Saturday, January 31, 2009

HOF observations

Hall of Famer by Year of Induction

For the third consecutive year, no quarterback was elected (that's fine: QBs are overrepresented).

In the past two years, six defensive players were elected (that's good: defensive players are underrepresented).

Bruce Smith, Rod Woodson, and Derrick Thomas should also be in the Tecmo Super Bowl Hall of Fame.

In 2007 I compared Michael Irvin to Art Monk, and in 2008 I compared Cris Carter to Art Monk, with emphasis on the gray ink test.

Bob Hayes was top-10 in receptions twice, receiving yards six times, and receiving touchdowns six times.  He was also a capable punt returner, scoring three touchdowns and averaging 11.1 yards per return in his career.

Hayes' playoff numbers are underwhelming, but that's probably not going to keep Marvin Harrison out of the Hall of Fame (has any superstar in pro sports had such a dreadful playoff record?  Harrison has 128 regular season TD receptions, but failed to score a TD in 15 of 16 playoff games).

2 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:41 PM

    Bob Hayes was first and foremost a track man turned football player. He was an excellent athlete and was able to impact the game with raw ability as opposed to refined technique.

    He ran 9 flat in the 100 yard dash
    (I'm not sure what that would convert to in 100 meters) and ran a legitimatly timed 4 flat in the 40 yard dash in Cowboys camp. I'm not sure if anyone has ever run a faster time for 40 yards.

    Maybe Usain Bolt and remember this was the 60's predominately when he played.

    His raw speed converted a largely man for man coverage NFL, to the vastly more complex zone coverages that you see today.

    His playoff numbers may be an anomaly, as he always drew double coverage and the playoff teams are certainly better quality defenses.

    I think playing for a franchise that is highly successful will always add luster to anyone's potential HOF credentials.

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  2. Anonymous:

    You have it ass backwards! He was first and foremost a football player who ran track as a way of staying in shape during the offseason! It just so happened that he had world record speed!

    He was recruited to attend Florida A & M as a football player, not for track!

    As it turns out, he was probably the greatest sprinter ever, considering he only ran competitively for just a couple of years, had to run on surfaces that are far inferior to what they run on today, didn't have a full time track regimen, and advancements in nutrition and training that today's athletes have.

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