"The Giants must answer two questions this season. One, can Y.A. Tittle, 38 midway through the schedule, survive the punishment a quarterback must endure? Two, can the new defensive unit survive its inexperience as a group?
Regarding Tittle, the bald marvel who has led the Giants to three consecutive Eastern Division championships, it's a physical problem. At his age, not only is he more susceptible to injury, he also takes longer to heal. Last season, remember, he was injured twice - once in the NFL Championship Game with torn knee ligaments which resulted in the Giants blowing a 10-0 lead in a 14-10 loss to the Bears; once in the season opener when a partially collapsed lung resulted in the Giants losing, 31-0, the following week in Pittsburgh when he didn't play at all. Take Tittle out of the Giant attack for two or three weeks and the Giants wouldn't have a chance of winning another Eastern title. They have come to believe in him so much that when he's not there, there's a monumental mental letdown.
Another factor: opposing linemen won't ignore Tittle's left knee, the one where torn ligaments wrecked him in the Championship Game.
Regarding the defensive unit, there will be two new names in the front four, another new name at middle linebacker. Andy Robustelli, the defensive right end, has retired. Dick Modzelewski, the defensive left tackle, was traded to the Browns. Sam Huff, the middle linebacker, was traded to the Redskins. Three glorious names in the Giant defensive unit which helped win six Eastern Division titles in the last eight years. The Giants will replace them with players of equal ability, perhaps. The Giants figure on Bob Taylor replacing Robustelli, ex-Redskin Andy Stynchula replacing Modzelewski and Jerry Hillebrand replacing Huff. But there is no replacing the 'togetherness' of a defensive unit.
Another factor: opposing quarterbacks can't possibly respect the new Giant defense as they did the old pros of the old defense.
This, of course, was the gamble the Giant front office (coach Allie Sherman and veep Wellington Mara) took in trading Huff and Modzelewski. They couldn't let the old pros get too old on them. So they're trying to rebuild with youth. The trouble is, they're also trying to win another Eastern title and it won't be easy in the midst of a rebuilding program. Dick James, the buzz saw back obtained in the Huff deal, will help them, especially on kick returns. And they've got a galaxy of stars: Del Shofner, Frank Gifford, Phil King, Rosey Brown, Jim Katcavage, Dick Lynch, Jim Patton and kicker Don Chandler.
If Tittle survives and the defense jells, they'll be in the race for their 15th Eastern Division title and for their first NFL title after five consecutive losses in the Championship Game. During their history, the Giants have lost 11 of 14 Championship Games.
'People like to kid us about this,' says Ray Walsh, the Giants general manager, 'but we've lost more Championship Games than any other team has been in.' "
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Success will never spoil Allie Sherman, the energetic coach of the three-in-a-row Eastern champions, who doesn't believe in playing it pat just because he seldom loses, except when the regular season is over.
Whether the secret has leaked yet, New York no longer does it on defense alone. In fact, the mighty front of the Giants has been reduced to a basic fraction identified as Jim Katcavage. Andy Robustelli will be a coach, Dick Modzelewski is taking the youth cure at Cleveland and Sam Huff's No. 70 will be flashed in Washington. Never mind, faithful subway alumni, as long as Y.A. Tittle is able to spin and pivot and pass, the Giants will put enough numbers on the scoreboard to compensate for any defensive deficiencies.
Slowly, certainly, the old Giants are taking on a younger and speedier image. Whether it's all for the best will be decided in hand-to-hand combat with their three strongest enemies - Cleveland, St. Louis and Dallas. A long-range view indicates that they will not make it this time.
Ball carriers and receivers are in sufficient quantity; it's the quality that bothers Sherman, [along with] the achin' back of Alex Webster and the gimpy knee of Hugh McElhenny. However, there's nothing wrong with such catchers as Del Shofner, Aaron Thomas, Joe Walton, Frank Gifford and the latest in the line of new Giants, Dick James. While with James, here's one of the NFL's most valuable chattels, a guy who can run, catch, go to the flank and play defensive halfback.
The offensive line packs punch and blocks furiously as long as Roosevelt Brown stays sound, Greg Larson, Bookie Bolin and Ken Byers continue to develop and Darrell Dess keeps out of harm's way.
The old front four now has Katcavage and Andy Stynchula (Redskins) at ends, John LoVetere and two or three hopefuls for tackle. Among the best are Bob Taylor (who can also go to end) and Lane Howell.
The middle linebacking spot will Jerry Hillebrand's to keep and his outside partners will Tom Scott and Bill Winter. In back of these people at the corners are Erich Barnes and Dick Lynch, with Jim Patton and Dick Pesonen or Allan Webb the safeties of the moment. If James is to be on defense, he could very well threaten the existence of Barnes or Lynch.
There are no problems dropping names and reputations all over this page concerning the defenders in the East. However, any analysis must start and finish with Tittle: if his knee holds up, New York is in business. If not, it's highly doubtful the club will have the same faith with Glynn Griffing at the signal-calling controls.
Summing up: Offense - properly mixed with excellent blocking up front, some better-than-credited runners in Joe Morrison and Phil King and a No. 1 rookie (Joe Don Looney) who's supposed to be able to run through cement, passing and catching of championship caliber. Defense - additional tackle and end wouldn't hurt; Barnes and Patton could use extra relief."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
"In the Giants' 1964 pre-season information sheet published for the edification of press, radio and TV, there is a paragraph which is as ominous as it is sad. It begins with the words: 'Veterans not returning.' Then is listed the following information:
'Andy Robustelli, who retired after 14 years to become a full-time defensive coach; Dick Modzelewski, traded to the Cleveland Browns for Bob Crespino, a flanker back; Sam Huff, traded to the Washington Redskins for Andy Stynchula, a defensive end, and Dick James, a halfback.'
When the Giants last April announced the trading of Huff, the man who glamorized the middle linebacking profession, it signaled the end of an era. Huff played for the Giants' six Eastern Conference champions during the last eight years. More than any single performer, with the possible exception of Frank Gifford, he symbolized the rollicking spirit of the post-war Giants.
But the deal will undoubtedly bolster the Giants' defensive front line which had been weakened by the retirement of Robustelli and the trading of Modzelewski. Stynchula most likely will take over Modzelewski's old tackle job and Bob Taylor will succeed Robustelli. Jerry Hillebrand will assume Huff's middle linebacking position, with Bill Winter returning to his backup spot on the left side after missing part of 1963 due to injuries. Tom Scott and Al Gursky share the right linebacking berth. Jim Katcavage is a tower of strength at defensive end.
One thing the Huff trade did not do was help the Giants find the running back they have been seeking. They're still looking for the crashing type of runner Alex Webster used to be when he became the prototype of the modern day pro back, combining the speed of a gazelle with the strength of a rhinoceros.
Webster is scheduled to lend whatever assistance his aging legs will permit this fall, and another old warhorse, Hugh McElhenny, will have his ailing knee heavily taped and will try to hobble through one more season. Phil King and Joe Morrison return, but coach Allie Sherman wants to start Morrison out as a flanker.
It is, therefore, easy to understand why Sherman is counting so much on the Oklahoma bad boy, Joe Don Looney. The handsome 21-year-old Texas dropped out of the University of Oklahoma in midseason of 1963 after enjoying a brilliant sophomore campaign the year before. He was picked by the Giants in the first round of the last NFL draft and signed almost immediately.
Quarterback Y.A. Tittle, a spry 37, has completely recovered from the twisted knee he suffered in last December's championship game with the Chicago Bears. The league's leading passer once again has a fine complement of receivers. Del Shofner, still trying to forget the one that got away in the end zone in the title match, is joined by Gifford, Aaron Thomas, Joe Walton and Crespino.
Sherman lists the offensive line among the plus factors for 1964, principally because of the development of the two young guards, Bookie Bolin and Ken Byers. Another guard, Darrell Dess, 29, is at his peak. Greg Larson became a top pro center in his first year at that position last year. Tackle Rosey Brown, 31, is the patriarch of the forward wall.
An old Giant trademark is a strong defensive secondary, and the New York club has six seasoned vets on hand again this year to carry on the tradition. There's Dick Lynch, the NFL interception champ, Erich Barnes, Jim Patton, Dick Pesonen, Allan Webb and Eddie Dove."
-Bill Wise, 1964 Official Pro Football Almanac
"The 1964 campaign should prove quite interesting if only for the fact that so many new faces will be in the Giants' lineup. Several longtime favorites have either been traded or have retired from active duty. Whether their replacements will come up to snuff is the big question. The answer to that query will be known only after the rough, tough 14-game NFL schedule has been completed. And, if past history is any criterion, the division battles will go neck-and-neck right down to the wire.
Of course, the Giants have problems. What NFL team doesn't? But the Eastern Champions' problems are not as great as those of most of the other clubs in the division. Perhaps the team's strongest points are the offensive line, defensive secondary, kicking, pass receiving, and a 'young' fellow named Y.A. Tittle. The departments that are questionable appear to be the defensive line, linebacking - usually the club's bulwark - and the old Giant bugaboo, lack of a standout running back.
Let's scrutinize each unit microscopically:
OFFENSIVE LINE: Allie Sherman is proud of his offensive line and rightfully so. They're the hardy bunch that make the holes for the backs to run to glory. A year ago Sherman wasn't sure about the makeup of the offensive line. He had just moved Greg Larson from tackle to center, replacing the retiring Ray Wietecha, and was using Bookie Bolin as a regular guard for the first time. Both, of course, came through with flying colors. There's one fly - or knee - in the ointment, however. That's Jack Stroud's knee. The 36-year-old veteran underwent surgery after the 1963 campaign and it remains to be seen how sound he'll be. If the huge tackle is unable to play full time, Allie can always rely on big Lane Howell.
At the other tackle spot is Rosey Brown, the old reliable, who still appears as good as ever despite entering his 12th campaign at 32 years of age. Darrell Dess at guard is one of the best in the NFL, truly at the height of his game.
For reserve strength at center or guard is Mickey Walker, while Ken Byers can be called upon at either guard or tackle. Another possibility is rookie lineman Jim Moran, fresh out of the U. of Idaho.
Barring injury and other unforeseen problems, Offensive Coach Ed Kolman should enjoy his work very much this season.
OFFENSIVE BACKFIELD: Although Tittle is 37 years old, he's completely recovered from that badly twisted knee he suffered during the championship tilt against the Chicago Bears. The loop's No. 1 passer last season, there doesn't seem to be any reason to doubt Y.A.'s ability to repeat the feat. Still as anxious and skitterish to get going as any rookie in camp, Tittle's hustle and enthusiasm belie his age.
Y.A. is the hub of the Giants' offense. He knows it; Sherman knows it and all the opposing teams know it. Critics say the Giants depend too much on Tittle, maintaining that if the Bald Eagle should suffer a serious injury, the Giants' title chances would go blooey. A very aware Sherman says, 'I intend to use Glynn Griffing more this season. And, with the new 40-player limit, I believe we'll carry three quarterbacks. We may keep Henry Schichtle, whom we drafted from Wichita, or perhaps even make a deal.
Sherman considers Griffing a future star, predicting he'll make it as the New Yorkers' top signal-caller - but he doesn't say when. Maybe he'll come along sooner than expected, and be entrusted with more than just relieving Y.A. in games that are either hopelessly lost or one-sidedly won. The Giant board will certainly not trust him in a close game until they're certain he won't call wrong plays or be prone to interceptions due to inaccuracy.
As for the running sub-division of the Maramen backfield, the status looks just about quo. While the Giants have added little Dick James from Washington, they still lack that big running back. They settled for James, who'll also help in the kickoff and punt return departments, where the Giants were woefully weak in '63 after failing to obtain Timmy Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles or Lenny Moore from the Baltimore Colts.
Perhaps the answer to the Giant's big back problem will be neophyte Joe Don Looney of Oklahoma, who appears to have the necessary size and speed. Oldster Alex Webster, who has a bad back which bothered him greatly during the latter part of the '63 season, may or may not contribute to the running attack, depending on his physical condition. The same may be said for ancient Hugh McElhenny, plagued by weak knees. But it's reported that Mac's knees are strengthened this year.
Sherman would prefer to use jack-of-all-trades Joe Morrison as a flanker but may again be forced to press Joe into service at fullback or halfback depending on the circumstances that develop. Phil King, the club's leading ground gainer last season (613 yards on 161 carries), will probably end up carrying the load, as usual.
ENDS and FLANKERS: Glue-fingered Del Shofner, who snared 64 passes for 1,181 yards and nine TDs, leads the returning receivers. The anemic-looking string bean, along with fellow ends Joe Walton, Aaron Thomas and Bob Crespino, the ex-Cleveland Brown, not to mention flankers Morrison and Frank Gifford, give the Giants a pass catching corps to match any in the NFL.
The remarkable Gifford, back for his 12th campaign, is 34 but is counting on enjoying as fine a season as last year's when he captured 42 tosses for 657 yards, second best on the team. You can be sure that even if Morrison should remain at the flanker spot, Gifford will get plenty of opportunities to perform at his old stand.
One thing about the Giants, they have a plethora of pass catchers who can take over at split end, tight end or flanker. Besides Gifford and Morrison, Thomas, Crespino, Louis (Buddy) Guy and Johnny Counts can be inserted in that category, not to mention James, one of the best all-arounders in the loop.
DEFENSIVE LINE: For lo, these many moons, this was the Giants' strong forte, the bedrock of the club with its 'Fearsome Foursome' of Andy Robustelli, Rosey Grier, Dick Modzelewski and Jim Katcavage, along with Sam Huff, Tom Scott and young Bill Winter doing the linebacking. But they began playing, 'They're Breaking Up That Old Gang Of Mine' when Grier was sent to the Los Angeles Rams prior to the '63 season in exchange for big John LoVetere. And now in '64, Robustelli, Modzelewski and Huff are no longer on the firing line. Andy, the solid man, is now strictly the Giants' defense coach after wearing two hats for the past couple of seasons; Modzelewski was swapped to Cleveland for Crespino, and Huff was dealt to Washington in the deal which brought James and Andy Stynchula to New York.
Thus what was formerly a taken-for-granted unit now comes under the question mark category. Katcavage, of course, remains at one end, with Bob Taylor, the big sophomore, attempting to fill Robustelli's shoes at the other end post.
Stynchula, unquestionably one of the finest young linemen in the loop, will be used in Little Mo's left tackle slot. Andy can also play defensive end. The giant LoVetere, who did a fine job last season, will, of course, be at the other tackle.
Sherman plans to use Jerry Hillebrand in Huff's old middle linebacking spot with Bill Winter, out part of last season with a knee injury, back at the left backer-up position and the veteran Scott on the right side. Al Gursky, who replaced Scott after the latter suffered a broken arm in the championship tilt, will be the top reserve.
Hillebrand is regarded as one of the coming greats by the Giants. They feel he has the size, moves and intelligence to pick up where Huff, a long-time favorite of the fans, left off. Jerry enjoyed a fine rookie season in '63.
Obviously, Sherman's and Robustelli's biggest problem will be to mold the defensive linemen into a smooth, cohesive unit. It may take time, however, which may prove costly early in the campaign with men at strange positions unfamiliar with the assignments that go with them, along with the newness of playing alongside different mates.
But that's the risk the Giants are willing to take. LoVetere came through all right last season, but then again, he was playing alongside Robustelli and Modzelewski. If the team should get off to a slow start, the defensive line may be one of the reasons.
DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD: The Giants, as usual, don't have to worry much about the secondary, with six proven veterans standing by waiting for service. Dick Lynch, who led the league with nine interceptions in '63, and Erich Barnes hold firm at the corner back spots. Ace safety man Jimmy Patton, who also doubles as an assistant coach, is back at his old familiar stand for the 10th straight campaign. At strong-side safety will be Dick Pesonen, who turned in an outstanding performance last year. In reserve are Allen Webb, who started last season as a regular ahead of Pesonen, and Eddie Dove.
If need be, Sherman can always call upon Guy to fill in and may spot rookie Gary Wood in his ack-ack crew.
KICKING: The Giants' big foot is owned by Don Chandler, who led the loop in scoring in 1963. Apparently getting better with each season, Chandler booted 52 extra points in 56 attempts, along with 18 field goals in 29 tries for a grand total of 106 points. Thus, Don also surpassed his old Giants' record of 104 markers. Additionally, Don was also one of the top punters, with an average of 44.9 per boot.
Should they be needed, Kirouac and Hillebrand can do placekicking, while Winter, Shofner and Looney are capable punters. Shofner, in fact, owned a career punting average of 43 yards during his days with the LA Rams.
KICKOFF and PUNT RETURNS: This department was unquestionably the Giants' Achilles' heel last season, but the addition of the fleet James should aid immensely. Dick was the league-leader in punt returns and ranked second to the San Francisco 49ers' Abe Woodson in total yardage on kickoff runbacks. Others around for runback duty are Charlie Killet, Dove, Counts, McElhenny, and possibly newcomer Wood.
SUM-UP: The Giants figure to battle it out with four other clubs - Cleveland, Dallas, Pittsburgh and St. Louis - for the Eastern diadem. Philadelphia and Washington, though extremely active in the trade marts, don't seem to have improved quite enough, but undoubtedly will be tough on any given Sunday afternoon.
Obviously, the new men obtained by the trades will be a major factor in determining what kind of a season the Giants will have. Unquestionably, if the club can come near duplicating its feat of tallying the 448 points of last year, they're going to be the host team in the 1964 championship contest.
There's no doubt that Tittle will be the cynosure of all eyes as he has been for the past three campaigns. He must stay healthy and not suffer serious injury. Otherwise ... you know the answer.
It remains to be seen if the acquisitions of James, Stynchula and Crespino will more than offset the departures of Huff and Modzelewski. The Giants shudder to think of Sam and/or Little Mo coming back to haunt them. After all, they're now with clubs in the same division and will perform against New York twice this season.
There are a lot of 'ifs' on this year's edition of the Giants which Sherman is obviously revamping in his own image. If the 'ifs' come through, fine. If not, it may be a long season. In the past, the Giants' trades have worked out far better than expected. Perhaps the pattern will continue.
In Allie Sherman's own words, 'We had to pay the price to get what we felt we needed most. These trades make us a better club than we were last December after the playoff ended in Chicago.' "
-Complete Sports 1964 New York Giants
"Picking against the New York Giants is akin to picking against their fellow tenants at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees. Sure, you'll win one once in a while doing this. But chances are you'll get pretty chummy with a lot of friendly loan companies in the process.
Around the league there is an occasional canard, 'Tittle can't win the big one,' and 'Allie Sherman can't do any better than win a division title. Name a club that wouldn't settle for (a) Tittle or (b) three in a row in its conference. Or for that matter, the Giants' 1963 point total of 448. You have to go all the way back to 1950 and the L.A. Rams' record of 466 points to top it. And the 1950 Rams didn't win the championship, either.
Sherman has a working philosophy that could be applied to almost every operation in which someone asks someone else to do something. 'The trick' offers Allie, 'is not to know what your people can do nearly as much as it is to know what they can't do.'
The Giants couldn't run last year, so they passed. Or rather that 37-year-old wizard who looks like a professor of agronomy at Panhandle Tech, Y.A. Tittle, passed. He passed to Del Shofner and he passed to Joe Walton and he passed to Phil King and he passed to Joe Morrison. And every once in a while, when he wanted to win a ball game, he would throw an important pass to Frank Gifford and Gifford would catch it.
The Giants also offer some interesting possibilities for the new season. Four of the defensive standbys that Sherman inherited are now gone: Huff to Washington, Modzelewski to Cleveland, Robustelli to full-time coaching, Grier to L.A. The young men get the big chance: Lane Howell, Bob Taylor, Andy Stynchula, Frank Lasky, etc. If they don't make it, the opposition gets the big chance.
The Giants' deal for a big runner, a deal heralded all winter, was a surprise. Dick James is probably the smallest running back in the league. A rookie like Joe Don Looney has to make it big or veteran Alex Webster has to make a big comeback to keep an awesome load off a newcomer like that. Or else another trade has to take place to give the Giants power running.
The Giants' greatest strength lies in their receivers. Shofner, Walton and Aaron Thomas are all top-notchers. Shofner is the best, an almost incredible greyhound who is a threat for the bomb from the moment he tugs at his shoelaces in the locker room. Del came to the Giants in 1961 and Sherman, who had just taken charge, made sure that the fleet receiver saw lots of action.
Allie was named head coach when Jim Lee Howell decided he'd had enough of worrying about mistakes he couldn't correct. After shots at the '58 and '59 Colts, he asked for a different spot in the organization. So the Mara family, owners of the team, pulled a masterstroke, putting Howell in charge of the talent and Sherman, who had been the offensive coach, in charge of utilizing it. It's been a winning combination right up to the last Sunday of each year. And how many other clubs get up to that last Sunday?"
-All-Pro 1964 Football
OFFENSE
Receivers
"Receivers aplenty for Y.A. Tittle's bull's-eyes. Del Shofner is the league's best split end and Joe Morrison is relieved of heavy-duty running for the flanker slot. Aaron Thomas, big and fast, could have a tremendous year.
Frank Gifford is always a threat. Bob Crespino got little work with the Browns.
Rating: Excellent"
-All-Pro 1964 Football
Interior Linemen
"A big point in the Giants' game. Roosevelt Brown is still all-league and Darrell Dess is a top man at guard. Greg Larson took over center last season and Bookie Bolin won a guard job.
Jack Stroud doesn't figure in this year's plans because of knee troubles, and Jim Moran, a rookie, will get a good look. Tony DiMidio is another highly rated rookie.
Ken Byers provides insurance at another tackle spot. Rock-hard Mickey Walker fills in.
Rating: Very Good"
-All-Pro 1964 Football
Quarterbacks
"Tittle is a scientific marvel at 37. He played in the league when backer-up Glynn Griffing was four.
The Giants plan three at the position.
Rating: Excellent"
-All-Pro 1964 Football
Running Backs
"A big back was the Giants' main off-season concern. Phil King is their best but subject to leg woes. Alex Webster and Hugh McElhenny are doubtful, forcing the Giants to count on youngsters Charlie Killett and Joe Don Looney or give up important talent in a trade.
Dick James is fine at punt returns. Bob Anderson, ex-Army, is given plenty of time to recuperate from knee surgery. Homer Jones, a Texas Southern speedster, had some trouble.
Rating: Fair"
-All-Pro 1964 Football
Kicker
"In 1963 Don Chandler was 18 of 29 on field goal attempts.
Rating: Excellent"
-All-Pro 1964 Football
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
"Dick Modzelewski and Andy Robustelli are gone, causing youngsters Bob Taylor and Lane Howell to assume a heavy load. The latter could prove an All-Pro in a couple of seasons. Andy Stynchula will battle for an end spot. Jim Katcavage could move to tackle in an emergency. Frank Lasky was a top collegian.
Rating: Good"
-All-Pro 1964 Football
Linebackers
"Jerry Hillebrand is slated for Sam Huff's role. Can he avoid beginner's mistakes? Tom Scott becomes the old pro of the defensive team. Bill Winter, hurt half of 1963, seems sure to see much action.
Lou Slaby and Al Gusky are reinforcements.
Rating: Good"
-All-Pro 1964 Football
Defensive Backs
"This group concedes nothing. Dick Lynch made all-league with nine interceptions, three for touchdowns. Dick Pesonen developed fast with a championship club. Erich Barnes is good but might go in a trade for a runner. Rounding out a decade, Jim Patton continues his player-coach role.
Allan Webb will try to regain a starting spot. Louis Guy could break in.
Rating: Very Good"
-All-Pro 1964 Football
OUTLOOK
"Allie Sherman has a great quarterback, superlative receivers and a habit of winning in the East.
Prediction: 1st"
-All-Pro 1964 Football
LOTS OF NEW FACES
"Evidently not content with winning the Eastern Conference title but losing the championship playoff in all three seasons he has been head coach of the Giants, Allie Sherman has gone all out to get what he can call 'my kind of team.'
Andy Robustelli retired to coach and veteran defensive tackle Dick Modzelewski went to Cleveland for flanker Bob Crespino. But the Giant fans screamed when idolized Sam Huff was sent to Washington for defensive end Andy Stynchula and punt and kickoff return man Dick James. Veteran offensive tackle Jack Stroud appears headed for a reserve role behind second-year man Lane Howell.
Except for the occasional use of James, the running attack remains the same. Joe Don Looney, dropped from the Oklahoma squad for disciplinary reasons last year, could save the day for Sherman. Once again it will be up to Y.A. Tittle unless a last-minute trade guarantees a better running attack.
Strength: Passing attack if Tittle avoids injury; the defensive secondary.
Weakness: Running backs and untested front four."
-Ed Friel, Newark Evening News (Pro Football Stars, 1964 Edition)
"LAST YEAR'S STRENGTH: That incredible old man, Y.A. Tittle, literally hurled the Giants to a third straight division crown and shattered his own NFL season's record with 36 scoring passes. While Tittle made New York the league's No. 1 aerial club, Dick Lynch led in pass interceptions and place kicker-punter Don Chandler topped all point-makers (106). Del Shofner was a superb long receiver with help from Frank Gifford, Phil King and Joe Morrison. The offensive line and defensive secondary were extraordinary.
LAST YEAR'S WEAKNESS: The highest scoring team in the league cavorted to an 11-3 record and into the title game without a breakaway running threat. King and Morrison plugged away; Alex Webster and Hugh McElhenny were hurt much of the time. Result: the Giants were seventh in team rushing. Kick runbacks were fair at best. Despite their hustle, the ages of the defensive linemen began to show.
1964 FORECAST: Coach Allie Sherman concedes a possible slow start but expects a fast finish now that the Old Defensive Gang is broken up. Sherman's march through the trade mart was made to beef up the defensive front and [for an] offensive halfback. After a bid for Eagle speedster Timmy Brown failed, the Giants swapped ace linebacker Sam Huff to Washington for halfback Dick James (led NFL in punt returns, 28th in rushing) and highly regarded defensive end Andy Stynchula. Dick Modzelewski went to the Browns for flanker back Bobby Crespino. Andy Robustelli retired.
The rapid development of Jerry Hillebrand plus Bill Winter's steadiness keeps the linebacking strong. Stynchula, Lane Howell or Bob Taylor will join John LoVetere and Jim Katcavage on the rebuilt defensive line. James adds more running speed, Webster says he's shaken back miseries and Crespino can free Morrison from so many pass catching chores.
Tittle? He insists the left knee he injured in the playoff is fine and appears at the peak of his game although he'll be 38 before the season ends. After a so-so 3-2 start last fall, Tittle steered the Giants to eight victories in the last nine games and won his first individual passing crown in 14 years."
-Bob Hoobing, Pro Football Illustrated 1964
"Time and circumstance are changing the image of the Giants, one of pro football's most stable units. Gone from last year's team are old familiars Andy Robustelli, Dick Modzelewski and Sam Huff. But in the minds of most observers, New York's entry consistently remains the NFL's most solid Eastern power.
They still have their great passer, Y.A. Tittle, and a string of talented receivers headed by Del Shofner and Frank Gifford. They have a mighty offensive line, led by Rosey Brown, Darrell Dess and Greg Larson. And, their defensive unit, particularly in the deep sectors, is as good as they come. In exchange for Huff, they got a good young rush liner [sic] in Andy Stynchula and a gifted all-purpose back in Dick James. They have an outstanding combination kicker in Don Chandler and count on Joe Don Looney, Steve Thurlow and other rookie prospects to bolster a running attack that has been skimpy."
-1964 Dutch Masters NFL Flip-Up Line-Up
1964 GIANT ROOKIES
"In coach Al Sherman's opinion, and his is the one that counts, the 1964 crop of Giant rookies ranks extremely high. The fellow that will be watched closest of all is number one draft choice Joe Don Looney of Oklahoma, who could be the answer to the Giants' perennial running back problem.
Other heralded hotshots include Steve Thurlow, halfback from Stanford; Henry Schichtle, Wichita State quarterback; Gary Wood, Cornell back; and tackles Jim Moran (Idaho), Frank Lasky (Florida), Tony DiMidio (West Chester) and Roger Anderson (Virginia Union). Up from last year's taxi squad are speedy back Homer Jones, flashy runner Dick Skelly and linebacker Lou Slaby.
The 21-year-old Looney has the size- 6-1, 230 lbs.- and is reputed to have the ability to make it big among the pros. His father, Don Looney, was Davey O'Brien's pass-catching end at Texas Christian and with the Philadelphia Eagles about a quarter of a century ago.
Joe Don was suspended during the 1963 campaign by Oklahoma mentor Bud Wilkinson due to an indifferent attitude. He was positively brilliant during the '62 season when he picked up 852 yards (fifth nationally), averaged 6.2 yards per carry, tallied 10 touchdowns, scored 62 points, led the nation with a 43.4 yard punting average, raced 60 yards for the winning touchdown against Syracuse and sprinted for an 84-yard touchdown against Colorado.
After graduating from Fort Worth Paschal High School in 1960, Looney began his rather checkered college career at Texas in the fall of '60. The spring of 1961 saw him at TCU. He then attended Cameron Junior College in Lawton, Oklahoma until arriving at Oklahoma in the fall of '62.
At the time of his suspension from the Sooner squad, Wilkinson was quoted as saying that Joe Don was 'a bad influence' on other members of the team and was indifferent about practice and discipline. But according to Giants' personnel director Jim Lee Howell, 'We're not interested in his past. We think he can be a fine pro player.'
Thurlow, the club's second draft pick, was reputed to be the top college player on the option pass play. Schichtle undoubtedly will get a long look at the controls' slot [sic].
Wood, an All-Ivy League quarterback from Cornell, may be tried as a defensive back or even as a punt return man. In Ivy coaching circles, Wood was ranked among the best college backs in running ability, in addition to his passing. Gary, who hails from Cortland, NY, was New York's eighth pick.
Among the neophyte linemen, the 6-5, 255 lb. Moran appears to be the most promising. He may be used on offense."
-Complete Sports 1964 New York Giants
"The Giants concentrated on running backs. The No. 1 choice was 230-pound Joe Don Looney of Oklahoma. They also drafted 210-pound Steve Thurlow of Stanford (No. 2) and 188-pound Gary Wood (No. 8). Thurlow and Wood, running quarterbacks, both can throw; Looney is an outstanding punter.
Linemen Tony DiMidio (250), West Chester, and Roger Anderson (255), Virginia Union, are other candidates."
-1964 Dutch Masters NFL Flip-Up Line-Up
1964 New York Giants Preseason Rosters
Ed Adamchick (G) Pittsburgh
Bob Anderson (HB) Army
* Roger Anderson (T) Virginia Union
49 Erich Barnes (DB) Purdue
63 Bookie Bolin (G) Mississippi
79 Roosevelt Brown (T) Morgan State
60 Ken Byers (DE-G) Cincinnati
34 Don Chandler (K-P) Florida
Clarence Childs (HB) (Florida A&M)
John Contoulis (T) Connecticut
46 John Counts (FL-HB) Illinois
Bob Crespino (E-FL) Mississippi
62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State
* Tony DiMidio (T) West Chester St.
Eddie Dove (DB) Colorado
Millard Fleming (DB) Marshall
16 Frank Gifford (FL) USC
15 Glynn Griffing (QB) Mississippi
33 Al Gursky (DB) Penn State
23 Louis Guy (HB-DB) Mississippi
* Bill Harris (HB) Colorado
87 Jerry Hillebrand (LB) Colorado
78 Lane Howell (DE-T) Grambling
Dick James (HB-DB) Oregon
Homer Jones (HB) Texas Southern
75 Jim Katcavage (DE) Dayton
37 Charlie Killett (HB) Memphis State
24 Phil King (HB) Vanderbilt
71 Lou Kirouac (T) Boston College
John Kovach (DE) John Carroll
53 Greg Larson (C-G) Minnesota
Frank Lasky (T) Florida
* Wynn Lembright (T) Toledo
* Joe Don Looney (FB) Oklahoma
76 John LoVetere (DT) Compton CC
22 Dick Lynch (CB) Notre Dame
Hugh McElhenny (HB) Washington
* Jim Moran (T) Idaho
40 Joe Morrison (FL-HB) Cincinnati
Bill Pashe (DB) George Washington
20 Jim Patton (S) Mississippi
25 Dick Pesonen (DB) Minnesota-Duluth
Roger Reynolds (HB) Bowling Green
* Henry Schlichtle (QB) Kansas
Dave Schroeder (DT) Stevens Pt.
82 Tom Scott (LB) Virginia
* George Seals (DE-G) Missouri
85 Del Shofner (E) Baylor
Dick Skelly (HB) Florida
Lou Slaby (LB) Pittsburgh
66 Jack Stroud (G) Tennessee
Andy Stynchula (DB) Penn State
65 Bob Taylor (DE-DT) Maryland State
88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State
* Steve Thurlow (HB) Stanford
14 Y.A. Tittle (QB) LSU
64 Mickey Walker (LB-C) Michigan State
80 Joe Walton (E) Pittsburgh
21 Allan Webb (S) Arnold
29 Alex Webster (FB) North Carolina State
Ernie Wheelwright (FB) Southern Illinois
31 Bill Winter (LB) St. Olaf
* Gary Wood (QB-HB) Cornell
* rookie
-Pro Football 1964
Head Coach -Allie Sherman
Assistant Coaches: Harry Wright, offensive backfield; Ed Kolman, offensive line; Ken Kavanaugh, pass receivers; Andy Robustelli, defensive line; Jim Patton, defensive backfield; Emlen Tunnell, scouting
Ed Adamchick (G) Pittsburgh
Bob Anderson (HB) Army
* Roger Anderson (T) Virginia Union
49 Erich Barnes (DB) Purdue
63 Bookie Bolin (G) Mississippi
79 Roosevelt Brown (T) Morgan State
60 Ken Byers (DE-G) Cincinnati
34 Don Chandler (K-P) Florida
Clarence Childs (HB) (Florida A&M)
John Contoulis (T) Connecticut
46 John Counts (FL-HB) Illinois
Bob Crespino (E-FL) Mississippi
62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State
* Tony DiMidio (T) West Chester St.
Eddie Dove (DB) Colorado
Millard Fleming (DB) Marshall
16 Frank Gifford (FL) USC
15 Glynn Griffing (QB) Mississippi
33 Al Gursky (DB) Penn State
23 Louis Guy (HB-DB) Mississippi
* Bill Harris (HB) Colorado
87 Jerry Hillebrand (LB) Colorado
78 Lane Howell (DE-T) Grambling
Dick James (HB-DB) Oregon
Homer Jones (HB) Texas Southern
75 Jim Katcavage (DE) Dayton
37 Charlie Killett (HB) Memphis State
24 Phil King (HB) Vanderbilt
71 Lou Kirouac (T) Boston College
John Kovach (DE) John Carroll
53 Greg Larson (C-G) Minnesota
Frank Lasky (T) Florida
* Wynn Lembright (T) Toledo
* Joe Don Looney (FB) Oklahoma
76 John LoVetere (DT) Compton CC
22 Dick Lynch (CB) Notre Dame
Hugh McElhenny (HB) Washington
* Jim Moran (T) Idaho
40 Joe Morrison (FL-HB) Cincinnati
Bill Pashe (DB) George Washington
20 Jim Patton (S) Mississippi
25 Dick Pesonen (DB) Minnesota-Duluth
Roger Reynolds (HB) Bowling Green
* Henry Schlichtle (QB) Kansas
Dave Schroeder (DT) Stevens Pt.
82 Tom Scott (LB) Virginia
85 Del Shofner (E) Baylor
Dick Skelly (HB) Florida
Lou Slaby (LB) Pittsburgh
66 Jack Stroud (G) Tennessee
Andy Stynchula (DB) Penn State
65 Bob Taylor (DE-DT) Maryland State
88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State
* Steve Thurlow (HB) Stanford
14 Y.A. Tittle (QB) LSU
64 Mickey Walker (LB-C) Michigan State
80 Joe Walton (E) Pittsburgh
21 Allan Webb (S) Arnold
29 Alex Webster (FB) North Carolina State
Ernie Wheelwright (FB) Southern Illinois
31 Bill Winter (LB) St. Olaf
* Gary Wood (QB-HB) Cornell
* rookie
-Pro Football Handbook 1964
1964 New York Giants Preseason Depth Charts
OFFENSE
Receivers
Del Shofner (S) (Baylor)
Aaron Thomas (S-T) (Oregon State)
Joe Walton (T) (Pittsburgh)
Frank Gifford (F) (USC)
Joe Morrison (F) (Cincinnati)
Bob Crespino (S-T) (Mississippi)
(S)-Split End (T)-Tight End (F)-Flanker
Interior Linemen
Roosevelt Brown (T) (Morgan State)
Darrell Dess (G) (North Carolina State)
Bookie Bolin (G) (Mississippi)
Greg Larson (C) (Minnesota)
Mickey Walker (G-C) (Michigan State)
Tony DiMidio (T) (West Chester)
Jim Moran (T) (Idaho)
Ken Byers (T) (Cincinnati)
(T)-Tackle (G)-Guard (C)-Center
Quarterbacks
Y.A. Tittle (LSU)
Glynn Griffing (Mississippi)
Henry Schichtle (Wichita State)
Running Backs
Phil King (F-H) (Vanderbilt)
Charlie Killett (H) (Memphis State)
Joe Don Looney (F-H) (Oklahoma)
Alex Webster (F) (North Carolina State)
Hugh McElhenny (H) (Washington)
Bob Anderson (F) (Army)
Homer Jones (H) (Texas Southern)
Dick James (H) (Oregon)
(F)-Fullback (H)-Halfback
Kicker
Don Chandler (Florida)
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Jim Katcavage (E) (Dayton)
John LoVetere (T) (Compton CC)
Bob Taylor (E) (Maryland State)
Lane Howell (T) (Grambling)
Frank Lasky (T) (Florida)
Andy Stynchula (E) (Penn State)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Jerry Hillebrand (M) (Colorado)
Tom Scott (O) (Virginia)
Bill Winter (O) (St. Olaf)
Al Gursky (O) (Penn State)
Lou Slaby (O) (Pittsburgh)*
(M)-Middle Linebacker (O)-Outside Linebacker
Defensive Backs
Dick Lynch (C) (Notre Dame)
Erich Barnes (C) (Purdue)
Dick Pesonen (C) (Minnesota-Duluth)
Lewis Guy (C) (Mississippi)
Jim Patton (S) (Mississippi)
Allan Webb (S) (Arnold)
Eddie Dove (S) (Colorado)
(C)-Cornerback (S)-Safety
-All-Pro 1964 Football
OFFENSE
No. Player
14 Y.A. Tittle QB
15 Glynn Griffing QB
16 Frank Gifford FL
24 Phil King HB
29 Alex Webster FB
34 Don Chandler K
37 Charlie Killett HB
39 Hugh McElhenny HB
40 Joe Morrison FL
43 Dick James FB
46 John Counts HB
53 Greg Larson C
60 Ken Byers G
62 Darrell Dess G
63 Bookie Bolin G
66 Jack Stroud G
71 Lou Kirouac T
79 Rosey Brown T
80 Joe Walton E
85 Del Shofner E
88 Aaron Thomas FL-E
89 Bob Crespino E
R Ed Adamchick G
R Bob Anderson HB
R Joe Don Looney FB
R James Moran T
R Henry Schichtle QB
R Steve Thurlow HB
R Gary Wood HB
DEFENSE
No. Player
20 Jim Patton DB
21 Allan Webb DB
22 Dick Lynch DB
23 Louis Guy DB
25 Dick Pesonen DB
31 Bill Winter LB
33 Al Gursky LB
48 Ed Dove DB
49 Erich Barnes DB
64 Mickey Walker LB-C
65 Bob Taylor DE
72 Andy Stynchula DT-DE
75 Jim Katcavage DE
76 John LoVetere DT
78 Lane Howell DT
82 Tommy Scott LB
87 Jerry Hillebrand LB
R Roger Anderson DT
R Tony DiMidio DE
R Millard Fleming DB
R Frank Lasky DT
R Wynn Lembright DT
R Bill Pashe DB
R Lou Slaby LB
[R - Rookie]
-1964 Dutch Masters NFL Flip-Up Line-Up
Offense
QB - Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14, Glynn Griffing (Mississippi) 15, Henry Schichtle (Wichita State)*
HB - Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24, Steve Thurlow (Stanford)*, Homer Jones (Texas Southern)*
FB - Joe Don Looney (Oklahoma)*, Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29
SE - Del Shofner (Baylor) 85, Bob Crespino (Mississippi) 89
T - Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79, Tony DiMidio (West Chester)*
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Ken Byers (Cincinnati) 60
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Ed Adamchick (Pittsburgh)*
G - Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63, Mickey Walker (Michigan State) 64
T - Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66, Jim Moran (Idaho)*
TE - Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80, Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Frank Gifford (USC) 16
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DT - Andy Stynchula (Penn State) 72, Lane Howell (Grambling) 78
DT - John LoVetere (Compton CC) 76, Frank Lasky (Florida)*
DE - Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81, Bob Taylor (Maryland State) 65
LB - Bill Winter (St. Olaf) 31
MLB - Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado) 87, Lou Slaby (Pittsburgh)*
LB - Tom Scott (Virginia) 82, Al Gursky (Penn State) 33
CB - Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49
S - Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25, Andy Nelson (Memphis) 26, Allan Webb (Arnold) 21
S - Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20, Eddie Dove (Colorado) 48
CB - Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22, Lewis Guy (Mississippi) 23
K - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
P - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
KR - Dick James (Oregon) 47 (HB), Charlie Killett (Memphis State) 37 (HB)
PR - Dick James (Oregon) 47 (HB), Eddie Dove (Colorado) 48
*rookie
1964 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Allie Sherman
Assistant Coach - Ken Kavanaugh
Assistant Coach - Ed Kolman
Assistant Coach - Andy Robustelli
Assistant Coach - Harry Wright
QB - Y.A. Tittle (LSU) 14
QB - Glynn Griffing (Mississippi) 15
HB - Phil King (Vanderbilt) 24
HB - Hugh McElhenny (Washington) 39
HB - Dick James (Oregon) 47
HB - RC Owens (College of Idaho) 27
HB - Bob Anderson (Army) 41
HB - Johnny Counts (Illinois) 48
HB - Charlie Killett (Memphis State) 37
FB - Alex Webster (North Carolina State) 29
FB - Joe Don Looney (Oklahoma) 35
FL - Frank Gifford (USC) 16
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
FL - Lewis Guy (Mississippi) 23
SE - Del Shofner (Baylor) 85
SE - Bob Crespino (Mississippi) 89
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
TE - Joe Walton (Pittsburgh) 80
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53
C - Mickey Walker (Michigan State) 64
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
G - Bookie Bolin (Mississippi) 63
G - Ken Byers (Cincinnati) 60
T - Roosevelt Brown (Morgan State) 79
T - Jack Stroud (Tennessee) 66
T - Lane Howell (Grambling) 78
T - Lou Kirouac (Boston College) 71
DT - John LoVetere (Compton CC) 76
DT - Andy Stynchula (Penn State) 72
DT - Lane Howell (Grambling) 78
DE - Andy Robustelli (Arnold) 81
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DE - Bob Taylor (Maryland State) 65
DE - Ken Byers (Cincinnati) 60
MLB - Jerry Hillebrand (Colorado) 87
LB - Bill Winter (St. Olaf) 31
LB - Tom Scott (Virginia) 82
LB - Mickey Walker (Michigan State) 64
LB - Al Gursky (Penn State) 33
CB - Dick Lynch (Notre Dame) 22
CB - Erich Barnes (Purdue) 49
CB - Lewis Guy (Mississippi) 23
S - Jim Patton (Mississippi) 20
S - Dick Pesonen (Minnesota-Duluth) 25
S - Allan Webb (Arnold) 21
S - Eddie Dove (Colorado) 46
S - Andy Nelson (Memphis State) 26
K - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
K - Lou Kirouac (Boston College) 71
P - Don Chandler (Florida) 34
KR - Dick James (Oregon) 47
KR - Charlie Killett (Memphis State) 37
KR - Johnny Counts (Illinois) 48
PR - Dick James (Oregon) 47
PR - Eddie Dove (Colorado) 46
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