Dick Butkus Has Died

[Patler]

Nitschke had more interceptions than Butkus. So did Joe Schmidt, Sam Huff and Nick Buoniconti. All middle linebackers with careers overlapping Butkus. All played more games than Butkus, but their stats show that Butkus was not unusual as a pass defender. Nitschke in his prime was as violent tackling, Butkus was more violent getting to the tackle. He didn't take on blockers, he often blocked the blockers, hitting them as hard as he did ball carriers. He smashed his way through blockers, getting to the tackle.

Many outside linebackers in those days, like Dave Robinson, had more interceptions too.

Yes, there were a lot fewer passes thrown in those days, but the good linebackers, like those above, didn't come off the field for extra DBs in passing situations, and pass rushing and block rules were so different that QBs were often hit as they threw, with dying quail passes ending up in the arms of linebackers. Coverage rules allowed contact until the ball was released, allowing linebackers to stay with RBs and TEs.

Very different game in those days.

[Fritz]

Nitschke had more interceptions than Butkus. So did Joe Schmidt, Sam Huff and Nick Buoniconti. All middle linebackers with careers overlapping Butkus. All played more games than Butkus, but their stats show that Butkus was not unusual as a pass defender. Nitschke in his prime was as violent tackling, Butkus was more violent getting to the tackle. He didn't take on blockers, he often blocked the blockers, hitting them as hard as he did ball carriers. He smashed his way through blockers, getting to the tackle.

Many outside linebackers in those days, like Dave Robinson, had more interceptions too.

Yes, there were a lot fewer passes thrown in those days, but the good linebackers, like those above, didn't come off the field for extra DBs in passing situations, and pass rushing and block rules were so different that QBs were often hit as they threw, with dying quail passes ending up in the arms of linebackers. Coverage rules allowed contact until the ball was released, allowing linebackers to stay with RBs and TEs.

Very different game in those days.

Oh my good god Patler I am SO glad to see you back! Some of the newer rats need to get edumacated.

And what a good post to do so. As always, you actually back your opinions with evidence, and you often educate us, or many of us, in the process.

Damn. I can't believe how happy I am that you're back. Don't be a stranger. I'd be mightily interested to hear your thoughts on Gutekunst, LeFleur, this year's Packer team, and of course Love. Not hate, though. I'm getting tired of hate.

[Bretsky]

Nitschke had more interceptions than Butkus. So did Joe Schmidt, Sam Huff and Nick Buoniconti. All middle linebackers with careers overlapping Butkus. All played more games than Butkus, but their stats show that Butkus was not unusual as a pass defender. Nitschke in his prime was as violent tackling, Butkus was more violent getting to the tackle. He didn't take on blockers, he often blocked the blockers, hitting them as hard as he did ball carriers. He smashed his way through blockers, getting to the tackle.

Many outside linebackers in those days, like Dave Robinson, had more interceptions too.

Yes, there were a lot fewer passes thrown in those days, but the good linebackers, like those above, didn't come off the field for extra DBs in passing situations, and pass rushing and block rules were so different that QBs were often hit as they threw, with dying quail passes ending up in the arms of linebackers. Coverage rules allowed contact until the ball was released, allowing linebackers to stay with RBs and TEs.

Very different game in those days.

DANG, WHERE YOU BEEN ?

I feel like I should make some stat up so I can get Patlerized It's been too long.

Welcome back !

[MadtownPacker]

Nitschke had more interceptions than Butkus. So did Joe Schmidt, Sam Huff and Nick Buoniconti. All middle linebackers with careers overlapping Butkus. All played more games than Butkus, but their stats show that Butkus was not unusual as a pass defender. Nitschke in his prime was as violent tackling, Butkus was more violent getting to the tackle. He didn't take on blockers, he often blocked the blockers, hitting them as hard as he did ball carriers. He smashed his way through blockers, getting to the tackle.

Many outside linebackers in those days, like Dave Robinson, had more interceptions too.

Yes, there were a lot fewer passes thrown in those days, but the good linebackers, like those above, didn't come off the field for extra DBs in passing situations, and pass rushing and block rules were so different that QBs were often hit as they threw, with dying quail passes ending up in the arms of linebackers. Coverage rules allowed contact until the ball was released, allowing linebackers to stay with RBs and TEs.

Very different game in those days.

Damn Patlerized me hard on your valiant return!! I would have thought the LBs would skills-wise be more like DEs today. Very surprising they all caught so well. They probably would do well in todays game still.

[Patler]

I would have thought the LBs would skills-wise be more like DEs today. Very surprising they all caught so well. They probably would do well in todays game still.

Nitschke also played fullback in college, Butkus played center.

[Fritz]

Nitschke also played fullback in college, Butkus played center.

It's weird what a good run da Bears had at middle linebacker. I never saw Bill George play, but I've seen a bit of highlight film. Wow.

Also weird to think someone as absolutely legendary as Butkus only played eight years. In today's terms, that's only two contracts. If only the medical care was as good as it is now . . . you wonder how long he might've played.

[Patler]

Also weird to think someone as absolutely legendary as Butkus only played eight years. In today's terms, that's only two contracts. If only the medical care was as good as it is now . . . you wonder how long he might've played.

Yup, and Gayle Sayers only really played five years, although he hung around two more but only played in four games the last two years. His career consisted of just 68 games.

[Fritz]

Yup, and Gayle Sayers only really played five years, although he hung around two more but only played in four games the last two years. His career consisted of just 68 games.

I saw him on TV as a kid, a couple times. In my estimation, he was better than Walter Payton.

[The Shadow]

I saw him on TV as a kid, a couple times. In my estimation, he was better than Walter Payton.

I agree.