Happy Halloween: Hall of Famers’ fearsome performances

It’s not uncommon for Hall of Famers to strike fear into their opponents. On Halloween, that scare takes on a new form. From record-setting performances to frightening feats, these Hall of Famers haunted their adversaries and left their mark on NFL history.

Here are the best performances by Hall of Famers on Halloween:

1966, Nightmare on Wilson Street

Hall of Fame defensive back LARRY WILSON intercepted Chicago Bears quarterback Rudy Bukich three times, returning one for a touchdown. Wilson and the Cardinals’ secondary held the Bears to a measly 47 total passing yards, and Bukich to 4-of-16 passing, in their 24-10 victory.

Wilson totaled an NFL-leading 10 interceptions in that 1966 season, helping the Cardinals to an 8-5-1 record and earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

1988, Dickerson’s four frightening first-half touchdowns

Hall of Fame running back ERIC DICKERSON and the Baltimore Colts faced off against the defending AFC champion Denver Broncos on “Monday Night Football.” In the first half, he rushed 18 times for 124 yards and four touchdowns, and the Colts entered the locker room with a 45-10 lead.

“I felt like I could have had eight touchdowns that night,” Dickerson told 107.5 The Fan.

Dickerson had only three rushing attempts in the second half, but the Colts scored 55 points – a record for “Monday Night Football” (later broken). Dickerson’s four rushing touchdowns also set an MNF record.

1993, Emmitt Smith bewitches Eagles

Cowboys running back EMMITT SMITH gave the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense nightmares, rushing for 237 yards through bone-chilling rain. His 30 carries, one of which was a 62-yard touchdown dash down the spine of Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium, helped Dallas clinch a 23-10 win.

The 237 yards set a Cowboys record for rushing yards in a game and tied Hall of Fame running back JIM BROWN for the most yardage in game against the Eagles.

1993, Shula haunts Halas’ record

On that same Halloween in 1993, DON SHULA and the Miami Dolphins beat the Kansas City Chiefs 30-10. For Shula, it was his 324th career win, tying Hall of Fame coach GEORGE HALAS for most NFL coaching victories.

Shula finished his career with 347 wins, still the NFL record for a head coach.

1999, Strahan casts a spell on Eagles

Tied 17-17 in overtime, the Eagles faced third-and-8 against the Giants at Veterans Stadium. Falling to a spooky New York pass rush, quarterback Doug Pederson had his pass batted by defensive tackle Christian Peter and intercepted by Hall of Fame defensive end MICHAEL STRAHAN.

Strahan returned the interception 45 yards for a game-winning pick-six – the second interception of his career returned for a touchdown – to cap off the Giants’ comeback from a 17-3 deficit.

2004, Brees’ five-touchdown trick treats Chargers

San Diego Chargers quarterback DREW BREES logged his first five-touchdown game in the NFL, torching the Oakland Raiders in a 42-14 win. He completed 22-of-25 attempts for 281 yards, compiling a 153.1 passer rating. Two of Brees’ touchdown passes went to Hall of Fame tight end ANTONIO GATES.

“Drew was on fire,” said Brees’ sidecar, Hall of Fame running back LaDAINIAN TOMLINSON.

With Brees’ fearsome performance, the Raiders’ hopes of winning were, quoth the raven, “nevermore.”