NFL "what-if" scenarios thread

[SeahawkFever]

Here’s one I just thought of: Obviously they were in different times, but when I hear people talk about the contemporary Rams I hear people say their mentality was “eff them picks”.

Also I hear people say that the Hall of Fame head coach of the Rams and Redskins in the 60’s and 70’s, George Allen had a sign on his desk that said “The Future Is Now!”.

What if George Allen had Stan Kroenke as his owner?

[7DnBrnc53]

I recently watched the NFL Network Timeline episode about Vince Lombardi in Washington.

Afterward, I thought about what would have happened if he got his health checked better in 1968, survived, and stayed as Redskin coach for several more years.

Didn't he have an exceptionally aggressive cancer? Somewhere I remember hearing that his particular case astonished doctors to the point that it was written about in medical journals...that's how unique it was.

Wondering could it have been nipped in the bud if caught in 1968? Was cancer treatment even at that level in 1968?

https://www.survivornet.com/articles/nf ... s-ignored/

Apparently, Vince was starting to have digestive problems in 1967, but wouldn't get a proctoscopy scan.

[Brian wolf]

Vince had various problems but an NFL Film from 1968 basically admitted what helped kill him. He claimed he took as many as 20-30 aspirin a day. Imagine the damage to his stomach? Another victim of the Bayer empire.

[CSKreager]

What if the 49ers don’t give up that Hail Mary to Atlanta in November 1991 and end up making the playoffs?

[74_75_78_79_]

You ever recall Marino audibling to a draw play? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? He wanted to throw every down. Shula should have reigned him in as Marino was about personal stats and glory and not winning.

Honestly, Shula should have been fired after the 1988 season, when they went 5-11. It was time for him to move on. Csonka, Kiick, Griese, Warfield, and co. were not walking through that door.

Then, they should have went after Jimmy Johnson. I think he would have done better with Marino if he coached him earlier.

If that happens, then who replaces Landry in Dallas?

Barry Switzer?

Wasn’t he out of Norman after ’88? This sure would have been that opportunity for he to rebuild an NFL team from scratch instead of he taking over a back-to-back Champ, finish 12-4 two straight years - CCG berth one year, a Lombardi the other - and still get no credit whatsoever.

[Brian wolf]

Honestly, Shula should have been fired after the 1988 season, when they went 5-11. It was time for him to move on. Csonka, Kiick, Griese, Warfield, and co. were not walking through that door.

Then, they should have went after Jimmy Johnson. I think he would have done better with Marino if he coached him earlier.

If that happens, then who replaces Landry in Dallas?

Barry Switzer?

Wasn’t he out of Norman after ’88? This sure would have been that opportunity for he to rebuild an NFL team from scratch instead of he taking over a back-to-back Champ, finish 12-4 two straight years - CCG berth one year, a Lombardi the other - and still get no credit whatsoever.

True, Switzer could have been the choice. He does deserve more credit for their 1995 championship, yet the team was also underprepared and out-coached in both the 1994 NFC championship and 1996 Divisional playoff game that these players are still upset about. It made it easier for Jerry to fire him after their 1997 collapse.

[74_75_78_79_]

If that happens, then who replaces Landry in Dallas?

Barry Switzer?

Wasn’t he out of Norman after ’88? This sure would have been that opportunity for he to rebuild an NFL team from scratch instead of he taking over a back-to-back Champ, finish 12-4 two straight years - CCG berth one year, a Lombardi the other - and still get no credit whatsoever.

True, Switzer could have been the choice. He does deserve more credit for their 1995 championship, yet the team was also underprepared and out-coached in both the 1994 NFC championship and 1996 Divisional playoff game that these players are still upset about. It made it easier for Jerry to fire him after their 1997 collapse.

I've opined it before and I'll opine it again - I feel enough '93 playoff HCs, if given the keys from Jerry, would have failed to win Big D that third '90s Lombardi by '95. He just may have been the right (a la Billy Martin/Bob Lemon '78) change-in-gears for that two year period.

I may have asked this before here on this site, but was there ever a previous moment or so when Switzer expressed interest in the NFL and/or had another franchise previously tried to pursue him? Or was this simply a Jerry approaching Barry - and only Barry - just to 'get at' Jimmy? Thanks in-advance for the answer.

You ever recall Marino audibling to a draw play? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? He wanted to throw every down. Shula should have reigned him in as Marino was about personal stats and glory and not winning.

Honestly, Shula should have been fired after the 1988 season, when they went 5-11. It was time for him to move on. Csonka, Kiick, Griese, Warfield, and co. were not walking through that door.

Then, they should have went after Jimmy Johnson. I think he would have done better with Marino if he coached him earlier.

Who do they pick up in that ’89 draft? Not Sammie Smith sure-enough? Do they trade up? Could they get Emmitt in ’90? Jimmy would actually be building from scratch in this case.

A Dan Marino Trade (instead of Herschel)??

That infamous ‘Under Fire’ SI cover story during the ‘88 season with Landry and Noll on the cover…Shula’s name was also mentioned in that article. Oh how the mighty fell at that point. Miami played at Three Rivers in the season finale in a battle of 5-10s, Steelers winning it.

Despite Marino's star-status, they being a winning team and their two SB-runs still fresh, weren't the Hurricanes more the 'toast of the town' than the Dolphins during that time? Canes being more 'hip' to South Beach? I believe I heard that players from the 'U' would be let into the night clubs but not the case with Dolphin players (though I'm sure Dan would have always been allowed in).

Well, had Jimmy took over the Dolphins, especially winning a Super Bowl early on, that may have very much shifted things; or at least even-ed them with the 'U'. This would also especially go for he getting some Canes on the roster. Possibly acquiring Michael Irvin? Practically a Slam Dunk for 'toast of town' status! But, of course, it'd all come back to Super Bowls being won!


Not too uncommon there being a 'rift' between the college team and the pro team in town. I got that vibe with the Panthers and Steelers. Burt Grossman did not want to be a Steeler! This despite older cousin, Randy, having played for them!

[7DnBrnc53]

Just found something interesting: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2015/4/14/ ... tt-in-1987

According to Bill Polian (from his book), the Vikings tried to trade for Dickerson in 1987 but didn't have the ammo to make it happen (which is ironic given what would happen a few years later).

The Vikes getting Dickerson for less than what they had to give up for Walker changes history immeasurably.

[SeahawkFever]

Just found something interesting: https://www.stampedeblue.com/2015/4/14/ ... tt-in-1987

According to Bill Polian (from his book), the Vikings tried to trade for Dickerson in 1987 but didn't have the ammo to make it happen (which is ironic given what would happen a few years later).

The Vikes getting Dickerson for less than what they had to give up for Walker changes history immeasurably.

That definitely would. They never trade for Herschel, which means the 1988 squad actually has a legit run game.

I’m not sure if they make a Super Bowl, but I wouldn’t rule it out nearly as much with Dickerson; especially if they win that regular season game against San Francisco.

The Cowboys on the other hand don’t have nearly as many assets in the draft given that they aren’t who is being traded with now, and the Rams get some picks. Not saying they parlay that into what Dallas did with the Walker trade in reality, but they probably end up a bit better in the early 90’s.

[7DnBrnc53]

I’m not sure if they make a Super Bowl, but I wouldn’t rule it out nearly as much with Dickerson; especially if they win that regular season game against San Francisco.

If they do, it is probably the first year that ED is there (1987). 1988 is also a possibility if they win that game in SF where Steve Young had what may have been a dynasty-saving run.

Eventually, though, I see Dickerson having trouble with his contract. Mike Lynn was able to get players to take deals well below their market value. I don't know if he stays past 1990 or 91.