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Best DB Tandems

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  • You talk about the Quarterback controversies we have had with the Browns? Check out these Top 10 quarterback controversies. Maybe you can name some others.:

    http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story?id=090...mp;confirm=true

    ❤

  • I think Young was also in one with Vinny.

    If everybody had like minds, we would never learn.
  • The GipperT The Gipper

    Here is a link to one author's Top 10 corner duos. They do put Dixon and Minniefield at #2 all time:

    http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story?id=090...mp;confirm=true

    @the-gipper said:

    Here is a link to one author's Top 10 corner duos. They do put Dixon and Minniefield at #2 all time:

    http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story?id=090...mp;confirm=true

    While they aren't hall of famers, I think think that has more to do with the fact that their playing careers and years of prime play were short. They had, what, 3 or 4 years together where both were playing in their prime?

    Not to mention that the Browns LB's and DL were usually very good, and as such made it easier for the DB's.

    In any case, when they were in their prime, I agree, they were amongst the absolute best.

  • ThaakT Thaak

    @the-gipper said:

    Here is a link to one author's Top 10 corner duos. They do put Dixon and Minniefield at #2 all time:

    http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story?id=090...mp;confirm=true

    While they aren't hall of famers, I think think that has more to do with the fact that their playing careers and years of prime play were short. They had, what, 3 or 4 years together where both were playing in their prime?

    Not to mention that the Browns LB's and DL were usually very good, and as such made it easier for the DB's.

    In any case, when they were in their prime, I agree, they were amongst the absolute best.

    @thaak said:

    While they aren't hall of famers, I think think that has more to do with the fact that their playing careers and years of prime play were short. They had, what, 3 or 4 years together where both were playing in their prime?

    Not to mention that the Browns LB's and DL were usually very good, and as such made it easier for the DB's.

    In any case, when they were in their prime, I agree, they were amongst the absolute best.

    Well, I disagree on the Browns DL. I think if we had had a better DL when Dixon and Minniefield played the Browns would have gone to a couple of SBs. The DL was the weak link of our D. The best we had was Carl Hairston, and he was on the backside of his career at that point. "The Drive" occurred because the DL could not put enough pressure on Elway to bottle him up.

    sisky fringoS 1 Reply
  • The GipperT The Gipper

    Here is a link to one author's Top 10 corner duos. They do put Dixon and Minniefield at #2 all time:

    http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story?id=090...mp;confirm=true

    @the-gipper said:

    Here is a link to one author's Top 10 corner duos. They do put Dixon and Minniefield at #2 all time:

    http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story?id=090...mp;confirm=true

    i think it's safe to say their surrounding team is the main thing holding them back from being considered #1, that and Marty's prevent defense.

    the Browns winning the big game would have made them both Hall of Famers, which in turn would have made them universally accepted as the #1 CB tandem of all time. they mention this in the NFL films best CB tandem episode, that that was the only knock keeping them out--the lack of super bowl accolades.

    i won't let the politics overshadow who they really were>>>they were the best. some of those guys from back in the day couldn't translate to today's game, but i firmly believe Top Dawg and Minni could.

  • The GipperT The Gipper

    @thaak said:

    While they aren't hall of famers, I think think that has more to do with the fact that their playing careers and years of prime play were short. They had, what, 3 or 4 years together where both were playing in their prime?

    Not to mention that the Browns LB's and DL were usually very good, and as such made it easier for the DB's.

    In any case, when they were in their prime, I agree, they were amongst the absolute best.

    Well, I disagree on the Browns DL. I think if we had had a better DL when Dixon and Minniefield played the Browns would have gone to a couple of SBs. The DL was the weak link of our D. The best we had was Carl Hairston, and he was on the backside of his career at that point. "The Drive" occurred because the DL could not put enough pressure on Elway to bottle him up.

    @the-gipper said:

    Well, I disagree on the Browns DL. I think if we had had a better DL when Dixon and Minniefield played the Browns would have gone to a couple of SBs. The DL was the weak link of our D. The best we had was Carl Hairston, and he was on the backside of his career at that point. "The Drive" occurred because the DL could not put enough pressure on Elway to bottle him up.
    that and the fact Marty chose to only rush three guys and left HD and FM on islands while Elway had all day to pick us apart.

    MartyBall had a lot to do with their notoriety, but it may have also cost them their #1 tandem spot.

  • Tim Couch Pulls OutT Tim Couch Pulls Out

    LeBeau and Night Train are probably my favorite. I think Night Train Lane is one of the greatest nicknames in sports, and I've always liked Dick LeBeau. One of the first things my dad taught me about football was the Night Train Necktie, actually.

    Granted, you're talking about a bunch of tandems from before my time, so I'm not exactly well-versed on the subjects. I just know the ones I like.

    As far as current players, Revis and Cromartie are probably at the top of the class. And that's without playing a down together yet.

    @tim-couch-pulls-out said:

    LeBeau and Night Train are probably my favorite. I think Night Train Lane is one of the greatest nicknames in sports, and I've always liked Dick LeBeau. One of the first things my dad taught me about football was the Night Train Necktie, actually.

    Granted, you're talking about a bunch of tandems from before my time, so I'm not exactly well-versed on the subjects. I just know the ones I like.

    As far as current players, Revis and Cromartie are probably at the top of the class. And that's without playing a down together yet.

    Lane is currenlt #4 on the all-time interceptions list. (#2 when he retired)

    LeBeau is currenlty #7. (#3 when he retired)

    These two are by far the best corner duo in NFL history

    "Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil" - Niccolo Machiavelli "Expectation is the root of all heartache." - William Shakespeare "In time we hate that which we often fear. " - William Shakespeare "I DO ROIDS ... and GIVE HEAD" - ATENEARS http://thebrownsboard.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=16312 http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06166/698372-66.stm Friday said, "posters on Internet message boards hide behind their keyboards and write things they would never have the courage to say aloud in public. He said posters who write tasteless messages use football and the rivalries between teams as a way of getting out their aggression in a non-violent manner." Predicted 2010 Steelers record from this board: 7-9; 6-10; 8-8; 9-7; 10-6
  • S Spunkonmyback DPOY

    @tim-couch-pulls-out said:

    LeBeau and Night Train are probably my favorite. I think Night Train Lane is one of the greatest nicknames in sports, and I've always liked Dick LeBeau. One of the first things my dad taught me about football was the Night Train Necktie, actually.

    Granted, you're talking about a bunch of tandems from before my time, so I'm not exactly well-versed on the subjects. I just know the ones I like.

    As far as current players, Revis and Cromartie are probably at the top of the class. And that's without playing a down together yet.

    Lane is currenlt #4 on the all-time interceptions list. (#2 when he retired)

    LeBeau is currenlty #7. (#3 when he retired)

    These two are by far the best corner duo in NFL history

    Sivlerback DPOY said:

    Lane is currenlt #4 on the all-time interceptions list. (#2 when he retired)

    LeBeau is currenlty #7. (#3 when he retired)

    These two are by far the best corner duo in NFL history

    we're not a little bit biased, are we (both of us)?

    as you know there's more to being a complete corner than INTs.

    these guys were not just ball hawks but awesome in run support, tackling, delivering a nice hit, and at man to man. even crazier, they could still be relevant in today's NFL imo.

    would you really consider Lane and LeBeau as complete as FM and HD?

  • Zombo said:

    I think you are right, they were not as complete as Dixon and Minnie. From what I have read Night Train was more like a physical safety that would beat guys up and steal the ball from them. he was known for his powerful hits, not his coverage, which was different then with different schemes and alignments. LeBeau was smart ball hawk type, but I think the reason he made the Hall was for growing sentiment for him due to his brilliant career as a defensive assistant. Not that he wasn't a standout player, but it took quite a while for him to get recognized as a Hall of Fame corner, much longer than Barney.

    Zombo

    I think LeBeau's recognition was long past overdue.

    While it is true that Night Train Lane was a more physical CB, more like a safety, I think that was true right across the board prior to the massive rules changes that took place in 1978 favoring the offense....the no bump rule, etc.

    Prior to that time both DBs AND WRs were a more physical group. Look at the likes of Boyd Dowler and Max McGee from the multi-champion Packers. Those guys were more built for a street fight than for quick strike action, because the battles between WRs and DBs prior to 1978 WERE like street fights. Bangin' and bumpin and grabbin' and holdin' all the way down the field at least until the ball was released.

    After 1978, you could have WRs that were like Smurfs. In fact the Redskins WR of part of the 80s/90s were called The Smurfs. Small, little quick guys. Those types could not have thrived or perhaps even survived the earlier rugged era of WR/DB confrontation. Likewise for DBs, a Deion Sanders who could not tackle your grandmama would not have been worth a damn probably in the earlier era. A big WR like a Gary Collins/Dave Parks/Max McGee/John Stallworth would have flattened him on his ass and gone up and got the ball.

  • The GipperT The Gipper

    Zombo said:

    I think you are right, they were not as complete as Dixon and Minnie. From what I have read Night Train was more like a physical safety that would beat guys up and steal the ball from them. he was known for his powerful hits, not his coverage, which was different then with different schemes and alignments. LeBeau was smart ball hawk type, but I think the reason he made the Hall was for growing sentiment for him due to his brilliant career as a defensive assistant. Not that he wasn't a standout player, but it took quite a while for him to get recognized as a Hall of Fame corner, much longer than Barney.

    Zombo

    I think LeBeau's recognition was long past overdue.

    While it is true that Night Train Lane was a more physical CB, more like a safety, I think that was true right across the board prior to the massive rules changes that took place in 1978 favoring the offense....the no bump rule, etc.

    Prior to that time both DBs AND WRs were a more physical group. Look at the likes of Boyd Dowler and Max McGee from the multi-champion Packers. Those guys were more built for a street fight than for quick strike action, because the battles between WRs and DBs prior to 1978 WERE like street fights. Bangin' and bumpin and grabbin' and holdin' all the way down the field at least until the ball was released.

    After 1978, you could have WRs that were like Smurfs. In fact the Redskins WR of part of the 80s/90s were called The Smurfs. Small, little quick guys. Those types could not have thrived or perhaps even survived the earlier rugged era of WR/DB confrontation. Likewise for DBs, a Deion Sanders who could not tackle your grandmama would not have been worth a damn probably in the earlier era. A big WR like a Gary Collins/Dave Parks/Max McGee/John Stallworth would have flattened him on his ass and gone up and got the ball.

    @the-gipper said:

    I think LeBeau's recognition was long past overdue.
    it definitely makes one wonder, if LeBeau never did another thing after he played, if he would have ever been inducted based strictly upon his play on the field.

    unfortunately we'll never know so it's pretty much moot i guess.

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