Worst ONE-AND-DONE playoff teams ever

[CSKreager]

Not only do the 1995 Falcons belong in this thread, but the 95 Chiefs do as well.

They somehow had seven Pro Bowlers, but Steve Bono was an alternate, and Kimble Anders made it as a FB. Besides that, they only had one offensive Pro Bowler (Will Shields). Defense was the strength of this team (first in points, second in yards, and a +12 turnover ratio). The offense was lacking. They were 12th in points, 14th in yards, and 25th in passing yards.

Also, they were able to get breaks in several key games that led to victory (Giants, Raiders, Chargers, Oilers). And, when they played the Raiders on the road in December, Hoss was hurt, and Vince Evans (and Billy Joe Hobert) played QB. In the playoffs, the luck ran out, which it usually does when you aren't for real.

The Colts were even luckier (Jets 2x, Patriots, Dolphins, 49ers).

[7DnBrnc53]

The Colts were even luckier (Jets 2x, Patriots, Dolphins, 49ers).

The 95 Colts had their fair share of luck, but the 95 Chiefs were one of the luckiest teams I ever seen. They won a OT game against the Raiders because the ref got in the way of the Raider WR (letting the DB step in, pick off the pass, and take it to the house to seal the win).

[Ten Minute Ticker]

The 1990 Saints had those great defensive players, but their offense was diabolical.

The playoff game against the Bears, with over-matched John Fourcade trying to move the offense is one of the most inept things I’ve seen in a playoff game.

I had forgotten until I looked it up that Steve Walsh also played in that game. Obviously, his performance made a big impression.

That team gets forgotten for its mediocrity because Bobby Hebert returned in 1991 and they were much better, but as a one-year entity (maybe they don’t count as a one-and-done because they made the playoffs the following year), that Saints team was hard on the eyes.

[ShinobiMusashi]

I don't get the hate for the 95 Falcons that was one of my favorite one hit wonder teams of the 90's, interesting squad for sure I think you could do way worse than them as far as worst one and done playoff teams ever.

[CSKreager]

I don't get the hate for the 95 Falcons that was one of my favorite one hit wonder teams of the 90's

Because they denied us a Bears/Packers playoff game at Lambeau Field on New Year’s Eve, in football weather, a rematch of one of the best games of 1995

[74_75_78_79_]

I don't get the hate for the 95 Falcons that was one of my favorite one hit wonder teams of the 90's

Because they denied us a Bears/Packers playoff game at Lambeau Field on New Year’s Eve, in football weather, a rematch of one of the best games of 1995

Such a different identity, the '95 Falcons had, from 'Too Legit' four long years earlier. Looking at their roster now, I now remember Eric Metcalf/Ironhead Heyward in the backfield (Jamal Anderson soon to shine). Ricky Sanders/Terrence Mathis at WR. Chris Doleman & Pierce Holt on the DL, Darryl Talley and Clay Matthews at LBs with Tuggle...interesting lineup! Jeff George's FWIW best year as a pro.

Not too special of a 9-7 team but at least had a positive-PD at +13. And its not as if they beat a San Fran team in the finale whose playoff-positioning was already set. The defending-Champs sure wanted that top-seed, and Falcons needing to win to get in, makes it a quality-win to me.

But, yes, Bears at Packers would have likely made for a quite better match. And the '95 Bears, as most of us should agree, were better than the '94 team that actually did make the playoffs, I think they were better than Atlanta as well. And unlike the year before when the Pack swept them by a combined 73-9, Chicago gave GB great games both times they played; though both still resulted in a defeat. The fact that its a rivalry, and maybe it being a bit of a challenge for the Pack to beat them a third-straight time, makes this hypo-match more intriguing. That said, I think GB completes the threep here. They were SO on their way by then! Maybe they beat them by more than a TD in this case.

Not ragging on the '95 Falcons here either (they seem like a 'normal' 9-7 team to me, end of day), but I opine that they weren't even the 2nd-best team in their division by season's end. The '81 Redskins were discussed here just now on another thread. Well, I think by the time the playoffs began, that the expansion Carolina Panthers were playoff-caliber! Maybe they were better than Chicago by then as well.

I forgot that they were 7-9 in their first year! Like that Washington team, they dug themselves in a hole early. And like the Jags already starting a rivalry with the Steelers, beating them in that inaugural season, the Panther seemed to already be starting one with San Fran - not only beating them as well, but that win being...on the road!