1983: Surging Panthers Overwhelm Invaders in USFL Semifinal Playoff Game

The inaugural season of the United States Football League ended with four teams qualifying for the postseason (three division winners plus a wild card). On July 10, 1983 two of those teams, the Oakland Invaders and Michigan Panthers, met for a Semifinal Playoff game in Pontiac, Michigan.

The Panthers, coached by Jim Stanley, had hardly started out looking like a playoff contender as they lost four straight contests after narrowly defeating the Birmingham Stallions in Week 1. However, veteran talent was brought in to solidify the offensive line and rookie QB Bobby Hebert (pictured above), along with the more-heralded first-year player, WR Anthony Carter out of Michigan, overcame the slow start and began to hit their stride. The defense included the new league’s Defensive Player of the Year, LB John Corker with his 28 sacks, and another star rookie, SS David Greenwood. Michigan caught fire in the second half, winning six consecutive games and 11 of the last 13 to win the Central Division with a 12-6 record and take a great deal of momentum into the postseason.

Oakland was the top team in the Pacific Division, but it was the USFL’s weakest grouping and the Invaders had prevailed with a mediocre 9-9 record. Head Coach John Ralston, formerly of Stanford and the Denver Broncos, had gotten good mileage out of two ex-NFL Raiders on offense, TE Raymond Chester and RB Arthur Whittington. He had also uncovered a surprising star in QB Fred Besana, who had been working in a beer distributorship and playing minor league football before signing with the Invaders and leading the league in passing yards (3980), completions (345), and completion percentage (62.7). However, the Invaders had a leaky offensive line and the immobile Besana thus also led the USFL by being sacked 71 times. Inconsistency on defense was also a problem – definitely a concern in facing an explosive team like the Panthers. Furthermore, Whittington would not be starting due to a disciplinary action after missing a practice – the team officially said he was out with a rib injury, and while he came into the game late in the second quarter, his contribution was negligible.

A USFL-record crowd of 60,237 was present at the Pontiac Silverdome, helped along by free parking and reduced ticket prices, and it was loud and enthusiastic. Nevertheless, Oakland scored first, driving 78 yards in 14 plays that ate up over seven minutes of the first quarter. But after getting a first down at the Michigan two yard line, it took four plays for the Invaders to get into the end zone, with Besana finally sneaking for the last yard on fourth down.

Behind 7-0, the Panthers responded impressively on the next series that stretched into the second quarter as Hebert threw to WR Derek Holloway for a 40-yard gain and RB John Williams ran for a five-yard touchdown. The defense then set up another score when LB Kyle Borland intercepted a Besana pass and the resulting Michigan possession led to a 38-yard field goal by Novo Bojovic.

With the Invaders unable to move the ball effectively against the inspired Michigan defense, the Panthers decided to press their advantage in extending the lead late in the second quarter. In a key gamble, they passed up an easy field goal attempt on fourth down with 11 seconds left in the half and Hebert passed to Carter for a three-yard touchdown that made it a 17-7 contest at the midway point.

Oakland wasn’t out of it yet and on the third play of the second half, LB David Shaw picked off a swing pass by Hebert and ran 19 yards for a touchdown that, with the successful extra point, narrowed Michigan’s lead to 17-14. The Panthers once again responded by scoring, putting together an 11-play, 80-yard drive that culminated in Hebert keeping the ball himself for a one-yard TD. It was 24-14 with just under ten minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Late in the period, Michigan LB Ray Bentley forced Oakland RB Ted Torosian to fumble and DE Allen Hughes recovered for the Panthers at the Michigan 17. On the ensuing series, the biggest play was a Hebert-to-Carter pass that covered 56 yards. Shortly thereafter, RB Ken Lacy scored on an 18-yard run and the home team was up by 31-14 and firmly in control.

That was it for the scoring until RB Cleo Miller ran for a touchdown from three yards out for the Panthers with a little under two minutes remaining (the extra point attempt failed). Oakland responded with a consolation five-yard scoring pass from Besana to WR Marc Lewis.

Following Oakland’s final touchdown, fans overflowed the field with 25 seconds on the clock and tore down the goal posts. The teams and officials headed to the locker rooms and the game was officially declared complete at 14:35 of the final period. The Panthers came away with a decisive 37-21 win.

Michigan showed a great deal of flair, using laterals and reverses and twice passing up field goal attempts on fourth down to successfully go for touchdowns. While the Invaders held only a narrow edge in first downs (22 to 20), they rolled up significantly more yardage (463 to 321) and held the ball over six minutes longer (32:58 to 26:37). Oakland was further handicapped by turning the ball over four times, against two suffered by the Panthers.

Bobby Hebert completed 18 of 27 passes for 295 yards with one touchdown and interception apiece. Anthony Carter (pictured at right) caught three passes for 78 yards and a TD and Derek Holloway also had three receptions, for 78 yards. TE Mike Cobb contributed three more for 25 yards. However, the team’s leading receiver was RB Ken Lacy, who had 4 catches for 30 yards to go along with his 73 yards on 14 rushing attempts. John Williams compiled 59 yards on his 17 carries. Ray Bentley had a notable game on defense for the Panthers, forcing two fumbles and recovering one.

Fred Besana, playing catch-up for most of the game, went to the air 35 times and completed 23 for 258 yards with the one late touchdown and had two picked off. WR Gordon Banks caught 7 of those throws for 96 yards. Ted Torosian gained just 18 yards on 10 carries that included a fumble and pulled in 7 pass receptions for 46 yards. Of Oakland’s total of 64 yards on the ground, 43 came on two carries by Marc Lewis.

“We could have settled for three there,” said Jim Stanley regarding the decision to pass up the field goal attempt for the pass on fourth down late in the first half. “But this team has worked awfully hard. If I don’t have faith in them, I lose something.”

“We misfired on a couple of turnovers,” said Coach Ralston in defeat. “Against a team like Michigan, you have to play error-free. Our offense moved the ball pretty much like we wanted, but the turnovers killed us.”

The Panthers kept up the momentum, defeating the Philadelphia Stars in the USFL Championship game. Their 1984 season was the mirror opposite of ‘83 as Michigan ran out to a 6-0 start but, thanks to key injuries to Anthony Carter and David Greenwood, slumped in the second half and nosed into the postseason as a wild card team with a 10-8 record. Oakland lost its first nine contests of ’84, turned around and won seven straight, and finished at 7-11. 

MVP Profile: Dick Anderson, 1973

Safety, Miami Dolphins

Age: 27

6^th season in pro football & with Dolphins

College: Colorado

Height: 6’2”    Weight: 196

Prelude:

A versatile All-American in college, Anderson was taken by the Dolphins in the third round of the 1968 AFL/NFL draft. He showed off his ability as a rookie, intercepting 8 passes for a league-leading 230 yards, including one for a 96-yard TD. With the addition of Jake Scott in 1970, Anderson was shifted to strong safety and became part of an outstanding tandem. He again had 8 interceptions in ’70 and once more was the leader in return yards with 191. With the team going undefeated and winning the Super Bowl in ’72, Anderson was a consensus first-team All-Pro and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time.

1973 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – N/A

Interceptions – 8 [1, tied with Mike Wagner]

Most interceptions, game – 4 vs. Pittsburgh 12/3

Int. return yards – 163 [3]

Most int. return yards, game – 121 vs. Pittsburgh 12/3

Int. TDs – 2 [1, tied with Tom Hayes]

Fumble recoveries – 0

Punt Returns

Returns – 6

Yards – 52

Average per return – 8.7

TDs – 0

Longest return – 27 yards

Scoring

TDs – 2

Points – 12

Postseason: 3 G

Sacks – 0

Interceptions – 1

Int. return yards – 19

TD – 0

Punt Returns – 1

Yards – 2

Kickoff Returns – 1

Yards – 14

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFW, NEA, Pro Football Weekly

1^st team All-AFC: AP, UPI, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Dolphins went 12-2 to win the AFC East with the conference’s best record while leading the NFL in passing defense (1290 yards and 5 TDs allowed). Won AFC Divisional playoff over Cincinnati Bengals (34-16), AFC Championship over Oakland Raiders (27-10), and Super Bowl over Minnesota Vikings (24-7).

Aftermath:

Anderson followed up with a third consecutive Pro Bowl year in 1974, although for the first time in his career he failed to intercept more than one pass. A knee injury cost him the entire ’75 season and he was a backup for the last two years of his career in 1976 and ’77. Overall, Anderson intercepted 34 passes which he returned for 792 yards and three touchdowns.

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). Also includes Associated Press NFL Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year.

[Updated 2/8/14]

1969: Eagles Obtain Harold Jackson from Rams

On July 7, 1969 the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles completed a seemingly minor transaction. The Eagles sent RB Israel “Izzy” Lang to Los Angeles for second-year WR Harold Jackson and rookie DE John Zook. Zook was immediately dealt by the Eagles to Atlanta along with DT Frank Molden, DB John Mallory, and a draft pick for LB Jim Purnell, who the Falcons had only recently obtained from Chicago (and who was, in turn, dealt to the Rams shortly thereafter).

LA’s running back corps had been badly depleted by injury in ’68 and especially missed HB Les Josephson, who was lost for the year with a foot injury. It was hoped that the 27-year-old Lang would provide a suitable running mate for FB Dick Bass. At 232 pounds, he fit Head Coach George Allen’s preference for big backs. In five years with the Eagles, mostly in a reserve role, Lang rushed for 872 yards on 244 carries (3.6 avg.) and caught 63 passes for 554 more yards. More of a natural fullback, he had also seen action at halfback and, while he had briefly started, fell behind FB Tom Woodeshick on the depth chart and finally requested a trade.

This followed an earlier transaction in which the Rams obtained All-Pro OT Bob Brown from the Eagles. At that time, CB Irv Cross returned to Philadelphia, where he had played his first five seasons before being dealt to Los Angeles, and he gave a favorable scouting report on Harold Jackson, an obscure backup receiver.

Jackson was an unheralded twelfth-round draft pick by the Rams in 1968 out of Jackson State. He started out the season on the practice squad and was activated for just two games, catching no passes. On the small side at 5’10” and 175 pounds, Jackson nevertheless had outstanding speed and good hands.

Izzy Lang was ultimately a disappointment with the Rams, lasting just one season and carrying the ball only once. Josephson’s successful return to the lineup, combined with the arrival of HB Larry Smith, kept him on the bench and he retired after the season. John Zook proved valuable in Atlanta, lasting seven years and gaining selection to one Pro Bowl before moving on to the Cardinals.

Harold Jackson moved directly into the starting lineup for the Eagles, who were attempting to rebuild once again under a new owner (Leonard Tose), general manager (Pete Retzlaff), and head coach (Jerry Williams). He caught his first touchdown pass in the second week against the Steelers (a game in which veteran WR Ben Hawkins caught four TD passes) and two weeks later had a hundred-yard receiving game against the Colts (8 catches, 138 yards), which became the first of three consecutive and a total of five for the year. When it was all over, Jackson had caught 65 passes for a league-leading 1116 yards (17.2 avg.) and nine touchdowns. He was selected for the Pro Bowl – a huge accomplishment for a player who had been on his team’s practice squad a year earlier.

Jackson was with the Eagles for four seasons. While the team never rose above mediocrity during his time with it, Jackson continued to play well and had another Pro Bowl year in 1972 when he led the NFL in pass receptions (62) and receiving yards (1048) for a 2-11-1 club that was otherwise starved for talent on offense. Along the way, he set a team record for consecutive 100-yard receiving performances with five (three to close out the 1971 season plus the first two contests of ’72) and had a total of 13 such performances in his 56 games with the team – remarkable considering Philadelphia’s mediocre attack. He caught a total of 215 passes for 3493 yards (16.2 avg.) and 21 touchdowns. With the Eagles taking advantage of his speed on end-around plays (especially in ’72), Jackson carried the ball 17 times for 122 yards – a 7.2-yard average.

The Eagles were seeking to revitalize the offense under a new head coach in 1973 and Jackson was traded back to the Rams along with RB Tony Baker and three high draft choices for veteran QB Roman Gabriel. With a LA club that had a conservative offense but was also much better than the Eagles overall, Jackson had an outstanding year in ’73 – while his 40 catches were 22 fewer than his league-leading total of 1972, they were good for 874 yards and a 21.9-yard average plus a NFL-topping 13 touchdowns. Along the way, he burned the Cowboys for 238 yards and four TDs on 7 catches in a game at the Memorial Coliseum. Afterward, he was not only selected to his third Pro Bowl but received consensus first-team All-NFL recognition.  

Jackson’s second stint in Los Angeles lasted for five years and, while he never again caught as many as 50 passes in a single season (more a reflection of the era he played in and LA’s offensive style than his talent), he was still highly regarded and was selected twice more for the Pro Bowl, in 1975 and ’77. From there it was on to New England, where he stayed for four years, his best coming in 1979 when he caught 45 passes for 1013 yards (a career-high 22.5 avg.) and seven touchdowns at age 33.

Following inconsequential stops in Minnesota and Seattle, Jackson’s career came to an end in 1983. At that point he had caught 579 passes and his 10,372 yards ranked second only to Don Maynard in NFL history at the time. A low-key individual who was too often overlooked, he was very consistent and certainly justified Philadelphia’s interest in 1969.

1985: Carter Stars as Invaders Defeat Showboats

The United States Football League Semifinal playoff game in Memphis on July 6, 1985 featured the Oakland Invaders against the host Memphis Showboats. While the Invaders had been in the USFL for both of the previous seasons, they had combined with the Michigan Panthers for ’85. The result was a stronger team, benefiting from the influx of talent from the Panthers, the league’s first championship club in 1983 and a playoff club again in ’84. QB Bobby Hebert, running backs John Williams and Albert Bentley, and wide receivers Anthony Carter (pictured at right) and Derek Holloway all moved into Oakland’s starting lineup with good results. Oakland topped the Western Conference with the league’s best record (13-4-1) and got past Tampa Bay in the Quarterfinal round of the postseason.

Memphis, coached by Pepper Rodgers, was also much improved from its debut season in ’84. The defense was the key, in particular DE/NT Reggie White and backs Leonard Coleman and Mossy Cade. Mike Kelley and Walter Lewis split the quarterbacking, RB Tim Spencer led the running attack, and wide receivers Derrick Crawford and Greg Moser both had over a thousand receiving yards. The Showboats were 11-7 during the season, placing third in the Eastern Conference, and had annihilated the Denver Gold by a score of 48-7 in the first playoff round.

There were 37,796 in attendance on a hot day at the Liberty Bowl. Oakland scored first with a long, 91-yard drive that extended into the first play of the second quarter when John Williams took a pitchout from Hebert and ran around right end for a seven-yard touchdown.

A promising second quarter drive by the Showboats finally was stopped by the Oakland defense and they had to settle for a 34-yard field goal by Alan Duncan. However, with 1:43 left in the half Memphis took the lead thanks to a 73-yard drive that culminated in a 23-yard scoring run on a draw play by RB Anthony Parker.

Thanks to Reggie White’s domination of the middle of the line, the normally proficient Oakland running game had yielded only 47 yards in the first half. In addition, White had caused Hebert to toss a pair of poorly-thrown passes that were intercepted, including one with 19 seconds remaining in the half that preserved the three-point margin.

The Memphis lead was extended to 13-7 early in the third quarter thanks to a 47-yard field goal by Duncan. But the tide began to turn as Hebert adjusted, dropping back more quickly and completing passes to Anthony Carter, who could not be adequately contained by the Showboat secondary. The Invaders came back with a six-play drive that went 66 yards and resulted in a 24-yard touchdown pass play from Hebert to Carter, who caught the ball on the eight and sped into the end zone untouched. The successful extra point put Oakland ahead by 14-13. Later in the third quarter, Hebert again connected with Carter on a TD pass play that covered 19 yards.

Midway through the fourth quarter it looked as though the Invaders, leading by eight points, would be pinned back deep in their own territory, facing a third-and-ten situation from their own eight yard line. A completion to Carter for an apparent first down was wiped out by a penalty, but Hebert again threw to Carter for a 15-yard gain that counted and provided Oakland with the necessary first down. Eight plays later, Carter caught a pass at the Memphis one that set up a quarterback keeper by Hebert for a touchdown. The 92-yard drive for all intents put the game away for the Invaders.

The Showboats put together a 66-yard scoring drive in the last five minutes as Parker again scored on a draw play with 4:19 on the clock. The crucial two-point conversion attempt failed due to an offensive penalty, however, and that was it for the home team. The Invaders won by a score of 28-19.

Oakland outgained the Showboats (386 yards to 304), had more first downs (21 to 17), and dominated time of possession (34:06 to 25:54). The Invaders also recorded six sacks, to just one by Memphis, but turned the ball over twice while the Showboats suffered one.

Anthony Carter was the offensive star for the Invaders, catching 9 passes for 154 yards and two touchdowns. Bobby Hebert completed 18 of 33 throws for 287 yards with the two TDs and two intercepted. John Williams (pictured below) led the running attack with 70 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

For Memphis, Mike Kelley went the distance at quarterback and was successful on 13 of 25 passes for 202 yards and had one intercepted. Thanks to the two scoring carries, Anthony Parker rushed for 68 yards on just eight attempts while Tim Spencer ran the ball 12 times for 46 yards. Greg Moser was the team’s top receiver as he pulled in 5 passes for 103 yards.

“We find ways to make them exciting,” said a victorious Coach Charlie Sumner. “I felt we were in good shape at the half. We were down by only three points and we knew what we had to do.”

“They’ve got one of the most impressive passing games I’ve seen,” said Pepper Rodgers regarding Oakland. “Hebert is a tremendous passer and we did everything we knew of to stop Anthony Carter and we never could come up with the right kind of coverage. He’s just a tremendous pass catcher.”

The win at Memphis advanced the Invaders to the USFL Championship game, which they lost to the Baltimore Stars. But while it was the end of the line for the spring league, several players for the Invaders and Showboats became stars in the NFL, including Anthony Carter, Bobby Hebert, and Reggie White.

Rookie of the Year: Paul Flatley, 1963

Split End, Minnesota Vikings

Age: 22

College: Northwestern

Height: 6’1”    Weight: 187

Prelude:

The Vikings, looking to upgrade their receiving corps, chose Flatley in the fourth round of the 1963 NFL draft (the Denver Broncos took him seventh in the AFL draft). Lacking great speed, he had displayed outstanding technique as a college receiver and moved immediately into Minnesota’s starting lineup as a rookie.

1985 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 51 [10, tied with Sonny Randle]   

Most receptions, game – 7 (for 156 yds.) vs. Baltimore 11/17

Yards – 867 [10]

Most yards, game - 174 (on 6 catches) vs. Detroit 11/24

Average gain – 17.0 [14]

TDs – 4

100-yard receiving games - 2

Scoring

TDs – 4

Points – 24

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: UPI, Sporting News

Vikings went 5-8-1 to finish in a tie for fourth place in the NFL Western Conference.

Aftermath:

Flatley suffered through an injury-plagued season in 1964 and caught just 28 passes, but bounced back with consecutive 50-catch years in 1965 and ’66 (for 896 and 777 yards, respectively). He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1966. However, his reception total dropped to 23 in ’67 and, with the faster Gene Washington waiting in the wings, Flatley was dealt to Atlanta in 1968. He played three seasons with the Falcons, catching 45 passes for 834 yards in ’69, finishing up in 1970. For his career, he had 306 catches for 4905 yards (16.0 avg.) and 24 TDs.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

[Updated 2/8/14]

MVP Profile: Steve Young, 1994

Quarterback, San Francisco 49ers

Age:  33 (Oct. 11)

12^th season in pro football, 10^th in NFL, and 8^th with 49ers

College: Brigham Young

Height: 6’2”    Weight: 205

Prelude:

Young played his first two pro seasons with the Los Angeles Express of the USFL and joined the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had picked him in the first round of the 1984 supplemental draft, for the ’85 season and appeared in five games. Traded to the 49ers following the 1986 season, he primarily backed up Joe Montana for four years until taking over as starting QB in 1991, when he led the NFL in passing (101.8 rating) and yards per attempt (9.0). He followed up in ’92 by leading the league in passing again (107.0 rating) as well as completion percentage (66.7), yards per attempt (8.6), and TD passes (25) and was a consensus first-team All-NFL and Pro Bowl selection, also receiving MVP recognition. He passed for 4023 yards in ’93, led the league in passing for the third straight year (101.5 rating) and was again a first-team All-NFL and Pro Bowl choice.

1994 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Passing

Attempts - 461 [10]

Most attempts, game – 44 vs. LA Rams 11/20

Completions – 324 [6]

Most completions, game – 31 at LA Rams 9/18

Yards – 3969 [4]

Most yards, game – 355 at LA Rams 9/18

Completion percentage – 70.3 [1]

Yards per attempt – 8.6 [1]

TD passes – 35 [1]

Most TD passes, game – 4 vs. LA Raiders 9/5, at Atlanta 10/16, vs. LA Rams 11/20, at New Orleans 11/28

Interceptions – 10 [18, tied with Craig Erickson & John Elway]

Most interceptions, game – 2 at Kansas City 9/11, vs. New Orleans 9/25, vs. Philadelphia 10/2

Passer rating – 112.8 [1]

300-yard passing games – 5

200-yard passing games – 11

Rushing

Attempts – 58

Most attempts, game - 10 (for 23 yds.) vs. LA Rams 11/20

Yards – 293

Most yards, game – 60 yards (on 8 carries) vs. Dallas 11/13

Yards per attempt – 5.1

TDs – 7 [8, tied with seven others]

Scoring

TDs – 7

Points - 42

Postseason: 3 G

Pass attempts – 87

Most pass attempts, game – 36 vs. San Diego, Super Bowl

Pass completions – 53

Most pass completions, game – 24 vs. San Diego, Super Bowl

Passing yardage – 623

Most passing yards, game – 325 vs. San Diego, Super Bowl

TD passes – 9

Most TD passes, game – 6 vs. San Diego, Super Bowl

Interceptions – 0

Rushing attempts – 20

Most rushing attempts, game – 10 vs. Dallas, NFC Championship

Rushing yards – 128

Most yards, game – 49 vs. San Diego, Super Bowl

Average gain rushing – 6.4

Rushing TDs – 2

Awards & Honors:

NFL MVP: AP, PFWA, NEA, Bert Bell Award, Sporting News

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, Sporting News

1^st team All-NFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

49ers went 13-3 to win NFC West and gain the top playoff seed in the conference while leading the NFL in scoring (505 points) and touchdowns (66) and placing second in total yards (6060). Won NFC Divisional playoff over Chicago Bears (44-15), NFC Championship over Dallas Cowboys (38-28), and Super Bowl over San Diego Chargers (49-26).

Aftermath: 
Young played four more full seasons with 49ers before his career ended three games into the 1999 season, after suffering a third concussion in four years. He was selected to the next four consecutive Pro Bowls, for a total of seven altogether, and led the league in passing twice more. Young retired with the highest career passer rating in NFL history (96.8) and second most rushing yards by a quarterback (4239). Along the way, he threw for 33,124 yards and 232 touchdowns in the NFL in addition to 4102 yards and 16 TDs in the USFL where he additionally ran for 883 yards. Young’s #8 was retired by the 49ers and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2005.

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MVP Profiles feature players who were named MVP or Player of the Year in the NFL, AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, Maxwell Club – Bert Bell Award, or the league itself). 

[Updated 2/8/14]
[Updated 3/30/14]

1965: NFL Awards Franchise to Atlanta for ‘66

On June 30, 1965 the NFL granted a franchise to Atlanta, moving into the Deep South for the first time and outmaneuvering the rival American Football League to do so. Originally, it had appeared that the AFL would be putting a club in Atlanta, and Commissioner Joe Foss had stated as much. The President of Cox Broadcasting Company, Leonard Reinsch, was to be the owner (he had also looked into the possibility of moving the Denver Broncos to Georgia). However, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle acted quickly to line up an ownership group headed by insurance executive Rankin Smith that paid $8.5 million for the franchise. The new Atlanta Stadium was secured for Smith’s group, and the chastened younger league was forced to look elsewhere (settling on Miami).

It was a major coup for the city that had also lured major league baseball’s Braves from Milwaukee and generated much initial fan excitement. A radio station contest came up with the name Falcons for the new team and 45,000 season tickets were sold within a few weeks of becoming available. Former player and scout Gene Cronin was chosen as director of player personnel while Norb Hecker, defensive backfield coach under Vince Lombardi in Green Bay, became the first head coach.

A draft of veterans from the other NFL clubs brought mostly marginal talent, since each team was able to protect its best players. The draft of college players was more promising as the Falcons were able to pick at the top and bottom of the first five rounds, as well as the top of the remaining rounds, giving them 25 choices in all. With the first overall choice, they took LB Tommy Nobis (pictured at top), the Outland Trophy winner out of Texas.

The Falcons were placed in the Eastern Conference for the ’66 season, but because the league now had an uneven number of teams with 15, they played each of the other NFL teams one time apiece (a so-called swing schedule, as opposed to the usual arrangement of playing a home-and-away series with each conference opponent).

It had been anticipated that Dennis Claridge, who had thrown a total of one pro pass as backup to Bart Starr and Zeke Bratkowski in Green Bay, would be Atlanta’s first starting quarterback. However, rookie Randy Johnson (pictured at right), their second pick at the end of the first round out of Texas A&I, gained the job instead and performed reasonably well while completing 43.7 % of his passes for 1795 yards with 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.

Another ex-Packer, HB Junior Coffey, was the club’s rushing star with 722 yards on 199 carries (3.6 avg.) and four TDs. He teamed with FB Ernie Wheelwright, formerly of the Giants, who added 458 yards on the ground, but neither had breakaway speed and depth behind them was lacking. 29-year-old flanker Alex Hawkins, a long-time reserve and special teams standout with the Colts, was Atlanta’s leading receiver with 44 catches for 661 yards (15.0 avg.) and two scores. TE Billy Martin, who split time with ex-Card Taz Anderson, pulled in 29 passes, one more than starting split end Vern Burke. Center Frank Marchlewski showed promise and starting guards Dan Grimm and Ed Cook and tackles Don Talbert and Errol Linden did reasonably well, although once again, depth was an issue.

On defense, Nobis stepped into the lineup at middle linebacker and had an immediate impact, gaining Rookie of the Year honors and selection to the Pro Bowl. But while OLB Marion Rushing was effective on the strong side, the weak side linebacking – held down by over-the-hill veterans Bill Jobko and Larry Morris – was lacking. The line was undistinguished and contained the team’s oldest player, 35-year-old DE Sam Williams. Starting cornerbacks were Lee Calland and Ron Smith, better known for his kick returning. FS Bob Riggle did well in tandem with SS Jerry Richardson, who led the club with five interceptions.

Lou Kirouac handled the bulk of the placekicking and was successful on just half of his field goal attempts (9 of 18) and missed five of 24 extra point tries. Punter Billy Lothridge was better, averaging 40.7 yards on his 73 kicks.

The Falcons lost their first nine games but won three of their last five to finish on a reasonably high note – and ahead of the 1-12-1 Giants (the team they defeated for their first regular season win). Not surprisingly, the team ranked at the bottom of the league in total offense (3536 yards) and scoring (204 points) while giving up the most points (437). Still, fan support was enthusiastic, and there were hopes for improvement in ’67 based on the club’s improved play in the late season.

Instead, the club regressed and won just one game. Coach Hecker failed to survive a third year at the helm in 1968, giving way to Norm Van Brocklin, previously the head coach in Minnesota following his Hall of Fame career as a quarterback. The Dutchman guided the Falcons to their first winning record in 1971, but they would not appear in the postseason for the first time until 1978.