TUESDAY TIDBITS: "Outlined Against A Blue-Gray October Sky"

By TJ Troup 

Ken Houston

There have been football writers who just had the knack in how to phrase images on this game we relish watching. 

This past Sunday was in Cincinnati to watch the Bengals beat the Seahawks, and from my vantage point could see the skyline above the stadium, and Grantland Rice's words came alive. The hard-fought game allowed me to see how well the Bengal secondary has been coached. Though Geno Smith's strong arm moved the ball at times down the field for chunks of yardage; the Cincy DB's made key plays, and helped the pass rush late in the game. 

Since there are so many weeks to go cannot make any kind of prediction, but both these teams sure could earn a postseason berth. Each week from here on out there will be games that catch your eye, and will keep you glued to your seat. 

Come on folks respond to me, and tell me which game this weekend really has gotten your attention? How strong are the Lions? How resilient are the Ravens? 

Jimmy Conzelman

That is the game that has captured my interest the most. Mostert of Miami scored three touchdowns on Sunday, but that pales in comparison to Hall of Famer Jimmy Conzelman 101 years ago when he scored 5 touchdowns against the Evansville Crimson Giants in a 60-0 demolition. 

Have not looked to see who the Evansville Crimson Giants play this week in 2023? Oh, they are no longer a franchise in the league, and when Conzelman scored at will the franchise closed up shop. 

Let's move ahead to 1967 and visit Lambeau Field as St. Vince is on his quest for a third consecutive NFL title, and his green & gold clad Packers take on winless Minnesota. 

The Vikings defense limits the Packers to their fewest rushing yards in the season (42), and when Fred Cox kicks a 12-yard field goal in the 4th quarter and coach Bud Grant has his first victory in his storied coaching career, and the fierce rivalry truly begins. 

The New York Jets improved in 1966 as the offensive line kept Joe Willie Namath upright and he pitched the pigskin to his talented receiving corps. Quoting Street & Smith's publication "The Jets could have their best year yet in '67" the magazine read.

Joe Namath

Larry Felser hit the bullseye on that statement as New York very well could have, and probably should have won the division. Again quoting Felser, "There were times when the Oiler defenders seemed to be engaged in one long dummy scrimmage."

The Houston Oiler defense of '67 was by far the most improved unit in the AFL, and the influx on the left side of the defense was the key. Oilers traded for Miller Farr and he had a fine year at corner, while rookie George Webster was virtually unblockable at strongside linebacker. 

There is no mention of Kenny Houston in the Oiler write-up in Street & Smith's, but we all know how his career turned out. When the best strong safeties of all time are listed, he will always be in the discussion. Houston is 2-2 when they journey to Shea Stadium to take on the 3-1 Jets. New York also has a vastly improved defense and they limit Houston to just 131 yards in total offense. 

No doubt the Jets won big? Right? 

Oh, you can score in other ways than just offense? Take a look at the box score for how the Oilers scored. Kenny Houston returns a blocked field goal for a touchdown, and both Miller Farr, and Kenny Houston returned interceptions for touchdowns in a 28-28 tie. 

Namath will gain 295 yards passing on his 27 completions demonstrating to one and all this youngster can make every throw, but he also throws 6 errant passes that are pilfered by the hungry Houston secondary. 

Taking the ball away is a key aspect, yet when you return interceptions for 245 yards (AFL record), you give your offense a chance. Highlight footage of this game is must see. 

Late in the season the Jets lose three straight, and the Oilers win the division as Wally Lemm proves again he is a master defensive coach. See ya next week.