TUESDAY TIDBITS: How Many Points?

By TJ Troup 

Steve Van Buren

Sunday is my day to organize my snacks and beverages, and settle down on the couch to watch the games, and highlights all day. 

Every once in a while I leave my den and head out to the local sports bar (which I did this past Sunday). Meet a couple of Chicago Bear fans as I watched my wretched . . . and beloved Bears get completely outplayed by the New York Jets. By this time in the season can discuss with any and everyone why the Jets are playing such strong football, and why they certainly are a viable contender for the playoffs. 

This coming Sunday the 'Skins . . . oops, the Commanders play the G-Men in a game that has real meaning. Who saw that coming when the schedule came out this spring? Since the standings are so important/vital each week, let's go historically to a "nugget" you won't find anywhere else. 

Very possible that the Bears, Packers, and defending champion Rams will all finish with a losing record this year, and if that does in fact happen it would be the FIRST time since division play began that all three would be under .500 in the same season. 

Since the Giants and Commanders were already mentioned, let's journey back to November 27th, 1966 for a game that still is listed in the record book. Washington 72 New York 41, thus the most points ever scored in a game. 

Having the NFL Films Game of the Week film details the ebb and constant flow in the game that resulted in both teams being able to easily find the end zone. Former Fullerton Junior College Hornet Brig Owens had a game for the ages in his rookie season. Three interceptions, including one he took to the house, and he also returned a New York fumble for a touchdown. 

Being a former gambler will go out on a limb and state emphatically that this coming Sunday 113 points won't be scored. Speaking of gambling, and folks who make predictions on who will win and "cover spreads". 

Nick Shook predicted that Tennessee, New England, Atlanta, and Pittsburgh would win and cover; well Nick, be thankful that you have a job writing, 'cause you stink at gambling. One out of four will put you in the poor house very quickly. Advised one of my former players that does gamble to bet the Bengals, and Vikings . . . he had a dandy day cashing in on those wagers. 

Josh Jacobs

There are running backs in the league that can lug the leather, and Josh Jacobs over the course of the past two weeks has gained 338 yards on 57 carries, and the Raiders won both times. While those are back-to-back impressive performances—again let's go back historically to November 27th, 1949. 

Steve Van Buren had already won rushing titles and had won a championship. After eight games in '49 SVB had gained 618 yards on 163 yards (he ranked second in the league), and the defending champion Eagles were 7-1. 

Van Buren pounded out 379 yards on 62 carries against the Bulldogs & Steelers. Those were unheard-of numbers/stats for that era. 

Steve broke free for a 38-yard run against the Bulldogs, and a 41-yard rumble against the Black & Gold, so take away those two carries and he still gained exactly 300 yards on 60 carries. SVB was truly the first great and productive runner in league history. 

Possibly that could be debated, yet having watched a ton of film of SVB will stand on my statement. Would relish sitting with Miles Sanders and watch film of Van Buren, and listen to his comments.