AboutJim Considine Expertise I can answer statistical questions about professional football. I am especially strong on the subject of the Baltimore Colts from 1947 through 1983, Washington Redskins, and the Baltimore Ravens.
My services are best used when an older, obscure question is posed. The newer NFL records are easily accessible through www.NFL.com
I do not appraise memorabilia. I am not an expert on Canadian Football, though I will take a shot at any questions you might
I have a good understanding and recall of the folklore about Baltimore football. Some of this information may be subjective in nature. I will give the best answer possible if this is the case.
Experience I am an NFL Statistician with the Washington Redskins. I grew up during the days of the Baltimore Colts in the 1960's. (Please refer to the movie "Diner" for more information about the Baltimore Colts fans)
Organizations Washington Redskins Statistician, 2005-present
Baltimore Ravens, 1996-2003
Publications The records were used by author Jon Morgan in his book, "Glory For Sale". The records have been part of the Baltimore Ravens Media Guides since their inaugural season in 1996.
I was interviewed for the cover story of The Press Box, a local, monthly sports tabloid newspaper.
http://www.pressboxonline.com/story.cfm?id=5594
Education/Credentials I researched and was able to piece together the statistical history of the AAFC Baltimore Colts 1947-49, and the 1950 NFL Colts. This information was used by The Baltimore Ravens for their 1996 Media Guide. The records were entitled "Baltimore Football Records". It was considered "unofficial" since the AAFC league records were not incorporated with the NFL records when the leagues merged.
The reason that this information was created was due to the fact that the NFL had prohibited the 1996 Baltimore Ravens from bringing the records, colors, and team name from the Cleveland Browns. The Baltimore football records were presented in order to create a frame of reference. The Ravens have kept these records since 1996, adding and amending as the Ravens football team challenge these records.
Awards and Honors I was awarded two game balls from the Ravens and was recognized for my work as the top game day employee.
Past/Present Clients Baltimore Ravens, Wise Guides, Washington Redskins
Question Hi! I am Neil Zalavadia and I am in 8th grade at School Lane Charter School. In class we have to do a project and my topic is: Which team had the better defense: 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers 0r 1985 Chicago Bears? We need an expert opinion, and I consider you as an expert on this topic, so could you e-mail me back saying if you want to be my expert or not? If yes, I will give you question, you will need to answer. Thank you!
Answer Neil,
I have an answer to your question. Before I give you the answer, let me make one suggestion. The question you are asking is a good question. It invites people to think, check out the facts, and consider the validity of some statistics. It is a “subjective” question, which means that there is no right or wrong answers. An objective question has a very distinctive answer that is not subject for discussion. For example, who won more games, the 1985 Bears or the 1976 Steelers? The answer is the Bears as they won 15 games and lost 1. Pittsburgh’s record in 1976 was 10-4.
Regarding the records of the teams, you can see that the Steelers played a 14 game season in 1976. By 1985, the league had shifted to a 16 game season. This makes analyzing team statistics difficult.
Now for the answer. I believe that the Steelers are the better defensive team. Here is why:
1. The Steelers have five Hall of fame players from the 11 defensive starters of the 1976 Steelers defuse. The Bears have 2 from the 1985 season.
2. The Steelers won the American Football Conference championship 7 times during the 1970’s. The Bears won the NFC crown once in the 1980’s.
3. The Steelers won four Superbowls’ in their decade. The Bears won once.
4. Extrapolating the data so that you can compare defensive statistics, the Steelers lead the Bears in the following categories;
a. Points per game
b. Yards
c. Yards/play
d. First Downs (rushing and passing)
e. Touchdowns allowed
f. 1st down yardage allowed.
Some people will say that the Steelers did not win the SuperBowl in 1976, and the Bears did win in 1985. That is a valid argument. However, I think if their offense did not sustain so many injuries, they would have won more games.
