ClubSocial: 2020-10-25

BBC NEWS - US Election 2020: Biden and Trump in last weekend dash round swing states

Joe Biden is in Michigan while Donald Trump arrives in Pennsylvania, both key to the White House race.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2020-54765586

BBC NEWS - US election: The big issue that could hurt Trump

Just ahead of the election, the US is seeing what could be the largest outbreak of the pandemic so far.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2020-54754797

BBC NEWS - US election 2020: 'It just makes me feel like a nobody'

Former prisoner Davion Hampton from Florida wants to vote in this US election. But he can't.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2020-54754798

BBC NEWS - US election: 'All Republicans should marry Democrats'

Chenren and Cathy Shao haven't let political differences get in the way of their eight-year marriage.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2020-54754800

BBC NEWS - US election 2020: The great dividing line of this campaign

For some Americans, civil unrest after police shootings is driving their support for Donald Trump.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2020-54754792

Christians Worldwide Mark International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Millions of Christians worldwide will unite on Sunday, Nov. 1 to join the global Body of Christ for the 2020 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted (IDOP).

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Christians Worldwide Mark International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

Millions of Christians worldwide will unite on Sunday, Nov. 1 to join the global Body of Christ for the 2020 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted (IDOP).

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New on Sports Illustrated: In Impressive Starting Debut, the Young D.J. Uiagalelei Shows He's Up for the Challenge

The true freshman QB had an impressive starting debut, but the stakes will be even higher next week.

So far, so very good for D.J. Uiagalelei. But the next challenge is so very big.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Saturday after his team’s 34–28 comeback victory over Boston College that star quarterback Trevor Lawrence won’t play next week at Notre Dame. That will be his second straight missed game after testing positive for COVID-19 Thursday. And that means the showdown of top-five teams in South Bend will be the second collegiate start for Uiagalelei, the five-star freshman from California.

His first start was pretty spectacular: 30 of 41 passing for 342 yards and two touchdowns, plus another touchdown rushing. Uiagalelei’s rocket arm, athleticism and poise were all on display against the Eagles, as he led Clemson back from an 18-point deficit—the largest home comeback in school history.

“It shows he has the heart of a champion,” said Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott.

Despite that shiny first college start, the Tigers surely would feel better taking on the Fighting Irish with Lawrence, who has a 31–1 record as a college starter. Lawrence’s 10-day Atlantic Coast Conference window since testing positive would be closed in time for him to play against the Irish, but Swinney said Saturday that “you have the cardiac part. He won’t be able to get through that in time to play.”

The ACC’s cardiac protocols were released in August: “Based on the [medical advisory group’s] consultation with multiple cardiologists, at a minimum, every student-athlete, symptomatic or otherwise, who tested positive shall undergo a cardiac evaluation that includes an electrocardiogram (ECG), a troponin test, and an echocardiogram after isolation and before a phased return to exercise and re-acclimatization.” However, as Sports Illustrated reported earlier this week, some sports cardiologists are no longer recommending any cardiac screenings for those who experience mild or no symptoms. Lawrence has said he has mild symptoms.

Barring some change in protocol or diagnostic timing, Uiagalelei’s next start will be against a Notre Dame defense that entered this Saturday second nationally in scoring defense (9.8 points allowed) among teams that have played more than one game, and fourth in total defense (273 yards allowed). The Irish backed that up by throttling Georgia Tech Saturday, allowing only one offensive touchdown in a 31–13 stroll.

While the challenge will be great, don’t expect Uiagalelei to be rattled by it. He’s been a big deal for years, a phenom prospect who played for the Southern California powerhouse St. John Bosco High School. He didn’t come to Clemson to avoid the spotlight.

“I’ve been preparing myself like I was a starter all along,” he said Saturday. “I was ready to go.”

News came down of Lawrence’s positive test Thursday at 12:45 p.m., according to Elliott. Swinney found Uiagalelei in the quarterback room at the Clemson football facility, studying film, and informed him that he was now the starting QB for the No. 1 team in the nation.

What followed was a 48-hour crash course with the starting offense, but both Uiagalelei and Elliott said the gameplan for B.C. didn’t really change from what it had been all week. Elliott gave him a list of potential play calls, and Uiagalelei checked off the ones he liked and those he didn’t, as usual. Lawrence texted his support Thursday and again Saturday morning.

“I was just bummed out he couldn’t play,” Uiagalelei said. “He told me he had total faith in me.”

Among the other texts D.J. received was one from former USC star Reggie Bush, who Uiagalelei said is his favorite player. When that one came in he thought, “Dang, I’ve got to play good today.”

And then he did. Uiagalelei had a pedestrian 108.25 pass efficiency rating through Clemson’s first six games, completing 12 of 19 passes for 102 yards. His efficiency rating Saturday: 159.34.

“We pressured him a bunch but they did a good job protecting,” Boston College coach Jeff Hafley said. “They did a great job on third down. We tried to rattle him, we tried to get after him on third down. … He’s got a big time arm. He’s a good kid and he’s got a bright future. I would have loved to rattle him a bit more but they did a good job protecting and executing. Hats off to him, he’s going to be a really good football player.”

Thing is, Uiagalelei had to be good, because this was a major struggle for Clemson as a whole against the Eagles.

Boston College rolled through the Tigers defense for touchdowns on its first two possessions, taking a 14–7 lead into the second quarter. Then Clemson turned a touchdown drive into a disaster at the goal line, when Uiagaeleli and star running back Travis Etienne botched a handoff—a mistake Elliott attributed to Etienne. B.C. defensive back Brandon Sebastian scooped it and ran 97 yards the other way for a shocking 21–7 lead.

That marked the first time Clemson had trailed by two touchdowns in six years. And it got worse from there.

The deficit grew to 28–10 after another long Eagles drive. But from that point on, the Tigers defense finally took control and Uiagalelei calmly guided four scoring drives to regain the lead.

“What I loved the most was his poise, demeanor,” Swinney said of his freshman QB. “He led the team. Everybody saw what we saw all the time as far as his demeanor."

Elliott began the game giving Uiagalelei a steady diet of short throws, most of them quick plays that didn’t require much reading of the B.C. safeties. But as the game progressed the playbook opened, and there were more throws downfield. Senior receiver Cornell Powell, who Elliott said was “really challenged” by Swinney this week to step up amid multiple injuries at that position, responded with career highs of 11 catches and 105 yards (his previous highs were five and 50, respectively).

But the true security blanket was, as always, Etienne. He became the ACC’s all-time leading rusher during the game, but it was his receiving out of the backfield that provided Clemson’s biggest weapon. He had seven catches for 140 yards and finished the game with 264 all-purpose yards.

Etienne will be counted on all the more in South Bend next week, as the journey without the best player in college football ratchets up a notch in terms of difficulty. But the Tigers also can go into that road showdown knowing that their next great quarterback is talented enough and confident enough for that challenge.

More Clemson Coverage From SI.com:

Uncommon Victory Gives Clemson Confidence Going Forward
Trevor Lawrence Sends Message to Teammates After BC Win
Bryan Bresee Prides Himself on Not Making Same Mistake Twice

November 01, 2020 at 05:09AM
In Impressive Starting Debut, the Young D.J. Uiagalelei Shows He's Up for the Challenge

Murder charge following alleged brawl in Brisbane's east

Police allege the fight broke out between two men, who were known to each other, after one arrived at a Tingalpa address about 8pm on Friday.

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Sports vouchers for vulnerable school kids as Victoria records another 'doughnut' day

Vulnerable Victorian school children will be supported back onto netball courts, football fields and cricket nets as part of a $45.2 million investment in children's sport.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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A different emergency: How Ambulance Victoria failed its own

Ambulance Victoria chief Tony Walker has assured those who come forward that they will be protected - even if they signed a confidentiality agreement.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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It is time for WA to stop dragging back our nation on climate change

Far from destroying economies, action on climate change is unlocking an incredible wave of investment, innovation and jobs.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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Perth IT director faces lengthy jail term after deleting client data

It was alleged after Next-Tel investigated the disruptions they found Pollard, 41, connected to their network and deleted a number of client user accounts.

from Sydney Morning Herald - National
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After U.S. Election Day, battleground to shift to courts

Two countervailing forces are competing to determine the outcome of the 2020 elections' highest-stakes contests before the close of voting on November 3.

President Trump and his Republican al

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Murder charge following alleged brawl in Brisbane's east

Police allege the fight broke out between two men, who were known to each other, after one arrived at a Tingalpa address about 8pm on Friday.

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Bottas bags pole at Imola as Hamilton rues poor lap

Valtteri Bottas took pole position for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola on Saturday with Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton lamenting a poor lap and qualifying second.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Sports vouchers for vulnerable school kids as Victoria records another 'doughnut' day

Queensland election 2020: Counting continues to determine what shape Labor government will take

Labor is still celebrating its win in the 2020 Queensland election, but the final makeup of the government is still very much in play, with the results of many seats still to be finalised.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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A different emergency: How Ambulance Victoria failed its own

Ambulance Victoria chief Tony Walker has assured those who come forward that they will be protected - even if they signed a confidentiality agreement.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Liverpool go top, wins for Chelsea and Man City

Liverpool moved clear at the top of the Premier League with a hard-fought 2-1 win over West Ham United, while Chelsea and Manchester City also enjoyed victories.

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England beat Italy, take Six Nations title after France win

Completing a COVID-delayed Six Nations, England claimed another title on points difference after dispatching Italy and watching the French beat Ireland.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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It is time for WA to stop dragging back our nation on climate change

Far from destroying economies, action on climate change is unlocking an incredible wave of investment, innovation and jobs.

from Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News
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Perth IT director faces lengthy jail term after deleting client data

BBC NEWS - US election 2020: Fact-checking Trump and Biden's final week

The presidential campaigns are coming to an end. We've fact-checked the candidates' latest claims.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2020-54736083

New on Sports Illustrated: 10 Best Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Players of All Time

These are the top 10 Pittsburgh Steelers defensive players of all time. The Steelers have always been known for tough defense and these are the men that built that reputation.

Linebacker James Harrison is one of the best defensive players in Steelers' history.

There are two ways to win a football game: score more points than your opponent or prevent them from scoring more points than you. For the last fifty years, the Steelers have excelled at the latter.

During the ‘70s, the Steelers' Steel Curtain defense was a 4–3 scheme with a dominant front four, three athletic linebackers and hard-hitting defensive backs. The ‘90s ushered in the Blitzburgh era, marked by hyper-aggressive linebackers who relentlessly ran down quarterbacks. During the Super Bowl years of the mid-2000s, the addition of a roving, tenacious, strong safety made the Steelers defense even more dangerous.

The Steelers defense has ranked in the top five for points allowed in a season 17 times since 1972. During that same period, Pittsburgh has won six Super Bowls and eight AFC championships. Even during the pre-Super Bowl era, when the Steelers rarely posted a winning season, they still fielded powerful defenses. In 1957, the Steelers ranked first in the NFL for yards allowed and second for points allowed.

Choosing the Top Defenders in Steelers History

The players on this list are the best Steelers defensive players of all time. They made the cut based on:

their dominance during the time in which they played,
stats and accolades,
contributions to championships,
and overall value to the Steelers organization.

Ultimately, these players on this list are not only the greatest defensive players in Steeler franchise history but also some of the best the NFL has ever seen.

10. Jack Butler

Defensive Back, 1951–59

Today, Jack Butler is somewhat of an unsung hero from pre-Super-Bowl-era Steelers lore. While it is true that the franchise struggled through most of its early history, there were bright spots and a few superstars, and Butler was one of them.

In nine seasons, he intercepted an impressive 52 passes and took four of them back for touchdowns. He ranks second in franchise history for career interceptions, behind only Mel Blount. He made four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams even though the Steelers could only put together two winning seasons during Butler’s tenure.

Butler finally joined other great Steelers in the Hall of Fame when he was enshrined with the class of 2012, more than 50 years after his retirement from the NFL. He is an all-time Steelers great from a time when greatness was hard to come by.

Jersey Number: 80

Accolades

4 Pro Bowls
3 All-Pro Selections
Hall of Fame Class of 2012

Stats

9 Seasons
104 Games
52 Interceptions for 827 Yards and 4 Touchdowns
10 Fumble Recoveries for 38 Yards and 1 Touchdown

9. Kevin Greene

Linebacker, 1993–95

It is tough to decide where Kevin Greene should rank among the best Steelers defensive players. He is a Hall of Famer and one of the top linebackers of all time, a pass-rushing machine with a nonstop motor. He played opposite fellow outside linebacker Greg Lloyd in an aggressive 3–4 defense, and the pair pummeled quarterbacks for three amazing seasons in Pittsburgh. Greene’s time in the Steel City culminated in a trip to Super Bowl XXX, an achievement he played no small part in.

On the other hand, he only spent three seasons in Pittsburgh before moving on to the Panthers after the Super Bowl season of 1995. For that reason alone, it seems unfair to rank him higher than other Steelers greats who spent all or most of their careers in the black and gold. Greene is one of those players that Steeler Nation sure would have liked to have stuck around longer.

Jersey Number: 91

Accolades

2 Pro Bowls
1 All-Pro Selection
Hall of Fame Class of 2016

Stats

3 Seasons
48 Games
35.5 Sacks
1 Interception
6 Fumble Recoveries

8. Ernie Stautner

Defensive Tackle, 1950–63

Like Jack Butler, Ernie Stautner was a Hall-of-Fame-caliber defensive player during an era when the Steelers rarely posted a winning season. Undersized at only 230 pounds, he made up for it with toughness and tenacity. Thanks to his gritty style of play, Stautner and players like him began to cultivate the reputation for tough, hard-hitting defensive football that the Steelers are still known for today.

Stautner made the Pro Bowl roster nine times and the All-Pro team once in his 14-year career. In 1964, the Steelers retired his No. 70 jersey. For a long time, he was the only player in Steeler franchise history to have his jersey retired by the franchise, though Joe Greene joined him in that honor in 2014. Ernie Stautner was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the class of 1969.

Jersey Number: 70

Accolades

9 Pro Bowls
1 All-Pro Selection
Hall of Fame Class of 1969

Stats

14 Seasons
173 Games
2 Interceptions
23 Fumble Recoveries
3 Safeties

7. Mel Blount

Cornerback, 1970–83

Mel Blount was one of the toughest cornerbacks of his era. At 6’3” tall, he towered over most wide receivers and his physical playing style fit in perfectly with Pittsburgh's Steel Curtain defense. Blount’s aggressive abuse of receivers eventually led to a rule change and today, defensive backs are no longer allowed to contact receivers more than five yards beyond the line of scrimmage.

Blount played 200 games as a Steeler, intercepted 57 passes and made five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. In 1975, he earned the award for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and throughout the ‘70s, he helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls. Blount was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the class of 1989.

Jersey Number: 47

Accolades

5 Pro Bowls
2 All-Pro Selections
4 Super Bowl Championships
1975 Defensive Player of the Year
Hall of Fame Class of 1989

Stats

14 Seasons
200 Games
57 Interceptions for 736 Yards and 2 Touchdowns
13 Fumble Recoveries, 2 Touchdowns

James Harrison (92) is the Steelers' All-Time sack leader.

6. James Harrison

Linebacker, 2002, 2004–12, 2014–2017

Linebacker James Harrison chased down quarterbacks for 14 seasons with the Steelers. He is the franchise’s all-time leading pass rusher with 80.5 sacks, and he played a major role in two Super Bowl championships. He made five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams during 177 games as a Steeler and he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. Harrison's 100-yard interception return in Super Bowl XLIII helped solidify one of the biggest wins in Steelers' history.

Harrison took the long road to NFL stardom and struggled to make the roster with both the Steelers and Ravens as a young player. He spent some time with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe before returning to the Steelers and eventually becoming a full-time starter in 2007. The rest is history, as Harrison went on to become one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the NFL and a major problem for any offensive coordinator that faced the Steelers.

Jersey Number: 92

Accolades

5 Pro Bowls
2 All-Pro Selections
2 Super Bowl Championships
2008 Defensive Player of the Year

Stats

14 Seasons
177 Games
80.5 Sacks
7 Interceptions for 86 Yards
8 Fumble Recoveries

5. Rod Woodson

Cornerback, 1987–96

Woodson was a cornerback and return man with blazing speed. Drafted by the Steelers in 1987, he made his first of six straight Pro Bowls in 1989. In 10 seasons as a Steeler, he made a total of seven Pro Bowls and was voted an All-Pro five times. He intercepted 38 passes and returned five for touchdowns. Woodson was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.

As a return man, Woodson ran back two kicks and two punts for scores during his time with the Steelers. He was a star player during a time when the Steelers had few and a scoring threat any time he got his hands on the ball. Because of Woodson and other players in the early ‘90s, the Steelers were able to return to their former glory and make the playoffs under new head coach Bill Cowher. Woodson missed the 1995 regular season with a knee injury but still managed to play in the Super Bowl that year. Woodson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

Jersey Number: 26

Accolades

7 Pro Bowls
5 All-Pro Selections
1993 Defensive Player of the Year
Hall of Fame Class of 2009

Stats

Seasons 10
134 Games
38 Interceptions for 779 Yards and 5 Touchdowns
21 Fumbles Recovered for 1 Touchdown
257 Punt Returns for 2,362 Yards and 2 Touchdowns
220 Kick Returns for 4,894 Yards and 2 Touchdowns

4. Jack Ham

Linebacker, 1971–82

Jack Ham was not only the best outside linebacker ever to put on a Steelers uniform, but he was also one of the best in NFL history. He came to the Steelers in 1971 as part of a draft class that included safety Mike Wagner and defensive tackle Ernie Holmes, two more defensive stars who, along with Ham, were part of the Steelers dynasty of the '70s.

Ham made eight straight Pro Bowls and six straight All-Pro teams in his 12 seasons with the Steelers. He was an excellent all-around athlete with the strength to handle blockers, the speed to cover running backs and the intelligence to make the right decisions. He was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the class of 1988.

Jersey Number: 59

Accolades

8 Pro Bowls
6 All-Pro Selections
4 Super Bowl Championships
Hall of Fame Class of 1988

Stats

12 Seasons
162 Games
32 Interceptions for 218 yards and 1 Touchdown
21 Fumble Recoveries for 1 Touchdown
3 Sacks

Troy Polamalu (43) is one of the best defensive players in Steelers history.

3. Troy Polamalu

Safety, 2003–14

As a Steelers fan, it is fun to imagine how much sleep offensive coordinators must have lost during the nights before facing Troy Polamalu and the Pittsburgh defense. While the Pittsburgh pass rush and run defense were highly ranked in the mid-2000s, Troy Polamalu was the heart and soul of the defense.

Polamalu was an unpredictable terror with the freedom to make made bold decisions that offenses often didn’t expect. In his prime, he seemed to be everywhere at once and there was little an opposing quarterback could do to avoid him. During 12 seasons, he helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls and three AFC championships. He made eight Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. He intercepted 32 passes, recovered seven fumbles, and in 158 games, he scored five defensive touchdowns.

Jersey Number: 43

Accolades

8 Pro Bowls
4 All-Pro Selections
2010 Defensive Player of the Year
2 Super Bowl Championships

Stats

12 Seasons
158 Games
32 Interceptions for 398 Yards and 3 Touchdowns
7 Fumbles Recovered for 2 Touchdowns
12 Sacks

2. Jack Lambert

Linebacker, 1974–84

As a rookie, Jack Lambert filled in at middle linebacker when starter Henry Davis got injured. Davis never got his job back. Lambert earned Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974, and Defensive Player of the Year in 1976. Throughout 11 seasons, he made nine Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams.

Lambert was a terrifying presence with missing front teeth and a perpetual scowl on his face. He wore huge shoulder pads with a neck roll, and at 6’4”, he loomed over quarterbacks before the snap like a dark, menacing storm cloud. In reality, he was an undersized linebacker even for his era. Though listed at 220 pounds, according to some accounts, he was much lighter.

It didn’t matter. Lambert was ferocious on the field and seemed to treat every play like a street fight. He set the tone for an unforgiving Pittsburgh defense that won four Super Bowl championships for the Steelers. Today he is regarded as one of the best middle linebackers ever to play the game.

Lambert was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the class of 1990.

Jersey Number: 58

Accolades

9 Pro Bowls
6 All-Pro Selections
1974 Defensive Rookie of the Year
1976 Defensive Player of the Year
4 Super Bowl Championships
Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Stats

11 Seasons
146 Games
28 Interceptions for 243 Yards
17 Fumble Recoveries
8 Sacks

1. Joe Greene

Defensive Tackle, 1969–81

Though it might be hard to imagine today, the years before the arrival of head coach Chuck Noll in 1969 were dark days for the Steelers. With the exception of a few years here and there, for the better part of four decades, the Steelers were rarely able to cobble together a winning season.

In 1969, Noll drafted a defensive tackle named Joe Greene, and the tide began to turn. Greene was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1969, and the Steelers continued to draft well over the next few years. By 1972, the Steelers had their first winning season since 1963 and defeated the Raiders for the franchise’s first-ever playoff win. In 1974, the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl.

The Steelers won three more Super Bowls during the 1970s and are widely considered the Team of the Decade. Today, Pittsburgh is one of the most successful NFL franchises in history. It all started with Joe Greene.

“Mean” Joe Greene played for 13 seasons in Pittsburgh. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1972 and '74, and he made an amazing 10 Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams. Greene was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2014, he joined Ernie Stautner as one of two Steelers to ever have their jersey numbers officially retired by the organization.

Jersey Number: 75

Accolades

10 Pro Bowls
4 All-Pro Selections
1969 Defensive Rookie of the Year
1972 Defensive Player of the Year
1974 Defensive Player of the Year
4 Super Bowl Championships
Hall of Fame Class of 1987

Stats

13 Seasons
181 Games
1 Interception for 26 Yards
1 Fumble Recovery

Who Is the Best Steelers Defensive Player of All Time?

Joe Greene is the greatest Steelers player of all time and is regarded as one of the best defensive tackles ever to play in the NFL. He made more Pro Bowls than any other Steeler in history and earned Defensive Player of the Year twice. He was a hard-nosed player who didn’t tolerate losing and set the tone for the Steel Curtain defense.

Joey Porter, former player and linebackers coach for the Steelers, was a hard-charging linebacker who played with a ton of heart.

Honorable Mentions

L.C. Greenwood

Defensive End, 1969–81

Greenwood arrived in Pittsburgh with the 1969 draft—the same year as Joe Greene. The pair lined up alongside each other from 1969 to '81 and made up half of the original Steel Curtain defensive line. Greenwood made six Pro Bowls and two All-Pro rosters. Many Steelers fans believe he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

Donnie Shell

Safety, 1974–87

Shell is an old-school Steeler who was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. He helped win four Super Bowls and intercepted 51 passes in his 14-year career. He made the Pro Bowl five times and All-Pro three times.

Greg Lloyd

Linebacker, 1988–97

Lloyd was an intimidating linebacker with a bad on-field attitude who would have fit in perfectly with the Steelers of the 1970s. He made five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams as a Steeler and racked up a total of 53.5 sacks. Lloyd helped the Steelers make it back to the Super Bowl in 1995 where they lost to the Cowboys.

Jason Gildon

Linebacker, 1994–2003

Gildon’s 77 career sacks rank him second behind James Harrison in franchise history. He was a prototypical Steelers pass rusher who made three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team during his time in Pittsburgh.

Carnell Lake

Defensive Back, 1989–98

Lake was a linebacker in college who became a Pro-Bowl safety in the NFL. He had an All-Pro season at cornerback as well when Steelers cornerback Rod Woodson left and Coach Bill Cowher asked Lake to fill in. During his time in Pittsburgh, Lake made the Pro Bowl four times and All-Pro once.

Joey Porter

Linebacker, 1999–2006

Porter was an aggressive pass rusher who tallied 60 sacks during his eight years as a Steeler, putting him third in team history. He made three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro roster as Steeler and helped Pittsburgh win a Super Bowl in 2005.

Steelers All-Time Sacks Leaders

Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Records

Interceptions All-Time

Mel Blount (1970-1983): 57

Interceptions in a Season

Mel Blount (1975): 11

Sacks All-Time

James Harrison (2002–17): 80.5

Sacks in a Season

James Harrison (2008): 16

Safeties All-Time

Ernie Stautner (1950–63): 3

Bill McPeak (1949–57): 3

Steelers All-Time Interception Leaders

What Was the Steel Curtain?

Most Steelers fans have heard about the Steel Curtain defense. It has become a term practically synonymous with Pittsburgh football, but it is occasionally misused and misunderstood. The era of the Steel Curtain was a specific time period in the 1970s, and while it is poetic to use the term for modern Steelers defenses, it really isn't accurate.

The Steel Curtain often is used to refer to the entire Steelers defense of the '70s Super Bowl period, a definition that is acceptable in the eyes of most Steelers fans. However, Steelers sticklers will tell you the term Steel Curtain refers only to the front four defensive linemen.

Who Were the Original Steel Curtain?

L.C. Greenwood: Defensive End
Joe Greene: Defensive Tackle
Ernie Holmes: Defensive Tackle
Dwight White: Defensive End

These four players teamed up from 1971 to '77, making for one of the greatest defensive lines in NFL history. Holmes left the team in '77 and was replaced by defensive tackles John Banaszak, Gary Dunn and Steve Furness for the final two Super Bowls championships of the era.

Top-Ranked Steelers Defenses

Defense Wins Championships

They say that defense wins championships, but this may no longer be true in the modern NFL. I'm not convinced an NFL team can win a Super Bowl today without a great quarterback and a powerful offense. Even the best defenses struggle to contain the top-level, high-scoring offenses in the modern-era NFL.

But if you do happen to have a great quarterback and an offense capable of putting four touchdowns on the board every game, a strong defense can still make a big difference. Games in today's NFL are often battles of attrition, and stopping your opponent from scoring more points than you is still a valid game plan.

The Steelers of the '70s stopped offenses in their tracks with a tenacious front four called the Steel Curtain. Blitzburgh of the '90s relentlessly chased down quarterbacks. The Steelers defense of the mid-2000s confused opponents with a ferocious pass rush and an unpredictable All-Pro strong safety.

The Steelers of today still play great defense . . . maybe even championship caliber. But without an offense that can put points on the board, they may never achieve what their predecessors had.

Time will tell. The NFL is always changing, and defenses today have more to worry about than any other time in the history of the league.

Stats and Reference

Pro Football Reference

October 31, 2020 at 05:50AM
10 Best Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Players of All Time

Djokovic crushed by 'lucky loser' Sonego in Vienna quarters

Novak Djokovic lost for only the third time this year after a listless effort in the Erste Bank Open quarter-finals and walked away happy on Friday.

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Wolves beat Palace 2-0, climb to third in Premier League

Wolverhampton Wanderers moved up to third in the Premier League after beating Crystal Palace 2-0 on Friday.

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Ronaldo recovers from virus and is back for Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo has recovered from the coronavirus after 19 days and three missed matches for Juventus, the club announced on Friday.

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Trump launches rally blitz as America braces for election unrest

Businesses in some of America's biggest cities are boarding up their shopfronts in anticipation of potential damage on election day.

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BBC NEWS - Coronavirus: Slovakia holds national test but president calls for delay

Everyone in Slovakia over the age of 10 is to be tested for Covid - but the president is sceptical.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54747022

BBC NEWS - Covid: Belgium announces return to national lockdown

Non-essential shops will close until mid-December to help curb the highest infection rate in Europe.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-54752194

BBC NEWS - US election: What Latino first-time voters want

Every 30 seconds, a Latino in the US turns 18 and becomes eligible to vote.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-54754415

BBC NEWS - Berlin airport opens... 10 years late

Berlin's new airport is finally opening to the public, 10 years behind schedule and billions over budget.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-54754565

New on Sports Illustrated: Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe Get Engaged

The power couple met at the 2016 Rio Olympics and were the first openly gay couple to appear on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue.

Power couple Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are engaged.

Bird posted a photo on Instagram of Rapinoe on one knee, putting a ring on the Seattle Storm guard's left hand ring finger.

The couple met at a sponsor event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and hit it off. They were the first openly gay couple to appear on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue.

Since Bird revealed the two were dating, the Seattle sports stars became an iconic couple within the LGBTQ community. Bird's authentic history features three-time WNBA champion with the Storm, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, a three-time FIBA World Champion, and two NCAA titles at UConn.

Rapinoe has an equally impressive resume, boasting an Olympic gold medal along with two gold and one silver Women’s World Cup medals, and the 2005 NCAA title from her time at the University of Portland.

Rapinoe and Bird have been outspoken in their support of one another, both writing pieces in Player's Tribune within the last year. The soccer legend wrote a WNBA Finals Preview earlier this month while the basketball icon penned "So the President F*cking Hates My Girlfriend" as a World Cup Semifinals preview in July 2019.

The two are often seen supporting each other on the sidelines, like when Bird cheered on as Rapinoe (who was a co-captain of the US Women's National Soccer Team) led her team to victory in the 2019 World Cup and vice versa when Bird and the Seattle Storm dominated the 2020 WNBA Finals.

As the Seattle Storm tweeted, it's ring season for the two love birds.

October 31, 2020 at 05:32AM
Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe Get Engaged

Africa: Digital Press Briefing About the U.S. Government Prosper Africa Initiative

[State Department] A digital press conference with Victoria Whitney, COO of the U.S. government's Prosper Africa Initiative discussing how Prosper Africa is unlocking billions of dollars of U.S. investment across the African continent and share exciting new Prosper Africa announcements from the recent Investing in Africa's Future conference.

from AllAfrica News: Africa
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'Wild weather' on the way so south-east Queenslanders urged to vote early

Thunderstorms with possible hail are predicted on Saturday afternoon as voters decide who will be Queensland's next premier.

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Spotting a Manolo from a no-no: the case of the alleged counterfeit heels

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Thousands rally behind calls to sack Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas

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US Coronavirus Cases Surpass 9 Million

The U.S. surpassed 9 million confirmed coronavirus cases Friday, recording 1 million new cases in just two weeks, according to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center.

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'Wild weather' on the way so south-east Queenslanders urged to vote early

Thunderstorms with possible hail are predicted on Saturday afternoon as voters decide who will be Queensland's next premier.

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'Rehearsed, fully in command': Diana found her voice in BBC interview

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Spotting a Manolo from a no-no: the case of the alleged counterfeit heels

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Cats veteran Taylor calls time on his AFL career

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Ask a Reporter: Today, you will answer the biggest Queensland election question of them all

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'No chance' of playing BBL, says bubble-weary Smith

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'Hard yakka' as Atlassian's quarterly profit takes a hit

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What crisis? Red dirt billionaires still rule the rich list

The challenges of biblical bush fires, a pandemic and a growing trade battle with China didn't hurt the fortunes of our richest 200 Australians, who grew their wealth by $72 billion to $424 billion in 2020.

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Gallery: The best photos from around the world

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The bad news for the Wallabies is that the All Blacks respect them

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'Words have consequences': Turkey's Erdogan cited in wave of deaths in France

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'If he belongs, then maybe a few more of us belong, too'

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'$3000 - woo hoo': Readers respond to Australia Post's Cartier bonuses

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I chose my best friend as my 'life partner' over romantic love

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Getting too many texts? Blame the election

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from BBC News - Technology https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-54688474

BBC NEWS - US Election 2020: Trump and Biden duel in critical state of Florida

Democrat Biden's lead over the US president is narrower in must-win states, with Florida a key prize.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-us-2020-54742419

BBC NEWS - Coronavirus hardship in Mexico, Nigeria and Bangladesh

Three people from around the world who lost their jobs during the pandemic explain how it has affected their lives.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-54734073

BBC NEWS - 'We asked Trump to stop playing YMCA' - Village People singer Victor Willis

Village People's lead singer says he doesn't endorse the US president, who regularly plays the classic at rallies.

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from BBC News - World https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-54740177

BBC NEWS : Covid: What impact has the furlough scheme had?

As the furlough scheme draws to a close, how much did it cost and did it achieve its aims?

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from BBC News - Business
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BBC NEWS : Furlough: ‘In limbo’ or ‘one long garden party'?

Furlough was a welcome holiday for some but for others it was a long and anxious waiting game.

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from BBC News - Business
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BBC NEWS : Job Support Scheme: How do new post-furlough changes work?

The government has expanded its Job Support Scheme, which replaces furlough from November.

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from BBC News - Business
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BBC NEWS : ‘It’s all about survival now'

How are Tottenham residents coping after the area had one of the highest furlough rates in London?

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BBC NEWS : How do I find a new job during Covid and which sectors are hiring?

Jobseekers are having a tough time at the moment, but support is available.

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BBC NEWS : CEO Secrets: The aviation workers starting new businesses

We hear from three people who have started their own companies during the downturn in aviation.

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from BBC News - Business
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New on Sports Illustrated: Dabo Swinney Would Be 'Surprised' if Trevor Lawrence Returned to Clemson

Clemson's Dabo Swinney said Thursday he'd be "surprised" if Trevor Lawrence returned for his senior season, but left some wiggle room in his response.

Clemson's Dabo Swinney weighed in on his quarterback's future on Thursday, saying he'd be "surprised" if Trevor Lawrence returned for his senior season. But like Lawrence did earlier this week, Swinney left some wiggle room in his response.

Lawrence said to reporters earlier this week that he is open to returning to Clemson for his senior season despite being the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

"My mindset has been that I'm going to move on," Lawrence said. "But who knows? There's a lot of things that could happen."

During an appearance on SiriusXM's ESPNU Radio with Mark Packer, Swinney was asked whether there was anything to read into those comments from Lawrence.

"I didn't read anything into it. Don't really care," Swinney said. "He's going to do whatever he needs to do. I'm going to save a scholarship for him just in case. I'm not real worried about it. He ain't worried about it, either. He's got one thing on his mind and that's leading the Tigers and having a great season this year.

"We'll certainly let him stay if that's what he wants to do. But I'd be surprised if he's back with the Tigers next year, but who knows? You never know. I didn't think Christian Wilkins was coming back, but he did."

Lawrence is arguably the most highly-touted quarterback since Andrew Luck, and Jets fans are already talking about the possibility of the Clemson star joining their team.

Former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum also chimed into the conversation.

“From the old Parcells is he built to last standard? I think this guy has a much better chance of having a sustainable career than the last three number one picks, for a number of reasons,” Tannenbaum said. “Especially when you look at [Baker] Mayfield and [Kyler] Murray. This guy is born to play the position. He looks the part from a physical standpoint. I think he can withstand the rigors of the NFL season right now.”

Over the last several seasons, Clemson has seen projected first-rounders come back for their senior seasons, such as Wilkins and Clelin Ferrell in 2018 and running back Travis Etienne this season. Lawrence making that same choice, however, would be a surprise for the program, as Swinney noted.

Lawrence has already tallied 1,833 yards and 17 touchdowns in just six games this season. He's 31-1 as a starter and frontrunner for the 2020 Heisman Trophy.

October 30, 2020 at 05:36AM
Dabo Swinney Would Be 'Surprised' if Trevor Lawrence Returned to Clemson

New on Sports Illustrated: The Top 5 Quarterbacks in Philadelphia Eagles History

Though the Eagles have been in the NFL since 1933, they haven't had as many truly great quarterbacks as one might expect. Still, the team is fortunate to have been led by some impressive quarterbacks. This article counts down the top five as well as a few honorable mentions.

Confetti falls as (from right) QB Carson Wentz, backup QB Nate Sudfeld, Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles and owner Jeffrey Lurie ride a float during the Eagles Super Bowl LII victory parade, Feb. 8, 2018.

Greatest Eagles Quarterbacks of All Time

Some teams have had an embarrassment of riches at the most important position in the game: quarterback. The Packers basically went from Bart Starr to Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers. The 49ers went from Joe Montana to Steve Young. The Patriots had Tom Brady—who is better all by himself than all the quarterbacks that some teams have had in their entire history combined. Super Bowl wins and enshrinement in the Hall of Fame are normal for some franchise's quarterbacks.

Not so much for the Eagles. If you look at the Hall of Fame, the Eagles don't have a single quarterback who spent the majority of his career playing for the franchise.

Selection Criteria

I was born in 1968, so while I have seen some great Eagles quarterbacks in my day, I spent far too many seasons watching the likes of Bubby Brister, Jeff Kemp, Rodney Peete, A.J. Feeley, Bobby Hoying, Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Kevin Kolb and the Detmer brothers, Ty and Koy, lead the Eagles absolutely nowhere. Oh, the humanity!

Despite this history, there actually have been a few truly great quarterbacks who have led the Eagles—and we will count down the top five here.

For the purpose of this list, I considered only the statistics and accomplishments accumulated while playing for the Eagles. This caveat may upset some fans, but it's the only way to do a list like this.

5. Ron Jaworski

Eagles QB: 1977–86
Drafted: Second-round pick by the Rams in the 1973 NFL Draft out of Youngstown State
Acquired: Via trade with the Rams in 1977
Eagles Hall of Fame Inductee: 1992

Selected in the second round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Rams, Ron Jaworski was traded to the Eagles in 1977. Known affectionately as "Jaws," he teamed with new coach Dick Vermeil to slowly build the Eagles into a winner. Jaworski led Philadelphia to the playoffs in the 1978 and '79 seasons, but the team had early playoff exits both years. Then came the magical season of 1980.

Jaworski and the Eagles started out the 1980 season 11–1, en route to winning the NFC East with a 12–4 record. The Eagles beat the Vikings in the divisional round of the playoffs before heading to one of the biggest games in the franchise's history.

The Eagles had lost 19 of the previous 23 games they had played against their biggest rival, the Cowboys. Now, Jaworski was leading them into the NFC championship game against that rival. The Eagles reversed their fortunes and beat the Cowboys 20–7 to reach their first Super Bowl in franchise history. The Super Bowl against the Raiders was not Jaworski's or the Eagles' finest hour as they lost 27–10, but it was still an amazing season.

Jaworski completed 57% of his passes for 3,529 yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions for a 91.0 passer rating during that 1980 season. That earned him first-team All-Pro honors along with several other awards. He still has the record for the second-most yards (26,963) and second-most touchdowns (175) in franchise history.

He finished his Eagles career with a record of 69-67-1, and he started all 16 games during five different seasons. He remains an icon in the city of Philadelphia to this day, and he fits nicely at No. 5 on the all-time list of the greatest Eagles quarterbacks.

4. Tommy Thompson

Eagles QB: 1941–50
Signed: Undrafted free agent signed by the Steelers out of Tulsa
Signed With the Eagles: 1941

Anyone who isn't currently getting a senior citizen discount never got a chance to see Tommy Thompson play quarterback for the Eagles. As old as I am, I can honestly say that I included him on this list strictly on his accomplishments. I say accomplishments, because his statistics weren't exactly great.

While he was technically on the Eagles for 10 years, he actually played only eight seasons. He missed the 1943 and '44 seasons because he was serving in the Army during World War II. During the eight seasons he played, he was a part-time starter who threw for only 10,240 yards with 90 touchdowns and 100 interceptions. These numbers may not sound very impressive, but here's why I believe Thompson deserves to be on this list.

He led the Eagles to three straight NFL championship games in 1947, '48 and '49. The Eagles won the title in 1948 and '49 in bad weather conditions, so Thompson didn't have great stats. But anybody who watched the Eagles lose two Super Bowls due to subpar quarterback play can appreciate a guy who managed to win it all, even as a game manager.

That doesn't mean Thompson was never great. He led the NFL with 25 touchdown passes in 1948. His statistics for the 1949 season were downright dominant for the time. He led the NFL in passer rating (84.4) and touchdown percentage (7.5); it was the third straight season he led the NFL in that category. He completed 54.2% of his passes for 1,727 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. It's also important to remember that the NFL was a very different game in the 1940s. Those stats were enough to earn Thompson an All-Pro nod—and the No. 4 spot on this list.

3. Randall Cunningham

Eagles QB: 1985–95
Drafted: Second-round pick by the Eagles in the 1985 NFL Draft out of UNLV
Eagles Hall of Fame Inductee: 2009

Once dubbed "The Ultimate Weapon" by Sports Illustrated, Randall Cunningham redefined the quarterback position in the NFL. Quarterbacks were traditionally pocket passers before Cunningham burst onto the scene. His ability to throw the ball nearly the length of the field and scramble like a running back was just the beginning of the NFL's evolution at the quarterback position.

Cunningham played sparingly during his first two seasons while backing up Ron Jaworski, but he took over as the starter in Week 11 of the 1986 season. By the 1988 season, Cunningham was leading the Eagles to the NFC East division title and the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Eagles lost "The Fog Bowl" to the Bears, 20–12, but Cunningham threw for 407 yards. That was only the beginning of big things for the Eagles quarterback.

The 1990 season saw Cunningham win the NFL MVP Award by completing 58.3% of his passes for 3,466 yards, 30 touchdowns and 13 interceptions for a 91.6 passer rating. He also had 118 carries for an additional 942 yards and five touchdowns. He led the team to a 10–6 record and another playoff berth.

Unfortunately, Cunningham's 1991 season ended in Week 1 when Green Bay's Bryce Paup sacked him and tore his ACL. The following season, Cunningham returned and won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. He threw for 2,775 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for a 87.3 passer rating. He added another 549 yards rushing and five touchdowns. He capped the 1992 season by leading the Eagles to their first playoff win in 12 years. But it was obvious that the knee injury had robbed Cunningham of some of his mobility.

The following seasons were marred by injuries, and a switch to the West Coast offense led to Rodney Peete taking over as quarterback. Cunningham soured on the game at that point and retired from football after the 1995 season. He came out of retirement with the Vikings, but that's a story for another article.

Cunningham compiled a 63-43-1 record with the Eagles, but his playoff record was only 1–4. He is still third in passing yards (22,877) and sixth in rushing yards (4,482) in franchise history. His 4,928 rushing yards are still the third-most in NFL history by a quarterback.

Cunningham's Eagles career didn't fully deliver on the promise of his unparalleled talents, and it ended on a sour note, but it was still plenty good enough to be considered No. 3 in franchise history.

2. Nick Foles

Eagles QB: 2012–14 and 2017–18
Drafted: Third-round pick by the Eagles in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Arizona

Some may argue that No. 2 is too high a ranking for Nick Foles, but it's hard to argue with the numbers. Not to mention the fact that he is the only quarterback in Eagles history to ever win a Super Bowl.

The Eagles selected Foles in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, but he didn't get into a game until Week 10 of that season when Michael Vick got hurt. Foles made his first NFL start the next week, marking the beginning of this unlikely legend. Even though he went 1–6 in 2012, he became the first rookie in NFL history to throw for 240 yards per game while completing 60% of his passes. Breaking records would soon become his norm.

Foles lost a training camp battle to Vick in 2013, but Vick eventually got hurt in Week 5. Foles started Weeks 6 and 7, but the genius that was Chip Kelly decided to start Vick again in Week 8. Vick promptly got hurt again, and it was back to Foles for good. That's when one of the greatest seasons an NFL quarterback has ever had really took off.

Foles decided that he needed another NFL record to break. In Week 9, he tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes against the Raiders.

For the season, he went 82 in his 10 starts and led the Eagles to a surprising NFC East division title. He lost his first playoff start that year, but he left the field with a lead late in the fourth quarter—only to have his special teams give up a long return before the defense allowed a game-winning field goal to the Saints. As impressive as that was, his stats were even better. He completed 64% of his passes for 2,891 yards, 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions, and he had a league-leading 119.2 passer rating during that 2013 season.

The next season wasn't kind to Foles. He had pedestrian stats before his season was ended early in Week 9 by a broken collarbone. Chip Kelly proved once again that he was in over his head when he traded Foles to the Rams for Sam Bradford. Foles played for the Rams in 2015 and then the Chiefs in '16. He then re-signed with the Eagles in 2017 to back up Carson Wentz.

Every Eagles fan knows what happened next. Wentz got hurt in Week 14, and Foles led the Eagles to the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history.

Foles completed 28 of 43 passes for 373 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in the Super Bowl. He also became the first player in NFL history to both throw and catch a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl. His famous play call (Philly Philly) is still immortalized with a statue outside of Lincoln Financial Field today. I walk by it every home game on my way to my seats.

Nick Foles Stats (in only 32 starts)

Highest career passer rating in team history (93.2)
Highest single-season passer rating in team history (119.2 in 2013)
9th in franchise passing yards (8,703)
8th in franchise touchdown passes (58)
Lowest interception percentage in a season in team history (0.63 in 2013)
Most yards passing in a game in team history (471 on Dec. 23, 2018, vs. the Texans)
Most touchdown passes in a game (7 on Nov. 3, 2013, at Raiders), which tied a franchise and NFL record
His 27 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions in 2013 was the best TD-INT ratio in NFL history at the time
His 119.2 passer rating in 2013 is 3rd all-time, trailing only Aaron Rodgers' 122.5 rating in '11 and Peyton Manning's 121.4 rating in '04

Foles may have been an Eagle for only five seasons, but they were five mostly magical seasons that included the franchise's only Lombardi Trophy.

Former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb throws a pass during Super Bowl XXXIX.

1. Donovan McNabb

Eagles QB: 1999–2009
Drafted: No. 2 overall pick by the Eagles in the 1999 NFL Draft out of Syracuse

Donovan McNabb didn't have the normal career of a top franchise quarterback, but that doesn't mean that he didn't put up the numbers and wins to earn this spot at the top of this ranking.

The Eagles took McNabb with the second overall pick of the 1999 NFL Draft. The franchise quarterback didn't receive the warmest of welcomes, however, as a busload of knuckleheads went to the draft to boo his selection. Unfortunately, McNabb never forgave Eagles fans, as a whole, for the misdeeds of a handful of fans. This thin-skinned reaction would become the norm for McNabb, and it kept him from becoming the beloved icon a franchise quarterback in Philadelphia should be.

McNabb's rookie year was uneventful as he only started six games. The starter in those other games during the 1999 season? None other than the current Eagles head coach and Super Bowl champion, Doug Pederson. By the next season, McNabb was entrenched as the starter and would remain there for a decade.

McNabb led the Eagles to the playoffs in his first season as the starter in 2000 and even won a playoff game. In 2001, he led the team to the playoffs again and they advanced to their first NFC championship game since 1980. Losing to the Rams "Greatest Show on Turf" team was certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, this would be the first of numerous failed attempts in the NFC championship game; McNabb would have a record of 1–4 in that game. Of course, at this point, the fans had no reason to doubt that McNabb was going to lead the team to greatness.

The Eagles won the NFC East four straight years between 2001 and '04 while McNabb was establishing himself as one of the stars of the league. The only problem was that he couldn't get that last win to get his team into the Super Bowl. That all changed in 2004 when head coach Andy Reid finally decided it would be a good idea for a passing offense to have a great wide receiver. The Eagles got Terrell Owens, who teamed with McNabb to lead the team to the promised land.

Unfortunately, McNabb once again couldn't come through in the biggest game of the season as he coughed up the Super Bowl to the Patriots. This was during the heyday of their Spygate days. But that doesn't mean that 2004 wasn't a magical season. In fact, it was the best season of McNabb's career.

In 2004, McNabb became the first quarterback in NFL history to finish the season with over 30 touchdown passes and fewer than 10 interceptions. He completed 64% of his passes for 3,875 yards, 31 touchdowns and 8 interceptions for a 104.7 passer rating. He also added three rushing touchdowns on only 41 carries.

The Super Bowl hangover was real for the Eagles the next season. T.O. wanted a new contract and began feuding with McNabb. The whole circus ended up with Owens doing sit-ups in his driveway while reporters tried to ask him questions about being banished from the team. McNabb ended the season on the Injured Reserve after only nine games.

The 2006 season wasn't much better, as McNabb tore his ACL and only played in 10 games. The Eagles actually finished first in the NFC East in 2006 behind backup quarterback Jeff Garcia, who went 5–1 as a starter and even won a playoff game that season.

McNabb returned for the 2007 season, but the whole team struggled. Somehow, McNabb and the Eagles had a resurgence in 2008 that ended in yet another loss in the NFC championship game. He even set his career high in passing yards (3,916) that season. His last season in Philadelphia (2009) ended with a playoff loss to the rival Cowboys in the wild-card round of the playoffs. McNabb was traded that offseason.

Donovan McNabb Records:

Winningest quarterback in Eagles history (92 wins)
Most pass attempts in franchise history (4,746)
Most completions in franchise history (2,801)
Most passing yards in franchise history (32,873)
Most touchdown passes in franchise history (216)
Led NFL in quarterback wins between 2000 and '04

McNabb finished his Eagles career with a 92-49-1 record (he famously didn't know NFL games could end in a tie). His playoff record was 9–7; he threw for 3,752 yards, 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for an 80.0 passer rating in those 16 games. He also ran for 422 yards and four more touchdowns in the playoffs.

McNabb may have had his issues in NFC championship games and lost his only Super Bowl, but he was only the second quarterback to even lead the Eagles franchise to a Super Bowl. That, and all of the team records that he still owns, make him the choice for the top quarterback in Eagles history.

Honorable Mentions

The following three players didn't quite make the cut for the greatest Eagles quarterbacks of all time, but they still made important contributions to the franchise. They are listed here in order of their importance.

Carson Wentz

Eagles QB: 2016–Present
Drafted: No. 2 overall pick by the Eagles in the 2016 NFL Draft out of North Dakota State

There may be plenty of Eagles fans who will be upset that Carson Wentz didn't make the list of the top five quarterbacks, but the truth is that he just hasn't played enough games yet to beat out any of the guys on the list. That being said, he has already amassed some amazing stats during his career.

Eagles records Wentz already holds (as of the 2019 season):

Fifth most pass attempts in franchise history (2,055)
Fourth most completions in franchise history (1,311)
Fifth most touchdown passes in franchise history (97)
Second best career quarterback rating in franchise history (92.7)
Second best career completion percentage in franchise history (63.8)
Fifth most passing yards in franchise history (14,191)
Most touchdown passes in a season in franchise history (33 in 2017)
Most passing yards in a season in franchise history (4,039 in 2019)

What's really holding Wentz back is that he wasn't able to finish two of his four seasons due to injury. In addition, he has only played in one playoff game—and he only threw four passes in that one because he got hurt.

Of course, Wentz had one of the best seasons of any Eagles quarterback. Sure, his 2017 ended in Week 14, and Nick Foles led the team to victory in the Super Bowl, but Wentz had the team at 11–2 when he got hurt. He completed 60.2% of his passes in 2017 for 3,296 yards, 33 touchdowns and 7 interceptions for a 101.9 passer rating in only 13 games. Those 33 touchdown passes broke a 56-year-old record, previously held by Sonny Jurgensen, and were still the second-most in the NFL that season. He was running away with the MVP award before he blew out his ACL on a touchdown run against the Rams.

I'm sure Wentz will be on any list of the greatest Eagles quarterbacks starting next season, and he might just challenge McNabb for the top spot one day. But for now, he just needs more time and good health to build his stats and his resume.

Norm Van Brocklin

Eagles QB: 1958–60
Drafted: Fourth-round pick by the Rams in the 1949 NFL Draft out of Oregon
Acquired: By the Eagles in a 1958 trade with the Rams
Eagles Hall of Fame Inductee: 1987
Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1971

Old-school fans may believe that Norm Van Brocklin rightfully belongs among the top five on this list. However, like Wentz, Van Brocklin simply didn't play enough games for the Eagles to be ranked among the best.

The Eagles acquired Van Brocklin in a 1958 trade with the Rams, and he went on to be the starting quarterback for three seasons. He had already established himself as one of the best quarterbacks of his era with the Rams, but for the purposes of this list we are only considering his Eagles career. Of course, the highlight of his time with Philadelphia was the 1960 season.

In that season, his final one in the NFL, Van Brocklin led the Eagles to the NFL championship over the Vince Lombardi–led Packers. Amazingly, Van Brocklin was the only quarterback to ever beat the Lombardi Packers in the playoffs. It was also his best year as an Eagle statistically, with 2,471 yards passing, 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for an 86.5 passer rating. By today's standards these numbers may not seem impressive, but in those days defenses could actually hit offensive players and teams weren't throwing the ball on over 60% of their plays.

For his Eagles career, Van Brocklin threw for 7,497 yards, 55 touchdowns and 51 interceptions. He was a Pro Bowler in all three of his seasons in Philadelphia and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

Sonny Jergensen

Eagles QB: 1957–63
Drafted: Fourth-round pick by the Eagles in the 1957 NFL Draft out of Duke
Eagles Hall of Fame Inductee: 1983
Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1987

Much like the other honorable mentions on this list, Sonny Jergensen didn't play for the Eagles long enough to make the top five. Sure, Jergensen was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983, but a lot of that had to do with his 10 years with Washington. The Eagles traded him for Norm Snead after an injury-plagued 1963 season.

Jergensen was the backup to Van Brocklin for four years, and he didn't get a chance to start until 1961. He made up for lost time by leading the NFL in passing yards in back-to-back seasons in 1961 and '62. His 1961 season was especially great as he led the NFL with 235 completions for 3,723 yards and 32 touchdowns. Those 32 touchdown passes were a franchise record for 56 years, until Carson Wentz broke that record with 33 touchdown passes in 2017.

Jergensen finished his Eagles career with 9,639 passing yards, 76 touchdowns and 73 interceptions.

October 30, 2020 at 05:10AM
The Top 5 Quarterbacks in Philadelphia Eagles History

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New on Sports Illustrated: Best Wide Receivers in Arizona Cardinals History

The Cardinals have had plenty of explosive offensive players in its 100-year history, and this article will count down the franchise's 10 best wide receivers of all time.

Arizona receivers Michael Floyd (15) and Larry Fitzgerald (11) celebrate after Floyd scored against Washington in 2016. Both are among the 13 players in Cardinals history to catch more than 1,000 receiving yards in a season.

The Top 10 Cardinals Wide Receivers of All Time

When it comes to wide receivers, the Cardinals know how to pick them. The team has had at least one bona fide receiver in its lineup for almost every season since the 1960s, and it has watched one of its players rack up at least 900 receiving yards in a season 52 times. Thirteen players have taken that a step further by gaining 1,000 yards in a season. With that history, several players are in the mix when considering the best wide receivers in franchise history.

Wide receiver legends have come in a steady stream for the Cardinals. The 1970s were a little sparse in terms of production, but several memorable receivers still took the field, and the '80s brought about the greatest receiver the franchise had seen. Then, starting in the late 1990s, the position solidified, and more legends were born. Multiple Arizona receivers have caught more than 1,000 yards in the same season five times since 1997—including three players who achieved the feat during the 2008 season. Since that year, which saw Arizona's offense propel the team to Super Bowl XLIII, production from the position had stayed strong, and the future remains bright.

Selection Criteria

Legacy Honors (Hall of Fame, Ring of Honor, retired number, etc.)
Single-Season Honors (MVP, All-Pro, Pro Bowl, etc.)
On-Field Success (league leader, playoff appearances, records, etc.)
Longevity (years with the Cardinals, percentage of career with the Cardinals, etc.)

Only games played with the Cardinals are factored into this list, so while Gary Clark would be a great player to include on a list about Washington, his two seasons of strong production with the Cardinals won't place him in the top 10 here. Additionally, only wide receivers are included, so neither great tight end Jackie Smith nor pass-catching fullback Larry Centers will be listed here.

Following this list are a handful of honorable mentions as well as statistics from every 1,000-yard receiving season in team history.

10. David Boston

Years With the Cardinals: 1999–2002
Pro Bowl: 2001
All-Pro: 2001

David Boston was a brash rookie out of Ohio State who was in and out of the starting lineup during the 1999 season. But once he focused more on football instead of showboating, he became a superstar for the Cardinals. Boston was the No. 8 pick in the 1999 NFL Draft and had the expected growing pains of a rookie. Every now and again, however, he showed flashes of brilliance that justified his draft position.

In his fifth game of his rookie season, Boston caught eight passes for 101 yards and his first career touchdown in a win over the Giants. He doubled his career reception total and nearly tripled his career yardage total with that effort, but he wouldn't cross the 100-yard threshold again the rest of the season. After being moved into a feature role his sophomore season, he caught a pair of touchdowns in the season opener, then added a 184-yard performance later in the season. He was targeted at least six times in all but two games, setting up the stage for a breakout season in 2001.

While racking up nine games with more than 100 receiving yards, Boston was a one-man offensive show in Arizona, and he used 58 yards in the last game of the season to become the franchise's new all-time leader for single-season receiving yardage. That record of 1,598 yards still stands, and his breakout was attributed to improved technique and focus on the game, as well as reshaping his body to build strength without sacrificing speed.

Boston was unable to follow up on his 2001 success, as he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 9 in 2002. Due to a DUI arrest and a failed drug test, the Cardinals declined to re-sign him as a free agent in 2003. He bolted to the Chargers for a big contract instead, leaving Arizona with 241 catches for 3,739 yards and 18 touchdowns.

David Boston: Cardinals Stats

Raiders assistant coach Rob Moore watches his team play against the Cardinals during a 2016 preseason game. Moore is among the most significant receivers in Cardinals history.

9. Rob Moore

Years With the Cardinals: 1995–99
Playoff Appearances: 1998
Pro Bowl: 1997
All-Pro: 1997

The Cardinals put up a small bounty to acquire Rob Moore from the Jets, netting the veteran receiver in exchange for their first-round draft pick and running back Ronald Moore. The franchise rewarded Rob Moore with the richest contract in team history, and he rewarded their confidence with five productive years.

Following the 1994 season, the Cardinals were in desperate need of receivers after parting ways with three of them, and Moore provided both a consistent big-play threat alongside second-round draft pick Frank Sanders. Together, Moore and Sanders provided a steady tandem that helped push the Cardinals into the 1998 playoffs—and between two postseason games, Moore was targeted 26 times and gained 132 yards on 11 receptions.

Altogether, in his five seasons, Moore caught 322 passes for 5,110 yards and 27 touchdowns. That included a monster season in 1997, which saw him lead the league with a then-franchise record 1,584 yards, 176 yards ahead of runner-up Tim Brown. He was just 16 yards shy of becoming the 21st player to average 100 yards per game in a season.

Rob Moore: Cardinals Stats

8. Bobby Joe Conrad

Years With the Cardinals: 1958–68
Pro Bowl: 1964
All-Pro: 1963

Bobby Joe Conrad didn't start his career as a wide receiver, but by the time he was permanently placed at the position in 1962, he was ready to prove that he belonged. Formerly a two-way player at Texas A&M, Conrad was drafted by the Giants as a defensive back in 1958 but was traded to the Cardinals a few months later. There he spent one season on defense, then was used primarily in the rushing attack for the next two years.

The Cardinals moved Conrad to flanker in 1962, and the experience he gained set up his two finest receiving seasons. He never crossed the 1,000-yard threshold, but he was consistently in the box score every game the next two seasons, catching at least two passes in all 28 games. In 1963, he led the league with 73 catches, setting a franchise record that would stand for two decades.

Conrad started every game for the next five seasons, and from 1961 to '68 he caught a pass in 101 straight games. After that streak ended, he played a final season in a reserve role close to his home in Texas with the Cowboys. He ended his career with the Cardinals after catching 418 passes for 5,828 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Bobby Joe Conrad: Cardinals Stats

7. Frank Sanders

Years With the Cardinals: 1995–2002
Playoff Appearances: 1998

Frank Sanders had very little time to adjust to the NFL. As a second-round draft selection of the Cardinals in 1995, Sanders was immediately thrown into a major role as the team rebuilt its receiving corps. He caught at least one pass in the first 15 games of his career, and he showed big-play potential by averaging nearly 17 yards per catch. His best rookie game came in Week 6, when he came away with 108 yards and his only two touchdowns of the season in a loss to the Giants.

Sanders rarely posted gaudy statistical numbers, instead helping spread the field and draw defenders away from superstars like Rob Moore and David Boston. But Sanders always made sure to play his part, too. From 1996 to 2001, he played every game and failed to catch a pass in only three of them. His best individual games both came in losses for Arizona. During Week 12 of 1997, Sanders hauled in nine passes for 188 yards in a 19–10 loss to the Giants; and in Week 11 of 1998, he caught 11 passes for 190 yards in a 35–28 loss to the Cowboys.

Sanders left for the Ravens after the 2002 season. While with the Cardinals, he caught 493 passes for 6,579 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Frank Sanders: Cardinals Stats

6. Pat Tilley

Years With the Cardinals: 1976–86
Pro Bowl: 1980

Pat Tilley was just 5'10" and 178 pounds when he was selected by the Cardinals in the fourth round of the 1976 NFL Draft. A product of Louisiana Tech, he didn't play too often as a receiver in his first two seasons, but then he became a mainstay for the team's offense. He missed just three games from 1978 to '85, and he amassed at least 690 yards each of those seasons except the strike-shortened '82 campaign.

Going into the 1986 season, Tilley was just 15 receptions shy of breaking the franchise record, but he'd play just one game. In the season opener, he snared three passes for 51 yards on a pulled hamstring—but later in the week he was placed on injured reserve due to a severe back injury. He would never return, but he will also never be forgotten by Cardinals fans after catching 468 passes for 7,005 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Pat Tilley: Cardinals Stats

5. Sonny Randle

Years With the Cardinals: 1959–66
Pro Bowl: 1960–62, 1965
All-Pro: 1960

Sonny Randle was one of two rookie receivers tasked with trying to help rebuild the Cardinals' offensive attack in 1959. In spite of his speed, Randle struggled to establish himself in his first season—playing five games and scoring just once. That would all change in his sophomore season, in which he led the league in touchdowns and finished sixth in receptions. In four games that season, including the season opener, he caught three touchdown passes.

Throughout his career, Randle typically started the season strong, catching seven career touchdowns in Week 1. He also grabbed two touchdowns in his first game of the 1961 season, but those came in Week 2. In 1962, Randle had the best individual game of his career, when he hauled in a since-tied franchise record 16 passes in a single game for 256 yards and a touchdown. That helped push him over the 1,000-yard mark for the season, a feat he would repeat in 1963.

During the following season, Randle was on pace for more than 1,000 yards again, but he suffered an injury midseason. He left the Cardinals after the 1966 season with a career total 328 receptions for 5,438 yards and 60 touchdowns. He held the franchise record for career receiving touchdowns until 1989 and still holds the single-season record.

Sonny Randle: Cardinals Stats

4. Anquan Boldin

Years With the Cardinals: 2003–09
Playoff Appearances: 2008–09
Pro Bowl: 2003, '06, '08
Major Awards: Offensive Rookie of the Year (2003)

Anquan Boldin had one of the best-ever starts to an NFL career after being taken as a second-round draft pick in 2003. He had 217 receiving yards in his first game, and he had an additional four more games of at least 100 yards on his way to winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Boldin was honored after the season a second time when he was the only rookie selected to the Pro Bowl. Two years later, he averaged more than 100 yards per game, despite missing two games with an injury.

As a part of a prolific offense that featured quarterback Kurt Warner and fellow receiver Larry Fitzgerald, Boldin continued to produce numbers that have him in contention for election into the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible in 2022. Along the way, he became the fastest player to reach 200, 300, 400 and 500 career receptions. His efforts helped the Cardinals appear in Super Bowl XLIII, and he caught a 71-yard touchdown during the 2008 postseason.

In Boldin's time with the Cardinals, he caught 586 passes for 7,520 yards and 44 touchdowns. He maintains league records with 217 yards in his first game and 101 receptions in his first season. Going into 2020, he held team records with his 100.1 yards per game average from 2005, as well as his 6.2 receptions per game from his seven years with the team.

Anquan Boldin: Cardinals Stats

3. Mel Gray

Years With the Cardinals: 1971–82
Playoff Appearances: 1974–75
Pro Bowl: 1974–77
All-Pro: 1975

Mel Gray was a two-sport standout at Missouri, and he stayed near school when the Cardinals selected him in the sixth round of the 1971 NFL Draft. The speed that made him a track star proved to be an asset for the Cardinals, and they used him to lengthen the field throughout his 12-year career. In all but three of his seasons, he caught a pass of at least 69 yards and went for an 80-yard touchdown three times. Twenty of his 46 career touchdown passes were for at least 50 yards, and nine of his first 10 scores went for at least 40 yards.

Gray never caught 1,000 yards in a season, but his consistent big-play ability and sure hands made him a reliable asset for the franchise. His 18.9 yards per reception are the most among Cardinals players with at least 150 catches, and his four fumbles are the fewest in team history among receivers to play 100 or more games.

In his final season, Gray was on pace to break the NFL record for consecutive games with a reception, but he had to settle for a streak of 121 such games, with just four catches in five games in his final season. During his long Cardinals career, Gray was on the receiving end of 351 passes for 6,644 yards.

Mel Gray: Cardinals Stats

2. Roy Green

Years With the Cardinals: 1979–90
Pro Bowl: 1983–84
All-Pro: 1983–84
Legacy Honors: Cardinals Ring of Honor

Roy "Jet Stream" Green didn't come into the NFL in 1979 with high expectations as a fourth-round pick out of Henderson State in Arkansas. He didn't come with expectations to be a wide receiver, either. It wasn't until his third season in the league that he made the part-time switch after coaches observed him playing catch in practice. The year was 1981 and the Cardinals needed receivers—so they turned to Green, who was one of their defensive backs and a kick returner.

Green accepted the challenge, and he became one of the league's best. He averaged 21.5 yards per catch that season—including a 60-yard scamper on his first reception of the season. In his second game as a receiver, he caught a touchdown and intercepted a pass on defense, becoming the first player to do so since 1966.

During the following season, Green became a full-time receiver, and he had 170 yards in one game of the strike-shortened 1982 season. With a full slate of games in 1983, Green eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time while leading the league with 14 touchdowns—four of which came in a win over Seattle. His final tally of 1,227 yards set a new single-season franchise record.

His 1984 campaign was even better. He smashed his newly minted record with a league-best 1,555 receiving yards on the strength of five games, where he finished with 160 yards or more. Included was a three-game stretch that saw him make 20 catches for 518 yards, as well as a blistering finale of eight catches, for a career-high 196 yards. Injuries would slow him the next several seasons, however, and while he would lead the team in receiving yardage one more time (with 1,097 in 1988), he only gained 100-plus yards in a game nine times between 1985 and '90.

The Cardinals looked to make their roster younger for the 1991 season, and they traded Green to the Browns. Green left the Cardinals holding franchise records for receptions (522), receiving yards (8,496) and touchdowns (66), and he was memorialized in the franchise's Ring of Honor in 2016.

Roy Green: Cardinals Stats

Larry Fitzgerald is the best wide receiver in Cardinals history. Still active, he already owns the majority of the franchise's receiving records.

1. Larry Fitzgerald

Years With the Cardinals: 2004–present
Playoff Appearances: 2008–09, 2014–15
Pro Bowl: 2005, 2007–13, 2015–17
All-Pro: 2008
Major Awards: Pro Bowl MVP, 2008
Legacy Honors: NFL 100 All-Time Team

There is no argument that the greatest wide receiver in Cardinals history is Larry Fitzgerald. A model of consistency throughout his entire career, Fitzgerald has been the face of the Cardinals since 2004, missing just six games in that span. With nearly double the yardage and touchdowns of any other player in franchise history, he has established himself as a legend and holds most every receiving mark in the Cardinals' record book. He will undoubtedly become the first receiver in team history to be a first-ballot electee to the Hall of Fame (assuming Anquan Boldin doesn't beat him to it).

Fitzgerald was a first-round draft selection out of the University of Pittsburgh and was picked up by Arizona to carry on the tradition of standout receivers. The Cardinals couldn't have known at the time that they had selected the player who would become one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. He's twice led the league in receptions (2005 and '16) and touchdown catches (2008–09). From the middle of 2004 through the '19 season, he caught a pass in 243 straight games in which he played.

In both the 2005 and '08 seasons, he had seven games with more than 100 receiving yards. Sandwiched between those years were two of his best individual games—an 11-catch, 172-yard effort in 2006, and an 11-catch, 171-yard effort in '07. He set a career high with three touchdowns in a 2015 matchup against the Bears. All told, he has 49 games with at least 100 receiving yards, and he has scored at least twice in a game 19 times.

Among Fitzgerald's franchise records are 1,378 catches for 17,083 yards and 120 touchdowns (current through the 2019 season). He also has 10 postseason touchdown catches and appeared in Super Bowl XLIII, a game in which he caught a pair of touchdowns. All-time among NFL receivers, Fitzgerald is second in career receptions and receiving yardage, and he is sixth in career receiving touchdowns. He was the youngest player to reach 700, 800, 900 and 1,000 receptions for his career. He has also been active off the field, donating time and money to numerous causes over the course of his career.

Larry Fitzgerald: Cardinals Stats

Honorable Mentions

With so many standout wide receivers in Cardinals history, listed below are several players who also left an indelible mark on team history but didn't quite make the top 10.

J.T. Smith

J.T. Smith had two 1,000-yard receiving seasons for the Cardinals, and he nearly had a third. He led the league with 91 catches for 1,117 yards in 1987. That season was a solid follow-up to his 1986 campaign, which saw him snare 80 passes for 1,014 yards. He finished with 986 yards in 1988. From 1985 to '90, he caught 377 passes for the team, racking up 4,701 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Ricky Proehl

Ricky Proehl made his mark right away after getting selected by the Cardinals in the third round of the 1990 NFL Draft. He set the team's rookie record with 56 catches (since beaten by Anquan Boldin) for 802 yards. Prohel was very consistent, closing each of his four seasons with the Cardinals between 651 and 877 receiving yards. His career totals with the team were 287 receptions for 3,840 yards and 21 touchdowns.

Michael Floyd

Michael Floyd was a first-round draft pick of the Cardinals in 2012, and he went to work right away, catching his first career pass for a touchdown. He would gain 1,041 yards his sophomore season, including 193 yards in a game against Jacksonville. Floyd followed this with back-to-back seasons where he finished over 800 yards. He was released during the 2016 season after a DUI arrest. During his time with the Cardinals, he caught 242 passes for 3,739 yards and 23 touchdowns.

John Gilliam

John Gilliam only played three seasons with the Cardinals, but he made those years count. In 1969, he caught 52 passes for 997 yards and nine touchdowns; in 1970, he hauled in 45 passes for 952 yards and five touchdowns; and in 1971, he pulled down 42 passes for 837 yards and three touchdowns. He averaged 20 yards per reception during his tenure.

Cardinals wide receiver John Brown (12) is lifted by tight end Jermaine Gresham (84) as he celebrates a third-quarter touchdown with Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Giants.

Cardinals Wide Receiver History

The following is a look at the franchise receiving records and individual statistics for every 1,000-yard receiving season in the history of the Cardinals, from their beginnings in Chicago through their move to St. Louis and finally to the present day in Arizona.

Cardinals Receiving Records

Below are prominent records among wide receivers that are contained in the Cardinals franchise record book.

Career Yards: 17,083, Larry Fitzgerald (2004–present)
Single-Season Yards: 1,598, David Boston (2001)
Single-Game Yards: 256, Sonny Randle (Nov. 4, 1962)
Career Receiving Touchdowns: 120, Fitzgerald (2004–present)
Single-Season Receiving Touchdowns: 15, Randle (1960)
Single-Game Receiving Touchdowns: 5, Bob Shaw (Oct. 2, 1950)*
Career Receptions: Fitzgerald, 1,378 (2004–present)
Single-Season Receptions: Fitzgerald, 109 (2015 and '17)
Single-Game Receptions: Randle, 16 (Nov. 4, 1962)

*Tied for the NFL record

Cardinals Receivers With 1,000-Yard Seasons

October 29, 2020 at 05:10AM
Best Wide Receivers in Arizona Cardinals History

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The Top 10 Cardinals Wide Receivers of All Time

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David Boston: Cardinals Stats

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Rob Moore: Cardinals Stats

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Bobby Joe Conrad: Cardinals Stats

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Frank Sanders: Cardinals Stats

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Pat Tilley: Cardinals Stats

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Sonny Randle: Cardinals Stats

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Anquan Boldin: Cardinals Stats

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Mel Gray: Cardinals Stats

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Roy Green: Cardinals Stats

1. Larry Fitzgerald