TUESDAY TIDBITS: "Notes on a Scorecard"

By TJ Troup 

Lance Alworth

Years ago frequently read a column by Alan Malamud in the Los Angeles Times called "Notes on a Scorecard". Since today am going to cover more than one topic, sounds like a title that works. There are eight teams with seven or more wins at this point in the season. 

How many of those eight teams will make the playoffs? 

Probably all of them, which begs the question for all of you, and as always sure enjoy your answers—which team catches fire and earns a playoff berth? 

Matt Eberflus 

When I go online and read the so-called power rankings, there are teams ranked 25-32. Will the cuddly little leaderless Chicago Bears continue their spiral to the bottom? Abe Gibron was an absolute joke as a head coach. Never thought he would be joined by someone as lost and clueless as Matt Eberflus yet here we are. 

Please share the Bears' final record? Is it possible they could go from 4-2 to 5-12? 

The Detroit Lions have proven they can win even when their very accurate quarterback throws five interceptions in a game, and they are behind. During the '70 season Johnny Hightops threw five interceptions and his contending team was down 17-0, and the Colts—THE BALTIMORE Colts rallied and won 21-20. 

Johnny Unitas

Who were the victims in this classic confrontation you ask? 

Why the Chicago Bears of course. No, youngsters am not trying to imply that Mr. Goff is Unitas, but would be interesting if this year's Lions team wins the Silver Trophy just like the Colts did. 

 Turnovers are a part of the game, and eventually Pro Football Reference will have a listing of every player that intercepted a pass and recovered an opponent's fumble in the same game; which I call the double take-away. 

When a player achieves the double take-away what are the chances his team wins? Which team historically has achieved the double takeaway the most? Down the road will attempt to entertain, and enlighten all of you on the impact of the double take-away. In August of 1971 went to the Coliseum for the Los Angeles Times Charity game between the Rams and Cowboys in hopes of seeing Lance Alworth play. He remains one of the best/greatest receivers of all time and since this past Sunday was the anniversary of one of his best games.....will end my column today by discussing him, and his performance on November 10th, 1963. 

Quoting Don Schiffer in his book Pro Football 1963 he states "An injured thigh held back the development of Lance Alworth in his freshmen year of '62. The 23-year-old terror has such enormous talent that it's difficult how he'll miss carving out a career of near brilliance."

Quoting Sam Blair in Street and Smiths, "fFeet flanker Lance Alworth appeared destined for rookie of the year in '62 unit short-circulated by injuries". His first game one catch for 17 yards, then his next three 9 catches for 209 yards. Then injury. He began the '63 campaign with 33 receptions for 757 yards and had caught a touchdown pass in five straight games when the Chargers took on the red-dogging Boston Patriots. 

Alworth scores the only touchdown in the game and San Diego holds on to win 7-6. This is the game that established him as a premier receiver as he latched onto 13 passes for 210 yards. He exploded out of his cuts, his ability to time his leap to snatch the ball away from defenders is still a highlight reel to watch. 

Could he play in today's game? Will the sun come up tomorrow?

Lance Alworth