Author: kI8Qp6HX0lW42b4RCh1I (Page 13 of 19)

The New England Patriots have gone from NFL laughing stock to undeniable dynasty during their existence. Two men are largely responsible for ushering in a new standard of excellence and a new era of the NFL. Before looking at this year’s Patriots schedule, let’s take a look back at their past.

Patriots Schedule: Past and Present

The history of the Patriots schedule begins in 1960. The Boston Patriots were one of the original eight American Football League, and the Pats beat the Buffalo Bills in the league’s first-ever preseason game. The Patriots made their only AFL playoff appearance in 1963. That year, Boston knocked off the Bills in the divisional round before suffering a 51-10 loss to the San Diego Chargers in the championship game.

After moving to the NFL during the merger in 1970, the team became the New England Patriots to coincide with their move to a new stadium for the 1971 season. The team originally wanted to change its name to the Bay City Patriots, but it was rejected by the league.

The Pats would only make three playoff appearances from 1964-1984, the first of which came in 1976. New England lost all three of the playoff games. In 1985, the Patriots went 11-5, won the AFC East title, and trounced the Miami Dolphins in the AFC title game to earn their first Super Bowl berth. The Patriots would prove to be little more than a sacrificial lamb for the Chicago Bears, who hammered the Pats, 46-10, in Super Bowl XX.

New England wouldn’t win another playoff game until head coach Bill Parcells and quarterback Drew Bledsoe led the team to Super Bowl XXXI. Once again, the Pats failed in their bid to hoist the Lombardi Trophy as they fell to the Green Bay Packers.

After an ugly situation that included a resignation, an antitrust lawsuit and a compensation package, Bill Belichick was allowed out of his contract with the New York Jets to become the new head coach of the Patriots in 2000. During the 2001 season, Bledsoe was injured in Week Two. The injury opened the door to the emergence of Tom Brady and was the first event in what later became a dynasty.

The Patriots went on to win beat the heavily-favored St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI in what would be the first of three Super Bowl titles in four years. The Pats also appeared in Super Bowl XLII and XLVI, but suffered losses to the New York Giants in each game. The Pats went 16-0 during the regular season in 2007, but their hopes of the second perfect season in NFL history were dashed by the Giants.

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The Carolina Panthers are one of the NFL’s youngest franchises. However, Carolina has accomplished a great deal during its brief history. Before taking a look at the upcoming Panthers schedule, let’s go back and look at the team’s past.

Panthers Schedule: Past and Present

The Carolinas, and more specifically Charlotte, North Carolina, was awarded an expansion franchise by the NFL in 1993. The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, would begin play during the 1995 season. Dom Capers was tabbed to be the franchise’s first head coach and the team selected Penn State quarterback Kerry Collins in the first round of the ’95 draft.

The Panthers played their home games during their first season at Clemson University because construction on their new stadium was ongoing. After beginning the year with five straight losses, the Panthers went on to post the best first-year record for a franchise team at 7-9.

The following year, Capers won Coach of the Year honors for leading Carolina to a 12-4 record and an NFC West title. The Panthers knocked off the Dallas Cowboys in the Divisional Round before suffering a 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.

The 1998 season marked the end of the Capers and Collins era. George Seifert took over as head coach in 1999. His less-than-stellar tenure was highlighted by a 1-15 finish in his final season in 2001. John Fox became head coach in 2002 and the team signed quarterback Jake Delhomme prior to the start of the 2003 season.

The Panthers enjoyed their best season in ’03, winning the NFC South title before beating the Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Rams and Philadelphia Eagles en route to their first Super Bowl appearance. Carolina suffered a heartbreaking 32-29 loss to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Carolina would reach the NFC title bout again in 2005, but fell to the Seattle Seahawks. The Panthers went 12-4 and secured a first round bye in 2008, but were on the wrong end of a shocking 33-13 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the divisional round. The loss sent the Panthers into a hole they have yet to completely crawl out of.

After finishing 2-14 in 2010, the Panthers hired Ron Rivera as head coach and selected quarterback Cam Newton with the first overall pick in the 2011 draft. Entering the 2014 Panthers schedule, the team is still looking for its first playoff win since ’05.

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Few franchises in the NFL and all of sports have a more storied history than the Green Bay Packers. In addition, no team in the NFL can claim to be more decorated than the Packers. Before examining this season’s Packers schedule, let’s take a look back at the road the franchise has taken to where they are today.

Packers Schedule: Past and Present

Earl “Curly” Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun founded the franchise in August 1919. The name Packers derives from the Indian Packing Company, who gave Lambeau $500 for uniforms and equipment in exchange for being named a sponsor.

The Packers went 4-3-3 in their first NFL season in 1922. Green Bay was named NFL champions after going 12-0 in 1929. It was the first of three straight titles during the period where the champion was selected by the league.

In 1936, the Packers knocked off the Washington Redskins in the NFL Championship Game. The Packers also came out on top in the championship game in 1939, 1944, 1961, 1962, 1965 and 1966. In ’66, the Super Bowl was introduced, pitting the NFL champion against the AFL champion.

In the first-ever Super Bowl, head coach Vince Lombardi and quarterback Bart Starr led the Packers to a 35-10 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Packers repeated the feat with a 33-14 win over the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II.

Lombardi stepped down as head coach after the 1967 season. The Hall of Famer passed away from cancer in September 1970. Shortly after his passing, the NFL renamed the Super Bowl trophy the “Vince Lombardi Trophy”.

From 1968-1992, the Packers appeared in the playoffs just twice and recorded only one postseason victory. In ’92, the Packers named Mike Holmgren head coach and acquired quarterback Brett Favre in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. In 1993, the Packers landed coveted free-agent defensive lineman Reggie White.

The trio would lead the Packers to a 35-21 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI during the 1996 season. The Packers returned to the big game the following year, but suffered a 31-24 loss to the Denver Broncos.

The Brett Favre era ended when he was traded to the New York Jets in 2008. The door opened for Aaron Rodgers, who led the Packers to a 31-25 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV just two seasons later.

Entering the 2014 Packers schedule, the team has won a record 13 NFL championships, including four Super Bowl titles.

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The Detroit Lions are indelibly linked to one of the game’s all-time greats and arguably the worst single season in the history of the game. There have been some flashes of brilliance in what has been a dim history for the team. Before looking ahead to the new Lions schedule, let’s take a look back at the history of the franchise.

Lions Schedule: Past and Present

The franchise broke into the NFL in 1930 as the Portsmouth Spartans. The team played its first four seasons as the Spartans, but financial problems during the Great Depression initiated the move to Detroit and the name change to the Lions in 1934. The moniker was chosen in homage to the Detroit Tigers.

In their first season in Detroit, the Lions began what became a tradition of playing on Thanksgiving Day. In their second season, the Lions defeated the New York Giants in the NFL Championship Game in 1935. Detroit would be absent from the playoffs until 1952 when the team won the first of two straight NFL titles. The Lions won the NFL championship again in 1957, marking the last time the team won it all.

Following the win in the title game, the Lions endured an extended period of futility. From 1958-91, the Lions appeared in the playoffs only three times and lost all three games. In 1989, the Lions drafted future Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders. Two years later, the Lions went 12-4, won the NFC Central and beat the Dallas Cowboys in the opening round of the playoffs.

Sanders rushed for 2,053 yards en route to winning Most Valuable Player honors in 1997. However, Sanders stunningly retired at the conclusion of the 1998 campaign.

In 2001, the Lions named Matt Millen their new president and CEO. The Lions went just 31-81 in the ensuing seven seasons. The misery was culminated by an 0-16 record in 2008.

Led by head coach Jim Schwartz, quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson, the Lions went 10-6 and earned a Wild Card spot in 2011. However, the Lions suffered a 45-28 loss to the New Orleans Saints that season.

In 2012, Johnson broke Jerry Rice’s record for most receiving yards in a single season, but the team stumbled to 4-12 record.

Detroit enters the 2014 Lions schedule as one of four teams to never play in a Super Bowl. The others are the Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

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The New York Jets are an easily-recognizable franchise in the NFL. However, the Jets no longer player in New York, and didn’t start out as the Jets or in the NFL. Before glancing at the new Jets schedule, let’s take a look at the Jets of years past.

Jets Schedule: Past and Present

The franchise known as the New York Jets started out as the New York Titans in 1960. The Titans were one of the original eight teams in the American Football League and spent their first three years with the moniker. The franchise was renamed the Jets in 1963. The course of the franchise continued to change when quarterback Joe Namath signed with the team in January 1965.

In 1968, Namath led the Jets to an 11-3 record and a 27-23 win over the Oakland Raiders in the AFL Championship Game. With the win, the Jets earned the right to face the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. The Colts were double-digit favorites, but Namath famously guaranteed the Jets would win three days before the game. “Broadway Joe” went on to lead the Jets to a 16-7 win over the Colts in one of the biggest upsets in football history.

The Jets reached the playoffs the following season, but didn’t appear in the postseason again until 1981. In 1982, the Jets notched two playoff victories before falling to the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Championship Game.

Formally of the crosstown-rival New York Giants, head coach Bill Parcells led the Jets to a 12-4 record and the AFC East title in 1998. The Jets ultimately lost to the Denver Broncos in the AFC title game.

In 2009, the Jets made Rex Ryan their new head coach and selected quarterback Mark Sanchez in the first round of the NFL Draft. The Jets finished 9-7 in ’09 and snuck in to the playoffs. New York knocked off the Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers before suffering a 30-17 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game. The Jets went 11-5 and reached the conference title game the following year, but against lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Jets enter the 2014 campaign in search of their first AFC title.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars hold the distinction of being the only franchise from one of the four major sports to play in the city. The Jaguars have pulled off some big wins and monumental upsets during their brief journey in the NFL. Before looking ahead to this year’s Jaguars schedule, let’s take a glimpse at the history of the franchise.

Jaguars Schedule: Past and Present

After decades of failing to land a franchise or persuade a team to move to the city, Jacksonville was awarded an expansion franchise in 1993. The city was awarded the team the same year charlotte was awarded the Carolina Panthers. Both teams made their debuts during the 1995 season.

The three final candidates for the first head coaching job were then Boston College head coach Tom Coughlin, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Tony Dungy and San Francisco 49ers assistant Mike Shanahan. Coughlin was eventually tabbed as the first head coach in franchise history.

After going just 4-12 in their first season, the Jags went 9-7 and secured a playoff berth the following year. Led by Coughlin, quarterback Mark Brunell and wide receivers Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith, the Jags stunned the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos in the first two rounds of the playoffs before losing to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. The Jags made the playoffs each year from 96-99, but failed to advance past the conference championship game.

Coughlin would be fired after the 2002 season and Brunell would eventually lose his job during the 2003 campaign. The Jaguars didn’t win another playoff game until upsetting the Steelers in Pittsburgh in the Wild Card round in 2007. Entering 2013, the Jags haven’t won a playoff game nor have they posted a record above .500 since.

In 2012, the Jaguars tied for the worst record in the NFL at 2-14. The Jags cleaned house during the offseason by firing general manager Gene Smith and head coach Mike Mularkey. David Caldwell was named the team’s new GM and Gus Bradley took over as head coach.

Entering 2014, the Jags have won two division titles and appeared in the playoffs six times during their brief history.

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The New York Giants are one of the most recognized and respected franchises in all of professional sports. From Frank Gifford and Sam Huff to Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor, some of the game’s all-time greats have suited up for “Big Blue.” Before visiting the upcoming Giants schedule, let’s revisit the franchise’s legendary past.

Giants Schedule: Past and Present

The Giants were founded for the investment of $500 by owner Tim Mara in 1925. The franchise was legally named the “New York Football Giants,” a name that remains in 2013. The “G-Men” secured the first of their four pre-AFL-NFL merger championship in 1927. The team also won in 1934, ’38, and ’56.

The first of New York’s five straight losses in the NFL Championship Game came in 1958. That year, the Giants suffered a 23-17 overtime loss to the Baltimore Colts in what many have dubbed the Greatest Game Ever Played.” New York also lost in 1959, ’61, ’62 and ’63.

The Giants would languish in mediocrity for nearly two decades, failing to reach the postseason from 1964-80. In 1979, the Giants drafted quarterback Phil Simms. In 1981, the team selected linebacker Lawrence Taylor, who helped guide the team to its first playoff berth since ’63 the same season. The course of the franchise continued its uptick when Bill Parcells was named head coach in 1983.

After suffering playoff losses in 1984 and ’85, the Giants went 14-2 and reached the Super Bowl for the first time in 1986. Simms led New York to a 39-20 victory in Super Bowl XXI. He was named MVP for his nearly flawless performance. The Giants returned to the big game in 1990 and captured a dramatic 20-19 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV.

Jim Fassel and Kerry Collins helped the Giants become the class of the NFC once again in 2007, but the Baltimore Ravens blasted them in Super Bowl XXXV, 34-7.

In 2004, the Giants made Tom Coughlin their head coach and brokered a trade with the San Diego Chargers that allowed them to acquire the draft rights to quarterback Eli Manning. After suffering back-to-back first-round playoff losses in 2005 and 2006, the Giants shockingly won the NFC title in 2007. The same year, the Giants pulled off one of the greatest upsets in NFL history by defeating the previously undefeated New England Patriots, 17-14, in Super Bowl XLII.

The teams would meet again in Super Bowl XLVII, and again Coughlin, Manning and the Giants got the best of the Patriots, 21-17. Manning won Super Bowl MVP honors in both games.

Entering the 2014 Giants schedule, they have won eight NFL titles, including four Super Bowls, 11 conference championships, 16 division titles and appeared in the playoffs 31 times.

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The Atlanta Falcons have fielded a pair of the most electrifying players to ever step on an NFL field. However, the Falcons have also had their share of controversy with the very same showstoppers. Before looking at this year’s Falcons schedule, let’s go back and look at the team’s history.

Falcons Schedule: Past and Present

The Falcons opened for business in 1965 and played their first NFL season in 1966. After failing to reach the postseason in each of their first 11 seasons, the Falcons beat the Philadelphia Eagles in their first playoff game in 1978. Atlanta wouldn’t win another playoff game until 1991.

In 1989, the Falcons drafted cornerback and future Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. The two-sport star also played for Atlanta Braves during his time with the Falcons. Sanders played with the Falcons from 89-93 and with the Braves from 91-94.

In ’91, the Falcons also drafted another future Hall of Famer in quarterback Brett Favre. However, Atlanta traded Favre to the Green Bay Packers after he only appeared in two games in his rookie season.

The Falcons were the class of the NFC in 1998. Led by head coach Dan Reeves and running back Jamal Anderson, the Falcons shocked the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. However, the celebration was short-lived as the Falcons were blown out by John Elway and the Denver Broncos, 34-19, in Super Bowl XXXII.

In 2001, the Falcons brokered a deal with the San Diego Chargers that allowed them to select quarterback Michael Vick with the top pick in the NFL Draft. Vick became one of the most popular players in the league and led the team to a pair of playoff wins, but he was suspended and ultimately jailed for his participation in a dogfighting ring after the 2006 season.

Bobby Petrino took over as head coach and Joey Harrington became quarterback in 2007. The disastrous season was highlighted by Petrino suddenly resigning to take the same job at Arkansas with three games left in the year.

The current version of the Falcons began in 2008 with the hiring of head coach Mike Smith and the drafting of quarterback Matt Ryan.

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The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the more storied franchises in the NFL. While known in part for their boisterous and unapologetic fans, the Eagles have also had extended stretches of great success. Before taking a look at the upcoming Eagles schedule, let’s go back and revisit the franchise’s history.

Eagles Schedule: Past and Present

The Eagles joined the NFL in 1933 as an expansion team. Philadelphia was granted the franchise after the Frankford Yellow Jackets went bankrupt. The Eagles began play in the NFL the same year as the Pittsburgh Steelers.

From 1933-42, the Eagles struggled mightily, finishing with no more than five wins each year. Because of World War II, the Eagles merged with the Steelers to become the “Steagles” during the 1943 season. After going 5-4-1 that year, the Eagles alone resumed play in 1944.

The Eagles appeared in their first NFL Championship Game in 1947, but lost to the Chicago Cardinals. However, Philadelphia would go on to win the next two NFL title games, beating the Cardinals and Rams. The Eagles also beat the Packers for the title in 1960, marking the last time they won a championship.

The Eagles didn’t make the playoffs again until 1978 when the team was led by head coach Dick Vermeil and quarterback Ron Jaworski. Philadelphia reached the title game in 1980, but suffered a 27-10 loss to the Raiders in Super Bowl XV.

A new era began in 1999 when the team hired head coach Andy Reid and selected quarterback Donovan McNabb in the first round of the draft. The Eagles would appear in four straight NFC title games from 2001-2004. After three straight championship game losses, Philadelphia broke through in 2004, but suffered a 24-21 loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX. The Eagles returned to the NFC title game in 2008, but fell to the Arizona Cardinals.

The Eagles stunned the football world in 2009 when they signed quarterback Michael Vick shortly after he was released from prison. Philadelphia traded McNabb in 2010 and Vick led the Eagles to the playoffs the ensuing season. However, Philadelphia hasn’t won a playoff game since 2008.

After a 4-12 2012 campaign, the Eagles fired Reid and replaced him with former Oregon head man Chip Kelly. The Eagles enter the 2014 season still in search of their first Super Bowl win.

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Some of the most legendary names in NFL history have spent time with the Miami Dolphins. In addition, the Dolphins have the distinction of fielding the only perfect team in league history. Before looking to the new Dolphins schedule, let’s take a glance back at the franchise’s history.

Dolphins Schedule: Past and Present

The Miami franchise was founded in 1966 and started play in the American Football League. The Dolphins earned their moniker after a contest was held to determine their name. The “Dolphins” were selected over more than a thousand different suggestions.

The Dolphins failed to have a winning season during their stint in the AFL, but reached the playoffs in their first season in the NFL after the merger in 1970. In 1972, the Dolphins ran the table to post the only perfect season in NFL history. The year was culminated by a 14-7 win over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. The Dolphins then dumped the Minnesota Vikings, 24-7, in Super Bowl VIII.

The Dolphins were coached by the legendary Don Shula from 1970-95. With 347 victories, Shula is the winningest coach in NFL history. Shula won five AFC titles and was named the NFL Coach of the Year four times.

In 1983, the Dolphins selected quarterback Dan Marino with the 28th overall pick in the draft. Marino would go on earn nine Pro Bowl selections, and NFL MVP honors in 1984. Marino guided the Dolphins to an appearance in Super Bowl XIX, but Miami came up short against Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers, 38-16. Marino ended up in the Hall of Fame, but was never able to lead Miami to a Super Bowl title.

Marino retired after the 1999 season and the Dolphins are still in search of his heir apparent. Miami has only one playoff victory and three playoff appearances since Marino’s retirement.
The current version of the Dolphins is led by head coach Joe Philbin and quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins went 7-9 in their first year under Philbin in 2012. The Dolphins took Tannehill with the eighth overall pick in the 2012 draft. In his rookie season, Tannehill threw for 3,294 yards, 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.

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