TUESDAY TIDBITS: "And What a Game It Was"

By TJ Troup 

Otto Graham

What do the standings in the NFL tell us right now? What does the upcoming schedule tell us? 

Plenty! 

Every season has its own interesting, sometimes fascinating story to tell, and this year is no exception. The standings tell us that the AFC North is the strongest division, and probably two teams from there earn a playoff berth. While, the NFC South is certainly the weakest, though Baker Mayfield would drop back to pass and challenge any team right now. 

Being able to watch so many games this weekend was the best Christmas present I got, and am certainly not going to go over every game, but three games stood out. The Ravens demonstrated last night that they are very serious contenders (bet you knew that), and the upcoming game against the Dolphins sure should be entertaining. 

Though Fred Warner & Roquan Smith are my two choices for best inside linebackers this season; neither of them gets the "zashchitnik" award this week. Each week through the rest of the season that award will be given out, and this week was a tie between Barmore of the Patriots, and Koonce of the Raiders. 

Since I mentioned the Raiders and watched intently yesterday as Pierce led his men into Arrowhead bent on destruction, they are part of the three games that stood out. Since every coach wants an opportunity to prove himself (been there) on the field of battle, that opportunity arrived yesterday for Antonio Pierce. 

My question for all of you is, has Pierce demonstrated he should be hired as the coach of the Raiders in 2024? 

The history of the Raiders has had as many twists and turns as any team since 1960, but on December 24th, 1977 Oakland needed to beat the Colts to advance to the AFC title game and continue their quest to be repeat champions. 

"Ghost to the Post" by Merv Corning

When NFL Films decides that one of your games should be featured in their "Greatest Games" segment you can surmise that there are plenty of reasons. What do we remember most from the game? The "ghost to the post"? Bert Jones missing an open receiver? The physicality of the game? Was humbled and honored to speak with Ted Marchibroda at the Hall of Fame one summer, and asked him numerous questions, and when needed I can shut up and just listen. 

We talked about his days with the Rams, and Redskins with Allen. He detailed the winning streak in '75, and he explained the strategy of the K-gun in Buffalo, but the game that he talked about with the most regret was that game of 12-24-'77. You could feel his pain, and how he knew that his Colt team that year might be his last chance to win in Baltimore. 

The third game that stood out this weekend was the Browns going to Texas and Joe Flacco heaving, lofting, firing, ah hell you pick the adjective in describing him throwing the ball to Cooper. Cleveland has finally found a quarterback—will he be directing the Browns attack in 2024? Speaking of directing an attack, that takes me to my final narrative of today, and that is where the title of today's column comes from. 

The Sporting News in 1985 published a book called "The Super Bowl Book" and in that outstanding publication was a section on Championship Games written by Dave Klein, and his telling the tale of the 1950 title game stood out to me. 

The 1950 season was the dawning of modern football, and anyone who believes otherwise, just hop in your truck and drive here to Louisville, and will pour you a cup of coffee, and put on the film. Since Shaughnessy has been dismissed the Rams are a much happier team in '50 and Stydahar with able assistance from Hampton Pool has taken the Clark S. template and wreaked havoc with all the defenses in the National Conference. Except for the Bears— two losses to an excellent Bear team have set the stage for a playoff game in the Coliseum, and Waterfield on target to Fears takes the Rams back to the title game. 

In 1950 the Chicago Bears gave the LA Rams fits

The team the Rams face is in the city they once called home, and they are also faced with a playoff game against an opponent that beat them twice in the regular season. One of the best rushing attacks in league history will finally be stopped by a Browns defense that is not only well-coached they are much more physical than has ever been given credit for. How many playoff games have been won by a score of 8-3? 

Film study of this game tells us that this is the beginning of a 15-year rivalry that has stood the test of time as one of the best. Otto Graham takes the field knowing that the Browns' offense must score a boatload of points since the Ram offense has set records for scoring during the season. Waterfield can return to where he won a championship as a rookie, and again walk off the field as a champion. 

How juicy is this plot? Spielberg, where are you? 

Los Angeles 14 Cleveland 13 at the half as the missed extra point looms large. Graham has thrown two touchdown passes and had to since the league rushing champion cannot seem to gain much against a very motivated Ram defense. 

The NFL in 2023 has a number of quarterbacks that can gain yards when forced out of the pocket or when they decide to just run the ball. Graham on this afternoon who most likely would receive praise from Allen, Mahomes, and especially Jackson, and the rest of the quarterbacks from this era that can move the chains by running. 

Otto Graham in the 1950 NFL Championship Game vs LA Rams

Down by eight in the fourth quarter, Graham completes nine passes (five in a row at one point) on a 65-yard march to the end zone. Can the Browns get the ball back and drive one more time down the field in front of the frigid home crowd? Otto in his Chuck Taylor gym shoes keeps his feet and gains 19 rushing and completes passes to Bumgardner and Jones and after Graham dives to his right to put the ball in the center of the field with 28 seconds remaining—here comes Groza. 

When your nickname is "The Toe" you don't miss with the game on the line. 

Lou Groza kicks the game-winning field goal in the '50 title game

Van Brocklin enters and the desperate long pass is intercepted thus the Browns have accomplished their goal. They earned league-wide respect and became the target for every team in the league for the next 20 years. 

Enjoy the games, and see ya next week.