Steve Tasker HOF article

[rpcolosi]

I didn't see this linked anywhere in the archives, so if i missed it just re-direct, but this is a great article from PFW on how good Tasker was and the impact he had on some of those huge bills wins. the "77 second miracle" is one i still remember seeing in the headlines of the News that next morning. such a great game against Elway.

 

http://profootballweekly.com/2009/07/20/ta...in-hall-of-fame

[mrags]

I didn't see this linked anywhere in the archives, so if i missed it just re-direct, but this is a great article from PFW on how good Tasker was and the impact he had on some of those huge bills wins. the "77 second miracle" is one i still remember seeing in the headlines of the News that next morning. such a great game against Elway.

 

http://profootballweekly.com/2009/07/20/ta...in-hall-of-fame

 

I havent seen this. Thanks. Great read. I miss Steve.

[BuffaloBill]

I didn't see this linked anywhere in the archives, so if i missed it just re-direct, but this is a great article from PFW on how good Tasker was and the impact he had on some of those huge bills wins. the "77 second miracle" is one i still remember seeing in the headlines of the News that next morning. such a great game against Elway.

 

http://profootballweekly.com/2009/07/20/ta...in-hall-of-fame

 

 

Very good read ... Tasker is a HOFer .. no doubt in my mind I hope he gets there.

[Chandler#81]

Wonderful article!

 

Hope I live long enough to see this injustice corrected, and Steve be enshrined in Canton.

 

Bruce & Ralph have a stage soon that could help influence this outcome. If nothing else, they make 2 more votes (8 total if O.J. still has one..) next time around.

 

Thank you again, Steve!

[Fezmid]

I remember the 77 second game.. My mom was offered 50 yard line tickets from her boss, and she turned them down... I was upset -- I would've gone with her boss by myself if she didn't want to go! -- and was more upset that I missed seeing history in person.

 

Oh well...

[PromoTheRobot]

I remember the 77 second game.. My mom was offered 50 yard line tickets from her boss, and she turned them down... I was upset -- I would've gone with her boss by myself if she didn't want to go! -- and was more upset that I missed seeing history in person.

 

Oh well...

 

I remember heading for the exit that game just when the Bills blocked the Denver FG and started the comeback. Needless to say we sat back down.

 

PTR

[cfbillsfan]

That Denver game was SICK! My brother and I watched it at a sports bar and we were jumping around like two giddy school girls! LOVED IT!

 

 

Tasker deserves to be in the hall.

 

GO BILLS!

[Captain Caveman]

Just came across this. This dude needs to be in.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VhfAMxg2XU

[The Dean]

Thanks. I missed this, too, if it was posted.

[Lori]

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast/0-9-126...eserve-it-.html

[The Dean]

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast/0-9-126...eserve-it-.html

 

 

This thread is a two-for.

[Captain Caveman]

The 5-foot-9 missile was such an explosive special-teams player that the NFL created a position so it could send him to the Pro Bowl. He went seven times.

 

Does anyone know of another player, special teams or not who went to the pro bowl seven times and is not in?

[HurlyBurly51]

Bruce & Ralph have a stage soon that could help influence this outcome. If nothing else, they make 2 more votes (8 total if O.J. still has one..) next time around.

 

??

[Lori]

Does anyone know of another player, special teams or not who went to the pro bowl seven times and is not in?

Going to guess there are a few o-linemen on that list.

[Tcali]

Does anyone know of another player, special teams or not who went to the pro bowl seven times and is not in?

reuben

[Lori]

reuben

Not eligible yet.

[Captain Caveman]

Going to guess there are a few o-linemen on that list.

 

you're probably right there.

[Offside Number 76]

So, if Canton called tomorrow, and said, "Hey, we're giving the 1990s Bills one more player, whom do you want," would it be Tasker? Hull? Reed? Talley? Someone else? Because the whole team isn't going in.

 

For me, it's probably Hull or Reed. I really appreciate the way Tasker defined the coverage specialist position, but many, if not most, teams still play just fine without a coverage specialist who plays at that level.

[Captain Caveman]

So, if Canton called tomorrow, and said, "Hey, we're giving the 1990s Bills one more player, whom do you want," would it be Tasker? Hull? Reed? Talley? Someone else? Because the whole team isn't going in.

 

For me, it's probably Hull or Reed. I really appreciate the way Tasker defined the coverage specialist position, but many, if not most, teams still play just fine without a coverage specialist who plays at that level.

 

That's a tough call to make. But I would say that without any one of those three players, I don't think they make 4 straight super bowls. And Reed and Hull were good, but the NFL didn't have to create a Pro Bowl position for them. Tasker really did change the game, pretty much on willpower alone, and that's hard to argue against.

[Matt in KC]

Does anyone know of another player, special teams or not who went to the pro bowl seven times and is not in?

Well, it sure sounds like you're looking for someone to say Ray Guy.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ray_Guy

[The Dean]

I think this is illuminating:

“(The problem is) there’s no one already in Canton to compare (Tasker) to,” says Rick Gosselin, the longtime Dallas Morning News NFL columnist and Hall of Fame voter. “You can compare Emmitt Smith to Walter Payton, Brett Favre to John Elway and Michael Strahan to Lee Roy Selmon. But you can’t compare Tasker to anyone. So it’s difficult to get a handle on just how good he was and what kind of impact he had on the game.”

 

 

That's a pretty compelling argument in favor of his induction, IMO. When you talk about ST players, you compare them TO Steve Tasker. He is the standard for the position. He played it at a high level for nearly his entire 14-year career. In the 10+ years since he retired (and in the nearly 25 years since he started playing) there has been no ST player in his league better than Tasker.

 

That's not the very definition of "HOF material"?

[Offside Number 76]

That's a tough call to make. But I would say that without any one of those three players, I don't think they make 4 straight super bowls. And Reed and Hull were good, but the NFL didn't have to create a Pro Bowl position for them. Tasker really did change the game, pretty much on willpower alone, and that's hard to argue against.

 

I guess that's where we differ. Certainly, the NFL created a new Pro Bowl slot for special teamers just because of Tasker, and certainly, he was freaking incredible. But he didn't change the game. Too many teams are successful without some version of Tasker, and that's exactly why he didn't change the game. He changed more than a few Bills games, to be sure, but I don't think he changed the way football is played.

 

That said, I will be absolutely ecstatic if he gets elected to Canton. Great player, and great guy (by all accounts).

[Captain Caveman]

I guess that's where we differ. Certainly, the NFL created a new Pro Bowl slot for special teamers just because of Tasker, and certainly, he was freaking incredible. But he didn't change the game. Too many teams are successful without some version of Tasker, and that's exactly why he didn't change the game. He changed more than a few Bills games, to be sure, but I don't think he changed the way football is played.

 

That said, I will be absolutely ecstatic if he gets elected to Canton. Great player, and great guy (by all accounts).

 

You're right that not every team has a Tasker. That speaks to his uniqueness in my opinion. But I do think that most teams are placing more emphasis on special teams because of him. And I think that most teams are on the lookout now for special teams standouts, whereas most were content before to just put whoever on the field that was expendable.

[Don]

To all the nay sayers...not that there are many here...everyone can look at the Donte Halls and Howards and even the Hesters and see the big returns, but those guys never stuffed a returner or blocked a punt. Its true Tasker spent less time on the field, but if you look at the collective yards that he helped gain for the Bills, or prevented the opposition from getting, I'm sure the numbers would be quite staggering. Its the all around body of work that should be considered here and there aren't many in that position that have done what he has for as long as he did.

[KRC]

I guess that's where we differ. Certainly, the NFL created a new Pro Bowl slot for special teamers just because of Tasker, and certainly, he was freaking incredible. But he didn't change the game. Too many teams are successful without some version of Tasker, and that's exactly why he didn't change the game. He changed more than a few Bills games, to be sure, but I don't think he changed the way football is played.

 

Honestly, that could be said about a lot of the people that have been put into the Hall recently.

[phillyrich]

I could not agree anymore with what Bruce Dehaven had to say in this article. I have said this a few times with family, that if the Bills didn't pull out the two miracle wins in 1990 - Denver and LA Raiders, they would not have made it to the Super Bowl that year. The special teams play delivered by Tasker and his crew during the game changing "bursts" so to speak in each game SAVED the Bills season.

[SouthernMan]

I didn't see this linked anywhere in the archives, so if i missed it just re-direct, but this is a great article from PFW on how good Tasker was and the impact he had on some of those huge bills wins. the "77 second miracle" is one i still remember seeing in the headlines of the News that next morning. such a great game against Elway.

 

http://profootballweekly.com/2009/07/20/ta...in-hall-of-fame

 

The other element I'm surprised nobody has yet mentioned is that this was the middle game of 3 in a row that all had incredible nail-biting endings, in which the Bills were victorious. This was the year they could do no wrong (until that final game....ahem....but I digress)

 

The week prior to the Broncos game, the Bills were down 24-14 against the (LA)Raiders. James Williams ran a blocked punt back for a TD. Shortly afterward. Nate Odomes stole, I mean he took it right out of the receiver's hands (Willie Gault) after a clean reception by Gault, and ran the other direction for a touchdown. Gault, at that time, one of the fastest, if not the fastest men in the NFL, stood there not believing what had just happened. In between those two plays, Norwood had kicked one for 3 points. Bills won the game, 38-24.

 

In the Jets game, two weeks later (the week after Broncos game), the Bills won on a last second pass in the endzone to Jamie Mueller to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

 

I don't have reference manual "Relentless" handy, but I think those 3 scores (TD, FG TD)in the Raider game, as in the Broncos game, all came within a very short span also.

 

In the combined games that year against the Raiders (AFC Final participant), the scored were a combined 89-24. Cmplete domination. Should have saved some of it for the Giants, (who they also outscored in the 2 game combined outcomes).

 

They never felt like they were out of it. That team had an extreme level of confidence. I think Marv has to be given some credit for using their egos and cockiness and molding into the team chemistry that made them so confident.

 

Ah...those were the days.

[rockpile]

In the Raiders game, it should be further pointed out that they were "behind" the Raiders in the 4th quarter, but the score was Raiders 24, Bills 14 with only ten minutes left in the game. I specifically remember because it was a Sunday night, I was with a Raiders fan, and I looked at him and said, "ten points down, ten minutes to go!".

 

Then the final score of 38-24 is even MORE amazing: 24 unanswered points in 10 minutes.

 

I also remarked to my friend, after the final extra point kick when they played the SHOUT! song, that he must REALLY be starting to hate that sound.

[Geno Smith's Arm]

Steve Tasker was awesome, but no hall of famer. Someone needs to say it. As great as he was, he was mostly on the field against other special teamers. Love Steve, but not a HOFer.

[Captain Caveman]

Steve Tasker was awesome, but no hall of famer. Someone needs to say it. As great as he was, he was mostly on the field against other special teamers. Love Steve, but not a HOFer.

 

I can see your point here, in that he was dominant against guys who didn't have his talent and coaching. But the fact is, his dominance made people pay attention to special teams, which is one reason why you don't see that kind of imbalance anymore. I'll say it again. He changed the game.

[JinWPB]

Steve Tasker was awesome, but no hall of famer. Someone needs to say it. As great as he was, he was mostly on the field against other special teamers. Love Steve, but not a HOFer.

 

I'll say it again. He changed the game.

 

 

 

Steve Tasker; I can remember being on the edge whenever he was on the field "expecting" he would make a game changing play each and every time, " he rarely disappointed".

 

Regarding Tasker talent I think the team used him to "their" atvantage . Those teams had a lot of talent at the skill positions.

 

Late in his career, when the offense needed help, Steve showed what a receiver/ rb he could have been for the Bills.He reminded me of a Wes Welker, Steve Crebbet (sp?) albeit Tasker was nearing the end of his playing career by then.

 

Seems kind off discriminating to me that fans, players , media mouths are even having this conversation as Steve Tasker in his 14 years with the Bills had as big an affect on the game and its history than a great , great many players already in the Hall of Fame.

[Captain Caveman]

I think it's interesting that in the video I posted earlier some journalists were commenting that electing Tasker would be like spitting in the face of guys like Dick Butkus. I can see why they'd be hesitant to do something like that, but I also wonder what some of the old timers actually think, especially guys who had seen Tasker play. If Dick Butkus actually came out and said "Steve Tasker and other special teams players don't belong", I'd have to consider it.

 

I'm pretty sure I've seen Kelly, and Marv both come out and say he deserves it. Has anybody seen anything from Thurman or Bruce about Steve being in there?

 

It would be an interesting question to ask Bruce (for anyone with press credentials who is going to be in Canton this weekend.)

[Fezmid]

But he didn't change the game.

Yes he did. Many special teams rules were changed just to stop how dominating he was. For example, when Tasker was being double teamed and pushed out of bounds, he'd run down the sideline to get to the returner. Later they made it illegal to run out of bounds.

 

If you're so good that you force the league to change the rules, I think you deserve HoF consideration.

[Booster4324]

Yes he did. Many special teams rules were changed just to stop how dominating he was. For example, when Tasker was being double teamed and pushed out of bounds, he'd run down the sideline to get to the returner. Later they made it illegal to run out of bounds.

 

If you're so good that you force the league to change the rules, I think you deserve HoF consideration.

 

I would argue the bolded is more impressive than a rule change. "Someone stop that mother!@#$er"

[DC Tom]

I think this is illuminating:

 

 

 

That's a pretty compelling argument in favor of his induction, IMO. When you talk about ST players, you compare them TO Steve Tasker. He is the standard for the position. He played it at a high level for nearly his entire 14-year career. In the 10+ years since he retired (and in the nearly 25 years since he started playing) there has been no ST player in his league better than Tasker.

 

That's not the very definition of "HOF material"?

 

There's quite a few compelling arguments for and against putting him in the Hall. This, I think, is the most compelling argument: Steve Tasker redefined special teams play. He redefined it enough that they created a Pro-Bowl position specifically for him.

 

When you compare on-field performance, there's no way Steve Tasker gets compared favorably to a, say, Lawrence Taylor. simply because you're comparing "special teams" to "defense". But when you look at the impact they had on the game...Tasker's impact was at least as much as any "modern era" player in the Hall.

[DC Tom]

In the Raiders game, it should be further pointed out that they were "behind" the Raiders in the 4th quarter, but the score was Raiders 24, Bills 14 with only ten minutes left in the game. I specifically remember because it was a Sunday night, I was with a Raiders fan, and I looked at him and said, "ten points down, ten minutes to go!".

 

Then the final score of 38-24 is even MORE amazing: 24 unanswered points in 10 minutes.

 

I also remarked to my friend, after the final extra point kick when they played the SHOUT! song, that he must REALLY be starting to hate that sound.

 

Was that the game when Nate Odomes stole a catch out of a receiver's arms and returned it for a touchdown?

 

That was the only play of the game I saw (I was working that night). I remember laughing my ass off at how easy he made it look.

[SouthernMan]

Was that the game when Nate Odomes stole a catch out of a receiver's arms and returned it for a touchdown?

 

That was the only play of the game I saw (I was working that night). I remember laughing my ass off at how easy he made it look.

 

You didn't actually read the whole thread, did you?

 

See me previous post in this thread.

 

And just to stay on topic, yes Tasker should receive serious consideration as a HOF inductee, though I don't see it happening for a very long time, if ever.

 

I'm just glad that Ralph Wilson is being inducted in his lifetime and will have the opportunity to don the yellow jacket.

 

As humble as Ralph has always been, often quick to deflect praise or attention from himself, it's refreshing to read the accounts about how "giddy" he is regarding the honor. It's nice to know that even at his age, there are still great moments of joy to be experienced, and his happiness this weekend is richly deserved.

 

Congratulation to Ralph and Bruce. Sorry Steve, but you're going to have to get in line behind Andre and Kent.

[zazie]

Wonderful article!

 

Hope I live long enough to see this injustice corrected, and Steve be enshrined in Canton.

 

Bruce & Ralph have a stage soon that could help influence this outcome. If nothing else, they make 2 more votes (8 total if O.J. still has one..) next time around.

 

Thank you again, Steve!

Does he?

[Lori]

For the record, enshrinees do NOT get a vote. The inductees are chosen by a panel of 44 media members; Mark Gaughan represents Buffalo.

http://www.profootballhof.com/hof/selectionprocess.aspx

[Geno Smith's Arm]

There's quite a few compelling arguments for and against putting him in the Hall. This, I think, is the most compelling argument: Steve Tasker redefined special teams play. He redefined it enough that they created a Pro-Bowl position specifically for him.

 

When you compare on-field performance, there's no way Steve Tasker gets compared favorably to a, say, Lawrence Taylor. simply because you're comparing "special teams" to "defense". But when you look at the impact they had on the game...Tasker's impact was at least as much as any "modern era" player in the Hall.

 

 

It's no fun for me to knock one of my favorite Bills, but I think the main point is that Tasker made some nice plays as a receiver playing against the first team guys, but wasn't exceptional. He likely devoted his practice time to Special teams skills, his film work etc. Now picture Jerry Rice, Lawrence Taylor, Bruce Smith, Rod Woodson or Barry Sanders devoting their careers to Special Teams work. I believe they would surpass Tasker. Of course that wouldn't happen, because any coach could see that these guys had to be on the field as starters, something that never happened for Tasker, FOR A REASON.

 

Aside from all this, the Bills lost those Super Bowls and still have 3 guys in, Andre is more deserving (not just because of the numbers, it was the way he got the numbers. Over the middle, crossing patterns, tough yards and catches. He was way better all around than Cris Carter.), and it is just unlikely.

 

Next up: Darryl Talley