Category: NFL Schedules (Page 3 of 4)

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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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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