The Quarterbacks the Rams Franchise Has Selected in the First Rounds of NFL Drafts.

LOOKING BACK
By John Turney

When the Rams select Jared Goff later today it will mark the eighth time they have selected a signal caller in the first round of the NFL Draft. However, we are including a ninth in this post. The ninth would be Jim Everett, who the Rams didn't draft, but traded for in his rookie season of 1986.

Here is a quick review of those picks.

Parker Hall

In 1939 the Rams chose Parker Hall with the third overall pick. Hall was a tailback, but in the single wing formation he was the passer, the thrower, whatever one wished to call it. Hall was the NFL's MVP that season, he led the NFL in pass completions and completion percentage and setting NFL records in those categories. Hall played until World War II called and after serving in the military, he returned to NFL for a season.

Bobby Thomason

1949 Bobby Thomason was taken with the seventh overall pick. However, the Rams were set at quarterback with Bob Waterfield and Norm Van Brocklin and he did not play much. In the Summer of 1951 Thomason was traded to the Green Bay Packers for a 1952 first-round and 1952 second-round pick. Thomason played well for the Packers that Fall, but after the season certain conditions of the trade were not met and the trade was cancelled. So, the following Spring the Rams sent Thomason and defensive end Jack Zilly to the Eagles for Jack Myers and a 1953 first-round pick. Thomason was a three-time Pro Bowler for the Eagles and retired after the 1957 season.

Billy Wade

With was was called a Bonus pick, in 1952 the Rams drafted Billy Wade. Wade had a two-year Naval obligation and wouldn't be available until 1954. Upon his return, he was a spot starter in 1954 and 1956. Wade was the Rams usual starter after Van Brocklin was traded to the Eagles (to replace a retiring Bobby Thomason) in 1958. Wade played well, set a couple of franchise passing records and was a Pro Bowler in 1958 but the Rams were not a winning team. So, right after the 1960 season Wade was traded to the Chicago Bears in a three-way trade that netted the Rams Zeke Bratkowski and a #1 draft choice from the New York Giants. That pick ended up being the 2nd overall pick in the 1962 draft.

Roman Gabriel

With that 1962 #1 overall pick the Rams drafted Roman Gabriel. Gabriel didn't put up pretty numbers right away, but he could somehow get the Rams victories. In his first four seasons he started 23 games and the Rams record in those games was 11-11-1. Not impressive unless you compare it to the record of all the other quarterbacks who started for the Rams from 1962-54, which was 4-26-2, a winning percentage of .133. Gabriel was the Rams starter from 1966 through 1972 when he was traded to the Eagles for Harold Jackson, running back Tony Baker, two first-round picks and a third-round choice. Gabriel still holds many Rams passing records and was the NFL MVP in 1969.

Terry Baker

In 1963 the Rams have the #1 overall choice and selected Heisman winner Terry baker. Baker was simply not an QB quarterback and spend most of his time at halfback after his lone start at quarterback in 1963. Baker was out of football by 1966.

Bill Munson

The following season, 1964, the Rams selected Bill Munson. He started quite a lot in 1964 and 1965 but was one of the QBs who were not winning games. Munson backed up Gabriel for a couple of seasons and then was sent to the Lions with a 3rd-round pick and the Rams received Pat Studstill, Tommy Watkins, Milt Plum and a 1969 1st-round pick which turned out to be Larry Smith. Munson was a solid NFL backup quarterback the rest of his career.

In 1986 the Rams did not draft Jim Everett, but after the Houston Oilers selectred him but could not sign him the Rams acquired him for guard Kent Hill defensive end William Fuller and two 1st round picks (one in 1987 and one in 1988 and a fifth-round pick. Everett played with the Rams through 1993 when he was traded to the Saints. Everett, like Gabriel, holds quite a few Rams passing records to this day.

In 2010 the Rams selected Sam Bradford. He was the Rookie of the Year and then had injury troubles in 2011. He had a solid 2012 season and a good beginning to the 2013 season until a knee injury felled him. He hurt the same knee in preseason 2014 causing the Rams to re-assess their quarterback situation. Bradford and was traded to the Eagles with a fifth round pick for Nick Foles and 2015 fourth round pick and 2016 second round pick.

That second round pick was packaged and sent to Tennessee along  their first-round pick (No. 15), the Rams own two second-round selection and a third-round pick in 2016. The Titans also will get the Rams' first- and third-round picks in 2017. The Rams received the #1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft plus fourth- and sixth-round picks this year.

It is being widely reported that the Rams will, indeed select Goff tonight.

Tony Razzano 49ers Scouting Grades

LOOKING BACK

By Chris Willis, NFL Films

In 1993 former 49ers Director of College Scouting and long-time NFL scout Tony Razzano wrote a book, Razzano: Secrets of an NFL Scout. It was published by Bonus Books.

Razzano spent three years in the Army prior to enrolling at the University of Pittsburgh (1946-1951) where he earned three letters in both football and wrestling. After graduating from Pittsburgh, Razzano eventually got a job as a high school coach at Sharon High School in Sharon, Pennsylvania, coaching high school for over a decade.

Razzano began his scouting career with the Washington Redskins (1963-1967) in 1963 working under good friend Bill McPeak as a weekend scout. “My high school team would play on Friday nights, then I’d go away on Saturdays and Sundays. I covered some of the Big Ten schools to get my feet wet,” wrote Razzano.  Eventually Razzano would make scouting his full-time profession working for the Redskins until 1967. In his book Razzano talks about those early days of preparing for the Draft.

    “The Redskins had no scouting staff. In fact, there was little or no travel done by any NFL teams to check out the collegiate talent. Mostly, the preparation- if you can call it that- consisted of NFL staffers picking up the telephone and calling coaches at colleges…after reading about the players in magazines….teams didn’t even have War Rooms then, just round-table discussions with lists of names. Talk about gambling with somebody’s money.”

Razzano left the Redskins to work for the San Diego Chargers (1967-1971) under future Hall of Fame head coach Sid Gillman. After Gillman left after the 1971 season, so did Razzano. Eventually ended up with the New England Patriots as an area scout (three years, 1976-1978).

Tony Razzano, NFL Scout 1960's

When Bill Walsh became the 49ers head coach in 1979 he hired Razzano as a special assistant in the scouting department. He had four scouts under him, Dan Conners, Max McCartney, Ernie Plank, and Neil Schmidt. He would closely work with John McVay, 49ers Director of Player Personnel. In 1983 McVay would become Vice-President and General Manager under Walsh. Three years later Razzano would be promoted to Director of College Scouting, a post he would hold until 1991.

Bill Walsh. 

Throughout his time with the 49ers he helped build one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history. Working alongside Walsh and McVay the trio meshed perfectly together to bring in the best talent available through the Draft process. From 1979 to 1991 Razzano helped bring in some great players who would help the 49ers win four Super Bowls in the 1980’s.

49ers Drafts, 1979-1991

(Includes Position, Player, Round, Overall Pick)

1979: QB Joe Montana (3^rd, 82); WR Dwight Clark (10^th, 249)

1980: RB Earl Cooper (1st, 13); DE Jim Stuckey (1st, 20); LB Keena Turner (2nd, 39)

1981: DB Ronnie Lott (1st, 8); DB Eric Wright (2, 40); DB Carlton Williamson (3^rd, 65); DT Pete Kugler (6^th, 147)

1982: OT Bubba Paris (2^nd, 29); LB Ron Ferrari (7^th, 195); DB-KR Dana McLemore (10^th, 269)

1983: RB Roger Craig (2^nd, 49); DB Tom Holmoe (4^th, 90); LB Riki Ellison (5^th, 117), C Jesse Sapolu (11^th, 289)

1984: TE John Frank (2^nd, 56); OL Guy McIntyre (3^rd, 73); DT Michael Carter (5^th, 121); LB Jeff Fuller (5^th, 139)

1985: WR Jerry Rice (1^st, 16)

1986: FB Tom Rathman (3^rd, 56); DB Tim McKyer (3^rd, 64); WR John Taylor (3^rd, 76); LB Charles Haley (4th, 96); OT Steve Wallace (4^th, 101); DT Kevin Fagan (4^th, 102); DB Don Griffin (6^th, 162)

1987: OT Harris Barton (1^st, 22)

1988: DT Pierce Holt (2^nd, 39); LB Bill Romanowski (3^rd, 80)

1990: DT Dennis Brown (2^nd, 47); CB Eric Davis (2^nd, 53)

1991: DT Ted Washington (1^st, 25); RB Rickey Watters (2^nd, 45); DB Merton Hanks (5^th, 122)

In his book Razzano: Secrets of an NFL Scout the long-time scout publishes his scouting reports of college prospects with his scouting grades. Here is the scouting grade chart and some interesting grades on NFL draft picks from 1963-1991.

Razzano Scouting Grade Chart

In his book Razzano presents his scouting chart with grades. Players with grades from 7-9 were TOP players while anything below a 5+ was a fringe player.

In Secrets of an NFL Scout Razzano reveals 30 years of graded players. Some of the biggest names in the NFL Draft from 1966-1992 are here. Below are some of the grading cards from Razzano's time as an NFL scout.

Razzano Scouting Grade Cards

When Razzano was with the Redskins and Chargers he scouted Notre Dame DE Alan Page and Syracuse FB Larry Csonka. Too early for his grading system Razzano liked Page, but wasn't quite as high on Csonka. Thought he might be better as a linebacker than a fullback.

For the 1979 Draft Razzano had a positive report on Notre Dame QB Joe Montana. In his book Razzano gives himself more credit in the drafting of Montana than Walsh, claiming that Walsh really wanted Steve Dils from Stanford. In the end it was Walsh's decision to take Montana.

Another potential college player that Razzano scouting in 1979 was Michigan State WR Kirk Gibson. Razzano had written "superstar potential" for Gibson, who of course in the end choose to play major league baseball.

In the 1983 Draft Razzano reveals that SMU RB Eric Dickerson had a grade of 8-, one of his best grades of all-time. But for Pittsburgh QB Dan Marino had gave a pathetic grade of just 5+. Despite the fringe player grade he does say that Marino "will be a good NFL player."

In 1989 Razzano gives glowing reviews of Oklahoma State RB Barry Sanders- grade of 7- and Florida State CB Deion Sanders with a 7+ grade.

One of the best grades Razzano ever gave out was for Auburn RB Bo Jackson with a 9-, nearly perfect. Above is the full scouting report on Jackson.

Two of Razzano's biggest misses occurred in the 1990 NFL Draft. He had high marks on Alabama LB Keith McCants (who everybody had high) with a grade of 8- and West Virginia WR Reggie Rembert with a 7+ McCants went number 4 overall to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but never developed into a Pro Bowl player, while Rembert went to the New York Jets in the second round (#28 overall). Rembert was a bust playing in just 28 games, catching 36 passes and one touchdown.

The books contains over 120 scouting grades from players over his thirty years as a scout. All the big names are here such as Emmitt Smith, Lawrence Taylor, Marcus Allen, Dan Marino, John Elway and many more. Razzano also goes inside the 49ers War Room with stories of drafting the great 49ers players.

After leaving the 49ers in 1991 Razzano worked as a free-lance scout and consultant being hired by several NFL teams to help with their drafts.

On July 2, 2002 Razzano passed away at the age of 77. His son, Dave Razzano, has continued the scouting tradition, working the past two decades as a NFL scout currently with the Indianapolis Colts. 

Another Uniform Oddity. The 1977 Pro Bowl

LOOKING BACK
By John Turney

1977 season AFC-NFC Pro Bowl

As we await the 2016 NFL Draft, which finally comes tomorrow night, we take another look at an uniform oddity that stood out.

Beginning with the AFL-NFL Merger in 1970 (and all the way through 1987) the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl uniforms were, well, uniform.

The AFC had a jersey like this:

Sometimes the red numbers were plain, other years they had a thin blue outline.

The NFC had a jersey like this:

Like the AFC, sometimes the numbers were outlined in red, other years they were plain white.

That held true all except one year, the 1977 season Pro Bowl (played in January, 1978). In that game the AFC had blue numerals. And we've never know the reason for the switch. It's likely nothing other than someone wanted a switch. Or, perhaps, an error and the jersey factory. 

Bob Greise.

Joe DeLamielleure

Coy Bacon

Lyle Alzado

The following year, 1978 season Pro Bowl, both the AFC and NFC quit painting the helmets to match the uniforms. The players would bring their own helmets and the equipment crews would paint the AFC helmets red and the NFC helmets white. But, we suppose, that became problematic and that practice ceased and the players would wear the helmets as they brought them even if they clashed badly with the red, white, and blue Pro Bowl color scheme.

So, from the final season of the painted helmets is the mystery. Why the blue numbers? And and a sub-question. Why did they look so good?

So, here we reach out to uniform experts Paul Lukas of  UniWatch.com and Tim Brulia of Gridiron Uniform Database.com  to perhaps track down why this occured. It is certainly above our pay grade but we thought some readers mike like to see them.

Bradford is Fair Game For Criticism. But the Media Should Get the Facts Right.

OPINION
By John Turney

Colin Cowherd took a strong position today concerning Sam Bradford's desire to be traded and to sit out the Eagles voluntary off-season program. And Bradford is fair game, it does appear unseemly to sign a two-year deal months ago and because the Eagles are going to likely take Carson Wentz this upcoming Thursday in the NFL Draft to then become upset about it.

Because of that, Bradford is taking a lot of heat from the sports media.

However, it is too bad that there are inaccuracies in Cowherd's analysis. The most glaring is saying "The Denver Broncos called his agent. And Sam and his agent said 'Nooooo, top dollar for Sambo'. And they said yeah, right". Cowherd then offered some thesis that money has diluted and skewed Bradford's perception.

And that is an interesting theory. Except no proof or sourcing was offered by Cowherd. While it is likely that Denver did call Bradford's agent, but there are zero media reports about any such conversation, if one did occur. If Cowherd has that information due to his own investigation, he should enlighten his listeners.

As far as we know Bradford is under contract and the terms are set. Perhaps Cowherd is speculating that if Bradford would take less money then Denver would deal for him, but if that is the case, Cowherd didn't state it nor did he offer any data points to back it up.

What has been reported is that Denver contacted Philadelphia and Denver balked because the Eagles asking price was too high. That is a theme that is found in (at the moment) 316 stories on the Web. We do not know what the Eagles are asking, but since they want to keep him and since they paid a net #1 for him last year (#2 and Nick Foles, who carried a second-round price according to PFJ's source, and change) that they would be asking for something quite high. However, as of April 26, 2016, there is no information that Condon helped nix a deal because of some "top dollar for Sambo" comment.

Is it possible that Cowherd made an error in his show preparation? Or is it possible he's twisting the knife with glee? Sambo? Really? Floppy sleeves? Maybe he confused the Eagles "asking price" with Bradford's desire for "top dollar"? We don't know.

So, whatever abuse Bradford takes in the media is completely fair game, but using a conversation that Condon and the Broncos had in which you have zero information to further a thesis of "money skews perception" is off-the-mark.

Cowherd also said Bradford is a well-paid bust. Okay, that's his view, and he's welcome to it. However, he also said Bradford is "turnover plagued". We are not sure what Cowherd's definition of that is, but perhaps he is unaware that Bradford's interception percentage is tied for sixth-lowest in NFL history. Many charges can be leveled at Bradford's statistics, but throwing interceptions at an alarming rate isn't one of them.

Additionally, Cowherd mentioned fumbles. Fumbles are an odd stat for quarterbacks because for years, until recently, the quarterback was credited with a fumble on a bad snap, for example. And there are other oddities, too, but they pretty esoteric and perhaps we will explain them at some point. But fumbles for quarterbacks can he hard to read, and really, recovered fumbles should count as part of the mix. But Cowherd just listed Bradford gross total for fumbles along with his interceptions to make the case that part of the reason Bradford is a bust and he is "plagued" with turnovers.

Well, let's do this: Let's count all quarterback fumbles and then credit them for recovered fumbles (as a happens quite a bit). Then do that all the quarterbacks who have completed 1000 passes. Add that net fumble number to the interceptions each quarterback has thrown.

Then, let's look at that number as a percentage passing attempts plus sacks plus rushing attempts which give you a "touches" number for quarterbacks.

Where would Bradford rank All-time? Twelfth.

Chart by PFJ, search engine data credit:  Pro Football Reference.

Net turnovers is interceptions plus fumbles minus fumbles recovered
Touches is passes attempted, rushes and sacks.

That chart does not say Bradford is an All-time great, nor that he's worth what he's been paid under the pre-2011 CBA that gave lots of money to unproven talents. However, to say someone who is excellent at avoiding interceptions is "turnover plagued" is errant. And when you count fumbles into the mix, Bradford is not turnover prone.

So, when going after someone like a Bradford, with the kind of vitriol Cowherd did, it serves everyone, including the issue of fairness, to be as accurate as possible. No?

Points Coming From The Passing Game: The 700 Club

LOOKING BACK
By T.J. Troup

Former NFL quarterback and current ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski is now famous for saying the following: "Ultimately, the points come out of the passing game"

There have been games in NFL history where the yards gained passing were almost non-existent. There have been games where one team, or one passer "bombed" the opposition through the air; while the other team could not.

This essay is about the 27 games before the 1970 AFL-NFL merger where both teams had big success gaining yardage by passing. The criteria:  both teams combined for at least 700 yards passing. After the merger, 700 yards by both teams is not uncommon.

You will notice that there are some teams from this era not on the list, yet there are teams that have been involved more than once.

October 26th, 1947 (Bears 56 Redskins20): This is not the last time Sid Luckman faced off against Sammy Baugh, but it is the last time both rang up impressive numbers against each other. Luckman completes 22 of 31 for 270 yards, while Baugh completes 17 of 26 for 220 yards. Both teams use other passers in the game as the total yards gained is 731 on 84 attempts.

Sid Luckman

Sammy Baugh

October 31st, 1948 (Redskins 59 Yanks 21): Though Tommy Mont throws for 55 yards for Washington, this is again one of those days where Slingin' Sammy Baugh is on the mark. He completes 17 of 24 for 446 yards. Roy Zimmerman of the Yanks gains 224 on 19 of 40. The teams combine for 725 passing yards on 74 attempts.

October 31st, 1948 (Cardinals 27 Rams 22): Clark Shaughnessy has brought his innovative offense to Los Angeles, and on this day it is Jim Hardy instead of Bob Waterfield who fills the sky with completion after completion. Hardy gains 406 yards on 28 of 54 passing, while Paul Christman's fourth quarter exploits bring the Cardinals a victory under defending league champion coach Jimmy Conzelman. Pitchin' Paul completes 16 of 32 for 299 yards. The teams combine for 705 yards on a record-setting 86 pass attempts.

Jim Hardy

December 11th, 1949 (Bears 52 Cardinals 21): The Bears have caught fire the second half of the year and can win the western conference with a victory and a Ram loss. Johnny Lujack sets the league record for yards passing in a game with 468 as he completes 24 of 41. Jim Hardy is on the bench for the Cardinals now, and Paul Christman is at the helm. He completes 19 of 31 for 280 yards under the guidance of Buddy Parker. The teams set a new standard as they combine to gain 748 yards on 72 attempts.

December 11th, 1949 (Rams 53 Redskins 27): Clark Shaughnessy must win to stave off the fast closing Bears in the Western Conference, and his tow field generals deliver as Norm Van Brocklin and  Bob Waterfield combine for 405 yards on 20 completions, with 6 going for touchdowns. Harry Gilmer for Washington is absolutely pathetic, and is benched after a 1 of 8 performance, and in his last great game Slingin' Sam throws for over 300 yards (almost all of it in the second half). Film study of this game is just a feast for those who enjoy passing artistry. The teams combine for 725 yards on a record-setting 88 pass attempts.

December 13th, 1958 (Steelers 38 Cardinals 21): Buddy Parker won championships in Detroit, and now in his second year in the Steel City acquired Bobby Layne. On this late season Saturday afternoon Layne show he still has the old magic in his fluttering spirals as he completes 23 of 49 for 409 yards. A Parker staple is the halfback option pass and Tom "the bomb" Tracy gains 72 for a touchdown on his only completion. Pop Ivy has his Cardinals in the double wing, and today they throw in an attempt to keep pace with the Black & Gold. M.C. Reynolds is the triggerman today as he gains 235 passing. The teams combine for 733 yards on a record setting 94 pass attempts. This is the only game in the decade on our list.

Bobby Layne

September 24th, 1960 (Steelers 35 Cowboys 28): The very first game in Cowboy history and they join this impressive group. Eddie LeBaron gains 345 passing on his 15 completions, while Pittsburgh with Layne doing most of the passing gains 358 on 17 completions. The teams combine for 703 yards on just 56 attempts.

Eddie LeBaron

October 13th, 1961 (Houston 31 Boston 31): Lou Rymkus must win to save his job, and Jacky Lee is dead on target for the Oilers as he completes 27 of 41 for 457 yards. The contending Patriot duo of Parilli & Songin gain 274 in the tie game. The teams combine for 731 yards on 65 attempts.

October 29th, 1961 (Houston 28 Buffalo 16): M.C. Reynolds is back on our list, but this time as a member of the Bills. He combines with Warren Rabb for 274 yards. Wally Lemm has taken the reins in the Lone Star state and with Blanda back in the saddle throwing deep for 464 yards on just 18 completions the Oilers stay in contention. The teams combine for 738 yards on 83 pass attempts.

October 29th, 1961 (Eagles 27 Redskins 24): Washington was winless under new coach Bill McPeak. His rookie quarterback Norm Snead gains 296 yards in the air. Nick Skorich in his maiden voyage for the defending league champions has red hot Sonny Jurgensen filling the air with spirals as he gains 436 yards including the winning score on a crossing route to McDonald against "nickel" coverage. The teams combine for 732 yards on 72 pass attempts.

November 19th, 1961 (Houston 49 Titans 13): The Titans under the tutelage of Sammy Baugh have Al Dorow at the controls today. New York gains 278 yards, but Slingin' Sam watches Blanda again have a masterful performance as he throws for 7 scores. George gains 427 yards on 38 attempts. The teams combine for 705 yards on 85 attempts. The Houston Oilers are the only team to be part of a 700 yard game three times in a single season as they are on their way to defending their title.

George Blanda

October 28th, 1962 (Giants 49 Washington 34): Norm Snead again has an impressive day for the 'Skins as he gains 346 yards on his 17 completions, but he again has to watch an all-time great scorch the Washington secondary. Y.A. Tittle ties the record for touchdowns in a game with 7 as he gains 505 yards on his 27 completions for the first place Giants. The teams combine for a record setting 851 yards on 79 attempts; with 11 going for scores.

December 8th, 1962 (Colts 34 Washington 21): Weeb Ewbank's Baltimore Colts have struggled all year, but today Johnny Hightops demonstrates that he too can give young Norm Snead a lesson in passing. The Redskin youngster gains 350 on his 18 completions, but Unitas out duels him as he completes 25 of 36 for 367 yards. The teams combine for 717 yards on 69 attempts.

December 16th, 1962 (Cardinals 45 Eagles 35): One of the most entertaining games of the decade has Sonny Jurgensen gaining an impressive 419 yards on just 15 completions. Philadelphia just cannot hold off the Redbirds though as young Charley Johnson gains 386 on his 17 completions. Johnson gets help from one of the best halfback option passers of his era as John David Crow completes 2 for 29 yards. The teams combine for 834 yards on 69 pass attempts.

September 15th, 1963 (Raiders 35 Buffalo 17): Lou Saban believes he has a contender as Jack Kemp with help from Daryle Lamonica and Gilchrist gain 355 yards passing. Al Davis has revitalized the Raiders, and open the season with the combined efforts of Tom Flores & Cotton Davidson puncturing the Bills secondary for 397 yards. The teams combine for 752 yards on 83 attempts.

Daryle Lamonica

November 10th, 1963 (San Francisco 31 Cowboys 24): Tom Landry's pass defense allow 248 yards passing in the loss. Dandy Don Meredith is an impressive 30 of 48 for 460 yards in defeat. Jack Christiansen never saw days like this as an all-pro safety, yet he will gladly take this second victory in the disastrous season. The teams combine for 708 yards on 73 attempts.

December 1st, 1963 (Colts 36 Washington 20): Again Unitas outduels Snead. Norm gains 332 on 18 completions, while Johnny under new coach Don Shula completes 25 for 374 yards. The teams combine for 706 yards on 74 attempts.

Johnny Unitas

December 15th, 1963 (Raiders 52 Houston 49): Pop Ivy has experienced this before. Now as head coach of the defending eastern conference champion Oilers he knows the feeling of watching an Al Davis pass offense beat his team. Tom Flores completes 17 of 29 for a whopping 407 yards and 6 touchdowns. George Blanda relishes a shoot-out and he gains 342 on 20 completions with 5 going for scores. The teams combine for 749 yards on just 61 attempts, with 11 scores.

October 16th, 1964 (Raiders 43 Boston 43): The defending eastern conference champion Patriots have a red hot Babe Parilli at the helm. He gains 422 yards on his 25 completions, but it is not enough as the Raiders, with Cotton Davidson under center, match Boston point for point. Davidson gains 337 yards on his 16 completions under the Friday night lights of Fenway Park. The teams combine for 759 yards on 81 pass attempts.

Babe Parilli

November 1st, 1964 (Chiefs 49 Denver 39): Earlier in the year Kansas City lost for the first time ever to the Broncos, but not today as Len Dawson ignites the Chief attack. He completes 25 for 435 yards and 6 scores. The Denver passers gain 307 on 16 completions. The teams combine for 742 yards on 71 attempts.

November 29th, 1964 (Boston 34 Houston 17): Sammy Baugh is now the coach in Houston, and Blanda gains 379 on 27 completions for the Oilers. Mike Holovak's Patriots must keep winning to stay in the race with Buffalo as Parilli gains 336 on his 20 completions. The teams combine for 715 yards on 84 attempts.

November 13th, 1966 (Cowboys 31 Washington 30): Tom Landry and Otto Graham faced each other as players in the '50's when the rivalry between Cleveland and New York was one of the best in the league. Now the future Hall of Famers face off as coaches in a rivalry that can only become more heated with games like today. Jurgensen stokes the flames of a red hot Redskin passing game as he gains 347 yards on 26 completions. Don Meredith comes out on top as he gains 406 on 21 completions. The teams combine for 753 yards on 76 attempts.

Don Meredith

December 17th, 1967 (Raiders 38 NYJ 29): The Jets are the only team to have beaten the Raiders during the year, but have never won in Oakland. Record setting quarterback Joe Namath is trying to win a division title. Broadway Joe gains 370 yards on 27 completions. The Raiders usually win these shoot-outs, and do so again today as Lamonica peppers the Jet secondary for 336 yards on 16 completions. The teams combine for 706 yards on 78 attempts.

Joe Namath

October 20th, 1968 (San Diego 55 Denver 24): Lou Saban is now the coach of the Broncos, and during the game puts in rookie Marlin Briscoe. The Denver passers gain 313 yards on 23 completions. Sid Gillman finally joins our list as John Hadl gains 387 yards on just 13 completions. The teams combine for 708 yards on 68 attempts.

Marlin Brisco

November 3rd, 1968 (Raiders 38 Chiefs 21): Kansas City employed a full house t-formation in beating Oakland earlier in the year with a punishing ground attack, but the teams "aired it out" today as Dawson gained 263 on 15 completions. The duo of Lamonica & Blanda pierced the Chief secondary for 481 yards on 29 completions. The teams combined for 744 yards on 77 attempts.

September 28th, 1969 (Minnesota 52 Colts 14): Unitas & Morrall gain just 195 yards on 42 attempts for Baltimore. The Norsemen gain 538 yards passing on 36 completions as Joe Kapp ties the league record with 7 touchdown passes. The teams combine for 733 yards on a record setting 98 pass attempts.

Joe Kapp. Spokeo.

November 2nd, 1969 (New Orleans 51 Cardinals 42): Tom Fears was part of our 700 club as a receiver in the Rams conference clinching victory in 1949, and now he joins as a head coach. Billy Kilmer gains 345 yards on his wobblers with 6 going for scores. Charley Johnson won one of these shoot-outs in '62, but comes out on the short end today. Charley kept his team in the game aw he gained 374 yards on his 20 completions, and he also threw for 6 touchdowns. The teams combined for 719 yards on 71 attempts.

Bill Kilmer

As this saga comes to a close, let's add up the points in these games. There was a total of 1,842 points scored in these 27 games what would work out to be a 35-34 shoot-out per game. Points come out of the passing game.