Century Spotlight: Gary Fencik 1981 Chicago Bears

Gary Fencik had his best season in 1981, playing in his 6th season for the Chicago Bears. Fincik was drafted by the Bears in 1976 and played his entire 12 year career in the Bear's secondary.

That season Fencik intercepted 6 passes, returning them for a total of 121 yards, he also took one of them back for a touchdown. That was also the only season Fencik chosen as a 1st Team All-Pro member. Fencik was selected to play in the 1981 Pro Bowl, just as he had been in 1980.

Fencik is the Bears all-time leader in interceptions and tackles. He was with the team in 1985 when they won the Super Bowl, he was also part of the 2nd team All-Pro that season.

Fencik is also was part of the 1985 Video Super Bowl Shuffle. (Seen below)



References:
http://archive.chicagobreakingsports.com/fencik.jpg
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FencGa00.htm

Overlooked or Under Appreciated: Dave Krieg

Joe Montana, Jim Kelly, Dan Marino, John Elway, Boomer Esiason, Randall Cunningham, Warren Moon. The mid to late 80’s was a great time for NFL quarterbacks, and with names like this, it isn’t surprising that other quarterbacks who put together some pretty solid seasons during this time are often overlooked.

Dave Kreig wasn’t exactly what you were looking for in an NFL quarterback, he was a little small, and he did things a little different, not Tarkenton different, but different in his own way. One of Krieg’s most memorable moments came on a broken play against the Los Angeles Rams. Krieg fumbled the snap, and ended up chasing a bouncing ball backwards, weaving around Rams linemen who were after the same ball. After several attempts to gain control of the ball Krieg was able to scoop it up, and find Danny Green in the back of the endzone for a Seahawks touchdown.

Krieg may be ashamed to admit he was the NFL’s fumble leader at one point (since surpassed by Warren Moon and Brett Favre) but there are other aspects of his career that are anything but laughable.

Krieg ranks 11th in passing touchdowns with 261, behind the likes of Favre, Marino, Manning, Tarkenton, Elway, Moon, Unitas, Brady, Testaverde, and Montana. He has thrown 199 interceptions, only Manning, Brady, and Montana have thrown more touchdowns and less interceptions than Krieg, however Brady and Manning are still in the NFL and could end up finishing higher than Krieg in the interception department. This is likely for Manning, who is currently sitting at 198 interceptions.

Kreig has taken his team down the field for a game winning drives 25 times and he has led his team to a comeback victory 23 times. He holds 17th and 11th places for those stats respectively.

Kreig made the Pro Bowl 3 times, in 1984, 1988, and 1989. He also ranks 109th on the NFL all time most valuable player list.

Krieg is often overlooked, but his well above average career will have him ranked with the NFL greats, forever.

Video of Krieg's fumble to touchdown pass:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujsONj1xa9U#t=4m03s

References:

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/av_career.htm

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/K/KrieDa00.htm