NFL Announces Usage of Instant Replay

On March 11, 1986, the National Football League announces that it will begin using instant replay for the upcoming 1986-1987 season.

 

One of the original 'on-field instant replay booths' the NFL put up during the 1990s at the Metrodome in Minnesota, the former home of the Vikings.

In 1986 the technology was nowhere near what it is today, which made instant replay unpopular with players, coaches and the fans.

A few years later in 1992, the NFL decided to abandon its instant replay system but after years of complaining from several coaches, instant replay made a comeback during the 1999 season.

The newer, high definition 'on-field NFL replay booth' as seen at a San Francisco 49ers game in 2013.

Although there were still many aspects that were flawed, the ability for a coach to challenge a disputed call definitely improved the game. The current rules allow a coach to challenge two plays throughout the course of the game. If both challenges are successful a third is awarded.

Super Bowl + Podcast

Scratch Hit Sports creator Stephen Langsam recaps the NFL Pro Bowl with former co-host of the Sporting Hangover, Ryan Hilton, and dives in head first into Super Bowl coverage.

Topics to listen for: Madden Challenge Steve (Seahawks) vs Ryan (Broncos), and who won.

Betting line for Super Bowl, our predictions of the game and who or what will make a major impact on the game.

We also dive into a few thoughts about what a win or loss means for each team.

Super Bowl Podcast

NFL Pro Bowl + Podcast

Scratch Hit Sports creator Stephen Langsam recaps the NFL Championship Round Playoffs with former co-host of the Sporting Hangover, Ryan Hilton.

We talk about the "New" style Pro Bowl, and draft our own Pro Bowl teams. Just a quick five on five draft, sorry offensive lineman, this one is just about skill positions!

We also dive into a few thoughts about the Super Bowl.


NFL Pro Bowl Podcast

NFL Divisional Round Playoffs + Brady and Manning Playoff Moments.

Scratch Hit Sports creator Stephen Langsam recaps the NFL Divisional Round Playoffs with former co-host of the Sporting Hangover, Ryan Hilton, our predictions for the championship round, as well who is the best quarterback in each matchup.

We also dive into the previous Tom Brady and Peyton Manning playoff moments.

Scratch Hit Sports NFL Divisional Round Podcast

NFL Wildcard Playoffs recap + Divisional Round Predictions + San Francisco 49ers Top 5 Playoff Moments

The NFL Wildcard round is over and the Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers are moving on to face the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers respectively.

I recap the games with a former co-host, Ryan Hilton, from "The Sporting Hangover," as well go over the Top 5 49ers Playoff Moments and then touch on the NFL Divisional Round Playoff matchups.

Youtube video link to Scratch Hit Sports Podcast on NFL Wildcard Round

Podbean audio link to Scratch Hit Sports Podcast on NFL Wildcard Round

Largent Breaks NFL Record

On Dec. 27, 1987, the Seattle Seahawks played against the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium.

The game wasn’t too amazing, but a record set by Seahawks wide receiver Steve Largent was, as he made his record breaking 751 receptions in the NFL.

Although Largent got his record of 751 catches and beyond, the Seahawks lost 41-20 as the season wound down. Largent had a touchdown catch in the game as well.

Largent would finish his career as the All-Time leader in the NFL with 819 receptions, 13,089 receiving yards, and 100 receiving touchdowns, and 177 consecutive games with a catch.

Though shortly after his retirement, former San Francisco 49ers great Jerry Rice would surpass all of his records.

Largent is still known today as one of the best white receivers to play the game, compiling over 13,000 receiving yards, 819 catches and 100 touchdowns.

His career accolades include being named to the Pro Bowl seven times, being an eight-time All-Pro selection, being named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade team, winning the 1988 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, the Bart Starr Man of the Year Award.

Largent was inducted into the Canton Football Hall of Fame in 1995.

He was enshrined into the Seahawks Ring of Honor, as well as having his no. 80 jersey retired by Seattle in 1992 and being named to the Seahawks 35^th Anniversary team in 2010.

After his football career Largent would go into Politics, where he has been in the U.S. House of Represenatives from Oklahoma’s first district from Nov. 29, 1994 to Feb. 15 2002. Largent would win all four elections he was up for by at least 24 percent of the vote.

Colts Win On Monday Night Football

On Oct. 31, 1988, the Indianapolis Colts host their first Monday Night NFL game in Indianapolis. The Colts end up winning, beating the Denver Broncos 55-23.

The Colts were members of the National Football League from their founding, however, they were one of three teams to switch to the AFC following the 1970 merger.

While in Baltimore the team advanced to the postseason ten times and won three NFL Championship games in 1958, 1959 and 1968.

The Colts had two Super Bowl appearances while in Baltimore, losing to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III, while defeating the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V.

The Colts moved to Indianapolis in 1984 and have since appeared in the playoffs fourteen times, with two conference championships and one Super Bowl championship coming against the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

It was under quarterback Peyton Manning that the Colts saw their greatest success since relocating to Indianapolis, with the team appearing in the playoffs nine consecutive seasons, tying a league record.

Following Manning's departure in 2012, the Colts drafted Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck as their new franchise quarterback.

The Baltimore and Indianapolis Colts have played in 34 Monday Night Football games, winning 20 and losing 14. Their .606 winning percentage is good enough for the fourth highest winning percentage on Monday Night Football trailing only the Seattle Seahawks, .703, Pittsburgh Steelers, .634 and the San Francisco 49ers, .632.

The Colts last appearance on Monday Night Football came this year as they lost to the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 14 in a 19-9 contest.