One-hit wonder teams

[7DnBrnc53]

The 1986 Chiefs would be the poster boy for this thread. Their only playoff appearance in the Mackovic era (and first in 15 years). They wouldn't go back to the playoffs until 1990 (with Schottenheimer as HC).

[ChrisBabcock]

You could cherry pick a few out of the Panthers history for this thread. I was actually looking at their W-L record history through the years just yesterday and it is bizarre. They've never finished 9-7 or 10-6, and every time they've finished 11-5 or better, its been sandwiched between 8-8 or lower seasons. The only time they've had back to back playoff appearances included when they won the division at 7-8-1 in 2014.

https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/car/

[BD Sullivan]

Realistically, the 1980 Browns would fit this category, since that was their only REAL playoff game from 1973-84. Yes, I know they made it in '82, but that was a nine-game season where they actually got in with a losing record.

[7DnBrnc53]

The 1970 Lions would make the playoffs at 10-4 (losing to Dallas 5-0 in the divisional round). Their next playoff berth during a non-strike year: 1991.

Why did that team fail to make the playoffs the next few years? They did have a fairly talented squad. Was it coaching (they did seem to have some turnover there)?

[Rupert Patrick]

Although they got to a Divisional Tiebreaker game, which they lost to the Eagles, the 1947 Steelers would have to qualify.

[7DnBrnc53]

Right now, the 2017 Jags could be remembered as a one-hit wonder.

They didn't add too many upgrades offensively other than Nick Foles and Florida OT Jawaan Taylor (who fell in the draft due to injury). Foles and RB Leonard Fournette better stay healthy, because the depth behind them isn't great.

Defensively, Calais Campbell will be 33 on opening day, and Malik Jackson is an Eagle. They did add DE Josh Allen, but OLB Telvin Smith decided to take this season off due to personal reasons (not sure if he will be back), and they didn't replace the guys they have lost at safety.

[BD Sullivan]

The 1970 Lions would make the playoffs at 10-4 (losing to Dallas 5-0 in the divisional round). Their next playoff berth during a non-strike year: 1991.

Why did that team fail to make the playoffs the next few years? They did have a fairly talented squad. Was it coaching (they did seem to have some turnover there)?

In 71, they were 4-1 prior to the game in which Chuck Hughes died, but they were still tied for the WC at 7-3-1 after beating KC on Thanksgiving. However, they lost at home to the 3-7-1 Eagles, then dropped their last two games at Minnesota and SF.

in 72, they were tied for the division lead at 7-4 after beating the Jets on Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, they got drilled by the Packers the following weeks and then inexplicably ended up in a tie on the road against the 3-9-1 Bills, which ended their playoff hopes.

Joe Schmidt quit after the 72 season and never returned to coaching.

[7DnBrnc53]

The 1957 49ers turned out to be a one-hit wonder after their second-half collapse in the Western Conference playoff against the Lions. They didn't make the playoffs again until 1970.

[sluggermatt15]

The 2016 Raiders (12-4). Jack Del Rio's second year. Raiders hadn't had a winning year since 2002. They went to the wild card round, losing at Houston, 27-14. Oakland regressed to 6-10 in 2017 and 4-12 last season, 2018.

[ChrisBabcock]

1980 Falcons... It looks like they could have kept things going in 1981 if not for a bunch of close losses.

2007 Browns