The Snake is Gone

[keefe]

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-shutdown-corner/ken-stabler--raiders-legend--passes-away-at-age-69-225802393.html

[MU82]

Growing up, I was a huge Miami Dolphins fan. It was a sickness, really. Hell, still today I can give the name and number for every starter on those '72 and '73 Dolphin teams -- even the linemen!

Anyway, the Dolphins' dynasty ended in the '74 playoffs when Stabler threw an ill-advised, wobbly pass into the end zone to a tightly covered Clarence Davis for the winning TD in the final seconds.

I was so devastated that I refused to go out to eat with my family that night, even though they were going to my favorite restaurant in town -- the only one with a salad bar! I just sulked in my room for hours.

That's my main memory of Stabler. And though I hated him for having the balls to throw that pass (and skill to complete it), I grew to admire his guts and ability over the next several years.

Still hate the Raiders, though!

[keefe]

Growing up, I was a huge Miami Dolphins fan. It was a sickness, really. Hell, still today I can give the name and number for every starter on those '72 and '73 Dolphin teams -- even the linemen!

Anyway, the Dolphins' dynasty ended in the '74 playoffs when Stabler threw an ill-advised, wobbly pass into the end zone to a tightly covered Clarence Davis for the winning TD in the final seconds.

I was so devastated that I refused to go out to eat with my family that night, even though they were going to my favorite restaurant in town -- the only one with a salad bar! I just sulked in my room for hours.

That's my main memory of Stabler. And though I hated him for having the balls to throw that pass (and skill to complete it), I grew to admire his guts and ability over the next several years.

Still hate the Raiders, though!

Stabler was a unique player. He wasn't pretty but he had grit and toughness and he somehow knew how to win. I never liked the whole Raider Mystique narrative but Stabler was a joy to watch.

[rocket surgeon]

a shame he never made the hall of fame.  he was a performer under pressure and made the guys around him better.  and he outlived lyle alzado and the tooz(went to high school right up the road from me in oak creek , wi)

[brandx]

Stabler was a unique player. He wasn't pretty but he had grit and toughness and he somehow knew how to win. I never liked the whole Raider Mystique narrative but Stabler was a joy to watch.

Jim McMahon with talent?

[hairy worthen]

Jim McMahon with talent?

Jim McMahon was perceived as an arrogant, big mouthed tool. You could add pretty boy as well.  Stabler wasn't that. Brett Favre, without the strong arm would be a better comparison.  Wasn't always pretty, but had the knack of making the big plays. He fit in perfectly with that team, and coach.

[brandx]

Jim McMahon was perceived as an arrogant, big mouthed tool. You could add pretty boy as well.  Stabler wasn't that. Brett Favre, without the strong arm would be a better comparison.  Wasn't always pretty, but had the knack of making the big plays. He fit in perfectly with that team, and coach.

You're right, but I was talking stat-wise.