Tag Archives: skybox 1992

NFL

Dishman, Cris “Dish”

Cards: Game Day 1992, SkyBox 1992
Acquired: TTM 1993, C/o The Houston Oilers
See also: http://n8d.flywheelsites.com/2011/dishman-cris-2/

A Jerry Glanville apostle, Cris Dishman was a fiery and noisy defensive back out of Purdue. Drafted in the 5th round of the 1988 draft, Dishman was considered the Cortland Finnegan of his time-  a trash talking annoyance and dirty player to opposing wide receivers.  Playing both corner and special teams in his rookie season, he  recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown from teammate Eugene Seale.  In 1989, Dishman began to develop making 4 interceptions and blocked 2 punts and a field goal, however Dish had a penchant for self-destructive behavior and personal fouls. Unable to tolerate this behavior from the team and its failure to advance further into the playoffs,  owner Bud Adams fired coach Jerry Glanville. In comes straight laced, no nonsense coach Jack Pardee who converts the defense to a 4-3. These would begin the years of Dishman’s redemption and rebirth.

Dishman would make 4 more interceptions in 1990 and would score 62 tackles along with it, but 1991 would be his year. Named AP and to the Pro Bowl, Dishman would have a streak of 7 games with a turnover. His season totals would be 6 picks, 3 fumble recoveries and 66 tackles.  1992 statistically would be a down year marred by a contract hold out, but he’d again mount another 6 interception season while forcing 4 fumbles in 1993 under defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan.  He was robbed by not receiving a Pro Bowl nod. In 94 as the team would sink, Dishman would return his first interception for a touchdown. He’d notch 4 in 94 and 3 in 95.  The Oilers were eager to resign him, and made him their franchise player, but with frustration mounting Cris would not have a good season in 1996 only pulling down a pick. The Oilers would not opt to resign Dishman after the 1996 season and would sign via free agency with the Washington Redskins.

In 1997, Cris would be named to the Pro Bowl as an alternate. He made 4 picks and 2 fumbles, one of which he’d return for a touchdown.  Dishman would play one more season with the Redskins before moving on to play for the Chiefs for 1999. Dishman would have another good season with 5 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries. He’d return a pick and a fumble improbably against the Raiders for a touchdown in the same game, but the Chiefs would inexplicably not resign the veteran.  Cris would sign with the Vikings and start 9 games making one pick before retiring in 2000.

Dishman has gone into coaching, working his way up from college and currently assists defensive backs with the San Diego Chargers. Definitely most remembered for his time during the third heyday of the Houston Oilers and their twilight years, Dishman was a high risk/ reward corner over his career.  He recorded 8 touchdowns, 43 interceptions, 15 FF and 16 FR over his career.

G/Gs  199/165      Tac  668       Sac 1.5      Fum 15   Int  43      Yds  550        Avg  12.8     Td  3    Lg 49

NFL

Lathon, Lamar

Cards: Action Packed Rookies 1990, Action Packed 1992, SkyBox 1992
Acquired: In Person 1992, 1993, 1994, Houston Oilers Training Camp
Failure: TTM 2010, C/o Home

Lamar Lathon was a fearsome linebacker who came through the University of Houston in the waning days of the Southwest Conference. Lamar was a devastating force in 1988, but his 1989 was ended by a car accident. He’d recover in time for the 1990 draft and along with fellow Houston Cougar Andre Ware – Lamar would be drafted in the first round. Lamar was a target of Jimmy Johnson and the Cowboys, but Lathon ended up the first draft choice of Houston Oilers head coach Jack Pardee who insisted he’d beef up the defensive side of the front with his athletic ability. Lamar would suffer a setback and pretty much his 1990 season would be a wash as he needed arthroscopic knee surgery. Many pundits immediately labeled him ‘a bust’, but Lamar would prove them all aprk90 la lathonwrong with his dominant 1991 season. I have two fond memories of his time in Houston. The first was against Cincinnati in Riverfront Stadium. The Bengals always had the Oilers number at home, but the Oilers would come out and crush the Bengals from the opening whistle. To seal the victory Lamar would have a critical interception he’d return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. He’d also slam the door on Sammie Smith‘s career with a forced fumble he recovered at the 1 yard line against the Dolphins. Later on in the season the Oilers would play host to the Cowboys in overtime when Lamar stripped Emmitt Smith (fellow 1990 draftee) of the football. The Oilers were able to drive the other direction and score the game winning field goal. (Josh never forgave me for that game.)  Lamar would play for the team through 1994 (at outside linebacker and defensive end) until Jack Pardee was fired as coach. With Jeff Fisher in place- the Oilers would go in a different direction and Lathon would sign with the Carolina Panthers in 1995.

He’d have his best statistical years since 1991 with the Panthers, as Dom Capers 3-4 blitzing defenses really suited Lamar’s speed. ap91 la lathonHe’d rack up 8 sacks in 1995 and in 1996 have 13.5, and was named to the Pro Bowl. He’d play only two games in 1998 and then retire from a fractured right knee and was released. In 2001 he attempted a comeback (citing a burning desire to play) and had tryouts and physicals with the Cowboys, Colts, and 49ers, and Giants but was not signed by any squad. Since football Lamar has dealt with some setbacks and minor run-ins with the law.

I really wanted to get Lamar’s autograph (on his Score and ProSet 1990 Rookie cards as they look downright intimidating), but have not heard back from him. I’ll probably try him again once I get a good address or a confirmation of a recent success.

G/Gs 115/92      Tac  414       Sac 37.5     Fum 8
Int  4     Yds 78    Avg 19.4      Td   1     Lg  52t

NFL

Cook, Marv

Cards: SkyBox 1992, Proset 1991
Acquired: TTM 1992, 1993, Patriots Blitz

Marv Cook was another underrated player out of the University of Iowa, finishing second on the school’s all-time list with 126 catches. Drafted by the New England Patriots during their darkest times in 1989, Marv Cook would lead AFC tight ends in receptions  in 1991 when the team bottomed out. Surprisingly in 1991 he’d also be named first-team AP as his 82 receptions ranked 4th in the league that season. At the time Tecmo Super Bowl rewarded him by- making him one of the slowest receivers EVER. It didn’t help that Cook offered up a woeful 8.8 yards a reception over his career with the Patriots, but he could be counted on to make the catch in those 4 seasons with the team. Among his other accomplishments with the Patsies was that he was the first tight end in the history of the franchise to finish 3 consecutive seasons with 50 or more receptions. In 1994 Cook would head over to the Bears, starting 8 games and then finish out his career in 1995 with the St. Louis Rams in two lackluster seasons. While with the Patriots Marv wore two different jersey numbers: 46 and 85. At the time of this post Marv currently is coaching football and associated with a financial advisor network.

G/Gs 112/77   Rec  257     Yds   2190    Avg  8.5      Td  13   Lg 49