In the end, the Redskins got their revenge.
It was Doormat glory, and speaking of glory and bad quarterbacking, here are some interesting facts from the Doormat Hall of Blame:
George Blanda holds a record that might never be beaten, even in this modern era of quarterbacks throwing 30-40-50 passes a game. The all-time leader for most interceptions in one season goes to George, who tossed 42 interceptions while guiding the Houston Oilers to a-- wait a minute, could it be true?--an 11-3 season. Wow. Though Houston was one of the worst teams of all time in 1964-65, they nearly won the AFC in 1962, dropping the final playoff game to the Dallas Texans. Hm, the Toxins? Another Halloween tidbit there. So they are a "reanimated" team as well. The Oilers set a record for fumbles and turnovers that year. How did they do it? Because they had a winner-George.
Winner or loser, we have to recognize a true great, George Blanda. Probably the only short relief quarterback in NFL history, and one of the best and worst of all time.
So how does he stack up to Peyton Manning?
Manning Blanda
Total Yrds Passing 8704 4007
Completions 5706 1911
Percentage 65.6% 47.7%
Interceptions 222 277
Int. % 2.6 6.9
But I would pay double to see George play in his prime over Manning.
Look at that form...
Hey, check out the dust, now that's football...
I just realized that Plunkett had the same number as Blanda on the Raiders. Blanda WAS a true reliever QB, who came in whenever needed, and often to great effect. It was always fun to see Blanda get a shot in a game.
ReplyDeletehow can we have not mentioned that Blanda was a great place kicker as well. At one time he had the most points ever by a player because of combined TDs, FGs and PATs.. . who holds record for most points now? Jerry Rice?
ReplyDeleteOK, this is the third time I entered this comment. Blogger makes me nuts sometimes.
ReplyDeleteYes, Blanda did kick, and we don't forget. He may still be the leader in total points. I will check.
I saw him enter a game with under two minutes and after three or four outrageous plays got them in the end zone and then kicked the extra point himself. Loved that guy!
Here you go (from pro football reference .com). I think everyone above him is a kicker only. You have to go all the way to #98 to get to another position player, and that is Jim Brown followed by Walter Payton. Hah.
ReplyDeleteRank Player Pts Years Teams
1. Morten Andersen 2,544 1982-2007 5TM
2. Gary Anderson 2,434 1982-2004 5TM
3. Jason Hanson 2,150 1992-2012 det
4. Adam Vinatieri (42) 2,082 1996-2014 2TM
5. John Carney 2,062 1988-2010 7TM
6. Matt Stover 2,004 1991-2009 3TM
7. George Blanda+ 2,002 1949-1975 4TM
And, by the way, Blanda is in some pretty good company. Here are the all-time interception leaders:
ReplyDeleteank Player Int
1. Brett Favre 336
2. George Blanda+ 277
3. John Hadl 268
4. Vinny Testaverde 267
5. Fran Tarkenton+ 266
6. Norm Snead 257
7. Johnny Unitas+ 253
8. Dan Marino+ 252
9. Y.A. Tittle+ 248
10. Jim Hart 247
George did it with less attempts!! Blanda was always fun to see come in. The gunslinger. In a way, I put Blanda at the top of the points pile, BECAUSE he did it with his foot and arm.
ReplyDeletepassing a touchdown pass to someone doesn't get you points however. otherwise Manning who has over 500 TD passes and would have over 3000 points, So you could say Blanda was a great scorer because he did it with with feet and LEGS.
ReplyDeleteI certainly loved hearing the legendary stories of Blanda, I was only old enough to see him Kick a few times... always wanted to see him under center, though by then the Raiders had Stabler.
Blanda did score points--with his legs--by running the ball in the end zone. His interception percentage is way high, but that's because he threw into heavy coverage all the time. That's what made him so much fun to watch. I looked at photos online and it seems every picture of him is with the pocket collapsing....
ReplyDelete