2002: Buchanon INT is Key Play as Raiders Overcome Bills

The Oakland Raiders were undefeated at 3-0 as they traveled to Buffalo to take on the Bills on October 6, 2002. The Raiders had a first-year head coach in Bill Callahan, elevated from offensive coordinator following the departure of Jon Gruden, who had led the club to back-to-back division titles. Former journeyman QB Rich Gannon had blossomed in Oakland, directing a pass-oriented attack that included veteran wide receivers Tim Brown and Jerry Rice plus the far younger Jerry Porter. Small but highly effective RB Charlie Garner led the ground game and also was a proficient receiver out of the backfield. The defense had a smattering of proven veterans along with rookie CB Phillip Buchanon (pictured above) added to the mix, who would be filling in for injured star CB Charles Woodson against Buffalo.

The Bills, coached by Gregg Williams, were a revamped team coming off a disastrous 3-13 year in 2001. The biggest change had been at quarterback, where Drew Bledsoe had been obtained after nine years in New England. He had fine wide receivers in Eric Moulds and Peerless Price and second-year RB Travis Henry was showing promise.

There was a crowd of 73,038 at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The teams traded punts until late in the first quarter as the Raiders put together a 10-play, 60-yard scoring drive. Along the way, they converted three third downs, most notably with a pass from Rich Gannon to Tim Brown for 17 yards to the Buffalo 43 in a third-and-six situation and a 24-yard run by Gannon on a third-and-10 play. The series ended with Gannon throwing to Joey Porter for a 29-yard touchdown.

In a possession that extended into the second quarter, Buffalo responded by going 80 yards in 11 plays. Drew Bledsoe completed six passes along the way including a two-yard toss to Peerless Price for a TD. Mike Hollis added the extra point to tie the score at 7-7.

With the offenses now asserting themselves, Gannon immediately threw to Jerry Rice for a 33-yard gain on the first play of the next series. Two plays later, Charlie Garner took off for a 35-yard gain down the middle and two plays after that Gannon ran around end to score a touchdown from a yard out. Sebastian Janikowski added another extra point and Oakland was up by 14-7.

The teams kept up the scoring pace. A big penalty on the Raiders moved the ball to their 39 on Buffalo’s next play from scrimmage and from there Bledsoe tossed three straight completions, including one to WR Josh Reed for 38 yards. TE Dave Moore gathered in a two-yard scoring pass and, with Hollis adding the PAT, the score was again knotted at 14-14. However, Oakland came right back, needing just five plays to cover 75 yards. Gannon threw to Porter for 25 yards and Garner ran to his right for a 36-yard touchdown that put the visitors back in the lead.

Buffalo finally had a series end with a punt and Oakland did so in turn. With 1:32 remaining in the half, the Bills, seemingly pinned down at their two yard line following a Shane Lechler punt, marched 98 yards in five plays. The big ones were three straight completions by Bledsoe (pictured below), to Price for 14 yards and again for 54 yards, and to FB Larry Centers for 25 yards to the Oakland five. From there, Centers carried for a touchdown, Hollis added the extra point, and the game was tied at 21-21 at halftime.

Buffalo took the second half kickoff and drove 62 yards in nine plays. Bledsoe completed three passes and Travis Henry ran effectively before the Bills were finally forced to kick a field goal and Hollis was successful from 30 yards. The home team was on top for the first time at 24-21.

A short series by the Raiders ended with a punt, but on Buffalo’s next play Bledsoe was intercepted by CB Tory James. Starting at the Bills’ 32, the Raiders took five plays to regain the lead on a one-yard touchdown carry by FB Zack Crockett. Janikowski’s PAT made the score 28-24.

The Bills responded by driving 80 yards in eight plays. Bledsoe was successful on five passes, including one to Eric Moulds in a third-and-three situation that gained 22 yards to the Oakland two. From there, Henry ran for a TD and, with Hollis adding the extra point, the Bills were back in front by 31-28.

That remained the tally as the game entered the fourth quarter. Early in the period, the Raiders came through with a big play as, facing second-and-15 at their own 31, Gannon connected with Garner for a 69-yard touchdown. Janikowski added the PAT to again make it a four-point game with the visitors in the lead.

It seemed as though the back-and-forth nature of the game would continue as the Bills responded by moving methodically into Oakland territory. Bledsoe completed passes of 19 yards to Price, 17 yards to Reed, and 13 yards to Moulds and, following a two-yard carry by Henry, Buffalo was at the 27 yard line. But on the next play, CB Phillip Buchanon intercepted a Bledsoe pass and returned it 81 yards for a touchdown. With the extra point added, it put Oakland ahead by 11 points and proved to be the key play of the game.

Bledsoe was sacked twice as the Bills went nowhere on their next series. Following the punt, the Raiders padded their lead in just four plays, the last two Gannon throws to Porter for 36 yards and to Rice for a 20-yard touchdown.

Buffalo put together one last desperation drive that ended with James intercepting a Bledsoe pass at the Oakland seven to effectively finish the contest. The Raiders came away with a 49-31 win.

Oakland had the edge over the Bills in total yards (495 to 479) while Buffalo had more first downs (29 to 24). The Bills turned the ball over three times, to none by the Raiders, and Oakland sacked Bledsoe five times while Buffalo’s defense got to Gannon just once. The Raiders were also flagged for 10 penalties, at a cost of 120 yards, as opposed to 7 for 43 yards called on the Bills.

Rich Gannon completed 23 of 38 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns with none intercepted. Charlie Garner rushed for 94 yards on just 8 carries that included one TD and gained another 83 yards on four pass receptions that included the one long score (although he was injured on the play and didn’t return). Jerry Porter (pictured at right) caught 7 passes for 117 yards and a touchdown while Jerry Rice and Tim Brown each had four receptions, for 77 and 55 yards, respectively.

For the Bills, Drew Bledsoe went to the air 53 times and had 32 completions for 417 yards and two TDs, but also three interceptions. Eric Moulds caught 8 of those passes for 112 yards and Peerless Price gained 126 yards and scored a touchdown on his 7 receptions.  Travis Henry gained 58 yards on 15 rushing attempts that included a score and also caught 7 passes for 47 yards.

After getting off to a 4-0 start, the Raiders lost their next four games but won seven of eight to finish the season at 11-5 and atop the AFC West for the third consecutive year. However, after winning the AFC Championship they were beaten badly by Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl. Buffalo, on the other hand, won three straight games after the loss to the Raiders but then collapsed during the second half of the season. The Bills broke even at 8-8 to place at the bottom of the AFC East.

Rich Gannon had a MVP year as he led the NFL in pass attempts (618), completions (418), and yards (4689) and ranked second in completion percentage (67.6) and passing overall (97.3 rating). Charlie Garner rushed for 962 yards and caught 91 passes for 941 more yards to rank fifth in the league in yards from scrimmage (1903). While Tim Brown and Jerry Rice remained the featured receivers, Jerry Porter had 51 catches for 688 yards (13.5 avg.) and nine touchdowns.

Drew Bledsoe placed second to Gannon in pass attempts (610) and yards (4359) and was chosen to the Pro Bowl. Travis Henry also was picked after rushing for 1438 yards and so was Eric Moulds, who finished with an even 100 catches for 1292 yards and 10 TDs. Peerless Price didn’t go to the Pro Bowl but had a career year in which he caught 94 passes for 1252 yards and 9 scores.

1947: Baugh Passes Redskins Past Steelers in Back-and-Forth Game

The Washington Redskins were 0-1, having shown off plenty of offense in a wild loss to the Eagles, as they hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 5, 1947. A 5-5-1 team in 1946, their first year under Head Coach Turk Edwards, the Redskins had the NFL’s best passer in 33-year-old QB Sammy Baugh (pictured above) but they were already showing an inability to stop good offenses when they shifted to defense.

Pittsburgh, under Head Coach Jock Sutherland, was also 5-5-1 the previous year. They had already played two games and split them, defeating the Lions in the opener but losing badly to the Rams in the next contest. They traded star multi-purpose back Bill Dudley during the offseason and had Johnny Clement take his place at tailback in their single-wing offense.

It was a sunny afternoon with a record crowd of 36,565 in attendance at Griffith Stadium. The Steelers took the opening kickoff and, keeping the ball on the ground, advanced to the Washington eight yard line. The big play along the way was a 43-yard carry by Clement. The drive stalled and Joe Glamp kicked a 15-yard field goal.

The 3-0 lead held up until the first play of the second quarter. With a first down at his own 46, Baugh fired a pass to HB Bob Nussbaumer, who caught it at the 31 and outran the secondary to the end zone for a 54-yard touchdown. Dick Poillon’s extra point made it 7-3

Late in the period, DB Walt Slater recovered a fumble by Washington FB Jack Jenkins at the Pittsburgh 40 and the Steelers went 60 yards in seven plays. Clement completed a pass to end Val Jansante for 19 yards to the Washington 15 and from there he connected with FB Steve Lach, who took the short throw and powered over several tacklers for a touchdown. Glamp’s extra point was successful to make it a three-point margin. With one minute left, the Redskins had another opportunity and Baugh passed them down to the Pittsburgh 14 where time ran out.

Washington HB Dick Todd returned the second half kickoff 50 yards to the Pittsburgh 43 and from there the home team drove to a score. Baugh threw to Poillon for a six-yard TD, and while Poillon missed the extra point attempt (breaking a streak of 30 straight), the Redskins were back in front by 13-10.

However, five minutes later DB Tony Compagno intercepted a Baugh pass and returned it 65 yards for a touchdown to put the visitors back on top. Washington responded with a series that ended with Baugh throwing to end Hugh Taylor for a 36-yard TD. Poillon’s kick made it 20-17 in the back-and-forth contest.

The Steelers came back with a big pass play of their own as Clement threw to HB Bob Sullivan for a 50-yard touchdown. Glamp was successful on the conversion and Pittsburgh was again in front by 24-20.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Steelers advanced to the Washington two but came up empty. The Redskins, backed deep in a hole, were forced to punt and Baugh faded back to pass out of punt formation but stepped out of bounds in his end zone for a safety that extended the Pittsburgh lead to 26-20.

The Steelers again drove into Washington territory but a 40-yard field goal try by Glamp sailed wide to the left. The Redskins went 80 yards on their next series with Baugh passing effectively. On a fourth-and-nine play Slingin’ Sammy hit FB Sal Rosato for a first down at the one. HB Tom Farmer scored from there with 5:32 remaining on the clock and Poillon added the crucial extra point. The lead had changed for the seventh time.

The Steelers put together a 73-yard drive in the waning minutes of the game. With 25 seconds left, Glamp attempted a 29-yard field goal but the wobbly kick hit the left upright and bounced away. The Redskins came away with a 27-26 win.

The statistics reflected the closeness of the score. Washington barely outgained the Steelers (384 yards to 373) while Pittsburgh had the edge in first downs (16 to 15). The Redskins also turned the ball over three times, to one suffered by the Steelers.

Sammy Baugh completed 13 of 28 passes for 275 yards and three touchdowns along with two interceptions while Johnny Clement (pictured at left) was successful on 9 of 17 throws for 157 yards and two TDs.

Washington continued to be an exciting offensive team that all-too-often gave up more points that it scored. The Redskins finished with a disappointing 4-8 record to place fourth in the Eastern Division. Pittsburgh, however, overcame the tough loss against the Redskins to win six straight games and tie for first in the division with the Eagles. But dissension among the players plus the loss of Johnny Clement to injury doomed the Steelers to a loss in the playoff game against Philadelphia.

Sammy Baugh had one of his greatest statistical seasons, setting NFL records with 354 pass attempts, 210 completions, and 2938 yards. He also led the league in touchdown passes (25) and completion percentage (59.3).

Johnny Clement had an outstanding year as well, ranking second in rushing (670 yards) while passing for 1004 yards with seven touchdowns and nine interceptions. 

Rookie of the Year: Wilbur Jackson, 1974

Running Back, San Francisco 49ers

Age: 23 (Nov. 19)

College: Alabama

Height: 6’1”   Weight: 215

Prelude:

Jackson was chosen by the 49ers in the first round of the 1974 NFL draft (ninth overall) after averaging a school-record 7.2 yards-per-carry in college (212 attempts, 1529 yards). The first African-American to be offered a football scholarship by Alabama, he was converted from receiver to running back when the Crimson Tide shifted to a wishbone offense.

1974 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 174 [14, tied with Jess Phillips & Larry Schreiber]

Most attempts, game - 19 (for 91 yds.) at Cleveland 12/1

Yards – 705 [17]

Most yards, game – 91 yards (on 14 carries) vs. St. Louis 10/6, (on 14 carries) at Detroit 10/14, (on 19 carries) at Cleveland 12/1

Average gain – 4.1

TDs – 0

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 23      

Most receptions, game – 5 (for 8 yds.) vs. Cincinnati 9/29

Yards – 190

Most yards, game - 50 (on 2 catches) vs. LA Rams 11/4

Average gain – 8.3

TDs – 2

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 5

Yards – 103

Average per return – 20.6

TDs – 0

Scoring

TDs – 2

Points – 12

Awards & Honors:

NFC Rookie of the Year: NEA, Sporting News

49ers went 6-8 to finish third in the NFC West.

Aftermath:

Jackson was plagued by injuries in 1975 and fell behind Delvin Williams on the depth chart, but was shifted to fullback in ’76 and formed a productive tandem with Williams as he rushed for 792 yards on 200 carries and caught 33 passes for 324 more yards. He rushed for 780 yards and a career-high 7 TDs in 1977 but was lost for all of ’78 with a knee injury. Jackson came back in 1979 to catch a career-high 53 passes for 422 yards while running for 375 yards and blocking well. He was traded to Washington in 1980 where he stepped in for retired RB John Riggins and rushed for 708 yards, but the return of Riggins in ’81, as well as injuries, relegated Jackson to a backup role in 1981 and ’82, his last two seasons. Overall, he ran the ball 971 times for 3852 yards (2955 with the 49ers) for a 4.0 average and 13 touchdowns and had 183 catches for 1572 yards and another four 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). 

1970: Warfield Stars as Dolphins Defeat Raiders

The Miami Dolphins were a team in transition as they hosted the Oakland Raiders on October 3, 1970. A losing franchise since entering the American Football League in 1966, they also had trouble drawing fans and owner Joe Robbie had taken the big step of luring Don Shula away from the Colts to be head coach. Another move that significantly benefited the offense was the acquisition of WR Paul Warfield (pictured above) from the Browns. Added to a mix that included rising young players in QB Bob Griese, FB Larry Csonka, and HB Jim Kiick, Warfield brought a much-needed element of speed to the wide receiver position. However, the Dolphins were also starting five rookies on defense. Miami was 1-1 coming into the game against Oakland, a team it had never beaten.

The Raiders, under second-year Head Coach John Madden, were perennial contenders that had reached the last three AFL title games, winning one of them. However, they were off to a slow start, sporting a record of 0-1-1 as they faced the Dolphins. The offense, directed by QB Daryle Lamonica, was still proficient but the defense was giving up points.

There was a good crowd of 57,140 in attendance for the Saturday night game at the Orange Bowl. The first quarter was scoreless as the teams traded punts and Miami CB Curtis Johnson intercepted a Lamonica pass at his 28 yard line. However, on the first play of the second quarter Bob Griese threw to Paul Warfield for a 49-yard touchdown. Garo Yepremian added the extra point for a 7-0 lead.

A torrential downpour struck soon thereafter that flooded the field but finally let up at halftime. Lamonica again threw an interception, this time by SS Dick Anderson, giving the Dolphins possession at the Oakland 33. But three plays later, Griese was picked off by CB Willie Brown.

HB Charlie Smith immediately took off for a 16-yard gain and the Raiders kept the ball on the ground as Smith and FB Hewritt Dixon ran the ball effectively in the rain. The drive stalled at the Miami 35, but George Blanda’s field goal attempt was blocked by CB Lloyd Mumphord.

Following the blocked kick, the Dolphins took over in Oakland territory and a short possession yielded a missed 49-yard field goal try by Yepremian. Another pass by Lamonica was intercepted, this time by Mumphord, however Miami was unable to move the ball and punted. WR Rod Sherman returned the kick 45 yards to the Dolphins’ 37 and the Raiders made good use of the field position. They went 32 yards in seven plays and Blanda kicked a 12-yard field goal with 27 seconds left in the half. There was still time remaining and the first half ended with Yepremian booting a 47-yard field goal. Miami took a 10-3 lead into the intermission.

The Dolphins had to punt following their first series of the third quarter and Oakland proceeded to go 64 yards in 13 plays. They got a break when rookie TE Raymond Chester, having caught a pass from Lamonica on third down, fumbled but WR Warren Wells recovered and reached the Miami 38. Again Smith and Dixon ran the ball well and Wells gained 14 yards on a reverse. Blanda capped the series with a 17-yard field goal to narrow Miami’s margin to 10-6.

Following a punt by the Raiders early in the fourth quarter, the Dolphins took over at their 20. On a second-and-10 play, Griese connected with Warfield for a 54-yard gain to the Oakland 24. Three plays later, Griese passed to Warfield again for a 17-yard touchdown and, with the successful PAT, a 17-6 lead.

Oakland’s next possession ended with another Lamonica interception and, following a punt by the Dolphins, the Raiders gambled on a fourth-and-one play at their own 35 and Lamonica was stopped for no gain.

The Dolphins extended their lead with a 40-yard Yepremian field goal. FB Marv Hubbard returned the ensuing kickoff 25 yards to the Oakland 49 and, with just over two minutes remaining, Lamonica went to the air three times, the third for a 36-yard touchdown to Wells against Miami’s prevent defense. Blanda’s extra point made it a seven-point game, but the onside kick was recovered by the Dolphins and Miami was able to run out the clock for a 20-13 win.

The Raiders led in total yards (334 to 279) and first downs (14 to 7). They outrushed the Dolphins by 180 yards to 104. However, Oakland also turned the ball over four times, to one suffered by Miami, although the Dolphins drew 11 penalties at a cost of 135 yards, to 6 flags thrown on the Raiders.

Bob Griese completed just 8 of 16 passes for 180 yards, but two were for touchdowns while one was intercepted. Paul Warfield had three catches for 120 yards and both TDs. Larry Csonka led the running game with 62 yards on 10 carries and Jim Kiick ran the ball 20 times for 44 yards and added 34 yards on two pass receptions.

For the Raiders, Daryle Lamonica was successful on 12 of 22 throws for 154 yards and a TD but also tossed four interceptions. Charlie Smith gained 68 yards on 15 rushing attempts and Hewritt Dixon was right behind with 67 yards on 14 carries. Warren Wells (pictured at left) had three catches for 61 yards and a TD and also ran the ball three times for another 34 yards. Fred Biletnikoff also caught the ball three times, for 36 yards.

The Dolphins won their next two contests before losing three straight, but then regained their footing and were victorious in their remaining games to finish at 10-4. It was good enough to place second in the AFC East and qualify as the Wild Card team in the playoffs. Oakland recovered to go 6-0-1 in its next seven games and 8-4-2 overall, which placed them first in the AFC West. The Raiders got their revenge on the Dolphins in the AFC Divisional playoff round, winning 21-14, but lost the AFC Championship game to the Colts.

Paul Warfield missed three games due to injury but received Pro Bowl recognition as he averaged a spectacular 25.1 yards-per-catch on 28 receptions for 703 yards with six touchdowns. Bob Griese also was a Pro Bowl selection, completing 58 percent of his passes for 2019 yards and 12 TDs, although with 17 interceptions. 

1955: Rams Beat Steelers on Last-Second Richter Field Goal

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Rams were both 1-0 as they faced off on October 2, 1955 at the Memorial Coliseum. The Rams were coming off a 6-5-1 record in ’54 that was only good for fourth place in the highly competitive Western Conference. They had a new head coach in Sid Gillman, most recently at the University of Cincinnati, but they had plenty of experience on both sides of the ball. QB Norm Van Brocklin was an outstanding passer and still had ends Tom Fears and Elroy “Crazy Legs” Hirsch to throw to as well as the fleet Bob Boyd. Fullbacks Dan Towler and Tank Younger were formidable inside runners and were joined by rookie HB Ron Waller. The defense contained stalwarts in DE Andy Robustelli, DHB Will Sherman, and LB Les Richter (pictured above), who also handled the placekicking.

The Steelers were coached by Walt Kiesling and had also finished fourth in the Eastern Conference the previous year, but with a 5-7 record. QB Jim Finks could throw the ball effectively and the defense contained solid players such as DT Ernie Stautner and DHB Jack Butler.

There were 45,816 fans in attendance at the cavernous stadium on a sunny day in southern California. In the first quarter, the Rams had a first down at the Pittsburgh 29 but a long pass by Norm Van Brocklin was intercepted by safety Richie McCabe, who made a leaping grab at the two and returned it 25 yards.

The Steelers made three first downs on their ensuing series but it ended with Art Michalik attempting a 31-yard field goal that was shanked far to the left. LA responded by going 80 yards in 11 plays in a series that extended into the early second quarter. Dan Towler plowed into the end zone from a yard out for a touchdown and Les Richter followed up with the extra point.

Following a fumble by the Steelers in their territory, the Rams were unable to cash in when Richter’s 28-yard field goal try hit the right upright and bounced back. Three plays later, Richter compensated for the missed field goal as he intercepted a Finks pass and returned it to the Pittsburgh seven. The Steelers held, nearly intercepting a pass, and while the restless crowd booed the decision to settle for a field goal, Richter was successful this time from 12 yards out. The Rams were up by 10-0 with just under three minutes remaining in the half.

The Steelers moved the ball well on their next possession, accumulating three quick first downs to reach the LA 31. HB Lynn Chandnois gained nine yards on a draw play, but a pass by Finks to a wide-open HB Ray Mathews in the end zone was incomplete when the receiver had to adjust and stepped out of bounds as he made the catch. FB Fran Rogel ran on the next play but was short of a first down. Following offsetting penalties, Finks sneaked to the 21 for a first down as the clock reached the two-minute mark. Two pass plays, one for an apparent score, were wiped out by penalties. The Steelers ended up having to attempt a field goal and Michalik missed from 41 yards.

The Rams ran on first down and then Van Brocklin threw to Bob Boyd at the Pittsburgh 40 - he proceeded to race to the end zone for a 74-yard touchdown as time ran out. Richter added another extra point and the Rams, in stunning fashion, took a 17-0 lead into halftime.

Pittsburgh drove to a score using 11 plays in the first five minutes of the third quarter, with Finks (pictured at left) passing to good effect. The series ended with Chandnois running around end for the last eight yards. Michalik converted to make it a 17-7 tally.

The Rams had to punt on their next possession and a bad snap to Van Brocklin caused him to not be able to get the kick away. DE Bill McPeak pulled him down at the LA 11. From there, the Steelers scored in four plays, with Finks plowing over on a quarterback sneak from the one. Michalik’s extra point attempt was unsuccessful when it hit the upright, and the score remained 17-13.

Bill Wade spelled Van Brocklin at quarterback on the next LA series and, fading back deep while trying to pass, fumbled and LB John Reger recovered for the Steelers at the Los Angeles 12. Chandnois ran for eight yards and, two plays later, Mathews ran two yards for a first down as the third quarter ended. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Steelers scored on a two-yard carry by Chandnois. Once again the extra point try failed but Pittsburgh was in front by a score of 19-17.

Van Brocklin was back behind center for the Rams when they got the ball back and they drove 66 yards in eight plays. “The Dutchman” threw to end Tom Fears for a 17-yard touchdown and Richter added the extra point as LA went back on top by 24-19.

The lead didn’t last as, on their next possession, Rams HB Corky Taylor fumbled at midfield and McCabe recovered and raced 50 yards for a TD. Michalik added the extra point this time and the score now stood at 26-24 in favor of the visitors.

The Rams went three-and-out on their next series and were forced to punt, but the Steelers had a short possession as well and kicked it back. Starting at the LA 30, Van Brocklin passed to Waller and, while it appeared that he fumbled when hit and the Steelers recovered, the play was ruled a completed pass and a dead ball at that point. Van Brocklin then went deep for Boyd, who gained 27 yards and more as a crucial 15-yard penalty on the Steelers was tacked on with two seconds left on the clock. Richter kicked a 32-yard field goal as the game ended to put the Rams over the top by a score of 27-26.

Los Angeles outgained the Steelers (346 yards to 258) and had more first downs (20 to 16). Both teams turned the ball over three times, but key penalties on the Steelers, who were flagged eight times, had an effect on the outcome – too much, according to their coach. A furious Walt Kiesling had to be restrained by his assistants after the game as he rushed toward the officials.

“That was the worst jobbing I have ever seen in my 30 years in pro football,” said the angry Kiesling regarding the officiating. “It was a disgrace to permit that first down pass from Van Brocklin to Waller to be ruled complete. Waller was in the grasp of an opponent and upright and fumbled. We got it. They said it was a fast whistle.”

Norm Van Brocklin completed 18 of 27 passes for 208 yards and two touchdowns as well as one interception. Bob Boyd (pictured at right), with the one long scoring reception, had three catches for 114 yards.

For the Steelers, Jim Finks was successful on 12 of 22 passes for 113 yards with no TDs and two intercepted. Lynn Chandnois rushed for 78 yards and Fran Rogel was right behind with 73.

The Rams went on to top the Western Conference with an 8-3-1 record and returned to the NFL Championship game for the first time since 1951. They lost to the Browns. Pittsburgh recovered to win its next three games before the bottom fell out. The Steelers finished up at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 4-8 tally.

1972: Patriots Upset Redskins as Allen Gamble Goes Awry

The New England Patriots had a 1-1 record and were coming off an exciting down-to-the-wire win over Atlanta the previous week as they faced a tougher test in hosting the Washington Redskins on October 1, 1972. The Patriots were a rebuilding team in their second year in Foxboro, MA under Head Coach John Mazur. The key to that rebuilding project was QB Jim Plunkett (pictured at right), the first overall draft pick in ‘71 following a Heisman-winning college career at Stanford. New England was coming off a 6-8 record, the team’s best in five years, and looking to improve.

Washington was in its second year under Head Coach George Allen and had reached the postseason for the first time in 26 seasons following a 9-4-1 tally in 1971. The veteran-laden club, known as “The Over-the-Hill Gang”, had a strong running game led by HB Larry Brown and QB Bill Kilmer throwing to wide receivers Charley Taylor and Roy Jefferson plus TE Jerry Smith. The rugged defense was even more of a key to the team’s success. The Redskins had won their first two games over the Vikings and Cardinals.

It was an overcast and cool day with 60,999 in attendance at Schaefer Stadium. The first quarter was scoreless but the Redskins got on the board early in the second quarter as Bill Kilmer threw to Charley Taylor for a 30-yard touchdown that finished off an 80-yard drive in five plays.

Things didn’t get any better for the Patriots when HB Jack Maitland fumbled while returning the ensuing kickoff and safety Richie Petitbon recovered for Washington at the New England 17. Five plays later, Kilmer again connected with Taylor (pictured below) for a four-yard touchdown and 14-0 lead.

The Patriots responded with a long possession that covered 83 yards in 12 plays. Rookie FB Josh Ashton converted a third-and-two situation with an 11-yard run to his own 36 and, three plays later and facing third-and-ten, Plunkett completed a pass to WR Reggie Rucker for 40 yards to get the ball into Washington territory at the 24. New England went for it with fourth-and-one at the 15 and Ashton ran for three yards, and the fullback kept it going with a 10-yard gain around end followed by a two-yard carry for a touchdown. Charlie Gogolak added the extra point to cut the Washington lead to 14-7.

The Redskins came right back as Larry Brown ran the ball three straight times for 22 yards and Kilmer again connected with Taylor for 19 yards to the New England 35. But after reaching the 28, Brown fumbled and LB Jim Cheyunski recovered for the Patriots to end the threat. New England’s offense wasn’t able to move appreciably and the half ended with the visitors maintaining a seven-point margin.

The Patriots took the second half kickoff and drove 73 yards in eight plays. Plunkett threw to Rucker for a 22-yard gain and Ashton gained 27 yards on a sweep to the Washington 20. The series ended with Plunkett hitting Rucker for an 11-yard TD and, with Gogolak’s extra point, the game was tied at 14-14.

The Redskins had to punt following their next possession and the Patriots reached the Washington 48 before HB Bob Gladieux’s option pass intended for WR Randy Vataha was picked off by CB Mike Bass, who returned it 29 yards. Runs by Brown and FB Charlie Harraway picked up 14 yards and two Kilmer passes picked up another 16 yards to the New England 23, but another throw was intercepted by CB Larry Carwell to again close off another opportunity for the visitors.

With Ashton again running effectively, Plunkett added passes to Vataha for 20 yards and TE Bob Windsor for 10. The drive bogged down at the Washington 35 and Gogolak put the Patriots ahead with a 42-yard field goal.

The Redskins started off the fourth quarter with a long drive of 70 yards in 10 plays that didn’t come up empty. Kilmer hit on short passes and Brown gained 36 yards on a draw play to the New England 20. The series ended with Kilmer completing a nine-yard pass to Jerry Smith for a touchdown and, with Curt Knight’s third successful PAT, Washington was back in front at 21-17.

The Patriots responded by putting together an eight-play, 80-yard drive. Plunkett completed all four of his passes, including a 24-yard toss while scrambling away from a heavy rush to Ashton at the goal line for a TD. Gogolak’s extra point put New England up by three with fewer than four minutes to play.

Following a 30-yard kickoff return by safety Speedy Duncan, the Redskins put themselves in a second-and-32 situation at their own 13 due to penalties, but from there Kilmer threw to Taylor for a 62-yard gain that not only got them out of a hole but put them at the New England 25 at the two-minute warning. Two passes were incomplete and then a throw into the end zone for Jefferson was caught but ruled out of bounds.

Knight came in and kicked a 33-yard field goal but was run into by DB Ron Bolton. George Allen elected to take the points off the board and keep the drive going. A short run was followed by two incomplete passes and Knight came back in to attempt another field goal, this time from 27 yards. However, the gamble failed when the kick sailed wide to the right and was unsuccessful.

With the clock ticking down to the final minute, the Patriots kept the ball on the ground. Ashton ran the ball three times and New England lined up to punt. However, Pat Studstill’s kick was blocked by WR Bill Malinchak and, with the Washington special team player unable to corral the ball, rolled out of the end zone for a safety. It was a one-point game and Washington was getting the ball back on the free kick with the remaining time down to 50 seconds.

Duncan returned the free kick to the New England 48. The Redskins were able to pick up six yards before Knight came back on to attempt a 50-yard field goal. Again the kick went wide to the right and the Patriots came away with a 24-23 upset victory – and for the second week in a row, it came down to a missed try for a field goal by their opponent.

New England outgained the Redskins (380 yards to 349) and had more first downs (23 to 15). Each team turned the ball over two times, although Washington was flagged seven times, to two penalties called on the Patriots.

Jim Plunkett completed 17 of 33 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns with none intercepted. Josh Ashton (pictured below) had a big day as he rushed for 108 yards on 23 carries and a TD and added another score on his lone pass reception. Bob Windsor caught 5 passes for 58 yards and Reggie Rucker gained 69 yards on his four receptions that included one for a TD.

For the Redskins, Bill Kilmer was successful on 14 of 30 throws for 213 yards and three TDs along with one interception. Charley Taylor caught 7 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. Larry Brown rushed for 113 yards on 20 attempts.

“I don’t like these endings,” said Jim Plunkett. “Between this week and last week, I’m getting gray hairs.”

The two closely-fought wins didn’t prove to be signs of better days coming for the Patriots. They lost their next nine games in a row and finished up at the bottom of the AFC East. Coach Mazur didn’t make it to the end, resigning under pressure, and ex-Packers mentor Phil Bengtson coached the last five games. Washington, by contrast, recovered to win nine straight and topped the NFC East at 11-3. They went on to win the conference title before losing the Super Bowl to undefeated Miami.

Jim Plunkett had a rough second year, completing 47.6 percent of his passes for 2196 yards and just 8 touchdowns while placing second in the NFL with 25 interceptions and being sacked 39 times. Josh Ashton, on the other hand, had signed with the team as a rookie free agent and ended up leading the club in rushing with 546 yards. 

MVP Profile: Marshall Faulk, 1999

Running Back, St. Louis Rams

Age: 26

6^th season in pro football, 1^st with Rams

College: San Diego State

Height: 5’10” Weight: 211

Prelude:

Taken in the first round of the 1994 NFL draft (second overall) by the Indianapolis Colts, Faulk had a Rookie of the Year season with 1282 rushing yards and 52 catches for 522 more, establishing himself as an outstanding combination runner/receiver. He was selected to the Pro Bowl as well and was chosen again following a 1995 performance in which he rushed for 1078 yards and had 56 catches. Injuries, and a subpar offensive line, reduced his production significantly in 1996 and he ran for 1054 yards and caught 47 passes for a 3-13 team in ’97. Faulk returned to Pro Bowl form in 1998 as he rushed for 1319 yards and gained 908 yards on 86 pass receptions to lead the NFL with 2227 yards from scrimmage. He was traded to the Rams in the offseason for two draft picks.

1999 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 253 [14, tied with Ricky Williams]

Most attempts, game - 29 (for 154 yds.) at New Orleans 12/12

Yards – 1381 [5]

Most yards, game – 181 yards (on 18 carries) at Atlanta 10/17

Average gain – 5.5 [3]

TDs – 7 [13, tied with Olandis Gary, Mike Alstott & Jerome Bettis]

100-yard rushing games – 7

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 87 [8] 

Most receptions, game – 12 (for 204 yds.) vs. Chicago 12/26

Yards – 1048

Most yards, game - 204 (on 12 catches) vs. Chicago 12/26

Average gain – 12.0

TDs – 5

100-yard receiving games – 1

Passing

Attempts – 1

Completions – 0

Interceptions – 0

All-Purpose Yards – 2429 [1]

Scoring

TDs – 12 [7, tied with five others]

2-pt PATs – 1

Points – 74

Postseason: 3 G

Rushing attempts – 38

Most rushing attempts, game – 17 vs. Tampa Bay, NFC Championship

Rushing yards – 82

Most rushing yards, game – 44 vs. Tampa Bay, NFC Championship

Average gain rushing – 2.2

Rushing TDs – 1

Pass receptions – 13

Most pass receptions, game – 5 vs. Minnesota, NFC Divisional playoff, vs. Tennessee, Super Bowl

Pass receiving yards – 175

Most pass receiving yards, game – 90 vs. Tennessee, Super Bowl

Average yards per reception – 13.5

Pass Receiving TDs – 1

Awards & Honors:

NFL Offensive Player of the Year: AP

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

1^st team All-NFC: Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Rams went 13-3 to finish first in NFC West with conference’s best record while leading NFL in total yards (6412), passing yards (4353), scoring (526 points), and touchdowns (66). Won NFC Divisional playoff over Minnesota Vikings (49-37), NFC Championship over Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-6), and Super Bowl over Tennessee Titans (23-16).

Aftermath:

Faulk followed up with another strong season in 2000, receiving MVP consideration while setting a new record for touchdowns (26) and gaining 1359 rushing yards plus 830 more on 81 catches for a total of 2189 yards from scrimmage. In 2001 he received MVP recognition for the third straight year as he gained 2147 yards overall, with 1382 rushing and 765 on 83 catches. He scored 21 touchdowns to lead the NFL in scoring for a second consecutive season with 128 points. Faulk was a consensus first-team All-Pro for a third straight year and was selected to the Pro Bowl for the fourth consecutive time. He had one last Pro Bowl season in 2002 (his 7^th overall), but injuries and accumulated wear-and-tear were reducing his production. While he played until 2005, he never again gained over a thousand yards rushing or two thousand yards from scrimmage. For his career, he rushed for 12,279 yards and 100 touchdowns and caught 767 passes for 6875 yards and another 36 TDs. At the time, his 19,190 total yards ranked sixth all-time and 136 TDs placed fourth. Faulk was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2011.

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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).