago Bears 46-10 in that Super Bowl. As with the Eagles vs Giants, the Dolphins and Patriots went to overtime seven times. Miami leads the overtime 4-3, but New England won the last time they went to OT, 19-13, in 2003. The last time Miami shut out New England was 21-0 in 2006. The last time New England shut out Miami was 12-0 in 2003.
Cleveland vs Pittsburgh: The Steelers lead the series 64-57 and are 23-5 against the Browns since their return to the NFL in 1999. The Steelers lead the series at home 40-21. They are 19-2 against the Browns in Pittsburgh since 1990 and won the last eight games at home in the series. They met in the playoffs twice, with Pittsburgh winning both of them, the last one in the Wild Card round in January 2003, 36-33. They went to overtime five times and the Steelers lead that series 4-1. They last went to OT in 2002, which the Steelers won 16-13. The last time Pittsburgh shut out Cleveland was 31-0 in 2008. The last time Cleveland shut out Pittsburgh was 51-0 in 1989.
Chicago vs Detroit: This series goes back to the days when the Chicago Bears played the Portsmouth Spartans in 1930. Chicago leads the series 95-65-5 and is 12-3 against the Lions since 2005. As the Portsmouth Spartans, the Lions trail that series 2-5-1. Detroit leads the series at home 41-39-1, but the Bears are 7-5 in the Motor City since 2000. Throughout their storied rivalry, the Bears and Lions have never met in the postseason. However, they did go to overtime five times. The Bears lead the OT series 4-1, their last overtime game against the Lions, a 19-13 win in 2005. The last time Chicago shut out Detroit was 24-0 in 2001. The last time Detroit shut out Chicago was 20-0 in 1979. Their last tie was 10-10 in 1966.
Carolina vs New Orleans: Carolina leads the series 18-14, but New Orleans is 5-2 against the Panthers since 2009. The Saints trail the series at home 8-9, but won the last three games against Carolina in the Superdome. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime once. Carolina won that game 26-23 in 2003. The only shutout in the series was a 13-0 win by Carolina in 1997.
Jacksonville vs Tennessee: The Titans lead the series 20-16, but Jacksonville is 4-3 against Tennessee since 2009. Tennessee leads the series at home 9-8, but the series is tied 4-4 in Nashville since 2004. They only met in the postseason once and that was for the 1999 AFC Championship in January 2000. Tennessee won that game 33-14 and went on to lose Super Bowl XXXIV to the St. Louis Rams 23-16. They never went to overtime nor has either team ever shut out the other.
Houston vs Indianapolis: The Colts dominate this series 17-4, with all of their wins against Houston having Peyton Manning as their quarterback. However, the Texans are 3-2 against Indy since 2010. The Colts are 10-0 at home against Houston, including a 19-16 win last season, with Dan Orlovsky as Indy's quarterback. They have never met in the postseason nor have they gone to overtime. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
New York Jets vs Buffalo: The Bills lead the series 54-50, but the Jets are 8-1 against Buffalo since 2008, winning the last six meetings. The Bills lead the series at home 28-23, but New York is 4-0 against Buffalo in Rich Stadium since 2008. They met in the postseason once and Buffalo won that Wild Card game in 1981, 31-27. They went to overtime three times. The Bills lead the that series 2-1, winning the last time they went to OT with the Dolphins 16-13 in 2009. The last time Buffalo shut out the Jets was 37-0 in 1989. The Jets have never shut out the Bills.
Here are some historical scores for teams facing each other this week, December 27:
1981 New York Giants 27 - Philadelphia 21
1981 Buffalo 31 - New York Jets 27
1992 Kansas City 42 - Denver 20
1992 Pittsburgh 23 - Cleveland 13
1992 Minnesota 27 - Green Bay 7
1992 Philadelphia 20 - New York Giants 10
1992 Miami 16 - New England 13 OT
1998 Dallas 23 - Washington 7
1998 New York Giants 20 - Philadelphia 10
2009 Dallas 17 - Washington 0
We also have a little lagniappe today, by observing one of the craziest endings to a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, the Miracle At the Meadowlands.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Last Place Update - Week 16
Welcome to this week's Last Place Update. Hope you all had a great Christmas. Even though they all lost last week, the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, and Detroit Lions are officially eliminated from cellar contention. Now it's down to one game, so let's get started.
The 2-13 Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars share this week's title as Kings of the Cellar. However, a Chiefs loss on Sunday will seal the first pick in the 2013 draft and make them the 2012 NFL Kings of the Cellar. The Jags can win the title with a loss and a Kansas City win. The Chiefs lost their third straight to the Indianapolis Colts by a respectable 20-13 score. The Jaguars lost their fourth consecutive game and remained winless in the regular season against the New England Patriots, also by a respectable score of 23-16.
This week's honorable mention goes to the 6-9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After winning four straight games, they went on to lose five in a row, including a 41- 0 spanking by the New Orleans Saints and a 28-13 loss last week to the St. Louis Rams. The Bucs go to Atlanta and will probably win, because they'll face the Falcons' second and third team players and...oh, never mind. If they play with the same imploding precision they have over the past few weeks, Tampa Bay would even lose to the 1976 Buccaneers.
Next Loss...
Kansas City travels to Denver to face the Broncos. Upset Special? It could be an upset special only if Denver had already locked up home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The former Colts quarterback will give the Chiefs' secondary a clinic that the current Colts quarterback couldn't. This will be an easy, if not dominating, loss and Kansas City will clinch the first pick in the 2013 Draft.
Jacksonville goes to Tennessee to take on the Titans. Upset Special? This is a tough call, but the answer is no. Tennessee was surprised in Jacksonville and they won't be surprised this time. The Jags will make a game of it, but this will be a solid Jacksonville loss and they'll clinch the second pick in the 2013 Draft.
Here are some historical scores for teams facing each other this week, December 26:
1987 Cleveland 19 - Pittsburgh 13
1993 Detroit 20 - Chicago 14
1993 Buffalo 16 - New York Jets 14
1993 Dallas 38 - Washington 3
1999 Tennessee 41 - Jacksonville 14
1999 San Diego 23 - Oakland 20
1999 Baltimore 22 - Cincinnati 0
2004 Detroit 19 - Chicago 13
2004 Dallas 13 - Washington 10
The 2-13 Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars share this week's title as Kings of the Cellar. However, a Chiefs loss on Sunday will seal the first pick in the 2013 draft and make them the 2012 NFL Kings of the Cellar. The Jags can win the title with a loss and a Kansas City win. The Chiefs lost their third straight to the Indianapolis Colts by a respectable 20-13 score. The Jaguars lost their fourth consecutive game and remained winless in the regular season against the New England Patriots, also by a respectable score of 23-16.
This week's honorable mention goes to the 6-9 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After winning four straight games, they went on to lose five in a row, including a 41- 0 spanking by the New Orleans Saints and a 28-13 loss last week to the St. Louis Rams. The Bucs go to Atlanta and will probably win, because they'll face the Falcons' second and third team players and...oh, never mind. If they play with the same imploding precision they have over the past few weeks, Tampa Bay would even lose to the 1976 Buccaneers.
Next Loss...
Kansas City travels to Denver to face the Broncos. Upset Special? It could be an upset special only if Denver had already locked up home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The former Colts quarterback will give the Chiefs' secondary a clinic that the current Colts quarterback couldn't. This will be an easy, if not dominating, loss and Kansas City will clinch the first pick in the 2013 Draft.
Jacksonville goes to Tennessee to take on the Titans. Upset Special? This is a tough call, but the answer is no. Tennessee was surprised in Jacksonville and they won't be surprised this time. The Jags will make a game of it, but this will be a solid Jacksonville loss and they'll clinch the second pick in the 2013 Draft.
Here are some historical scores for teams facing each other this week, December 26:
1987 Cleveland 19 - Pittsburgh 13
1993 Detroit 20 - Chicago 14
1993 Buffalo 16 - New York Jets 14
1993 Dallas 38 - Washington 3
1999 Tennessee 41 - Jacksonville 14
1999 San Diego 23 - Oakland 20
1999 Baltimore 22 - Cincinnati 0
2004 Detroit 19 - Chicago 13
2004 Dallas 13 - Washington 10
Sunday, December 23, 2012
NBA Last Place Update - December 23
In this 200th post, I hadn't planned on doing a Last Place Update for the NBA. To be honest, I have not had time to pay close attention and have only watch a couple of Hornets games so far this season, along with parts of other games. However, since there are a few teams, including my beloved Hornets (PLEASE don't change the name to Pelicans) who may be in contention to threaten the 1973 Philadelphia 76ers 9-73 record of futility. Here they are...
The 3-22 Washington Wizards are this week's Kings of the Cellar, leading the 5-22 New Orleans Hornets by a game, followed by the 6-23 Cleveland Cavaliers. The Charlotte Bobcats are in in fourth with a 7-20 record. The Wizards are 1-9 in their last ten games and have lost seven in a row. However, the Hornets lost 11 straight, but one team topped that.
Speaking of, this week's honorable mention goes to the defending Kings of the Cellar champion Charlotte Bobcats. They have lost 15 games in a row and 16 of their last 17. Their last win was on November 24 against the Wizards. In all but one of those losses, the Bobcats allowed more than 100 points. They appear to have the same kind of defense New Orleans Saints has early this season...little to none.
At this point last year, the Bobcats were 3-22. The 1973 76ers were 2-23 after 25 games. The Wizards are on pace toward grand futility at this point.
Next Losses...
The Wizards host Cleveland on Wednesday and the Orlando Magic on Friday. Then the go to Chicago on Saturday to play the Bulls. Washington has a chance to get a win or two in this stretch, if their offense shows up. If not, look for them going 0-3.
The Hornets go to Orlando to face the Magic on Wednesday and then host the Toronto Raptors on Friday. On Saturday, New Orleans travel to Charlotte to face the Bobcats. Unlike Charlotte, the Hornets have a defense, allowing 100 points or more in only 5 of their last 23 games. New Orleans should go 1-2 in this stretch and if they play well enough on the road, maybe even pull off an upset over Orlando and go 2-1.
Other Thoughts...
Hats off to the NBA's perennial losers, the Los Angeles Clippers...that is the 20-6 Los Angeles Clippers, who have the NBA's second best record and won their last 12 games. They are 7.5 games ahead of the more famous Los Angeles team, the 13-14 Lakers. Way to go, Clippers!
Do Seattle Supersonics fans miss the Oklahoma City Thunder right now? They have the league's best record at 21-5. The answer is probably as much as New Orleans Jazz fans missed the Utah Jazz during their glory days with Stockton and Malone.
The Atlanta Hawks and Falcons have winning records so far this season. Could one or both of these teams win a championship? Maybe. The last Atlanta team to win a championship was the 1995 Braves over the Cleveland Indians. The Falcons made it to Super Bowl XXXIII, but lost. The last time the Hawks won the NBA Championship, was in 1958 when they were the St. Louis Hawks. The Thrashers...well, never mind.
It is said that the average life of a blog is six months. As of this month and 200 entries later, Sports Trivia and Other Musings has tripled that statistic and still chugs on. Thank you readers, for taking the time to read my posts. You are deeply appreciated.
Merry Christmas everybody!!
The 3-22 Washington Wizards are this week's Kings of the Cellar, leading the 5-22 New Orleans Hornets by a game, followed by the 6-23 Cleveland Cavaliers. The Charlotte Bobcats are in in fourth with a 7-20 record. The Wizards are 1-9 in their last ten games and have lost seven in a row. However, the Hornets lost 11 straight, but one team topped that.
Speaking of, this week's honorable mention goes to the defending Kings of the Cellar champion Charlotte Bobcats. They have lost 15 games in a row and 16 of their last 17. Their last win was on November 24 against the Wizards. In all but one of those losses, the Bobcats allowed more than 100 points. They appear to have the same kind of defense New Orleans Saints has early this season...little to none.
At this point last year, the Bobcats were 3-22. The 1973 76ers were 2-23 after 25 games. The Wizards are on pace toward grand futility at this point.
Next Losses...
The Wizards host Cleveland on Wednesday and the Orlando Magic on Friday. Then the go to Chicago on Saturday to play the Bulls. Washington has a chance to get a win or two in this stretch, if their offense shows up. If not, look for them going 0-3.
The Hornets go to Orlando to face the Magic on Wednesday and then host the Toronto Raptors on Friday. On Saturday, New Orleans travel to Charlotte to face the Bobcats. Unlike Charlotte, the Hornets have a defense, allowing 100 points or more in only 5 of their last 23 games. New Orleans should go 1-2 in this stretch and if they play well enough on the road, maybe even pull off an upset over Orlando and go 2-1.
Other Thoughts...
Hats off to the NBA's perennial losers, the Los Angeles Clippers...that is the 20-6 Los Angeles Clippers, who have the NBA's second best record and won their last 12 games. They are 7.5 games ahead of the more famous Los Angeles team, the 13-14 Lakers. Way to go, Clippers!
Do Seattle Supersonics fans miss the Oklahoma City Thunder right now? They have the league's best record at 21-5. The answer is probably as much as New Orleans Jazz fans missed the Utah Jazz during their glory days with Stockton and Malone.
The Atlanta Hawks and Falcons have winning records so far this season. Could one or both of these teams win a championship? Maybe. The last Atlanta team to win a championship was the 1995 Braves over the Cleveland Indians. The Falcons made it to Super Bowl XXXIII, but lost. The last time the Hawks won the NBA Championship, was in 1958 when they were the St. Louis Hawks. The Thrashers...well, never mind.
It is said that the average life of a blog is six months. As of this month and 200 entries later, Sports Trivia and Other Musings has tripled that statistic and still chugs on. Thank you readers, for taking the time to read my posts. You are deeply appreciated.
Merry Christmas everybody!!
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Some NFL Series Trivia - Week 16 (Part 2)
Here's the rest of this week's series trivia. Again, the all-time series records include postseason games.
Cincinnati vs Pittsburgh: The Steelers lead the series 53-32 and is 14-4 against the Bengals since 2004. Pittsburgh leads the series at home 28-13 and is 4-1 against Cincinnati in Heinz Field since 2007. From 1970-79, Pittsburgh is 10-0 at home against Cincinnati. They met once in the playoffs, in the Wild Card round in 2006. The Steelers won that game 31-17 and went on to beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL. They went to overtime four times. The Steelers lead the overtime series 3-1, winning the last time they went to OT with the Bengals 23-17 in 2006. The last time Pittsburgh shut out Cincinnati was 15-0 in 2000. Cincinnati has never shut out Pittsburgh.
New Orleans vs Dallas: The Cowboys lead the series 15-9, but New Orleans is 6-1 against Dallas since 1998. Dallas leads the series at home 9-3, but the Saints won the last three games in Dallas. The Cowboys began the series with the Saints with an 11-1 record from 1967-84 and a 9-0 record at home from 1967-91. They never met in the postseason, but they went to overtime once, in 1984. Dallas won that game 30-27. The only shutout in the series was a 28-0 beating by the Saints over Dallas in head coach Jimmy Johnson's debut game with the Cowboys in 1989.
Indianapolis vs Kansas City: Indianapolis leads the series 13-8 and is 10-2 against the Chiefs since 1990. The Colts are 7-4 in Kansas City, but the Chiefs won their last meeting in Arrowhead Stadium in 2004, 45-35. They met in the postseason three times. Indy leads the playoff series 3-0, the last time, a 23-8 win in the Wild Card Round in 2007. They never went to overtime. The only shutout in the series was a 14-0 win by Kansas City over the Baltimore Colts in 1979.
San Diego vs New York Jets: San Diego leads the series 19-14-1, but New York is 5-2 against the Chargers since 2002. San Diego leads the series in New York 7-6, but the series is tied 2-2 there since 1991. They met in the playoffs twice, both in recent years. The Jets lead the postseason series 2-0, winning their last playoff meeting 17-14 in the AFC Divisional round in 2010. They went to overtime once, in 2005. The Jets won that game 20-17. Neither team has ever shut out the other. Their only tie was 17-17 in 1964.
Cleveland vs Denver: The Broncos lead the series 21-5 and is 9-0 against the Browns since 1991.Denver is 11-3 against Cleveland at home and is 5-1 against the Browns at both Mile High stadiums since 1990. They met in the postseason three times, all in the AFC Championship game. Denver is 3-0 in those games and they went on to lose badly in Super Bowls XXI, XXII, and XXIV. The most famous of these games was the 1986 AFC Championship in January 1987. That game featured "The Drive", when late in the fourth quarter, John Elway drove the Broncos from their own two yard line to score the tying touchdown and send the game to overtime, which they won 23-20. They went to overtime three times, which the Denver leads 3-0, their last one, a 23-20 Broncos win in 2003. In fact, Denver won all three overtime games against the Browns with the same 23-20 score. The last time Denver shut out Cleveland was 12-0 in 1992. Cleveland has never shut out Denver.
Chicago vs Arizona: This series goes back to the earliest days of the NFL, in 1920, when the Chicago Cardinals played the Decatur Staleys. Chicago leads the series 55-27-6 and is 4-2 against the Cardinals since 1990. The Cardinals trail the Bears at home 16-27-1 and they trail the Bears at 2-3 at home since 1984, when they were in St. Louis and Phoenix. Many of the Cardinals' early home games were when both teams were in Chicago and the Cardinals were designated as the home team. From December 1920 until October 1929, the Staleys/Bears were 13-1-3 against the Cardinals. Every game was a shutout, including the ties. As old as this series is, they never met in the postseason and they went to overtime only once. The Bears won that game in 1994, 19-16. The last time the Bears shut out the Cardinals was 20-0 in 1943, when both teams were in Chicago. The last time the Cardinals shut out the Bears, outside of a tie, was 3-0 in 1927. Their last tie was 7-7 in 1935. The rest of their ties, from 1921, 1925, 1926, 1929, and 1932, were all 0-0 scores.
New York Giants vs Baltimore: The Ravens lead the series 3-1, but the Giants won their last meeting. Baltimore won their only meeting at home 37-14 in 2004. Although they never went to overtime, they did meet in Super Bowl XXXV, which the Ravens won easily 34-7. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
San Francisco vs Seattle: San Francisco leads the series 14-13 and won the last four meetings. The series is tied 7-7 in Seattle and is also tied 3-3 there since 2006. When the Seahawks were in the AFC from 1976-2001, the 49er led the series 4-2. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime once. The Niners won that 2008 game 33-30. The last time Seattle shut out San Francisco was 24-0 in 2007. San Francisco has never shut out Seattle.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, December 20:
1970 Miami 45 - Buffalo 7
1970 Cleveland 27 - Denver 13
1992 Philadelphia 17 - Washington 13
1998 Atlanta 24 - Detroit 17
1998 Green Bay 30 - Tennessee 22
1998 Cincinnati 25 - Pittsburgh 24
Here's a little lagniappe. We talked about the great 1986 AFC Championship game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos, the first of the three they played. Here's a video of The Drive. I make no claims of ownership to the rights of this video.
Cincinnati vs Pittsburgh: The Steelers lead the series 53-32 and is 14-4 against the Bengals since 2004. Pittsburgh leads the series at home 28-13 and is 4-1 against Cincinnati in Heinz Field since 2007. From 1970-79, Pittsburgh is 10-0 at home against Cincinnati. They met once in the playoffs, in the Wild Card round in 2006. The Steelers won that game 31-17 and went on to beat the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL. They went to overtime four times. The Steelers lead the overtime series 3-1, winning the last time they went to OT with the Bengals 23-17 in 2006. The last time Pittsburgh shut out Cincinnati was 15-0 in 2000. Cincinnati has never shut out Pittsburgh.
New Orleans vs Dallas: The Cowboys lead the series 15-9, but New Orleans is 6-1 against Dallas since 1998. Dallas leads the series at home 9-3, but the Saints won the last three games in Dallas. The Cowboys began the series with the Saints with an 11-1 record from 1967-84 and a 9-0 record at home from 1967-91. They never met in the postseason, but they went to overtime once, in 1984. Dallas won that game 30-27. The only shutout in the series was a 28-0 beating by the Saints over Dallas in head coach Jimmy Johnson's debut game with the Cowboys in 1989.
Indianapolis vs Kansas City: Indianapolis leads the series 13-8 and is 10-2 against the Chiefs since 1990. The Colts are 7-4 in Kansas City, but the Chiefs won their last meeting in Arrowhead Stadium in 2004, 45-35. They met in the postseason three times. Indy leads the playoff series 3-0, the last time, a 23-8 win in the Wild Card Round in 2007. They never went to overtime. The only shutout in the series was a 14-0 win by Kansas City over the Baltimore Colts in 1979.
San Diego vs New York Jets: San Diego leads the series 19-14-1, but New York is 5-2 against the Chargers since 2002. San Diego leads the series in New York 7-6, but the series is tied 2-2 there since 1991. They met in the playoffs twice, both in recent years. The Jets lead the postseason series 2-0, winning their last playoff meeting 17-14 in the AFC Divisional round in 2010. They went to overtime once, in 2005. The Jets won that game 20-17. Neither team has ever shut out the other. Their only tie was 17-17 in 1964.
Cleveland vs Denver: The Broncos lead the series 21-5 and is 9-0 against the Browns since 1991.Denver is 11-3 against Cleveland at home and is 5-1 against the Browns at both Mile High stadiums since 1990. They met in the postseason three times, all in the AFC Championship game. Denver is 3-0 in those games and they went on to lose badly in Super Bowls XXI, XXII, and XXIV. The most famous of these games was the 1986 AFC Championship in January 1987. That game featured "The Drive", when late in the fourth quarter, John Elway drove the Broncos from their own two yard line to score the tying touchdown and send the game to overtime, which they won 23-20. They went to overtime three times, which the Denver leads 3-0, their last one, a 23-20 Broncos win in 2003. In fact, Denver won all three overtime games against the Browns with the same 23-20 score. The last time Denver shut out Cleveland was 12-0 in 1992. Cleveland has never shut out Denver.
Chicago vs Arizona: This series goes back to the earliest days of the NFL, in 1920, when the Chicago Cardinals played the Decatur Staleys. Chicago leads the series 55-27-6 and is 4-2 against the Cardinals since 1990. The Cardinals trail the Bears at home 16-27-1 and they trail the Bears at 2-3 at home since 1984, when they were in St. Louis and Phoenix. Many of the Cardinals' early home games were when both teams were in Chicago and the Cardinals were designated as the home team. From December 1920 until October 1929, the Staleys/Bears were 13-1-3 against the Cardinals. Every game was a shutout, including the ties. As old as this series is, they never met in the postseason and they went to overtime only once. The Bears won that game in 1994, 19-16. The last time the Bears shut out the Cardinals was 20-0 in 1943, when both teams were in Chicago. The last time the Cardinals shut out the Bears, outside of a tie, was 3-0 in 1927. Their last tie was 7-7 in 1935. The rest of their ties, from 1921, 1925, 1926, 1929, and 1932, were all 0-0 scores.
New York Giants vs Baltimore: The Ravens lead the series 3-1, but the Giants won their last meeting. Baltimore won their only meeting at home 37-14 in 2004. Although they never went to overtime, they did meet in Super Bowl XXXV, which the Ravens won easily 34-7. Neither team has ever shut out the other.
San Francisco vs Seattle: San Francisco leads the series 14-13 and won the last four meetings. The series is tied 7-7 in Seattle and is also tied 3-3 there since 2006. When the Seahawks were in the AFC from 1976-2001, the 49er led the series 4-2. They never met in the postseason, but they did go to overtime once. The Niners won that 2008 game 33-30. The last time Seattle shut out San Francisco was 24-0 in 2007. San Francisco has never shut out Seattle.
Here are some historical scores for teams playing each other this week, December 20:
1970 Miami 45 - Buffalo 7
1970 Cleveland 27 - Denver 13
1992 Philadelphia 17 - Washington 13
1998 Atlanta 24 - Detroit 17
1998 Green Bay 30 - Tennessee 22
1998 Cincinnati 25 - Pittsburgh 24
Here's a little lagniappe. We talked about the great 1986 AFC Championship game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos, the first of the three they played. Here's a video of The Drive. I make no claims of ownership to the rights of this video.
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