1967: Defense & Special Teams Propel Oilers to Upset of Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs were the reigning AFL Champions and off to a 3-2 start as they hosted the Houston Oilers on October 22, 1967. Coached by Hank Stram, the Chiefs were a well-balanced club with precision-passing QB Len Dawson operating behind an outstanding line, and with a productive running game as well, while rookie PK Jan Stenerud added an extra scoring dimension. The defense was a good one and had gained size up front with the recent addition of mammoth DT Ernie Ladd. Kansas City had lost a high-scoring game to San Diego the previous week but was expected to return to winning form against the Oilers, a club they had beaten in their first game.

Houston was at 2-2-1 and had not posted a winning record in five years, including a 3-11 tally in 1966. Head Coach Wally Lemm, with the help of GM Don Klosterman, had transformed the defense, in particular adding rookie LB George Webster (pictured above) and young veteran CB Miller Farr, who was acquired from the Chargers. The offense remained a problem, however, and QB Pete Beathard was obtained from Kansas City two weeks earlier in the deal that sent Ladd to the Chiefs.

There were 46,365 fans in attendance at Kansas City’s Municipal Stadium. They saw the Chiefs start off the scoring with a 40-yard Jan Stenerud field goal, but the early lead was quickly erased when DB Zeke Moore returned the ensuing kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown. John Wittenborn’s extra point put the Oilers in front by 7-3.

Shortly thereafter, another big play on special teams helped the Oilers as DB Larry Carwell returned a punt 33 yards. The resulting possession ended with Wittenborn kicking a 45-yard field goal for a 10-3 score, which remained the tally heading into the second quarter.

Carwell’s next punt return covered 26 yards to the KC 49, again putting Houston into good field position. Five plays later, Pete Beathard threw a touchdown pass to HB Sid Blanks that covered 39 yards and Wittenborn again added the point after. It got worse for the Chiefs on their next possession when HB Mike Garrett ran into an official while running a pass pattern and FS Jim Norton intercepted a Dawson throw and returned it 23 yards for a TD. Wittenborn’s conversion had the Oilers up by 24-3.

The reeling Chiefs finally put together an 80-yard drive in 12 plays, the key one being a Dawson pass to split end Chris Burford that picked up 44 yards. Garrett ran for a five-yard touchdown and Stenerud added the PAT. Kansas City got a break when Moore fumbled the resulting kickoff and end Frank Pitts recovered, setting up a 13-yard field goal by Stenerud. The score was narrowed to 24-13 at halftime.

Late in the third quarter, the Chiefs put together a 12-play, 85-yard drive to narrow the margin further. Dawson had a 24-yard scramble to reach the Houston two, and from there Garrett (pictured at left) ran for another TD. KC then faked the kick on the extra point attempt in an effort to pick up two points, but Dawson’s pass intended for TE Fred Arbanas was broken up by George Webster.

There was no further comeback for the Chiefs, however, as the Houston defense kept them in check. In the fourth quarter, the Oilers were also able to keep an offensive series going thanks to a roughing-the-kicker penalty on a punt, and when they finally did kick the ball away a few plays later, the Chiefs had to start from their five. Kansas City had one last chance when Dawson connected with Burford for a 22-yard gain to reach Houston territory, but a fumble at the 31 with 2:50 left on the clock ended it and the Oilers held on to win by a final score of 24-19.

The Chiefs dominated statistically, with big leads in total yards (323 to 127) and first downs (19 to 7). But they also turned the ball over three times, one of which led directly to a Houston touchdown, while the Oilers suffered one turnover. Kick returns also played a key role for the Oilers, with the one TD on a kickoff and the two long punt returns that led to points.

Pete Beathard completed only three of 14 passes for 63 yards, but one was for a touchdown and none were intercepted. Flanker Monte Ledbetter had two catches for 24 yards and Sid Blanks gained 39 yards and scored a TD on his lone reception. FB Hoyle Granger led the Houston runners with 51 yards on 13 carries. Zeke Moore had the 92-yard kickoff return and Larry Carwell averaged 20.0 yards on his four punt returns. Jim Norton (pictured at right) helped with his punting, averaging 47.0 yards on 7 kicks, as well as contributing two key interceptions, one that was returned for a score and the other in the end zone to thwart a Kansas City scoring opportunity. Also on defense, George Webster had nine tackles and three pass deflections, MLB Garland Boyette was credited with 17 tackles, and CB W.K. Hicks had 13 tackles and broke up two passes.

For the Chiefs, Len Dawson was successful on 17 of 31 throws for 175 yards but had no TDs and gave up three interceptions. Mike Garrett gained 69 yards on 19 rushing attempts that included two touchdowns and FB Curtis McClinton contributed 48 yards on 10 carries. Flanker Otis Taylor had 6 catches for 40 yards while Chris Burford gained 97 yards on five receptions.

“I’d rather be lucky than good,” said Houston’s Coach Lemm. “We just got the early breaks and that did it for us.”

The luck was generally good for the Oilers during the rest of the regular season as they went 6-2 the rest of the way to win the Eastern Division with a 9-4-1 record. Houston’s defense led the AFL in both fewest rushing (7) and passing (10) touchdowns allowed, and gave up the least points overall (199). However, it couldn’t stop the Raiders in the AFL Championship game, which was a 40-7 rout. Kansas City bounced back to win three straight, but they were unable to keep up with Oakland in the Western Division and placed second at 9-5.

1967: Raiders Outlast Chiefs in AFL Western Division Showdown

The Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs, two rivals in the Western Division of the American Football League, met in Oakland on October 1, 1967 in a key early-season matchup of teams that had both started off at 2-0.

The Raiders were coming off of an 8-5-1 record in 1966 and had taken steps in the offseason to try and move up. Acquired was QB Daryle Lamonica (pictured at right), a strong-armed backup in Buffalo who had shown great promise in limited action, plus star CB Willie Brown from Denver. 39-year-old QB/PK George Blanda had also been added, having been discarded by the Oilers, providing a veteran backup quarterback and dependable placekicker, and there was an outstanding rookie in guard Gene Upshaw. Added to the talent already on hand, Oakland, under the guidance of managing partner Al Davis and Head Coach John Rauch, had come out of the gate in impressive fashion by defeating the Broncos and Patriots by a combined score of 86-7.

Kansas City, coached by Hank Stram, was the team that Oakland was seeking to displace. The Chiefs were the defending AFL Champions, losing to the NFL’s Green Bay Packers in the first Super Bowl. They had an excellent and experienced quarterback in Len Dawson, a dangerous receiver in flanker Otis Taylor, a productive running game led by HB Mike Garrett, and a good defense.   

There were 50,268 fans in attendance at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. It was raining as the game started, although it eventually cleared. The first quarter was scoreless, but a clip on a punt return had the Chiefs starting inside their ten yard line late in the period and a pass by Len Dawson that was deflected was intercepted by SS Rodger Bird to give Oakland possession at the Kansas City 16. On the first play of the second quarter, Daryle Lamonica tossed a one-yard touchdown pass to HB Clem Daniels. George Blanda added the extra point and the Raiders were ahead by 7-0.

The Chiefs had to punt following their next series and the Raiders, starting from their 37, drove to another score. Lamonica completed passes to split end Bill Miller for 12 yards, FB Hewritt Dixon for five, and TE Billy Cannon for 12 yards to the KC 23, but the next three tosses were incomplete and Blanda kicked a 31-yard field goal.

Oakland got the ball right back when flanker Noland Smith fumbled at the end of a 35-yard kickoff return and the Raiders recovered at the Kansas City 34. A swing pass to Dixon picked up 17 yards but the home team came up empty when the drive stalled at the nine and Blanda’s 16-yard field goal attempt hit the goal post.

Given a reprieve from falling deeper into a hole, the Chiefs advanced 80 yards in six plays. Mike Garrett (pictured at left) ran three straight times for 12 yards and Dawson then threw long to Otis Taylor for a pickup of 46 yards to the Oakland 22. Following another short run by Garrett, Dawson passed to HB Gene Thomas for a 20-yard TD. Rookie Jan Stenerud converted to narrow Oakland’s lead to 10-7, and that remained the score at halftime.

The Chiefs had the first possession in the third quarter, again starting deep in their own territory, and Dawson was hit by DE Ike Lassiter as he was throwing and LB Gus Otto intercepted to give the Raiders the ball at the Kansas City 23. That led to a Blanda field goal from 33 yards and a 13-7 advantage for the home team.

Kansas City had to punt following a short series, once again from deep in Chiefs territory, and the resulting return by Bird for 11 yards plus a 15-yard face mask penalty put Oakland on the KC 35. The Raiders again couldn’t move on offense and this time Blanda was wide on a 42-yard field goal try.

The teams exchanged punts once again, with the Raiders gaining the advantage in the battle for field position. Early in the fourth quarter Blanda was successful on a 42-yard field goal and Oakland opened up a 16-7 lead.

Noland Smith returned the ensuing kickoff 48 yards to the KC 46 and the Chiefs came alive on offense. Garrett again ran effectively and finished the series off with an option pass to Taylor that resulted in a 17-yard touchdown. Stenerud’s extra point narrowed the margin to two points at 16-14.

The Raiders responded with an 80-yard drive in ten plays. Lamonica threw to split end Warren Wells for 11 yards and HB Clem Daniels had a 12-yard run, but a penalty and sack backed them up and they were facing a third-and-44 situation. The Chiefs were flagged for a personal foul that gave the home team a first down and two plays later Lamonica connected with Cannon for a 29-yard TD. Blanda added the point after and it was a 23-14 score with a little over eight minutes to play.

The Chiefs were far from finished and the diminutive Smith came through with another long kickoff return, this time going 54 yards to the Oakland 48. A short pass was followed by Garrett losing ground on a pitchout, but facing third-and-14, Dawson (pictured at right) completed a pass to split end Chris Burford for a 45-yard gain and Garrett ran for a six-yard touchdown on the next play. Stenerud converted to once again make it a two-point contest.

The Raiders punted on their next series and Kansas City regained possession with the clock down to 2:08. Dawson threw to a wide-open Taylor on first down who dropped the ball, and after another incompletion and a sack, the Chiefs had to punt. They had one last shot in the final 33 seconds of the game, but time ran out for them on their own end of the field and Oakland held on for a 23-21 win.

The Raiders had the edge in total yards (306 to 243) and first downs (16 to 12). The Chiefs recorded five sacks, to three for Oakland, but also turned the ball over three times while the Raiders suffered two turnovers.

Daryle Lamonica completed 23 of 38 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Clem Daniels rushed for 72 yards on 16 carries and also caught three passes for another 23 yards and a TD. Hewritt Dixon gained 28 yards on 13 rushing attempts but led the Raiders with 8 catches for 60 yards.

For the Chiefs, Len Dawson was successful on 12 of 25 throws for 160 yards and a TD with one picked off. Mike Garrett gained 50 yards on 19 rushes that included a touchdown and also tossed a scoring pass. Otis Taylor had 5 catches for 79 yards and a TD.

“It was a tremendous win for us,” said Coach Rauch of the Raiders. “It gives us the opportunity to get up on top. I’m glad we did it before the Eastern trip which has always been tough.”

The win put the Raiders in a tie for first in the Western Division with San Diego, and while they lost the first game of the Eastern trip to the Jets, they didn’t lose again on the way to a 13-1 record. Oakland easily defeated Houston for the AFL Championship but came up short in the Super Bowl against the Packers. Kansas City lost the rematch between the teams and finished second in the division at 9-5.

Daryle Lamonica had a MVP year for the Raiders as he topped the AFL in touchdown passes with 30 while throwing for 3228 yards. George Blanda led the league in scoring with 116 points and 57 extra points while placing second (behind Kansas City’s Jan Stenerud) with 20 field goals. Just as he did against the Chiefs, Hewritt Dixon (pictured above) led the Raiders in pass receiving with 59. The converted tight end gained 563 yards as a receiver and 559 on the ground for a total of 1122 yards from scrimmage, which ranked seventh in the circuit.

1962: Haynes Scores 4 TDs as Texans Defeat Patriots

The Dallas Texans opened the 1962 American Football League season on September 8, hosting the Boston Patriots. Owned by league founder Lamar Hunt and coached by Hank Stram, the Texans finished second in the Western Division in each of the AFL’s first two campaigns, most recently posting a disappointing 6-8 record in ’61. Dynamic all-purpose HB Abner Haynes (pictured above) was the star on offense, with FB Jack Spikes providing solid power running when healthy, and the defense was effective, especially at linebacker. The big change for ’62 was at quarterback, where veteran Cotton Davidson had been found wanting and was being replaced by Len Dawson, an ex-Purdue star who had been a disappointment in the NFL. Under the tutelage of Stram, who had been Dawson’s backfield coach in college, it was hoped that he would provide the necessary upgrade.

Boston was coming off of a 9-4-1 record the previous year. The Patriots played their best after Mike Holovak was promoted to head coach during the season and he remained at the helm.  32-year-old QB Babe Parilli, who had split time with Butch Songin in 1961, now had the starting job to himself and there was talent around him on offense, including flanker Gino Cappelletti, a reliable, if not speedy, receiver who was also a productive placekicker.

There were 32,000 fans in attendance for the Saturday night game at the Cotton Bowl. The teams traded punts until late in the opening period, when the Texans put together a long drive of 86 yards in 15 plays that stretched into the second quarter. Len Dawson converted a third-and-six situation with a pass to TE Fred Arbanas for 25 yards and Abner Haynes and Jack Spikes ran effectively. Haynes finished the series off with a dive into the end zone from two yards out for a touchdown and Tom Pennington added the extra point.

The Patriots responded with a seven-play, 70-yard possession. Babe Parilli threw to split end Jim Colclough for 13 yards on a third-and-ten play and connected with FB Larry Garron for 22 yards to the Dallas 35. A 19-yard run by Garron had ten more yards tacked on due to a roughness penalty called on the Texans and two plays later Parilli passed to TE Tony Romeo (pictured at right) for an 11-yard TD. Gino Cappelletti kicked the point after to tie the score at 7-7.

DB Dave Grayson returned the ensuing kickoff 41 yards to the Boston 49. Haynes gained 11 yards on two carries to start the series and a pass interference penalty picked up ten more yards. A running play was followed by a Dawson pass to split end Chris Burford for 21 yards and two plays later Dawson found Burford again in the corner of the end zone for a five-yard touchdown. Pennington converted and the Texans were back in front by 14-7.

Following a punt by the Patriots, Dallas put together an 82-yard scoring drive in just five plays. Dawson, forced to scramble, ran for 14 yards and HB Frank Jackson (pictured at right) gained 35 yards, showing off good moves in the open field. After an incomplete pass and delay of game penalty, Jackson rushed for another 13 yards around end and Haynes gained the final 25 yards for a TD in spectacular fashion. Pennington again added the PAT and the home team extended its lead to 21-7.

The Patriots got the ball back with two minutes remaining and Parilli immediately threw to Romeo for 17 yards. A defensive holding penalty advanced the ball to the Dallas 25 and, four plays later, Parilli threw to HB Ron Burton for a pickup of 12 yards to the two yard line. From there Parilli ran the rest of the way, going around end for a TD with 34 seconds left in the first half. Cappelletti added the extra point and the Dallas lead was 21-14 at halftime.

Boston put together a promising drive to start the third quarter but, after reaching the Dallas 38, LB Sherrill Headrick intercepted a Parilli pass. The Texans advanced to their 28 and had to punt and the Patriots again moved the ball well, most notably on a Parilli pass to Cappelletti that gained 21 yards. However the visitors again came up empty when Garron, having grabbed a toss from Parilli in the backfield, was stuffed by Headrick for a 12-yard loss and Cappelletti’s field goal attempt from 46 yards was blocked by CB Duane Wood and recovered by the Texans at the Boston 39. Three plays later, Haynes carried 30 yards for a touchdown, Pennington converted, and instead of the Patriots possibly closing the gap, Dallas was up by 28-14.

A short Boston series resulted in a punt and the Texans were driving as the game headed into the fourth quarter. A sack of Dawson put Dallas in a second-and-22 hole but a completion to Jackson for 32 yards advanced the ball to the Boston 18. The 10-play, 58-yard drive concluded with Dawson throwing to Haynes in the end zone for a nine-yard TD, his fourth of the day. Once more Pennington booted the point after and the Texans were seemingly in control by a score of 35-14.

The Patriots responded with a quick tally, going 66 yards in three plays. Parilli completed passes to Colclough for 22 yards and Burton for 29, and Garron ran the last 15 yards for a touchdown. Cappelletti added the PAT to narrow the Dallas margin to 35-21.

A penalty and a sack forced the Texans to have to punt from their own seven on the next series, and Boston started off with excellent field position at the Dallas 35. Parilli threw to Romeo for 32 yards and Burton ran for a three-yard TD.  Cappelletti’s extra point made the game close at 35-28 with 5:25 remaining on the clock.

Starting from their 19 after the ensuing kickoff, the Texans went 81 yards in nine plays to settle the issue. A 15-yard personal foul on the Patriots on a second-and-eight play helped move Dallas along, Haynes had four carries for 21 yards, and Dawson completed a pass to split end Bill Miller for 30 yards. Jackson ran for an eight-yard touchdown with 33 seconds left, Pennington kicked the point after, and Dallas won by a final score of 42-28.

The Texans led in total yards (421 to 322), with 265 of that total coming on the ground, and first downs (27 to 22). Boston recorded five sacks to one by the home team, but also suffered the game’s only turnover. Both teams were penalized seven times apiece.

Abner Haynes was the headliner for the Texans with 122 yards on 19 carries that included three touchdowns and three catches for 14 yards and a fourth TD. Not to be overlooked, Len Dawson had a solid performance as he completed 16 of 23 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, and also ran for 32 yards on four carries. Additionally, Frank Jackson ran for 72 yards on 9 attempts that included a TD and gained another 32 yards on his one pass reception. Bill Miller caught 6 passes for 72 yards and Chris Burford contributed 5 receptions for 59 yards and a score.

For the Patriots, Babe Parilli was successful on 16 of 31 throws for 214 yards and a TD while giving up one interception. Larry Garron ran for 48 yards and a touchdown on five carries, had three catches for 18 yards, and averaged 28.0 yards on three kickoff returns. Tony Romeo (pictured at left) caught 5 passes for 84 yards and a TD.

   

Len Dawson’s performance emboldened owner Lamar Hunt to trade former starting QB Cotton Davidson to Oakland. The vote of confidence proved to be justified as the Texans went 11-3 to top the Western Division and defeat Houston for the AFL Championship. Boston won its next three contests before dropping the rematch to Dallas. The Patriots contended in the Eastern Division, finally ending up second to the Oilers at 9-4-1.

The opening-game performance by Abner Haynes launched a season in which he led the league with 19 touchdowns and finished second in rushing (1049 yards) and all-purpose yards (1768). He was a consensus All-AFL selection. Len Dawson received AFL Player of the Year honors from The Sporting News, leading the circuit in touchdown passes (29), completion percentage (61.0), yards per attempt (8.9), and overall passing (98.3 rating). 

1970: Chiefs Defeat Raiders in Final AFL Championship Game

With merger into the NFL on the horizon, the Kansas City Chiefs and Oakland Raiders met in the last American Football League Championship game on January 4, 1970. Both participants came from the Western Division due to the adopting of a playoff system by the AFL for the ’69 season in which the first place finishers faced the second-place teams in the opposite divisions in the first round. Thus, the Raiders, who placed first in the Western Division with a 12-1-1 record soundly defeated the Houston Oilers, the second place team in the Eastern Division, by a 56-7 score while the Chiefs, the second place team in the West at 11-3, beat the New York Jets, the defending league champs and first place team in the East, by 13-6.

Oakland had a first-year head coach in 33-year-old John Madden, but remained the same formidable team it had been in going 25-3 over the last two regular seasons, with one AFL title to show for it. QB Daryle Lamonica threw for 3302 yards and 32 TDs, receiving AFL Player of the Year honors from UPI, and wide receivers Fred Biletnikoff and Warren Wells combined for 26 touchdowns, although Wells was playing with a shoulder separation suffered in the season finale. The running game was less formidable, but HB Charlie Smith and FB Hewritt Dixon were both capable receivers out of the backfield. The defense was at its best in the backfield that included CB Willie Brown and safeties George Atkinson and Dave Grayson. Moreover, the Raiders had beaten Kansas City in both of their encounters during the regular season.

The Chiefs, coached by Hank Stram, managed to perform well even when the two key players on offense, QB Len Dawson (pictured above) and WR Otis Taylor, missed time due to injuries. The running game was sound, utilizing a committee approach that included halfbacks Mike Garrett and Warren McVea and fullbacks Robert Holmes and Wendell Hayes running by a line that contained All-AFL performers in OT Jim Tyrer and G Ed Budde. The defense was stable and solid, featuring DT Buck Buchanon, linebackers Bobby Bell and Willie Lanier, and FS Johnny Robinson. PK Jan Stenerud was the AFL’s most reliable placekicker.

It was a clear day at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum with 53,564 fans in attendance. The Chiefs had the game’s first possession and punted. Oakland moved the ball effectively, with Charlie Smith (pictured below) and Hewritt Dixon running well and Daryle Lamonica completing consecutive passes to Smith for seven and six yards. However, after reaching the Kansas City 44, Dixon dropped a third down pass and George Blanda’s 52-yard field goal attempt fell short.

The teams exchanged punts, with neither able to move on offense, until the Raiders put together a drive of 66 yards in ten plays. Lamonica completed five passes, two for short gains to Smith and one to Warren Wells that covered 24 yards to the KC three. From there, Smith ran for a touchdown and, with Blanda’s extra point, Oakland took a 7-0 lead into the second quarter.

Once again the teams punted back and forth, with the Chiefs still stymied on offense and the Raiders unable to generate anything further either. Taking possession at their 25 with 3:24 left in the first half, the visitors finally began to move. Len Dawson threw to Otis Taylor for 14 yards and Robert Holmes had an eight-yard run to the 50. Dawson connected with WR Frank Pitts for a gain of 41 yards to the Oakland one and on the next play Warren McVea carried for a TD. Jan Stenerud’s conversion tied the score at 7-7, and that was the tally at halftime.

SS George Atkinson returned the second half kickoff 52 yards to the Kansas City 45 and the Raiders reached the 26 before being backed up by a penalty. Lamonica threw two incomplete passes at that point, injuring his throwing hand on one, and Blanda was wide on a 39-yard field goal attempt. Oakland got the ball right back when Mike Garrett fumbled and DT Tom Keating recovered at the KC 33. But once again the home team couldn’t capitalize, gaining nothing on three plays followed by another unsuccessful Blanda field goal attempt.

The Chiefs were forced to punt following a short series and Jerrel Wilson’s 29-yard punt gave the Raiders good field position at the KC 48. 41-year-old George Blanda had taken over at quarterback at the end of the previous series and he completed a screen pass to HB Pete Banaszak for a yard and then a throw to Smith that picked up 23 yards to the 24 yard line. But two plays later, a long throw into the end zone intended for Wells was intercepted by CB Emmitt Thomas, who ran it out to his six yard line. Once again the home team had come up empty in Kansas City territory.

The Chiefs were pinned deep near their goal line and facing third-and-14 as Dawson faded back into his end zone and threw a high pass that Taylor caught in spectacular fashion for 35 yards. Dawson then connected with Holmes for 23 yards to advance into Oakland territory. A pass interference penalty on CB Nemiah Wilson moved the ball to the seven and Holmes ran for a five-yard touchdown, capping the 94-yard drive. Stenerud again kicked the point after and Kansas City was ahead by 14-7.

Lamonica, despite the hand injury that affected his ability to grip the ball, was back behind center when the Raiders regained possession, but the result was a punt. The next Oakland series started at the six yard line and advanced to the KC 39 before SS Jim Kearney picked off a Lamonica pass. However, the Raiders got the ball back when a mixup in the Kansas City backfield resulted in a fumble that DT Carleton Oates recovered. But Lamonica again tossed an interception on the next play, this time by rookie CB Jim Marsalis.

Once more the Chiefs turned the ball over in their own territory, this time on a fumble by Holmes that MLB Dan Conners recovered at the KC 31. And once more the Chiefs intercepted a Lamonica pass, with Thomas (pictured at right) picking off his second of the game at his own 20 and returning it 62 yards to the Oakland 18. The result was an insurance field goal with Stenerud connecting from 22 yards with 4:48 remaining on the clock. Kansas City held on to win by a final score of 17-7.

The Raiders had the edge in total yards (233 to 207) and first downs (18 to 13). The Kansas City defense mounted a tremendous pass rush and recorded four sacks, in addition to four interceptions. Both teams turned the ball over four times, with all of those by the Chiefs coming on fumbles.

Len Dawson completed just 7 of 17 passes for 129 yards, but the completions tended to come in clutch situations and, while he had no touchdown passes, he also gave up no interceptions. Otis Taylor had three catches for 62 yards. Wendell Hayes led Kansas City’s ground game with 35 yards on 8 attempts that included a TD. On defense, DE Aaron Brown was unofficially credited with 2.5 sacks and Emmitt Thomas had the two big interceptions that he returned for a total of 69 yards.

For the Raiders, Daryle Lamonica, hindered in the second half by his sore hand, was successful on only 15 of 39 throws for 167 yards and no TDs while giving up three interceptions. In his brief stint, George Blanda went two-for-six and 24 yards and was picked off once. Charlie Smith caught 8 passes for 86 yards while also rushing for 31 yards and a touchdown on 12 attempts. Hewritt Dixon ran for a team-leading 36 yards on 12 carries. WR Rod Sherman contributed three catches for 45 yards while the injured Warren Wells was limited to the one 24-yard reception.

Kansas City went on to upset the Minnesota Vikings, champions of the NFL, in the Super Bowl. It was the second straight year in which the younger league came out on top and provided a good sendoff to the AFL before it was absorbed into the NFL. The Chiefs and Raiders became part of the American Football Conference’s Western Division, and Oakland once again finished first in 1970 while the Chiefs placed second at 7-5-2 and out of the postseason.

1971: Chiefs Defeat 49ers to Move Into First Place in AFC West

Two teams vying for division titles, the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, met up for a Monday night game on December 6, 1971. Head Coach Hank Stram’s Chiefs had won the Super Bowl two years earlier but missed the postseason in 1970 and were 7-3-1 and trying to get ahead of the Raiders in the AFC West. 36-year-old QB Len Dawson (pictured at right) was still a quality passer and had an outstanding target in WR Otis Taylor. HB Ed Podolak was a fine all-purpose back and paired well with FB Wendell Hayes. The defense was a good, solid unit.

The 49ers, coached by Dick Nolan, had advanced to the NFC Championship game in ’70 and were 7-4 and trying to stave off the Rams in the NFC West. They also had an established 36-year-old quarterback in John Brodie, who was prone to being erratic, and a fine running tandem in FB Ken Willard and rookie HB Vic Washington. WR Gene Washington was an excellent deep threat and TE Ted Kwalick among the NFL leaders in pass receptions. DE Cedrick Hardman, LB Dave Wilcox, and CB Jimmy Johnson were the biggest stars on an effective defense.

There were 45,306 fans in attendance at Candlestick Park for the nationally televised game. The Chiefs had the first possession and punted. San Francisco drove from its 20 to the KC 11 as Vic Washington had runs of 10 and 12 yards, John Brodie threw a screen pass to Ken Willard that picked up 16 yards, and a face mask penalty against the Chiefs converted a third down. The drive stalled and Bruce Gossett kicked an 18-yard field goal.

On a series highlighted by a throw from Len Dawson to WR Elmo Wright that was good for 31 yards, the Chiefs reached the San Francisco 26, but Jan Stenerud’s 33-yard field goal attempt was blocked by DB Johnny Fuller. Two plays later, Brodie fired a pass to Gene Washington that gained 53 yards to the KC 26, but the 49ers gained just two more yards and Gossett’s try for a field goal from 31 yards was close but no good.

As the game moved into the second quarter, the Chiefs moved effectively. A throw to TE Morris Stroud at the sideline gained 54 yards to the San Francisco four, but they lost four yards from there and settled for a 15-yard Stenerud field goal that tied the score at 3-3.

The 49ers punted following their next possession and, after passing to Stroud for 13 yards, Dawson went long for Otis Taylor (pictured at left), who went the distance for a 46-yard touchdown. Stenerud added the extra point and the visitors were up by 10-3.

Stuck deep in their own territory, the Niners again had to punt and gave Kansas City good field position at the San Francisco 40. However, the Chiefs lost six yards when Dave Wilcox tackled Ed Podolak behind the line of scrimmage, and two passes fell incompleted. They didn’t come up empty, though, as Stenerud booted a 54-yard field goal that put KC further ahead by 13-3.

The 49ers again had to punt but got the ball back when Podolak fumbled after being hit by Cedrick Hardman and LB Frank Nunley recovered at the Kansas City 45. It took five plays for the Niners to score as Brodie completed two passes to Ted Kwalick, the second for a 35-yard TD. Gossett converted and the home team was behind by just three points.

With a minute remaining in the first half, the Chiefs regained possession but were forced to punt. Jerrel Wilson avoided a strong rush to get away a 50-yard kick that CB Bruce Taylor returned 19 yards. On the next play, CB Emmitt Thomas intercepted Brodie’s pass and ran it back 36 yards to the San Francisco 17. The clock was down to 12 seconds as the Chiefs lined up for a field goal, but Dawson instead passed to OT Sid Smith, an eligible receiver, and on the last play of the half Stenerud kicked a field goal for real from 12 yards out to make the halftime score 16-10. Len Dawson had already passed for 198 yards.

The 49ers had the ball first in the third quarter and punted. Podolak picked up 27 yards on three straight carries for the Chiefs and Dawson passed to Taylor for 10 yards. Runs by Wendell Hayes and Podolak advanced the ball to the San Francisco 16, but Stenerud missed a 23-yard field goal attempt.

A short San Francisco series that ended with a punt was followed by the Chiefs driving 61 yards in six plays, and this time not coming up empty. Podolak ran for 12 yards and Hayes for 22 and it was Taylor covering the final 25 yards on an end-around play. Stenerud converted and Kansas City’s lead was up to 13 points at 23-10.

San Francisco responded with an end-around of its own on the first play after the ensuing kickoff, and Kwalick (pictured below) raced 28 yards to the KC 43. Brodie passed the 49ers down to the eight as the period came to an end and, on the first play of the fourth quarter, Vic Washington ran three yards for a touchdown to conclude the seven-play, 71-yard drive. Gossett added the point after to narrow Kansas City’s lead to 23-17.

The Chiefs moved methodically down the field on their next series. Dawson threw to Taylor for 10 yards in a third-and-eight situation and Wright grabbed another pass that had been deflected to pick up 29 yards and convert another third down. Hayes rushed for 14 yards and Podolak for 12 to reach the San Francisco three, but three carries by Hayes picked up two yards and Stenerud kicked an eight-yard field goal that put Kansas City up by nine.

The teams traded punts and the 49ers started off from their 31 with under two minutes to play. Brodie connected with Vic Washington for 16 yards and Kwalick for 14, HB Larry Schreiber ran for six yards on a draw play, and Brodie threw to Vic Washington for nine to get to the KC 24. But that was as far as the Niners could get. Four passes fell incomplete, the last two into the end zone, and the Chiefs came away with a 26-17 win.     

Kansas City had the edge in total yards (427 to 331) and first downs (20 to 18), with both teams well balanced between running and passing yards. Each team turned the ball over once and recorded one sack apiece.

Len Dawson completed 16 of 28 passes for 263 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Otis Taylor had 5 catches for 81 yards and a TD and added another score on a 25-yard run. Elmo Wright gained 76 yards on four pass receptions and Morris Stroud 67 yards on just two. Ed Podolak led the KC ground game with 75 yards on 17 carries and Wendell Hayes also ran the ball 17 times, for 66 yards. Jan Stenerud kicked four field goals, although he also had two misses.

For the 49ers, John Brodie was successful on 20 of 32 throws for 229 yards and a TD while giving up one interception. Vic Washington (pictured below) rushed for 43 yards on 12 attempts that included a touchdown and also led the club with 7 catches, for 62 yards. Gene Washington gained 73 yards on three receptions and Ted Kwalick contributed 58 yards on 5 catches and had a 28-yard run.

“I thought we played a good game,” said John Brodie. “We didn’t play poorly. They’re just a good team…as good as any team we’ve played.”

The win put the Chiefs on top in the AFC West for the first time all season and that is where they finished, with a 10-3-1 record. Hopes of returning to the Super Bowl were dashed when they lost an overtime thriller to Miami in the Divisional playoff round. For San Francisco, the loss put them a half game behind the Rams in the NFC West, but the 49ers won their final two games and placed first at 9-5. They again made it to the NFC Championship game, and again lost to the Cowboys at that point.

Len Dawson led the AFC in passing yards per attempt (8.3) and yards per completion (15.0) and was second in the conference in passing yards (2504). He was a second-team All-AFC selection by UPI and was named to the Pro Bowl. Otis Taylor led the NFL with 1110 pass receiving yards while his 57 catches ranked third. He averaged 19.5 yards per reception, scored seven touchdowns, and was a consensus first-team All-NFL choice as well as Pro Bowl selection.

John Brodie led the NFC in passing yards (2642) and TD passes (18) but also interceptions (24). Vic Washington topped the NFL with 1986 all-purpose yards that included 811 rushing, 317 pass receiving, and 858 on kickoff returns. He was chosen to the Pro Bowl, as was Ted Kwalick, who ranked second in the conference in pass receiving (52 catches) while gaining 664 yards and scoring five TDs.

1960: Texans Edge Broncos as Late Field Goal Attempt Fails

The Dallas Texans of the new American Football League were coming off of three straight losses and had a 2-4 record as they faced the Denver Broncos on October 30, 1960. Owned by the league’s founder, Lamar Hunt, and coached by Hank Stram, the Texans had a good defense and an exciting all-purpose weapon on offense in rookie HB Abner Haynes (pictured above). Split end Chris Burford was good, too, but QB Cotton Davidson lacked consistency and passing accuracy.

Denver, coached by Frank Filchock, was less talented overall but had a better record at 4-2. QB Frank Tripucka, a 32-year-old CFL veteran, directed the attack with little ground support (especially at fullback), other than ex-Green Bay HB Al Carmichael. Unheralded end Lionel Taylor was coming on as a possession receiver.

It was a cold, clear day at Bears Stadium with 13,002 fans in attendance. The Texans took the opening kickoff and drove into Denver territory with Abner Haynes and FB Jack Spikes running effectively. But facing second-and-11 at the 17, Cotton Davidson’s deflected pass was intercepted by safety Al Romine. However, Dallas got the ball back two plays later when Al Carmichael fumbled and LB Ted Greene recovered at the Denver 37. The Texans didn’t come up empty, scoring in four plays. The biggest was a screen pass from Davidson to Haynes that covered 34 yards and Spikes scored a touchdown standing up from a yard out. Spikes, who doubled as placekicker, added the extra point and the visitors led by 7-0.

The teams exchanged punts before the Broncos put together a 61-yard drive in three plays. Frank Tripucka threw to end Lionel Taylor for 14 yards and, after another long pass was almost picked off, Carmichael (pictured below), making up for the earlier fumble, broke away for a 47-yard TD. Gene Mingo converted to tie the score.

As the game moved into the second quarter, a three-and-out series by the Texans ended with a punt and the Broncos did the same. However, DB Clem Daniels fumbled the kick and OT Eldon Danenhauer recovered for Denver at the Dallas 31. Tripucka completed passes to Gene Mingo, a halfback as well as kicker, and Carmichael to reach the 16, but Taylor lost two yards on an end-around and Tripucka’s next two aerials were overthrown. Mingo attempted a 26-yard field goal that was wide to the right and the home team came up empty.

The clubs again traded punts before the Texans put together an eight-play, 64-yard drive. Haynes ran the ball five times for 19 yards and caught a swing pass for another ten, and his last carry of three yards was good for a touchdown. Spikes added the point after to put Dallas back in front by 14-7.

The Broncos drove into Dallas territory on their next series. Tripucka passed to Mingo for 18 yards to midfield on a third-and-eight play and two defensive holding penalties on the Texans helped keep the drive alive. But after reaching the 24, HB Bob Stransky fumbled after catching a pass and DT Ray Collins recovered for Dallas. The first half ended with Dallas still in front by seven.

Denver started the third quarter off with a short possession and punted. Starting from their 20, the Texans moved methodically down the field. Davidson threw to Chris Burford for 15 yards to convert a third-and-seven situation and, after Haynes and Spikes ran the ball to the Denver 22, Davidson completed a third-down pass to Haynes for 14 yards to give the visitors a first-and-goal at the eight. Davidson’s first down pass was incomplete, but he connected with Haynes on second down for a five-yard gain to the three.  Spikes plowed down to the one and, electing to go for it on fourth down, Davidson kept the ball on a quarterback sneak but was stopped a foot short of the goal line.

The Broncos ran three times and punted, and the Texans regained possession at the Denver 49. Once again the Texans chipped away as Spikes gained eight yards and Haynes six. Davidson threw to Burford for a 25-yard gain to the ten yard line but the drive stalled at the four and Spikes booted an 11-yard field goal. Dallas was now up by 17-7.

On Denver’s second play following the ensuing kickoff, Tripucka’s pass was intercepted by Daniels at the Broncos’ 26. However, the opportunity for the Texans to pad the lead was lost when Haynes fumbled and DE Chuck Gavin recovered for the Broncos at the Denver 16.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, a Tripucka bomb was intercepted by CB Duane Wood at the Dallas 10. The Texans picked up nine yards and punted, but retained possession when Carmichael fumbled and OT Jerry Cornelison recovered at his 42. Two plays later, CB John Pyeatt intercepted a throw by Davidson to give the Broncos the ball at their 24.

It didn’t look promising when Tripucka was sacked on first down by DE Paul Miller for a ten-yard loss, but after Mingo gained back four yards, on third-and-16 Tripucka threw to Carmichael for 22 yards. Carmichael picked up another five yards shortly thereafter and then Tripucka connected with HB Bob McNamara on a play that covered 55 yards for a touchdown. Mingo converted and the Broncos were now three points behind with 8:48 to play.

The Texans managed to convert two third downs as they ran the clock down to just over three minutes on their next series, but after reaching the Denver 47 they had to punt. Tripucka came out throwing, completing six passes, two of them on third down plays, to get the Broncos to the Dallas 21. McNamara dropped a pass at the 15 and Carmichael lost a yard on a draw play, setting up a 29-yard game-tying field goal attempt by Mingo. The kick was wide to the left and Dallas came away with a 17-14 win.

The Texans had the edge in total yards (308 to 302) and first downs (19 to 13). Denver turned the ball over five times, to four suffered by Dallas, while the Broncos recorded four sacks, to two by the Texans.

Abner Haynes was typically productive in his all-purpose role, rushing for 81 yards on 27 carries that included a touchdown, catching 7 passes for 96 yards, and returning two kickoffs for 38 yards. Cotton Davidson completed 12 of 23 throws for 187 yards and gave up two interceptions. Chris Burford contributed 78 yards on four pass receptions. Jack Spikes (pictured below) gained 50 yards on 18 rushes that included a TD and also kicked a field goal in addition to both extra points.

For the Broncos, Frank Tripucka was successful on 14 of 31 aerials for a TD as well as two interceptions. Al Carmichael ran for 61 yards on six attempts that included a touchdown and also caught three passes for 40 yards. Gene Mingo had a team-leading four receptions for 50 yards in addition to 42 rushing yards on 8 attempts, but missed both of his field goal tries. Bob McNamara had the most receiving yards with 55 on his lone scoring catch.

The team’s fortunes shifted as the season continued. Dallas went on to win its next two games, including the rematch with the Broncos, and finished strong for an overall 8-6 record that placed second in the Western Division. Meanwhile, Denver didn’t win another game, while tying one, and ended up at the bottom of the division at 4-9-1.

Abner Haynes had a spectacular first year, leading the AFL in rushing with 875 yards on 156 carries (5.6 avg.) and in all-purpose yards (2100) thanks to his team-leading 55 catches for 576 yards, 215 yards on 14 punt returns (a league-leading 15.4 avg.), and 19 kickoff returns that totaled 434 yards. He scored 12 touchdowns and was named AFL Player of the Year by UPI.

Al Carmichael ran for 211 yards on 41 attempts (5.1 avg.) and added 616 yards on 32 pass receptions (19.3 avg.), scoring a total of seven TDs, before a leg injury ended his season in the tenth game. Gene Mingo had better kicking performances as he led the AFL with 18 field goals, a 64.3 field goal percentage, and 123 points. Frank Tripucka led the league in pass attempts (478), completions (248), and yards (3038), but also interceptions (34). 

1967: Chiefs Overcome Bills for AFL Championship

The Buffalo Bills, winners of two consecutive American Football League championships, were looking to make it three as they faced the Kansas City Chiefs on January 1, 1967. In this first season since the merger between the NFL and AFL was announced in June of 1966, a further honor would go to the game’s winner, as the champions of the two leagues were to meet for the first time in what was already being unofficially referred to as a “Super Bowl”.

The Bills had won titles in 1964 and ’65 with Lou Saban as head coach, but he had departed and been replaced by Joel Collier for 1966. QB Jack Kemp struggled with a sore arm, but was still an outstanding leader and field general, and the club ran the ball effectively with Rookie of the Year HB Bobby Burnett and FB Wray Carlton. The defense continued to be the team’s bedrock and allowed the fewest points in the AFL. Buffalo topped the Eastern Division with a 9-4-1 record, just beating out the Patriots.

Kansas City, coached by the innovative Hank Stram, had a fine veteran quarterback in Len Dawson (pictured above) and had also benefited from the addition of a talented rookie in the backfield, HB Mike Garrett, the Heisman Trophy winner out of USC. Otis Taylor emerged as an excellent flanker in his second year.  The defense contained all-league performers in DE Jerry Mays, DT Buck Buchanon, LB Bobby Bell, and FS Johnny Robinson. The Chiefs placed first in the Western Division at 11-2-1.

There were 42,080 fans in attendance at War Memorial Stadium on a cold and wet day in Buffalo. Bills DT Dudley Meredith fumbled the short opening kickoff, giving the Chiefs the ball at the Buffalo 29. Three plays later, Kansas City gained the initial advantage when Len Dawson passed to TE Fred Arbanas for a 29-yard touchdown.

Buffalo struck back quickly, however, with Jack Kemp throwing to flanker Elbert Dubenion (pictured at left) for a 69-yard TD. Booth Lusteg’s extra point tied the score at 7-7. The Bills blitzed Dawson heavily, and the KC quarterback was forced to audible often as the game settled into a defensive battle.

Early in the second quarter, Mike Garrett returned a punt to the Buffalo 45 and, following a couple of runs plus a toss to Arbanas (who was knocked out of the game with a shoulder separation on the play), Dawson fired off a pass just before being hit by LB Harry Jacobs that Otis Taylor caught for a 29-yard touchdown. Mike Mercer added his second PAT of the game and the Chiefs were back up by seven points in the second quarter.

On Kansas City’s next series, the Bills missed an opportunity when CB Tom Janik failed to intercept a poorly thrown Dawson pass with open field in front of him at the KC 21. The score remained 14-7 in favor of the visitors.

A key turn of events occurred with time running down in the half. Kemp completed two passes to Bobby Burnett that picked up 50 yards to the KC 12, and seemed to be on the verge of evening the score once again. But two plays later, Kemp’s throw into the end zone intended for split end Bobby Crockett was intercepted by Johnny Robinson, who returned it 72 yards to the Buffalo 28. Mercer kicked a 32-yard field goal with three seconds left on the clock and, instead of the game potentially being tied, the Chiefs went into halftime with a 17-7 lead.

The contest had been competitive in the first half, but the Chiefs took control in the second half, utilizing their running game effectively. Kansas City used the I-formation to good effect, with Mike Garrett (pictured at right) and FB Curtis McClinton lining up directly behind Dawson and not shifting until just before the snap. The third quarter was scoreless as both defenses asserted themselves, with the Chiefs putting particularly heavy pressure on Kemp.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Chiefs took possession at their 37 and drove 63 yards in seven plays, the biggest one a Dawson throw to split end Chris Burford for 45 yards to the Buffalo four. Garrett plunged for the final yard and the visitors extended their lead to 24-7 with nine minutes remaining.

Buffalo mounted a drive in response but SS Bobby Hunt recovered a fumble by end Glenn Bass, who was hit hard by CB Fred “The Hammer” Williamson, and returned it to the Bills’ 21. Three plays later, Garrett took a handoff, reversed field twice, and broke away for an 18-yard touchdown that clinched the game for the Chiefs.

The Bills fought back, but continued to come up empty. Kemp’s last pass of the game was picked off by DB Emmitt Thomas and Kansas City won by a final score of 31-7.

The Chiefs had the edge in total yards (277 to 255) and first downs (14 to 9) in what was largely a defensive struggle. Buffalo recorded nine sacks, to four by Kansas City, but the Bills turned the ball over four times, to none by KC.

Len Dawson completed 16 of 24 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, and ran the ball five times for 28 yards. Otis Taylor had 5 catches for 78 yards and a TD and Chris Burford contributed 76 yards on his four receptions. Mike Garrett rushed for 39 yards on 13 carries that included the two fourth quarter touchdowns and also caught four passes for 16 yards. Curtis McClinton added 38 yards on 11 rushing attempts.

For the Bills, Jack Kemp was successful on 12 of 27 throws for 253 yards and a TD while giving up two interceptions. Wray Carlton ran for 31 yards on 9 carries and while Bobby Burnett (pictured at left) gained only six yards on three running attempts, he caught 6 passes for 127 yards. Elbert Dubenion, with the long early TD, had 79 yards on his two pass receptions.

“Our game plan was to throw first and run second, and we used 10 to 12 formations off the I,” explained Coach Hank Stram.

“Our new formation really fooled them,” added Len Dawson. “Buffalo is a great team at reading regular formations. They seem to know where every play is going and this can kill you. But today we fooled them.”

Two weeks later, the Chiefs met the NFL Champion Green Bay Packers in what was officially dubbed the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, but would retroactively be called Super Bowl I. Kansas City kept it close for a half before the Packers asserted their dominance and won by a 35-10 score. The Chiefs dropped to second place in the Western Division with a 9-5 record in 1967, but tied for first in ’68 and won the last AFL title (as well as Super Bowl IV) in 1969.

The loss in the AFL Championship game marked the end of an era for Buffalo. The Bills, despite efforts to retool the roster through trades, dropped to 4-10 in ’67. They would not post another winning record until 1973 and next appeared in a postseason game in ’74. 

1977: Buccaneers Overwhelm Saints for First Win in Franchise History

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had lost a record 26 straight games since coming into the NFL in 1976 as they faced the New Orleans Saints on December 11, 1977. Head Coach John McKay’s team suffered through a miserable 0-14 inaugural year and, at 0-12, seemed destined to go winless for a second season. There was reason for hope, as the defense was showing signs of coming together and contained up-and-coming players like DE Lee Roy Selmon and his brother, LB Dewey Selmon. The offense was another story, however, as FB Ricky Bell, the team’s first draft choice out of USC, was struggling behind a poor line and the quarterbacks, led by Gary Huff, sustained many sacks and interceptions. The team had scored just 53 points in the twelve games and had been shut out in four of its previous five contests.

The Saints were also struggling. The perennially losing club could not be turned around by second-year Head Coach Hank Stram, a proven winner previously with the Chiefs, and had a 3-9 record. QB Archie Manning had plenty of ability and there was a good backfield tandem in HB Chuck Muncie and FB Tony Galbreath. But the offensive line was mediocre and the defense was worse than that. Manning also antagonized the Bucs in the days before the game by stating that it would be disgraceful to lose to them – words that would come back to haunt him.

There were 40,124 fans in attendance at the Louisiana Superdome for the contest between the two cellar dwellars. On the third play from scrimmage, Archie Manning fumbled while scrambling and Lee Roy Selmon recovered for the Bucs at the New Orleans 36. However, the break went for naught when Tampa Bay drove 20 yards and Dave Green missed a 33-yard field goal attempt.

The Saints punted following their next series and DB Danny Reece returned it 20 yards to the New Orleans 28. Ricky Bell carried five times as the Buccaneers advanced a total of seven yards, but this time they didn’t come up empty when Green kicked a 40-yard field goal.

The teams exchanged punts, but on the last play of the first quarter, Manning threw a long pass intended for TE Jim Thaxton that went through the receiver’s arms and was intercepted by CB Mike Washington (pictured at top). Tampa Bay started off the second quarter at the New Orleans 33 and drove 25 yards in ten plays. Bell and FB Jimmy DuBose ran effectively and Green finished the series off with another field goal, this time from 25 yards.

The Saints remained stymied on offense and, after two punts were nullified by penalties that backed them up to their five yard line, the third was returned for 29 yards to the New Orleans 24 by WR Isaac Hagins. However, a holding penalty and seven-yard sack of Gary Huff backed the Bucs up and they were forced to punt.

After the Saints punted again, Tampa Bay put together a 71-yard drive in six plays. Huff connected with WR Morris Owens for a 39-yard gain along the way and found Owens again alone in the corner of the end zone for a five-yard touchdown. Green added the extra point and the Bucs took a 13-0 lead into halftime.

Tampa Bay had the first possession of the third quarter and had to punt, but Bobby Scott, now in at quarterback for the Saints, threw a pass that Washington intercepted and returned 45 yards for a TD. With Green’s extra point, the Bucs were ahead by 20-0.

Now in a deep hole, the Saints responded by driving to the Tampa Bay 30. However, Scott’s arm was hit while he was throwing and it resulted in another interception, this time by LB Richard Wood (pictured below), who ran it back 30 yards to the Tampa Bay 47. With DuBose and HB Louis Carter carrying the load, the Bucs reached the New Orleans 30, but on fourth-and-one Huff was stopped for no gain on a quarterback sneak and the Saints regained possession.

A Scott pass to WR Don Herrmann and a roughing-the-passer penalty on the Buccaneers helped New Orleans move to the Tampa Bay 29, but from there Scott tossed four straight incomplete passes to give the ball back to the visitors.

The Bucs punted on the last play of the period, and then once more came through with a big interception on the second play of the fourth quarter. With the Saints backed up to their four, Scott was again picked off by Wood, who needed to return it only 10 yards for a touchdown. The extra point try was shanked but it didn’t matter – Tampa Bay had a commanding 26-0 lead.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Manning returned at quarterback for the Saints and they finally scored as he ran two yards for a touchdown. The next time New Orleans had the ball, Manning faded back to pass from his end zone, the ball was deflected, and DE Greg Johnson caught it for another Tampa Bay TD. In the final seconds, Manning threw to WR John Gilliam for an 11-yard touchdown, but it did nothing more than salvage some pride for the home team. With a dominating defensive performance, Tampa Bay finally had a win to its credit, and by a score of 33-14.

In a sloppy game in which neither offense distinguished itself, the Saints outgained Tampa Bay (250 yards to 238) and had more first downs (17 to 14). However, New Orleans gave up seven turnovers, to one suffered by the Bucs, and three of them resulted in interception returns for touchdowns (tying a NFL record that was broken in 1984). Tampa Bay also recorded five sacks, to one for the Saints. The Buccaneers were hurt by 11 penalties, at a cost of 100 yards, to seven flags thrown on New Orleans.

Gary Huff (pictured at left) didn’t pass often, completing 7 of 9 throws for 96 yards and a touchdown with none intercepted. Jimmy DuBose ran for 59 yards on 17 carries and also caught a team-leading three passes for another 24 yards. Ricky Bell added 34 yards on 14 rushing attempts and Morris Owens gained 44 yards on his two catches that included a TD. But the biggest contributors for Tampa Bay were on defense, where Mike Washington and Richard Wood each intercepted two passes, and returned one apiece for touchdowns. Greg Johnson had one interception in the end zone for a third TD.

For the Saints, Archie Manning was successful on 13 of 21 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown, but also tossed three interceptions. Bobby Scott went four-for-12 and 36 yards with another three interceptions. FB Tony Galbreath ran for 35 yards on 9 carries and Manning was right behind with 33 yards and a TD on 6 attempts. Don Herrmann was the top receiver with four catches for 92 yards.

“Archie (Manning) must have been looking at our offense,” said Coach McKay afterward, referring to the New Orleans quarterback’s comment about it being a disgrace to lose to the Bucs. “Our defense has never been disgraceful.”

“I said it, and it was true,” said Manning. “And now I’m embarrassed.”

The Buccaneers won again against the Cardinals in their season finale and, while it lifted them to only 2-12 for another last place finish in the NFC Central, the victories allowed Tampa Bay to finish off the year on a high note and were a harbinger of improvement to come. New Orleans was blown out by the Falcons to end up at 3-11 and at the bottom of the NFC West, costing Coach Stram his job.

1963: Jets Defeat Chiefs for First Shutout in Franchise History

The American Football League’s New York City franchise, called the Titans in its first three seasons, was a financially precarious team that produced modestly on the field. Beginning in 1963, a new ownership group led by David “Sonny” Werblin began to radically transform the club. The team was renamed the Jets, given new Kelly green and white colors, and a new head coach in Weeb Ewbank, who had built the NFL Colts into a champion. There were some useful veterans on both sides of the ball, to be sure, most notably flanker Don Maynard, LB Larry Grantham, and safety Dainard Paulson.  But Ewbank feverishly worked to supplement the roster – there were 23 personnel changes in the week prior to the opening game. FB Mark Smolinski was brought over from the Colts, forcing the shift of the proven Bill Mathis to halfback, and another little-known ex-Colt, Bake Turner, was acquired to help fill the loss of departed veteran split end Art Powell.

The Jets got off to a 3-1 start but had settled back to 4-5-1 as they faced the Kansas City Chiefs on December 1, 1963, in a game that was postponed a week due to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The Chiefs, known as the Dallas Texans from 1960 to ’62, were defending AFL Champions, but were having a rough year in their new location. The preseason death of rookie flanker Stone Johnson following an on-field injury cast a pall over the team. HB Abner Haynes was only a shadow of the player he had been in his first three seasons as he dealt with a variety of ailments and injuries on the offensive line made star QB Len Dawson vulnerable to blitzes. The defense was sound but couldn’t overcome the offense’s sudden lack of scoring punch. Head Coach Hank Stram was making adjustments, but thus far to little avail – the Chiefs were at 2-6-2 and had not won since the fourth game of the year.

There were 18,824 fans in attendance on a chilly afternoon at the dingy Polo Grounds. The Chiefs had the first possession and started auspiciously when FB Jack Spikes carried twice for a total of 17 yards, but the series faltered and the visitors had to punt. The Jets went three-and-out and, following a punt, Kansas City started at its 36. The drive appeared to be promising for the Chiefs after Len Dawson threw to flanker Frank Jackson for 16 yards to the New York 36. But after advancing another four yards, the Chiefs were set back by an offensive pass interference penalty and ended up punting from near midfield.

Neither team got out of its own end of the field until the Jets took advantage of two carries by Mark Smolinski and a pass from QB Dick Wood to TE Dee Mackey to reach the KC 42 as the opening period ended. However, they came up empty when Dick Guesman missed a field goal attempt from 45 yards early in the second quarter.

Dawson threw to TE Fred Arbanas for 17 yards and Spikes ran effectively as the Chiefs moved into New York territory for a second time, but a field goal attempt by Spikes was short and safety Bill Baird returned it 60 yards to the Kansas City 33. The Jets made the most of the good starting field position as Wood converted a third-and-six situation with a completion to Smolinski for nine yards and, after two more passes fell incomplete, a throw to Don Maynard in the far corner of the end zone was good for a 20-yard touchdown. Guesman added the extra point and New York was ahead by 7-0.

The Chiefs crossed midfield on their next series and had to punt, but regained possession at the New York 11 when the immobile Wood fumbled when hit from behind while preparing to pass. FB Curtis McClinton ran for seven yards, but after the second-year fullback gained another two yards, Spikes fumbled while hitting the middle of the line. Dawson recovered for the Chiefs and they attempted to convert on fourth-and-two. Spikes tried again, this time heading around end, but was stopped by CB Clyde Washington for a four-yard loss and the Jets took over on downs. Having dodged a bullet, the Jets ran the ball three times and punted. Kansas City ended the half with Spikes trying for a 52-yard field goal that fell short.

The Jets took the second half kickoff and drove into Kansas City territory. Wood completed two passes to Maynard, for 16 and 10 yards, and Smolinski had a ten-yard carry along the way. But they came up empty when Guesman missed on a 45-yard field goal attempt.

Dawson immediately went to the air and his pass was intercepted by Dainard Paulson, giving the Jets good field position at the 50. Wood went to the air six times and had two completions, one to Mackey for 16 yards in a third-and-five situation, but when the Jets went for it while facing fourth-and-inches at the KC 19, Smolinski was stopped for a loss.

Eddie Wilson was now at quarterback for the Chiefs and had even less luck moving the team than Dawson. Following an exchange of punts, Wilson was picked off by Paulson, who lateraled to CB Marshall Starks. Starks reached the Kansas City 32 and the Jets got another 15 yards thanks to a personal foul. Taking over at the KC 17, the Jets took six plays to score, five of them runs by Bill Mathis. The last was good for a one-yard TD and, with Guesman’s successful conversion, New York took a 14-0 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Jets added three more points on a 37-yard Guesman field goal on their first series of the final period. The Chiefs moved impressively as Wilson completed passes to Arbanas for 18 and 26 yards, but after a pass interference penalty moved the ball to the New York one, HB Bert Coan fumbled and CB Tony Stricker recovered for New York to end the threat.

The defense was pressed again as, following a punt by the Jets, the Chiefs took over at the New York 44. But after reaching the 35, Wilson threw an incomplete pass and the Jets regained possession on downs. It proved to be Kansas City’s last serious threat to score, and New York came away with a shutout, winning by a final score of 17-0.

In a game that was primarily a defensive struggle, the Chiefs actually outgained New York (296 yards to 179) and had more first downs (13 to 10). But they also turned the ball over three times, to one suffered by the Jets, and missed two scoring opportunities inside the New York ten yard line. Kansas City was penalized on seven occasions at a cost of 103 yards, to one flag thrown on the Jets. Neither team had much luck on field goals, combining for one success in five attempts.

Dick Wood completed 13 of 29 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. Mark Smolinski rushed for 65 yards on 21 carries and gained another 26 yards on three pass receptions. Don Maynard had four catches for 46 yards and a TD and Dee Mackey also caught four passes, for 37 yards. Dainard Paulson intercepted two passes.

For the Chiefs, Len Dawson was successful on 6 of 13 throws with one intercepted before yielding to Eddie Wilson, who completed 7 of 22 for 137 yards, also with one picked off. Frank Jackson had 6 catches for 110 yards and Fred Arbanas contributed four receptions for 68 yards. Jack Spikes paced the ground game with 55 yards on 13 carries and Curtis McClinton added 31 yards on 11 attempts.

The teams moved in different directions over the last three weeks of the season. The New York defense that shut out the Chiefs gave up 45 points to Buffalo the next week and the Jets lost all three games to end up with a 5-8-1 record, placing last in the weak Eastern Division (they were still in the race for the division title until the next-to-last game of the season). The loss to the Jets proved to be the nadir for Kansas City as the Chiefs erupted to put 135 points on the board in sweeping their final three contests – including a 48-0 payback to the Jets in the finale. The Chiefs ended up with a 5-7-2 tally and placed third in the Western Division.

1965: Namath Sees First Pro Action, But Chiefs Hold Off Jets

The American Football League’s New York Jets were coming off a 5-8-1 record in 1964 and slowly but steadily improving under the guidance of Head Coach Weeb Ewbank. Rookie FB Matt Snell made a big impact on the offense and, in the offseason, the Jets made a big splash by drafting and signing QB Joe Namath out of Alabama. His then-huge $400,000 contract, used to lure him away from the St. Louis Cardinals, the team holding his NFL draft rights, was enough to bring notoriety. While the Jets invested in other rookies, including Heisman-winning QB John Huarte of Notre Dame, it was Namath who got the big publicity and buildup. The only concern was that, while he had tremendous potential, he already had a bad knee that had required surgery.

Ewbank was determined to not rush his star rookie into the lineup and announced that QB Mike Taliaferro, a backup in ’64, would start the 1965 season behind center. Taliaferro went the distance in a Week 1 loss to the Oilers at Houston.

On September 18, 1965 the Jets played their home-opening game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, coached by Hank Stram, were 7-7 in ’64 and coming off a bad loss to the Raiders in their first game. The Chiefs had talent but had underachieved since moving from Dallas to Kansas City following a title-winning campaign in 1962. QB Len Dawson was a precision passer who led the AFL in that category for the second time in ’64. Curtis McClinton and Mack Lee Hill were productive running backs. The offensive line was solid and the defense, if all hands stayed healthy, was sound as well.

There was a crowd of 53,658 on hand at Shea Stadium for the Saturday contest. The Chiefs went three-and-out on their first possession and the Jets, getting into scoring territory on a series highlighted by FB Matt Snell’s 15-yard run, came up empty when Jim Turner was short on a field goal attempt.

Neither offense was moving effectively but a pass interference penalty gave the Jets a first down at the Kansas City 15 on their next possession. Mike Taliaferro overthrew flanker Don Maynard twice and was loudly booed by the home fans. This time they got points, however, as Turner booted a 19-yard field goal.

Early in the second quarter, the Jets again failed to move well on offense as Taliaferro missed receivers and Turner suffered a blocked field goal try. But following a punt by the Chiefs, Joe Namath entered the game to an ovation from the crowd.

The first series was quiet as the rookie quarterback handed off three times and the Jets had to punt. Kansas City CB Willie Mitchell returned the kick 54 yards to the New York 30. The Chiefs made the most of the great starting field position five plays later as Len Dawson connected with split end Chris Burford in the back of the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown. Tommy Brooker’s extra point was good and the Chiefs were in front by 7-3.

On the next series for the Jets, Namath immediately went to the air and hit Maynard for 18 yards, but the play was nullified by a holding penalty. Namath’s first official completion was to Snell and actually lost four yards as New York again failed to move effectively and had to punt.

The Chiefs moved the ball well on offense but, with a third down at the New York 47, Dawson was sacked for a 15-yard loss by DT Paul Rochester and they had to punt. The score remained 7-3 at the half.

The Jets started off the third quarter by driving into Kansas City territory, primarily thanks to Snell’s three carries for 21 yards, but dropped passes caused the series to stall and Jim Turner’s field goal try was partially blocked.

Following a trade of punts, the Chiefs had another short series and had to kick the ball away. However, Jerrel Wilson’s punt was deflected back to him by Rochester and his second kick went only 11 yards to give New York the ball at the KC 28. Snell ran for 9 yards on first down but the Jets could get no further. On fourth-and-one, they went for it and Snell was stopped for no gain by DE Jerry Mays and LB Sherrill Headrick.

The Chiefs moved well offensively until the drive finally stalled at the New York 48 early in the fourth quarter and they punted. Namath threw to Maynard for 14 yards but was again victimized by dropped passes. Following a penalty on the Chiefs, the rookie quarterback faded back and had the ball knocked out of his hand by LB Bobby Bell, who recovered and carried to the New York 24. Kansas City wasted no time in capitalizing as on the next play Dawson threw to Burford for a touchdown.

The teams once again traded punts before the Jets put together a scoring drive. Namath threw a pass to split end Bake Turner that gained 10 yards and then, looking deep for Turner again, the Chiefs were called for interference. Namath went long for Maynard and it was complete for a 37-yard touchdown. Jim Turner’s successful conversion made it a four-point game.

The Chiefs managed to eat up valuable time on the following series and the Jets got the ball back with just over two minutes remaining. Namath completed two passes but a long throw on fourth-and-three fell incomplete to effectively end the game. Kansas City held on to win by a score of 14-10.

The statistics reflected the closeness of the score – and the difficulty both offenses had in moving the ball. The Jets led in total yards (231 to 224) and first downs (14 to 9). They also sacked Dawson four times, while allowing just one sack themselves. However, New York gave up the game’s only turnover, and it led to a touchdown for the Chiefs. KC was penalized 7 times, at a cost of 117 yards, while New York was flagged only once. Kansas City also punted the ball 11 times, to just five by the Jets, but Jim Turner was unsuccessful on three of his four field goal attempts.

Len Dawson had a rather ordinary day by his standards as he completed 10 of 20 passes for 118 yards, but two of them were good for touchdowns and none were intercepted. Chris Burford had four catches for 58 yards and both TDs. Mack Lee Hill gained 65 yards on 13 carries and Curtis McClinton added 58 yards on 15 attempts.

For the Jets, Joe Namath was successful on 11 of his 23 passes for 121 yards and a TD, also without an interception. Several of his misses were on target but dropped. Mike Taliaferro was a woeful 4-of-12 for 24 yards. Bake Turner had 5 catches for 41 yards while Don Maynard gained 83 yards on four receptions that included a score. Matt Snell ran the ball 19 times for 82 yards.

Kansas City ended up at 7-5-2 to place third in the AFL Western Division. The Jets continued to struggle, losing two games, tying one, and then losing again before reeling off four straight wins (including one over the Chiefs in their second meeting at Kansas City). They went on to finish second in the Eastern Division, although they cooled off down the stretch and again produced a 5-8-1 record.

Joe Namath took over the starting job at quarterback for all intents, although Mike Taliaferro continued to see action. While Namath completed only 48.2 percent of his passes (he would never have high completion percentages throughout his career), they were good for 2220 yards and 18 touchdowns with 15 interceptions. He received Rookie of the Year recognition and was chosen for the AFL All-Star Game.  The big investment the Jets had made in the quarterback known as “Broadway Joe” would pay off in big years to come.