Interceptions are a key part of football, and they can be a major factor in determining the outcome of a game. The player with the most interceptions in a single game holds a record that has stood for decades, and it is one of the most impressive individual performances in NFL history.
The record is held by Night Train Lane, who intercepted six passes in a game against the Los Angeles Rams in 1952. Lane was a cornerback for the Chicago Cardinals at the time, and he was known for his speed and agility. He was also a master of reading quarterbacks, and he was able to anticipate their throws and make plays on the ball.
Most Interceptions in a Game
Here are nine important points about the record for most interceptions in a game:
- Record holder: Night Train Lane
- Number of interceptions: 6
- Team: Chicago Cardinals
- Opponent: Los Angeles Rams
- Date: November 23, 1952
- Position: Cornerback
- Known for: Speed and agility
- Master of: Reading quarterbacks
- Impressive individual performance
Lane's record has stood for over 70 years, and it is a testament to his skill as a defensive back. He was one of the most feared players in the NFL, and his ability to intercept passes was a major reason for the Cardinals' success.
Record holder: Night Train Lane
Night Train Lane was born in 1923 in Cullman, Alabama. He played college football at Texas A&M University, where he was a standout defensive back and running back. He was drafted by the Chicago Cardinals in the first round of the 1946 NFL Draft.
Lane quickly became one of the best defensive backs in the NFL. He was known for his speed and agility, and he was also a master of reading quarterbacks. He was able to anticipate their throws and make plays on the ball. Lane was also a very physical player, and he was not afraid to hit hard.
In 1952, Lane had the best season of his career. He intercepted 14 passes, which led the NFL. He also had six interceptions in a single game against the Los Angeles Rams, which is still a record today. Lane's performance helped the Cardinals win the NFL championship that season.
Lane played in the NFL for 14 seasons. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time All-NFL selection. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
Number of Interceptions: 6
Night Train Lane intercepted six passes in a single game on November 23, 1952, against the Los Angeles Rams. This is still the NFL record for most ONGinterceptions in a game.
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First Quarter
Lane intercepted Rams quarterback Bob Waterfield twice in the first quarter, returning the second one 62 yards for a touchdown.
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Second Quarter
Lane intercepted Waterfield again in the second quarter, returning it 20 yards.
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Third Quarter
Lane intercepted Rams quarterback Norm Van Brocklin twice in the third quarter, returning the second one 15 yards.
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Fourth Quarter
Lane's final interception of the game came in the fourth quarter, when he intercepted Van Brocklin again and returned it 12 yards.
Lane's performance in this game was truly remarkable. He was able to read the quarterbacks' throws perfectly, and he had the speed and agility to make plays on the ball. His six interceptions helped the Cardinals to a 48-14 victory over the Rams.
Team: Chicago Cardinals
Night Train Lane played for the Chicago Cardinals from 1946 to 1953. The Cardinals were a dominant team during this era, winning the NFL championship in 1947 and 1948. Lane was a key part of the Cardinals' success, and his ability to intercept passes was a major reason for their defensive dominance.
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1947 NFL Championship Game
Lane intercepted two passes in the Cardinals' 28-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1947 NFL Championship Game.
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1948 NFL Championship Game
Lane intercepted one pass in the Cardinals' 28-0 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1948 NFL Championship Game.
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1952 NFL season
Lane had the best season of his career in 1952, intercepting 14 passes and setting the NFL record for most interceptions in a game with six.
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1953 NFL season
Lane intercepted 11 passes in 1953, helping the Cardinals to a 10-2 record and a berth in the NFL Championship Game.
Lane was one of the most feared defensive backs in the NFL during his time with the Cardinals. His ability to intercept passes was a major reason for the Cardinals' success, and he helped them to win two NFL championships.
Opponent: Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams were Night Train Lane's opponent when he set the NFL record for most interceptions in a game with six. The Rams were a strong team in 1952, finishing the season with a 9-3 record. However, they were no match for Lane and the Cardinals that day.
Lane intercepted Rams quarterback Bob Waterfield twice in the first quarter, returning the second one 62 yards for a touchdown. He intercepted Waterfield again in the second quarter, returning it 20 yards. In the third quarter, Lane intercepted Rams quarterback Norm Van Brocklin twice, returning the second one 15 yards.
Lane's final interception of the game came in the fourth quarter, when he intercepted Van Brocklin again and returned it 12 yards. The Cardinals went on to win the game 48-14.
The Rams were a talented team, but they were no match for Lane on that day. His ability to read the quarterbacks' throws and make plays on the ball was simply too much for them to handle.
Date: November 23, 1952
Night Train Lane's record-breaking performance took place on November 23, 1952, in a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
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The Cardinals were struggling
The Cardinals entered the game with a 3-6 record, and they were in danger of missing the playoffs. Lane's performance helped them to turn their season around and eventually make it to the NFL Championship Game.
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The Rams were a strong team
The Rams were a 9-3 team and one of the favorites to win the NFL championship. They had a strong offense led by quarterback Bob Waterfield and running back Dick Hoerner.
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Lane's performance was unexpected
Lane had never intercepted more than three passes in a game before. His six interceptions against the Rams were a shock to everyone, including the Rams themselves.
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Lane's performance was a turning point in the game
The Cardinals were trailing 14-10 at halftime, but Lane's interceptions helped them to take control of the game in the second half. The Cardinals went on to win the game 48-14.
November 23, 1952, was a historic day for Night Train Lane and the Chicago Cardinals. Lane's record-breaking performance helped the Cardinals to turn their season around and make it to the NFL Championship Game.
Position: Cornerback
Night Train Lane played the position of cornerback for the Chicago Cardinals. Cornerbacks are responsible for covering receivers and preventing them from catching passes. They must be able to read the quarterback's throws and make plays on the ball.
Lane was one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL during his era. He was known for his speed, agility, and ability to read quarterbacks. He was also a very physical player, and he was not afraid to hit hard.
Lane's skills as a cornerback were evident in his record-breaking performance against the Los Angeles Rams in 1952. He intercepted six passes in that game, including two that he returned for touchdowns. His performance helped the Cardinals to a 48-14 victory.
Lane was a dominant cornerback for the Cardinals during his career. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time All-NFL selection. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
Known for: Speed and agility
Night Train Lane was known for his speed and agility, which were essential to his success as a cornerback.
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Speed
Lane was one of the fastest players in the NFL. He was able to run down receivers and make plays on the ball that other cornerbacks could not.
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Agility
Lane was also very agile. He was able to change direction quickly and make plays on the ball in tight spaces.
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Quick reflexes
Lane had quick reflexes, which allowed him to react quickly to the quarterback's throws and make plays on the ball.
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Instincts
Lane had great instincts, which allowed him to anticipate the quarterback's throws and make plays on the ball.
Lane's speed, agility, and instincts made him one of the most feared cornerbacks in the NFL. Quarterbacks knew that they had to be careful when throwing against him, or he would make them pay.
Master of: Reading quarterbacks
Night Train Lane was a master of reading quarterbacks. He was able to anticipate their throws and make plays on the ball before they even released it.
Lane had a number of techniques for reading quarterbacks. He would watch their feet, their eyes, and their body language. He would also study film of their previous games to learn their tendencies.
Once Lane had a good read on the quarterback, he would be able to position himself to make a play on the ball. He would often bait the quarterback into throwing the ball to a certain receiver, and then he would intercept it.
Lane's ability to read quarterbacks was a major reason for his success as a cornerback. He was able to make plays on the ball that other cornerbacks could not. He was also able to disrupt the quarterback's rhythm and make them uncomfortable.
Impressive individual performance
Night Train Lane's performance against the Los Angeles Rams in 1952 was one of the most impressive individual performances in NFL history.
Lane intercepted six passes in that game, which is still the NFL record for most interceptions in a game. He also returned two of those interceptions for touchdowns.
Lane's performance helped the Cardinals to a 48-14 victory over the Rams. It was a dominant performance by Lane, who was the best player on the field that day.
Lane's performance was even more impressive considering the fact that he was playing against one of the best offenses in the NFL. The Rams had a number of talented players, including quarterback Bob Waterfield and running back Dick Hoerner.
Lane's performance was a testament to his skill as a cornerback and his ability to make plays on the ball. It was one of the most impressive individual performances in NFL history.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Night Train Lane's record for most interceptions in a game:
Question 1: How many interceptions did Night Train Lane have in a game?
Answer: Night Train Lane intercepted six passes in a game against the Los Angeles Rams on November 23, 1952.
Question 2: Who did Night Train Lane play for when he set the record?
Answer: Night Train Lane played for the Chicago Cardinals when he set the record.
Question 3: What was the score of the game in which Lane set the record?
Answer: The Cardinals defeated the Rams 48-14 in the game in which Lane set the record.
Question 4: How many interceptions did Lane return for touchdowns in the game?
Answer: Lane returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the game.
Question 5: Who was the quarterback for the Rams when Lane set the record?
Answer: Bob Waterfield was the quarterback for the Rams when Lane set the record.
Question 6: Has anyone ever tied or broken Lane's record?
Answer: No, no one has ever tied or broken Lane's record for most interceptions in a game.
Lane's record is one of the most impressive individual performances in NFL history. It is unlikely that anyone will ever break his record.
Tips
Here are four tips for aspiring defensive backs who want to intercept more passes:
1. Study film of opposing quarterbacks
The more you know about the quarterback you are facing, the better your chances of intercepting a pass. Watch film of their previous games to learn their tendencies and their favorite targets.
2. Read the quarterback's body language
Quarterbacks often give away clues about their intentions with their body language. Pay attention to their feet, their eyes, and their head movement. This can help you to anticipate their throws and make a play on the ball.
3. Position yourself correctly
Once you have read the quarterback, you need to position yourself correctly to make a play on the ball. This means getting in the receiver's way and making it difficult for them to catch the pass.
4. Be aggressive
Interceptions are not easy to come by. You need to be aggressive and go after the ball if you want to make a play. Don't be afraid to take risks and make a big play.
By following these tips, you can improve your chances of intercepting passes and making a big impact on the game.
Conclusion
Night Train Lane's record for most interceptions in a game is one of the most impressive individual performances in NFL history. It is unlikely that anyone will ever break his record.
Lane's performance was a testament to his skill as a cornerback and his ability to make plays on the ball. He was a master of reading quarterbacks and he was always in the right position to make a play.
Lane's record is a reminder of the importance of individual performance in football. Even though football is a team sport, one player can make a big difference in the outcome of a game.