TUESDAY TIDBITS: "Finish What You Start"

By TJ Troup 

Myles Garrett

Every week during the season, there are players that are valiant in their performance, though the team they play for loses. Myles Garrett's 5 sacks last Sunday sure will make him a key figure in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year, and of course, we know that there has never been a player from a losing team win that award. Right? Oh, there was a player? 

Many of you have probably watched film of Richard Marvin Butkus, and maybe even some footage from both 1969 and 1970, when the Bears won 7 and lost 21 over those two seasons. Dickie Boy (my nickname for him) was the Defensive Player of the Year, voted by NEA. 

Thus, Mr. Garrett has a chance. At this point in my life, there is not a player that would want me as his agent, yet would have advised Mr. Garrett to leave Cleveland and to either Detroit or San Francisco and be treated like royalty under a dedicated coaching staff, and thus have a chance to eventually play for the "Silver Trophy". 

Is there any doubt that so far this season, the surprise team is the Indianapolis Colts. This coming Sunday, the Colts journey to Pittsburgh for a key game (aren't they all key games at this point for contending teams?), and if the Colts achieve victory, they will join the Colts teams of the past that have also won on November 2nd. Bet all you folks can guess where I am going with this saga? So, let's journey back to earlier days in Colt history. 

We will start in 1958 when the BALTIMORE Colts are at home against a woeful Packers team led by Scooter McLean. Half-time and Colts are ahead 28-0, and with the motivated depth on this very special team, they also score 28 in the second half in the 56-0 whitewash. 

How strong was the depth on this Baltimore team, you ask? Johnny Hightops is injured and George Shaw has a strong game. Anytime Raymond Berry & Lenny Moore combine for only 4 catches and 90 yards, the thought would be the Colts struggled to move the ball and score? Not on this Sunday.

Possibly, Green Bay should look at new leadership for the Packers. There is an offensive coach in New York doing a super job; maybe he would be interested? November 2nd, 1969 the Colts are struggling at 3-4, but hammer the 'Skins under Lombardi 41-17 and finish with a winning record. 

November 2nd, 1975, will be the focal point of this saga, as to this day the Baltimore Colts of 1975 remain one of the best comeback stories ever in league history. Enter Ted Marchibroda as the new head coach, and though they start 1-4, this team of talent, camaraderie and outstanding creative leadership by Marchibroda will win the East and earn a playoff berth. I was in the Coliseum to watch this Colt team battle the Rams for four quarters before succumbing. It was one helluva game to watch. 

Over the years have been very fortunate to "talk" to former coaches and players, and at a Hall of Fame function had the honor to talk with coach Marchibroda. He was humble, yet he shared his vision of what that Colt team could do. We discussed his impressive background, and of course, his thoughts on defensive & offensive strategy, especially how Lydell Mitchell was his "weapon" in advancing the ball. The title of this saga is a quote from him during that season of destiny. 

One of the key improvements in the Baltimore defense was the play of middle linebacker Jim Cheyunski. During an in-depth phone conversation with Cheyunski, we discussed his role and of course, the performance of the "Sack Pack". 

How he stabilized the linebacking corps and helped with the coverage concepts utilized by a very improved pass defense. Ranking dead last in '74 with a defensive passer rating of 85.3(league average was 64.2) to 7th in 1975 with a mark of 56.9 (league average was 65.8). Was sure an enjoyable talk with Cheyunski, filled with fascinating stories. 

There have been so many excellent NFL Films season highlight films done by a talented group of producers, yet the '75 Colt film stands out since Steve Sabol did not hand the ball off to a producer, he directed the film (he was a life-time Baltimore Colt fan), and on one of my visits to "Films" we talked about those Colt teams from that era. 

November 2nd, 2003 the Colts defeated Miami 23-17 to improve to 7-1 and that team advanced to the AFC title game. November 2nd, 2008, the Colts defeated the Patriots 18-15 to even the slate at 4-4, and they proceeded to win out to finish 12-4 under Tony Dungy. So, will November 2nd, 2025, be another victory day for a Colt team that so far this year has demonstrated they can and will win games?