Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Going through PFR the other day I only finally noticed/appreciated the stretch of success that the Dolphins had from 1970-2003.

Only TWO losing seasons in 34 seasons. Five SB's appearances, two SB wins. 21 playoff appearances. The "worst" stretch was from 1986 to 1989 where the team was a combined 3 games under .500 for that stretch and no playoff appearances. At least they had Marino at that time to keep things exciting.

We know about franchises like the Pats, Steelers, and Ravens. Are there any other teams with long stretches of quality performances that may be forgotten or under appreciated until you really sit down and look at it?

I thought that the Redskins and Rams were consistent winners like the Cowboys/Dolphins/Raiders of that era. The Rams teams from 1966-1989 were almost always good, despite an endless rotation of QBs and coaches. The Redskins had a slightly later time of 1969 - 1991 with mainly Allen and Gibbs as the coaches, but that franchise was consistently strong as well.

Though the Ravens were mentioned and their success since 2000 has been consistent, I believe they should have had at least another two SBs in the trophy case but its been tough with Brady and Roethlisberger in their conference. The Ravens had another great chance to win it all in 2006/07 with McNair at QB but the Colts defense led by safety Bob Sanders finally stepped up and played huge in the loud, buzzhive stadium in Baltimore during the divisional playoffs that reminded older fans of Memorial Stadium. A great win by the Colts and huge stepping stone for Peyton Manning to march towards his first championship ...

Many younger fans believe HC John Harbaugh is the best coach in Baltimore football history but I believe Weeb Ewbank is still the man ...

I think two stretches of Patriots history are overlooked and/or underappreciated. The mid 60s teams were very good but had trouble getting past the Bills in the East. (Except for 1963). Also their late 70s teams that set rushing records. They could never get far in the playoffs.

What about the Bengals from 1970-90?

During that time, they made the playoffs seven times, but they made two Super Bowls, and they played in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. They also had several teams that missed the playoffs with winning records (1972, 76, 77, 86), and the 1984 and 89 teams came close to making it as well despite finishing at 8-8.

It ended in 1990 with the sexual assault committed by a few of the players when the Bengals were on a road trip to Seattle (they took a woman up to a hotel room and assaulted her). Paul Brown had to go back to Seattle for a trial, contracted Pneumonia, and died the next year. That sent the Bengals into a dark era that they didn't get out of until 2003.

NYG from 1925-63 39 years 17 seasons in the playoffs (includes the 2 seasons where they lost the tie breaker division playoff game and 1927 when they won the championship with no playoffs) 7 losing seasons

Bears from 1920-63 44 years 13 seasons in the playoffs (including 1921 when they won the championship with no playoffs) 6 losing seasons

Those streaks ended 50 years ago

The Vikings' stretch from 1968 to basically the present is impressive in a perverse way. During that time, they have made the playoffs 30 times -- third-most behind Pittsburgh and Dallas -- but have never won a Super Bowl. The 10 other teams that have made the playoffs more than 20 times during that span have won a combined 32 Super Bowls.

The Packers from 1921 through 1944 won 6 championships. They had only 2 losing seasons in that 24-year span.

Despite having a stadium renamed in his honor, I have never felt Curley Lambeau got enough credit for being one of the best coaches all-time. His teams embraced the forward pass ahead of everyone and have players in Dilweg and Lewellen that should already be in the HOF with Dunn being very good as well ...

The Denver Broncos stretch from 1973-2016 should be mentioned: 8 Super Bowls (3 won), 21 playoff appearances, another 7 winning seasons with no playoff berths and 7 .500 seasons