LET ME THROW! (1970 through 1977)

LOOKING BACK
by TJ Troup
During an 8-year time span the teams in the National Football League continued to run the ball more than pass; at a percentage of almost 54% in 1970 to almost 60% in 1977. The passer rating system is a tool to evaluate a quarterback's efficiency, yet this is a territorial game. Thus, yards gained passing are a must.

The criteria established for this list is that a quarterback MUST gain at least 250 yards passing, and have a passer rating of at least 140 or better.Eight quarterbacks (13 times) in this era accomplished the above criteria. Let us take a look at those 13 performances on Terry Bradshaw's birthday in chronological order.

October 25th, 1970, Fran Tarkenton completed 15 of 18 for 280 yards, with 5 touchdown passes and nary an interception (a perfect passer rating) as the Giants began to climb in the NFC East with the victory over the Cardinals.

November 8th, 1970, John Brodie completed 21 of 28 for 317 yards, with 3 touchdown passes and no interceptions in the contending SF 49ers victory over the Bears.

September 30th, 1973, Roger Staubach completed 17 of 22 for 276 yards, with 2 touchdown passes, and no interceptions against the Cardinals. Later in the season against these same Cardinals on

December 16th he completed 14 of 19 for 256 yards, with 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions as Dallas swept the Cardinals for the season to win the division title.

Ken Anderson joins Roger on this day as he completes 15 of 23 for 293 yards, with 3 touchdown passes, and no interceptions as the Bengals win the division title in their victory over the hapless Oilers.

October 13th, 1974, Fran Tarkenton completes 18 of 24 for 274 yards, with 3 touchdown passes, and no interceptions in the demolition of the Oilers.

October 20th, 1974, James Harris in his first start for the Rams completes 12 of 15 for 276 yards, with 3 touchdown passes, and no interceptions(a perfect passer rating) in the victory over bitter rival San Francisco.

November 3rd, 1974, Ken Anderson continues to demonstrate excellence as he completes 17 of 21 for 297 yards, with 3 touchdown passes, and no interceptions in the victory over the Colts.

November 2nd, 1975, Bob Griese completes 12 of 19 for 288 yards, with 3 touchdown passes, and no interceptions in the Dolphins win over the Bears.

November 23rd, 1975, Ken Anderson makes our list for the 3rd time as he completes 13 of 20 for 292 yards, and 2 touchdown passes, and no interceptions against the Browns.....this game is significant since it is the only loss of the 13 performances in one of the most exciting games of the decade.

September 26th, 1976, Roger Staubach joins Anderson as three time participants as he completes 22 of 28 for 339 yards, with 2 touchdown passes, and no interceptions in the victory over the Colts.

October 10th, 1976, Ken Stabler completes 20 of 26 for 339 yards, with 3 touchdown passes, and 1 interception in the victory over the Chargers.

November 13th, 1977, Terry Bradshaw completes 13 of 21 for 283 yards, with 3 touchdown passes, and no interceptions in the victory over the Browns.