Author: kI8Qp6HX0lW42b4RCh1I (Page 14 of 19)

The Dallas Cowboys remain one of the most popular teams in the NFL today. While the Cowboys’ recent history hasn’t been as kind, their popularity is due in large part to their decorated history and past success. Before looking at this season’s Cowboys schedule, let’s look back at the history of “America’s Team.”

Cowboys Schedule: Past and Present

The Cowboys became a franchise as an expansion team in the NFL in 1960. In 1966, Cowboys suffered a 34-27 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFL Championship Game. The teams would meet again in the title bout the following year. The Packers would come out on top again, 21-17, in the game that has been dubbed the “Ice Bowl” due to sub-zero temperatures and a -40+ wind chill temperature.

The Cowboys reached the Super Bowl for the first time in 1970, but suffered a 16-13 loss to the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl V. The Cowboys went on to suffer another loss to the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VI the following season. Dallas also lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl X before finally beating the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII. The ‘Boys lost again to the Steelers in the Super Bowl the following year.

In 1989, Arkansas businessman Jerry Jones purchased the team and subsequently fired legendary head coach Tom Landry. Jones replaced Landry with Jimmy Johnson and the team would go on to go 1-15 in ’89. However, spearheaded by the infamous Hershel Walker trade, the Cowboys were on the brink of a renaissance.

Led by quarterback Troy Aikman, wide receiver Michael Irvin and running back Emmitt Smith, the Cowboys dominated the 1990s. The “Triplets” helped guide Dallas to victories in Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII and XXX. Dallas also won six division titles and went 12-5 in the playoffs during the decade. Aikman, Irvin and Smith all would later be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

The recent history of the Cowboys has been defined by disappointment. Since 1996, Dallas has only two playoff wins and seven postseason losses. Quarterback Tony Romo has been named to the Pro Bowl three times and led the team to a pair of division titles, but has also been directly responsible for blunders that have led to early playoff exists and crushing regular season losses.

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The Indianapolis Colts are known for having some of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. The team is also known for one of the most controversial moves in NFL history. Before looking ahead to the Colts schedule, let’s take a look back at the storied history of the franchise.

Colts Schedule: Past and Present

The Colts’ franchise was founded in 1953 in Baltimore, Maryland. The team’s moniker derives from Baltimore’s history of horse racing, most notably the Preakness Stakes. The Colts also have the distinction of being the first team to feature cheerleaders and a marching band.

After slumping through their first few season, quarterback Johnny Unitas and head coach Weeb Ewbank lead the Colts to the NFL Championship game in 1958. That year, the Colts outlasted the New York Giants in overtime, 23-17, in what is widely considered to be one of the best games in NFL history. Many have gone as far as to dub the contest the “NFL’s Greatest Game.” The Colts beat the Giants again in the 1959 title game.

In 1968, the Colts cruised to the NFL championship and were 18-point favorites in Super Bowl III. However, Baltimore was shocked by Joe Namath and the New York Jets, 16-7.
The Colts continued to play in Baltimore until 1983 season. On March 29, 1984, the Colts left Baltimore for Indianapolis in the middle of the night. Baltimore would be without a franchise until the Browns left Cleveland and became the Ravens in 1996.

The Colts started their run in Indy with the 1984 season, but they wouldn’t win their first playoff game until 1995 when Jim Harbaugh nearly led the team to the Super Bowl. In 1998, the Colts selected quarterback Peyton Manning with the top overall pick in the draft.

With Manning under center, the team would go on to have one of the greatest runs of success in NFL history. From 1999-2010, the Colts won eight division titles and appeared in the playoffs 11 of the 12 years. The run was culminated by a victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

During the 2012 offseason, the team parted ways with Manning and selected quarterback Andrew Luck with the top overall pick. Luck led the Colts to an 11-5 record and a Wild Card berth in 2012.

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The team now known as the Kansas City Chiefs began as neither the Chiefs nor in Kansas City. However, the fabric of the current NFL would be incomplete without the team. Before looking at the Chiefs schedule, let’s take a closer look at the history of the franchise.

Chiefs Schedule: Past and Present

The Chiefs’ franchise was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960. The team was based in Dallas and was known as the Texans. The Dallas Texans were one of the original members of the American Football League. In 1963, the franchise moved to Kansas City and became the Chiefs. Later, Hunt was the first person to use the term “Super Bowl,” which was derived from watching his children play with a “Super Ball.”

During their AFL run, the Chiefs won 92 games, won the league title in 1962, ’66 and ’69. The Chiefs also notched a 23-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV in 1970. During that game, Chiefs head coach Hank Stram became the first coach to wear a microphone during the Super Bowl.

The Super Bowl win remains the team’s last championship victory. In fact, the Chiefs didn’t win another playoff game until the 1991 season. Joe Montana and Marcus Allen led the Chiefs to their last playoff wins in 1993. Despite winning four division titles and two Wild Card berths, Kansas City is 0-6 in the postseason since 1994.

After finishing tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars at an NFL-worst 2-14 in 2012, the Chiefs underwent a major overhaul during the 2013 offseason. Head coach Romeo Crennel has been replaced by longtime Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid. The Chiefs also put an end to the Matt Cassel era by acquiring quarterback Alex Smith from the San Francisco 49ers. Despite their dreadful overall record, the Chiefs sent six players from their 2012 team to the Pro Bowl.

The Chiefs enter the 2013 season with on Super Bowl title, eight division titles and 16 playoff appearances. Despite all their history and previous success, the Chiefs have never won the AFC title.

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Due in large part to their uniforms, the San Diego Chargers are one of the most recognized teams in the NFL today. However, there’s much more to the “Bolts” than white helmets and powder blue jerseys. Before taking a look ahead to the new Chargers schedule, let’s take a look back at the history of the team.

Chargers Schedule: Past and Present

The Chargers are one of the original members of the American Football League, but the franchise was based in Los Angeles. The team spent one year in L.A. before moving to San Diego in 1961. In 1967, the Chargers moved to San Diego Stadium. The facility has since been renamed Qualcomm Stadium and remains the home of the team.

During its AFL run, San Diego won divisional titles in five of the first six seasons and won the AFL title in 1963. The team joined the NFL along with the rest of the AFL during the 1970 merger. The Bolts went without a playoff appearance for their first eight NFL seasons.

Led by quarterback Dan Fouts and tight end Kellen Winslow, the Chargers won three straight division titles from 1979-81. San Diego earned a memorable 41-38 overtime playoff win over the Miami Dolphins in ’81. However, the Bolts suffered a nearly as memorable 27-7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals the following week.

The 1994 season remains the franchise’s most successful to date. Led by Junior Seau and Stan Humphries, the Chargers went 11-5 and won the AFC West title. San Diego went on to stun the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history. However, the Chargers were obliterated by the San Francisco 49ers, 49-26, in Super Bowl XXIX.

The 2013 Chargers will be led by new head coach Mike McCoy, who takes over for the fired Norv Turner. The 40-year-old McCoy will be entering his first season as a head coach. He will have former Arizona Cardinals head coach and new offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt on his staff. Returning for the Bolts will be veteran quarterback Philip Rivers and tight end Antonio Gates.

The Chargers enter the new season with one conference title, 15 division titles and 18 playoff appearances.

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The Arizona Cardinals are the oldest-run professional football team in the United States. The team has taken quite the journey to Arizona in its lengthy history. Before glancing at the upcoming Cardinals schedule, let’s take a look at how the Cardinals made it to the desert.

Cardinals Schedule: Past and Present

The Cardinals’ franchise was founded in Chicago in 1898. The team would later become one of the original members of the NFL in 1920. Along with the Chicago Bears, the Cardinals are one of the only two remaining original NFL teams.

The Cardinals played in Chicago until moving to St. Louis in 1960. During the team’s stay in St. Louis, they appeared in the playoffs only three times and lost all three games. The Cards played in Missouri until bolting for Arizona after the 1987 season.

The new Phoenix Cardinals struggled in their first six years in Arizona. The Cards went 32-64 during that stretch and later decided to rename themselves the Arizona Cardinals in 1994.
The Cardinals had only one playoff win in their first 19 years in the desert. In 2007, the Cardinals named Ken Whisenhunt their new head coach. That year, they finished 8-8 to post only their third non-losing record since relocating.

Led by former MVP quarterback Kurt Warner, the Cardinals enjoyed their most successful season in Arizona in 2008. The Cards captured their first home playoff victory in 63 years en route to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. The magical campaign ended with a heartbreaking 27-23 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII.

Through all the relocations, stadiums and name changes, one thing has remained constant. The Cardinals have always had red jerseys as part of their set of uniforms since 1898.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have endured some of the worst seasons in NFL history. While the team struggled mightily for the majority of its early years, the Bucs were able to reach the top of the mountain in the new century. Let’s take a look at the team’s history before looking at the upcoming Buccaneers schedule.

Buccaneers Schedule: Past and Present

The Buccaneers broke into the NFL in 1976. Under head coach John McKay and with quarterback Steve Spurrier, the Buccaneers went 0-14 in their first season. Tampa Bay was moved to the NFC Central in 1977, but the second season started much like the first. The Bucs lost their first 12 games before finally beating the New Orleans Saints for their first victory in franchise history. Tampa Bay closed the season on a two-game winning streak.

Throughout the 80s and 90s, the Buccaneers were largely considered to be the worst team in the NFL. Beginning in 1983, the Bucs endured an NFL-record 13 straight seasons with at least 10 losses from 1983-96.

After the death of former owner Hugh Culverhouse, the course of the franchise changed dramatically after it was purchased by Malcolm Glazer in 1995 for $192-million. Tony Dungy took over as head coach in 1996. The following year, the Bucs earned their first winning season and playoff appearance since 1982.

Dungy was dismissed after the 2001 season after the Bucs were blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs. The Bucs eventually sent four draft picks and cash to the Oakland Raiders in order to get head coach Jon Gruden out of his contract. In the first season under Gruden, the Bucs went 12-4 and clobbered the Raiders, 48-21, in Super Bowl XXXVII.

Entering 2014, the Bucs have six division titles, one NFC title and the lone Super Bowl victory. The Bucs are 6-9 all-time in playoff games.

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The history of the Cleveland Browns is full of heartbreak and controversy. The Browns enter the 2013 season trying to shake decades of disappointment. Before viewing the upcoming Browns schedule, let’s take a look at years past.

Browns Schedule: Past and Present

The Browns began play as an original member of the All-America Football Conference in 1946. The team’s moniker derives from its first head coach, Paul Brown. The Browns won all four AAFC Championship Games from 1946-49.

The Browns joined the NFL after the AAFC merged in 1950. Cleveland opened NFL play with a 35-10 trouncing of the two-time defending champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Browns went on to win the championship in their first season. Cleveland would also capture the NFL title in 1954 and 1955.

In 1957, the Browns selected running back Jim Brown in the first round for the NFL draft. Four years later, the Browns were purchased by Art Modell, who fired Paul Brown in 1963. Blanton Collier took over and helped lead the Browns to the 1964 NFL title. Entering 2013, the championship is the last won by a major professional sports team in Cleveland.

The Browns had little success after the NFL-AFL merger in 1970. Cleveland lost all five of its playoff appearances from 1971-1985. The Browns finally broke through with a Divisional Round playoff victory over the in 1986, but suffered a 23-20 overtime loss to the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.

The Broncos forced overtime when John Elway engineered a 98-yard touchdown drive with 37 seconds left in the fourth quarter. “The Drive” led the first-ever AFC title game that went to overtime. In addition, it was the first of three losses to the Broncos in the AFC title game in four years.

In 1994, head coach Bill Belichick led the Browns to a Wild Card win over the Patriots. The celebration wouldn’t last long, as owner Art Modell announced in November 1995 that he was moving the team to Baltimore. The Browns moved after the 1995 season and became the Baltimore Ravens.

After being “inactive” for three seasons, a new, expansion version of the Browns joined the NFL in 1999. Since rejoining the league, the Browns have had only two winning seasons and only one playoff appearance.

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One color and one player have always been synonymous with the Denver Broncos. But there’s much more to the history of the franchise than a bright hue and a gunslinger from Stanford. Before analyzing the upcoming Broncos schedule, let’s take a closer look at their past.

Broncos Schedule: Past and Present

The Broncos joined the NFL during the merger in 1970. Denver is one of the eight original franchises that made up the American Football League. The Broncos enjoyed little success until the “Orange Crush” defense helped guide them to their first playoff appearance and AFC title in 1977. However, that team suffered a 27-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XII.

The course of the franchise changed forever upon the arrival of quarterback John Elway. The Baltimore Colts selected Elway with the first overall pick in the 1983 draft, but he refused to play for the team. The Colts would ultimately trade Elway to the Broncos in May of that year.

Elway would go on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Elway led the Broncos to Super Bowl appearances in the 1986, 1987 and 1989 seasons, but the team lost all three games. Elway and the Broncos finally broke through when they defeated Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers, 31-24, in Super Bowl XXXII. It was the first of two straight championships for Elway, who retired after winning Super Bowl XXXIII.

The Broncos had little playoff success following Elway’s departure, going 1-5 in the postseason from 1999-2010 with quarterbacks such as Jake Plummer and Brian Griese. In 2011, Tim Tebow led the team to a stunning overtime win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the celebration was short-lived as the Broncos were crushed by the Patriots in the divisional round.

During the 2012 offseason, the Broncos made the biggest headlines by signing quarterback Peyton Manning. The future Hall of Famer led the Broncos to Super Bowl XLVIII, but they suffered a 43-8 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

While Manning is now the man under center, Elway is still with the team as the vice president of football operations.

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Few teams in NFL history have more of an interesting past than the Buffalo Bills. Today, the Bills are the only NFL team billed from New York to actually play in the state. Before taking a look at the upcoming Bills schedule, let’s take a look at the team’s history and past.

Bills Schedule: Past and Present

The Bills hold the distinction of being one of the original eight teams that made up the American Football League. The Bills played in the inaugural AFL season in 1960 and moved on to the NFL during the merger in 1970. Since their inception, the Bills have been owned by Ralph Wilson. The Bills have played their home games at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park since 1973.

The franchise enjoyed its lengthiest period of success from 1988-1999. The Bills reached the playoffs in all but two of the seasons during that stretch. The Bills also won a record four consecutive conference titles from 1990-1993, but Buffalo would go on to lose in the Super Bowl all four times. After a one-point loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV, the Bills were blown out by the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys twice.

The Bills also suffered a heartbreaking 22-16 loss in the Wild Card round in 1999 to the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee scored the game-winning touchdown in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter on what will forever be known as the “Music City Miracle.” Entering 2013, the Bills have not been back to the playoffs since the loss. The stretch is the longest current playoff drought in the NFL.

Some of the all-time greats have played for the Bills, including Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Jack Kemp and Thurman Thomas. However, the Bills enter the upcoming campaign as a team seemingly stuck in neutral and once again in transition.

The 2014 campaign marks the  Bills’ 45th NFL season. The Bills have finished over .500 only once since ’99. Buffalo hasn’t won more than seven games in a season since 2004.

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Much like their helmets, logo and uniforms, the story of the Cincinnati Bengals is definitely a colorful one. The history of the Bengals is full of lengthy periods of great struggle and great success. The dark days of the 1990s have given way to a seemingly bright future. Before looking to the upcoming Bengals schedule, let’s take a glance back at the team’s history.

Bengals Schedule: Past and Present

The Bengals were founded in the American Football League by Paul Brown in 1966. The Bengals joined the AFC after the AFL and NFL merger in 1970. The Bengals won the AFC Central crown in 1970 and they repeated the feat in 1973. Cincinnati would go on to win the AFC title in 1981 and 1988, but both times the franchise was denied a Super Bowl victory by the San Francisco 49ers.

The Bengals again won the division title and reached the second round of the playoffs in 1990, but the ensuing 14 seasons would lead fans and the media to call the team the “Bungles.” The Bengals had no more than eight wins in any season from 1991-2004. The swoon was highlighted by a 2-14 record in 2002.

The current incarnation of the Bengals is led by long-time head coach Marvin Lewis and young quarterback Andy Dalton. The 2013 season will mark Lewis’ 11th year as head coach in Cincinnati. Lewis went 79-80 in his first 10 seasons with the Bengals. He has guided the team to the playoffs four times, but he is still in search of his first postseason victory.

Dalton was selected by the Bengals in the second round of the 2011 draft. He has led the Bengals to the playoffs in each of his first three seasons, but they have been beaten in the first round in all three years. Dalton is flanked by young star wide receiver A.J. Green, who was taken in the first round of the same draft.

The Bengals enter the 2014 season with two AFC titles, eight division titles and 12 playoff appearances.

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