1968: Alworth Stars as Chargers Defeat Error-Prone Raiders

The Oakland Raiders were riding a 14-game regular season winning streak, one short of the American Football League record, as they hosted the San Diego Chargers on October 13, 1968. Head Coach John Rauch’s team had won the AFL Championship in ’67 (and lost the second Super Bowl to Green Bay) and was 4-0 thus far in 1968. The offense was guided by “The Mad Bomber”, QB Daryle Lamonica, and deep-threat split end Warren Wells had moved into the starting lineup to pair with steady flanker Fred Biletnikoff. The defense was missing some injured veterans, most notably DT Tom Keating, but had picked up talented rookies in LB Chip Oliver and George Atkinson, a prospective cornerback who could return kicks well.

The Chargers, coached for the ninth year by Sid Gillman, were also off to a good start at 3-1, having lost to the Jets the previous week. They had a potent offense guided by QB John Hadl that moved well both in the air – especially when throwing to star flanker Lance Alworth (pictured above) – and on the ground behind an excellent line. The defense was young and less impressive, but had performed well thus far.

There were 53,257 fans in attendance at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum with a light rain falling. The Chargers got the first break when FB Hewritt Dixon fumbled after catching a pass from Daryle Lamonica and DT Scott Appleton recovered at the Oakland 35. John Hadl completed a pass to TE Jacque MacKinnon for 15 yards but, after reaching the 17 yard line, two passes were incomplete including a throw into the end zone that was broken up by FS Dave Grayson and San Diego came away with a 24-yard Dennis Partee field goal.

On the ensuing kickoff, George Atkinson fumbled on the return and the Chargers again recovered, this time taking possession at the Oakland 34. After picking up ten yards, Hadl was intercepted by SS Rodger Bird, but San Diego got the ball back four plays later – and after Lamonica had connected with WR Bill Miller for 36 yards – when FS Joe Beauchamp picked off a pass at his three yard line and returned it 22 yards.

The Chargers went three-and-out on the ensuing series but once again Atkinson fumbled the ball away, this time on the punt return, and San Diego had new life at the Oakland 31. Hadl immediately threw down the center of the field to Lance Alworth for 20 yards and FB Gene Foster followed up with a nine-yard run to the two yard line. Three plays later, Foster dove into the end zone from a yard out and, with Partee’s successful conversion, the visitors were ahead by 10-0.

The Raiders moved the ball effectively on their next series – and more importantly, didn’t turn it over. But the drive stalled at the San Diego 46 and they were forced to punt. As the game moved into the second quarter, the Chargers had to punt the ball back and Atkinson (pictured at left), who had twice fumbled the ball away, gathered in Partee’s 60-yard kick and returned it 82 yards for a touchdown to gain some level of redemption. George Blanda added the PAT and, in sudden fashion, the Raiders were again only three points down.

The teams traded punts until the Chargers, getting the ball in good field position, scored in two plays as Hadl connected with Alworth for a 38-yard touchdown. Partee’s extra point made it a ten-point contest once more.

With just over two minutes remaining in the half, the Raiders came back with a big play of their own as Lamonica threw to Fred Biletnikoff, who made a one-handed catch on the way to a 58-yard gain to the San Diego 22. But two plays later, SS Ken Graham intercepted a Lamonica pass at his five and ran it back 42 yards. The Chargers were unable to capitalize when Partee’s 39-yard field goal attempt missed to the left.

Now with a minute to work with, “The Mad Bomber” again passed the Raiders down the field. Lamonica hit on four straight passes, the longest to Dixon for 17 yards, to get to the San Diego 28 and then, after another throw was broken up, he connected with HB Pete Banaszak for 21 yards and a first down at the seven. Two plays later, Lamonica tossed a scoring pass to Warren Wells from that distance and, with Blanda’s extra point, the score was 17-14 going into halftime.

The Chargers started off the third quarter by driving to the Oakland 40 with Foster taking off on carries of 16 and 10 yards, but Partee was short on a 47-yard field goal try. The Raiders went three-and-out and this time, following the punt, San Diego put together a 9-play, 65-yard series. Hadl was nearly picked off on his first pass but then hit Alworth for 25 yards. The drive stalled at the Oakland 20 and this time Partee was successful with a 27-yard field goal that made it a six-point game.

Following another punt by the Raiders, the Chargers were driving as the period ended, with the big play a Hadl pass to Alworth for 33 yards. They kept the ball on the ground and ended up with another Partee field goal, once more from 27 yards. San Diego’s lead was up to nine points.

Once again the Raiders had to punt and the Chargers moved the ball well on the ground, with Foster and HB Russ Smith leading the charge. They ultimately had to punt, but from the Oakland 45 and Partee pinned the Raiders down at their 10. Lamonica threw two incomplete passes and was sacked once, and the ensuing punt gave San Diego the ball at midfield as the Chargers were winning the battle for field position and utterly shutting down Oakland’s offense in the second half. The Raiders were never able to get out of their side of the field again and San Diego held on for a 23-14 upset victory.

The Chargers outgained Oakland (384 to 260), with 170 yards of that total coming on the ground, and also lead in first downs (20 to 11). The Raiders turned the ball over five times, to one suffered by San Diego.

John Hadl completed 14 of 32 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown with one interception. Lance Alworth had a big performance as he accounted for 9 of those completions for 182 yards and a score. Gene Foster (pictured at right) led the productive ground game by rushing for 104 yards on 27 carries that included a TD.

For the Raiders, Daryle Lamonica was successful on 13 of 32 throws (with only three of those completions coming in the second half) for 229 yards with a TD and two interceptions. Hewritt Dixon led the club with just 21 rushing yards on 10 carries and also caught 5 passes for 44 yards. Fred Biletnikoff topped the club in pass receiving yards with 58 on his lone reception. Bill Miller contributed 44 yards on two catches.

The Raiders lost again the next week at Kansas City, but recovered to win all of their remaining games to finish at 12-2. That wasn’t enough to win the Western Division outright as the Chiefs matched that record, but Oakland convincingly defeated them in the playoff before losing the AFL Championship game to the Jets. San Diego, meanwhile, was in the hunt until losing three of four games (the last was to the Raiders at home) to finish out the season at 9-5, placing third in the division.

Lance Alworth had another big year, leading the AFL in pass receptions (68) and yards (1312) to garner consensus first-team All-league honors for the sixth straight season. John Hadl was an AFL All-Star as he passed for a league-leading 3473 yards and 27 touchdowns, but also led the circuit with 32 interceptions.

While Daryle Lamonica was criticized for not matching his MVP success of the previous year, he still threw for 3245 yards and 25 TDs, ranking second only to Hadl in those categories, with 15 interceptions. George Atkinson had an overall fine season returning kicks, topping the AFL in combined returns (68) and yards (1292) as well as kickoff return average (25.1) while ranking second in punt return average (13.6). He also saw more play in the defensive backfield as the season progressed and would become a stalwart at strong safety over the course of ten years.

1980: Bengals Upset Steelers to Snap Home Winning Streak

The Pittsburgh Steelers, winners of the previous two Super Bowls, were sporting a 4-1 record as they hosted the Cincinnati Bengals on October 12, 1980. But while the Bengals were 1-4, that win had come against the Steelers three weeks earlier. Still, Pittsburgh had won 18 straight home games and ten in a row over the Bengals at Three Rivers Stadium.

Head Coach Chuck Noll’s Steelers were winning games, but both of their regular wide receivers, Lynn Swann and John Stallworth, were sidelined by injuries. Cincinnati, under new Head Coach Forrest Gregg, was showing improvement on defense, where they had shifted to a 3-4 alignment, but were having difficulty putting points on the board. Moreover, the Bengals were 13.5-point underdogs even though they had beaten the Steelers in the prior meeting.

There were 53,668 fans in attendance at Three Rivers Stadium on an overcast afternoon. The tone was set early for the Steelers when QB Terry Bradshaw fumbled the first two snaps from center in a three-and-out possession. Pittsburgh was going with two tight ends and one wide receiver in an effort to better run the ball against Cincinnati with the injury-depleted receiver corps.

The Bengals also punted after a short series. Pittsburgh still couldn’t move the ball (they abandoned the two tight end alignment) but, forced to abort a punt, Craig Colquitt ran 17 yards for a first down although he injured his left foot in doing so and was done for the afternoon. Four plays later, the Steelers again had to punt and Bradshaw, who took over that chore for the remainder of the game, booted it 33 yards. As Colquitt also was the holder on placekicks, backup QB Cliff Stoudt took over that responsibility for the remainder of the contest as well.

On Cincinnati’s second play of the ensuing series, RB Charles Alexander took off for a 37-yard gain to the Pittsburgh 29. Facing a third-and-13 situation a few plays later, QB Ken Anderson (pictured at top) connected with TE Dan Ross for 15 yards. Another Anderson completion, this time to TE M.L. Harris, gained 15 yards and set up Alexander’s one-yard scoring carry. The nine-play series covered 66 yards and Ian Sunter added the extra point for the 7-0 lead.

On the third play of Pittsburgh’s next series, Bradshaw was intercepted by LB Glenn Cameron and that set up another score for the visitors. Sunter booted a 24-yard field goal that caromed off an upright, but the ball still managed to go over the crossbar. The Bengals took a 10-0 lead into the second quarter.

The Steelers moved into Cincinnati territory on a possession that was highlighted by a Bradshaw pass to WR Jim Smith that covered 22 yards. The series bogged down at the 27 but the Steelers had less luck in the placekicking department when Bahr tried for a field goal from 47 yards that hit the left upright and fell back onto the field.

The teams traded punts until the Bengals mounted a five-play, 36-yard scoring drive following a short 24-yard Bradshaw punt. Anderson threw to FB Pete Johnson (pictured at left), who left LB Jack Ham sprawling as he caught the ball in the middle of the field and went the distance for a 28-yard touchdown. The visitors took a 17-0 lead into halftime.

The Steelers finally came alive in the third quarter on both sides of the ball. On the opening series, CB Mel Blount intercepted an Anderson pass. With the help of a Bradshaw throw to WR Calvin Sweeney, it led to a one-yard touchdown carry by FB Russell Davis. However, Bahr’s try for the extra point was blocked by backup NT Mike White to keep the score at 17-6.

On their next possession, following a short series by the Bengals, the Steelers went 55 yards in six plays for another score. Bradshaw threw to Sweeney for 19 yards on a third-and-six play and then to Jim Smith for a 13-yard TD. This time Bahr successfully added the PAT and Cincinnati’s lead was narrowed to 17-13.

Once again the visitors couldn’t move on offense and punted. Again the Steelers came away with points as Bahr kicked a 35-yard field goal. The Steelers had scored 16 points in less than ten minutes to make it a one-point contest.

The Bengals finally put together a sustained drive to finish out the period, methodically moving into Pittsburgh territory, but on the second play of the fourth quarter Sunter missed a 52-yard field goal try.

The Steelers finally cooled off on offense and had to punt, and Cincinnati once more drove into Pittsburgh territory. Jack Thompson came in at quarterback in place of the injured Anderson. However, Sunter again failed on a field goal attempt, this time from 38 yards.

The teams traded punts and, with less than two minutes remaining, the Steelers were down to their last chance and pinned back at their two yard line. Bradshaw threw to TE Randy Grossman for 26 yards and, after two incomplete passes, ran for 13 yards in a third-and-ten situation. RB Sidney Thornton carried for 13 yards and, three plays later, Bradshaw again connected with Grossman in a third down situation, gaining 22 yards to the Cincinnati 24.

The clock was down to 17 seconds and the Steelers were at the Cincinnati 24. Following an incomplete pass, and rather than going to the air again, they gave the ball to Thornton, who picked up two yards before fumbling, although OT Larry Brown recovered to save a potential turnover. With four seconds remaining, Bahr attempted a 39-yard field goal that hooked badly to the left and was unsuccessful. By a margin of 17-16, the Bengals had hung on to sweep the season series with their division rival.

The Steelers had more total yards (331 to 304) but Cincinnati led in first downs (17 to 15). Pittsburgh also turned the ball over twice, to one suffered by the Bengals, and Bradshaw was sacked four times, as opposed to one sack registered by the Steelers. In addition, the first quarter injury to Craig Colquitt caused problems with both the punting game (Bradshaw averaged 34.6 yards per kick) and placekicking as Matt Bahr missed two field goals and an extra point with an unfamiliar holder (although Cincinnati’s Sunter nearly derailed his team’s chances with two misses in three field goal tries).

Ken Anderson completed 17 of 32 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown with one interception. Charles Alexander ran for 72 yards on 12 carries that included a TD. WR Don Bass caught 5 passes for 58 yards.

For the Steelers, Terry Bradshaw was successful on just 14 of 35 throws for 237 yards with a TD and an interception. Jim Smith pulled in 5 passes for 98 yards and a score. RB Franco Harris topped the rushers with 47 yards on 13 carries and Sidney Thornton was right behind with his 41 yards on 8 attempts.

“We’re not a good football team,” stated a frustrated Terry Bradshaw. “We won’t be until we start eliminating mistakes. If somebody tells you we’re a great football team, I’d like to know who said it. A 4-2 record isn’t great football.”

The Steelers remained tied atop the AFC Central with that 4-2 record since Houston also lost. However, they dropped their next two games and ended up at 9-7, which placed them third in the AFC Central and out of the postseason for the first time in nine years. Complacency and injuries were viewed as the keys to Pittsburgh’s fall from the top.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, won again the next week but then dropped five straight on the way to a 6-10 record and last place finish in the division. However, the groundwork was laid for significant improvement in 1981.

Rookie of the Year: Jack Lambert, 1974

Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers

Age: 22

College: Kent State

Height: 6’4”   Weight: 215

Prelude:

Lambert was a two-time All-Mid-American Conference linebacker in college and the Steelers chose him in the second round of the 1974 NFL draft. Injuries to MLB Henry Davis opened an opportunity for Lambert to start right away, and his addition was to make an already sound defense more complete.

1974 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Interceptions – 2

Most interceptions, game – 2 at Kansas City 10/13

Int. return yards – 19

Most int. return yards, game – 19 (on 2 int.) at Kansas City 10/13

Int. TDs – 0

Fumble recoveries – 1

Postseason: 3 G

Sacks – N/A

Interceptions – 0

TD – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA

Steelers went 10-3-1 to finish first in the AFC Central while leading the NFL in fewest yards allowed (3074) and fewest passing yards allowed (1466) and the conference in fewest points allowed (189). Won AFC Divisional playoff over Buffalo Bills (32-14), AFC Championship over Oakland Raiders (24-13), and Super Bowl over Minnesota Vikings (16-6).

Aftermath:

Lambert followed up his outstanding rookie season by gaining Pro Bowl recognition for the first of nine straight seasons in 1975. A terrific run-stuffer with outstanding range and the ability to drop back effectively into pass coverage, he became a key contributor to the “Steel Curtain” defense that helped make the Steelers a contender for the rest of the decade and included four Super Bowl victories. In addition to his Pro Bowl selections, Lambert was the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1976, received consensus first-team All-NFL honors six times – including five consecutive from 1979 to ’83 – and received at least some first- or second-team recognition in two other years. He missed only six games due to injury in his first ten seasons (three of them in 1977), but a severe toe injury forced Lambert’s retirement following the 1984 season. Overall, he intercepted 28 passes and recovered 17 fumbles, including a league-leading 8 in 1976. Lambert was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1990. Three other players drafted by the Steelers in 1974 – Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, and Mike Webster – would also be enshrined in Canton.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL (including NFC/AFC), 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).

1993: Mitchell Rallies Dolphins After Marino Suffers Season-Ending Injury

Dan Marino was starting his 145th straight game, the NFL record for a quarterback at the time (if not counting strike games with replacement players in 1987), as the Miami Dolphins faced the Cleveland Browns on October 10, 1993. A prolific passer to go along with his durability, Marino was approaching major career records (he came into the game just 45 TD passes behind Fran Tarkenton’s record of 342, for instance) and was off to another fine start in ’93. Head Coach Don Shula’s Dolphins were 3-1, although there were concerns regarding Miami’s defense, which was having injury problems. DE Marco Coleman and DE/LB David Griggs, two of the most effective pass rushers, were out for the game at Cleveland.

The Browns, coached for the third year by Bill Belichick, were also 3-1 but having problems on offense. Veteran QB Bernie Kosar was having trouble moving the team and, in each of the previous two games, backup Vinny Testaverde, obtained after six seasons in Tampa Bay, had relieved him.

The crowd in attendance at Municipal Stadium numbered 78,138 and they saw the Browns take the opening kickoff and drive 74 yards in eight plays, highlighted by WR Michael Jackson tossing a 16-yard pass to RB Eric Metcalf on a fake reverse. Jackson was in turn the recipient of a 14-yard touchdown pass from Kosar as Cleveland took the early lead.

Cleveland’s offense reverted to form and the teams traded punts until, early in the second quarter, Marino passed the Dolphins into Cleveland territory and Pete Stoyanovich kicked a 52-yard field goal.

The Browns went three-and-out on their next series and Miami responded with a 10-play, 63-yard scoring drive. Marino completed all six of his passes, with two of them converting third downs, and connected with WR Mark Ingram for a 13-yard TD. Stoyanovich added the PAT and the Dolphins were ahead by 10-7.

Cleveland’s next series ended when Metcalf fumbled after catching a pass and CB Bruce Alexander recovered for the Dolphins. Marino again moved the Miami offense efficiently down the field, starting off with passes covering 15 yards to TE Keith Jackson and 17 yards to WR Irving Fryar. But after another short completion, Marino was sacked and, on the next play, was injured as he planted his right foot while throwing a pass to RB Terry Kirby and had to be helped off the field. While it was not yet known, he would not return again in 1993.

Backup QB Scott Mitchell (pictured at top), a lefthander who had thrown a total of eight passes over the course of the previous three seasons, came into the game for the Dolphins with his team at the Cleveland 10. It did not seem promising for Miami when his first pass was intercepted by CB Najee Mustafaa and returned 97 yards for a touchdown, setting a new franchise record. The Browns took a 14-10 lead into halftime.

The teams traded punts to start the third quarter. On their second series, the Dolphins moved 60 yards in six plays. Mitchell passed to Fryar for a 30-yard gain to the Cleveland 24 and, three plays later, connected with WR Tony Martin for a 19-yard touchdown.  Stoyanovich’s PAT had the visitors up by three points at 17-14.

The Browns punted following a short possession and Miami put together another scoring drive, taking 9 plays to go 53 yards. Mitchell completed three passes along the way and had a 16-yard run out of shotgun formation for a first down in a third-and-12 situation. A three-yard pass to Keith Jackson was good for a TD and, following the successful conversion, a ten-point lead.

It was more than enough for the Dolphins. Their next series, early in the fourth quarter, ended with a failed 36-yard Stoyanovich field goal attempt. The Browns, now with Vinny Testaverde in the game at quarterback, drove to the Miami 22 but Matt Stover was wide on a 39-yard field goal try. Following a punt by the Dolphins, Cleveland again mounted a threat but, reaching the Miami nine, Testaverde threw a pass that was intercepted by DB Chris Green and effectively sealed the game for Miami. The Dolphins won by a final score of 24-14.

Miami easily outgained the Browns (338 yards to 202) and had more first downs (20 to 16). The Dolphins also recorded six sacks, to just one by Cleveland. The Browns turned the ball over twice, to one suffered by the Miami – although it was a spectacular one.

Before his injury, Dan Marino was having a fine performance as he completed 14 of 19 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown with none intercepted. Scott Mitchell followed up with 10 completions in 16 attempts for 118 yards and two TDs along with the one interception. The running backs Terry Kirby and Keith Byars weren’t very successful running the ball but were the team’s top receivers – Kirby caught 7 passes for 61 yards while gaining just 12 rushing yards on 14 carries and Byars had 5 receptions for 51 yards while running for 26 yards on 8 attempts.

For the Browns, Bernie Kosar was successful on 15 of 19 throws, but for only 82 yards and the early TD. In relief, Vinny Testaverde was 6-of-13 for 44 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, and was also sacked five times. Still, he was also the team’s leading rusher with 37 yards on three carries. Eric Metcalf caught 9 passes for 66 yards and ran 7 times for 36 yards.

Dan Marino’s injury proved to be a torn Achilles tendon and he was officially done for the season. He reappeared on crutches along the sideline during the second half.

“Sometimes you take it (playing every game) for granted,” reflected Marino. “You line up for every play and you think nothing will happen to you. And then, all of a sudden, it does and it’s a shock.”

Scott Mitchell started the next three games for the Dolphins, which were all wins, before he was sidelined by a shoulder injury. Miami kept winning, including one that made Don Shula the winningest coach in NFL history, and had the NFL’s best record at 9-2 heading into December before the bottom fell out and they lost their remaining games to finish second in the AFC East and out of the playoffs with a 9-7 tally.

As for Cleveland, there was also change at quarterback with Vinny Testaverde being named the starter for the following week’s game.

“We’re not a very good offensive team right now,” explained Coach Belichick. “Vinny moved the team downfield twice in the fourth quarter. That’s been missing.”

The Browns won their next two contests with Testaverde at quarterback but, when he was injured, Kosar returned to the starting lineup, the team lost, and in a shocking move the popular nine-year veteran was released. Todd Philcox started at quarterback until Testaverde was able to come back and the Browns won only twice more all season to place third in the AFC Central with a 7-9 record.

Scott Mitchell ended up completing 57.1 percent of his 233 passes for 1773 yards with 12 touchdowns and 8 interceptions. It was enough to draw the interest of teams looking for a potential upgrade at quarterback and he signed a big contract to play for the Detroit Lions in 1994. 

1966: Mira Leads 49ers to Upset of Packers

The San Francisco 49ers had gotten off to a slow start in the 1966 NFL season. They were 0-2-1 as they prepared to host the powerful Green Bay Packers on October 9. Following their first winning season in four years (7-6-1 in ’65), Head Coach Jack Christiansen’s team had plenty of talent on offense but also had a suspect defense and was coming off of two big losses to the Colts and Rams. Tenth-year QB John Brodie received a big contract extension in the offseason but endured two rough performances in those defeats. George Mira (pictured above), a third-year backup out of Miami, was getting his first start of the season at quarterback in place of Brodie, with the hope that his darting, scrambling style would prove effective against the vaunted Packers defense.

The prospect of facing Head Coach Vince Lombardi’s Packers did not promise any relief for the 49ers. Green Bay was the defending NFL Champion and off to a 4-0 start. QB Bart Starr didn’t typically throw often, but he was efficient when he did and had tossed six touchdown passes as opposed to just one interception thus far. The veteran backfield duo of FB Jim Taylor and HB Paul Hornung was wearing down, but the receiving corps was effective and the defense solid from front to back. If there was one discordant note for the Packers coming into San Francisco, it was that they had been having recent difficulty in games at Kezar Stadium, having not won there since 1963 (in 1965 they tied the 49ers in the last game, which forced a playoff for the Western Conference title with the Colts).

There were 39,290 fans in attendance at Kezar Stadium on a sunny afternoon. In the first quarter, the Packers drove to the San Francisco 32 yard line as Taylor and Hornung ran to good effect, but Don Chandler missed a 39-yard field goal attempt.

Following a San Francisco punt, Green Bay moved even deeper into 49ers territory on a series highlighted by Bart Starr throwing to split end Max McGee for a 39-yard gain, but, after getting to the eleven, had to settle for a Chandler field goal try that was successful from 18 yards.

Two possessions later, Mira’s first scoring pass came on a play when his mobility was put to good use. He first ran to his right and then reversed field to avoid the rush and threw on the run to HB John David Crow at the Green Bay one who then dove into the end zone for a 27-yard touchdown.

After the teams traded punts, Mira was shaken up in the second quarter and had to leave the game briefly. When John Brodie came onto the field as his replacement, he was greeted with a shower of boos from the home crowd. He did complete a six-yard pass to FB Ken Willard, but a 41-yard field goal attempt by Tommy Davis was unsuccessful with 29 seconds left in the half. Still, the Niners carried a 7-3 lead into the intermission.

The Packers had the first possession of the third quarter, and facing second-and-eight at their own 47, the 49ers put on a heavy rush and dumped Starr for a 12-yard loss. Starr was hit again on the next play, and this time it forced a fumble that was recovered by LB Matt Hazeltine, who then proceeded to run 22 yards for a touchdown. The successful PAT by Davis put San Francisco ahead by 14-3.

On the next series, the Packers responded by scoring on a quick three-play, 56-yard series.  Starr threw to a wide-open Hornung at the sideline for a 43-yard touchdown. Chandler’s extra point narrowed the home team’s margin to 14-10.

Mira was back behind center for the 49ers, but they went three-and-out and had to punt. Starting at their own 42, the Packers moved quickly into San Francisco territory. Starr completed passes to Taylor for 14 yards and flanker Carroll Dale for 24 down to the 15 yard line, but the drive stopped there. Chandler booted a 22-yard field goal that made it a one-point contest.

After another punt by the Niners, the Packers appeared to be driving toward a score when, on the first play of the fourth quarter, Starr was intercepted by safety Elbert Kimbrough, who returned it 44 yards before finally being hauled down by Jim Taylor at the Green Bay 37. Mira was immediately sacked for a nine-yard loss, but two plays later, and following a 38-yard run by the nimble quarterback, the 49ers capitalized when he tossed an eight-yard touchdown pass to Crow. Rather than the Packers potentially taking the lead, the Niners were up by 21-13.

The Packers bounced back by driving 69 yards in four plays that ended with Starr throwing to Dale for a 38-yard TD. Don Chandler’s extra point again made it a one-point contest and there was still plenty of time.

Green Bay’s defense proceeded to make a big play when LB Dave Robinson intercepted a Mira pass and returned it 32 yards to the San Francisco nine. The 49ers kept the Packers out of the end zone on three plays and, following an offensive pass interference penalty, the visitors were backed up to the 19  and Chandler missed a 26-yard field goal attempt.

Brodie again replaced Mira at quarterback and the 49ers put together a long, time consuming drive. HB Dave Kopay had a 25-yard run and FB Ken Willard also ran effectively. Facing fourth-and-one at the Green Bay two, San Francisco was unable to convert, but there was only a minute remaining as the Packers took over just two yards from their own goal line. Green Bay was unable to do anything offensively in the waning seconds and the 49ers came away with a 21-20 upset win.

The Packers ran up more total yards than San Francisco (368 to 248) and each team generated 17 first downs. However, Green Bay also led in turnovers with three, to two suffered by the 49ers, and missed opportunities – particularly those that also ended with failed field goal attempts – proved fatal to the defending champs.

George Mira completed 9 of 21 passes for 104 yards, but two of them were for touchdowns against one interception and he also ran for 46 yards on three carries to lead the club. Ken Willard gained 43 yards on 14 rushing attempts, Dave Kopay added 42 on only four tries, and John David Crow (pictured at left) had 9 carries for 23 yards to go along with a team-leading 5 catches for 53 yards that included two TDs.

For the Packers, Bart Starr was successful on 18 of 26 throws for 287 yards and two TDs as well as the one costly interception. Jim Taylor ran for 54 yards on 16 carries and caught four passes for 39 more yards while Paul Hornung rushed for 30 yards on 11 attempts and had three receptions for 51 yards and a touchdown. Carroll Dale gained 86 yards on his four catches that included one for a score.

The 49ers won their next two games, with John Brodie back at quarterback, but ended up with a 6-6-2 record to place fourth in the Western Conference. George Mira ended up completing 22 of 53 passes (41.5 %) for 284 yards and five touchdowns with two interceptions while chafing in Brodie’s shadow.

Green Bay recovered to top the conference at 12-2 and again win the NFL title. Moving on to the first Super Bowl, the Packers defeated the AFL Champion Kansas City Chiefs. Bart Starr threw just one more interception over the remainder of the season as he led the league in passing and was a consensus MVP selection.

1989: Testaverde Leads Bucs to Upset of Bears

The Chicago Bears were off to a 4-0 start as they faced the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay on October 8, 1989. Head Coach Mike Ditka’s team had won in double-digits in each of the previous five seasons, including a NFL Championship in 1985, and was used to contending. While colorful QB Jim McMahon, who often clashed with Ditka, was dumped off to San Diego during the preseason, the powerful defense still contained many of the veteran stalwarts from the title-winning team, including DE Richard Dent, DTs Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael, and MLB Mike Singletary.

The Buccaneers, under third-year Head Coach Ray Perkins, had not been nearly as successful. They were 2-2 as they faced the Bears, but were a perennially losing club that had last been over .500 in the strike-abbreviated 1982 season. Moreover, they had been beaten by Chicago twelve straight times. QB Vinny Testaverde had gone through plenty of growing pains after being the first overall pick of the 1987 NFL draft, and while he was showing improvement, he was coming off of a poor performance the previous week in a loss to the Vikings.

There were 72,077 fans in attendance at Tampa Stadium. The Bears went three-and-out in their first series and, following a short punt, the Buccaneers took over with good field position at their 47. Vinny Testaverde completed all five of his passes in a six-play possession with the last one tipped by RB Lars Tate and caught by WR Mark Carrier for an 11-yard touchdown. Donald Igwebuike’s extra point made it 7-0 for the home team.

Chicago again had to punt and once more the Bucs drove to a score, this time covering 69 yards in seven plays. Testaverde threw to WR Bruce Hill for a 41-yard gain to the Chicago 17, ran for 12 yards on a third-and-six play, and FB William Howard dove into the middle of the line for a one-yard TD.

It seemed as though Tampa Bay would be able to pour it on after, on the third play of the ensuing Chicago series, WR Dennis McKinnon was stripped after gaining 17 yards on a pass from QB Mike Tomczak and FS Harry Hamilton recovered for the Buccaneers. Testaverde immediately went to the air and connected with Carrier for a 30-yard gain to the six and a penalty on the Bears made it first-and-goal at the one. But Chicago’s defense stopped four straight running plays and the Bucs came up empty.

The reprieve for the Bears was a short one as they turned the ball over again three plays later when Tomczak was intercepted by SS Mark Robinson to give Tampa Bay the ball at the Chicago 14. This time, as the game moved into the second quarter, the Buccaneers didn’t fail to capitalize. Testaverde threw a play action pass to TE William Harris for a touchdown and Igwebuike’s conversion made it 21-0.

The Bears were still unable to get anything going on offense and punted. But now it was their turn to make the most of a turnover as LB Jim Morrissey intercepted a Testaverde pass and Chicago had the ball at the Tampa Bay 27. Five plays later, the Bears got on the board when RB Neal Anderson (pictured at left) ran for a five-yard TD.

A short Tampa Bay series ended with a punt but the Bears once again turned the ball over when Tomczak fumbled while being sacked by LB Kevin Murphy and DE Reuben Davis recovered at the Chicago 28. While a tipped pass was nearly intercepted by LB Mike Singletary, the Bucs scored another touchdown, this time on a Testaverde throw to Hill from 22 yards out.

Down once more by three touchdowns, the Bears responded by driving 64 yards in seven plays. Anderson had a 19-yard run on a sweep to start things off and Tomczak threw to TE James Thornton for a 34-yard gain to the Tampa Bay 9. Anderson ran for a one-yard TD and, with Butler’s second successful PAT, the score was 28-14 and remained that way at the end of the half.

On Chicago’s first possession of the third quarter, the Bears went 54 yards in six plays to cut the margin further. Tomczak threw to RB Thomas Sanders for a 16-yard touchdown and, with the PAT by Butler, Tampa Bay’s lead was down to 28-21.

That was the score entering the fourth quarter, but a short punt gave the Buccaneers the ball at the Chicago 44 and, four plays later, Tate ran for a 16-yard touchdown.

Following a short series by the Bears, the Bucs drove to another TD, this time covering 80 yards in six plays. Tate (pictured at left) took off for a 48-yard gain on the first play and Testaverde converted a third-and-three situation with a completion to Hill for 12 yards. Tate finished the possession off with a four-yard run and when the snap on the extra point sailed high, holder Chris Mohr ran the ball into the end zone. Tampa Bay had a commanding 42-21 lead with under seven minutes left on the clock.

The Bears fought back as Jim Harbaugh replaced Tomczak at quarterback. Throwing on almost every down, the visitors went 74 yards in nine plays. Harbaugh completed four passes and, after being sacked to force a third-and-15 situation, he escaped pressure and ran for a 26-yard touchdown.

A short series by the Bucs gave the ball to the Bears one more time and they again drove to a score, this time on a one-yard carry by Anderson, but the ensuing onside kick with 53 seconds remaining was recovered by the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay held on for a 42-35 win.

The Buccaneers led in total yards (415 to 350) and first downs (27 to 22). They had the edge both on the ground (147 to 136) and through the air (268 to 214). Chicago turned the ball over three times, to two by Tampa Bay.

Vinny Testaverde, who left the game midway through the fourth quarter after taking a hit from Steve McMichael, completed 22 of 36 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. Bruce Hill and Mark Carrier (pictured below) had nearly identical numbers as they each caught 6 passes and scored a TD while Hill accumulated 107 yards and Carrier had 105. Lars Tate also had a fine performance as he ran for 112 yards and two scores on 18 carries.

For the Bears, Mike Tomczak was successful on 16 of 29 throws for 162 yards with a TD and an interception. Jim Harbaugh, in his relief performance, completed 6 of 8 passes for 65 yards and also ran the ball three times for 34 yards and a touchdown. Neal Anderson rushed 17 times for 86 yards and three TDs and also caught 6 passes for 30 more yards. WR Ron Morris gained a team-high 54 yards on his three receptions.

“This is the kind of win we’ve been looking for, the kind of win to get us over the hump,” said a jubilant Ray Perkins on behalf of the Bucs.

“We were out-coached and out-played. It’s as simple as that,” was the response of a terse Mike Ditka regarding Chicago’s performance.

The hoped-for turnaround in Tampa Bay’s fortunes did not materialize as the Buccaneers lost their next five games in a row, finally winning in their rematch with the Bears. They ended up at the bottom of the NFC Central with a 5-11 record.

The loss did prove to be a turning point for the Bears. They lost their next two games and won only twice more the rest of the way to finish just a step up from the Bucs in the division at 6-10.

Vinny Testaverde ended up throwing for 3133 yards and 20 touchdowns, but with 22 interceptions. Lars Tate’s rushing total against Chicago was the best of his brief career as he gained 589 yards. Mark Carrier went on to receive Pro Bowl recognition with 86 catches for 1422 yards (16.5 avg.) and nine touchdowns but Bruce Hill was less consistent and caught 50 passes for 673 yards (13.5 avg.) and five TDs.

In the midst of the down year for the Bears, Neal Anderson rushed for 1275 yards on 274 carries (4.7 avg.) and had 50 catches for 434 yards. He scored a total of 15 touchdowns and was chosen to the Pro Bowl for the second straight year.

MVP Profile: Earl Campbell, 1980

Running Back, Houston Oilers

Age: 25

3^rd season in pro football & with Oilers

College: Texas

Height: 5’11” Weight: 224

Prelude:

Following an outstanding college career that was capped by rushing for 1744 yards and winning the Heisman Trophy, Campbell was the first overall pick by the Oilers in the 1978 NFL draft (Houston traded with Tampa Bay for the top choice). He moved directly into the starting lineup with outstanding results, leading the league in rushing (1450 yards), gaining consensus first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, as well as Rookie of the Year and MVP recognition (Pro Football Writers, NEA). Campbell followed up in 1979 by again topping the NFL in rushing (1697 yards) and touchdowns (19) to again receive consensus MVP, first-team All-Pro, and Pro Bowl honors.

1980 Season Summary

Appeared in 15 of 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 373 [1]

Most attempts, game - 38 (for 178 yds.) at Kansas City 10/12

Yards – 1934 [1]

Most yards, game – 206 yards (on 31 carries) at Chicago 11/16

Average gain – 5.2 [1]

TDs – 13 [1, tied with Billy Sims]

200-yard rushing games – 4

100-yard rushing games – 10

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 11

Most receptions, game – 4 (for 24 yds.) at Pittsburgh 9/7

Yards – 47

Most yards, game - 24 (on 4 catches) at Pittsburgh 9/7

Average gain – 4.3

TDs – 0

Passing

Pass attempts – 2

Pass completions – 1

Passing yardage – 57

TD passes – 1

Interceptions – 0

All-Purpose yards – 1981 [2]

Scoring

TDs – 13 [2, tied with Curtis Dickey & John Jefferson, 1st in AFC]

Points – 78 [20, tied with four others]

Postseason: 1 G (AFC Wild Card playoff vs. Oakland)

Rushing attempts – 27

Rushing yards – 91

Average gain rushing – 3.4

Rushing TDs – 1

Pass attempts – 1

Pass completions – 0

Interceptions – 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL MVP: NEA

NFL Offensive Player of the Year: AP

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

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

Pro Bowl

Oilers went 11-5 to finish second in the AFC Central and qualifying for a Wild Card playoff spot while leading the conference in rushing (2635 yards). Lost AFC Wild Card playoff to Oakland Raiders (27-7).

Aftermath:

Campbell was named to a fourth straight Pro Bowl in 1981 as he led the AFC with 1376 rushing yards. After one more 1000-yard rushing season in 1983 (1301 yards), his heavy workload and physically-punishing running style caused his performance to drop significantly in ’84 and Campbell was traded to New Orleans during the season. He finished his career in 1985, rushing for 643 yards and a 4.1-yard average for the Saints. Campbell retired with 9407 rushing yards on 2187 carries and 81 touchdowns. His #34 was retired by the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1991.

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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 11/30/14]