1974: Oliver & Durrance Lead Sharks to Win Over Bell

The two World Football League teams facing off for the nationally televised Thursday-night game on September 5, 1974 were sporting losing records and trying hard to stay in the playoff hunt.

The Jacksonville Sharks were at 3-6 and having trouble with missed payrolls and dwindling attendance. They were on their second head coach, Charlie Tate, after original coach Bud Asher was let go six weeks into the schedule. They also changed quarterbacks with rookie Reggie Oliver (pictured above) from Marshall replacing Kay Stephenson behind center. RB Tommy Durrance, a former college star at Florida, was a stalwart on offense, but one of the better defensive players, SS Ron Coppenbarger, was out with an injured knee.

The visiting Philadelphia Bell had a 4-5 record and Head Coach Ron Waller’s team was known for its intricate offense directed by colorful QB Jim “King” Corcoran, the WFL’s current leader in scoring passes with 18. Running backs John Land and Claude Watts were also key contributors. But large crowds in their early home games proved to have been padded with free or heavily discounted tickets (which also happened to some extent in Jacksonville) and fan support dwindled thereafter.

There were 17,851 fans in attendance on a rainy night at the Gator Bowl. Jacksonville scored on the first play from scrimmage as Reggie Oliver connected with WR Edgar Scott for a 45-yard touchdown. Tommy Durrance ran for the action point (in the WFL, touchdowns counted for seven points and were followed by an action point that could not be kicked). The Bell put together a 67-yard drive that ended with QB Frank Dimaggio running three yards for a TD. The try for the action point failed and the Sharks remained in front by 8-7.

Still in the opening period, Philadelphia took the lead when CB Bernard Chapman returned a blocked field goal try by the Sharks 59 yards for a touchdown. A pass to RB Alan Thompson added the action point and the Bell took a 15-8 lead into the second quarter. Grant Guthrie kicked a 21-yard field goal for the Sharks to make the score 15-11 at the half.

In the third quarter, the Bell blocked a second field goal attempt that was returned for a touchdown. This time it was for 77 yards by LB George Chatlos and John Land ran for the action point that extended Philadelphia’s margin to 23-11. Jacksonville’s defense was putting heavy pressure on Corcoran, but the two blocked field goal returns had the Bell in front.

The Sharks came back with two scoring carries by Durrance, both covering eight yards. The first made the score 23-18 and was followed by a run for the action point that fell short. The second put Jacksonville in front by 26-23 as Durrance then ran for the action point. Both drives were helped along by Oliver’s effective passing and the Sharks added another touchdown in the fourth quarter as Oliver threw to WR Drew Buie from 13 yards out. Kay Stephenson completed a pass to RB Wayne Jones for the action point.

In the closing minutes the Bell put together a 67-yard drive that led to a one-yard plunge by Land for a touchdown. It was a case of too-little, too-late. Philadelphia had squandered scoring opportunities on two missed field goal attempts, a fumble, and a bad snap on another field goal try and the Sharks came out on top by a final score of 34-30.

Jacksonville outgained the Bell (454 yards to 334) and had more first downs (24 to 17). Philadelphia also turned the ball over three times, to one by the Sharks, although the two blocked field goals were costly to Jacksonville.

Reggie Oliver completed 14 of 24 passes for 321 yards and two touchdowns with one intercepted. Tommy Durrance (pictured below) rushed for 72 yards on 20 carries that included two TDs. Edgar Scott caught four passes for 107 yards and a TD and TE Dennis Hughes added 101 yards on his three receptions. Drew Buie also caught four passes, for 71 yards and a score.

For the Bell, “King” Corcoran was successful on just 13 of 30 throws for 174 yards and had no TDs while being picked off once. John Land ran for 88 yards on 17 attempts and also led the receivers with 6 catches for 66 yards

“I wasn’t sacked once,” exclaimed a jubilant Reggie Oliver. “Our offensive line gave me the best protection of the year and blocked so well for our running game that the passes opened up.”

“I wish I had the time that other fellow had,” said Corcoran in defeat about Oliver. “He looked like All-Pro and they blitzed me all night.”

The Bell got their revenge the next week with a resounding 41-22 win in Philadelphia. Beset by increasing money woes, the Sharks went 4-10 before folding. The Bell made it to the end of the season and, while finishing with a losing 9-11 record, managed to make it to the playoffs where they lost in the first round.

Overall, Reggie Oliver ended up passing for 1415 yards and 7 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. Tommy Durrance ran for 658 yards on 218 carries (3.0 avg.) and scored five TDs. The demise of the Sharks marked the end of both of their brief pro careers, but the win over the Bell was a significant highlight for each.

1994: Lions Overcome Falcons in Overtime

The Atlanta Falcons had a new head coach and quarterback for the 1994 NFL season as they opened against the Lions on September 4. Offensive coordinator June Jones had succeeded Jerry Glanville as head coach following a disappointing 6-10 season in ’93 and they picked up QB Jeff George from the Colts to operate their version of the run-and-shoot offense.

The Lions, coached by Wayne Fontes, were also debuting a new quarterback in Scott Mitchell, a highly-regarded (but not much experienced) backup in Miami who was signed to a big free agent contract. Star RB Barry Sanders (pictured above) had missed five games late in the previous season but was ready for the new one (and would not miss another game for the remainder of his illustrious career). Herman Moore was a rising talent at wide receiver.

There was a crowd of 60,740 present at the Pontiac Silverdome. The Falcons had first possession and punted. Following a 22-yard return by WR Mel Gray that gave the Lions good starting field position at their 47, it took just three plays for the home team to get on the board. Mitchell threw to Herman Moore for a 34-yard gain, Barry Sanders ran 18 yards, and RB Derrick Moore gained the last yard for a touchdown and, adding Jason Hanson’s extra point, a 7-0 lead.

That was it for the scoring in the opening period. The teams traded punts until the Falcons went 58 yards in eight plays in the second quarter. Keeping the ball on the ground, the big play was a 25-yard carry by RB Erric Pegram who also finished the drive off with a one-yard touchdown run. Norm Johnson’s extra point tied the score. Neither team was able to get out of its own end of the field for the remainder of the period as the score remained 7-7 at the half.

The Lions started off the third quarter with a seven-play, 70-yard scoring drive. Sanders ran effectively, gaining 26 yards on three carries, and a pass interference penalty picked up 18 yards to the Atlanta four yard line. From there, Mitchell passed to Herman Moore for a TD.

The Falcons responded with a long drive of their own. Jeff George completed 10 straight passes in the 12-play possession that covered 80 yards including the last to WR Andre Rison for a two-yard touchdown. The game was again knotted with the offenses having come to life.

Detroit was on the move as the period ended and, early in the fourth quarter, Mitchell connected with WR Anthony Carter for a nine-yard TD. It capped a 12-play, 76-yard series and gave the Lions a lead that didn’t last long when, on the first play following the ensuing kickoff, George threw to Rison for a 69-yard touchdown.

The Lions went three-and-out on the next possession, which forced the first punt of the second half, and Atlanta rolled down the field on a long drive that covered 78 yards in 12 plays. Three times George converted third downs on passes to Rison, the first for 28 yards in a third-and-seven situation, the second gaining 17 yards on a third-and-12 play, and the third picking up 9 yards while facing third-and-four. It was WR Terance Mathis finishing the series off with a touchdown on a 15-yard scoring pass from George. The Falcons were ahead by 28-21 with just under four minutes remaining in regulation.

Following the kickoff the Lions took possession at their 35. The first two plays gained nothing but, facing third-and-10, Mitchell hit Herman Moore for 11 yards. Two plays later he threw to Carter for 14 yards. Two short gains and an incomplete pass had the Lions in a fourth-and-one situation at the Atlanta 31 with 54 seconds on the clock. Mitchell completed a pass to TE Rodney Holman for 16 yards and two plays later connected with Carter for a 15-yard touchdown. Hanson added the all-important extra point and the score was once again even at 28-28.

The Falcons had one last shot in regulation and, following the return of the squibbed kickoff by safety Alton Montgomery to the Atlanta 44, two completions to Rison got the ball to the Detroit 34, but a field goal try by Norm Johnson from 52 yards sailed wide to the right and the contest went into overtime.

An added concern for the Lions heading into OT was that the placekicker Hanson had gotten hurt making the tackle on the kickoff following the game-tying touchdown. He suffered a cramp in his leg that had trainers working on him afterward.

Atlanta got the ball first in OT but was forced to punt after a short series. Starting with good field position at the Falcons’ 49, Mitchell threw to WR Brett Perriman for 30 yards and, following three runs by Sanders, Hanson, despite being in apparent pain from his injury, kicked a 37-yard field goal at 5:14 into the extra period.  Detroit won by a final score of 31-28.

Atlanta had the edge over the Lions in total yards (389 to 352) and first downs (22 to 21). There was only one turnover, which was suffered by Detroit, although the Falcons were penalized 10 times at a cost of 90 yards against a total of five flags thrown on the Lions, for 40 yards.

Scott Mitchell completed 16 of 31 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns with one intercepted. Barry Sanders rushed for 120 yards on 27 carries. Herman Moore (pictured below) caught 6 passes for 84 yards and a TD while Anthony Carter, a veteran newcomer to Detroit following nine seasons with the Vikings, contributed 5 receptions for 61 yards and two scores.

For the Falcons, Andre Rison had a big day as he pulled in 14 catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns. Jeff George was successful on 29 of 37 throws for 281 yards and three TDs with none picked off. Terance Mathis added another 8 receptions for 63 yards and a score. Erric Pegram led the ground game with 23 carries for 91 yards and a TD.

The Lions went on to finish third in the highly competitive NFC Central with a 9-7 record. All three Wild Card spots went to teams from the division and the Packers defeated Detroit in the first round. Atlanta ended up third in the NFC West at 7-9.

Scott Mitchell had a rough first year in Detroit as he injured his shoulder in the season’s second game and was lost for the rest of the way in Week 10. He completed just 48.4 percent of his passes for 1456 yards with 10 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Barry Sanders continued to be outstanding, leading the NFL in rushing with 1883 yards. Herman Moore caught 72 passes for 1173 yards and 11 TDs and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first of four straight years.

Andre Rison didn’t go to the Pro Bowl but had 81 pass receptions for 1088 yards and eight touchdowns. Terance Mathis did get selected as he pulled in 111 passes for 1342 yards and 11 TDs. Jeff George completed 61.5 percent of his throws for 3734 yards and 23 touchdowns against 18 interceptions.

1967: Denson & Defense Star as Revamped Broncos Beat Patriots

The Denver Broncos had made several notable changes as they opened their AFL season against the Boston Patriots on September 3, 1967. The perennially losing franchise was coming off a second straight 4-10 record in ’66 and had hired a new head coach/GM, Lou Saban, who had won back-to-back AFL titles in Buffalo. HB Floyd Little was drafted in the first round out of Syracuse and became the first top draft pick in the team’s short history to sign with the club (no doubt helped by 1967 being the first year that the AFL wasn’t competing with the NFL for draft picks). Quarterback had been a major issue for the Broncos in recent seasons, and a trade was swung with San Diego to obtain the strong-armed Steve Tensi to take over the position for ’67.

The visiting Patriots were coached by Mike Holovak (who had replaced Saban when he was fired from that job during the 1961 season) and were coming off an 8-4-2 year in ’66. FB Jim Nance had blossomed into a star, setting an AFL record with 1458 rushing yards. 37-year-old QB Babe Parilli was coming off of a good season and OE/PK Gino Cappelletti was the league’s top scorer.

There was a record crowd of 35,488 in attendance at Bears Stadium ready to get a look at the refurbished club that had won its last three preseason games. The Broncos got the first break of the game when a deflected pass by Parilli was intercepted by DB Gene Sykes and returned 29 yards to the Boston 13. Two plays later Steve Tensi completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to flanker Al Denson and Gary Kroner added the extra point.

The teams traded punts until the Patriots came through with a big play. Parilli threw to split end Art Graham on a play that covered 79 yards for a TD. Gino Cappelletti’s PAT evened the score at 7-7.

Neither team was able to move the ball effectively for the remainder of the opening quarter. On the last play of the period Jim Nance fumbled and DT Dave Costa recovered for the Broncos at the Patriots’ 28. However, after advancing to the seven yard line Denver came up empty when FB Cookie Gilchrist, returning to the team after a sojourn with the expansion Dolphins in 1966, was stopped for no gain on a fourth-and-one play.

The teams again traded punts until Sykes again picked off a Parilli pass to give Denver the ball at the Boston 29. Floyd Little ran four straight times to pick up a total of 16 yards and the series ended with Kroner kicking a 20-yard field goal. The Broncos were back in front by 10-7, which remained the score at the half.

The Broncos extended their lead on the first series of the third quarter that was helped along when, initially forced to punt, the Patriots were penalized for roughing the kicker. Two plays later Tensi connected with Denson for a 55-yard touchdown. Kroner’s extra point try was blocked, however, and the score remained 16-7.

The Patriots wasted no time in coming back, driving 64 yards in five plays. After Boston ran the ball twice, Parilli threw to TE Jim Whalen for a 27-yard gain to the Denver 24. A pass interference call gained another 14 yards before Parilli threw to Nance for a 10-yard touchdown. Cappelletti added the extra point to make it a two-point game.

The Patriots got the ball back on the next series when DT Jim Hunt stripped Tensi at the Denver 37. Five plays later, Parilli passed to HB Larry Garron for a 20-yard touchdown and, with the successful conversion, Boston was in front by 21-16.

Heading into the fourth quarter, the Broncos got a big play on offense when Tensi connected with Denson for a 58-yard gain to the Boston 9. Little and Gilchrist were unable to pound the ball into the end zone but Denver came away with a 9-yard Kroner field goal to narrow the tally to 21-19.

Now midway through the fourth quarter the Patriots had the ball back after the ensuing kickoff but, on the second play, CB Goldie Sellers (pictured at left) intercepted a Parilli throw and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown. Kroner’s extra point gave the Broncos a five-point lead, but there were still over eight minutes to play.

Parilli immediately went to the air and connected with Cappelletti for a 30-yard gain to midfield, but his next pass was intercepted, this time by CB Nemiah Wilson. The Broncos couldn’t move the ball and, on a third-and-14 play, Tensi was sacked by LB Doug Satcher for an 11-yard loss to his own 10 yard line. HB Joe Bellino returned Bob Scarpitto’s punt 17 yards to the Denver 37 to give the Patriots excellent starting field position.

Garron took off for 15 yards on the first play of the series but Parilli was picked off for the sixth time, once again by Sellers. The Broncos had possession at their five yard line, went three-and-out, and Scarpitto boomed a punt that gave the Patriots the ball at their own 20 with less than two minutes remaining on the clock. They managed to reach the Denver 43 before Costa sacked Parilli for a 13-yard loss and a long desperation pass fell incomplete. The Broncos were winners by a score of 26-21.

Boston had more total yards (302 to 209) and first downs (14 to 11) than the Broncos, but the Patriots also turned the ball over seven times, to one suffered by Denver.

Al Denson was the offensive star for the Broncos as he caught four passes for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Steve Tensi completed 8 of 19 passes for 145 yards and the two TDs with none intercepted. Floyd Little, playing in his first regular season game, rushed for 66 yards on 25 carries, while Cookie Gilchrist, appearing in his last, gained 21 yards on 10 attempts (the talented and mercurial Gilchrist underwent knee surgery the next week and ultimately retired). Gene Sykes, Goldie Sellers, and Nemiah Wilson each intercepted two passes apiece.

For the Patriots, Babe Parilli was successful on 16 of 30 throws for 234 yards and three TDs but also gave up the six costly interceptions. Gino Cappelletti had 6 catches for 54 yards and, thanks to the long scoring reception, Art Graham gained 84 yards on his two receptions. Jim Nance ran the ball 15 times for 53 yards and Larry Garron contributed 37 yards on 6 carries while also gaining 53 yards on four catches that included a touchdown.

Tragedy dimmed Al Denson’s fine performance. He left immediately after the game for his home in Jacksonville, Florida due to the untimely death of his three-year-old son.

The exciting win did not herald a winning season in Denver. The Broncos lost their next nine games and finished at the bottom of the Western Division with a 3-11 record. The Patriots ended up at the bottom of the Eastern Division at 3-10-1.

Al Denson, a converted tight end, went on to catch 46 passes for 899 yards (19.5 avg.) and 11 touchdowns, received consensus second-team All-AFL honors (and was a first-team choice of the NEA), and was chosen to the AFL All-Star Game.

Steve Tensi had a decidedly uneven year, completing just 40.3 percent of his passes for 1915 yards and 16 touchdowns as well as 17 interceptions. Floyd Little led the club in rushing as a rookie, but with only 381 yards and averaging 2.9 yards per carry as opposing defenses focused on stopping him. However, he did lead the AFL in punt returning with a 16.9-yard average. While Tensi would ultimately not pan out as a starting quarterback, Little went on to an outstanding career worthy of his high draft status.

MVP Profile: Joe Greene, 1972

Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers

Age: 26 (Sept. 24)

4^th season in pro football & with Steelers

College: North Texas State

Height: 6’4”   Weight: 270

Prelude:

An All-American and considered the best college defensive line prospect available, even if comparatively unknown to most fans, “Mean Joe” was taken by the Steelers in the first round of the 1969 NFL draft (fourth overall). With his speed as well as strength, he quickly established himself as an outstanding pass rusher from the interior of the line and was the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year. Greene followed up with Pro Bowl years in 1970 and ’71.

1972 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Sacks – 11 (unofficial)

Interceptions – 0

Fumble recoveries – 1

Postseason: 2 G

Sacks – 0

Interceptions – 0

TDs – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: AP

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

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

Pro Bowl

Steelers went 11-3 to finish first in the AFC Central while leading the NFL in takeaways (48) and ranking a close second in fewest points allowed (175). Won AFC Divisional playoff over Oakland Raiders (13-7). Lost AFC Championship to Miami Dolphins (21-17).

Aftermath:

Greene became the cornerstone of an outstanding defense that was one of the highest-ranked in the NFL over the remainder of the decade and the Steelers won four NFL titles. “Mean Joe” was a consensus first-team All-NFL choice in each of the next two seasons and his string of Pro Bowl selections reached eight straight. He was again the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1974 as the Steelers won their first of back-to-back NFL Championships. Fast, strong, and agile, he had the ability to dominate games and provided outstanding emotional leadership. He played a total of 13 years, all with Pittsburgh, and was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection five times, received at least some All-NFL or All-AFC recognition in four other seasons, and was named to the Pro Bowl on a total of 10 occasions. Greene was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1987.

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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.

1991: Saints Rally to Beat Seahawks in Fourth Quarter

The New Orleans Saints had a familiar face returning to the quarterback position following a one-year absence as they hosted the Seattle Seahawks in their season-opening game on September 1, 1991. Entering their sixth season under Head Coach Jim Mora, the Saints were coming off a year in ’90 in which their 8-8 record had been enough to qualify them for the playoffs as a Wild Card entry. However, the play of the defense had far more to do with any success the club had than the offense, which dropped from fifth in scoring in 1989 to 25^th in the league. A key factor was the season-long contract holdout by QB Bobby Hebert (pictured above), who had been with the Saints for five years after coming over from the USFL. In addition, the running game was hampered by RB Dalton Hilliard missing 10 games with a knee injury.

Both Hebert and Hilliard were back for 1991. Hebert had beaten out Steve Walsh, the Dallas castoff who had taken over as the starting quarterback in his absence during the ’90 season, in an intense competition during the preseason.

As for the Seahawks, coached by Chuck Knox, they barely missed the postseason in ’90 although they had a 9-7 record. QB Dave Krieg had his limitations but was an outstanding leader and the tough defense stood to benefit from the improvement of second-year DT Cortez Kennedy.

There was a crowd of 68,492 present at the Louisiana Superdome. Following a short Seattle series that ended with a punt, the Saints went 61 yards in four plays for a score. Bobby Hebert threw to RB Gill Fenerty (pictured below) who went all the way for a 50-yard touchdown. That was it for the first quarter scoring as each team turned the ball over once and the Seahawks again had to punt. However, New Orleans was driving as the period ended and early in the second quarter Morten Andersen kicked a 47-yard field goal to make it 10-0.

The home team’s lead became 17-0 in short order when, on Seattle’s first play from scrimmage following the kickoff, Dave Krieg’s pass was intercepted by LB Pat Swilling who proceeded to return it 39 yards for a TD.

Now in a deep hole, Seattle came back with an eight-play, 85-yard drive. Krieg hit on all six of his passes, including a completion to RB John L. Williams that gained 35 yards into New Orleans territory and to WR Brian Blades for a 10-yard touchdown. Rookie John Kasay’s successful extra point made it a 17-7 game.

The Saints came right back as Hebert threw a screen pass to Dalton Hilliard that gained 13 yards and followed up with a 21-yard completion to TE John Tice to get the ball to the Seattle 29. They advanced as far as the six yard line before Hebert was sacked by DE Jacob Green for a seven-yard loss on a third-and-four play and New Orleans settled for a 31-yard field goal by Andersen.

Krieg passed the Seahawks down the field on the ensuing series but, after getting to the New Orleans 14, Blades fumbled when hit after making a catch and the Saints recovered to end the threat. The score stood at 20-7 at the half.

The third quarter belonged to Seattle. The Saints had the initial possession of the second half and moved backward from their 21 all the way back to their one yard line. Penalties were the primary reason, including an illegal procedure call that wiped out what would have been a 22-yard gain on a pass play. Backed into a third-and-20 situation, Hebert was sacked for a 10-yard loss by Cortez Kennedy that forced the Saints to punt from their own end zone.

Tommy Barnhardt’s 41-yard kick was returned 17 yards by RB Chris Warren to give the Seahawks outstanding field position at the New Orleans 25. Three plays later – and after LB Sam Mills almost intercepted a pass – Krieg threw to Blades, who caught the ball over his shoulder at the goal line for a 25-yard touchdown. Kasay’s extra point made it a six-point game.

Three plays after the ensuing kickoff, a long Hebert pass was picked off by CB Dwayne Harper and was returned to the New Orleans 42. Once again starting off with good field position, Seattle advanced to the 19 yard line in five plays that ended with Kasay kicking a 37-yard field goal.

With their lead whittled down to 20-17 the Saints made it to midfield on their next series before punting. With the breaks continuing to go Seattle’s way, the punt that was downed at the Seahawks’ 11 had to be kicked over again due to an ineligible man downfield penalty on New Orleans. This time Warren returned the punt 16 yards and, with the help of a facemask penalty, the Seahawks started off at their 30.

Krieg threw to Blades for 18 yards and Seattle advanced into New Orleans territory until RB Derrick Fenner fumbled when hit after catching a pass and FS Gene Atkins recovered for the Saints at his own 35. Once again the home team found itself losing ground due to penalties and, on a third-and-19 play, Hebert’s pass was tipped and intercepted by CB Brian Davis, who returned it 40 yards for a TD. The Seahawks took a 24-20 lead into the fourth quarter.

The Saints were forced to punt early in the final period but it was Seattle’s turn to run into trouble with penalties. Furthermore, Krieg suffered a broken right thumb while scrambling and, after completing a pass, was replaced by backup QB Jeff Kemp.

The Seahawks punted and New Orleans followed up with a long, 14-play scoring drive that covered 68 yards. Along the way, Hebert converted a third-and-11 situation with a completion to WR Eric Martin for 17 yards to the Seattle 34. The Cajun quarterback also ran for nine yards and, on a third-and-one play, gained two yards on a quarterback sneak and another first down. Finally, facing fourth-and-goal at the 10 yard line, Hebert threw to WR Floyd Turner in the middle of the end zone for a touchdown. It was his fifth completion in eight pass attempts during the series that used up some six minutes. Andersen’s extra point made it a three-point lead for the Saints with the remaining time down to 1:11.

The Seahawks weren’t done, however, and Kemp threw to Blades for a 31-yard gain to the New Orleans 42 with 39 seconds left on the clock. A pass interference call gained another 34 yards for Seattle down to the eight. While a false start moved the ball back five yards, following an incompletion Kemp connected with Blades for nine yards to the four. However, a pass initially caught by WR Tommy Kane in the end zone was ruled out of bounds and the Seahawks were then penalized 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct when Krieg strayed too far down the sideline while vehemently protesting the call. Facing a fourth down with 18 seconds remaining, overtime still appeared likely, but Kasay’s 37-yard field goal attempt sailed wide to the left. New Orleans came away with a 27-24 win. 

Seattle significantly outgained the Saints (348 yards to 244) and had more first downs (19 to 13). Neither team was able to run effectively, with the Seahawks compiling 46 yards on 15 carries and New Orleans gaining 43 yards on 20 attempts. Seattle also sacked Hebert four times, with Jacob Green accounting for two of them. The Seahawks turned the ball over four times, to three suffered by New Orleans, and both teams hurt themselves with penalties, with 10 called on the Saints at a cost of 85 yards and 9 on Seattle for 66 yards.

Bobby Hebert completed 18 of 29 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns as well as two interceptions, and was at his best in the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter. Eric Martin and Floyd Turner each caught four passes, for 49 and 37 yards, respectively, although Gill Fenerty, who ran the ball five times for 14 yards had the most receiving yards for the Saints with 66 on his three catches that included a TD. Dalton Hilliard was the team’s top rusher with just 18 yards on 9 attempts.

For the Seahawks, Dave Krieg was successful on 26 of 35 throws for 274 yards and two TDs while also tossing two interceptions before he had to leave. Jeff Kemp completed four of six passes for 53 yards in relief. Brian Blades (pictured at right) had a noteworthy performance as he accumulated 12 catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns. John L. Williams was the leading rusher with 22 yards on 6 carries but also caught 8 passes for 80 yards.

The Saints went on to win their first seven games on the way to topping the NFC West with an 11-5 record (the franchise’s first division title). They again failed to win in the postseason. Bobby Hebert’s return to the team paid off, but when he was lost for six weeks with a shoulder injury the Saints slumped. He ended up completing 60.1 percent of his passes for 1676 yards and 9 touchdowns. The running game remained a chronic problem as Dalton Hilliard again struggled with injuries.

Seattle lost three of its first four games and ended up fourth in the AFC West with a disappointing 7-9 record. Dave Krieg missed six weeks due to the injury sustained in the opening contest. Brian Blades went on to catch 70 passes for 1003 yards and John L. Williams had a Pro Bowl year as he rushed for 741 yards and caught 61 passes for 499 more yards. John Kasay recovered from his game-ending missed field goal attempt against the Saints to connect on 80.6 percent of his three-point tries (25 of 31) in his first of four seasons with the Seahawks and 20 in the NFL. 

1997: Rob Johnson Rallies Jaguars to Win Over Ravens in First Start

The Jacksonville Jaguars had gone from first-year expansion team to playoff participant, reaching the AFC Championship game, a year later in 1996. Head Coach Tom Coughlin’s club started slowly but came on strong in the second half of the season, with the NFL’s second-ranked offense (and first-ranked passing offense) leading the way. QB Mark Brunell and wide receivers Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell distinguished themselves and veteran RB Natrone Means provided a vital spark during the playoff run.

On August 31, 1997 the Jaguars traveled to Baltimore to open their third season against the Ravens, a team they had twice beaten the previous year in closely-contested games. However, after taking all of the team’s snaps in ’96, Brunell suffered a preseason knee injury that made him unavailable for Week 1. In his place would be Rob Johnson (pictured above), a highly-regarded third-year backup who had performed very well in preseason games but, due to Brunell’s durability, had seen scant action during the regular season. He would be making his first pro start.

The Ravens, coached by Ted Marchibroda, were starting their second year in Baltimore following the move of the franchise from Cleveland. Like the Jaguars, they featured a strong passing game led by 33-year-old QB Vinny Testaverde, who was coming off a Pro Bowl season. However, the injury-plagued defense gave up 441 points and the team ended up with a 4-12 record.

There were 61,018 fans in attendance at Memorial Stadium for the late-afternoon game. In the first series, the Jaguars drove 84 yards in eight plays. Rob Johnson completed all three of his passes, the longest to Keenan McCardell for 25 yards that moved the ball into Baltimore territory. Facing a third-and-three situation at the 25, Johnson ran the ball himself up the middle for a touchdown.

The Ravens went three-and-out on their ensuing possession although Greg Montgomery’s punt traveled 53 yards to the Jacksonville 7. LB Peter Boulware sacked Johnson for a three-yard loss on the first play but the young quarterback came right back with back-to-back completions to McCardell that gained a total of 20 yards and a first down. Johnson completed two more passes for sizeable gains as the Jaguars went 93 yards in 12 plays. A throw to TE Ty Hallock picked up 23 yards to the Baltimore 44 and a completion to RB James Stewart on a third-and-13 play was good for 31 yards to the one yard line. Three plays later Natrone Means gained the last yard for a TD and, with another successful Mike Hollis extra point, the score was 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Ravens had the ball as the second quarter started and their offense had come to life. On the last play of the opening period, Vinny Testaverde connected with RB Earnest Byner for a 17-yard gain to the Jacksonville 29. Four plays into the second quarter Testaverde threw to WR Jermaine Lewis for a 17-yard touchdown and, with Matt Stover’s extra point, it was a 14-7 game.

Now it was the Jaguars going three-and-out on offense and the Ravens regained possession at their 26 after the resulting punt. Converting two third downs along the way, Baltimore took eight plays to go 74 yards and score again. Testaverde completed seven passes, including the last one to Lewis that was good for a 42-yard TD. Stover tied the game at 14-14.

The teams traded punts until Jacksonville FS Chris Hudson intercepted a Testaverde pass and returned it 23 yards to the Baltimore 34. The Jaguars moved backward thanks to a sack and holding penalty, but facing second-and-19, Johnson hit Jimmy Smith (pictured at left) for a 22-yard gain. Two plays later he found Smith again for a 20-yard touchdown and, adding the successful PAT, Jacksonville was back in front by 21-14.

The Ravens got the ball back on the ensuing kickoff with just over a minute remaining in the half. Testaverde was successful on four passes, three of them to WR Michael Jackson, in getting the ball to the Jacksonville 14 and, on the last play before halftime, Stover booted a 33-yard field goal. The Jaguars were up by 21-17 at the midway point.

Jacksonville’s lead didn’t last long in the third quarter, however, as the Ravens struck quickly following a 42-yard return of the second half kickoff by Lewis. Three plays later Testaverde threw to Jackson for a 54-yard touchdown and, with the successful extra point, Baltimore was in front by 24-21.

On the third play of the ensuing series, Johnson, already gimpy, was injured after getting off a pass to Smith for a 20-yard gain. Steve Matthews came in at quarterback and completed three passes as the Jaguars reached the Baltimore 40 before having to punt. Bryan Barker’s kick was downed at the five.

Thanks to runs by Byner and Testaverde’s passing, the Ravens were able to move the ball to their 35 before CB Deon Figures intercepted a pass to give the Jaguars possession at their own 44. Johnson was back in at quarterback despite a sprained ankle and, with Means running effectively in addition to short pass completions, Jacksonville advanced to the Baltimore 24 before Means was dropped for a loss on a third-and-two play at the end of the period. Hollis missed a 43-yard field goal try to start the fourth quarter.

The Ravens again moved the ball well, this time going 60 yards in 13 plays and putting points on the board. Stover made a 25-yard field goal that stretched the home team’s lead to six points.

Starting at their 20 following a touchback on the kickoff, the Jaguars got 25 yards right away on a Johnson completion to McCardell. Four plays later they converted a third-and-six situation as Johnson connected with TE Pete Mitchell for 23 yards and then followed up with a Johnson-to-Smith pass play for a 28-yard touchdown. Hollis kicked the extra point that put the Jaguars back in front by a point with 5:47 left on the clock.

The Ravens had three more possessions but couldn’t regain the lead. The first series went three-and-out with a punt, the second lasted just two plays before Figures intercepted a Testaverde pass for the second time, and the last ended at midfield when a fourth-and-18 pass was ruled incomplete. The Jaguars came away with a 28-27 win.

Jacksonville outgained the Ravens (411 yards to 373) while Baltimore accumulated more first downs (22 to 19). The Ravens also turned the ball over three times, to one suffered by the Jaguars, although Jacksonville was penalized 11 times to three flags thrown on the home team.

Rob Johnson had a fine performance as he completed 20 of 24 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Jimmy Smith had 6 catches for 106 yards and two TDs while Keenan McCardell contributed 6 receptions for 84 yards. Natrone Means ran for 67 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.

For the Ravens, Vinny Testaverde was successful on 24 of 41 throws for 322 yards with three TDs but also three interceptions. Michael Jackson (pictured at right) caught 8 of those passes for 143 yards and a score. Jermaine Lewis had two TDs among his four catches for 73 yards and also added 118 yards on his four kickoff returns.  Earnest Byner had 63 yards on 14 rushing attempts.

The severe ankle injury kept Johnson out of the Week 2 contest and Brunell was back in action thereafter. Jacksonville went on to an 11-5 record, placing second in the AFC Central and again qualifying for the postseason. The Jaguars lost to Denver in the Wild Card round. The Ravens finished at the bottom of the division at 6-9-1.

Rob Johnson saw little action the rest of the way but his performance at Baltimore drew the interest of other teams. He was traded to Buffalo during the next offseason for first and fourth round draft choices, although he did not find much success as a full-time starting quarterback in a career that lasted until 2003.

1944: Bears Rally to Beat College All-Stars

The Chicago Bears, defending NFL Champions, were missing several veteran players due to World War II military service as they faced the College All-Stars on August 30, 1944. Owner/Head Coach George Halas was in the service as well, with assistants Hunk Anderson and Luke Johnsos acting as co-coaches. Fortunately for them, star QB Sid Luckman (pictured above) was available thanks to a ten-day furlough from the Merchant Marine.

For the All-Stars, coached by Northwestern’s Lynn “Pappy” Waldorf, Tulsa QB Glenn Dobbs was available on a 20-day furlough from the Army. Due to relaxed wartime eligibility rules that allowed underclassmen to play, Dobbs was making his second appearance in the annual contest. Other notable players included HB Charlie Trippi from Georgia, Ohio State tackle Bill Willis, guards Dick Barwegan of Purdue and Bruno Banducci from Stanford, Indiana QB Lou Saban, and HB Steve Van Buren of LSU.

For the second straight year the game was played at Northwestern University’s Dyche Stadium. There were 48,769 fans on hand in rainy conditions for the Wednesday night contest. Chicago got the first break when Charlie Trippi fumbled a punt and HB Ray Nolting recovered for the Bears at the All-Star 36. However, the Bears were unable to capitalize and penalties moved them back to midfield, from where they were forced to punt.

The All-Stars couldn’t move either but Dobbs booted the ball 85 yards on a quick-kick punt that pinned the Bears at their own two yard line. Chicago was forced to punt in turn and Luckman’s kick gave the All-Stars good field position at the Bears’ 33. The All-Stars scored in four plays. Dobbs threw to Notre Dame end John Yonakor for 30 yards to the Chicago three and, after failing to cross the goal line on the next two plays, Dobbs passed to another Notre Dame player, HB Creighton Miller, in the corner of the end zone for a four-yard touchdown. Lou Saban added the extra point.

The Bears were forced to punt again and the All-Stars again drove to a score, helped along by Indiana HB Billy Hillenbrand’s 32-yard punt return. Dobbs completed two passes and, on a third down play, faded back to pass but instead ran 12 yards and, at the one, fumbled but C John Tavener from Indiana recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. Saban again added the extra point and the All-Stars held a 14-0 lead.

With the game rapidly getting away from the Bears, the defending champs put together a solid 80-yard drive in response. After HB Ray “Scooter” McLean (pictured at right) ran for 11 yards, Luckman completed two passes, the longest to Nolting for 21 yards as the first quarter ended. The Bears finally got on the board on the fourth play of the second quarter when FB Gary Famiglietti ran for a three-yard TD.

Two minutes later the All-Stars had to punt and Dobbs’ kick was partially blocked. Luckman threw to McLean to advance to the All-Star 14. On a fourth down play from the 12, end Jim Benton caught the game-tying touchdown pass. Pete Gudauskas successfully converted following each score. Each team had another shot to put more points on the board in the second quarter but interceptions blunted the drives.

The halftime featured a tribute to college football players serving in the military during World War II. In the darkened stadium, entertainer Don Ameche took particular note of the six former All-Star participants who had died during the conflict.

The All-Stars took the second half kickoff and went 65 yards to re-take the lead with Hillenbrand in for Dobbs. The drive featured three pass completions and Saban ran for a one-yard TD and added the extra point. The Bears responded with a 64-yard scoring drive of their own. Three Luckman completions, the last to McLean for 16 yards, set up the scoring play as McLean weaved his way to an 18-yard touchdown to again tie the score.

A Chicago punt pinned the All-Stars back at their eight yard line. Dobbs tried another quick-kick, but with a torrential rain falling the kick was partially blocked and the Bears took over at the All-Star 29. With Famiglietti and McLean running effectively, Chicago moved inside the ten yard line before the series stalled. Pete Gudauskas kicked a 14-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter that gave the Bears the lead for the first time.

The All-Stars fought back during the final period and at one point reached the Chicago 38 but Luckman intercepted a pass to snuff out the threat. The Bears held on to win the hard-fought contest by a score of 24-21.

The Bears outrushed the All-Stars (143 to 73) and had the edge in first downs (14 to 9) while the collegians went to the air more times and gained more yards (146 to 128). However, four of their 32 passes were intercepted. Along with a fumble, the All-Stars suffered five turnovers to just two by the Bears. Neither team was able to mount a credible pass rush.

The win was the eighth thus far for the pro teams against three for the collegians and two ties. The Bears were participants for the fifth time and improved their record to 4-0-1.

In the season that followed, the Bears, who had topped the Western Division for four straight years, fell into a tie for second place with Detroit at 6-3-1. Sid Luckman was usually able to get away from his Merchant Marine duties to play on Sundays, but a slow start kept Chicago behind the Packers.

Glenn Dobbs (pictured below), the MVP for the All-Stars, returned to his military duties and played service football before joining the All-America Football Conference, where he played for Brooklyn and Los Angeles. He continued to be a top passer and punter and went on to play in Canada after the AAFC’s demise.