John Elliott—Another AFLer Felled by a Knee Injury

By John Turney 

Elliott in 1970

For three years John Elliott of the Jets was a Super-productive defensive tackle on a super-productive team that won a Super Bowl in 1968.

In 1967 the Jets drafted a 6-4, 224-pound defensive tackle out of Texas and converted him to linebacker. That year he backed the starters and got most of his playing time on special teams while playing through a shoulder injury but late in the year he was moved back to the college position—defensive tackle.

In 1968 he got his weight up to 244 pounds (his proper weight according to teammate Gerry Philbin) and moved him to right defensive tackle. The '68 Jets defense went from a defense that allowed 4.2 rushing yards per carry to 3.2 and from 1633 rushing yards allowed in '67 to 1195 in '68 and their sack total rose from 39 to 43.

Individually Elliott made 81 tackles and sack the quarterback ten times. And, of course, the Jets famously won Super Bowl III against the 13-1 Baltimore Colts.

In 1969 his individual totals were essentially the same, 83 tackles and again ten sacks, and the defense was still stellar, allowing 1326 yards against the run (3.9 yards a carry) and sacking the quarterback 42 times and the Jets made the AFL playoffs, losing to the Chiefs who went on to win Super Bowl IV.

In 1970 All-AFL left end Gerry Philbin was hurt but Elliot had a great year, making All-Pro, making 75 tackles, 12½ sacks, 7.5 stuffs as the defense allowed 1283 yards, 3.1 yards a carry. Though without a healthy Philbin the sacks dropped to 35. 

It really was a tremendous three-year run for the Jets front seven, led by the front four of Elliot, Philbin, Verlon Biggs, and a few different left defensive tackles allowing 1283 yards rushing per season for a 3.4 yards per carry average and an average of 39 sacks a season and within that framework Elliott averaged 80 tackles and 11 sacks and was Second-Team All-AFL in 1968, First-Team All-Pro in 1969 and Second-team-team All-NFL in 1970 and was an AFL All-Star/Pro Bowler all three years. 

Pete Lammons, fellow Jet and Longhorn opined, “He was as good a defensive tackle as there was in the game, either the AFL or NFL. We all thought very highly of him.”

Another Jet, said in 1970, “I personally think he’s the best defensive tackle in football, by far, said Jim Hudson, “And that includes all of them”. (Of course the "testimonials" from a teammate or a coach of a player need to be looked at carefully, they can offer at lease some insight and are worth being included even if they might be a wee bit biased.)

However, Elliott did make a least one enemy—Gene Upshaw, who called Elliott a “cheap shot artist”. He also accused Elliott of greasing up the refs to watch for him and Art Shell to get extra holding calls. “That’s all Elliott”, Upshaw told the media, who added, “he’s always getting late hit calls on quarterbacks.”

Jets head coach Weeb Ewbank was effusive about Elliott, “One guy alone cannot handle him. The only way to keep him out of a play is to hold him double-team him or shoot him”.

His line coach, Buddy Ryan said, “He’s not the biggest or but he’s the quickest and the fastest, “John’s been clocked in 4.7 for forty yards”.  Ryan added. “We’ve seen him making tackles downfield on pass plays. Having him makes me look like a helluva coach.

Ad for Elliott, he was more of the quiet Texas-type but when asked about his style said that he didn’t like to read plays, that if you did “(Y)ou lose a little. . .he’s moving and you’re still reading. There is only one way to play and that’s to charge full speed ahead when the ball is snapped. You don’t guess, you go. You have to have penetration. If you have penetration on a running play, you can mess it up and if it’s a pass maybe you can dump the quarterback or at least for him to rush his throw”.

Elliott’s respect was shown when he was voted the team MVP by his teammates. Not only that he was voted the team MVP by the Jets Parking and Chowder Society. 

When one wins that, he's reached the pinnacle—

Then, as so always seemed to happen to great AFL players, the injury came. His came in the form of a knee injury four games into the 1971 season.

He came back in 1972 but was not the same. He was nagged with minor injuries that year and also in 1973. He averaged 60 tackles and 2 sacks in those two seasons, far below his usual production.

Elliott was making $35,000 in 1973 (up from $24,000 in 1970 and that was up from $16,000 in 1968) and wanted his salary more than double but the Jets balked, offering $40,000. So, Elliott played out his option, making him a free agent for the 1974 season.

Rather than sign with an NFL team which he was free to do, he signed with the New York Stars on the World Football League. 

He ended up making the All-WFL team, but the team folded after 13 games and Elliott told the New York Times five years later that the team/league still owed him $11,000. 

With former Jets teammate Gerry Philbin while with the WFL's New York Stars

Elliott attended Warren High School in Warren, Texas, and collegiately at the University of Texas where he was Second-team All-SWC as a junior even though he had a sore knee all season. He missed six games as a senior with an ankle injury.  All that after playing his sophomore season with an injured shoulder then cracking a leg in the Orange Bowl against Joe Namath and the Crimson Tide. The Jets took Elliott in the seventh round of the 1967 AFL-NFL Draft.

After his career, Elliott ran and won a sheriff’s post on an anti-corruption platform and later got into the oil industry in Texas.

In November 2010, John Elliott died from cancer in Houston, Texas. He was 66 at the time of his passing.

Regardless of the testimonials of his teammates, we don't think Elliott was quite as great as they said—the best defensive tackle in the business. We think that Lilly and Olsen were better and that Keating was also better, when healthy. But, still, Elliott, for those three seasons, 1968-70 was close, so give the man his due.

He had excellent quickness and some natural strength, but not to the level of Keating or the natural strength of Olsen or Lilly or the quickness of Page or a combination of both like Joe Greene who was still getting started in 1970. We'd call him a top-five to top-eight guy. Maybe a hair higher at his peak.

But like so many guys who started in the AFL, after he got hurt he lost some (a lot?) of his effectiveness so judging his career would yield one result, but judging his peak would yield a very high result. 

The 1968-70 Jets front four will never be confused for the early 1980s New York Sack Exchange with got to the quarterback far more often, but the late 1968-70 line was much, much better at stopping the run, and Elliott, Philbin, and Biggs could get to the passer with good regularity. 

It's just another case of  "what if?" What if Namath didn't get hurt so often from 1970-73. What if Philbin and Elliott had stayed healthy? Could the offense and defense been able to keep the Jets in contention like they had been from 1968-69? We will never know, of course.

But we wish he'd have seen a little more of the 6-4, 244; 4.7 forty-yard dash guy John Elliott. 

Career stats—

*Played in 1974 with the New York Stars

1946 WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Braves on the Warpath

 By TJ Troup 

Some of you folks have probably noticed that over the course of the past few years have continued researching teams previous to 1953. My book The Birth of Football's Modern 4-3 Defense detailed each team in the league for the last seven years of the decade. 

We all can read books and/or newspapers about teams of the past, but when you have film the true tale can be told. Thanks to my friends at NFL Films and especially newly inducted Hall of Famer Steve Sabol (who started me on my path of film study) can really dig deep into the defending eastern conference champion Redskins for the season of 1946. 

Since the war is over many young men returned to teams, and of course, there is always the college draft. New commissioner Bert Bell has the teams back to playing an eleven-game schedule, and he is motivated to promote the league anyway he can. 

The most important question that will be answered is simple; can Sammy Baugh lead his team back into the title game in 1946? Washington has a new head coach in Turk Edwards, and he is ably assisted by Wayne Millner. The longtime tackle believes he has the most talented team in Redskin history. Let's see if Edwards is correct in his assessment of his team. 

New Coach Turk Edwards (left) with Baugh

PERSONNEL: The college draft is an abject failure for the 'Skins with the choice of Cal Rossi(he never plays pro ball), and the rest of the selections are very questionable as so few of them ever play pro ball. Players go both ways, and there is quality depth at almost every position. 

The ends that take the field on offense for Washington are for the most part ploddingly slow. Doug Turley begins the year as the starting left end, and even when he does not start he still gets plenty of playing time. Turley is a willing blocker, and makes a reception every once in awhile, but he really is not a factor in the Redskin passing game. 

Lanky rookie Jim Peebles becomes the starter the second half of the year, and is the only end with any speed. Peebles also does not catch many passes, yet he actually contributes at mid-season and looks to have a bright future in the Nations' Capitol. Ed Cifers in his last year as a Redskin is the nominal starter at right end. He is a willing blocker, and catches a few short passes. 

Off the bench to help Cifers at right end are Ted Lapka, and John Kovatch in their last years with the team. Left tackle is manned by John Koniszewski and massive John Adams. Both men are solid as drive blockers, and Adams receives some all-league recognition. Left guard is handled by rookie Bill Ward, and the youngster demonstrates he can make every block. He is particularly effective when he pulls and leads the play. 

Stocky veteran Clem Stralka is the back-up, and the "little bull" always gives an effort though he is not very quick. Charles Collins Aldrich is the starting center, and "Ki" is rock solid in every facet of the game. Al DeMao relieves him at times, and is also effective. 

Rookie right guard John Steber also demonstrates he has a future in the NFL as he can pull, and battle bigger men. A handful of men come off the bench to spell Steber; including John Jaffurs, Clyde Earhardt, and former fullback Al Couppee. Frank Filchock is traded to the Giants, and in return Paul Stenn delivers with quality play at right tackle. Though he will have a long career, this is Stenn's only year in burgundy and gold. Big Donny Avery and long-time veteran Bill Young help Stenn out. 

Frank Akins cannot duplicate his outstanding '45 season in his last year in Washington, yet he still demonstrates power running at times. The starting fullback at the outset of the season is Sal Rosato, and the first half of the year he is among the league leaders in rushing. Quick off the mark, powerful, and determined......he probably would have remained the starter except for his mid-season injury. Jack Jenkins is not as big as Rosato, yet he also runs hard inside, and is a determined blocker. Jack also is amongst the league leaders in rushing after the first four games, but nagging injuries limit him down the stretch. 

Dick Poillon plays some halfback, and even starts in the rematch with the Eagles at fullback due to the above-named all being injured. The 'Skins offense is predicated upon Sammy Baugh creating mismatches for his halfbacks in the passing game, and those backs running both inside and outside when lugging the leather. 

Baugh #33 and Dick Todd #41

Veteran Dick Todd when called upon can deliver as both a receiver as he shines opening day against Pittsburgh, and in the mid-season loss to the Bears, and as a runner. Without a doubt the most impressive game any Redskin runner had all year was the November 10th victory over the Boston Yanks. Todd was quick, nimble, shifty, and tough to tackle as he gained 94 yards on 14 carries including the winning touchdown. 

Again, due to injury Todd carries the ball only seven times in the last four games of the year. Eddie Saenz is a determined runner; especially between the tackles (though only 168 lbs), but his strength to the team is as a receiver. After Washington crosses mid-field Baugh looks to have Saenz go through the c-gap and zip down the middle of the field and take the accurate passes from Slingin' Sam. This youngster has a very bright future in Washington. 

Bagarus

Steve Bagarus got everyone's attention during 1945, and the lean speedy youngster shines as a receiver all year. Many times in motion, and then running a variety of routes; Bagarus is the big-play weapon in the 'Skins arsenal. Lightning-quick when running a slant route, and very difficult to bring down he must be accounted for on every play when he is on the field. Though he is a willing inside runner on traps, and off-tackle plays, he lacks the power and strength to be a featured runner.  

Bagarus wearing #00

Bagarus wearing #00 is the right halfback, and Saenz wearing #99 is the left halfback. Jim Gaffney contributes at both halfback posts, and finally the jack of all trades of the backs----Indian Jack Jabobs, who takes snaps at quarterback, halfback, and fullback. Athletic, tough, and determined Jacobs will spend just this season with Washington before heading to Green Bay. Since Filchock is now in New York the backup quarterback is rookie Jim Youel. He stands out on film due to his style in how he holds the ball before firing the pigskin downfield. Youel starts a handful of games including the rematch against the Eagles and shines as both a passer, and running a naked bootleg for a touchdown. 

Pro Football Archives lists Samuel Adrian Baugh as starting just two games in 1946, and this is woefully inaccurate. When the film begins and the 'Skins go on offense the man leading Washington out of the huddle is Sam. Baugh cannot duplicate his incredible 1945 passing accuracy, and due to injury misses some playing time, yet many times we would all be riveted to the film in watching him perform. He is a master play-caller, and in his tenth season can still make every throw, and DOES! 

The Redskins are almost always in the t-formation, and motion is utilized many, many times, yet on occasion there is Sam in a spread formation. Sometimes aligned almost in a trips right, or double-wing with ends split. The offensive line splits are narrow. Washington scores only 171 points all year with just 58 in the five losses. 

When you play the left side on offense, you almost always play the left side on defense, and of course the same on the right side. Turley, Peebles, and Lookabaugh man the left defensive end post, with Peebles being the quickest, and most active. Lanky Jim can rush the passer. John Adams is a pillar of strength at left defensive tackle, and in the rematch with Philadelphia when the 'Skins play a 5-3-3 defense he is the middle guard, and no one is going to drive massive John Adams off the ball. 

Bill Ward is adequate on defense, but in the Eagle game he is not on the field. Steber, and the rest of the right guards are trench warriors at right defensive guard, yet none of them stand out. Bill Young jumps out at you on film since he plays right defensive tackle in a stand-up two-point stance(very unusual for the time), yet Stenn is a fortress at right defensive tackle in his three-point stance. Cifers has a strong year at right defensive end in defending the run, and getting after the passer. 

Washington ranked fourth in the all-important defensive passer rating category in 1945 with a mark of 44.8 (league average was 47.6). Though the Redskins rank sixth in '46 with a mark of 42.8, they are actually better in 1946 than the year they played for the title. 

Once upon a time Wilbur Moore was a weapon for Baugh on offense, but in 1946 he is usually the starter at right corner when healthy. Savvy, and retaining enough speed to play the deep pass Moore is also a reliable tackler, and even starts a game at safety, and is one tough hombre against the run in the red zone. 

Bagarus gets plenty of playing time at right corner early in the year, and ranks among the league leaders in interceptions. Also seeing substantial playing time is Bob DeFruiter(especially late in the campaign). Dick Todd is a strong tackler at left corner, and his experience is a plus for the 'Skins defense. 

Backing him up is Dick Poillon, Jim Gaffney, Eddie Saenz, and Jack Jacobs. Speaking of Jacobs, he is a pleasant surprise at the safety position with his tough tackling. Jim Youel gets more playing time, and is active, but is not quite the defender Jacobs is. Keep in mind this is Sammy Baugh's tenth season, but his first not playing defense. Most teams play a 6-2-3 defense, and Washington is no exception. Rosato, and Jenkins man the left linebacker position much of the season, but Couppee shines during his time on the field. Late in the year Dick Poillon starts a game, though he is out of position at linebacker. 

Clyde Earhardt moves from the defensive line to left linebacker, and middle linebacker against Philadelphia. Al DeMao can and will pursue and tackle, and is adequate as a pass defender. Usually at right linebacker, he also sees action at left linebacker. Finally the best for last, and without a doubt the team MVP for 1946. 

Ki Alrich

Ki Aldrich might not be Bulldog Turner as a right linebacker, but he is damn close. Quick and instinctive against the inside run, he is a hard-hitting tackler. He is superb as a pass defender ranging deep downfield when he has too. Almost always at right linebacker, he switches with DeMao in some games for a few plays and plays the left side. 

Leading at the half against Philadelphia on November 24th he makes the play of the year for Washington. Tommy Thompson is in the spread and rolls right after taking the snap. Drawing the Redskin defenders near him, he throws to the middle of the field on a delayed screen pass. Aldrich reads, reacts, pilfers the errant throw and dashes goalward to give Washington an insurmountable lead. 

Dick Poillon had a fine year with six field goals, while Baugh and Jacobs punted well. Washington was adequate on punt and kick-off coverage but excelled on returns. Bagarus could instantly gain field position for the 'Skins, and had help from Saenz and Todd. 

Opening the year at home and hanging on to tie Pittsburgh could be viewed many different ways, but the defending division champions did not lose. The gritty, but inept Lions almost pulled off a miracle at Griffith, yet Washington held on. The victory over New York showed one and all this was a team that could summon up what was needed ..thus an impressive home victory. 

Though Boston battled Washington, the Redskin defense kept the Yanks offense from scoring. Four games into the year and with a 3-0-1 record almost everyone believed the 'Skins would retain the division crown. Stumbling badly in the second half at home was viewed as just a blip on the screen, right? Right? The journey to Forbes Field against a hard-bitten gang of gold and black marauders demonstrated to coach Edwards that this was now going to be a tight race to the finish line. 

As mentioned above; Dick Todd's impressive 4th quarter score put the 'Skins back in the hunt. Beating the Bears at Wrigley is never easy, and leading 20-17 with less than three minutes to go had all Washington fans glued to the radio. Luckman found a way for the best team in the league to win, and now having won just one of their last four.....are the 'Skins done? 

The impressive victory over the Eagles again set the stage for a possible season-ending classic against New York. First, though the final home game of the season, and a dispiriting loss to a Packer team that had its moments in '46. 

The Polo Grounds, and a Steve Owen team that had improved throughout the year, and totally outclassed the 'Skins 31-0 to end a season of so much promise and hope to a .500 record. An intriguing team of both veterans and youngsters. 

Tom Keating—Another AFL Defensive Lineman Plagued With Injuries

 By John Turney 

The AFL had so many talented defensive linemen (or began their career in the AFL) who didn't get to play 12, 14, or 15 years like some of their NFL counterparts due to injuries. Players like Tom Sestak, Rich Jackson, Earl Faison, Ernie Ladd, Gerry Philbin, John Elliott, and also Tom Keating. Actually, you can add some AFL players at other positions as well but that is a post for a different day.

Keating was a fifth-round choice by the AFL Chiefs in 1964 and a fifth-round pick by the NFL's Vikings. 

He'd played at the University of Michigan but was undersized for a professional interior lineman, standing 6-2 or 6-3 inches depending on what report you read, and then weighing 240-245 pounds.

Back in the day college heights and weight were often on the high side, so the shorter height and lighter weight were likely more accurate. Later in his career, he was listed as 6-2, 247.

However, on the day he was drafted by the Chiefs the Bills, who coveted Keating, a 1965 fourth-round pick for him. It was reported that Ralph Wilson had connections to Michigan and thought he'd have a good chance of signing him—and not losing him to the older league.

It worked, the Bills signed him in May. At that time Bills head coach Lou Saban said he was going to try Keating at offensive tackle first, then maybe defensive tackle or even at guard. 

However, Keating had dominated while playing with the College All-Stars, a charity game played between top college players and the previous season's NFL Champions, in this case, the Chicago Bears. He showed that he had enough size to play defensive tackle. The All-Stars coach Otto Graham said Keating was the best defensive tackle they had that year.

That made Keating a defensive tackle on the Bills more than likely. In any event that is where he played with the Bills and the rest of his career.

Jim Dunaway #78, Tom Sestak $70,  and Tom Keating #74

Tom Keating got his first injury in his rookie season—in 1964. He was the starting left tackle (filling in for an injured Jim Dunaway), next to Tom Sestak and after three games he went down with an injury of his own—and ankle. He never got his starting job back, playing just six games in 1965. 

1964 with the Bills

In December of 1965 (trade reported in January 1966), he was sent to the Raiders (with George Flint) for Bo Robertson. Actually, Keating was one of the proverbial "players to be named later" because was traded from the Raiders to the Bills at midseason and Keating was injured at the time.

Elbert Dubenion, the Bills star flanker had been injured and they needed a replacement and Robertson was the guy they got. Keating and Flint were the cost. They still had Tom Sestak, an All-AFL player and Jim Dunaway as starters and a veteran to back them up, so Keating became expendable. 

In Oakland, Keating was healthy for the first time and in the 1966 training camp he beat out a fine defensive tackle, Dave Costa for the starting right tackle position causing Costa to ask for a trade, and he was shipped to, yes, Buffalo. 

With the Raiders, now at right defensive tackle

Keating was excellent that year, making the AFL All-Star game and being voted All-AFL by NEA voted on by the AFL players and was Second-team as voted on by the media—AP and UPI.

Now, here is where we have issues with tackle statistics. The Raiders credited Keating with 128 total tackles (71 solo). Assists are not defined and 57 seems high for a defensive tackle, but that is what was listed in their records so we report it as is. Anomalies happen and that just may be one of them. Sufficeth it to say it was a fine season.

However, when you see the film of 1967 you can see even better play. In fact, outside Tom Sestak, there was not a better defensive tackle in the AFL and that includes Buck Buchanan, Ernie Ladd, or anyone else you care to name. he was quick off the ball, had great strength to disengage, had good pass rush moves. He put good pressure in the middle which allowed the ends to swoop in.

No, he didn't have the most sacks or even the second-most, but he was the best defensive lineman on the team. He made it happen, he was like a smaller Bob Lilly or like an Alan Page-type, a penetrator but he had more strength (a weight lifter) than both of them. 

He had a heavy stance, a lot of weight forward, on his hand, and had a good takeoff, he was just fun to watch, really special). 

Then came the Achilles injury and it cost him the 1968 season and really, a lot of his effectiveness the rest of his career. He tore in the 1967 AFL title game against Houston and played on it in Super Bowl II in what Paul Zimmerman called, "(O)ne of the most heroic performances in Super Bowl history".

He came back in 1969 and was again an NEA All-Pro (like 1966) but was not a consensus All-AFL like he was in 1967. He had a career-high in sacks (four on opening day) but was not all over the field like before. It surely seemed like he was not quite 100% physically despite the sacks but still, a very, very effective player.

In week three of 1971, Keating broke a leg and missed seven games in the middle of the season. It was a good showing of grit coming back after seven weeks, which he spent lifting a lot of weights while in a cast. 

The following year the Raiders acquired Otis Sistrunk who quickly grabbed the left defensive tackle position and Art Thoms was entrenched in Keating's right tackle spot, so Keating's role in 1972 was backing those two up. he also missed significant time again due to an injury, the fifth time in his nine-year career.

So, the Raiders grabbed a fourth-round pick from the Steelers and sent Keating on his way. Keating was a backup there alternating some with Ernie "Fats" Holmes, though he did start four games, three for Fats and one for Mean Joe Greene.

1973 with the Steelers

Keating was the Steelers' NFLPA rep and was heavily involved in the union negotiations and pending strike in the preseason of 1974. He didn't report until late in camp after the strike was settled and there was a "cooling off period". 

As a result, Keating didn't perform well or didn't have a chance to make the team, depending on whose story you believe. Regardless he was waived by the Steelers and signed by the Chiefs but was really a  trade. The Steelers were to receive a conditional draft choice which turned into a 15th-round pick. Presumably, the Steelers got compensation so someone else would not pick up Keating before the Chiefs. 

1974-75 With the Chiefs, playing left tackle

Keating, with his legs not where they were, but with his strength ever-present was able to hold his own as the left tackle, next to Buck Buchanan and he'd also play nose tackle when the Chiefs used a 3-4 defense. 

In essence, he replaced Curley Culp who was traded at midseason to the Oilers for John Matuszak. Later in the year "The Tooz" started for Buchanan who was in his final year. In the last couple of games Keating and Matuszak swapped sides.

Keating was cut in September of 1975 but brought back in October when injuries hit their defensive line and he finished the season playing nine games and starting four.

He did get one more chance to play. 

Keating sued the Pittsburgh Steelers for reinstatement and back pay because he contended that he was not given a fair opportunity to make the team in 1974 because he had spent so much time on the player's association negotiations board that he was punished for those activities. The judge in the case agreed.

The Steelers were ordered by the court to take him back for a tryout and the Steelers were not sure if they had to play not only his "due back salary" but also the Super Bowl and playoff monies. The Steelers Dan Rooney also said that the decision to waive/trade Keating in 1974 was based on "Chuck Noll's decision that he could not make the team."

Seemingly, according to the judge's order, the case hinged on the Steelers trying to trade Keating during the 14-day cooling-off period but were not able to do so, but then were able to right after. The judicial remedy was Keating was a second chance to make the team which the Steelers were sure would not happen in 1976 any more than it was going to happen in 1974.

But the odd lawsuit and court order saga got even odder when Keating asked for an extra day to report to camp and was given permission. Then didn't show. He called that day and asked for another couple of days but was denied. The Steelers said to not even show.

Keating claimed he had business to attend to and the Steelers said "He's late, that's it". So ended Keating's career, the Steelers had a reason to release him and they did in July 1976.  

One report said Keating had sued to "needle Dan Rooney" which would have made sense given Keating's reputation as a bit of a rebel.

One has to wonder what he might have been. We've sometimes posted about who the quickest defensive tackles we've seen were. We've been mentioning Aaron Donald since his second year. Also, Sam Adams, Mike Reid, Alan Page, Michael Dean Perry, and we're sure a few others. Tom Keating has to be on that shortlist. 

Obviously, that is relative because no one in the NFL isn't 'quick" but those are some of the names that just seemed, to the eye, quicker than others, especially at getting off the ball. 

He just didn't have a long peak and didn't get to sustain that quickness as long as the others because of those leg injuries, they just kept coming and piled up so he had to compensate with his strength, he did bench press over 500 pounds in his later years, though he was strong before that as well. 

He was known as kind of a joker, perhaps a bit of a "flake" (when asked if he loved or hated Al Davis he deadpanned, "yes") but when it came to football he was business. "If you're a pass rusher you work on your moves and you develop more than one thing. You take off and you're aggressive. You attack 'em, you hit them because if you don't they hit you and it's no fun". 

He was the Michigan Wolverines MVP his senior year and was also All-Big 10 and an alumnus of  St. Mel High School in Chicago.

Keating passed away in 2012 of prostate cancer at age 70—two months after his close friend and fellow Raider linemate Ben Davidson passed away from the same disease. 

Career stats—

What we would really enjoy if we could go to the land of "what ifs" is this: letting a healthy Tom Sestak and a healthy Tom Keating play together. Nothing against Jim Dunaway who was a solid player but if Big Ses and Keating could have been defensive tackles on the same line it would have been like Merlin Olsen and Bob Lilly together almost. A big quick guy with strength in Sestak and Keating the super-quick penetrator, they would have fit so well together. Or, call it a Joe Greene/Alan Page tandem if you will. Sam difference. 

Oh well, injuries are part of the game but they do ruin a lot. 

Dave Costa—Six Pro Teams, Five Uniform Numbers and Good Stats as Well

 By John Turney 

Costa, out of the University of Utah, by way of Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, Colorado, was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 1963 NFL draft and the seventh round of the AFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. 

Costa was convinced to sign with the Raiders for #12,000 because Davis fed him the line "You are going to be so great they'll have to build another bridge to handle the crowds that come to see you play."

In his first game at Northeastern Costa had to play the day after a rodeo and dodge piles of cow and bullshit. Now he had to do the same in the NFL, we suppose. 

In his rookie season, Dave Costa was honorable mention All-AFL, made the AFL All-Star game, and was tied for third for the AFL Rookie of the Year award, receiving the same number of votes as future Hall of Famer Bobby Bell in both the AP and UPI ROY polls. It was a fantastic start to a good, solid career.

With Raiders, wearing #46 as a defensive tackle

He was again solid in 1964 totally 59 tackles and eight sacks but after a subpar 1965 season and during 1966 camp, the Raiders shipped Costa to the Bills for a sixth-round pick.

Defensive tackle Tom Keating had been in Buffalo in 1964 and 1965, even earning the starting job next to Tom Sestak as a rookie but was hurt and then got hurt again in 1965. In January of 1966, he was traded to the Raiders and was winning the job at right defensive tackle during Raiders camp. 

That, along with Costa not getting the kind of raises he wanted (Al Davis offered just $500 after his rookie year) caused Costa to ask for a trade.

With the Bills Costa didn't play much, backing up defensive tackles Sestak and Jim Dunaway. It was an odd place to be traded but we can only guess that Buffalo wanted to have solid depth behind their tackles, Sestak, especially had been having knee issues. We'd surmise that Costa was insurance for that.

Buffalo defensive tackles—Costa (73), Dunaway (70), and Dunaway (78), 1966

Sestak was 30 in 1966, even though he was in only in his fifth season. Regardless, Sestak was healthy and solid so for whatever reason, Costa only was n Buffalo for one season. After the year the Broncos sent a fourth-round pick to the Bills for Costa

With the Bills in 1966

In was in Denver Costa really made his lasting mark as a pro football player. He was a team captain in his first season with the Broncos and the four seasons after that. He was a Second-team All-AFL choice in 1967, 68, and 69 and was an AFL All-Star all three of those seasons as well.

Costa arrived the same year as Rich Jackson and Peter Duranko and for a short time those players, along with Paul Smith, who arrived in 1968 became a very good defensive line even great in 1970 the first year all four started together and all for were healthy. It was also the last time they were all healthy.

In 1970 it could be argued that Denver's defensive line was the best in the NFL, which is saying a lot given the Fearsome Foursome was still intact, as was Doomsay, the Purple People Eaters, and even other lines. Costa had four sacks opening day but ended with just three more but was steady as a rock versus the run.

Costa was with Denver from 1967-71

The Broncos defense was third in rushing defense and second in sacks.—

Chart Credit Pro Football Reference

Now, they were not underrated at the time, opponents knew they were a force, but in history annals, they don't seem to get much mention because they had just one full year of greatness and injuries limited their legacy to 1970 through mid-season 1971 (Rich Jackson hurt his knee at that juncture).

One of the best things to see in this era of Broncos football was how defensive line coach Stan Jones with the clear approval of Joe Collier moved his linemen around. It was something no team did more. Not even close. It happens far more these days but back then it was something that the Broncos held the franchise on.

For the most part, Jackson was the left end, Smith the left tackle, Costa the right tackle, and Pete Duranko was the right end but you could see any of those players at any of the positions seemingly without rhyme or reason, maybe just to mess with the offensive lineman's mind, maybe for matchups, we're not really sure what the full reasoning was. And the same was true when Lyle Alzado came into the picture in 1971 and this continued through 1975, long after Jackson and Costa were gone but it happened less frequently as time went on.

The unit was broken up in 1972 when Denver sent Costa to the Chargers for Eddie Ray and 1973 third-round pick and then at mid-season, with a knee that was not yet 100% sent Jackson to Cleveland—a move that incensed some Broncos players, especially Lyle Alzado. 

With Chargers in 1973

In San Diego, Costa solidified the right tackle position which has been a weak spot since 1968. That season the Chargers also acquired Deacon Jones and Lionel Aldridge to man the ends, and in 1973 they traded for Coy Bacon and played between Costa and ones the first part of the season and then at right end for the rest of 1973. 

The supposedly star-studded line did okay in 1972, especially against the run and got even got some rush from Jones and Aldridge but in 1973 they were not able to have as much success against the run, and even with Bacon, the pass rush did not improve. Really except for Bacon, the trades brought in players past their prime, even including Costa who did fairly well in 1972 but like the others dropped off in production in '73. 

The moves to bring in "stars" certainly did not work out for coach Harland Svare and that plus off-the-field issues with some of the players cost him his job.

It was clear the Chargers wanted and needed change. Jones was on the trading block, Aldridge was gone. In early September right before the season, The Chargers sent Costa the Bills for a fifth-round pick. On the same day, they sent a pick to the Packers for Bob Brown to replace Costa.

In 1974 Costa, along with Jones and Bacon plus several others were fined by commissioner Pete Rozelle for violation of the league's drug policy

In Buffalo Costa started at defensive end when the Bills were in a 4-3, but with his old Bronco line coach Stan Jones in Buffalo he swapped position with right tackle Earl Edwards quite a bit, so he was at his familiar right tackle position plenty.

When they moved to a 3-4 scheme he was not on the field, having no real fit in that kind of defense.

With Buffalo in 1974

Costa ended his pro football career in the World Football League but gave it up after ten games, not pleased with his low salary.

In 1975 Costa played with the Portland Thunder of the WFL

Costa was an intense player, solid, but not spectacular, a coach's type of player, a leader-type. He hustled, was in on quite a lot of tackles, and could get some rush from an interior line position. And as previously mentioned could move along the line and play some defensive end when asked. 

He was a four-time AFL All-Star (1963, 1967-69) and a three-time Second-team All-AFL pick (1967-69). 

At Utah, he was the WAC’s Lineman of the Year, All-WAC and honorable mention All-American as a senior, honorable mention All-Skyline as a junior.

In 1960, at Northeastern Junior College, he was a Junior College All-American (and was an Empire Conference All-Star). , 

At Saunders Trades and Technical High School (Yonkers, New York) he was on the  All-Westchester County team—as a quarterback—as well and being All-Yonkers and a junior and senior.

All-in-all a good career, one well worth remembering.

Career-stats—

Dave Washington—A Very Tall Cover Linebacker

 By John Turney 

Dave Washington as a rookie, 1970

When Dave Washington entered the NFL he was 6-5. Now? He's 6-7. He continued to grow after his NFL career. His growth plates didn't close. 

Anyway, that didn't have anything to do with his career, unless it was happening during his career which we don't know if it did or didn't, we found it interesting.

Washington played for Denver, Buffalo, San Francisco, Detroit, and New Orleans. In the last two stops he was mostly a nickel linebacker or dime linebacker depending on the situation. His height made him tough to through over and he had good range as well and could get some pressure when be dogged, 

Before that, he was usually a starter but his forte was on passing downs, covering, or rushing which likely led to his transition to a situational player later in his career. 

As a rookie for the Broncos, he made a lot of plays—quickly. In his first NFL game, he sacked fellow rookie Terry Bradshaw twice, one was for safety, he deflected a pass and stuff a run for an 8-yard loss, and also has a tackle on kickoff coverage. We cannot say for sure but we would wager it is still the best first game of any linebacker in Bronco history including Von Miller, Bradley Chubb.

His season wasn't bad either, totaling 54 tacklers, 5½ sacks, and 7 stuffs and 8 passes defended playing right linebacker. He certainly made good use of his 6-5, 223-pounds, and 4.6 his speed. 

In 1971 he moved to the left side and he played less on defense but did play some offense as a tight end. After the season he was traded to the Bills for Al Andrews. He started half the games for the Bills and was pretty productive with 10 stuffs, a career-high. In 1973 he broke an arm and missed most of the season. 

He was Second-team All-AFC in 1974 and scored two defensive touchdowns, one on a pick and one on a fumble recovery. He also blocked a pair of kicks. He was seemingly on Howard Cosell's lips on MNF's Halftime Highlights every other week that season. The Bills defense was pretty good and the Bills made the playoffs in 1974 but lost to the superior Steelers in December.

Even though he was a key player on the '74 defense he was shipped to the 49ers for a fifth-round pick. Washington had no idea why he was traded, "I don't know why. I ran back two touchdowns for touchdowns, blocked about five kicks, I really thought it was one of my better seasons". (He only blocked two kicks, but guys often 'misremember' their stats, maybe he was counting preseason). 

However, Washington had not reported to Bills camp due to complications in his wife's pregnancy. It seems the Bills were not very patient in this and found a team ready to make a deal.

The Bills did draft two linebackers in their first two rounds of the draft and another on the fifth round which may have made Washington expendable. 

In San Francisco, Dave Wilcox had retired so his left linebacker spot was open and possibly to be filled by Skip Vanderbundt or perhaps Washington, and the right-side starter in 1973 and 1974 was Willie Harper. Washington had played mostly right side in his career but did have experience at left linebacker in 1971, but the weak side was his natural position.

Washington announced he was not there to be a backup, that he was going to win a starting position, and he did—starting all fourteen games in 1975 but sometimes Willie Harper would spell him on early downs at right linebacker. harper was nicked early and Washington played so well early he held off Harper the rest of the season.

He did well, doing his thing, knocking down a pass, messing up the passing game, making some plays in the backfield finishing with 67 tackles, six stuffs, five passes defended and blocking three kicks. 

Washington, the LBer on the end, #50, a tall drink of water

He was part of the record-setting 49er defenses in 1976, playing weakside linebacker, moving from side to side (away from the tight end), and playing in the nickel. In that scheme, he had a career-high 95 tackles, 5 sacks, and 8 pass deflections and blocked three kicks for the second consecutive season. It was enough for him to be voted an alternate to the Pro Bowl. 

We read and see posts about Pro Bowls being a "joke" or popularity contests from time to time and while we have known for ages there are sometimes flaws in the post-season honors in the NFL, either in the All-Pro voting or Pro Bowl voting. However, the overall condemnation of it by no-little fans or even writers because their guy or someone from "their" team got snubbed gets old. 

Time and time again we see someone who pops up as a one-time Pro Bowler or as an alternate and then see some clips or check the stats and see that player did, indeed, have a good season. Maybe in this case Washington did have as good a season or wasn't as good a player as Isiah Robertson, Chris Hanburger or Brad van Pelt or even Matt Blair who was All-NFC by one organization. 

But when you review what he did, Washington getting enough support to be an alternate seems pretty astute by the NFC coaches. Seems like anything but a "joke". And we've found that year-in and year out. While not perfect, it's a reasonable fair measure when one looks at not just the Pro Bowl or Associated Press teams, but also the NEA, PFWA, NEA, UPI, Pro Football Weekly, or others. 

If a guy had a good year it is rare that none of the organizations gave him at least an honorable mention. The flaw is when the critic only looks at the Pro Bowl or the AP teams only. When you limit where you look you limit your knowledge. 

Regardless (rant over) Washington had a helluva of a year in 1976.

In 1977 the defensive no longer flopped linebackers and Washington played on the right side, but after nine games he suffered a serious hip injury that required surgery and missed the final five games. Tommy Hart slumped, the offense really slumped. It just was a step backward.

In the A-Gap really to rush, or drop

In '77 as right linebacker but with TE on left, in '76 Washington would have been on other side

The Lions traded for Washington (sending a fifth-round pick to the 49ers for him) and he became their pass-defending specialist, just starting three games in 1978. He'd roam around behind the line of scrimmage, fake a dog, drop, or vice-versa, use his height to get in the passing lanes, and try and help the Silver Rush get an extra heartbeat to get to the quarterback. And it helped a lot. 

Washington, LBer near the top of the line of scrimmage, in the Lions nickel defense

The line set a team sack record that still stands (like the 49ers 1976 sack record still stands to this day) and anytime the coverage can cause the slightest hesitation in the quarterback, it helps the rushers and that was by and large Washington's role.

His role in 1979 was the same but he was, missed more than half the season and not invited back for 1980. The Saints signed him to do what he did best, play in sub-defenses. 

The Saints liked the dime and played it more than the nickel and Washington was the lone linebacker on the field, but they just didn't use it a lot, but his 6-5 (6-6 by then?) presence is seen because of his lanky frame would mug the line and dog or drop and cover a back or go to a zone. He was hard to miss.

Washington, #55, lone LBer in Saints dime package

He was not the first nickel linebacker specialist, there were some others before him but he transitioned into it and was among the first who did it, and he did it as a specialist for three years at the end of his career which just might be an NFL first. 

Overall, Washington had an interesting career and did some notable things and was fun to watch, almost like an NBA forward on the field. 

Career stats—

Rest In Peace Russ "Mount" Washington

 By John Turney 

Art Credit: Chuck Ren

Longtime Charger right tackle Russ Washington has passed. He was 74. Washington played 200 games in the NFL, starting 196 for the San Deigo Chargers from 1968-82. No cause of death was announced.

"Big Ru" was the fourth overall pick in the 1968 NFL Draft and spent his first two seasons at defensive tackle (the right tackle was Hall of Famer Ron Mix and the left tackle was solid Terry Owens). Said his coach Sid Gillman upon Washington's signing, "He is such a great player. He will play defense but we are not sure it will be an end or tackle". 

Often, rather than a 4-3 tackle he was at nose tackle since the Chargers alternated from 4-3 to 3-4 fronts, as many pro teams did, especially AFL teams but the Chargers along with the Chiefs likely did it the most. In that defensive interior role, he totaled 60 tackles as a rookie with a sack and 35 tackles and a sack in 1969.

Seeing a 6-6½, 295-pound man over a center was interesting. Look at the size difference between Washington (#85) over Hall of Famer center Jim Otto—

Washington in 1969 on the nose when Chargers in a 3-4

Washington in the 4-3 at left defensive tackle

In 1970 he was moved to right tackle, and his athleticism (4.9 in the forty) was showcased. By 1973 he was gaining post-season honors making All-AFC teams and in 1974 he was Second-team All-Pro and made his first of five Pro Bowls. His ability to pull as a tackle was particularly noted early in his career as a tackle, he became a top pass blocker after he gained a few years of experience at the position. 

Washington #70, blocking for #21 John Hadl

He got more respect for the NFL players in those terms than the media since he was First-Team All-pro by the NEA (the 'players All-Pro team) in 1978 and was Second-team, as mention in 1974 and 1979. He made the Second-team on the AP poll in 1982—his final NFL season.

 Additionally, he was voted Forrest Gregg Award as the NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year for 1977 by the Wisconsin Pro Football Writers (won by Yary in 1974, Dierdorf in 1975, Leon Gray in 1980, and Marvin Powell in 1982. As Jon Gruden might say, it's was a "prestigious-ass award". 

In Washington's era, the right tackle was the premier spot, not the left tackle. The dominant ends in the 1960s and 1970s were the left-side guys going from Gino Marchetti and Willie Davis to Deacon Jones, Carl Eller, Claude Humphrey, Bubba Smith, Jack Youngblood, L.C. Greenwood would make the All-Pro teams with an occasional right end bubbling up. And the same was usually true for the tackles, the right-side guys were the better of the two usually—Forrest Gregg, Ron Yary, Dan Dierdorf, Rayfield Wright, George Kunz. Even Art Shell was a strong-side tackle since his quarterback was left-handed.

This made making All-Pro teams and Pro Bowls a very competitive proposal and Russ held his own. Ron Yary once told us that Washington was the most athletic of the guys in his era. jack Youngblood said the same, "I never got anything off that guy. He was bigger than all of the others and the quickest. And the others, Rayfield, Ron, and Dan were great, but Russ may have been the most talented and he went about 320."

Russ going against All-Pro Art Still

One of his line coaches, Jim Hanifan said, "The number one thing about Russ is his great natural size and strength. He has great balance for a man his size."

In the major media awards and polls, Washington was at least Second-team All-AFC/Pro Bowl-level or above in 1973-74, 1977-79, and 1982. However, when checking with scouting firm ProScout, Inc., in 1976 Washington was a top-5 tackle as well but didn't get any notice, so call it seven seasons of being on the "next level" as a player, above and beyond a starter. 

The Chargers released Washington in August of 1983 and even though he had worked hard to prepare for this 16th NFL season he took it philosophically, "I've always believed that you have to take what happens if there is nothing you can do about it. You can holler and scream but it's not going to change a thing". 

He considered playing in the USFL and also possibly moving to the Pacific Islands and setting up a fishery. He loved the ocean, was a certified scuba diver, and sometimes spend offseasons on Truk Island in Micronesia—an island group in the Pacific about 500 miles southeast of Guam. His wife Inez was from Truk. 

Washington attended the University of Missouri where he was the Big Eight Conference Defensive Player of the Year and a First-team All-American in 1967 and even played a little bit of fullback there. He was named All-Big Eight twice and played in four all-star games following his senior season. 

Prior to that, he played at Missouri Southern in Joplin, Missouri. He was from Kansas City and graduated from Southeast High.

Washington was inducted into the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Greater Kansas City Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2016 and was voted to the Chargers San Diego 50th Anniversary Team and 40th Anniversary Team.

He, along with Doug Wilkerson (who recently passed), were the only two Chargers who lasted from the Sid Gillman era to the Don Coryell, all others were purged. 

Noted as a gentle giant—soft-spoken and kind he was well-respected by his teammates and opponents. During his career, he showed some interest in acting and after his career, he was the owner of a car wash in National City in the San Deigo area. 

R.I.P., Big Man

THE 2021 SEASON: Thoughts, and History

 By TJ Troup 

Tomorrow night will watch at least some if not all of the Hall of Fame game. When the Cowboys first took the field in 1960 they played the Steelers, and of course, no one knew if this would ever become a rivalry? 

Over the years Pittsburgh and Dallas have waged many a battle, and some of them actually had real meaning—like who would be Super Bowl Champ? 

Many years purchased print publications, but now that has been transformed into the internet, but recently purchased ATHLON'S 2021 NFL PREVIEW.  Page 20 has the top 20 guards led by Quentin Nelson of the Colts, and on page 22 is the list of the top 30 interior d-lineman led by Aaron Donald. 

The reason why mentioning these two lists is fairly simple am headed to Indianapolis on September 19th to watch the Colts play the Rams, and at times Nelson may have to block Donald? 

After all these years when attending a game still relish match-ups; especially if they are the best or one of the best at their respective positions. Years ago would spend hours formulating my predictions for the season, and would send those to Steve Sabol, and Paul Lionel Zimmerman. Talk about thought-provoking! 

Steve's classic statement, "Coach TJ at this time of year you have half the teams talking playoffs and the other half Super Bowl", while Dr. Z would always find a comment or prediction of mine that he did not agree with, and in no uncertain terms tell me why I was wrong. 

Relished every moment of that, and would receive a typewritten letter with the smell of cigar smoke all over it (still have all of his letters). Since gambling is not part of my life anymore, no need to dig deep into predictions, yet really believe the NFC West is the strongest division, and the race will come down to the wire. Can pose plenty of questions, and would welcome any and all of you to respond with your thoughts...will any team in the NFC East have an overall winning record? 

Which rookie or rookies will actually have an impact? 

Is there a coach who will not finish the season with his team? 

Finally, when we look at the schedule; is there a game that stands out for you? By this time most or possibly all of you know that I will be buried wearing navy blue and orange, and my second favorite team(since the early ''70s) is Pittsburgh, thus November 8th will not miss a play. January 9th the 49ers travel to Los Angeles to take on the Rams, will this be for the division title? 

Look forward to writing my "Tuesday Tidbits" column, and woven into each week will be my journey's into the past as this season we have anniversary dates that take us back to 1943, 54, 59, 65, 71, 76, 82, 93, and 99. 

In closing, how about some humor via Dr. Z? 

In a small town the bell ringer in the church quits, The sexton advertises for a replacement. 

The first guy who shows up has no arms. "But, but..."the sexton says 'how can you...I mean with your handicap?' Just watch" says the no-armed man. They go up to the bell tower and he runs at the bell and BANG! he slams it with his face and the bell lets out dull bong. Then he starts to do it again, and the sexton stops him. "Not again," he says "I can't watch. Tell me do you really need the job this badly?" The man assures him that he does. So the sexton hires him. Sunday comes and it's time to ring the bell to summon the faithful to church. A breeze is blowing. Just as the bell-ringer runs at the bell, the breeze blows it sideways, and he misses it and plunges to the ground, to his death. The sexton runs outside, where a crowd is gathering. A policeman arrives. "Do you know this man?" he asks the sexton. "No," he says, "but his face rings a bell."