TUESDAY TIDBITS: "One Play On, One Play Off, Then When"

By TJ Troup

The title of today's column comes from Paul Lionel Zimmerman who would have turned 91 yesterday, and this quote ends with "When they're in the four-man rush, he's on the bench sucking on an orange". There was no one quite like Dr.Z, and his way of telling us his views on pro football. 

We sure could use him now as there are men like John Breech who have jobs telling us when records have been broken, and not being correct/accurate. 

Breech tells us, "Sam Howell got sacked six times against the Giants, which means he's now been sacked 40 times on the season. That's the second-highest total in NFL history through seven weeks, trailing only David Carr, who was sacked 43 times through seven games in 2002."

However, when Van Brocklin became head coach of the Falcons in '68 here inherited an offensive line that could not pass block, and as such they allowed 42 sacks in the last seven games of '68. 

Van Brocklin began '69 with five new starters, and in the first seven games of '69 Atlanta allowed 42 sacks. That's 84 in a fourteen-game stretch. 

Why does anyone hire guys like Breech? This would not have been a long research project, which tells me Breech is just damn lazy.

Since Washington was mentioned let's pay tribute to the 1991 Redskins (still like the name) and their offensive line. The 'Skins that year allowed just 4 sacks in the first seven games of the year, and at one point went eight straight games without allowing a sack. 

Possibly coach Rivera could have one of the hogs of '91 come to practice and demonstrate how to pass block? 

Next Monday night the Lions host the Raiders, and if the Silver & Black gain 355 yards in the first half against Detroit then Aaron Glenn might be looking for a new job. 

The Ravens gained 355 yards in total offense this past Sunday in the demolition of Detroit. Before taking us on our trip back into history, want to mention a player that has gotten my attention with his ability to tackle. 

Foyesade Oluokun must rank as one of the best tacklers in the past few years and is a joy to watch him hustle, hit, and TACKLE. Dick Butkus is smiling from linebacker heaven every time this youngster makes a tackle. 

Foyesade Oluokun

The 1960 San Francisco 49ers ended their season by playing strong football and posted a winning record. The optimism for '61 had reached a fever pitch when they journeyed to Wrigley Field with a 4-1 record (offense had scored 167 points) to take on a 3-2 Bears team. 

This game marked the last time that Clark Shaughnessy completely out-coached an offensive coordinator. He aligned the Bears in a way that the Niners simply could not adjust to, and though Chicago did not record a sack, there was immense pressure on the San Francisco trio of tailbacks. Much was written about Bill George as he shot gaps and knifed into the Niner backfield, yet film study shows he had plenty of help—especially from Joe Fortunato. 

Many teams make half-time adjustments, and Red Hickey's team gained 7 yards rushing on 12 attempts in the 2nd half, and the Niner passers completed just 1 of 10 for minus-3 yards.

Dr. Z would take detailed notes during a game and write them in the margin. He regaled us with comments about the 49ers fans and their distaste for Red Hickey later during the season. 

Earlier this year the Dolphins scored 70 points, and this past Sunday marked the 73-year anniversary of the Rams scoring 70 on the Baltimore Colts on October 22, 1950.

Let's take a detailed look at the first quarter shall we? 

Captain Naumetz of the Rams wins the toss, and the Rams take the ball. Kalmanir returns the kickoff to the Los Angeles forty-two. 

Glenn Davis on a halfback option pass pitches to Hirsch for 58 yards and the opening salvo. Baltimore responds with five running plays for 25 yards before Adrian Burk fires to Billy Stone for 55 yards and the tying touchdown.  

Glenn Davis

Verda "Vitamin T." Smith returns the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to put Los Angeles back in the lead 14-7. 

The Colts can't move and punt, but the Rams after another impressive drive do not score when Rip Collins intercepts Van Brocklin in the endzone. Baltimore is on their own six-yard line and Burk fumbles (recovered by Gil Bouley) on the four-yard line. 

Fullback Dick Hoerner carries four straight times and punches it into paydirt. Rams 21 Colts 7. Hirsch intercepts—yes folks, many players in this era still went both ways, but wait a minute? pass interference is called, and the Colts keep the ball. Billy Stone dashes 36 yards to set up Burk's sneak for a score. 

Dick Hoerner

Rams 21 Colts 13 (extra point attempt was wide). Rams drive into Baltimore territory, but Waterfield misses a 36-yard field goal attempt. Baltimore is moving the ball again as the quarter ends. 

The NFL Record and Fact Book states that the most combined points scored in the first quarter in league history is 35, with no mention of what teams held the record before. 

You see the picture of Waterfield on one of his classic naked bootleg runs to score just before the half after Woodley Lewis had pilfered a pass and returned deep into Colts territory to set up the Waterfield run.  

Bob Waterfield

Half-time score Los Angeles 35 Baltimore 13. 

This Ram team is consistent as they score 35 points in the second half also, but the next week against Detroit the Rams cannot maintain this kind of scoring pace, and score "only" 65 in the win over the Lions.

See ya next week.