Online Marketing For Your Business The '82 unit, a group that included Russ Grimm, Joe Jacoby and Mark May, powered an offense that featured ageless fullback John Riggins. The nickname made a resurgence with the Bears' Super Bowl run in 1985. For his defensive coordinator Bennett hired Jerry Glanville. The Rams' offense was the best show on any surface. A journeyman quarterback whose NFL career was quite brief, Corcoran earned a reputation for pomposity in high school when, coming onto the field in a clean uniform after a rainstorm, he drew a cheer of "hail to the King!" But either way, the Pistons were champions. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. The unit may never have been better than in the 1972 title run. They are remembered through the decades and recalled with fondness at their clever title, memorable players, and menacing presence. The nickname in question refers to Zuerlein's ability of making field goals from a distance. The Lakers also solidified their connection to Hollywood during this time, as home games became must-see events. In Super Bowl XVII, the Killer B's were unable to contain John Riggins and the Washington Redskins' powerful running game. Mix had a degree in law at the time he played professional football. Nickname given due to Spygate and several other Patriots scandals. Apparent reference to his large size and penchant for eating. His tendency to blitz despite being a safety. Riggins and the Hogs dominated Super Bowl XVII. Names which are marked by an asterisk (*) are team nicknames which may have been coined by team members or local media, but never became well known to the public outside of the teams media market for a multitude of reasons, but most likely due to poor performance. Throughout the league's history, a number of rules have been enacted largely because of exploits on the field by a single coach, owner, player, or referee. Simpson bestowed this nickname on his offensive line because they "turned on the Juice." The Sweeps. While playing for the University of Miami, the tall, thin Hendricks gained the nickname The Mad Stork., Combination of maple (due to his Canadian heritage) and Megatron (due to the similarities to, Because of his physical running style and reputation for repeatedly breaking tackles, Prolific Miami Dolphins wide receiver duo of the 1980s who shared the same first name (also a reference to the, In reference to Matt Ryan's ability to have long game-winning drives under pressure (and pejoratively for Ryan's tendency to go "ice cold" during playoff games); also a play on "Natty Ice", a low-end beer brewed by, A reference to his large frame, comparing him to a, A reference to his Christian ministry as an ordained, While not many would draw comparisons between the diminutive, Given to him in reference to his big-time corner play, Given to him by Cowboys backup quarterback. A confluence of the letter B gave rise to a topical nickname for the 1982 Miami Dolphin defense. Fittingly, Jones is created with coining the term "sack.". He's your most short-tempered friend . He's your shortest friend. Also self-refers as "Esteban Ochocinco". Chuck Howley and Lee Roy Jordan were staples at linebacker for the Doomsday during their early heyday. USC rode its rowdy defense to the 1970 Rose Bowl victory. However, the lone departure, Anthony Castonzo, was one. With the perfect season of 17-0, the Dolphin defense never failed in this task. A subset of the Wild Bunch, the Smurfs were a group of diminutive wide receivers for the Redskins in the 1980s. But still, they seemingly haven't missed a. This page was last edited on 1 March 2023, at 21:15. The name persisted somewhat as, although they would later qualify for the playoffs several times since then, they did not win a playoff game until their defeat of . 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For his speed, and his spectacular and graceful moves. Pro Football Focus' Ben Linsey ranked the best . He traded away many draft picks -- including seven to his former team, the Rams -- in exchange for six veterans. He's your laziest friend. Defenses cowered in fear when the Detroit Red Wings' Production Line came to town. Bringing baggy shorts, trash talk and hip hop flair to college basketball, the group -- considered by some to be the best recruiting class ever -- led Michigan to the national championship game in 1992 and 1993. Maroney and Wieber chose "fierce" because they said it described their floor routines. Minnesota advanced to the Super Bowl four times between 1970 and 1977 but lost each time. The aggressive defense continued in a 10-3 victory over Michigan in the Rose Bowl. A nickname coined by his teammates on the Washington Redskins after peeing himself constantly during his career. The Bears defense was led by head coach Mike Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. Relying on physical defense, Bill Laimbeer, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Dennis Rodman and the rest of the Bad Boys pushed, shoved, elbowed and beat their opponents. The Broncos of the 70s sported Popsicle orange uniforms. Miami Dolphins running back duo from 1968 to 1974; named after. College Football News Preview 2022 preseason unit rankings . . Originally known as the Fab Five, the group opted for an adjective change after Jalen Rose of the famous Michigan basketball Fab Five complained. ", His initials. All Rights Reserved. College football unit rankings - the offensive lines. The nickname was given by a Denver-area distributor of Orange Crush soda, and it helped propel the Broncos to national recognition. The great Doomsday Defense of the Dallas Cowboys likely possess the most menacing name on this list. The quote was from Vikings Pro Bowl running back Chuck Foreman during Super Bowl IX. Jim Kelly was perhaps best known for running the Bills' "No-Huddle Offense", which was fast-paced and denied opposing defenses the opportunity to make timely substitutions, establishing the Buffalo Bills as one of the NFL's most successful and dangerous offenses. Because they were part of the Guard & thought to be better fed than the Line. The New York Stock Exchange had plenty of style, they also had substance. The punt returner had a scattershot running style akin to a, For his ability to defeat tight coverage, even double coverage, and make big plays. The Warriors' high-scoring trio of Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin took a nickname inspired by the rap group Run-D.M.C. from a spectator. Led by Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, Dan Hampton, Otis Wilson, Steve McMichael, Dave Duerson, Gary Fencik and William "Refrigerator" Perry, the unit allowed 10 total points during its three playoff wins, with seven of those points coming in garbage time late in Super Bowl XX, a game Chicago won 46-10. The Steelers won the Super Bowl in 1975, 1976, 1979 and 1980. A nickname that carried on from high school to the pros due to his quickness while running the ball. The tandem also was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010. Who would you add to the list. The Cowboys field the NFL's best offensive line when everyone is healthy, but Tyron Smith is all of a sudden back to dealing with nagging injuries. The duo is largely responsible for the Vikings fielding such a stiff run defense, and they make it nearly impossible for the opposition to consistently gain yardage between the tackles. Merlin Olson and Deacon Jones led the Los Angeles Rams defense line in the 1960s and early 1970s. Entering the 1977 season, the Falcons had had only two winning seasons in their 11 year history. offensive line unit nicknames1h20 meaning in finance1h20 meaning in finance A few of them were just fun and creative while being more of a reflection of the fan base than of the actual unit. The Dome Patrol never won a playoff game, but they certainly gave New Orleans a measure of respect when it came to football. The Detroit Lions have built the foundation to become one of the strongest offensive line units in the league, according to one PFF analyst. Arkansas: The Natural State, Land of Opportunity . An allusion to. Last year's Outland Trophy winner can play all five spots on the line. The linebacker corp featured the dominant Lawrence Taylor (NFL MVP in 1986), Carl Banks, Harry Carson, and Gary Reasons. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. . The quartet, comprised of Rosey Grier, Deacon Jones, Lamar Lundy and Merlin Olson, imposed their will on opposing offenses. Alaska: The Last Frontier. I'll Hit Ya': John Elway: He's a Living Legend, on the Field and in Comic Books", "Harbaugh brothers take 49ers, Ravens to Super Bowl", "Greatest Moments in Lambeau Field History", "NFL players taking to the trend of customized facemasks NFL", "Saints penalty: Since when NFL stand for 'No Fun League'? If excellence in defensive football is measured by preventing your opponent from scoring as many points as your team in a given game, then the 1972 Dolphins defense was the best ever. Named after the brand of pacifier he enjoyed as a baby. 1st Dragoon Guards. Through the NFL's first 102 seasons, several units were so memorable that a nickname was bestowed upon them. Patrick lays out a great case of why the forgotten defense of the 1977 Falcons might be the best ever. Regarding their nickname, it is difficult to determine if it came from art imitating life ,or life imitating art. The Giants cruised to Super Bowl XXI. It also continued to popularize the NFL while showcasing the personalities of the players who dominated the sport. His immense size in comparison to other defensive linemen. More Offensive Line Rankings: 32-22 | 10-1. pass defense or interception). Given due to his ability to make big plays. The Los Angeles Rams had two future Hall of Famers on its defensive line in the'60s with the Fearsome Foursome. His initials and his alter ego for making catches on the sideline. Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. In 1969 all four members started for the NFL in the Pro Bowl, but the Purple People Eaters were more than their front four. Belichick and Parcells instructed their defense to attack and intimidate Buffalo receivers with relentless physical punishment on every play. Lewis had the ability to hit players very hard and often injured them: many players compared one of Lewis's hits to the feeling of running into a brick wall. From 1969-1976 the Purple People Eaters finished in the top three for total defense seven times and were first in the league three times. His ability to cover wide receivers was compared to being stranded on an island. . Here's a listing of the often colorful nicknames of the 50 states. From 1972 to 1979, the Steel Curtain never finished below seventh in total defense. Wallace led with his head frequently during his playing career, a tactic that in hindsight Wallace suspected may have caused brain damage later in life. A reference to his blond hair and his alma mater, Shortening of his last name which is Gronkowski. It has been used for Joe Flacco for his cool demeanor, especially during the postseason. 19761980 New Orleans Saints dynamic running back duo known as "Thunder and Lightning". Then, they swept the Cardinals to win the franchise's first World Series in 85 years and lift the Curse of the Bambino.