During that time the Cowboys won two Super Bowls, played in three others, played into two NFL Championship games, and were consistently one of the top defensive teams in the NFL. The following nicknames are given to a unit (defensive, offensive and special teams) or a secondary nickname given to some teams used to describe a style of play or attitude of teams at times in accordance with phrases in popular culture of the time. Suggs claims that the reason he plays so toughly and aggressively is because he went to BallSoHard University; however, he did admit in an interview during the. Don Nelson, looking to complement his fast-breaking offense with a post presence, traded Richmond to the Kings before the 1991-92 season to end the group's run. Smith is expected to miss more time in Week 15, but he still gives the Cowboys a pair of linemen with 90.0-plus PFF grades. Due to his fear of flying, Lane road a night train to away games while the rest of the team flew. At 69 and 290lb, Lipscomb, a professional wrestler during the offseason, was one of the largest players in professional football during the 1950s. He set a record for penalty minutes in a season with 348 in 1973-74, only to top it a year later with 472. Well known for calling his own plays at the line of scrimmage and hurry-up offense. Olsen's contributions to the Rams earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame. Because they were part of the Guard & thought to be better fed than the Line. A reference to his blond hair and his alma mater, Shortening of his last name which is Gronkowski. Baltimore Sun". Patrick lays out a great case of why the forgotten defense of the 1977 Falcons might be the best ever. In 1991 and 1992, the Dome Patrol led the league in fewest points allowed. The sack statistic was not kept at this time, but most football historians believe that had it been, Deacon Jones would be the all-time leader in the category he created. Let's rank all 32 offensive lines from best to worst as we head into the new season. The Killer B's, cliched as they were, were quickly forgotten. Glanville installed a swarming, attacking, blitzing defense which came after the quarterback on every single play. Some consider that lineup to be the best lineup ever. Ed "Too Tall" Jones gave the Cowboys a menacing front four. March 2, 2023 9:59 pm ET. They were known for their ability to "turn on the juice," which was a metaphor for unleashing . Originally coined by the University of Chicago in 1939, the term "Monsters of the Midway" was appropriated by the NFL's Chicago Bears during the 1940s when George Halas and his monsters won four NFL titles. . Also self-refers as "Esteban Ochocinco". Apparent reference to his large size and penchant for eating. The Blues. 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. Nicknamed after Sheb Wooley's 1958 hit song, the line primarily featured Alan Page, Carl Eller (both Hall of Famers), Jim Marshall and Gary Larsen. Olsen is flanked in Canton by Jones, who tallied 173.5 sacks during his legendary career. True or not, the name "Doomsday" evokes a sense of fear and dread in most. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | Houston seemed to have one goal: to finish a fast break with a high-flying, thundering dunk. The nickname came after the four rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange in November 1981. When the "Great Eight" started together, the team had a .784 winning percentage. Because of his ability to carry tacklers on his back like a "bus". Led by Klecko's 21.5 sacks, the Jets led the NFL with 66 sacks in 1981. The aforementioned linebackers were Ricky Jackson (a future Hall of Fame inductee), Vaughan Johnson, Sam Mills, and Pat Swilling. 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. This might be the coolest nickname in NFL history. The Electric Company was the nickname of the offensive line of the Buffalo Bills during the mid-1970s that helped running back O.J. Riggins and the Hogs dominated Super Bowl XVII. Unfortunately for them, the Cowboys' defense was historically good that day, as Dallas forced eight turnovers in a 17-point win. The following are nicknames throughout the history of the NFL. The Bench Mob, which included Tony Delk, Tyrone Corbin, Bobby Jackson (Sixth Man of the Year in 2003), Scot Pollard and Jon Barry, among others, helped Sacramento to a league-best record and the Western Conference Finals in 2001-02. With the perfect season of 17-0, the Dolphin defense never failed in this task. There were 51 offensive linemen that were invited to the combine but . Ask, and ye shall receive (which is to say, 'NEVER ASK') Just like George Costanza in Seinfeld wanted to be called T-bone and ended up being named after a gorilla; the harder you fight a nickname, the more your buddies and pals will make you 'wear' it. 20. The group spent two seasons together (from 1989 to 1991) and advanced to the Western Conference semifinals. The unit was at its apex during the 1974 playoffs. In a pair of blockbuster deals, general manager Danny Ainge assembled an elite trio to lead the 2007-08 Boston Celtics. The No-Name defense of the Miami Dolphins had only one future Hall of Fame inductee, but it didn't matter. The story of the 1981 New York #Jets, the "Talk of the Town." New York Jets fans certainly still remember the worth of the New York Sack Exchange. They twice led the league in defense, including 1976 when they managed five shutouts and allowed 28 points over the season's final nine games. The Bills, having led the NFL in points, were favored by seven points in the game. 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. In 1986, the Giants, led by these defensive stars, went 14-2. If you recall, Buelow won the first-unit left guard role to begin the 2021 season, drew five game-opening assignments, got beat a bunch of times and watched as Ulumoo Ale and then Troy Fautanu . The group helped carry Knute Rockne's team to a 10-0 record and national championship. Cleveland Browns 2. They were known as the Purple People Eaters because of the Vikings trademark purple uniforms and team's dominating front line. The Flyers suffered a second-half collapse in the 1993-94 season and slow start in 1994-95, but once the high-scoring, physical forward line of Eric Lindros, John LeClair and Mikael Renberg came together, Philadelphia took off. Given due to his ability to make big plays. Although it later was used in reference to the 1986 Super Bowl champion Bears, the nickname first applied to the Chicago dynasty in the 1940s. Self-bestowed nickname Smart used on the back of his jersey during his time in the. 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. 1. For his speed, and his spectacular and graceful moves. A year later they nearly returned the Jets to the Super Bowl, but came up short in the AFC Championship game. Regardless of the exact makeup, the Killer Bs intimidated opposing pitchers with Craig Biggio's knack for getting on base and roping doubles while Jeff Bagwell and Lance Berkman bombed homers. Outside of the team's home market LDT was, and is, sometimes used to differentiate the player from Lawrence Taylor (L.T. The unit helped turn the Rams from an irrelevant team to a title contender by the end of the decade. He's your most boring friend. His initials and his alter ego for making catches on the sideline. 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. While there's optimism in the interior of the line which should remain solid with Cody Whitehair,. The iconic Sabres' line of Rick Martin, Gilbert Perreault and Rene Robert brought scoring flair and Fu Manchu mustaches to Buffalo from 1972 to 1979. ", "Martellus Bennett: Martellus Bennett believes he's the complete package for Chicago Bears", "Why Seahawks' Jamal Adams and Saints' Michael Thomas are suddenly underrated superstars", "Phil Robertson and Terry Bradshaw to Attend Thursday's Football Game", "A Passel Of Pro Football Immortals Recall The Early Days Of The Game", "Anthony Dixon on why he's now 'Boobie Dixon' on Bills' official roster", "Depression almost ended the life of ex-NFL QB Erik Kramer. The offense under first-year offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead has averaged 7.5 yards per play and 491.8 yards of total offense per game, scoring 21 touchdowns in four games. 7", "Hair length proposal delayed until May; defensive helmet radios approved", NFL passes "Brian Bosworth rule," linebackers can now wear jerseys numbered 40-49, "Rules of the Name, or How The Emmitt Rule Became the Emmitt Rule", "Calvin Johnson catch: Another silly NFL rule", ESPN.com: NFL votes to rein in TD celebrations, "CBA inertia? His blond hair, combined with his tendencies to throw the ball down the field, hence "bomber". The correct answer is actually Jake Scott, the Dolphins safety who won the honor in Super Bowl VII. Against John Elway and the Denver Broncos, the Giants won easily, 39-20. A more polite expression is person of mixed race. Alaska: The Last Frontier. Doom' nickname approval from legendary broadcaster", "Thriller Intro:: Double Trouble 34 28::", "Doug Pederson's Year 2 transformation: From 'Skinny Andy' to 'Dougie Fresh', "Duck tales: The surprising, duck-calling, record-breaking ride for Steelers QB Devlin Hodges", "Meet Devlin Hodges, a duck-calling champion and the Steelers' newest starting quarterback", "Devlin Hodges: Calling Ducks or Calling Football Plays", "Secondary To None Hicks & Licks May Be League's Best, And They're Out To Prove It", "Dynamic Uno David Wilson Knows Parody Football Player Nickname T Shirt", "Three Elements Fuse in Giants' Backfield", "FOX Sports Accidentally Anointed Eli Manning With a Weird Nickname We Should Definitely Use From Here on Out", "Kenny Easley Seattle Seahawks - Player BIO", "Leonard Weaver Stats | Pro-Football-Reference.com", "Winston files trademark for 'Famous Jameis', 16 Buffalo Bills with the best and worst nicknames of all time, "Willie Parker Wants To Be A Steeler Again", "Artie "Fatso" Donovan gone but never forgotten", "2014 NFL combine: TCU cornerback Jason Verrett shows what 'Feeva Island' is all about", "Josh Gordon: Will 'Flash' Ever Find His Way? As time evolved the Cowboys continued their defensive excellence and the Doomsday name continued to stick with them. The unit has been mostly bad in pass protection, allowing a league-high 20 sacks, which is five fewer than the team gave up in all of 2020. Nevertheless, if they can get healthy, they could be a top-10 unit in the second half of the season. 11:06 am ET. The 11 players on an offensive unit are split into five categories of players: Quarterback Play on Brees's last name and his perception as the savior of Saints Football. The team was crucial to Gordon's success, though, as he won four Winston Cup (now Sprint Cup) titles between 1995 and 2001. But still, they seemingly haven't missed a. Drafted as a wide receiver by the Minnesota Vikings, on Brett Favre's insistence Joe Webb was signed to the team as a back-up QB. Doomsday indeed, if a losing player actually won MVP in a title game. But . But the "Monsters of the Midway" moniker didn't allude to a particular unit during that point in time. The biggest problem Pro Football Focus has with the Raiders is at center with Andre James, who is a complete unknown. In three of those years they also allowed the fewest points in the league. Any line missing Quenton Nelson for large periods would struggle. ttarr the Vendel Crow: So given because after he was slain in a battle at Vendill, his body was eaten by crows. The 1980 Cleveland Browns' heart-stopping season included 12 games decided by a touchdown or less. For his devastatingly big hitting ability. More Offensive Line Rankings: 32-22 | 10-1. After creating it, select the units you want to be a part of it and ctrl+click on the offensive line. College Football News Preview 2022 preseason unit rankings . His first initial and jersey number combined, also for his deep play ability. 1. But they also played good baseball. Top-Rated offensive line Nicknames offensive lines Offensive lineman O line Creative offensive lineup offensive linesman Crimson Kohler big offensive lines playoffensive line groffensive line offensive linehan popoffensive line offensive lined runoffensive line offensive liners payoffensive line joffensive line woodroffensive line Naming Things", "Sports E-Cyclopedia History of the Pittsburgh Steelers", "SUPER BOWL XXIII; Bengals Hope Defense Will Stay Offensive", "Denver Broncos: Elway Through the Years: 1987", "Sports E-cyclopedia: Dallas Cowboys, see 2005", "Everything to know about the origins of the 49ers' YAC Bros", "Deebo Samuel gives awesome 'YAC Bros' nickname to 49ers' pass catchers", "Green, Monk Selected to NFL Hall of Fame", "At 216 Games, Green Does His Energizer Imitation", "Fred 'Air' McNair's legacy lives on at Alcorn State", "Adrian Peterson, Ex-Oklahoma Running Back", "Ambrose Schindler followed his own road to success at USC and beyond", "Jack Tatum #32 The man, the legend, the "Assassin", "Terrell Suggs explains Ball So Hard University", "Seattle Seahawks S Kam Chancellor's nickname explained", Beast Mode goes Speak Mode, optimistic about Seahawks running game, "Players react to GM Brandon Beane's extension", "Big Baller Brand set to deliver to customers, fulfilling LaVar's vision", "The 49ers can't stop raving about Brock Purdy's huge balls", "How 49ers QB Brock Purdy earned his NSFW nickname: 'He's got some cojones to him', "His Hugeness: Ohio State's Dan Wilkinson, All 308 Pounds of Him, Is Fulfilling Family Responsibility as NFL's Top Draft Prospect", "The brief career of 'Big Daddy' Lipscomb", "I am Connor Barwin, a Philadelphia Eagles linebacker, a music lover, a philanthropist, a renaissance man. The 1985 Bears defense ranked first in yards allowed and fewest points allowed. A play on his last name and famed Western character, In March 2019, Oliver posted a picture on. After a 1989 change in FIBA laws opened the doors for professional basketball players to compete in the Olympics, the "Dream Team" was promptly assembled for the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. Named after the brand of pacifier he enjoyed as a baby. It played an important role . Defensive coordinator Belichick limited the Bills high-flying attack by dropping seven and eight men in coverage. Sports Nicknames: 20,000 Professionals Worldwide by Terry W. 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Name bestowed after Moats laid a clean, but particularly devastating hit on, Carolina Panthers running back duo from 2008 to 2014, previously known as Smash and Dash, Hodges, in addition to his football playing, is a world-class champion, Allusion to an incident which allegedly occurred when he was in college as well as a take on one-time teammate Jerome Bettis' nickname, "The Bus", Play on his first name, Eli, and the word. The Big Three capped off the season with a championship and made another NBA Finals appearance in 2010. The Jets' lack of postseason success is what ultimately led to them not being higher on this list. Lynch later named his, Given to him during his time as Bills GM in the 2020s for his popularity with the team's players. Fittingly, the MVP of Miami's first Super Bowl win was a defensive player: safety Jack Scott, whose two interceptions helped the Dolphins secure the franchise's first Super Bowl win. Maybe I'll take from my "what should we name our secondary thread" to call our Offensive Line "The Electric Fence." EDIT: Didn't realize this was a previous response for the idea. Tag them with a great nickname and they become a legendary unit. 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. This is a tribute to those aptly named units and the legacy their names provide to this day. Although the exact makeup up the Houston Astros' Killer Bs changed over time, the nickname first appeared in 1996. Harvey Martin dominated offensive linemen and was named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade team. Washington's powerful offensive line paved the way to three titles and four Super Bowl appearances. Pro Football Reference also views the Cowboys' offensive line as an elite unit, especially in the running game . The Lakers also solidified their connection to Hollywood during this time, as home games became must-see events. All were members of the the New York Jets defensive line. Bednarik worked as a concrete salesman during the NFL's offseason and was known for his hard hits and persistent endurance. The Orange Crush's high point was the 1977 season. That much most people know. With the the second ranked defense in the NFL, the Broncos reached their first Super Bowl. Online Marketing For Your Business In Super Bowl IX, it shut out Minnesota's offense while holding the Vikings to 102 total yards. While the entire unit has been hailed the Steel Curtain, the nickname -- the greatest for a unit in league annals -- was created initially for Pittsburgh's dominant defensive front. The Steel Curtain obliged, sort of, yielding 17 rushing yards on21 carries. When the unit was formed it did not have a regimental number. Leeman Bennett, a former assistant under Chuck Knox, was the team's new head coach in '77. Miami Dolphins running back duo from 1968 to 1974; named after. Borne mostly from a still-legendary 1991 recruiting class and led by a center a year older, the O-line from the perfect 12-0 season can be overlooked amid 1994's abundance of offensive riches. ", "Brady rule: Steps taken to protect QBs' knees", "Rules of the Name, or How the Emmitt Rule Became the Emmitt Rule", "NFL.com Laying down the Law in New England", "New Orleans Saints have a chance at the "Bird Gauntlet", "Go Deep! The Jets' defensive line of Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam was among the NFL's best in the early 1980s. Since 2015, the Bengals have drafted 12 offensive linemen.