Can Tasker still make the HOF?

[fansince88]

4 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Best at what, though?  How many Bills victories can one look back on and say, "damn, if it wasn't for Tasker, we'd have lost that one?"

This video alone shows:

7 batted punts 2 for a td and 1 for a safety. How many of those have we seen in the last 15 years?

5 strip tackles. How many of those have we seen the last 15 years?

Half dozen huge tackles on punt returns.

3 wr TDs and a few great tackles. 

I think it is commonplace to forget what his contribution to ST meant to the team those years. I also forgot how beat up the punters got into those years.

 

[Let's Go Buffalo]

Tasker made plays all over the field against some of the fastest and greatest players in the League, who've made the Hall of Fame.....and he made many of them look bad over and over again.....and last time I checked, Special Teams does help win games! 

[ALLEN1QB]

I think every year his chances go down. I give him 10% chance. I sure did enjoy watching him play though. 

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

5 hours ago, Just Joshin' said:

So trying to understand - the best AT player vs an average QB.

 

But,but,but Eli won 2 Super Bowls.  Then let in all SB winning QBs and players.

so I’m hearing about this 10 time all pro water boy Bobby Boucher.  Canton? 

[folz]

5 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Best at what, though?  How many Bills victories can one look back on and say, "damn, if it wasn't for Tasker, we'd have lost that one?"

 

Actually, quite a few. I can only assume that either you are too young to remember watching the 90s team live, or if you are old enough, then somehow your memory is failing you. Tasker made a huge number of momentum-changing and game-changing plays that helped the team win games. Just watch his highlights videos on youtube. Just as Bruce always seemed to be able to come up with a big sack in crunch time (to get the ball back for his offense or to seal a game), Tasker's plays often happened at critical junctures in games too---opening kickoffs that set the tone of the game, late in games when the team just needed someone to make a big play and he blocks a punt or makes a punt returner fumble the ball, etc. 

 

Also, many fans underestimate the value of field position in football, but it is a HUGE part of the game and Tasker was as important to that as say a great punter (Guy) or a great returner. His open-field tackles on All-Pro returners (like Deion Sanders, etc.) wouldn't just hurt the opponents field position, but they would fire up the crowd and his teammates. And he blocked punts (some which resulted in TDs or at least set the offense up on short fields), he created turnovers and at least one safety, he returned kicks and punts (when they needed him too), and was pretty good at WR when given a chance. In one week's time, in 1993, he blocked a punt in the Super Bowl and then a field goal in the Pro Bowl. 

 

The great players from that 90s team, the Hall of Famers, have a tight  circle of friendship. Why do you think Tasker is in that select group with Bruce, Thurman, Jim, Andre, etc. It is because they thought of him on the same level as themselves, as far as greatness and importance to that team. They all believe he deserves to be in the Hall.

 

He made 7 Pro Bowls and 12 times was 1st team ALL Pro. The only special teamer to ever win the MVP in a Pro Bowl (1993).

 

To dismiss his Hall-of-Fame worthiness so cavalierly, without even a debate, seems a bit short-sighted, if not disrespectful to what Tasker gave and meant to this team.

[Mikie2times]

7 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Best at what, though?  How many Bills victories can one look back on and say, "damn, if it wasn't for Tasker, we'd have lost that one?"

I don't think we win the 1993 Divisional game vs the Raiders (one of the coldest games on record) without Taskers kick return, which was truly a remarkable play. We had been shut down on offense prior to that occurring and still needed a lead changing 4th quarter TD to win.

 

While you can't credit him for this as far as the hall is concerned, I wonder what his fate would have been if he played more WR. All reports from that era from offensive players said Tasker was one of the hardest guys to cover, he was always open. He started 8 games in two of his last three seasons at 33 and 34 years old. 41 catches, 627 yards, 6 TD's. He might have made a great WR, we will never know.

 

We do know he is the most respected special teams defender of all time. Hidden yardage is similar to defensive ability in baseball. You don't naturally think in baseball how much value in runs saved defense brings, but in many cases it's substantial. Yards saved has proven to be just as substantial in football. I'm sure if you could measure yards saved, Taskers overall contribution in yards saved should land him in the hall. He should have a good chance of getting in but based on what you said it likely never happens. 

Edited January 26, 2020 by KzooMike

[KD in CA]

2 hours ago, Augie said:

 

Lynn Swann was a great player, but if you look at his numbers now, especially in light of today’s game, his stats look very pedestrian. BUT, he DID have a highlight reel catch in a Super Bowl that I remember to this day, and I’m not a Steelers fan. 

 

.

 

Swann might be the worst pick ever for the HOF.  His numbers aren't good even compared to his contemporaries, never mind modern players.   Hell, they don't look good compared to his teammate John Stallworth.   Frank Gifford had more receiving yards than Swann and he played in the '50s....and was a running back!

 

Swann is only in because the Steelers won 4 rings and he made a couple good catches in one of those games.

[NewEra]

3 hours ago, Doc Brown said:

Cornelius Bennett should get in well before Steve Tasker.  Two time defensive player of the year, five pro bowls, and on the 90's all decade team.

Two time defensive player of the year?  Does madden count now?

[Doc Brown]

5 minutes ago, NewEra said:

Two time defensive player of the year?  Does madden count now?

Two time AFC DPOY.  Sorry.

[RangerDave]

9 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Best at what, though?  How many Bills victories can one look back on and say, "damn, if it wasn't for Tasker, we'd have lost that one?"

If that is truly the requirement to get into the HOF, we should kick out any offensive lineman.  Tasker has made more of a difference in games than any of them.

[folz]

To the OP's original question, this was Tasker's last year of eligibility in the normal selection process as he retired more than 25 years ago now. He can be voted in as a senior member, but the road is much harder:

 

HOF Selection Process

"To be eligible for the nominating process, a player or coach must have been retired for at least five years. Any other contributor such as a team owner or executive can be voted in at any time.^[12]

Fans may nominate any player, coach or contributor by simply writing via letter or email to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Selection Committee is then polled three times by mail (once in March, once in September, and once in October) to eventually narrow the list to 25 semifinalists. In November, the committee then selects 15 finalists by mail balloting. A Seniors and Contributors Committee, subcommittees of the overall Selection Committee, nominate Seniors (those players who completed their careers more than 25 years ago) and Contributors (individuals who made contributions to the game in areas other than playing or coaching). The Seniors Committee and Contributors Committee add two or one finalist(s) on alternating years which makes a final ballot of 18 finalists under consideration by the full committee each year.^[12] Committee members are instructed to only consider a candidate's professional football contributions and to disregard all other factors.^[13]

The Selection Committee then meets on "Selection Saturday," the day before each Super Bowl game to elect a new class. To be elected, a finalist must receive at least 80 percent support from the Board, with at least four, but no more than eight, candidates being elected annually."

 

So, Tasker could still get in, but the odds are now really stacked against him since the Seniors committee only add 1 or 2 names every alternating year. So, first he would have to be picked by the seniors committee as 1 or 2 players from every player who has ever played but is not in the Hall.  And if they selected him, he would then have to compete with the other 15 more recent players (whose careers ended less than 25 years ago) and get 80% of the vote. I think there will have to be an upswelling of sentiment for special teams play and/or for the Hall having overlooked special teams all these years for Tasker to get in going forward. And who knows if that will ever happen. But I would still love to see it and believe he deserves it.

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

4 hours ago, folz said:

...Fans may nominate any player, coach or contributor by simply writing via letter or email to the Pro Football Hall of Fame...

Great.  Vladimir Putin will be getting in before Tasker.  ?

[machine gun kelly]

15 hours ago, BuffAlone said:

yes he does. he changed the game. regardless of official position

You just beat me to it.  The voters, a couple on NFLR state to get in you should have as an attribute who changed the game.  Well, he accomplished that in my eyes, and next year, he starts to be in the Senior category as it will be 25 years post, which makes me feel old.  I’ve said before, now that they put in so many this year, his chances go up.  You know Polian, and Vic will be lobbying hard.  Polian has a lot of pull in that room.  It’s too as Felzer passed, god rest his soul, as he was so influential in the voting process.  I miss that guy and his Sunday articles.  He was really close with my Dad as my father worked at the news for 44 years, and that as I was working there for college, I used to see him all the time, and was always very nice to me.

 

Tasker always says the right thing on this topic on his WGR show, but I’m sure he privately is disappointed each year he doesn’t get voted in to the HOF.

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

The next special teamer to make the hall of fame should be Hester 

[gobilz]

17 hours ago, Gugny said:

He doesn't belong in the Hall of Fame.

Silly

[Gugny]

7 hours ago, RangerDave said:

If that is truly the requirement to get into the HOF, we should kick out any offensive lineman.  Tasker has made more of a difference in games than any of them.

 

Here's a crazy fact that I just discovered after reading your post:  offensive linemen dominate Canton:

 

46 OL

38 DL

30 LB

30 DB

32 RB/FB

27 WR

26 QB

9 TE

4 PK

1 P

 

Games are won and lost in the trenches.

 

[The Jokeman]

Those that feel Tasker should be in the HOF, I ask does Matthew Slater belong? As Slater's been in more Pro Bowls and won more Super Bowls than Tasker.

Edited January 26, 2020 by The Jokeman

[CardinalScotts]

18 hours ago, njbuff said:

 

That's tough.

 

He was the very best at what he did, but a guy like Bennie Thompson was right there as a STer too.

Bennie Thompson was great and frankly he cant hold Tasker's jock.

Impact on a game HUGE- yes game planning for a gunner ? as Parcells said hes the only one

If you to young to remember him you cant grasp his impact on stats like an offensive player

I think he'll get in on the veterans committee who have a better understanding of the overall game. The voters now seem to punch numbers in and it spits out HOF or not. Eli 7th all time in passing yards = gotta be a hall of famer       hes a .500 qb in his career with a kick ass defense  "he"  won 2 super bowls forced to score atleast 8 points in both super bowls winning them 13-7...14-7 nice D Eli  

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

52 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

Those that feel Tasker should be in the HOF, I ask does Matthew Slater belong? As Slater's been in more Pro Bowls and won more Super Bowls than Tasker.

Is that the guy from ‘Saved By the Bell’?

[BuffaloMatt]

Tough pill for many. Loved him as a player and he is good at his job now. BUT not every member from the glory days is a HOFer. 

[Augie]

Does anyone else wonder if Ray Guy was the inspiration for the Patriots* Deflate Gate? Who was checking the balls back then? There were rumors that he may have messed with the “gas” inside those balls. It seems like it would have been fairly easy to get away with?  Real or imagined, the Patriots* will take their inspiration wherever they can find it! 

[WhoTom]

6 hours ago, Ridgewaycynic2013 said:

Great.  Vladimir Putin will be getting in before Tasker.  ?

 

Vlad has a Super Bowl ring; Tasker doesn't.

 

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

51 minutes ago, WhoTom said:

 

Vlad has a Super Bowl ring; Tasker doesn't.

 

I dare not mention what TSW ‘favourite owner’ gave it to him.  ?

[billykay]

22 hours ago, Gugny said:

He doesn't belong in the Hall of Fame.

Perhaps; perhaps not. He was the best all around special teamer I ever saw. He was great at covering punts, receiving punts, and blocking punts. When asked, he was also a pretty good WR.

[Lurker]

https://mpv.tickets.com/?orgId=53799&agency=FHOF_PL_MPV&eventid=51732&_ga=2.56885162.1275664904.1580078317-1603132581.1576982467#/event/E51732/ticketlist/?view=pricescales&minPrice=55&maxPrice=55&quantity=2&sort=price_desc&ada=false&seatSelection=false&onlyCoupon=true&onlyVoucher=false

[Prickly Pete]

On 1/25/2020 at 1:55 PM, BuffAlone said:

yes he does. he changed the game. regardless of official position

 

 

You mean they changed a rule because of Tasker?

Other players have caused the NFL to change rules, and no one can remember them at all...BFD.

[Captain Caveman]

On 1/25/2020 at 4:48 PM, Gugny said:

 

Best at what, though?  How many Bills victories can one look back on and say, "damn, if it wasn't for Tasker, we'd have lost that one?"

 

How many other players did they create a Pro Bowl spot for?  Not only that, he was so effective they changed the rules on coverage, after which he was still the best.  He made the old adage that Special Teams is 1/3 of the game true.

 

How many games would we have lost without him?  The Houston comeback game comes to mind, although I'm sure there are others.

1 hour ago, 32ABBA said:

 

 

You mean they changed a rule because of Tasker?

Other players have caused the NFL to change rules, and no one can remember them at all...BFD.

Ok, is there someone else they added a Pro Bowl spot for?

9 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Here's a crazy fact that I just discovered after reading your post:  offensive linemen dominate Canton:

 

46 OL

38 DL

30 LB

30 DB

32 RB/FB

27 WR

26 QB

9 TE

4 PK

1 P

 

Games are won and lost in the trenches.

 

Well, there are more of them on the field at any given time than any other position, so it makes sense.

Edited January 27, 2020 by Captain Caveman

[Prickly Pete]

1 hour ago, Captain Caveman said:

 

How many other players did they create a Pro Bowl spot for?  Not only that, he was so effective they changed the rules on coverage, after which he was still the best.  He made the old adage that Special Teams is 1/3 of the game true.

 

 

Ok, is there someone else they added a Pro Bowl spot for?

 

 

All kinds of rules get changed  because of something a player has done, and many of those players aren't well known or considered "great" (didn't I just ***** write that in my first post?)

 

I doubt Tasker was the SOLE reason they added a spot. 

 

 

Regardless...HE AIN'T GETTING IN!

deal with it.

 

 

Edited January 27, 2020 by 32ABBA

[Numark3]

On 1/25/2020 at 3:51 PM, Just Joshin' said:

So trying to understand - the best ST player vs an average QB.

 

But,but,but Eli won 2 Super Bowls.  Then let in all SB winning QBs and players.

if the other average, Super Bowl winning QBs are also in the top 10 for all time passing yards and touchdowns...then yea, let them all in.  

[BuffAlone]

3 hours ago, 32ABBA said:

 

 

You mean they changed a rule because of Tasker?

Other players have caused the NFL to change rules, and no one can remember them at all...BFD.

whatever you say

[Prickly Pete]

4 hours ago, BuffAlone said:

whatever you say

 

Here's are just 11 of them, many of the players are not in the HoF...

 

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/26939/11-nfl-rules-named-after-people

 

And now that I looked up "The Tasker Rule", it's kinda comical to consider it a feather in his cap. He would intentionally run out of bounds to evade blockers on kicks...sounds more like something people here would attack Bill Belichick for doing. Stretching the rule book. It's not like they had to change the rule because he was overwhelming people with his athleticism.

 

"He changed the game!!!" .....LOL

 

here are some more....

https://www.si.com/nfl/2014/08/19/nfl-rules-and-the-players-who-inspired-them

 

 

 

Edited January 27, 2020 by 32ABBA

[Hurricane]

Mark Pike....... Deserves a lot more credit...

[Gugny]

1 hour ago, 32ABBA said:

 

Here's are just 11 of them, many of the players are not in the HoF...

 

https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/26939/11-nfl-rules-named-after-people

 

And now that I looked up "The Tasker Rule", it's kinda comical to consider it a feather in his cap. He would intentionally run out of bounds to evade blockers on kicks...sounds more like something people here would attack Bill Belichick for doing. Stretching the rule book. It's not like they had to change the rule because he was overwhelming people with his athleticism.

 

"He changed the game!!!" .....LOL

 

here's some more....

https://www.si.com/nfl/2014/08/19/nfl-rules-and-the-players-who-inspired-them

 

 

 

 

Seriously.   If Tasker wasn't a long-time Buffalo Bill, no one on this site would think he was a Hall of Famer.  Homerism at its finest (or worst).

[Prickly Pete]

1 hour ago, Gugny said:

 

Seriously.   If Tasker wasn't a long-time Buffalo Bill, no one on this site would think he was a Hall of Famer.  Homerism at its finest (or worst).

 

Honestly, I have seen so many posts about "He changed the game!!! They changed the rulebook because of Tasker!!", but I had never investigated "the Tasker Rule", and when I found out what it was about, I was surprised. It was like "Really, people consider this some kind of HoF accomplishment? This is what they are hanging their hats on?".

 

 

I really liked Tasker, and he was a big part of the 90's Bills team's success, but get a grip.

[Gugny]

10 hours ago, Captain Caveman said:

Well, there are more of them on the field at any given time than any other position, so it makes sense.

 

And it makes sense for good reason.  You just strengthened the "Tasker doesn't belong in the HOF," argument.

[Captain Caveman]

2 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

And it makes sense for good reason.  You just strengthened the "Tasker doesn't belong in the HOF," argument.

 

I disagree - if you want to go by # of plays then there would still be a few more special teamers than there are now.    

 

1. I think Steve should be in based on his overall contribution - he really did change how the game was played and coached (in a way that did change the outcome of games and seasons), and to me that warrants strong consideration at least.

2. I don't think he'll make it, and I'm not losing any sleep over it.

[The Jokeman]

21 hours ago, Ridgewaycynic2013 said:

Is that the guy from ‘Saved By the Bell’?

No but just a small example that we as Bills fans know about Tasker yet no little about other great STers in the league. Again STers IMHO don't play enough downs per game to make a big enough impact on most teams. Sure they may turn a game here and there but across a career not nearly enough to be considered a HOF. Case in point before the his blocked punt for a TD would most Bills fan know anything about Matt Slater?

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

Say he gets in. Who will the homers pine for next?

 

Frank Reich?

Doig Fultie? 
Eric Moulds? 
Norwide? 

[CBennett]

On 1/25/2020 at 4:48 PM, Captain Murica said:

I felt like after a punter got voted in that would’ve opened the door for Tasker getting in. 

If he doesnt belong in QUIT calling ST a "phase of the game" I think the best player ever at the ST  phase should be in I have no issue with that...I dont think guys that were meerly ok at ST should be in it would have to be best of the best ever and in that I believe Tasker qualifies...In all my years of watching NFL only one other guy comes to mind since the 70's(thats how long ive been watching) and that was years ago Bill bates....and should Punters and kickers be in..sure..IF they were the best of the best EVER at the position....

 

Either put in the best of the best at ALL positions or QUIT saying the HOF honors the best at ALL positions...straight out  say the HOF is for the best players ever other than Punters,Kickers and ST they dont count or matter.....now again that said...since the 70's how many guys would to ME that add to the HOF...about 3-4 since 1976ish 3-4 extras thats about it....would it be so horrible to have 3-4 more guys in the HOF that were among the best ever at their positions? over a 40 year span....thats about 1 extra guy every 10 years

 

one extra guy a DECADE would tarnish or ruin the HOF???   I mean we are talking Punters the caliber of Ray Guy...I havent seen one since id put into the HOF.....ST guys like Tasker and or bates...same deal...there are a lot of decent to very good ones..but other than those 2 I cant think of any id put in....Kickers same deal they need to be "special" have won big games or had such good statistical careers or be doing things other kickers could do at that time won SB/playoffs/big games... we are talking guys like Morten Anderson and probably the old patriots kicker gets in im betting

 

And same deal with ST IMO...there should be 1-2 guys in Tasker being one if not the only one..

[Gugny]

13 minutes ago, CBennett said:

If he doesnt belong in QUIT calling ST a "phase of the game" I think the best player ever at the ST  phase should be in I have no issue with that...

 

I agree.  Which is why Devin Hester should be a first ballot HOFer.