Quarterback
No. 11
Maryland
"He's a far cry from the classic quarterback, and some football people flatly say they don't have very much confidence in him when he's running a ball club. But Dick Shiner is the man the Steelers turned to last year when pre-season regular Kent Nix disappointed, and it was Shiner who at least gave the club a semblance of respectability in its passing game.
Chuck Noll thinks that with the exception of a game or two, Dick threw well last season. He does need more consistency, however, the coach conceded. Dick threw 148 completions out of 304 attempts for 1,856 yards, a 48.7 percentage, and 18 touchdowns.
Actually, Dick has probably done more shuttling from one club to another than registering actual playing time. A draftee of the Redskins in 1964, where he backed up Sonny Jurgensen, he was traded to the Browns in 1967, where he backed up Frank Ryan. He came to the Steelers last season, where he was scheduled to back up Nix. It didn't turn out that way, and maybe with more game time, Dick, too, will begin to shine. Ugh!'"
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"Originally drafted by the Washington Redskins in 1964, Dick was traded to the Browns two years later, before he was traded to the Steelers in '68. This strong-armed quarterback is an explosive passer and always a threat to uncork the bomb.
Dick was Maryland's greatest passer during his college days."
-1969 Topps No. 64
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
1970 Profile: Pete Gogolak
Place Kicker
No. 3
Cornell
"Here's the player who really ended the war between the NFL and AFL. When Pete signed with the Giants in '66, after two years as the place-kicking star of the AFL Buffalo Bills, the AFL replied by raiding NFL rosters. Before long, however, the great peace treaty was signed.
Hungarian-born Pete also introduced the sidewheeling, soccer style of place-kicking to U.S. football while playing college ball at Cornell. Last year he connected on all 33 of his extra point attempts and made 11 out of 21 field goal tries."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
No. 3
Cornell
"Here's the player who really ended the war between the NFL and AFL. When Pete signed with the Giants in '66, after two years as the place-kicking star of the AFL Buffalo Bills, the AFL replied by raiding NFL rosters. Before long, however, the great peace treaty was signed.
Hungarian-born Pete also introduced the sidewheeling, soccer style of place-kicking to U.S. football while playing college ball at Cornell. Last year he connected on all 33 of his extra point attempts and made 11 out of 21 field goal tries."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
1970 Profile: Giants Defensive Back Profiles
WILLIE WILLIAMS
Cornerback
No. 41
Grambling
Willie led the NFL with 10 interceptions in 1968. In 1969, he was selected to the Pro Bowl.
His instinct for being where the ball is thrown is among the best of any defensive back in the pros. He's also a devastating open-field tackler.
SCOTT EATON
Cornerback
No. 20
Oregon State
Scott has outstanding speed and is not faked out by tricky receivers. He's also a jarring tackler.
Last November 2, in Yankee Stadium against the Eagles, Scott returned an interception to give the Giants a 19-16 lead in the fourth quarter.
TOM LONGO
Strong Safety
No. 44
Notre Dame
Tom has a notable talent for coming up to the line to meet a sweep and is often a problem for offensive guards. He has quickly become known around the league for his rugged and aggressive manner and last year showed that he was truly developing his defensive skills.
An instinctive player who's always around the ball, Tom recovered three fumbles in 1969, 10th in NFL.
No. 43
North Texas State
"When the Giants become winners again, Spider will get the attention due him as one of pro football's finest safetymen. Lockhart is not especially big at 6-2, 175 pounds but he's quick, tough and smart.
Since coming to the Giants in 1965 as the number thirteen draft choice, Lockhart, a graduate of North Texas State, has made the Pro Bowl twice- in 1966 and 1968. He was an original member of 'Emlen's Gremlins,' the colorful secondary unit developed by defensive backfield coach Emlen Tunnell."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"A three-year letterman at North Texas State playing both defensive halfback and flanker, Spider's college record shows 60 carries for 237 yards rushing, 32 pass receptions for 384 yards and four touchdowns, ten interceptions and 95 punts for a near 40-yard average. In 1963 and 1964 Spider led the Missouri Valley Conference in punting. He was a two-time all-conference pick. He was also a fine hurdler in track."
-1970 Topps No. 17
Cornerback
No. 41
Grambling
Willie led the NFL with 10 interceptions in 1968. In 1969, he was selected to the Pro Bowl.
His instinct for being where the ball is thrown is among the best of any defensive back in the pros. He's also a devastating open-field tackler.
SCOTT EATON
Cornerback
No. 20
Oregon State
Scott has outstanding speed and is not faked out by tricky receivers. He's also a jarring tackler.
Last November 2, in Yankee Stadium against the Eagles, Scott returned an interception to give the Giants a 19-16 lead in the fourth quarter.
TOM LONGO
Strong Safety
No. 44
Notre Dame
Tom has a notable talent for coming up to the line to meet a sweep and is often a problem for offensive guards. He has quickly become known around the league for his rugged and aggressive manner and last year showed that he was truly developing his defensive skills.
An instinctive player who's always around the ball, Tom recovered three fumbles in 1969, 10th in NFL.
SPIDER LOCKHART
Free SafetyNo. 43
North Texas State
"When the Giants become winners again, Spider will get the attention due him as one of pro football's finest safetymen. Lockhart is not especially big at 6-2, 175 pounds but he's quick, tough and smart.
Since coming to the Giants in 1965 as the number thirteen draft choice, Lockhart, a graduate of North Texas State, has made the Pro Bowl twice- in 1966 and 1968. He was an original member of 'Emlen's Gremlins,' the colorful secondary unit developed by defensive backfield coach Emlen Tunnell."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"A three-year letterman at North Texas State playing both defensive halfback and flanker, Spider's college record shows 60 carries for 237 yards rushing, 32 pass receptions for 384 yards and four touchdowns, ten interceptions and 95 punts for a near 40-yard average. In 1963 and 1964 Spider led the Missouri Valley Conference in punting. He was a two-time all-conference pick. He was also a fine hurdler in track."
-1970 Topps No. 17
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
1970 Profile: Joe Morrison
Flanker
No. 40
Cincinnati
"At 33, Joe Morrison is one of the last active links to the Giants' championship past. Joe now starts his twelfth season in New York blue. A quarterback and halfback at the University of Cincinnati, Morrison was the Giants' third draft pick in 1959. As a pro he has played six positions: halfback, fullback, flanker, tight end, split end and defensive safety, sometimes all in one season.
Morrison, 6-1, 212 pounds, played superbly as a set back in 1969. He caught 44 passes, averaged 3.6 yards per carry rushing and scored 11 touchdowns. He is a rugged blocker and, while not fast, makes the most of what he has.
'I'm slower than they think and the defense keeps overreacting to me,' says Joe."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"One of the all-time greats at Cincinnati, Joe set a school scoring record of 128 points and tied another individual mark with 21 touchdowns. He was a standout quarterback as a sophomore and junior but was switched to halfback in 1958. He responded by leading Missouri Valley Conference scorers with 56 points and by rushing for 467 yards and a 4.7 average.
Joe owns a restaurant in New York called 'The Giant Step.' "
-1970 Topps No. 105
No. 40
Cincinnati
"At 33, Joe Morrison is one of the last active links to the Giants' championship past. Joe now starts his twelfth season in New York blue. A quarterback and halfback at the University of Cincinnati, Morrison was the Giants' third draft pick in 1959. As a pro he has played six positions: halfback, fullback, flanker, tight end, split end and defensive safety, sometimes all in one season.
Morrison, 6-1, 212 pounds, played superbly as a set back in 1969. He caught 44 passes, averaged 3.6 yards per carry rushing and scored 11 touchdowns. He is a rugged blocker and, while not fast, makes the most of what he has.
'I'm slower than they think and the defense keeps overreacting to me,' says Joe."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"One of the all-time greats at Cincinnati, Joe set a school scoring record of 128 points and tied another individual mark with 21 touchdowns. He was a standout quarterback as a sophomore and junior but was switched to halfback in 1958. He responded by leading Missouri Valley Conference scorers with 56 points and by rushing for 467 yards and a 4.7 average.
Joe owns a restaurant in New York called 'The Giant Step.' "
-1970 Topps No. 105
Monday, October 27, 2014
1970 Profile: Defensive Line Profiles
JIM KANICKI
Defensive Tackle
No. 73
Michigan State
"This huge defensive tackle has been a Cleveland regular since 1963. Jim is considered one of the strongest linemen in the National Football League. He is a fierce pass rusher and is one of the most difficult tackles in the pros to trap on a running play.
Jim was chosen as the most valuable lineman in the 1962 North-South Game."
-1968 Topps No. 180
"The Giants have desperately needed a defensive tackle of Jim Kanicki's experience and caliber- not quite All-Pro but reliably professional against the run and the pass. Jim was held back by injury last year when he played for the Cleveland Browns, but he anticipates becoming a regular in the New York front four. Kanicki has the size: he stands 6-4 and weighs 270 pounds.
His great moment of glory came in the 1964 NFL championship game against the Baltimore Colts when he repeatedly broke though the Colt blockers to smear John Unitas. Kanicki, 27, played college football at Michigan State."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
JIM NORTON
Defensive Tackle
No. 79
Washington
"What little there was of a Falcon pass rush last year was provided by Jim Norton, a young veteran of three pro seasons. Jim was not only their most effective defensive lineman, he was the most versatile, shifting between end and tackle as the need arose. He seems to be at his best as an inside pass-rusher, and Norb Hecker is planning on using him at tackle this year.
Jim originally was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, who tried him as an offensive lineman. But he was switched to defense during his rookie year and won a regular job. The Falcons got him in a trade before the start of the 1967 season. A 6-4, 254-pounder, he played college ball at the University of Washington."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
No. 89
San Diego State
"The Giant preseason prospectus lists right defensive end Fred Dryer at 6-6, 240 pounds. The height is right but, last season at least, the weight was strictly wishful thinking. As a rookie in '69, Dryer weighed 230 at best; the Giants feel he must be bigger heavier to give and take punishment like the All-Pro defensive end the team thinks he can and will become.
There was some speculation last year that if Fred did not fill out physically, he might be switched to outside linebacker to take advantage of his speed (40 yards in 4.8 seconds) and agility. But on the other hand, that would be wasting Dryer's enormous potential as a pass rusher - and since the Giants need a pass rush more than anything, look for Fred to remain in the front four.
Dryer, 24, was an All-American at San Diego State."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"Fred was an All-American Junior College choice at El Camino Junior College, then won All-American honors again at San Diego State in his junior year. He was a stickout in both the East-West and Hula Bowl games.
Unanimously rated by all the pro scouts as first-round draft material, Fred is an excellent pass rusher. He has 4.8 speed in the 40-yard dash and his potential afforded him to step right in as a starting player in his rookie season of 1969."
-1970 Topps No. 247
BOB LURTSEMA
Defensive End
No. 71
Western Michigan
"A 6-6, 250-pound defensive lineman, he joined the Giants in '67 after spending the previous season on the taxi squad of the Baltimore Colts. The Colts had drafted him out of Western Michigan University.
In '67 and '68, Lurtsema gave the Giants their most effective pass rush, showing tremendous strength and determination. In '69, however, he was less effective in defending against running plays. With the acquisition of experienced tackles Jim Kanicki and Jerry Shay, 28-year-old 'Lurts' will in all likelihood be converted defensive end. He's tall enough and strong enough.
Lurtsema is a versatile all-around athlete. He played basketball and baseball at Western Michigan and is now a low-handicap golfer. When not playing football, he's a mechanical engineer."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"Bob began his long college football career at Michigan Tech and then switched over to Western Michigan where he became one of the school's outstanding defensive linemen, also playing offensive end for a while. He was an all-conference selection in 1965 and was named Western Michigan's MVP. Bob also played baseball and basketball, finishing with a total of seven varsity letters.
Bob was signed as a free agent by Baltimore in 1966 and spent that season on the Colts' taxi squad. He came to the Giants prior to the 1967 season."
-1970 Topps No. 197
Defensive Tackle
No. 73
Michigan State
"This huge defensive tackle has been a Cleveland regular since 1963. Jim is considered one of the strongest linemen in the National Football League. He is a fierce pass rusher and is one of the most difficult tackles in the pros to trap on a running play.
Jim was chosen as the most valuable lineman in the 1962 North-South Game."
-1968 Topps No. 180
"The Giants have desperately needed a defensive tackle of Jim Kanicki's experience and caliber- not quite All-Pro but reliably professional against the run and the pass. Jim was held back by injury last year when he played for the Cleveland Browns, but he anticipates becoming a regular in the New York front four. Kanicki has the size: he stands 6-4 and weighs 270 pounds.
His great moment of glory came in the 1964 NFL championship game against the Baltimore Colts when he repeatedly broke though the Colt blockers to smear John Unitas. Kanicki, 27, played college football at Michigan State."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
JIM NORTON
Defensive Tackle
No. 79
Washington
"What little there was of a Falcon pass rush last year was provided by Jim Norton, a young veteran of three pro seasons. Jim was not only their most effective defensive lineman, he was the most versatile, shifting between end and tackle as the need arose. He seems to be at his best as an inside pass-rusher, and Norb Hecker is planning on using him at tackle this year.
Jim originally was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, who tried him as an offensive lineman. But he was switched to defense during his rookie year and won a regular job. The Falcons got him in a trade before the start of the 1967 season. A 6-4, 254-pounder, he played college ball at the University of Washington."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
FRED DRYER
Defensive EndNo. 89
San Diego State
"The Giant preseason prospectus lists right defensive end Fred Dryer at 6-6, 240 pounds. The height is right but, last season at least, the weight was strictly wishful thinking. As a rookie in '69, Dryer weighed 230 at best; the Giants feel he must be bigger heavier to give and take punishment like the All-Pro defensive end the team thinks he can and will become.
There was some speculation last year that if Fred did not fill out physically, he might be switched to outside linebacker to take advantage of his speed (40 yards in 4.8 seconds) and agility. But on the other hand, that would be wasting Dryer's enormous potential as a pass rusher - and since the Giants need a pass rush more than anything, look for Fred to remain in the front four.
Dryer, 24, was an All-American at San Diego State."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"Fred was an All-American Junior College choice at El Camino Junior College, then won All-American honors again at San Diego State in his junior year. He was a stickout in both the East-West and Hula Bowl games.
Unanimously rated by all the pro scouts as first-round draft material, Fred is an excellent pass rusher. He has 4.8 speed in the 40-yard dash and his potential afforded him to step right in as a starting player in his rookie season of 1969."
-1970 Topps No. 247
BOB LURTSEMA
Defensive End
No. 71
Western Michigan
"A 6-6, 250-pound defensive lineman, he joined the Giants in '67 after spending the previous season on the taxi squad of the Baltimore Colts. The Colts had drafted him out of Western Michigan University.
In '67 and '68, Lurtsema gave the Giants their most effective pass rush, showing tremendous strength and determination. In '69, however, he was less effective in defending against running plays. With the acquisition of experienced tackles Jim Kanicki and Jerry Shay, 28-year-old 'Lurts' will in all likelihood be converted defensive end. He's tall enough and strong enough.
Lurtsema is a versatile all-around athlete. He played basketball and baseball at Western Michigan and is now a low-handicap golfer. When not playing football, he's a mechanical engineer."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"Bob began his long college football career at Michigan Tech and then switched over to Western Michigan where he became one of the school's outstanding defensive linemen, also playing offensive end for a while. He was an all-conference selection in 1965 and was named Western Michigan's MVP. Bob also played baseball and basketball, finishing with a total of seven varsity letters.
Bob was signed as a free agent by Baltimore in 1966 and spent that season on the Colts' taxi squad. He came to the Giants prior to the 1967 season."
-1970 Topps No. 197
Sunday, October 26, 2014
1970 Profile: Fran Tarkenton
Quarterback
No. 10
Georgia
"Let's talk about 'Fran the Scram.' The Giant coaches did in '69, especially when Tarkenton had a vital pass intercepted against Cleveland. Fran had passed from the Browns' one-yard line. His entire philosophy of play-calling came under fire.
Tarkenton is not about to change. This will be his tenth season as a regular quarterback in the NFL, and he is only 30. During that time, Fran has proved to be a gambler, one who lives by the sword or dies by it. He does not call a conservative game. He will desert his blocking pocket and scramble fearlessly - and he will pass when his coaches might like him to call a run. But that's Fran. Granted, a scrambler has never won a championship (unless you consider Joe Kapp a scrambler, which he isn't). But give Tarkenton a decent defense and some substantial runners - and watch him.
In '69, he threw 409 passes and completed 220; only eight were intercepted. Tarkenton also ran 37 times and averaged 4.6 yards."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"Fran earned All-American honors as a free-wheeling quarterback at the University of Georgia in 1960. He was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference choice, the most valuable player in the SEC and the owner of the best completion average among college passers at 58.4. He had an outstanding junior year and was MVP in the Hula Bowl Game of 1961.
During the season, Fran has his own TV show in New York."
-1970 Topps No. 80
No. 10
Georgia
"Let's talk about 'Fran the Scram.' The Giant coaches did in '69, especially when Tarkenton had a vital pass intercepted against Cleveland. Fran had passed from the Browns' one-yard line. His entire philosophy of play-calling came under fire.
Tarkenton is not about to change. This will be his tenth season as a regular quarterback in the NFL, and he is only 30. During that time, Fran has proved to be a gambler, one who lives by the sword or dies by it. He does not call a conservative game. He will desert his blocking pocket and scramble fearlessly - and he will pass when his coaches might like him to call a run. But that's Fran. Granted, a scrambler has never won a championship (unless you consider Joe Kapp a scrambler, which he isn't). But give Tarkenton a decent defense and some substantial runners - and watch him.
In '69, he threw 409 passes and completed 220; only eight were intercepted. Tarkenton also ran 37 times and averaged 4.6 yards."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"Fran earned All-American honors as a free-wheeling quarterback at the University of Georgia in 1960. He was a two-time All-Southeastern Conference choice, the most valuable player in the SEC and the owner of the best completion average among college passers at 58.4. He had an outstanding junior year and was MVP in the Hula Bowl Game of 1961.
During the season, Fran has his own TV show in New York."
-1970 Topps No. 80
Saturday, October 25, 2014
1970 Profile: Alex Webster
Head Coach
"'Big Red,' as he is known within the Giant football family, stepped into an unpleasant situation when he replaced Allie Sherman as head coach a week before the start of the '69 season. Rancor gripped the Giants. The fans had kept up a continuing din of 'Goodbye Allie,' expressing their displeasure with the way the Giants were being coached; when the team lost a dreary preseason exhibition game to the Steelers, voices of mutiny were heard on the squad itself. A few days later, Sherman was out - long-term contract and all - and Alex Webster was in as his successor.
It was a widely applauded appointment. During his ten years as a Giant running back (1955-1964), Webster was a very popular, highly professional player. He still holds three team records: most rushing attempts (1,213), most rushing yardage (4,805) and most touchdowns rushing (39). He played on Giant teams that won one world championship (1956) and six Eastern Conference titles (1956, '58, '59, '61, '62, '63).
Before becoming head coach, Webster had been the Giants' offensive backfield coach. While Alex is popular with his players, he is a no-nonsense taskmaster who is committed to an all-out effort to make the Giants winners again."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
"'Big Red,' as he is known within the Giant football family, stepped into an unpleasant situation when he replaced Allie Sherman as head coach a week before the start of the '69 season. Rancor gripped the Giants. The fans had kept up a continuing din of 'Goodbye Allie,' expressing their displeasure with the way the Giants were being coached; when the team lost a dreary preseason exhibition game to the Steelers, voices of mutiny were heard on the squad itself. A few days later, Sherman was out - long-term contract and all - and Alex Webster was in as his successor.
It was a widely applauded appointment. During his ten years as a Giant running back (1955-1964), Webster was a very popular, highly professional player. He still holds three team records: most rushing attempts (1,213), most rushing yardage (4,805) and most touchdowns rushing (39). He played on Giant teams that won one world championship (1956) and six Eastern Conference titles (1956, '58, '59, '61, '62, '63).
Before becoming head coach, Webster had been the Giants' offensive backfield coach. While Alex is popular with his players, he is a no-nonsense taskmaster who is committed to an all-out effort to make the Giants winners again."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
1970 New York Giants Outlook
"It was this way with the Giants last year: when they were good, they were very, very good (three victories in their first four games, including one over the eventual league champions, the Minnesota Vikings, and three successive victories to end the season, including one over the division champion Cleveland Browns). But when the Giants were bad, they were horrid (seven straight defeats during the breadbasket of the season). Which team will the Giants be in 1970? Coach Alex Webster believes they will be good - perhaps 'improved' is a better word. They finished second in a different division last year, but Dallas, St. Louis and Washington all seem stronger now.
Since last season, New York has broken up its well-publicized long passing game by trading its primary bomb-catcher, wide receiver Homer Jones, to Cleveland. While Homer was a remarkable deep threat, the rest of his game left something to be desired. The Giants outdid themselves in getting a replacement; they came up with Clifton McNeil, who was unhappy with San Francisco last year and finally got traded away for two draft choices. McNeil led the NFL in receiving in 1968 with 71 catches for 994 yards. He's got speed and experience. On the other side is Aaron Thomas, a veteran top-drawer flanker, who retired after the 1969 season to be a stockbroker, but the slumping spring market caused his return to the game. That leaves Freeman White and Don Herrmann as the backup men. White is big (6-5, 225); in four seasons with the club, he has been used with varying success at tight end, linebacker, strong safety and now flanker. He caught 29 passes in 1969. Herrmann, who caught 33, has excellent moves and hands that compensate for only average speed. He seemed like an outstanding '69 rookie till injuries slowed him down. The tight end will be Butch Wilson, a veteran who blocks hard but who does not catch much. A sleeper could be Bob Tucker, who caught 17 touchdown passes for Pottstown in the Atlantic Coast League last year.
The guy who throws to all these sure-handed fellows is quarterback Fran Tarkenton. Tarkenton has begun to catch it from restless Giant fans - and even, occasionally, from Coach Webster. Fran's critics say he scrambles too much and they question his play selection, particularly in goal-line situations. But look at the record - where would the Giants be without Tarkenton? Fran was the league's number three passer last year and coolly directed his team's offense, with its fancy I-formation, man-in-motion variations. The Giants moved to protect themselves by obtaining backup quarterback Dick Shiner from the Steelers. Shiner should move ahead of veteran Gary Wood and former Houston Oiler Bob Davis.
For several years the Giants have been trying to shore up their running attack. They have been especially anxious to find a back with speed to the outside. That's why they seem delighted with Ron Johnson, the 205-pound halfback who played for Cleveland last year and came to New York in the Homer Jones trade. Johnson can turn the corner. The Giants are also hoping that fullback Junior Coffey has recovered from his second knee operation in two years. Coffey, acquired from Atlanta early last year, was averaging 4.2 yards per carry for the Giants when he re-injured his knee. He can hit inside. That leaves Joe Morrison, Ernie Koy, Tucker Frederickson and Bobby Duhon. In '69, Morrison had his finest season in 11 with the Giants. He led the team in rushing and pass receiving and tied place kicker Pete Gogolak for the scoring lead. Joe is unspectacular but valuable. Koy may have saved his job by finishing the season well. Frederickson? Poor Tucker. He had two knee jobs and missed the last nine games of '69 with a fractured ankle. Who knows about him any more? Duhon missed the whole season and underwent two knee operations.
The Giants express satisfaction with their offensive line, which Coach Webster says has the proper balance of youth and experience. The fulcrum is ten-year pro Greg Larson at center. The guards are Pete Case and Doug Van Horn; the tackles are Willie Young and Dick Buzin. This unit has improved steadily and cannot be blamed for any of the team's won-lost misfortunes.
The same cannot be said for the Giant defensive line. He is where the team has risen or fallen (mostly fallen) the last few years. For a long stretch, the New York pass rush was nonexistent; last season the pass rush improved. The rookie end, Fred Dryer, played solidly, and tackles Bob Lurtsema and Joe Szczecko began to penetrate more frequently. But the Giant line did not improve against the run.
'Our line gave up 4.4 yards per try on the ground last year,' says defensive coach Norb Hecker, 'and that's too much.' Which is another reason for that Homer Jones trade with Cleveland. In exchange, the Giants not only got runner Ron Johnson, they picked up defensive tackle Jim Kanicki, a 270-pound seven-year pro. Kanicki rushes the passer hard, but he is equally well rated for his ability to stop the run. The Giants also surrendered a draft pick to get 245-pound tackle Jerry Shay from Atlanta and signed former Boston Patriot tackle Dennis Byrd. Thus the Giants believe they have stabilized the middle of their defensive line. Dryer is set at left end, but right end? The coaches had planned to move linebacker Henry Davis there, but then Davis went to the Steelers in the Shiner deal. That left only rookie end Wes Grant of UCLA as a live body on the right side. The solution? Move Bob Lurtsema from tackle to end, as has been contemplated in the past.
Linebacking was another Giant sore spot in 1969. The picture now looks brighter. One reason is the team's number one draft pick, Jim Files of Oklahoma. A 6-4, 240-pounder, Files became the number one right linebacker when veteran Tommy Joe Crutcher was sent to the Rams for two draft picks. Veteran Ralph Heck, smallish but tough, returns at middle linebacker, but nobody would be surprised if the starter turned out to be hardrock Wayne Meylan, who came to the Giants with Kanicki and Johnson. In that case, Heck would go to left linebacker, probably ahead of veteran John Kirby.
There's nothing wrong with the secondary. Cornerbacks Willie Williams and Scott Eaton and safetymen Spider Lockhart and Bruce Maher are all first rate. Lockhart is backed up by aggressive Tom Longo; Maher by Al Brenner. Jim Holifield is worth mentioning: he can play every defensive backfield position.
The Giants would like to get more out of their special teams and punting game. Too many punt and kickoff returns have been putting the team in deep trouble. And the punting was mediocre: a 38.2 yard average for Dave Dunaway, 35.9 for Ernie Koy. Pete Gogolak remains a steady field goal and extra point specialist."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
IN BRIEF
Probable 1970 Finish: 4th (NFC Eastern)
Strengths: a good quarterback in Tarkenton, improved defensive line, and an underrated secondary and offensive line.
Biggest Needs: explosive runners, tight defense against the run, better punting, and more aggressiveness on special teams.
1969 finish: 2nd (Century, 6-8-0)
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
" 'How do you say 'Good-Bye, Allie' in French?' Giant coach Allie Sherman said as he stepped off the plane from Montreal. His team had lost its fifth successive exhibition game, 17-13, to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and perhaps he realized that the phrase he'd heard sung to him by New York fans so many times in the last five years was finally about to become meaningful. Sherman was fired and Alex Webster, the ex-fullback and then the team's offensive backfield coach, took over the team six days before the season's opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
Despite their preseason record, the Giants had to be considered a dangerous club on offense. Even though shiftings in the offensive line had not done the unit's timing a lot of good and even though the health of the running backs had cut that unit's depth, the offense still had quarterback Fran Tarkenton and end Homer Jones, along with a skinny new receiver named Don Herrmann who had shown very well.
So the Giants were definitely a scoring threat against anyone. But New York's defense seemed virtually no threat at all to stopping the opposition from scoring. That was because the people who were most responsible for stopping the opposition are the folks up front- the rush line and linebackers. They not only have to contain the running attack but they have to penetrate and pressure the passer into throwing when he doesn't want to or, better still, into eating the ball. When there is no pressure the secondary, no matter how good it is- and the Giants' happened to be quite good- has little hope. Defensive backs simply cannot stay with speedy, tricky receivers for four or five seconds.
Surprisingly, though, in the opener the Giant defense played tough, holding the hard-running Vikings to 97 yards on the ground.
The defense did make two costly mistakes- both in executing safety blitzes. Quarterback Gary Cuozzo read the blitzes easily and passed for 47- and 48-yard touchdowns to John Henderson and Gene Washington. But the Vikings could manage only three field goals the rest of the afternoon, which gave them a 23-10 lead with less than five minutes to play. Tarkenton then capped a 59-yard drive with a 16-yard pass to Herrmann at the Viking two, where he broke a tackle and fell into the end zone. Cuozzo came back with a big third-down completion to Washington, but he fumbled and New York recovered at Minnesota's 36-yard line. After a nine-yard draw play, an incompletion and a holding penalty, Tarkenton was in a third-and-17 situation. The Viking front four, which had harassed and battered him all afternoon, was coming again, so Fran scrambled. Just as he was about to be hit, Tarkenton flung the ball downfield. Two Giants and two Vikings leaped for it, and the ball bounced off the hands of Viking safetyman Paul Krause. Fortunately for New York, reserve tight end Butch Wilson- who had just replaced the injured Freeman White- was standing near enough to dive for the ball and make the reception. What looked like an interception ended up a 33-yard completion to the Viking 10. After a running play failed, Tarkenton called Herrmann on a slant pattern and hit him with a pass as Don passed the goal line. The extra point by Pete Gogolak made it 24-23, New York, and that was the final. Webster had his first win as a head coach.
But the next week in Detroit, Alex and the Giants faced life as it really was. The offensive line did not protect Tarkenton (who completed only five of 16 passes), the defensive line did not get to Lion quarterback Bill Munson, and Detroit won, 24-0. A week later the Giants regained the fortune they had against the Vikings, although the Bears outgained them 380 yards to 267. Again Tarkenton threw two touchdown passes to Don Herrmann, but with less than two minutes to play the Bears led, 24-21. Tarkenton led a 72-yard drive that ended with a pass to running back Joe Morrison, who caught the ball on the 11-yard line and scurried into the end zone ahead of middle linebacker Dick Butkus. The winning score came at 14:01 of the period- the exact time of the winning touchdown against Minnesota. 'That's the way Alex planned it,' Freeman White said through a smile in the locker room, which indicated the kind of spirit the Giants had then. Following the 10-7 victory over Pittsburgh a week later, that spirit began to dwindle fast as New York went into a seven-game winning streak.
The Giants lost to the Washington Redskins, 20-14; to the Dallas Cowboys, 25-3; to the Philadelphia Eagles, 23-20; to the St. Louis Cardinals, 42-17; to the Cleveland Browns, 28-17; to the Green Bay Packers, 20-10. With a bit of the luck they'd had against the Vikings and Bears, the Giants could have won at least three of those games. But more often than not the old saw that 'good teams make good luck' holds true.
The next week, though, the Giants suddenly stopped making the mistakes that had hurt them for so long. And the front four- which had only one consistent ballplayer to this point in the season, rookie end Fred Dryer- suddenly stopped the run immediately and was then able to fire in on the pass rush. Fran Tarkenton passed for four touchdowns, three to Joe Morrison, and New York won, 49-6. The Giants played good football in their last two games, too, coming from behind to beat the Steelers, 21-17, in the last 48 seconds, and coming from behind, 14-13, to beat the Browns with two fourth-period touchdowns. So despite their 6-8 record and that horrendous losing streak, the Giants finished on an up note.
As soon as the season ended the Giants began making deals to strengthen themselves for 1970, and hopefully beyond. The big trade sent Homer Jones to the Browns for three players who could become regulars in New York: defensive tackle Jim Kanicki, running back Ron Johnson and linebacker Wayne Meylan, a former Nebraska All-America who didn't start in two years in Cleveland but who is being ballyhooed as New York's middle backer for this season. Certainly Kanicki and possibly Jerry Shay- a former regular also acquired in trade- have a very good chance of dislodging the Giants' starting defensive tackles, Bob Lurtsema and Joe Szczecko. Fred Dryer is a potential All-Pro at right end and Alex Webster has high hopes of filling the left end spot with another body of Dryer's ferocity. Former linebacker Henry Davis seems the most likely candidate, though Webster is very high on his No. 4 draft choice (New York had traded its second and third picks)- Wes Grant of UCLA. No. 1 choice Jim Files of Oklahoma has already been given the left linebacker's spot. Tommy Joe Crutcher, who is recovering from a knee operation, will have to battle Ralph Heck, a smart, tough veteran, and young McKinley Boston for the right linebacking job. With the rush line and linebacking solidified, the Giants will give any team a rugged fight.
Young Rich Houston is expected to make Giant fans forget Homer Jones and he showed enough in the last Cleveland game to indicate he just might do so. He will be a speed end, with Don Herrmann, a Raymond Berry type, the other wide receiver. Freeman White, who went through an inexplicable three-year delay getting to his regular position, could develop into a top tight end. Ron Johnson and a sound Junior Coffey should improve the running game significantly."
-Berry Stainback, Pro Football Forecast for 1970
SCRAMBLIN' TO GET AHEAD
"There were three startling items in the New York Giants' log for 1969. Alex Webster replaced Allie Sherman as head coach almost on the eve of the season's opener. They started the campaign by defeating the Minnesota Vikings, who lost only one other decision en route to the NFL title. And they closed by whipping the Cleveland Browns, the Century Division title holders.
Otherwise, the solid phalanx of Yankee Stadium spectators, who changed their tune from 'Goodbye Allie' to 'Attaboy Alex,' witnessed a familiar picture. They enjoyed Fran Tarkenton scrambling and the 23 touchdown passes he unfurled, but while he was contributing to the Giants' 264 points, the opposition was rolling up 298. They suffered through a seven-game losing streak which left the team with a 6-8 record, a notch below the 7-7 marks of Sherman's final two seasons.
The merger of the two leagues and the resultant realignment hasn't changed the Giants' situation appreciably. They finished second to Cleveland in the Century Division last year and the Browns have moved to the American Conference. But in their five-team Eastern Division the Giants will have to contend with Dallas and Washington, both of whom had better records, plus St. Louis and Philadelphia, who didn't fare as well.
Starting his sophomore campaign as head coach, Webster insists, 'I feel we are much better than we were a year ago at this time. Our defense should be stronger, we've made several good trades and some of our draft choices look very promising.'
The major deal sent Homer Jones, an explosive receiver for four years, in exchange for Jim Kanicki, the defensive tackle, Wayne Meylan, a middle linebacker, and Ron Johnson, a running back. The fleet Jones, who caught passes for more than 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons from 1966 to 1968, was a particular favorite with the New York clientele, but Webster feels he has the replacements in two second-year pros, Don Herrmann and Rich Houston, plus the veteran 49er, Cliff McNeil, and the swap was worthwhile in the matter of quantity. It will enable him to shore up several positions.
'Our offensive statistics were misleading,' points out Webster. 'Our passing figures gave us a high ranking, but we were far down in rushing mainly because during our seven-game losing streak, we were usually trailing and were forced to throw the ball at the expense of our running attack.'
Tarkenton finished third in the NFL with 220 of 409 passes for 2,918 yards, but the Giants gained only 1,593 yards rushing, some 700 yards fewer than Dallas, the league leader. That was partially attributable to injuries to Tucker Frederickson, Bobby Duhon and Junior Coffey (obtained from Atlanta in mid-season), leaving the heavy running to versatile Joe Morrison, who was also the club's leading receiver, Ernie Koy and Randy Minniear.
Webster feels confident his I formation will function better this year with more bodies to operate it, for Coffey and Duhon will be returning from knee surgery, Frederickson has recovered from a chipped ankle that forced him to miss the last nine games, and there's Johnson, ex-Cleveland. A 6-1, 205-pounder, Ron set a batch of ball-carrying records at Michigan and was the Browns' No. 1 draft choice of 1969.
Defense has been a primary concern of the Giants for several years and according to Norb Hecker, who handles that department, sharp progress was made via trades and the draft. In addition to Kanicki, the 270-pound veteran of seven seasons, Jerry Shay, a 245-pounder, was obtained from Atlanta, and they are mobile tacklers. Hecker believes they will help stabilize the middle of his defensive line. Last year's starting tackles, Bob Lurtsema and Joe Szczecko, also are available, providing more depth at those positions than the Giants have enjoyed lately.
Fred Dryer had an outstanding season as a rookie defensive right end in 1969. The linebacking crew is considered to be well-stocked with the addition of the No. 1 draft choice, Jim Files of Oklahoma, and Meylan from the Browns. They join Ralph Heck, John Kirby, McKinley Boston and Ray Hickl. The defensive backs number a solid group of holdovers, Scott Eaton, Willie Williams, Spider Lockhart, Bruce Maher, as well as Jim Holifield, Tom Longo and Al Brenner, who were used sparingly.
'If we can avoid the roller coaster season we had last year and use our finish as a springboard, I believe we'll win more than our share,' says the optimistic Webster.
The Giants emerged from their seven-game slump with a 49-6 victory over the Cardinals, then nosed out the Steelers and closed with a triumph over the Eastern champion Browns.
If they can remember what they did right, they could be starting a new season in high gear."
-Hy Goldberg, Illustrated Digest of Pro Football, 1970 Edition
1970 New York Giants Preseason Roster
79 Bruce Anderson (DE) Willamette
* Ed Baker (QB) Lafayette
* Dale Bernauer (WR) Rice
82 McKinley Boston (LB) Minnesota
Rod Brand (C) Arkansas
* Walter Breaux (DT) Grambling
48 Al Brenner (DB) Michigan State
* Claude Brumfield (G) Tennessee State
77 Dick Buzin (T) Penn State
Dennis Byrd (DT) North Carolina State
65 Pete Case (G) Georgia
34 Junior Coffey (RB) Washington
* Bob Connors (QB-S) Northeastern
89 Fred Dryer (DE) San Diego State
28 Bobby Duhon (RB) Tulane
83 Dave Dunaway (WR) Duke
20 Scott Eaton (DB) Oregon State
* Jim Files (LB) Oklahoma
* Matt Fortier (DE) Fairmont State (WV)
24 Tucker Frederickson (RB) Auburn
* Lou Galiardi (DT) Dayton
3 Pete Goglolak (K) Cornell
* Wes Grant (DE) UCLA
61 Charlie Harper (G-T) Oklahoma State
55 Ralph Heck (LB) Colorado
85 Don Herrmann (WR) Waynesburg
57 Ray Hickl (LB) Texas A & I
59 Chuck Hinton (C) Mississippi
49 Jim Holifield (DB) Jackson State
84 Dick Houston (E) East Texas State
* Pat Hughes (C) Boston University
* Gary Inskeep (T) Stout State (WI)
* George Irby (TE) Tuskegee
Ron Johnson (RB) Michigan
* Byron Jones (G) West Texas State
Jim Kanicki (DT) Michigan State
52 John Kirby (LB) Nebraska
47 Joe Koontz (WR) San Francisco State
87 Dick Kotite (TE) Wagner
23 Ernie Koy (RB) Texas
53 Greg Larson (C) Minnesota
43 Carl Lockhart (DB) North Texas State
44 Tom Longo (DB) Notre Dame
71 Bob Lurtsema (DT) Western Michigan
21 Bruce Maher (DB) Detroit
Milt Mason (RB) Norfolk State
74 Tim McCann (DT) Princeton
Clifton McNeil (WR) Grambling
Wayne Meylan (LB) Nebraska
Duane Miller (WR-DB) Drake
27 Randy Minniear (RB) Purdue
40 Joe Morrison (RB) Cincinnati
Warren Muir (RB) South Carolina
Larry Nels (LB-C) Wyoming
* Vic Nolting (DB) Xavier
* Ken Parker (DB) Fordham
* Rick Perrin (WR) Bowling Green
* Alan Pitcaithley (RB) Oregon
Jerry Shay (DT) Purdue
Dick Shiner (QB) Maryland
76 Joe Szczecko (DT) Northwestern
10 Fran Tarkenton (QB) Georgia
Wilson Tatman (K) Northwest Missouri State
88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State
* Bob Tucker (TE) Bloomsburg (PA)
63 Doug Van Horn (G) Ohio State
81 Freeman White (WR) Nebraska
41 Willie Williams (DB) Grambling
86 Butch Wilson (TE) Alabama
78 Steve Wright (T) Alabama
69 Willie Young (T) Grambling
Ed Ziegler (RB) Notre Dame
* rookie
-Pro Football 1970
1970 New York Giants Basic Roster
OFFENSE
WR-P Dave Dunaway (Duke)
WR Don Herrmann (Waynesburg)
WR Clif McNeil (Grambling)
WR Freeman White (Nebraska)
TE Dick Kotite (Wagner)
TE Butch Wilson (Alabama)
T Dick Buzin (Penn State)
T-G Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State)
T Steve Wright (Alabama)
T Willie Young (Grambling)
G Pete Case (Georgia)
G Doug Van Horn (Ohio State)
C Greg Larson (Minnesota
C Chuck Hinton (Mississippi)
QB Fran Tarkenton (Georgia)
QB Dick Shiner (Maryland)
RB Junior Coffey (Washington)
RB Bobby Duhon (Tulane)
RB Tucker Frederickson (Auburn)
RB Ron Johnson (Michigan)
RB Ernie Koy (Texas)
RB Joe Morrison (Cincinnati)
K Pete Goglolak (Colgate)
DEFENSE
E Bruce Anderson (Willamette)
E-T Jerry Shay (Purdue)
E Fred Dryer (San Diego State)
T Jim Kanicki (Michigan State)
T Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan)
T Joe Szczecko (Northwestern)
LB Tommy Crutcher (Texas Christian)
LB Jim Files (Oklahoma)*
LB Ralph Heck (Colorado)
LB John Kirby (Nebraska)
LB Wayne Meylan (Nebraska)
CB Scott Eaton (Oregon State)
CB Jim Holifield (Jackson State)
CB Willie Williams (Grambling)
S Al Brenner (Michigan State)
S Carl Lockhart (North Texas State)
S Bruce Maher (Detroit)
* rookie
-Pro Football 1970, Dell Publishing Co.
1970 New York Giants Preseason Depth Charts
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Dick Shiner (Maryland), Ed Baker (Lafayette)*
HB - Joe Morrison (Cinncinati) 40, Ron Johnson (Michigan), P. Larson, Bob Duhon (Tulane) 28, Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27
FB - Junior Coffey (Washington) 34, Ernie Koy (Texas) 23, Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Alan Picaithley (Oregon)*, Ed Ziegler (Notre Dame)
E - Dick Houston (East Texas State) 84, Dave Dunaway (Duke) 83, George Irby (Tuskegee)*, Dale Bernauer (Rice)*, Finnigan*
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65, Claude Brumfield (Tennessee State)*, Bryon Jones (West Texas State)*
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Hinton (Mississippi) 59, Pat Hughes (Boston University)*
G - Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 63, Larry Nels (Wyoming)*, Fusaro*
T - Dick Buzin (Penn State) 77, Steve Wright (Alabama) 78, Gary Inskeep (Stout State)*
E - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Butch Wilson (Alabama) 86, Bob Tucker (Bloomsburg)*
FL - Clifton McNeil (Grambling), Freeman White (Nebraska) 81, Don Herrmann (Waynesburg), Joe Koontz (San Francisco State) 47
Defense
E - Wes Grant (UCLA)*
T - Joe Szczecko (Northwestern) 76, Jerry Shay (Purdue), Dennis Byrd (North Carolina State), Walter Breaux (Grambling)*
T - Bob Lurstema (Western Michigan) 71, Jim Kanicki (Michigan State), Tim McCann (Princeton) 74
E - Fred Dryer (San Diego State) 89, Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79, Matt Fortier (Fairmont State)*
LB - John Kirby (Nebraska) 52, McKinley Boston (Minnesota) 82, Schneider*
LB - Ralph Heck (Colorado) 55, Wayne Meylan (Nebraska)
LB - Jim Files (Oklahoma)*, Ray Hickl (Texas A & I) 57, Jiggy Smana (Georgia)*
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20, Jim Holifield (Jackson State) 49, Duane Miller (Drake)*
S - Bruce Maher (Detroit) 21, Al Brenner (Michigan State) 48, Joe Green (Bowling Green)*, Bob Connors (Northeastern)*
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Tom Longo (Notre Dame) 44
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41, Ken Parker (Fordham)*, Vic Nolting (Xavier)*
*rookie
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Dick Shiner (Maryland) 11
HB - Ron Johnson (Michigan) 30, Junior Coffey (Washington) 34, Bobby Duhon (Tulane) 28
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Ernie Koy (Texas) 23, Les Shy (Long Beach State) 25
WR - Clifton McNeil (Grambling) 18, Rich Houston (East Texas State) 84
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Pat Hughes (Boston University)*
G - Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 63, Claude Brumfield (Tennessee State)*
T - Rich Buzin (Penn State) 77, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
TE - Bob Tucker (Bloomsburg) 38, Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
WR - Don Herrmann (Waynesburg) 85, Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Freeman White (Nebraska) 81
Defense
DE - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71, Wes Grant (UCLA)*
DT - Jerry Shay (Purdue) 75, Joe Szczecko (Northwestern) 76
DT - Jim Kanicki (Michigan State) 73, Dennis Byrd (North Carolina State) 79
DE - Fred Dryer (San Diego State) 89, John Baker (Norfolk State) 72
LB - Ralph Heck (Colorado) 55, John Kirby (Nebraska) 52, McKinley Boston (Minnesota) 82
MLB - Wayne Meylan (Nebraska) 59, John Douglas (Missouri) 51, Pat Hughes (Boston University)*
LB - Jim Files (Oklahoma)*, Matt Hazeltine (California) 64, Ray Hickl (Texas A & I) 57
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20, Jim Holifield (Jackson State) 49
SS - Tom Longo (Notre Dame) 44, Al Brenner (Michigan State) 48
FS - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Joe Green (Bowling Green)*
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41, Kenny Parker (Fordham)*
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
KR - Les Shy (Long Beach State) 25
PR - Bobby Duhon (Tulane) 28
*rookie
1970 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Alex Webster
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10
QB - Dick Shiner (Maryland) 11
HB - Ron Johnson (Michigan) 30
FB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
WR - Clifton McNeil (Grambling) 18
WR - Don Herrmann (Waynesburg) 85
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65
G - Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 63
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69
T - Rich Buzin (Penn State) 77
DT - Jim Kanicki (Michigan State) 73
DT - Jim Norton (Washington) 79
DE - Fred Dryer (San Diego State) 89
DE - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71
MLB - Ralph Heck (Colorado) 55
LB - Matt Hazeltine (California) 64
LB - Jim Files (Oklahoma) 58
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20
SS - Tom Longo (Notre Dame) 44
FS - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
KR - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
Since last season, New York has broken up its well-publicized long passing game by trading its primary bomb-catcher, wide receiver Homer Jones, to Cleveland. While Homer was a remarkable deep threat, the rest of his game left something to be desired. The Giants outdid themselves in getting a replacement; they came up with Clifton McNeil, who was unhappy with San Francisco last year and finally got traded away for two draft choices. McNeil led the NFL in receiving in 1968 with 71 catches for 994 yards. He's got speed and experience. On the other side is Aaron Thomas, a veteran top-drawer flanker, who retired after the 1969 season to be a stockbroker, but the slumping spring market caused his return to the game. That leaves Freeman White and Don Herrmann as the backup men. White is big (6-5, 225); in four seasons with the club, he has been used with varying success at tight end, linebacker, strong safety and now flanker. He caught 29 passes in 1969. Herrmann, who caught 33, has excellent moves and hands that compensate for only average speed. He seemed like an outstanding '69 rookie till injuries slowed him down. The tight end will be Butch Wilson, a veteran who blocks hard but who does not catch much. A sleeper could be Bob Tucker, who caught 17 touchdown passes for Pottstown in the Atlantic Coast League last year.
The guy who throws to all these sure-handed fellows is quarterback Fran Tarkenton. Tarkenton has begun to catch it from restless Giant fans - and even, occasionally, from Coach Webster. Fran's critics say he scrambles too much and they question his play selection, particularly in goal-line situations. But look at the record - where would the Giants be without Tarkenton? Fran was the league's number three passer last year and coolly directed his team's offense, with its fancy I-formation, man-in-motion variations. The Giants moved to protect themselves by obtaining backup quarterback Dick Shiner from the Steelers. Shiner should move ahead of veteran Gary Wood and former Houston Oiler Bob Davis.
For several years the Giants have been trying to shore up their running attack. They have been especially anxious to find a back with speed to the outside. That's why they seem delighted with Ron Johnson, the 205-pound halfback who played for Cleveland last year and came to New York in the Homer Jones trade. Johnson can turn the corner. The Giants are also hoping that fullback Junior Coffey has recovered from his second knee operation in two years. Coffey, acquired from Atlanta early last year, was averaging 4.2 yards per carry for the Giants when he re-injured his knee. He can hit inside. That leaves Joe Morrison, Ernie Koy, Tucker Frederickson and Bobby Duhon. In '69, Morrison had his finest season in 11 with the Giants. He led the team in rushing and pass receiving and tied place kicker Pete Gogolak for the scoring lead. Joe is unspectacular but valuable. Koy may have saved his job by finishing the season well. Frederickson? Poor Tucker. He had two knee jobs and missed the last nine games of '69 with a fractured ankle. Who knows about him any more? Duhon missed the whole season and underwent two knee operations.
The Giants express satisfaction with their offensive line, which Coach Webster says has the proper balance of youth and experience. The fulcrum is ten-year pro Greg Larson at center. The guards are Pete Case and Doug Van Horn; the tackles are Willie Young and Dick Buzin. This unit has improved steadily and cannot be blamed for any of the team's won-lost misfortunes.
The same cannot be said for the Giant defensive line. He is where the team has risen or fallen (mostly fallen) the last few years. For a long stretch, the New York pass rush was nonexistent; last season the pass rush improved. The rookie end, Fred Dryer, played solidly, and tackles Bob Lurtsema and Joe Szczecko began to penetrate more frequently. But the Giant line did not improve against the run.
'Our line gave up 4.4 yards per try on the ground last year,' says defensive coach Norb Hecker, 'and that's too much.' Which is another reason for that Homer Jones trade with Cleveland. In exchange, the Giants not only got runner Ron Johnson, they picked up defensive tackle Jim Kanicki, a 270-pound seven-year pro. Kanicki rushes the passer hard, but he is equally well rated for his ability to stop the run. The Giants also surrendered a draft pick to get 245-pound tackle Jerry Shay from Atlanta and signed former Boston Patriot tackle Dennis Byrd. Thus the Giants believe they have stabilized the middle of their defensive line. Dryer is set at left end, but right end? The coaches had planned to move linebacker Henry Davis there, but then Davis went to the Steelers in the Shiner deal. That left only rookie end Wes Grant of UCLA as a live body on the right side. The solution? Move Bob Lurtsema from tackle to end, as has been contemplated in the past.
Linebacking was another Giant sore spot in 1969. The picture now looks brighter. One reason is the team's number one draft pick, Jim Files of Oklahoma. A 6-4, 240-pounder, Files became the number one right linebacker when veteran Tommy Joe Crutcher was sent to the Rams for two draft picks. Veteran Ralph Heck, smallish but tough, returns at middle linebacker, but nobody would be surprised if the starter turned out to be hardrock Wayne Meylan, who came to the Giants with Kanicki and Johnson. In that case, Heck would go to left linebacker, probably ahead of veteran John Kirby.
There's nothing wrong with the secondary. Cornerbacks Willie Williams and Scott Eaton and safetymen Spider Lockhart and Bruce Maher are all first rate. Lockhart is backed up by aggressive Tom Longo; Maher by Al Brenner. Jim Holifield is worth mentioning: he can play every defensive backfield position.
The Giants would like to get more out of their special teams and punting game. Too many punt and kickoff returns have been putting the team in deep trouble. And the punting was mediocre: a 38.2 yard average for Dave Dunaway, 35.9 for Ernie Koy. Pete Gogolak remains a steady field goal and extra point specialist."
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
IN BRIEF
Probable 1970 Finish: 4th (NFC Eastern)
Strengths: a good quarterback in Tarkenton, improved defensive line, and an underrated secondary and offensive line.
Biggest Needs: explosive runners, tight defense against the run, better punting, and more aggressiveness on special teams.
1969 finish: 2nd (Century, 6-8-0)
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
" 'How do you say 'Good-Bye, Allie' in French?' Giant coach Allie Sherman said as he stepped off the plane from Montreal. His team had lost its fifth successive exhibition game, 17-13, to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and perhaps he realized that the phrase he'd heard sung to him by New York fans so many times in the last five years was finally about to become meaningful. Sherman was fired and Alex Webster, the ex-fullback and then the team's offensive backfield coach, took over the team six days before the season's opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
Despite their preseason record, the Giants had to be considered a dangerous club on offense. Even though shiftings in the offensive line had not done the unit's timing a lot of good and even though the health of the running backs had cut that unit's depth, the offense still had quarterback Fran Tarkenton and end Homer Jones, along with a skinny new receiver named Don Herrmann who had shown very well.
So the Giants were definitely a scoring threat against anyone. But New York's defense seemed virtually no threat at all to stopping the opposition from scoring. That was because the people who were most responsible for stopping the opposition are the folks up front- the rush line and linebackers. They not only have to contain the running attack but they have to penetrate and pressure the passer into throwing when he doesn't want to or, better still, into eating the ball. When there is no pressure the secondary, no matter how good it is- and the Giants' happened to be quite good- has little hope. Defensive backs simply cannot stay with speedy, tricky receivers for four or five seconds.
Surprisingly, though, in the opener the Giant defense played tough, holding the hard-running Vikings to 97 yards on the ground.
The defense did make two costly mistakes- both in executing safety blitzes. Quarterback Gary Cuozzo read the blitzes easily and passed for 47- and 48-yard touchdowns to John Henderson and Gene Washington. But the Vikings could manage only three field goals the rest of the afternoon, which gave them a 23-10 lead with less than five minutes to play. Tarkenton then capped a 59-yard drive with a 16-yard pass to Herrmann at the Viking two, where he broke a tackle and fell into the end zone. Cuozzo came back with a big third-down completion to Washington, but he fumbled and New York recovered at Minnesota's 36-yard line. After a nine-yard draw play, an incompletion and a holding penalty, Tarkenton was in a third-and-17 situation. The Viking front four, which had harassed and battered him all afternoon, was coming again, so Fran scrambled. Just as he was about to be hit, Tarkenton flung the ball downfield. Two Giants and two Vikings leaped for it, and the ball bounced off the hands of Viking safetyman Paul Krause. Fortunately for New York, reserve tight end Butch Wilson- who had just replaced the injured Freeman White- was standing near enough to dive for the ball and make the reception. What looked like an interception ended up a 33-yard completion to the Viking 10. After a running play failed, Tarkenton called Herrmann on a slant pattern and hit him with a pass as Don passed the goal line. The extra point by Pete Gogolak made it 24-23, New York, and that was the final. Webster had his first win as a head coach.
But the next week in Detroit, Alex and the Giants faced life as it really was. The offensive line did not protect Tarkenton (who completed only five of 16 passes), the defensive line did not get to Lion quarterback Bill Munson, and Detroit won, 24-0. A week later the Giants regained the fortune they had against the Vikings, although the Bears outgained them 380 yards to 267. Again Tarkenton threw two touchdown passes to Don Herrmann, but with less than two minutes to play the Bears led, 24-21. Tarkenton led a 72-yard drive that ended with a pass to running back Joe Morrison, who caught the ball on the 11-yard line and scurried into the end zone ahead of middle linebacker Dick Butkus. The winning score came at 14:01 of the period- the exact time of the winning touchdown against Minnesota. 'That's the way Alex planned it,' Freeman White said through a smile in the locker room, which indicated the kind of spirit the Giants had then. Following the 10-7 victory over Pittsburgh a week later, that spirit began to dwindle fast as New York went into a seven-game winning streak.
The Giants lost to the Washington Redskins, 20-14; to the Dallas Cowboys, 25-3; to the Philadelphia Eagles, 23-20; to the St. Louis Cardinals, 42-17; to the Cleveland Browns, 28-17; to the Green Bay Packers, 20-10. With a bit of the luck they'd had against the Vikings and Bears, the Giants could have won at least three of those games. But more often than not the old saw that 'good teams make good luck' holds true.
The next week, though, the Giants suddenly stopped making the mistakes that had hurt them for so long. And the front four- which had only one consistent ballplayer to this point in the season, rookie end Fred Dryer- suddenly stopped the run immediately and was then able to fire in on the pass rush. Fran Tarkenton passed for four touchdowns, three to Joe Morrison, and New York won, 49-6. The Giants played good football in their last two games, too, coming from behind to beat the Steelers, 21-17, in the last 48 seconds, and coming from behind, 14-13, to beat the Browns with two fourth-period touchdowns. So despite their 6-8 record and that horrendous losing streak, the Giants finished on an up note.
As soon as the season ended the Giants began making deals to strengthen themselves for 1970, and hopefully beyond. The big trade sent Homer Jones to the Browns for three players who could become regulars in New York: defensive tackle Jim Kanicki, running back Ron Johnson and linebacker Wayne Meylan, a former Nebraska All-America who didn't start in two years in Cleveland but who is being ballyhooed as New York's middle backer for this season. Certainly Kanicki and possibly Jerry Shay- a former regular also acquired in trade- have a very good chance of dislodging the Giants' starting defensive tackles, Bob Lurtsema and Joe Szczecko. Fred Dryer is a potential All-Pro at right end and Alex Webster has high hopes of filling the left end spot with another body of Dryer's ferocity. Former linebacker Henry Davis seems the most likely candidate, though Webster is very high on his No. 4 draft choice (New York had traded its second and third picks)- Wes Grant of UCLA. No. 1 choice Jim Files of Oklahoma has already been given the left linebacker's spot. Tommy Joe Crutcher, who is recovering from a knee operation, will have to battle Ralph Heck, a smart, tough veteran, and young McKinley Boston for the right linebacking job. With the rush line and linebacking solidified, the Giants will give any team a rugged fight.
Young Rich Houston is expected to make Giant fans forget Homer Jones and he showed enough in the last Cleveland game to indicate he just might do so. He will be a speed end, with Don Herrmann, a Raymond Berry type, the other wide receiver. Freeman White, who went through an inexplicable three-year delay getting to his regular position, could develop into a top tight end. Ron Johnson and a sound Junior Coffey should improve the running game significantly."
-Berry Stainback, Pro Football Forecast for 1970
SCRAMBLIN' TO GET AHEAD
"There were three startling items in the New York Giants' log for 1969. Alex Webster replaced Allie Sherman as head coach almost on the eve of the season's opener. They started the campaign by defeating the Minnesota Vikings, who lost only one other decision en route to the NFL title. And they closed by whipping the Cleveland Browns, the Century Division title holders.
Otherwise, the solid phalanx of Yankee Stadium spectators, who changed their tune from 'Goodbye Allie' to 'Attaboy Alex,' witnessed a familiar picture. They enjoyed Fran Tarkenton scrambling and the 23 touchdown passes he unfurled, but while he was contributing to the Giants' 264 points, the opposition was rolling up 298. They suffered through a seven-game losing streak which left the team with a 6-8 record, a notch below the 7-7 marks of Sherman's final two seasons.
The merger of the two leagues and the resultant realignment hasn't changed the Giants' situation appreciably. They finished second to Cleveland in the Century Division last year and the Browns have moved to the American Conference. But in their five-team Eastern Division the Giants will have to contend with Dallas and Washington, both of whom had better records, plus St. Louis and Philadelphia, who didn't fare as well.
Starting his sophomore campaign as head coach, Webster insists, 'I feel we are much better than we were a year ago at this time. Our defense should be stronger, we've made several good trades and some of our draft choices look very promising.'
The major deal sent Homer Jones, an explosive receiver for four years, in exchange for Jim Kanicki, the defensive tackle, Wayne Meylan, a middle linebacker, and Ron Johnson, a running back. The fleet Jones, who caught passes for more than 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons from 1966 to 1968, was a particular favorite with the New York clientele, but Webster feels he has the replacements in two second-year pros, Don Herrmann and Rich Houston, plus the veteran 49er, Cliff McNeil, and the swap was worthwhile in the matter of quantity. It will enable him to shore up several positions.
'Our offensive statistics were misleading,' points out Webster. 'Our passing figures gave us a high ranking, but we were far down in rushing mainly because during our seven-game losing streak, we were usually trailing and were forced to throw the ball at the expense of our running attack.'
Tarkenton finished third in the NFL with 220 of 409 passes for 2,918 yards, but the Giants gained only 1,593 yards rushing, some 700 yards fewer than Dallas, the league leader. That was partially attributable to injuries to Tucker Frederickson, Bobby Duhon and Junior Coffey (obtained from Atlanta in mid-season), leaving the heavy running to versatile Joe Morrison, who was also the club's leading receiver, Ernie Koy and Randy Minniear.
Webster feels confident his I formation will function better this year with more bodies to operate it, for Coffey and Duhon will be returning from knee surgery, Frederickson has recovered from a chipped ankle that forced him to miss the last nine games, and there's Johnson, ex-Cleveland. A 6-1, 205-pounder, Ron set a batch of ball-carrying records at Michigan and was the Browns' No. 1 draft choice of 1969.
Defense has been a primary concern of the Giants for several years and according to Norb Hecker, who handles that department, sharp progress was made via trades and the draft. In addition to Kanicki, the 270-pound veteran of seven seasons, Jerry Shay, a 245-pounder, was obtained from Atlanta, and they are mobile tacklers. Hecker believes they will help stabilize the middle of his defensive line. Last year's starting tackles, Bob Lurtsema and Joe Szczecko, also are available, providing more depth at those positions than the Giants have enjoyed lately.
Fred Dryer had an outstanding season as a rookie defensive right end in 1969. The linebacking crew is considered to be well-stocked with the addition of the No. 1 draft choice, Jim Files of Oklahoma, and Meylan from the Browns. They join Ralph Heck, John Kirby, McKinley Boston and Ray Hickl. The defensive backs number a solid group of holdovers, Scott Eaton, Willie Williams, Spider Lockhart, Bruce Maher, as well as Jim Holifield, Tom Longo and Al Brenner, who were used sparingly.
'If we can avoid the roller coaster season we had last year and use our finish as a springboard, I believe we'll win more than our share,' says the optimistic Webster.
The Giants emerged from their seven-game slump with a 49-6 victory over the Cardinals, then nosed out the Steelers and closed with a triumph over the Eastern champion Browns.
If they can remember what they did right, they could be starting a new season in high gear."
-Hy Goldberg, Illustrated Digest of Pro Football, 1970 Edition
1970 New York Giants Preseason Roster
79 Bruce Anderson (DE) Willamette
* Ed Baker (QB) Lafayette
* Dale Bernauer (WR) Rice
82 McKinley Boston (LB) Minnesota
Rod Brand (C) Arkansas
* Walter Breaux (DT) Grambling
48 Al Brenner (DB) Michigan State
* Claude Brumfield (G) Tennessee State
77 Dick Buzin (T) Penn State
Dennis Byrd (DT) North Carolina State
65 Pete Case (G) Georgia
34 Junior Coffey (RB) Washington
* Bob Connors (QB-S) Northeastern
89 Fred Dryer (DE) San Diego State
28 Bobby Duhon (RB) Tulane
83 Dave Dunaway (WR) Duke
20 Scott Eaton (DB) Oregon State
* Jim Files (LB) Oklahoma
* Matt Fortier (DE) Fairmont State (WV)
24 Tucker Frederickson (RB) Auburn
* Lou Galiardi (DT) Dayton
3 Pete Goglolak (K) Cornell
* Wes Grant (DE) UCLA
61 Charlie Harper (G-T) Oklahoma State
55 Ralph Heck (LB) Colorado
85 Don Herrmann (WR) Waynesburg
57 Ray Hickl (LB) Texas A & I
59 Chuck Hinton (C) Mississippi
49 Jim Holifield (DB) Jackson State
84 Dick Houston (E) East Texas State
* Pat Hughes (C) Boston University
* Gary Inskeep (T) Stout State (WI)
* George Irby (TE) Tuskegee
Ron Johnson (RB) Michigan
* Byron Jones (G) West Texas State
Jim Kanicki (DT) Michigan State
52 John Kirby (LB) Nebraska
47 Joe Koontz (WR) San Francisco State
87 Dick Kotite (TE) Wagner
23 Ernie Koy (RB) Texas
53 Greg Larson (C) Minnesota
43 Carl Lockhart (DB) North Texas State
44 Tom Longo (DB) Notre Dame
71 Bob Lurtsema (DT) Western Michigan
21 Bruce Maher (DB) Detroit
Milt Mason (RB) Norfolk State
74 Tim McCann (DT) Princeton
Clifton McNeil (WR) Grambling
Wayne Meylan (LB) Nebraska
Duane Miller (WR-DB) Drake
27 Randy Minniear (RB) Purdue
40 Joe Morrison (RB) Cincinnati
Warren Muir (RB) South Carolina
Larry Nels (LB-C) Wyoming
* Vic Nolting (DB) Xavier
* Ken Parker (DB) Fordham
* Rick Perrin (WR) Bowling Green
* Alan Pitcaithley (RB) Oregon
Jerry Shay (DT) Purdue
Dick Shiner (QB) Maryland
76 Joe Szczecko (DT) Northwestern
10 Fran Tarkenton (QB) Georgia
Wilson Tatman (K) Northwest Missouri State
88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State
* Bob Tucker (TE) Bloomsburg (PA)
63 Doug Van Horn (G) Ohio State
81 Freeman White (WR) Nebraska
41 Willie Williams (DB) Grambling
86 Butch Wilson (TE) Alabama
78 Steve Wright (T) Alabama
69 Willie Young (T) Grambling
Ed Ziegler (RB) Notre Dame
* rookie
-Pro Football 1970
1970 New York Giants Basic Roster
OFFENSE
WR-P Dave Dunaway (Duke)
WR Don Herrmann (Waynesburg)
WR Clif McNeil (Grambling)
WR Freeman White (Nebraska)
TE Dick Kotite (Wagner)
TE Butch Wilson (Alabama)
T Dick Buzin (Penn State)
T-G Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State)
T Steve Wright (Alabama)
T Willie Young (Grambling)
G Pete Case (Georgia)
G Doug Van Horn (Ohio State)
C Greg Larson (Minnesota
C Chuck Hinton (Mississippi)
QB Fran Tarkenton (Georgia)
QB Dick Shiner (Maryland)
RB Junior Coffey (Washington)
RB Bobby Duhon (Tulane)
RB Tucker Frederickson (Auburn)
RB Ron Johnson (Michigan)
RB Ernie Koy (Texas)
RB Joe Morrison (Cincinnati)
K Pete Goglolak (Colgate)
DEFENSE
E Bruce Anderson (Willamette)
E-T Jerry Shay (Purdue)
E Fred Dryer (San Diego State)
T Jim Kanicki (Michigan State)
T Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan)
T Joe Szczecko (Northwestern)
LB Tommy Crutcher (Texas Christian)
LB Jim Files (Oklahoma)*
LB Ralph Heck (Colorado)
LB John Kirby (Nebraska)
LB Wayne Meylan (Nebraska)
CB Scott Eaton (Oregon State)
CB Jim Holifield (Jackson State)
CB Willie Williams (Grambling)
S Al Brenner (Michigan State)
S Carl Lockhart (North Texas State)
S Bruce Maher (Detroit)
* rookie
-Pro Football 1970, Dell Publishing Co.
1970 New York Giants Preseason Depth Charts
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Dick Shiner (Maryland), Ed Baker (Lafayette)*
HB - Joe Morrison (Cinncinati) 40, Ron Johnson (Michigan), P. Larson, Bob Duhon (Tulane) 28, Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27
FB - Junior Coffey (Washington) 34, Ernie Koy (Texas) 23, Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Alan Picaithley (Oregon)*, Ed Ziegler (Notre Dame)
E - Dick Houston (East Texas State) 84, Dave Dunaway (Duke) 83, George Irby (Tuskegee)*, Dale Bernauer (Rice)*, Finnigan*
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65, Claude Brumfield (Tennessee State)*, Bryon Jones (West Texas State)*
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Hinton (Mississippi) 59, Pat Hughes (Boston University)*
G - Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 63, Larry Nels (Wyoming)*, Fusaro*
T - Dick Buzin (Penn State) 77, Steve Wright (Alabama) 78, Gary Inskeep (Stout State)*
E - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Butch Wilson (Alabama) 86, Bob Tucker (Bloomsburg)*
FL - Clifton McNeil (Grambling), Freeman White (Nebraska) 81, Don Herrmann (Waynesburg), Joe Koontz (San Francisco State) 47
Defense
E - Wes Grant (UCLA)*
T - Joe Szczecko (Northwestern) 76, Jerry Shay (Purdue), Dennis Byrd (North Carolina State), Walter Breaux (Grambling)*
T - Bob Lurstema (Western Michigan) 71, Jim Kanicki (Michigan State), Tim McCann (Princeton) 74
E - Fred Dryer (San Diego State) 89, Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79, Matt Fortier (Fairmont State)*
LB - John Kirby (Nebraska) 52, McKinley Boston (Minnesota) 82, Schneider*
LB - Ralph Heck (Colorado) 55, Wayne Meylan (Nebraska)
LB - Jim Files (Oklahoma)*, Ray Hickl (Texas A & I) 57, Jiggy Smana (Georgia)*
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20, Jim Holifield (Jackson State) 49, Duane Miller (Drake)*
S - Bruce Maher (Detroit) 21, Al Brenner (Michigan State) 48, Joe Green (Bowling Green)*, Bob Connors (Northeastern)*
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Tom Longo (Notre Dame) 44
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41, Ken Parker (Fordham)*, Vic Nolting (Xavier)*
*rookie
-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Dick Shiner (Maryland) 11
HB - Ron Johnson (Michigan) 30, Junior Coffey (Washington) 34, Bobby Duhon (Tulane) 28
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Ernie Koy (Texas) 23, Les Shy (Long Beach State) 25
WR - Clifton McNeil (Grambling) 18, Rich Houston (East Texas State) 84
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Pat Hughes (Boston University)*
G - Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 63, Claude Brumfield (Tennessee State)*
T - Rich Buzin (Penn State) 77, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
TE - Bob Tucker (Bloomsburg) 38, Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
WR - Don Herrmann (Waynesburg) 85, Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40, Freeman White (Nebraska) 81
Defense
DE - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71, Wes Grant (UCLA)*
DT - Jerry Shay (Purdue) 75, Joe Szczecko (Northwestern) 76
DT - Jim Kanicki (Michigan State) 73, Dennis Byrd (North Carolina State) 79
DE - Fred Dryer (San Diego State) 89, John Baker (Norfolk State) 72
LB - Ralph Heck (Colorado) 55, John Kirby (Nebraska) 52, McKinley Boston (Minnesota) 82
MLB - Wayne Meylan (Nebraska) 59, John Douglas (Missouri) 51, Pat Hughes (Boston University)*
LB - Jim Files (Oklahoma)*, Matt Hazeltine (California) 64, Ray Hickl (Texas A & I) 57
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20, Jim Holifield (Jackson State) 49
SS - Tom Longo (Notre Dame) 44, Al Brenner (Michigan State) 48
FS - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Joe Green (Bowling Green)*
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41, Kenny Parker (Fordham)*
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
KR - Les Shy (Long Beach State) 25
PR - Bobby Duhon (Tulane) 28
*rookie
1970 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Alex Webster
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10
QB - Dick Shiner (Maryland) 11
HB - Ron Johnson (Michigan) 30
FB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
WR - Clifton McNeil (Grambling) 18
WR - Don Herrmann (Waynesburg) 85
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65
G - Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 63
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69
T - Rich Buzin (Penn State) 77
DT - Jim Kanicki (Michigan State) 73
DT - Jim Norton (Washington) 79
DE - Fred Dryer (San Diego State) 89
DE - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71
MLB - Ralph Heck (Colorado) 55
LB - Matt Hazeltine (California) 64
LB - Jim Files (Oklahoma) 58
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20
SS - Tom Longo (Notre Dame) 44
FS - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
KR - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
1969 Profiles: Bobby Duhon and Junior Coffey
BOBBY DUHON
Halfback-Kick Returner
No. 28
Tulane
"What do you do with a player who was a left-handed quarterback in college, who was drafted in the third round, and who was tabbed for the unfamiliar role of defensive safety? You convert him to running back, of course.
That's what the Giants did with Bobby Duhon as a rookie last year. When he reported to the summer camp, he convinced everyone he was a football player. He wasn't going to play quarterback and was first tried at tight safety. After Bruce Maher was obtained, Duhon was superfluous there.
So the Giants experimented with him at halfback, and the six-foot, 195-pounder came though with an impressive rookie year, gaining 362 yards on 101 carries for a 3.6 average and three touchdowns. He also caught 37 passes for 373 yards and a score.
Bobby blends good speed with excellent moves, a knack for following his blockers and finding that gap of daylight. The Giants think he can be an asset."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
JUNIOR COFFEY
Halfback
No. 34
Washington
"Understudying Jim Taylor at Green Bay, Junior Coffey must have had some of the great fullback rub off on him, as he led the Falcons in rushing last year. Switched to halfback by Norb Hecker, Junior galloped for 722 yards on 199 carries and scored four touchdowns. He ranked ninth in th league as a ball-carrier.
He has good, if not exceptional, speed, and at 6-1 and 210 pounds is big enough to be a heavy-duty back. Junior is a slashing type of runner with great desire. He avoids reading the sports pages during the season so that it won't influence the way he plays.
He was the Packers' seventh round draft choice in 1964."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Junior moved in as the Falcon's starting halfback and responded by leading the team in rushing with 722 yards on 199 carries, a 3.6-yard average and four touchdowns. Along with his fine rushing, he caught 15 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown."
-1967 Philadelphia No. 2
"There are very few ready-made pros. Most have to develop as they go along. Junior Coffey is such a one. Rated a fine prospect by the Packers, he spent most of his rookie season of 1965 on the bench as an understudy to Jim Taylor.
He got his chance to start when he came to Atlanta for the 1966 season and showed week-by-week progress. By the end of the season, he was their leading ground-gainer with 722 yards on 199 carries for a 3.6 average. Last year, he was even better as he finished eighth in the league with 722 yards on 188 carries for a 4.0 average.
Junior, a solidly built 6-1, 210-pounder, is not possessed with exceptional speed, but he has developed into a solid pro runner in the Alex Webster mold. For that reason, he will be shifted to fullback this year."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"The Falcons ground game was spearheaded by Junior as he paced Atlanta in rushing with a sparkling 4.0-yard average. Junior was Atlanta's top rusher in 1966 and '67.
He is a fine receiver."
-1968 Topps No. 21
"All eyes were on Junior Coffey when the club opened training camp this past summer. The club's top running back, he sat out last season after tearing up his knee in an exhibition game, and with him went the Falcon's running attack.
After being Jimmy Taylor's understudy at Green Bay, Jimmy came here in the expansion draft and showed his season on the bench hadn't dimmed his talents. In 1966 and again in 1967 he gained 722 yards with four touchdowns each season.
Most of his gains come on power runs, and when not crashing through the line, he has the ability to hang on to a pass. In his two seasons, Junior caught a combined total of 45 passes. So if surgery did the job it was supposed to do, the Falcon offense will be much improved this year."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
Halfback-Kick Returner
No. 28
Tulane
"What do you do with a player who was a left-handed quarterback in college, who was drafted in the third round, and who was tabbed for the unfamiliar role of defensive safety? You convert him to running back, of course.
That's what the Giants did with Bobby Duhon as a rookie last year. When he reported to the summer camp, he convinced everyone he was a football player. He wasn't going to play quarterback and was first tried at tight safety. After Bruce Maher was obtained, Duhon was superfluous there.
So the Giants experimented with him at halfback, and the six-foot, 195-pounder came though with an impressive rookie year, gaining 362 yards on 101 carries for a 3.6 average and three touchdowns. He also caught 37 passes for 373 yards and a score.
Bobby blends good speed with excellent moves, a knack for following his blockers and finding that gap of daylight. The Giants think he can be an asset."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
JUNIOR COFFEY
Halfback
No. 34
Washington
"Understudying Jim Taylor at Green Bay, Junior Coffey must have had some of the great fullback rub off on him, as he led the Falcons in rushing last year. Switched to halfback by Norb Hecker, Junior galloped for 722 yards on 199 carries and scored four touchdowns. He ranked ninth in th league as a ball-carrier.
He has good, if not exceptional, speed, and at 6-1 and 210 pounds is big enough to be a heavy-duty back. Junior is a slashing type of runner with great desire. He avoids reading the sports pages during the season so that it won't influence the way he plays.
He was the Packers' seventh round draft choice in 1964."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Junior moved in as the Falcon's starting halfback and responded by leading the team in rushing with 722 yards on 199 carries, a 3.6-yard average and four touchdowns. Along with his fine rushing, he caught 15 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown."
-1967 Philadelphia No. 2
"There are very few ready-made pros. Most have to develop as they go along. Junior Coffey is such a one. Rated a fine prospect by the Packers, he spent most of his rookie season of 1965 on the bench as an understudy to Jim Taylor.
He got his chance to start when he came to Atlanta for the 1966 season and showed week-by-week progress. By the end of the season, he was their leading ground-gainer with 722 yards on 199 carries for a 3.6 average. Last year, he was even better as he finished eighth in the league with 722 yards on 188 carries for a 4.0 average.
Junior, a solidly built 6-1, 210-pounder, is not possessed with exceptional speed, but he has developed into a solid pro runner in the Alex Webster mold. For that reason, he will be shifted to fullback this year."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968
"The Falcons ground game was spearheaded by Junior as he paced Atlanta in rushing with a sparkling 4.0-yard average. Junior was Atlanta's top rusher in 1966 and '67.
He is a fine receiver."
-1968 Topps No. 21
"All eyes were on Junior Coffey when the club opened training camp this past summer. The club's top running back, he sat out last season after tearing up his knee in an exhibition game, and with him went the Falcon's running attack.
After being Jimmy Taylor's understudy at Green Bay, Jimmy came here in the expansion draft and showed his season on the bench hadn't dimmed his talents. In 1966 and again in 1967 he gained 722 yards with four touchdowns each season.
Most of his gains come on power runs, and when not crashing through the line, he has the ability to hang on to a pass. In his two seasons, Junior caught a combined total of 45 passes. So if surgery did the job it was supposed to do, the Falcon offense will be much improved this year."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
Monday, October 20, 2014
1969 Giants Defensive Line Profiles
BOB LURTSEMA
Defensive Tackle
No. 71
Western Michigan
Bob started all 14 games for the Giants in 1968 and his work earned him a nod as a Sporting News first team All-Pro. With an impressive combination of quickness and strength, head coach Sherman once again looks to Bob to help continue the improvement of New York's pass rush.
In his college days, he was Western Michigan's MVP in 1965 and was twice All-Conference.
FRANK PARKER
Defensive Tackle
No. 72
Jackson State
"A slight coaching change in his play habits made a better defensive tackle of Frank Parker last season. His crouch- both hands on the ground- not only cut down on his area of vision but he was almost immobile on plays run laterally. Advised to take a one-hand stance, he discovered how easily he could get to an upright position and follow the play so much better.
Parker was born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
JIM KATCAVAGE
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"Jim has completed his 14th year with the Giants and is looking forward to another standout season. 'The Cat' has played with many all-time greats. Voted All-Pro in 1961, '62 and '63, he is feared by opposing quarterbacks.
During his college days at Dayton, Jim was elected to several All-American teams. In 1956, he was drafted with Don Chandler and Sam Huff."
-1969 Topps No. 84
Defensive Tackle
No. 71
Western Michigan
Bob started all 14 games for the Giants in 1968 and his work earned him a nod as a Sporting News first team All-Pro. With an impressive combination of quickness and strength, head coach Sherman once again looks to Bob to help continue the improvement of New York's pass rush.
In his college days, he was Western Michigan's MVP in 1965 and was twice All-Conference.
FRANK PARKER
Defensive Tackle
No. 72
Jackson State
"A slight coaching change in his play habits made a better defensive tackle of Frank Parker last season. His crouch- both hands on the ground- not only cut down on his area of vision but he was almost immobile on plays run laterally. Advised to take a one-hand stance, he discovered how easily he could get to an upright position and follow the play so much better.
Parker was born in Broken Bow, Oklahoma."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964
JIM KATCAVAGE
Defensive End
No. 75
Dayton
"Jim has completed his 14th year with the Giants and is looking forward to another standout season. 'The Cat' has played with many all-time greats. Voted All-Pro in 1961, '62 and '63, he is feared by opposing quarterbacks.
During his college days at Dayton, Jim was elected to several All-American teams. In 1956, he was drafted with Don Chandler and Sam Huff."
-1969 Topps No. 84
FRED DRYER
Defensive End
1st Round
San Diego State
Defensive End
1st Round
San Diego State
Age, 23. Weight, 241 pounds. Height, 6 feet 6 inches.
"A superb defensive performer who loves contact, Dryer has great speed and agility and is adept at getting to the quarterback. He's the main reason that San Diego State limited opponents to only 91.7 yards per game rushing in 1968.
His hobbies are motorcycling and surfing. His hometown is Lawndale, California."
-1969 College All-Star Game Official Program and Record Book
Fred is sure to become a favorite of defense-loving Giants fans. This natural enemy of opposing quarterbacks is sure to play a vital role in the brash young New York defense that will return the club to playoff status in the 1970s. A hard charging and punishing tackler, Fred's bruising style of old fashioned, down-in-the-trenches football works for him.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
1969 Profiles: Pete Gogolak and Curley Johnson
PETE GOGOLAK
Place Kicker
No. 3
Cornell
"Pete was discharged from the U.S. Army right before the 1968 season began. He went on to lead the Giants in scoring with 78 points. Gogo kicked 36 consecutive extra points last season.
He has twice kicked four field goals in a single contest. Pete played in the AFL, too."
-1969 Topps No. 62
CURLEY JOHNSON
Punter
No. 33
Houston
"Big and fast, this former University of Houston operative can play either halfback or fullback. Johnson averaged five yards per carry during his three years at Houston and averaged more than 40 yards punting in 1956.
The 24-year-old native of Dallas spent all of the 1958 season and part of 1959 with the Baltimore Colts. His pro experience can only add to his value on the Dallas roster."
-1960 Fleer No. 123
1961
Capable of being used as a halfback or fullback, Curley will be deployed by Coach Baugh primarily as a punter. In 14 games with the Dallas Texans last year, he caught 10 passes for an average of 17.4 yards per reception.
"One of the New York Jets' most versatile performers, Curley finished fourth in the American Football League in punting last season. Primarily he is used as a fullback or a halfback.
Curley broke into the AFL back in 1960 with the Dallas Texans. Purchased by the New York club in 1962, Coach Ewbank feels that Curley is one of the game's most improved players."
-1964 Topps No. 114
"Curley punted a ball 64 yards last year. He averaged 42.6 yards a punt, fourth-best total in the AFL."
-1964 Topps No. 131
"Curley began his career in the American Football League with the old Dallas Texans. He was traded to the Jets midway through the 1961 season.
He's a versatile performer who can play fullback, halfback and tight end. He holds the Jets mark with a 70-yard punt. A natural-born athlete, Curley won a home run hitting contest at Shea Stadium last year!"
-1965 Topps No. 119
1966
The impressive second half of the Jets' 1965 season was greatly helped by opposing offenses starting further back in their own territory due to Curley's booming punts. His 72 punts (fifth in the AFL) for 3,269 yards (third in the AFL) were good for a Jet record 45.3 yard punting average, second in the league, as was Curley's long punt of 73 yards. He was selected to both the AFL players' All-Star team as well as that of the Sporting News.
At the end of the 1965 season, Curley held the AFL record with 324 career punts.
1967
Curley once again greatly helped the Jet defense with his long punts last year. His 62 punts (6th in the AFL) for 2,633 yards (6th) were good for a 42.5-yard average (3rd). None of his punts were blocked.
Curley joined New York in 1962 while they were still the Titans and coach Ewbank has greatly appreciated his work as a Jet. By the end of the 1965 season, Curley held the AFL record for career punts.
1968
Curley punted 62 times in 1967, sixth in the AFL, for 2,734 yards, sixth in the circuit, for an average of 42.1 yards, also sixth. His longest punt of 60 yards was the sixth-longest booted in the league.
Place Kicker
No. 3
Cornell
"Pete was discharged from the U.S. Army right before the 1968 season began. He went on to lead the Giants in scoring with 78 points. Gogo kicked 36 consecutive extra points last season.
He has twice kicked four field goals in a single contest. Pete played in the AFL, too."
-1969 Topps No. 62
CURLEY JOHNSON
Punter
No. 33
Houston
"Big and fast, this former University of Houston operative can play either halfback or fullback. Johnson averaged five yards per carry during his three years at Houston and averaged more than 40 yards punting in 1956.
The 24-year-old native of Dallas spent all of the 1958 season and part of 1959 with the Baltimore Colts. His pro experience can only add to his value on the Dallas roster."
-1960 Fleer No. 123
1961
Capable of being used as a halfback or fullback, Curley will be deployed by Coach Baugh primarily as a punter. In 14 games with the Dallas Texans last year, he caught 10 passes for an average of 17.4 yards per reception.
"One of the New York Jets' most versatile performers, Curley finished fourth in the American Football League in punting last season. Primarily he is used as a fullback or a halfback.
Curley broke into the AFL back in 1960 with the Dallas Texans. Purchased by the New York club in 1962, Coach Ewbank feels that Curley is one of the game's most improved players."
-1964 Topps No. 114
"Curley punted a ball 64 yards last year. He averaged 42.6 yards a punt, fourth-best total in the AFL."
-1964 Topps No. 131
"Curley began his career in the American Football League with the old Dallas Texans. He was traded to the Jets midway through the 1961 season.
He's a versatile performer who can play fullback, halfback and tight end. He holds the Jets mark with a 70-yard punt. A natural-born athlete, Curley won a home run hitting contest at Shea Stadium last year!"
-1965 Topps No. 119
1966
The impressive second half of the Jets' 1965 season was greatly helped by opposing offenses starting further back in their own territory due to Curley's booming punts. His 72 punts (fifth in the AFL) for 3,269 yards (third in the AFL) were good for a Jet record 45.3 yard punting average, second in the league, as was Curley's long punt of 73 yards. He was selected to both the AFL players' All-Star team as well as that of the Sporting News.
At the end of the 1965 season, Curley held the AFL record with 324 career punts.
1967
Curley once again greatly helped the Jet defense with his long punts last year. His 62 punts (6th in the AFL) for 2,633 yards (6th) were good for a 42.5-yard average (3rd). None of his punts were blocked.
Curley joined New York in 1962 while they were still the Titans and coach Ewbank has greatly appreciated his work as a Jet. By the end of the 1965 season, Curley held the AFL record for career punts.
1968
Curley punted 62 times in 1967, sixth in the AFL, for 2,734 yards, sixth in the circuit, for an average of 42.1 yards, also sixth. His longest punt of 60 yards was the sixth-longest booted in the league.
Friday, October 17, 2014
1969 Giants Linebacker Profiles
RALPH HECK
Middle Linebacker
No. 55
Colorado
"Ralph played left cornerback in all 14 games in his rookie year. He split the time with two veteran linebackers. He also played in all 14 in '64.
Ralph played on Colorado's team in the 1962 Orange Bowl. He was the Eagles' 11th pick."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 7
TOMMY CRUTCHER
Linebacker
No. 56
Texas Christian
After four years as the primary backup linebacker on a star-studded Packer team that won three straight NFL championships, Tommy came to the Giants in a trade in 1968. He proved himself as a regular as he started all 14 games despite hamstring injuries. He became known around the League for his tremendous strength and tackling technique.
In a distinguished collegiate career at Texas Christian, Tommy led the Southwest Conference rushing attempts (148) in 1961 and in rushing average (5.0) in 1962.
HENRY DAVIS
Linebacker
No. 66
Grambling
Henry became one of the Giants' regular linebackers early in the '68 season and hit the opposition hard. He pursues ball-carriers with little regard for blockers. He possesses that special sixth sense which tells him where the play will be unfolding.
Middle Linebacker
No. 55
Colorado
"Ralph played left cornerback in all 14 games in his rookie year. He split the time with two veteran linebackers. He also played in all 14 in '64.
Ralph played on Colorado's team in the 1962 Orange Bowl. He was the Eagles' 11th pick."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 7
TOMMY CRUTCHER
Linebacker
No. 56
Texas Christian
After four years as the primary backup linebacker on a star-studded Packer team that won three straight NFL championships, Tommy came to the Giants in a trade in 1968. He proved himself as a regular as he started all 14 games despite hamstring injuries. He became known around the League for his tremendous strength and tackling technique.
In a distinguished collegiate career at Texas Christian, Tommy led the Southwest Conference rushing attempts (148) in 1961 and in rushing average (5.0) in 1962.
HENRY DAVIS
Linebacker
No. 66
Grambling
Henry became one of the Giants' regular linebackers early in the '68 season and hit the opposition hard. He pursues ball-carriers with little regard for blockers. He possesses that special sixth sense which tells him where the play will be unfolding.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
1969 Profile: Joe Morrison
Flanker
No. 40
Cincinnati
"His constituents who sit along the sidelines and applaud Joe Morrison during his pre-game rituals may not be inclined to admit it, but Joe may be coming toward the end of his brilliant career with the Giants. Now in his eleventh pro season, Joe has slowed down noticeably, and this is a fellow who was never known for his fleetness of foot.
He was known for his durability, dependability and consistency, as well as his willingness to take on any job. Joe has often been called upon to play more than one position in a season and has played halfback, fullback, tight end, split end, flanker and even safety for the Giants.
In recent seasons he had been the Giant flanker, a catcher of 3,800 yards in pass receptions. Last year, Joe caught 37 passes for 425 yards and six touchdowns.
Nobody is saying this is Joe's last season, and maybe it isn't. When it does come, he'll go out like the way he came in - digging all the way."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"An extremely versatile player, Joe has played six different positions since joining the Giants in 1959. He has performed adeptly at halfback, fullback, tight end, split end, flanker and safety on defense. He has worked as a quarterback, too ... in case he is ever needed."
-1969 Topps No. 175
No. 40
Cincinnati
"His constituents who sit along the sidelines and applaud Joe Morrison during his pre-game rituals may not be inclined to admit it, but Joe may be coming toward the end of his brilliant career with the Giants. Now in his eleventh pro season, Joe has slowed down noticeably, and this is a fellow who was never known for his fleetness of foot.
He was known for his durability, dependability and consistency, as well as his willingness to take on any job. Joe has often been called upon to play more than one position in a season and has played halfback, fullback, tight end, split end, flanker and even safety for the Giants.
In recent seasons he had been the Giant flanker, a catcher of 3,800 yards in pass receptions. Last year, Joe caught 37 passes for 425 yards and six touchdowns.
Nobody is saying this is Joe's last season, and maybe it isn't. When it does come, he'll go out like the way he came in - digging all the way."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"An extremely versatile player, Joe has played six different positions since joining the Giants in 1959. He has performed adeptly at halfback, fullback, tight end, split end, flanker and safety on defense. He has worked as a quarterback, too ... in case he is ever needed."
-1969 Topps No. 175
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
1969 Giants Offensive Line Profiles
GREG LARSON
Center
No. 53
Minnesota
"Winning the Comeback Award in 1966, Greg has set an example for other players by coming back as good as ever after serious knee surgery. Doctors thought that his career would be over, but with great determination Greg refused to believe he wouldn't play again.
He is versatile and has been used at tackle and guard for the Giants."
-1969 Topps No. 106
PETE CASE
Guard
No. 65
Georgia
"It seems that the only people who truly appreciate the kind of job Pete Case does at offensive guard are opposing coaches. Or maybe appreciate is the wrong word, because Pete does outstanding work against enemy defensive tackles. But when postseason All-Star teams are made up, Pete is conspicuously absent.
This is not the case when the Giants are on offense, for it is usually Pete leading the running plays with bone-jarring blocks or dropping back to give Fran Tarkenton solid protection. Pete's arrival in the Giant camp in 1965 after three years with the Eagles helped solidify the offensive line.
The 6-3, 245-pounder played his college ball at Georgia."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"Obtained from the Philadelphia Eagles before the 1965 season began, Pete has blossomed into one of the finest guards in the N.F.L. Coach Allie Sherman has also used this athlete as a tackle during emergency conditions. A consistently fine performer, Pete's specialty is pass blocking and he's tops as a pull-out running guard."
-1969 Topps No. 197
DARRELL DESS
Guard
No. 62
North Carolina State
Darrell is a seasoned veteran who can still be relied on for pulling out on a sweep and leveling an opponent or lifting a defensive tackle right off his feet to give Fran Tarkenton more time on a passing play. This two-time Pro Bowler is a shining example for the younger Giant offensive linemen.
WILLIE YOUNG
Offensive Tackle
No. 69
Grambling
Willie's quickness and exceptional physical strength make him one of the best in pro football at pass blocking against big defensive ends. Quarterback Tarkenton has certainly been happy to have him starting every game the past two seasons; Willie was tried at guard and defensive tackle as a rookie before the job found the man at offensive tackle.
Signed by the Giants as a free agent after three years as a starter at Grambling, Willie was highly regarded by legendary coach Eddie Robinson.
CHARLIE HARPER
Offensive Tackle
No. 61
Oklahoma State
"During Charlie's college career, he won a reputation for his fine work on defense. Coach Sherman shifted this lineman to offense because of his swift thinking and blocking ability. Used at either the guard or tackle position, Charlie performs dependably.
During college, he was a unanimous All-Big Eight selection and an All-American."
-1969 Topps No. 258
Center
No. 53
Minnesota
"Winning the Comeback Award in 1966, Greg has set an example for other players by coming back as good as ever after serious knee surgery. Doctors thought that his career would be over, but with great determination Greg refused to believe he wouldn't play again.
He is versatile and has been used at tackle and guard for the Giants."
-1969 Topps No. 106
PETE CASE
Guard
No. 65
Georgia
"It seems that the only people who truly appreciate the kind of job Pete Case does at offensive guard are opposing coaches. Or maybe appreciate is the wrong word, because Pete does outstanding work against enemy defensive tackles. But when postseason All-Star teams are made up, Pete is conspicuously absent.
This is not the case when the Giants are on offense, for it is usually Pete leading the running plays with bone-jarring blocks or dropping back to give Fran Tarkenton solid protection. Pete's arrival in the Giant camp in 1965 after three years with the Eagles helped solidify the offensive line.
The 6-3, 245-pounder played his college ball at Georgia."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"Obtained from the Philadelphia Eagles before the 1965 season began, Pete has blossomed into one of the finest guards in the N.F.L. Coach Allie Sherman has also used this athlete as a tackle during emergency conditions. A consistently fine performer, Pete's specialty is pass blocking and he's tops as a pull-out running guard."
-1969 Topps No. 197
DARRELL DESS
Guard
No. 62
North Carolina State
Darrell is a seasoned veteran who can still be relied on for pulling out on a sweep and leveling an opponent or lifting a defensive tackle right off his feet to give Fran Tarkenton more time on a passing play. This two-time Pro Bowler is a shining example for the younger Giant offensive linemen.
WILLIE YOUNG
Offensive Tackle
No. 69
Grambling
Willie's quickness and exceptional physical strength make him one of the best in pro football at pass blocking against big defensive ends. Quarterback Tarkenton has certainly been happy to have him starting every game the past two seasons; Willie was tried at guard and defensive tackle as a rookie before the job found the man at offensive tackle.
Signed by the Giants as a free agent after three years as a starter at Grambling, Willie was highly regarded by legendary coach Eddie Robinson.
CHARLIE HARPER
Offensive Tackle
No. 61
Oklahoma State
"During Charlie's college career, he won a reputation for his fine work on defense. Coach Sherman shifted this lineman to offense because of his swift thinking and blocking ability. Used at either the guard or tackle position, Charlie performs dependably.
During college, he was a unanimous All-Big Eight selection and an All-American."
-1969 Topps No. 258
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
1969 Profiles: Tucker Frederickson and Ernie Koy
TUCKER FREDERICKSON
Fullback
No. 24
Auburn
"The Giants are convinced Tucker Frederickson is operating on sound wheels again. Now it's up to Tucker to show he believes it, too.
After two serious knee operations in two years, Tucker returned to full time duty in the Giant backfield last season. His running at times seemed cautious, as though he were expecting either one of his scarred knees to cave in on him. But as he continued to absorb the pounding and not come up hobbling, his confidence in the knees began to pick up. At season's end, he was the Giants' leading rusher with 486 yards on 142 carries for a 3.4 average.
Never a speedster, Tucker has lost a step as a result of the operations, but he still knows how to cut and drive for those extra yards, and he's the club's best backfield blocker. Once a full-grown 230-pounder, he now plays at 218.
He joined the Giants as their number one draft pick in 1965 out of Auburn University."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"Tucker made it back with his first healthy season in three years! He returned from two knee operations to lead the Giants in their running attack. Tuck is also essential to the passer with his fine blocking.
Tucker was known as the greatest football player at Auburn in 1964."
-1969 Topps No. 15
ERNIE KOY
Fullback-Punter
No. 23
Texas
"There is, in the running style of Ernie Koy, the illusion of a freight train slowly gathering momentum. Ernie runs with every ounce of his 6-3, 230-pounds of horsepower, and once he's in motion, he's hard to stop. This is probably what catapulted Ernie from a college running back who was picked in the thirteenth round into a top pro runner.
After a couple of mediocre years breaking in with the Giants' famed Baby Bulls backfield, Ernie exploded in 1967 when he gained 704 yards for a 4.8 average and five touchdowns. Last year he shared backfield duty with Tucker Frederickson and his figures were down, but he still gained 394 yards for a 4.4 average and scored three touchdowns.
Ernie also helps out as a safety-valve pass receiver and does the punting for the Giants."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"Ernie was injured a good part of last season and is looking forward to a sound year in 1969. In 1967, he gained 704 yards rushing and 212 yards in the air.
A member of the 'Baby Bulls' backfield, Ernie is a dangerous threat with the option pass. He has played in Pro Bowls."
-1969 Topps No. 131
Fullback
No. 24
Auburn
"The Giants are convinced Tucker Frederickson is operating on sound wheels again. Now it's up to Tucker to show he believes it, too.
After two serious knee operations in two years, Tucker returned to full time duty in the Giant backfield last season. His running at times seemed cautious, as though he were expecting either one of his scarred knees to cave in on him. But as he continued to absorb the pounding and not come up hobbling, his confidence in the knees began to pick up. At season's end, he was the Giants' leading rusher with 486 yards on 142 carries for a 3.4 average.
Never a speedster, Tucker has lost a step as a result of the operations, but he still knows how to cut and drive for those extra yards, and he's the club's best backfield blocker. Once a full-grown 230-pounder, he now plays at 218.
He joined the Giants as their number one draft pick in 1965 out of Auburn University."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"Tucker made it back with his first healthy season in three years! He returned from two knee operations to lead the Giants in their running attack. Tuck is also essential to the passer with his fine blocking.
Tucker was known as the greatest football player at Auburn in 1964."
-1969 Topps No. 15
ERNIE KOY
Fullback-Punter
No. 23
Texas
"There is, in the running style of Ernie Koy, the illusion of a freight train slowly gathering momentum. Ernie runs with every ounce of his 6-3, 230-pounds of horsepower, and once he's in motion, he's hard to stop. This is probably what catapulted Ernie from a college running back who was picked in the thirteenth round into a top pro runner.
After a couple of mediocre years breaking in with the Giants' famed Baby Bulls backfield, Ernie exploded in 1967 when he gained 704 yards for a 4.8 average and five touchdowns. Last year he shared backfield duty with Tucker Frederickson and his figures were down, but he still gained 394 yards for a 4.4 average and scored three touchdowns.
Ernie also helps out as a safety-valve pass receiver and does the punting for the Giants."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"Ernie was injured a good part of last season and is looking forward to a sound year in 1969. In 1967, he gained 704 yards rushing and 212 yards in the air.
A member of the 'Baby Bulls' backfield, Ernie is a dangerous threat with the option pass. He has played in Pro Bowls."
-1969 Topps No. 131
Monday, October 13, 2014
1969 Giants Defensive Back Profiles
WILLIE WILLIAMS
Cornerback
No. 41
Grambling
"When Willie Williams first turned up at the Giant training camp in 1965, the coaching staff fingered him as a future star. They liked his quickness and his instincts.
He spent his rookie season as a reserve defensive back and came down with one interception. He was gone the following year, signing on with the Oakland Raiders. But in 1967 he returned with the Giants, and slowly began winning his way back into the lineup. By season's end he had a regular job.
Then last year he took hold at cornerback and merely led all NFL defenders in interceptions with ten.
He's come a long way in a short time, and Willie owes it to a determined spirit. He studies pro receivers so he knows what to expect, and rarely gets caught making the same mistake twice."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
SCOTT EATON
Cornerback
No. 20
Oregon State
Scott has a habit of being in the right place at the right time when the opposing quarterback passes the football. His great speed and quick reactions make him an instinctive player who always seems to know where to be. Scott is also a strong open-field tackler.
BRUCE MAHER
Strong Safety
No. 21
Detroit
"Every unit on a football club needs a leader in order to be truly effective, and the Giants' deep four did not really gel until they acquired Bruce Maher from Detroit. A young old pro of nine NFL seasons, the wiry 5-11, 185-pounder took charge of the secondary and turned the crew into a band of ball thieves.
Maher plays with a fire and a finesse that seemed to rub off on the younger men in the secondary, and he provided the steadying influence it never had before. It was Bruce's big interception and 89-yard return of a Don Meredith pass that played an important part in the Giants' upset win over Dallas last season."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
SPIDER LOCKHART
Free Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"Even though he wears the same uniform as his teammates, Spider Lockhart still sticks out like a soloist. Maybe it's his tentacular body, loose jointed and wiry, or the way he struts on the field, or the way he rubs his hands together while the enemy quarterback barks signals.
But it's probably the way he plays the free safety position more than anything else that makes Spider such an individualist. The free safety has more freedom and more latitude than anyone else on the football field, and the Spider takes full advantage of it. He anticipates, guesses, gambles, and more often than not, is right.
Playing free safety for the second time in his four years in the pros, Spider intercepted eight passes last year to place third in the league, and he ran two of them back for touchdowns. One of his TD's came on a 72-yard play. For a guy who weighs only 175 pounds, he's a hitter who really stings the ball carrier.
Spider - his straight name is Carl - came to the Giants from North Texas State as their 13th round draft pick in 1965."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
Cornerback
No. 41
Grambling
"When Willie Williams first turned up at the Giant training camp in 1965, the coaching staff fingered him as a future star. They liked his quickness and his instincts.
He spent his rookie season as a reserve defensive back and came down with one interception. He was gone the following year, signing on with the Oakland Raiders. But in 1967 he returned with the Giants, and slowly began winning his way back into the lineup. By season's end he had a regular job.
Then last year he took hold at cornerback and merely led all NFL defenders in interceptions with ten.
He's come a long way in a short time, and Willie owes it to a determined spirit. He studies pro receivers so he knows what to expect, and rarely gets caught making the same mistake twice."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
SCOTT EATON
Cornerback
No. 20
Oregon State
Scott has a habit of being in the right place at the right time when the opposing quarterback passes the football. His great speed and quick reactions make him an instinctive player who always seems to know where to be. Scott is also a strong open-field tackler.
BRUCE MAHER
Strong Safety
No. 21
Detroit
"Every unit on a football club needs a leader in order to be truly effective, and the Giants' deep four did not really gel until they acquired Bruce Maher from Detroit. A young old pro of nine NFL seasons, the wiry 5-11, 185-pounder took charge of the secondary and turned the crew into a band of ball thieves.
Maher plays with a fire and a finesse that seemed to rub off on the younger men in the secondary, and he provided the steadying influence it never had before. It was Bruce's big interception and 89-yard return of a Don Meredith pass that played an important part in the Giants' upset win over Dallas last season."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
SPIDER LOCKHART
Free Safety
No. 43
North Texas State
"Even though he wears the same uniform as his teammates, Spider Lockhart still sticks out like a soloist. Maybe it's his tentacular body, loose jointed and wiry, or the way he struts on the field, or the way he rubs his hands together while the enemy quarterback barks signals.
But it's probably the way he plays the free safety position more than anything else that makes Spider such an individualist. The free safety has more freedom and more latitude than anyone else on the football field, and the Spider takes full advantage of it. He anticipates, guesses, gambles, and more often than not, is right.
Playing free safety for the second time in his four years in the pros, Spider intercepted eight passes last year to place third in the league, and he ran two of them back for touchdowns. One of his TD's came on a 72-yard play. For a guy who weighs only 175 pounds, he's a hitter who really stings the ball carrier.
Spider - his straight name is Carl - came to the Giants from North Texas State as their 13th round draft pick in 1965."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
Sunday, October 12, 2014
1969 Profiles: Homer Jones and Aaron Thomas
HOMER JONES
Split End
No. 45
Texas Southern
"He might be hard put to tell you what charisma is, but Homer Jones is simply drooling with it. The moment he streaks into the clear, he electrifies the crowd. His danger is imminent. This is Homer doing his thing, gobbling up a pass with his big mitts, beating his defender then leaving him for dead. The final moment is when he slams the ball down hard in the end zone after crossing the goal line. That's charisma, baby.
Last year Homer finished tenth in the NFL with his 45 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. And his 23.5 yards per catch led the league in that department for the third year in a row. Last season, Homer dropped a few passes; the Giants would rather see him drop a few pounds instead in '69."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"For the fourth straight, Homer topped the N.F.L. in average yards per catch. 1968 was the third successive year he picked up 1,000 yards.
An explosive runner, Homer is usually double-teamed by the opposition because of his ability to out-run anybody. In school, he won three letters in track."
-1969 Topps No. 244
AARON THOMAS
Tight End
No. 88
Oregon State
Aaron played hurt in 1968, yet caught 29 passes for 449 yards and four touchdowns. A tight end who can fill in as a flanker, he has excellent moves, sure hands and the ability to get himself free on key plays. He's a receiver Fran Tarkenton can rely on.
Split End
No. 45
Texas Southern
"He might be hard put to tell you what charisma is, but Homer Jones is simply drooling with it. The moment he streaks into the clear, he electrifies the crowd. His danger is imminent. This is Homer doing his thing, gobbling up a pass with his big mitts, beating his defender then leaving him for dead. The final moment is when he slams the ball down hard in the end zone after crossing the goal line. That's charisma, baby.
Last year Homer finished tenth in the NFL with his 45 receptions for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. And his 23.5 yards per catch led the league in that department for the third year in a row. Last season, Homer dropped a few passes; the Giants would rather see him drop a few pounds instead in '69."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"For the fourth straight, Homer topped the N.F.L. in average yards per catch. 1968 was the third successive year he picked up 1,000 yards.
An explosive runner, Homer is usually double-teamed by the opposition because of his ability to out-run anybody. In school, he won three letters in track."
-1969 Topps No. 244
AARON THOMAS
Tight End
No. 88
Oregon State
Aaron played hurt in 1968, yet caught 29 passes for 449 yards and four touchdowns. A tight end who can fill in as a flanker, he has excellent moves, sure hands and the ability to get himself free on key plays. He's a receiver Fran Tarkenton can rely on.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
1969 Giants Quarterback Profiles
FRAN TARKENTON
Quarterback
No. 10
Georgia
"Now Giant fans know how the other side feels as far as Fran Tarkenton in concerned. The scrambling man from Georgia is nearly as tantalizing as Lorelei. One minute you want to embrace him, the next minute you want to wring his neck. Tarkenton had that kind of year in 1968.
It was by no means as brilliant as his break-in year with the club, when he finished third overall among the league's quarterbacks. Last year, he was in and out, mostly in but occasionally out. Some of it was due to an injured shoulder which hampered his effectiveness in three games. He finished with 182 completions out of 337 attempts for 2,555 yards, a 54-percent completion average, and 21 touchdowns; and he only had 12 interceptions.
He was at his best directing a 27-21 upset over Dallas in the Cotton Bowl, with 16 of 24 completions. But he was probably at his worst in the 23-0 shutout administered by the Colts."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"This scrambling quarterback came through with another banner season last year as he finished No. 5 in passing in the N.F.L. and picked up 301 yards rushing. Fran was acquired from the Vikings for two No. 1 draft choices and one No. 2 pick."
-1969 Topps No. 150
GARY WOOD
Quarterback
No. 19
Cornell
"In the town where Dixieland was born, they are just going to love the footwork of Gary Wood. The scrambling tactics he has shown in his three years in the league bring the fans to their feet screaming with excitement.
As the Giants' backup quarterback last year, Gary took over when Earl Morrall was injured, and he appeared in all 14 games. He completed 81 passes out of 170 attempts for 1,142 yards and six touchdowns. And he injected a touch of danger into every game by darting and dancing his way for 196 yards and three touchdowns.
At 5-11 and 188 pounds, he looks much smaller, especially when he's surrounded by those beefy defensive rushers."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Gary was the Giants' number two quarterback but moved in as a starter last year when Earl Morrall was hurt. He hit on 81 of 170 passes for 1,142 yards and six touchdowns. He is a great scrambler, gaining 196 yards on only 28 carries, with three touchdowns."
-1967 Philadelphia No. 131
MILT PLUM
Quarterback
No. 16
Penn State
"A No. 2 choice in 1957 and a top quarterback, Plum is an excellent fast passer who can find the open spots in the enemy's defenses. He did just about everything as a Penn State quarterback when he and Jimmy Brown faced each other in crucial games.
Plum was born and lives in Westville, New Jersey."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"Plum tied for top honors as the most accurate passer in 1959, hitting for 58.6. He connected on 156 of 266 of his passes and gained 7.49 per attempt. Plum won the starting T-quarter post in '58.
He throws short and long with equal ability. He was an all-purpose back in college: passing, punting, rushing- and he was excellent on defense.
Plum was born in Westville, New Jersey and lives in Woodbury."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"Magnificent was the mark of Milt Plum in 1960, gaining the No. 1 honor as the passer with the best accuracy mark (60.4), least number of interceptions and most yards gained per pass attempt (9.19). He flipped for 21 tallies and ate up 2,297 yards with his aerials.
Born in Westville, New Jersey, Plum was a Penn State teammate of the Colts' Lenny Moore."
-Don Schiffer, 1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Milt, the Browns' No. 1 quarterback since 1958, is beginning to make his weight felt as a ball-handler who can produce championship effort. Last January he earned his way onto the Pro Bowl squad.
He's a strong runner, a fine passer and is picking up the trick of getting rid of the ball before being dumped for a loss. He also led the NFL in passing with a 60.4% completion average, with only two interceptions."
-1961 Fleer No. 10
BROWNS' PLUM WINS PASSING TITLE
"For four years Milt worked to make up the gap left when the great Otto Graham retired as Cleveland's quarterback. Last year, he did it in a big way.
Milt had the top completion percentage- a rousing 60.4%. He also led the other passers in average yards gained per pass with 9.19. Throughout the first 10 games of the 1960 season, no one intercepted a Plum pass. His 2% interception average is naturally [the best in] the NFL.
Milt can fire bullets for short gainers or wind up for long heaves. One of his long passes went to Frank Clarke who took it for an 86-yard touchdown. With the tremendous accuracy of Milt's passing plus the juggernaut power of Jimmy Brown and the speed of Bobby Mitchell, no wonder opposing coaches have nightmares."
-1961 Topps No. 132
"Milt Plum finally gains his opportunity to lead his own quarterbacking life. The ex-Brown, NFL leader in passing two straight years, can now prove he has the qualities to make his own decisions after spending five years in Cleveland. He completed 58.6 [percent] of his forwards in 1961, clicking for 2,416 yards and 18 touchdowns. Throughout his career he has yet to prove he can hit on the vital third-down toss.
Born in Westville, New Jersey, Plum did just about everything at Penn State."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Traded to Detroit, Milt led the N.F.L. with a 58.6 pass completion mark in 1961."
-1962 Topps No. 50
"Detroit was happy with Milt Plum in 1962 and the ex-Brown celebrated by setting the Lion record for most passes completed (179). He led the circuit in aerials in '60 and '61.
Some in the NFL feel he's still insecure and only a moderately fair operator at the T-throttle. He finished 11th in last year's passing tables for his lowest grade since coming to [the NFL with] Cleveland in '57. Plum has now connected on 56 per cent of all aerials but still falls shy of hitting on that big third-down forward.
He was a star at Penn State with the Colts' Lenny Moore."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"Hoping to regain his job at quarterback, Milt Plum begins his third season with the Lions. Last year he skidded to second-string, completing 27 of 77 passes for 339 yards and two touchdowns. The previous season he set a Lion record with 179 completions, hitting 55.1 percent for 2,378 yards and 15 touchdowns. He joined the Browns prior to the 1962 season for Jim Ninowski.
He was a college hero at Penn State before succeeding Otto Graham with the Browns. He's a plumbing firm representative."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Milt Plum has spent most of his years as a pro quarterback in someone's shadow. First, it was Paul Brown, who used to send messengers in on every play when Milt was in Cleveland. Then it was Earl Morrall, with whom he has had to share the job in Detroit.
His record speaks better for him than do some of the boo-birds in Tiger Stadium. Twice he has led the NFL in passing, in 1960 and '61, and his career mark of 56.1 per cent completions is third-best in the league's history. After an off year in '63, he lost the job to Morrall, and only got it back last year when Morrall hurt a shoulder. Despite coming up with a sore elbow, he finished strong and ranked fifth in passing."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"It was an ironic season for Milt Plum, who won the quarterback job over Earl Morrall and then plummeted to his poorest season as a pro, while Morrall went on to have a successful campaign in New York.
They say Milt never quite got over having his thinking done for him by Paul Brown during his days in Cleveland, but he has fared pretty well- except for last year. He ranked 14th among the league's passers, completing 143 aerials out of 308 attempts for 1,710 yards and a 46.4 percentage; he threw only 12 touchdown passes and was intercepted 19 times. Yet, in the past, he twice led the NFL in passing.
Now 31, Milt is in his tenth pro year. He played college ball at Penn State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Milt completed 143 passes out of 308 attempts in 1965. He gained 1,710 yards, averaging 5.55 yards per toss. He passed for 12 touchdowns. The longest was a 55-yarder.
His life total in touchdown passes is 113, his longest being a 92-yarder."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 72
"This passing veteran has played five seasons with the Browns and six with the Lions. He led the NFL in passing in 1960 and 1961.
Milt was the toughest NFL quarterback to intercept in 1967."
-1968 Philadelphia No. 104
Quarterback
No. 10
Georgia
"Now Giant fans know how the other side feels as far as Fran Tarkenton in concerned. The scrambling man from Georgia is nearly as tantalizing as Lorelei. One minute you want to embrace him, the next minute you want to wring his neck. Tarkenton had that kind of year in 1968.
It was by no means as brilliant as his break-in year with the club, when he finished third overall among the league's quarterbacks. Last year, he was in and out, mostly in but occasionally out. Some of it was due to an injured shoulder which hampered his effectiveness in three games. He finished with 182 completions out of 337 attempts for 2,555 yards, a 54-percent completion average, and 21 touchdowns; and he only had 12 interceptions.
He was at his best directing a 27-21 upset over Dallas in the Cotton Bowl, with 16 of 24 completions. But he was probably at his worst in the 23-0 shutout administered by the Colts."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"This scrambling quarterback came through with another banner season last year as he finished No. 5 in passing in the N.F.L. and picked up 301 yards rushing. Fran was acquired from the Vikings for two No. 1 draft choices and one No. 2 pick."
-1969 Topps No. 150
GARY WOOD
Quarterback
No. 19
Cornell
"In the town where Dixieland was born, they are just going to love the footwork of Gary Wood. The scrambling tactics he has shown in his three years in the league bring the fans to their feet screaming with excitement.
As the Giants' backup quarterback last year, Gary took over when Earl Morrall was injured, and he appeared in all 14 games. He completed 81 passes out of 170 attempts for 1,142 yards and six touchdowns. And he injected a touch of danger into every game by darting and dancing his way for 196 yards and three touchdowns.
At 5-11 and 188 pounds, he looks much smaller, especially when he's surrounded by those beefy defensive rushers."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967
"Gary was the Giants' number two quarterback but moved in as a starter last year when Earl Morrall was hurt. He hit on 81 of 170 passes for 1,142 yards and six touchdowns. He is a great scrambler, gaining 196 yards on only 28 carries, with three touchdowns."
-1967 Philadelphia No. 131
MILT PLUM
Quarterback
No. 16
Penn State
"A No. 2 choice in 1957 and a top quarterback, Plum is an excellent fast passer who can find the open spots in the enemy's defenses. He did just about everything as a Penn State quarterback when he and Jimmy Brown faced each other in crucial games.
Plum was born and lives in Westville, New Jersey."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"Plum tied for top honors as the most accurate passer in 1959, hitting for 58.6. He connected on 156 of 266 of his passes and gained 7.49 per attempt. Plum won the starting T-quarter post in '58.
He throws short and long with equal ability. He was an all-purpose back in college: passing, punting, rushing- and he was excellent on defense.
Plum was born in Westville, New Jersey and lives in Woodbury."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"Magnificent was the mark of Milt Plum in 1960, gaining the No. 1 honor as the passer with the best accuracy mark (60.4), least number of interceptions and most yards gained per pass attempt (9.19). He flipped for 21 tallies and ate up 2,297 yards with his aerials.
Born in Westville, New Jersey, Plum was a Penn State teammate of the Colts' Lenny Moore."
-Don Schiffer, 1961 Pro Football Handbook
"Milt, the Browns' No. 1 quarterback since 1958, is beginning to make his weight felt as a ball-handler who can produce championship effort. Last January he earned his way onto the Pro Bowl squad.
He's a strong runner, a fine passer and is picking up the trick of getting rid of the ball before being dumped for a loss. He also led the NFL in passing with a 60.4% completion average, with only two interceptions."
-1961 Fleer No. 10
BROWNS' PLUM WINS PASSING TITLE
"For four years Milt worked to make up the gap left when the great Otto Graham retired as Cleveland's quarterback. Last year, he did it in a big way.
Milt had the top completion percentage- a rousing 60.4%. He also led the other passers in average yards gained per pass with 9.19. Throughout the first 10 games of the 1960 season, no one intercepted a Plum pass. His 2% interception average is naturally [the best in] the NFL.
Milt can fire bullets for short gainers or wind up for long heaves. One of his long passes went to Frank Clarke who took it for an 86-yard touchdown. With the tremendous accuracy of Milt's passing plus the juggernaut power of Jimmy Brown and the speed of Bobby Mitchell, no wonder opposing coaches have nightmares."
-1961 Topps No. 132
"Milt Plum finally gains his opportunity to lead his own quarterbacking life. The ex-Brown, NFL leader in passing two straight years, can now prove he has the qualities to make his own decisions after spending five years in Cleveland. He completed 58.6 [percent] of his forwards in 1961, clicking for 2,416 yards and 18 touchdowns. Throughout his career he has yet to prove he can hit on the vital third-down toss.
Born in Westville, New Jersey, Plum did just about everything at Penn State."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"Traded to Detroit, Milt led the N.F.L. with a 58.6 pass completion mark in 1961."
-1962 Topps No. 50
"Detroit was happy with Milt Plum in 1962 and the ex-Brown celebrated by setting the Lion record for most passes completed (179). He led the circuit in aerials in '60 and '61.
Some in the NFL feel he's still insecure and only a moderately fair operator at the T-throttle. He finished 11th in last year's passing tables for his lowest grade since coming to [the NFL with] Cleveland in '57. Plum has now connected on 56 per cent of all aerials but still falls shy of hitting on that big third-down forward.
He was a star at Penn State with the Colts' Lenny Moore."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"Hoping to regain his job at quarterback, Milt Plum begins his third season with the Lions. Last year he skidded to second-string, completing 27 of 77 passes for 339 yards and two touchdowns. The previous season he set a Lion record with 179 completions, hitting 55.1 percent for 2,378 yards and 15 touchdowns. He joined the Browns prior to the 1962 season for Jim Ninowski.
He was a college hero at Penn State before succeeding Otto Graham with the Browns. He's a plumbing firm representative."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Milt Plum has spent most of his years as a pro quarterback in someone's shadow. First, it was Paul Brown, who used to send messengers in on every play when Milt was in Cleveland. Then it was Earl Morrall, with whom he has had to share the job in Detroit.
His record speaks better for him than do some of the boo-birds in Tiger Stadium. Twice he has led the NFL in passing, in 1960 and '61, and his career mark of 56.1 per cent completions is third-best in the league's history. After an off year in '63, he lost the job to Morrall, and only got it back last year when Morrall hurt a shoulder. Despite coming up with a sore elbow, he finished strong and ranked fifth in passing."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965
"It was an ironic season for Milt Plum, who won the quarterback job over Earl Morrall and then plummeted to his poorest season as a pro, while Morrall went on to have a successful campaign in New York.
They say Milt never quite got over having his thinking done for him by Paul Brown during his days in Cleveland, but he has fared pretty well- except for last year. He ranked 14th among the league's passers, completing 143 aerials out of 308 attempts for 1,710 yards and a 46.4 percentage; he threw only 12 touchdown passes and was intercepted 19 times. Yet, in the past, he twice led the NFL in passing.
Now 31, Milt is in his tenth pro year. He played college ball at Penn State."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966
"Milt completed 143 passes out of 308 attempts in 1965. He gained 1,710 yards, averaging 5.55 yards per toss. He passed for 12 touchdowns. The longest was a 55-yarder.
His life total in touchdown passes is 113, his longest being a 92-yarder."
-1966 Philadelphia No. 72
"This passing veteran has played five seasons with the Browns and six with the Lions. He led the NFL in passing in 1960 and 1961.
Milt was the toughest NFL quarterback to intercept in 1967."
-1968 Philadelphia No. 104
Friday, October 10, 2014
1969 Profiles: Allie Sherman and Alex Webster
ALLIE SHERMAN
Head Coach
"During the course of a year, Allie Sherman looks at more film than Federico Fellini. That's the way it should be, for in Allie's line of work, he has to demand even more perfection from his players than even Fellini does from his. With Allie, coaching is a full time occupation. He scarcely takes any time for himself during what most of us euphemistically call the off-season. Fact is, the months between January and July may be when he works the hardest, as he sits in darkened rooms projecting game films over and over again, looking for clues to why previous losses turned out that way. During the season, he spends at least one night a week locked up with quarterback Fran Tarkenton in his Westchester home, where they go over films and plot the strategy for that week's game.
Allie is also the complete coach, involving himself in every facet of his team's operation. He leaves nothing undone. This has opened him up to criticism from some people who think he takes too much upon himself and should delegate some of the authority to his assistants. Even his most strongest admirers believe that Allie's forte is designing imaginative offenses, and that defensive football still puzzles him a little.
In his eight years as Giant coach, he has heard the songbirds in the stands serenade him with the choruses of 'Good-Bye Allie' when the team hasn't done well. Allie claims he doesn't hear them. As a one-time left-handed quarterback who played his college football for Brooklyn College, he's learned not to hear many things."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
ALEX WEBSTER
Head Coach
"The wheel horse of the offense, Alex can smash a line, run wide and nail passes. He can play halfback and fullback.
Drafted by the Redskins, Alex was released before he played a game and went to Canada, where he was named that country's top player. He joined the Giants in '55.
Alex lives in East Brunswick, New Jersey."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"A series of injuries curtailed some of his '59 activities.
Alex is a halfback who runs like a fullback and nails passes like an end. He gained 250 yards as a carrier and 381 as a pass receiver.
Alex was first drafted by Washington in '53 but he failed to impress the coaches. He went to the Canadian League where he was a top player for two seasons, becoming a Giant in '55.
Born in Kearney, New Jersey, Alex is a bread-and-butter banger who gets the call when clutch yardage is needed."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"Comeback kid of the 1961 tournament was Alex Webster, the bruising halfback-fullback who was in danger of being cut in pre-season camp. The Kearney (New Jersey) crusher, a victim of shoulder and leg ailments, whipped himself into such superior shape that he was the league's No. 3 rusher and gained 1,241 yards a runner and pass receiver. Alex was outstanding at picking up that vital third-down yardage.
He first starred in the Canadian loop before joining the Giants in 1955."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"In the best year of his career in 1961, Alex was third in the NFL in rushing."
-1962 Topps No. 105
"For a halfback who needs most of the summer to get into shape, Alex Webster has no reason for apologies. Big Red led the Giants in 1962 with 743 yards rushing, and his pass receptions added 477 yards. He's really a polished blocker, too.
Alex was born in Kearney, New Jersey and watched Giant games from the bleachers as a youth. He starred as a North Carolina State line-smasher, then played two years in Canada. This is season No. 9 with the Giants."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"Every winning pro football team needs a bull-necked fullback to grind out those precious yards for a first down, and the New York Giants have had one of the best human battering rams in the business ever since 225-pound Alex Webster first joined the team in 1955. Webster has never enjoyed the publicity gained by such NFL fullback luminaries as Cleveland's Jim Brown and Jim Taylor of the Green Bay Packers, but in the opinion of Giants' coach Allie Sherman, 'He is one of the greatest clutch runners in the game of football. Alex is the fellow we want carrying the ball when the pressure is on.'
The 32-year-old graduate of North Carolina State has played a major role in New York's 1961 and 1962 Eastern Conference championships. In 1961 he gained 928 yards in 196 carries, finishing third in ground-gaining honors behind Brown and Taylor. He also caught 26 passes, good for 313 yards, and furnished many a key block from his fullback position. Last year Webster's rushing yardage total dropped to 743 in 207 tries but he also snared 47 passes for an additional 477 yards. His career total of 4,340 yards gained rushing puts him in first place among all-time New York Giant backs.
Alex also has scored 49 touchdowns during his eight years with the New Yorkers, more of them from within the five-yard line than any other player in Giant history.
'And it's those last five yards that are always the toughest,' says coach Sherman.
Born and reared in Kearney, New Jersey, Alex was an All-State high school back in 1949. After college he had a brief trial with the Redskins but failed to click with coach Curly Lambeau. However, he did catch on with Montreal, playing Canadian football under the colorful Peahead Walker for two years, tearing the league apart in 1953 and 1954.
Spotted by New York scout Al DeRogatis, Webster joined the Giants in 1955 and has been wearing their red, white and blue to good advantage ever since."
-1963 Official Pro Football Almanac
"Another old pro among the Giants, Alex Webster looms as a question mark this year, his 12th counting two in Canada. Bothered by a back ailment during the closing games of last season, he gained a season total of only 255 yards on 75 carries for four touchdowns.
At North Carolina State, he was All-Southern Conference but the Redskins cut him and he played with Montreal in the Canadian Football League before joining the Giants in 1955.
Born April 19, 11931, he's a solid pass blocker."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Sidelined most of the 1963 campaign by a back injury, Webster is rated a question mark for 1964. But if spirit and desire are the answer, then you can be sure Alex will be back at his old fullback spot. Despite being hampered, Alex nevertheless was able to gain 255 yards in 75 carries last year, an average of 3.4, and tally four touchdowns. He also caught 15 passes for 128 yards.
During a long and brilliant Giant career, Alex has gained a grand total of 4,695 yards (the all-time Giant mark), scoring 53 touchdowns altogether.
Drafted 12th by Washington in 1953, Alex was cut and played with Montreal of the Canadian Football League in '53 and '54, joining New York in '55. He was a halfback until switching to full in 1961. His best campaign occurred in '61 when he gained 928 yards on 196 tries, an average of 4.7 per carry."
-Complete Sports 1964 New York Giants
Head Coach
"During the course of a year, Allie Sherman looks at more film than Federico Fellini. That's the way it should be, for in Allie's line of work, he has to demand even more perfection from his players than even Fellini does from his. With Allie, coaching is a full time occupation. He scarcely takes any time for himself during what most of us euphemistically call the off-season. Fact is, the months between January and July may be when he works the hardest, as he sits in darkened rooms projecting game films over and over again, looking for clues to why previous losses turned out that way. During the season, he spends at least one night a week locked up with quarterback Fran Tarkenton in his Westchester home, where they go over films and plot the strategy for that week's game.
Allie is also the complete coach, involving himself in every facet of his team's operation. He leaves nothing undone. This has opened him up to criticism from some people who think he takes too much upon himself and should delegate some of the authority to his assistants. Even his most strongest admirers believe that Allie's forte is designing imaginative offenses, and that defensive football still puzzles him a little.
In his eight years as Giant coach, he has heard the songbirds in the stands serenade him with the choruses of 'Good-Bye Allie' when the team hasn't done well. Allie claims he doesn't hear them. As a one-time left-handed quarterback who played his college football for Brooklyn College, he's learned not to hear many things."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
ALEX WEBSTER
Head Coach
"The wheel horse of the offense, Alex can smash a line, run wide and nail passes. He can play halfback and fullback.
Drafted by the Redskins, Alex was released before he played a game and went to Canada, where he was named that country's top player. He joined the Giants in '55.
Alex lives in East Brunswick, New Jersey."
-Pro Football Handbook 1959
"A series of injuries curtailed some of his '59 activities.
Alex is a halfback who runs like a fullback and nails passes like an end. He gained 250 yards as a carrier and 381 as a pass receiver.
Alex was first drafted by Washington in '53 but he failed to impress the coaches. He went to the Canadian League where he was a top player for two seasons, becoming a Giant in '55.
Born in Kearney, New Jersey, Alex is a bread-and-butter banger who gets the call when clutch yardage is needed."
-1960 Pro Football Handbook
"Comeback kid of the 1961 tournament was Alex Webster, the bruising halfback-fullback who was in danger of being cut in pre-season camp. The Kearney (New Jersey) crusher, a victim of shoulder and leg ailments, whipped himself into such superior shape that he was the league's No. 3 rusher and gained 1,241 yards a runner and pass receiver. Alex was outstanding at picking up that vital third-down yardage.
He first starred in the Canadian loop before joining the Giants in 1955."
-Don Schiffer, 1962 Pro Football Handbook
"In the best year of his career in 1961, Alex was third in the NFL in rushing."
-1962 Topps No. 105
"For a halfback who needs most of the summer to get into shape, Alex Webster has no reason for apologies. Big Red led the Giants in 1962 with 743 yards rushing, and his pass receptions added 477 yards. He's really a polished blocker, too.
Alex was born in Kearney, New Jersey and watched Giant games from the bleachers as a youth. He starred as a North Carolina State line-smasher, then played two years in Canada. This is season No. 9 with the Giants."
-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1963
"Every winning pro football team needs a bull-necked fullback to grind out those precious yards for a first down, and the New York Giants have had one of the best human battering rams in the business ever since 225-pound Alex Webster first joined the team in 1955. Webster has never enjoyed the publicity gained by such NFL fullback luminaries as Cleveland's Jim Brown and Jim Taylor of the Green Bay Packers, but in the opinion of Giants' coach Allie Sherman, 'He is one of the greatest clutch runners in the game of football. Alex is the fellow we want carrying the ball when the pressure is on.'
The 32-year-old graduate of North Carolina State has played a major role in New York's 1961 and 1962 Eastern Conference championships. In 1961 he gained 928 yards in 196 carries, finishing third in ground-gaining honors behind Brown and Taylor. He also caught 26 passes, good for 313 yards, and furnished many a key block from his fullback position. Last year Webster's rushing yardage total dropped to 743 in 207 tries but he also snared 47 passes for an additional 477 yards. His career total of 4,340 yards gained rushing puts him in first place among all-time New York Giant backs.
Alex also has scored 49 touchdowns during his eight years with the New Yorkers, more of them from within the five-yard line than any other player in Giant history.
'And it's those last five yards that are always the toughest,' says coach Sherman.
Born and reared in Kearney, New Jersey, Alex was an All-State high school back in 1949. After college he had a brief trial with the Redskins but failed to click with coach Curly Lambeau. However, he did catch on with Montreal, playing Canadian football under the colorful Peahead Walker for two years, tearing the league apart in 1953 and 1954.
Spotted by New York scout Al DeRogatis, Webster joined the Giants in 1955 and has been wearing their red, white and blue to good advantage ever since."
-1963 Official Pro Football Almanac
"Another old pro among the Giants, Alex Webster looms as a question mark this year, his 12th counting two in Canada. Bothered by a back ailment during the closing games of last season, he gained a season total of only 255 yards on 75 carries for four touchdowns.
At North Carolina State, he was All-Southern Conference but the Redskins cut him and he played with Montreal in the Canadian Football League before joining the Giants in 1955.
Born April 19, 11931, he's a solid pass blocker."
-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964
"Sidelined most of the 1963 campaign by a back injury, Webster is rated a question mark for 1964. But if spirit and desire are the answer, then you can be sure Alex will be back at his old fullback spot. Despite being hampered, Alex nevertheless was able to gain 255 yards in 75 carries last year, an average of 3.4, and tally four touchdowns. He also caught 15 passes for 128 yards.
During a long and brilliant Giant career, Alex has gained a grand total of 4,695 yards (the all-time Giant mark), scoring 53 touchdowns altogether.
Drafted 12th by Washington in 1953, Alex was cut and played with Montreal of the Canadian Football League in '53 and '54, joining New York in '55. He was a halfback until switching to full in 1961. His best campaign occurred in '61 when he gained 928 yards on 196 tries, an average of 4.7 per carry."
-Complete Sports 1964 New York Giants
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
1969 New York Giants Outlook
"The trouble with most people is that they don't take the Giants seriously. When they win, the victory is somehow tainted. When they lose, they're doing about as well as expected. This attitude has become a reflex action in the years since the Giants' last dynasty, but the fallacy behind it is that while nobody has been paying attention, the Giants have become a pretty good football team again. Not world-beaters by a long shot, but perhaps just good enough this time around to cause some sparks in the so-so Century Division.
For the Giants to make a race of it, there are certain key areas that will have to improve before the season is very old. But one place where they seem to be secure is at quarterback, which on the Giants is the private preserve of Fran Tarkenton. The man they call Fran the Scram (For goodness sake, why?) did not have as brilliant a campaign last year as he did in 1967, but he did finish fifth overall in the passing statistics, completing 54 percent of his tosses for 21 touchdowns. You wouldn't exactly say he fell on his face, would you? And Fran was hampered by a sore shoulder at mid-season, during which time the Giants lost two games. Gary Wood, who darts around more like a mosquito even than Tarkenton, is the number one spare and Gary Lane, another passer on the run, has a seat on the bench next to Wood's.
Homer Jones provides the Giants' aerial game with his electricity. His catches are the talk of the league, and his speed the despair of any cornerback who's had to chase him. Jones may line up at split end a few pounds lighter this year, after having a few sluggish bouts with dropped passes last year. Joe Morrison is listed as the starting flanker, but Allie Sherman probably realized that his versatile offensive captain was slowing down when the coach traded for Pete Gent of the Cowboys. Gent is tall and fast - and injury-prone - but if he stays healthy, he could be just the man to run those deep patterns and take some of the double-coverage pressure off Jones. Morrison can better serve the cause by coming in as a troubleshooter wherever Allie needs him at the moment. If Gent shows he can handle the job, Aaron Thomas will stay at tight end where he, too, can draw attention. Butch Wilson and Freeman White are the extras at tight end, and second-year man Joe Koontz and rookie Rich Houston from East Texas State will be trying to catch on as deep receivers.
The Giant backfield could explode this year, barring another disastrous year of injuries, which is what set them back so badly after the 1967 season. Tucker Frederickson seems convinced that his doctored knees are completely sound, and he may start running with his old abandon. Ernie Koy has become a more assured back, and he presents a lot of problems to a defensive watching Tarkenton all the time. How often Frederickson and Koy are teamed back there will depend on how good a second year Bobby Duhon has. He had a pip of a rookie campaign, with 363 yards rushing and 373 yards on pass receptions and, 'He has all the capabilities to become a top NFL back,' says Sherman. The speedster of the backfield is Ronnie Blye, who looked good in spurts last year but still shows a marked lack of consistency. Alan Jacobs, a solid blocker, and Randy Minniear, a determined runner, are back to challenge for jobs, and the rookies are John Fuqua from Morgan State, George Irby from Tuskeegee, and Harry Blackney out of the Continental League.
The offensive line also seems to be operating on all burners now. Willie Young and Steve Wright are the tackles, Pete Case and Darrell Dess are the guards, and Greg Larson is the center. But with Dess turning 33, he may begin to give way to Charlie Harper, a solid backup man for the past three seasons. More may also be heard from Rich Buzin, the 6-4, 250-pound tackle who bashed in some heads as a rookie last year. Andy Gross and Doug Van Horn are the extra guards, and Chuck Hinton the spare center.
There are bound to be some important changes on the defensive line this year - changes which should create a more aggressive pass rush. The Giants made a strong step in this direction by getting Clark Miller from the 49ers to fill a conspicuous gap at one of their defensive ends. At the other end, Jim Katcavage was intent on returning this year for one last hurrah, and his desire may be all he has left. He is going to have a whale of a battle on his hands (according to all reports) from number one draft choice Fred Dryer, a 6-6, 235-pound animal out of San Diego State, where he supposedly did everything. Sam Silas, who remembers the pass rush from his Cardinal days, and Bob Lurtsema will probably hold down the tackle jobs. Bruce Anderson and McKinley Boston, who had some good moments as a rookie last year, are reserve ends, while Jim Moran, Roger Anderson, taxi-squader Doug Chatman and rookie Lou Galiardi from Toledo will also be in the picture at tackle.
The linebacking must be better this year than it was last year if the Giants are going to be sound defensively. They have the bodies, only they were out of position most of last year while learning to play together. Tommy Crutcher should settle down in his second season in New York, and Ken Avery had better return to his rookie form of 1967. Henry Davis, the big new man in the middle last year, was as green as they come but he learned fast. The acquisition of Ralph Heck from the Falcons bolsters the linebacking, as will the presence of rookies Ray Hickl from Texas A&I, Byron Jones from West Texas State and Ken Riley of Arlington State.
It's amazing the deep secondary did as well as it did last year, with those breakdowns in the line and in the backup squad. Much of the credit must go to Bruce Maher, who came from Detroit, moved in at tight safety, and pulled the unit together. Willie Williams at right corner was the NFL's interception leader, and free safety Spider Lockhart wasn't far behind him. A better year must come from Scott Eaton, who seemed to suffer from a sophomore jinx in 1968. Returning second-year man Jim Holifield and rookie Al Brenner from Michigan State appear to be the reserves."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
IN BRIEF
Probable 1969 Finish: 1st (Century Division)
Strengths: a mobile offense featuring Tarkenton, Jones and some determined runners, a strong blocking line and an improved pass defense.
Biggest Needs: strengthening the defensive line, and more consistent linebacking.
1968 finish: 2nd (7-7-0)
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"New York Giant football fans are not noted for their patience or their singing voices, which made the last two home games of the season particularly long and unpleasant afternoons for the players and their head coach, Allie Sherman. The ever-popular with critical fans, 'Goodbye, Allie, Goodbye, Allie' was sung early and late on these cold Sundays. It was nothing new for Sherman's ears. He's been hearing the song off and on ever since the Giant glory teams of 1961, '62 and '63 faded like the paint on Yankee Stadium until Mike Burke took over the baseball team. But last season, the fifth since reconstruction operations were begun, the fans, with the help of the weather, added a new means of showing their displeasure. They revealed it in the season's final game- which the Giants were losing to the Cowboys, 28-10, when the Cowboys were having a bad day. The loyal fans utilized the snow that had recently fallen to pack into missiles and hurl at the bench. It was a particularly silly business because the fans obviously had been duped by the Giants' amazing start.
New York scored 154 points in its first four games, and even its ever determined but inadequate defense could not give up more. The Giants won all four games. After beating Pittsburgh, 34-20, they met the almost totally inept Eagles, who were without regular quarterback Norm Snead, and had a difficult time. Halfback Randy Minniear scored first for New York on a two-yard run. Alvin Hammond promptly returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards, but the Giants blocked the PAT attempt. Then fullback Izzy Lang caught one of the four passes the Eagles completed this afternoon and went 23 yards for a touchdown. Again the Giants blocked the kick. But they couldn't move the ball on offense once more, so free safety Spider Lockhart grabbed a John Huarte pass and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown. The Giants made their PAT and then kicked a field goal to take a 17-12 lead. Tom Woodeshick popped up the middle and went 54 yards to score. By this time the Giants had had so much practice blocking kicks that they got in front of another one. But the Eagles' 19-17 lead was short-lived. Pete Gogolak kicked a 20-yard field goal, Fran Tarkenton passed 12 yards to Joe Morrison for a touchdown and rookie halfback Bobby Duhon drove one yard for a touchdown. The final score was New York 38, Philadelphia 25.
In the first home game of the season, the Giants treated the fans to a 48-21 mauling of the Redskins. Lockhart ran back another interception, this one 47 yards for a touchdown, but by then the game was won. Tarkenton and speedy split end Homer Jones did most of the damage, combining for scoring passes that covered 82 and 56 yards. 'Jones worked the game better than any I can recall,' Tarkenton said afterward. 'If he hadn't caught a pass, he would have been outstanding because of the way he ran his pass routes. When we hit Bobby Duhon for that long one, Homer took the defenders away from Duhon.'
At home against New Orleans the following week, the Giants- except for Fran Tarkenton who threw three touchdown passes and called a fine ball-control game in the second half when the Saints were pushing to catch up- were not really sharp. Sherman did put in a new play that resulted in two scoring passes to his fullbacks, first Ernie Koy then Tucker Frederickson. The fullback sets to block the linebacker, but fakes the block and swings out of the backfield. The quarterback fakes an inside handoff to the halfback, then hits the fullback with the pass.
Through all four of these victories, however, the Giant defense was scratching and clawing and praying a lot. Opponents were gathering huge chunks of yardage but their own mistakes, such as fumbles and interceptions, were keeping them from scoring as often as the opportunities to do so presented themselves. And, of course, Tarkenton and the rest of the offense did a nice job of keeping the ball away from opponents, too.
But in game five, which figured to be an easy one, against Atlanta, the Giants were upset, 24-21. Perhaps they went to the game thinking too much about their 4-0 record and the Falcons' 0-4 mark. Yet they should have won anyway. Tarkenton completed 14 of 22 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns, two to Jones and one to the finally-healthy Aaron Thomas. Tarkenton gave up one interception, though, and that ended a potential Giant victory drive. With six minutes to play, Atlanta went ahead, 24-21. Fran took over at his own ten-yard line and in 11 plays, in which he carefully mixed passes and runs, he moved to the team to Atlanta's two-yard line. There was a minute and a half on the clock when Tarkenton called the next play. It was one that had worked for a touchdown earlier, tight end Thomas cutting into the end zone behind Jones' clearout pass pattern. This time cornerback Lee Calland let Jones go and picked up Thomas. It's a shame. Tarkenton didn't see Jones behind him ... but then Fran, running in the opposite direction, didn't even see Calland. Tarkenton threw back across his body to the opposite side of the field and suddenly there was Calland with the intercept.
From that game on, the Giants played about as they realistically had been expected to. They lost to San Francisco, 26-10, beat Washington, 13-10, lost to Baltimore, 26-0, shocked the world by upsetting the Cowboys, 27-21, snuck by the Eagles, 7-6, played an outstanding game in losing to the Rams, 24-21, were massacred by the Browns, 45-10, lost to the Cardinals, 28-21, and the Cowboys, 28-10.
They finished with a 7-7 record in the Capital Division; the same record they'd compiled in '67 in the Century Division. But there was no question about the fact that the '68 Giants were a much better team. Not only did they have Pete Gogolak back from Army duty, they acquired five players who helped them tremendously and two others who promise to in the future. The immediate gains were strongside safety Bruce Maher, traded from the Lions; offensive tackle Steve Wright and linebacker Tommy Crutcher, both traded from the Packers; offensive halfback Bobby Duhon and middle linebacker Henry Davis, both picked up in the draft. Reserve offensive tackle Rich Buzin and reserve defensive end McKinley Boston looked like they could develop into solid pros.
Maher, one of the toughest, most underrated players in the league, really turned the secondary into a cohesive unit. Lockhart is an excellent free safety (as his eight interceptions last year would indicate) and Scott Eaton and Willie Williams are both very capable man-per-man coverers at the corners- when the quarterback doesn't have ten seconds to pass. Davis moved into the middle early when Vince Costello got hurt. He made a lot of rookie mistakes, but Henry is one of the fastest big men in the game and he may well become the first great black middle linebacker in football. Crutcher is a fine outside linebacker, as is his opposite number, Ken Avery, on occasion. Avery's trouble is inconsistency, but he too is young.
Unfortunately, the Giant front four was a travesty. Only tackle Bob Lurtsema showed any pass rush. He could be a very good one with capable players on his flanks. The Giants hope they have just the support he- and the team- desperately needs in their first two draft choices. Both are very large, very quick defensive ends. Fred Dryer, 6' 6", 235 pounds was the first choice out of San Diego State; Vernon Vanoy, 6' 7 1/2", 260, was drafted second out of Kansas.
Two other draft choices who could help on either offense or defense this year are flanker-defensive backs Rich Houston (No. 3 choice) of East Texas State and Al Brenner of Michigan State. But the Giant offense appears to be in pretty good shape if the running backs stay healthy for a change and if Freeman White can make the switch from defensive back to tight end, his original position in college a few years ago. This will allow Aaron Thomas to move his speed out to the flank where he'll be more effective. But whether the changes will satisfy all the Yankee Stadium singers is something else again."
-Berry Stainback, Pro Football Forecast for 1969
"STATISTICS DON'T TELL ALL" - ALLIE SHERMAN
"Although the Giants' 7-7 finish in 1968 did not represent a statistical advance over the previous year's performance (also 7-7), Head Coach Allie Sherman nevertheless detected a marked improvement in the 'maturing and development' of the ball club. 'To our minds,' says Sherman, 'statistical records do not always measure the character of a football team. This is something that must be sensed by those close to the scene.'
In short, despite playing only .500 ball and despite a rather disappointing second half of the season, Sherman feels there was progress made in 1968 and, further, he is cautiously optimistic that additional progress will be made in the forthcoming campaign. 'This is a relatively young team,' explains Allie, 'but is reaching the point in experience and savvy where it should start to establish itself. How far this program will take us in 1969, I can't say. But I do believe we will have a representative team.'
The Giants of last season, Sherman feels, developed a consistency on offense, and ability to score points and stay in every ball game. 'Our offensive line was our most consistent unit,' he says. 'It held up week after week, and fellows like Steve Wright, Pete Case, Willie Young, Greg Larson, Darrell Dess and Charlie Harper did a tremendous job.' Based on this observation, the offensive line does not appear to be a problem for 1969. The same cannot be said of the defensive front four. 'This may be the key to our entire season,' stated Allie. 'We had the worst pass rush in the league last year and we must improve it to be in contention.'
The addition of two highly regarded rookies, Fred Dryer of San Diego State, at 6-6 and 240, and Vernon Vanoy of Kansas, at 6-8 and 275 may help. But most of the pressure will fall on the returning veterans- fellows like captain Jim Katcavage and Bruce Anderson, the ends last year, and tackles Roger Anderson, Bob Lurtsema and Sam Silas. Jim Moran, returning from a year's layoff, could also be a factor.
The absence of a decent pass rush affected the rest of the defense in 1968 but Sherman feels that the linebacking was 'improved, thanks to Tommy Joe Crutcher and rookie Henry Davis,' and that the secondary was 'sounder than any time in the last three years.'
Willie Williams, who led the league with 10 interceptions, and Scott Eaton give New York speed and experience at the corners, while Bruce Maher and Spider Lockhart appear to be fixtures at safety. Maher, obtained from Detroit prior to the 1968 campaign, set a fiery example that gave his young secondary confederates new pride and desire. 'He had a wonderful effect on our ball club,' reflects Sherman. Freeman White, a spare safety last year, will be moved to tight end in 1969 but second-year man Jimmy Holifield is expected to take up the slack in White's place. Then, too, there is Al Brenner, a rookie from Michigan State with very impressive defensive credentials.
Sherman expects Crutcher (who had a painful groin injury most of last year) to be even more effective at outside linebacker this season, and the coach also looks for 'continued improvement' from Davis, who stood up well to the pressure of playing middle linebacker on a full-time basis as a rookie. Three outstanding college linebackers were drafted to help strengthen this position in 1969- Ray Hickl, Texas A & I; Byron Jones, West Texas State, and Ken Riley, Arlington State.
Offensively, as was pointed out, Sherman considers his a solid, dependable unit capable of operating effectively against the best defensive units in the NFL. Dess, at 33 and with 11 seasons behind him, is at a critical stage but he had a good year in 1968 and Sherman expects him to start again. Case, Larson and Young are all in their prime, as is back-up man Charlie Harper.
The emergence of rookie Bobby Duhon as a consistent and versatile performer brightens the Giants' backfield picture. Duhon, a reformed quarterback from Tulane, gained 362 yards rushing, 373 on pass receptions, 246 yards on kick returns (for a total of 981) and scored four touchdowns. Along with second-year man Duhon, Sherman is counting on Ernie Koy, Tucker Frederickson and Ronnie Blye to shoulder the ball carrying burden this season. Frederickson, coming back from his second major knee operation, got through the 1968 campaign unscathed and led the club in rushing with 486 yards on 142 tries for a 3.4 average. Koy was runnerup with 394 yards on 89 carries for a sparkling 4.4 average.
Blye remains the question mark at this point. Possessed with blinding speed and great natural running instincts, the ex-Notre Damer showed flashes of genuine brilliance last year- only to be slowed down by injuries and other minor mishaps. He gained 243 yards on 53 tries for a 4.6 average but the jury is still out as to whether he can be a week-in-week-out consistent running back. 'If Blye can develop that consistency,' observes Allie, 'he could be just what our attack needs- a big, fast outside runner who can turn a five-yard gain into a long touchdown. But we'll have to wait and see.'
Among the rookie draft picks, the runners with the greatest potential would seem to be George Irby, a mammoth 6-4 225-pounder from Tuskegee; John Fuqua, a 200-pound speedster from Morgan State, and Harry Blackney, 6-1 225-pounder with extensive experience in the Continental League.
The shift of Freeman White from safety to tight end gives Sherman the chance to make other moves in his receiving corps. One, for instance, could put Aaron Thomas, the incumbent tight end, at flanker with Joe Morrison, adding more speed to that position. No speed is required on the opposite side, where Homer Jones (45 for 1,057 yards, seven touchdowns and a league-leading per catch average of 23.5 yards) holds forth. Actually, the tight end position may be slightly crowded this '69 season. In addition to White and Thomas, Butch Wilson is also in the running there. Bob Crespino has retired.
The quarterback situation is what it was last year; Fran Tarkenton is the No. 1 man with Gary Wood as the first replacement and Gary Lane, the ex-Cleveland Brown, in the No. 3 spot. No quarterbacks were selected in the college draft. Tarkenton was fifth among NFL passers last season with 182 completions in 337 attempts for 2,555 yards, 21 touchdowns and a 54.0 completion percentage. A shoulder injury kept Fran below par for three games in mid-season and the Giants dropped two of those starts.
There should be better depth at certain key positions thanks to the rapid development of several young players last season. Joe Koontz, a talented receiver, can back up either Jones or Thomas. Rich Buzin, the No. 1 draft choice for 1968, is a promising offensive tackle and Doug Van Horn looked impressive in his few appearances at guard last year. On defense, McKinley Boston can be used at either end position.
Pete Gogolak, the leading scorer with 78 points last year, will again handle the place-kicking chores. The punting, which slipped badly because of Koy's 37.5 average, may get a left via the presence of No. 14 draft choice Steve Smith from Weber State, who averaged 44.2 yards as a junior and who, by the way, is said to have a field goal range of 45 yards.
There have been two changes in New York's coaching staff. Norb Hecker, former head coach at Atlanta and onetime aide to Vince Lombardi at Green Bay, is now defensive coach, replacing Swede Svare. Jim Trimble moves from offense to defense to handle the defensive line with Rosey Brown in charge of the offensive line."
-Sports Quarterly Presents The Pros Football 1969
THE INJURY REPORT
"All things considered, the Giants were not hard hit by injuries to key personnel in 1968- at least as hard hit as in the two previous seasons. Running back Randy Minniear missed most of the campaign with a jaw and cheekbone fracture, defensive back Dave Hathcock was sidelined with a knee injury sustained in training camp, and defensive tackle Jim Moran, who broke his leg in 1967, never was able to work back into shape in time for 1968. All three players are expected to be 100 per cent this time around.
Offensive tackle Steve Wright, who missed the last few games of '68 with a serious hamstring injury, is also completely healed. Three regulars underwent post-season surgery- all of it minor. Ernie Koy had a sac taken off his knee, guard Darrell Dess had bone chips removed from his knee, and defensive back Willie Williams, the NFL's leading pass interceptor, had a hernia operation."
-Sports Quarterly Presents The Pros Football 1969
1969 Giants Preseason Roster
79 Bruce Anderson (DE) Willamette
73 Roger Anderson (DT) Virginia Union
54 Ken Avery (LB) Southern Mississippi
Byron Bigbie (G) Oklahoma
* Harry Blackney (RB) Maryland
22 Ron Blye (RB) Notre Dame
82 McKinley Boston (DE) Minnesota
* Al Brenner (DB) Michigan State
83 Barry Brown (LB) Florida
77 Rich Buzin (T) Penn State
65 Pete Case (G) Georgia
58 Mike Ciccolella (LB) Dayton
* John Crenshaw (T) Shaw
89 Bob Crespino (E) Mississippi
56 Tommy Crutcher (LB) TCU
66 Henry Davis (DE) Grambling
62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State
* Fred Dryer (DE) San Diego State
28 Bob Duhon (RB) Tulane
20 Scott Eaton (DB) Oregon State
Pete Emilianchick (TE) Richmond
Bob Fiorini (LB) Indiana
24 Tucker Frederickson (RB) Auburn
* John Fuqua (RB) Morgan State
Dennis Furjanic (DE) Houston
* Lou Galiardi (DT) Dayton
Charles Glenn (T) Auburn
3 Pete Goglolak (K) Cornell
64 Andy Gross (G) Auburn
61 Charlie Harper (T) Oklahoma State
46 Dave Hathcock (DB) Memphis State
* Don Herrmann (FL) Waynesburg
* Ray Hickl (LB) Texas A & I
59 Chuck Hinton (C) Mississippi
49 Jim Holifield (DB) Jackson State
* Rich Houston (E) East Texas State
* George Irby (RB) Tuskegee
30 Allen Jacobs (RB) Utah
* Byron Jones (LB) East Texas State
45 Homer Jones (E) Texas Southern
75 Jim Katcavage (DE) Dayton
47 Joe Koontz (E) San Francisco State
23 Ernie Koy (RB) Texas
18 Gary Lane (QB) Missouri
53 Greg Larson (C) Minnesota
Jim LeClair (QB) Notre Dame
John Lium (C) Notre Dame
43 Carl Lockhart (DB) North Texas State
Tom Longo (DB) Notre Dame
Bullie Lonzo (DB) Tuskegee
71 Bob Lurtsema (DT) Western Michigan
21 Bruce Maher (DB) Detroit
Tim McCann (DT) Princeton
27 Randy Minniear (HB) Purdue
74 Jim Moran (DT) Idaho
40 Joe Morrison (E) Cincinnati
* Ken Parker (DB) Fordham
* Randy Payne (FL) Indiana State
* Dick Perrin (DB) Bowling Green
* Ken Riley (LB) Arlington State
Dick Sandler (LB) Princeton
Sam Shivers (LB) Alcorn A & M
72 Sam Silas (DT) Southern Illinois
* Steve Smith (K) Weber State
Larry Souchy (DB) Mississippi College
10 Fran Tarkenton (QB) Georgia
88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State
63 Doug Van Horn (G) Ohio State
* Vern Vanoy (DE) Kansas
81 Freeman White (DB) Nebraska
41 Willie Williams (DB) Grambling
86 Butch Wilson (E) Alabama
19 Gary Wood (QB) Cornell
78 Steve Wright (T) Alabama
69 Willie Young (T) Grambling
* rookie
-Pro Football 1969
1969 Giants Preseason Depth Charts
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Gary Wood (Cornell) 19, Gary Lane (Missouri) 18
HB - Bob Duhon (Tulane) 28, Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27, Ron Blye (Notre Dame) 22, John Fuqua (Morgan State)*
FB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23, Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Allen Jacobs (Utah) 30
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45, Rich Houston (East Texas State)*
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, John Crenshaw (Shaw)*
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65, Andy Gross (Auburn) 64
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Hinton (Mississippi) 59
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61, Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 63
T - Steve Wright (Alabama) 78, Richard Buzin (Penn State) 77
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Butch Wilson (Alabama) 86, Freeman White (Nebraska) 81
FL - Joe Morrison (Cinncinati) 40, Gent, Joe Koontz (San Francisco State) 47, Randy Payne (Indiana State)*
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75, Fred Dryer (San Diego State)*, McKinley Boston (Minnesota) 82
DT - Sam Silas (Southern Illinois) 72, Roger Anderson (Virginia Union) 73
DT - Bob Lurstema (Western Michigan) 71, Lou Galiardi (Dayton)*
DE - Miller, Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79, Chatman*
LB - Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi) 54, Ken Riley (Arlington State)*, Ralph Heck (Colorado) 55
MLB - Henry Davis (Grambling) 66, Mike Ciccolella (Dayton) 58
LB - Tommy Crutcher (TCU) 56, Ray Hickl (Texas A & I)*
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20, Jim Holifield (Jackson State) 49
S - Bruce Maher (Detroit) 21, Al Brenner (Michigan State)*
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Dave Hathcock (Memphis) 46
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41, Ken Parker (Fordham)*
*rookie
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Gary Wood (Cornell) 19, Gary Lane (Missouri) 18
HB - Bob Duhon (Tulane) 28, Ron Blye (Notre Dame) 22, Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27, John Fuqua (Morgan State)*
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45, Rich Houston (East Texas State)*
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, Rich Buzin (Penn State) 77
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Hinton (Mississippi) 59
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 63
T - Steve Wright (Alabama) 78, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Freeman White (Nebraska) 81, Butch Wilson (Alabama) 86
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
Defense
DE - Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79, McKinley Boston (Minnesota) 82
DT - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71, Jim Moran (Idaho) 74
DT - Vern Vanoy (Kansas)*, Joe Szczecko (Northwestern) 76
DE - Fred Dryer (San Diego State)*
LB - Ralph Heck (Colorado) 55, Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi) 54
MLB - Henry Davis (Grambling) 66, Mike Ciccolella (Dayton) 58
LB - Tommy Crutcher (Texas Christian) 56, Ray Hickl (Texas A & I)*
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20, Jim Holifield (Jackson State) 49
SS - Bruce Maher (Detroit Mercy) 21, Al Brenner (Michigan State)*
FS - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Dave Hathcock (Memphis) 46
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23, Steve Smith (Weber State)*
KR - Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27, John Fuqua (Morgan State)*
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
*rookie
1969 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Allie Sherman
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10
QB - Gary Wood (Cornell) 19
QB - Milt Plum (Penn State) 16
HB - Bobby Duhon (Tulane) 28
HB - Junior Coffey (Washington) 34
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24
FB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69
T - Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
DT - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71
DT - Frank Parker (Jackson State) 72
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DE - Fred Dryer (San Diego State) 89
MLB - Ralph Heck (Colorado) 55
LB - Tommy Crutcher (Texas Christian) 56
LB - Henry Davis (Grambling) 66
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20
SS - Bruce Maher (Detroit Mercy) 21
FS - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
P - Curley Johnson (Houston) 33
KR - Bobby Duhon (Tulane) 28
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
For the Giants to make a race of it, there are certain key areas that will have to improve before the season is very old. But one place where they seem to be secure is at quarterback, which on the Giants is the private preserve of Fran Tarkenton. The man they call Fran the Scram (For goodness sake, why?) did not have as brilliant a campaign last year as he did in 1967, but he did finish fifth overall in the passing statistics, completing 54 percent of his tosses for 21 touchdowns. You wouldn't exactly say he fell on his face, would you? And Fran was hampered by a sore shoulder at mid-season, during which time the Giants lost two games. Gary Wood, who darts around more like a mosquito even than Tarkenton, is the number one spare and Gary Lane, another passer on the run, has a seat on the bench next to Wood's.
Homer Jones provides the Giants' aerial game with his electricity. His catches are the talk of the league, and his speed the despair of any cornerback who's had to chase him. Jones may line up at split end a few pounds lighter this year, after having a few sluggish bouts with dropped passes last year. Joe Morrison is listed as the starting flanker, but Allie Sherman probably realized that his versatile offensive captain was slowing down when the coach traded for Pete Gent of the Cowboys. Gent is tall and fast - and injury-prone - but if he stays healthy, he could be just the man to run those deep patterns and take some of the double-coverage pressure off Jones. Morrison can better serve the cause by coming in as a troubleshooter wherever Allie needs him at the moment. If Gent shows he can handle the job, Aaron Thomas will stay at tight end where he, too, can draw attention. Butch Wilson and Freeman White are the extras at tight end, and second-year man Joe Koontz and rookie Rich Houston from East Texas State will be trying to catch on as deep receivers.
The Giant backfield could explode this year, barring another disastrous year of injuries, which is what set them back so badly after the 1967 season. Tucker Frederickson seems convinced that his doctored knees are completely sound, and he may start running with his old abandon. Ernie Koy has become a more assured back, and he presents a lot of problems to a defensive watching Tarkenton all the time. How often Frederickson and Koy are teamed back there will depend on how good a second year Bobby Duhon has. He had a pip of a rookie campaign, with 363 yards rushing and 373 yards on pass receptions and, 'He has all the capabilities to become a top NFL back,' says Sherman. The speedster of the backfield is Ronnie Blye, who looked good in spurts last year but still shows a marked lack of consistency. Alan Jacobs, a solid blocker, and Randy Minniear, a determined runner, are back to challenge for jobs, and the rookies are John Fuqua from Morgan State, George Irby from Tuskeegee, and Harry Blackney out of the Continental League.
The offensive line also seems to be operating on all burners now. Willie Young and Steve Wright are the tackles, Pete Case and Darrell Dess are the guards, and Greg Larson is the center. But with Dess turning 33, he may begin to give way to Charlie Harper, a solid backup man for the past three seasons. More may also be heard from Rich Buzin, the 6-4, 250-pound tackle who bashed in some heads as a rookie last year. Andy Gross and Doug Van Horn are the extra guards, and Chuck Hinton the spare center.
There are bound to be some important changes on the defensive line this year - changes which should create a more aggressive pass rush. The Giants made a strong step in this direction by getting Clark Miller from the 49ers to fill a conspicuous gap at one of their defensive ends. At the other end, Jim Katcavage was intent on returning this year for one last hurrah, and his desire may be all he has left. He is going to have a whale of a battle on his hands (according to all reports) from number one draft choice Fred Dryer, a 6-6, 235-pound animal out of San Diego State, where he supposedly did everything. Sam Silas, who remembers the pass rush from his Cardinal days, and Bob Lurtsema will probably hold down the tackle jobs. Bruce Anderson and McKinley Boston, who had some good moments as a rookie last year, are reserve ends, while Jim Moran, Roger Anderson, taxi-squader Doug Chatman and rookie Lou Galiardi from Toledo will also be in the picture at tackle.
The linebacking must be better this year than it was last year if the Giants are going to be sound defensively. They have the bodies, only they were out of position most of last year while learning to play together. Tommy Crutcher should settle down in his second season in New York, and Ken Avery had better return to his rookie form of 1967. Henry Davis, the big new man in the middle last year, was as green as they come but he learned fast. The acquisition of Ralph Heck from the Falcons bolsters the linebacking, as will the presence of rookies Ray Hickl from Texas A&I, Byron Jones from West Texas State and Ken Riley of Arlington State.
It's amazing the deep secondary did as well as it did last year, with those breakdowns in the line and in the backup squad. Much of the credit must go to Bruce Maher, who came from Detroit, moved in at tight safety, and pulled the unit together. Willie Williams at right corner was the NFL's interception leader, and free safety Spider Lockhart wasn't far behind him. A better year must come from Scott Eaton, who seemed to suffer from a sophomore jinx in 1968. Returning second-year man Jim Holifield and rookie Al Brenner from Michigan State appear to be the reserves."
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
IN BRIEF
Probable 1969 Finish: 1st (Century Division)
Strengths: a mobile offense featuring Tarkenton, Jones and some determined runners, a strong blocking line and an improved pass defense.
Biggest Needs: strengthening the defensive line, and more consistent linebacking.
1968 finish: 2nd (7-7-0)
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
"New York Giant football fans are not noted for their patience or their singing voices, which made the last two home games of the season particularly long and unpleasant afternoons for the players and their head coach, Allie Sherman. The ever-popular with critical fans, 'Goodbye, Allie, Goodbye, Allie' was sung early and late on these cold Sundays. It was nothing new for Sherman's ears. He's been hearing the song off and on ever since the Giant glory teams of 1961, '62 and '63 faded like the paint on Yankee Stadium until Mike Burke took over the baseball team. But last season, the fifth since reconstruction operations were begun, the fans, with the help of the weather, added a new means of showing their displeasure. They revealed it in the season's final game- which the Giants were losing to the Cowboys, 28-10, when the Cowboys were having a bad day. The loyal fans utilized the snow that had recently fallen to pack into missiles and hurl at the bench. It was a particularly silly business because the fans obviously had been duped by the Giants' amazing start.
New York scored 154 points in its first four games, and even its ever determined but inadequate defense could not give up more. The Giants won all four games. After beating Pittsburgh, 34-20, they met the almost totally inept Eagles, who were without regular quarterback Norm Snead, and had a difficult time. Halfback Randy Minniear scored first for New York on a two-yard run. Alvin Hammond promptly returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards, but the Giants blocked the PAT attempt. Then fullback Izzy Lang caught one of the four passes the Eagles completed this afternoon and went 23 yards for a touchdown. Again the Giants blocked the kick. But they couldn't move the ball on offense once more, so free safety Spider Lockhart grabbed a John Huarte pass and returned it 72 yards for a touchdown. The Giants made their PAT and then kicked a field goal to take a 17-12 lead. Tom Woodeshick popped up the middle and went 54 yards to score. By this time the Giants had had so much practice blocking kicks that they got in front of another one. But the Eagles' 19-17 lead was short-lived. Pete Gogolak kicked a 20-yard field goal, Fran Tarkenton passed 12 yards to Joe Morrison for a touchdown and rookie halfback Bobby Duhon drove one yard for a touchdown. The final score was New York 38, Philadelphia 25.
In the first home game of the season, the Giants treated the fans to a 48-21 mauling of the Redskins. Lockhart ran back another interception, this one 47 yards for a touchdown, but by then the game was won. Tarkenton and speedy split end Homer Jones did most of the damage, combining for scoring passes that covered 82 and 56 yards. 'Jones worked the game better than any I can recall,' Tarkenton said afterward. 'If he hadn't caught a pass, he would have been outstanding because of the way he ran his pass routes. When we hit Bobby Duhon for that long one, Homer took the defenders away from Duhon.'
At home against New Orleans the following week, the Giants- except for Fran Tarkenton who threw three touchdown passes and called a fine ball-control game in the second half when the Saints were pushing to catch up- were not really sharp. Sherman did put in a new play that resulted in two scoring passes to his fullbacks, first Ernie Koy then Tucker Frederickson. The fullback sets to block the linebacker, but fakes the block and swings out of the backfield. The quarterback fakes an inside handoff to the halfback, then hits the fullback with the pass.
Through all four of these victories, however, the Giant defense was scratching and clawing and praying a lot. Opponents were gathering huge chunks of yardage but their own mistakes, such as fumbles and interceptions, were keeping them from scoring as often as the opportunities to do so presented themselves. And, of course, Tarkenton and the rest of the offense did a nice job of keeping the ball away from opponents, too.
But in game five, which figured to be an easy one, against Atlanta, the Giants were upset, 24-21. Perhaps they went to the game thinking too much about their 4-0 record and the Falcons' 0-4 mark. Yet they should have won anyway. Tarkenton completed 14 of 22 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns, two to Jones and one to the finally-healthy Aaron Thomas. Tarkenton gave up one interception, though, and that ended a potential Giant victory drive. With six minutes to play, Atlanta went ahead, 24-21. Fran took over at his own ten-yard line and in 11 plays, in which he carefully mixed passes and runs, he moved to the team to Atlanta's two-yard line. There was a minute and a half on the clock when Tarkenton called the next play. It was one that had worked for a touchdown earlier, tight end Thomas cutting into the end zone behind Jones' clearout pass pattern. This time cornerback Lee Calland let Jones go and picked up Thomas. It's a shame. Tarkenton didn't see Jones behind him ... but then Fran, running in the opposite direction, didn't even see Calland. Tarkenton threw back across his body to the opposite side of the field and suddenly there was Calland with the intercept.
From that game on, the Giants played about as they realistically had been expected to. They lost to San Francisco, 26-10, beat Washington, 13-10, lost to Baltimore, 26-0, shocked the world by upsetting the Cowboys, 27-21, snuck by the Eagles, 7-6, played an outstanding game in losing to the Rams, 24-21, were massacred by the Browns, 45-10, lost to the Cardinals, 28-21, and the Cowboys, 28-10.
They finished with a 7-7 record in the Capital Division; the same record they'd compiled in '67 in the Century Division. But there was no question about the fact that the '68 Giants were a much better team. Not only did they have Pete Gogolak back from Army duty, they acquired five players who helped them tremendously and two others who promise to in the future. The immediate gains were strongside safety Bruce Maher, traded from the Lions; offensive tackle Steve Wright and linebacker Tommy Crutcher, both traded from the Packers; offensive halfback Bobby Duhon and middle linebacker Henry Davis, both picked up in the draft. Reserve offensive tackle Rich Buzin and reserve defensive end McKinley Boston looked like they could develop into solid pros.
Maher, one of the toughest, most underrated players in the league, really turned the secondary into a cohesive unit. Lockhart is an excellent free safety (as his eight interceptions last year would indicate) and Scott Eaton and Willie Williams are both very capable man-per-man coverers at the corners- when the quarterback doesn't have ten seconds to pass. Davis moved into the middle early when Vince Costello got hurt. He made a lot of rookie mistakes, but Henry is one of the fastest big men in the game and he may well become the first great black middle linebacker in football. Crutcher is a fine outside linebacker, as is his opposite number, Ken Avery, on occasion. Avery's trouble is inconsistency, but he too is young.
Unfortunately, the Giant front four was a travesty. Only tackle Bob Lurtsema showed any pass rush. He could be a very good one with capable players on his flanks. The Giants hope they have just the support he- and the team- desperately needs in their first two draft choices. Both are very large, very quick defensive ends. Fred Dryer, 6' 6", 235 pounds was the first choice out of San Diego State; Vernon Vanoy, 6' 7 1/2", 260, was drafted second out of Kansas.
Two other draft choices who could help on either offense or defense this year are flanker-defensive backs Rich Houston (No. 3 choice) of East Texas State and Al Brenner of Michigan State. But the Giant offense appears to be in pretty good shape if the running backs stay healthy for a change and if Freeman White can make the switch from defensive back to tight end, his original position in college a few years ago. This will allow Aaron Thomas to move his speed out to the flank where he'll be more effective. But whether the changes will satisfy all the Yankee Stadium singers is something else again."
-Berry Stainback, Pro Football Forecast for 1969
"STATISTICS DON'T TELL ALL" - ALLIE SHERMAN
"Although the Giants' 7-7 finish in 1968 did not represent a statistical advance over the previous year's performance (also 7-7), Head Coach Allie Sherman nevertheless detected a marked improvement in the 'maturing and development' of the ball club. 'To our minds,' says Sherman, 'statistical records do not always measure the character of a football team. This is something that must be sensed by those close to the scene.'
In short, despite playing only .500 ball and despite a rather disappointing second half of the season, Sherman feels there was progress made in 1968 and, further, he is cautiously optimistic that additional progress will be made in the forthcoming campaign. 'This is a relatively young team,' explains Allie, 'but is reaching the point in experience and savvy where it should start to establish itself. How far this program will take us in 1969, I can't say. But I do believe we will have a representative team.'
The Giants of last season, Sherman feels, developed a consistency on offense, and ability to score points and stay in every ball game. 'Our offensive line was our most consistent unit,' he says. 'It held up week after week, and fellows like Steve Wright, Pete Case, Willie Young, Greg Larson, Darrell Dess and Charlie Harper did a tremendous job.' Based on this observation, the offensive line does not appear to be a problem for 1969. The same cannot be said of the defensive front four. 'This may be the key to our entire season,' stated Allie. 'We had the worst pass rush in the league last year and we must improve it to be in contention.'
The addition of two highly regarded rookies, Fred Dryer of San Diego State, at 6-6 and 240, and Vernon Vanoy of Kansas, at 6-8 and 275 may help. But most of the pressure will fall on the returning veterans- fellows like captain Jim Katcavage and Bruce Anderson, the ends last year, and tackles Roger Anderson, Bob Lurtsema and Sam Silas. Jim Moran, returning from a year's layoff, could also be a factor.
The absence of a decent pass rush affected the rest of the defense in 1968 but Sherman feels that the linebacking was 'improved, thanks to Tommy Joe Crutcher and rookie Henry Davis,' and that the secondary was 'sounder than any time in the last three years.'
Willie Williams, who led the league with 10 interceptions, and Scott Eaton give New York speed and experience at the corners, while Bruce Maher and Spider Lockhart appear to be fixtures at safety. Maher, obtained from Detroit prior to the 1968 campaign, set a fiery example that gave his young secondary confederates new pride and desire. 'He had a wonderful effect on our ball club,' reflects Sherman. Freeman White, a spare safety last year, will be moved to tight end in 1969 but second-year man Jimmy Holifield is expected to take up the slack in White's place. Then, too, there is Al Brenner, a rookie from Michigan State with very impressive defensive credentials.
Sherman expects Crutcher (who had a painful groin injury most of last year) to be even more effective at outside linebacker this season, and the coach also looks for 'continued improvement' from Davis, who stood up well to the pressure of playing middle linebacker on a full-time basis as a rookie. Three outstanding college linebackers were drafted to help strengthen this position in 1969- Ray Hickl, Texas A & I; Byron Jones, West Texas State, and Ken Riley, Arlington State.
Offensively, as was pointed out, Sherman considers his a solid, dependable unit capable of operating effectively against the best defensive units in the NFL. Dess, at 33 and with 11 seasons behind him, is at a critical stage but he had a good year in 1968 and Sherman expects him to start again. Case, Larson and Young are all in their prime, as is back-up man Charlie Harper.
The emergence of rookie Bobby Duhon as a consistent and versatile performer brightens the Giants' backfield picture. Duhon, a reformed quarterback from Tulane, gained 362 yards rushing, 373 on pass receptions, 246 yards on kick returns (for a total of 981) and scored four touchdowns. Along with second-year man Duhon, Sherman is counting on Ernie Koy, Tucker Frederickson and Ronnie Blye to shoulder the ball carrying burden this season. Frederickson, coming back from his second major knee operation, got through the 1968 campaign unscathed and led the club in rushing with 486 yards on 142 tries for a 3.4 average. Koy was runnerup with 394 yards on 89 carries for a sparkling 4.4 average.
Blye remains the question mark at this point. Possessed with blinding speed and great natural running instincts, the ex-Notre Damer showed flashes of genuine brilliance last year- only to be slowed down by injuries and other minor mishaps. He gained 243 yards on 53 tries for a 4.6 average but the jury is still out as to whether he can be a week-in-week-out consistent running back. 'If Blye can develop that consistency,' observes Allie, 'he could be just what our attack needs- a big, fast outside runner who can turn a five-yard gain into a long touchdown. But we'll have to wait and see.'
Among the rookie draft picks, the runners with the greatest potential would seem to be George Irby, a mammoth 6-4 225-pounder from Tuskegee; John Fuqua, a 200-pound speedster from Morgan State, and Harry Blackney, 6-1 225-pounder with extensive experience in the Continental League.
The shift of Freeman White from safety to tight end gives Sherman the chance to make other moves in his receiving corps. One, for instance, could put Aaron Thomas, the incumbent tight end, at flanker with Joe Morrison, adding more speed to that position. No speed is required on the opposite side, where Homer Jones (45 for 1,057 yards, seven touchdowns and a league-leading per catch average of 23.5 yards) holds forth. Actually, the tight end position may be slightly crowded this '69 season. In addition to White and Thomas, Butch Wilson is also in the running there. Bob Crespino has retired.
The quarterback situation is what it was last year; Fran Tarkenton is the No. 1 man with Gary Wood as the first replacement and Gary Lane, the ex-Cleveland Brown, in the No. 3 spot. No quarterbacks were selected in the college draft. Tarkenton was fifth among NFL passers last season with 182 completions in 337 attempts for 2,555 yards, 21 touchdowns and a 54.0 completion percentage. A shoulder injury kept Fran below par for three games in mid-season and the Giants dropped two of those starts.
There should be better depth at certain key positions thanks to the rapid development of several young players last season. Joe Koontz, a talented receiver, can back up either Jones or Thomas. Rich Buzin, the No. 1 draft choice for 1968, is a promising offensive tackle and Doug Van Horn looked impressive in his few appearances at guard last year. On defense, McKinley Boston can be used at either end position.
Pete Gogolak, the leading scorer with 78 points last year, will again handle the place-kicking chores. The punting, which slipped badly because of Koy's 37.5 average, may get a left via the presence of No. 14 draft choice Steve Smith from Weber State, who averaged 44.2 yards as a junior and who, by the way, is said to have a field goal range of 45 yards.
There have been two changes in New York's coaching staff. Norb Hecker, former head coach at Atlanta and onetime aide to Vince Lombardi at Green Bay, is now defensive coach, replacing Swede Svare. Jim Trimble moves from offense to defense to handle the defensive line with Rosey Brown in charge of the offensive line."
-Sports Quarterly Presents The Pros Football 1969
THE INJURY REPORT
"All things considered, the Giants were not hard hit by injuries to key personnel in 1968- at least as hard hit as in the two previous seasons. Running back Randy Minniear missed most of the campaign with a jaw and cheekbone fracture, defensive back Dave Hathcock was sidelined with a knee injury sustained in training camp, and defensive tackle Jim Moran, who broke his leg in 1967, never was able to work back into shape in time for 1968. All three players are expected to be 100 per cent this time around.
Offensive tackle Steve Wright, who missed the last few games of '68 with a serious hamstring injury, is also completely healed. Three regulars underwent post-season surgery- all of it minor. Ernie Koy had a sac taken off his knee, guard Darrell Dess had bone chips removed from his knee, and defensive back Willie Williams, the NFL's leading pass interceptor, had a hernia operation."
-Sports Quarterly Presents The Pros Football 1969
1969 Giants Preseason Roster
79 Bruce Anderson (DE) Willamette
73 Roger Anderson (DT) Virginia Union
54 Ken Avery (LB) Southern Mississippi
Byron Bigbie (G) Oklahoma
* Harry Blackney (RB) Maryland
22 Ron Blye (RB) Notre Dame
82 McKinley Boston (DE) Minnesota
* Al Brenner (DB) Michigan State
83 Barry Brown (LB) Florida
77 Rich Buzin (T) Penn State
65 Pete Case (G) Georgia
58 Mike Ciccolella (LB) Dayton
* John Crenshaw (T) Shaw
89 Bob Crespino (E) Mississippi
56 Tommy Crutcher (LB) TCU
66 Henry Davis (DE) Grambling
62 Darrell Dess (G) North Carolina State
* Fred Dryer (DE) San Diego State
28 Bob Duhon (RB) Tulane
20 Scott Eaton (DB) Oregon State
Pete Emilianchick (TE) Richmond
Bob Fiorini (LB) Indiana
24 Tucker Frederickson (RB) Auburn
* John Fuqua (RB) Morgan State
Dennis Furjanic (DE) Houston
* Lou Galiardi (DT) Dayton
Charles Glenn (T) Auburn
3 Pete Goglolak (K) Cornell
64 Andy Gross (G) Auburn
61 Charlie Harper (T) Oklahoma State
46 Dave Hathcock (DB) Memphis State
* Don Herrmann (FL) Waynesburg
* Ray Hickl (LB) Texas A & I
59 Chuck Hinton (C) Mississippi
49 Jim Holifield (DB) Jackson State
* Rich Houston (E) East Texas State
* George Irby (RB) Tuskegee
30 Allen Jacobs (RB) Utah
* Byron Jones (LB) East Texas State
45 Homer Jones (E) Texas Southern
75 Jim Katcavage (DE) Dayton
47 Joe Koontz (E) San Francisco State
23 Ernie Koy (RB) Texas
18 Gary Lane (QB) Missouri
53 Greg Larson (C) Minnesota
Jim LeClair (QB) Notre Dame
John Lium (C) Notre Dame
43 Carl Lockhart (DB) North Texas State
Tom Longo (DB) Notre Dame
Bullie Lonzo (DB) Tuskegee
71 Bob Lurtsema (DT) Western Michigan
21 Bruce Maher (DB) Detroit
Tim McCann (DT) Princeton
27 Randy Minniear (HB) Purdue
74 Jim Moran (DT) Idaho
40 Joe Morrison (E) Cincinnati
* Ken Parker (DB) Fordham
* Randy Payne (FL) Indiana State
* Dick Perrin (DB) Bowling Green
* Ken Riley (LB) Arlington State
Dick Sandler (LB) Princeton
Sam Shivers (LB) Alcorn A & M
72 Sam Silas (DT) Southern Illinois
* Steve Smith (K) Weber State
Larry Souchy (DB) Mississippi College
10 Fran Tarkenton (QB) Georgia
88 Aaron Thomas (E) Oregon State
63 Doug Van Horn (G) Ohio State
* Vern Vanoy (DE) Kansas
81 Freeman White (DB) Nebraska
41 Willie Williams (DB) Grambling
86 Butch Wilson (E) Alabama
19 Gary Wood (QB) Cornell
78 Steve Wright (T) Alabama
69 Willie Young (T) Grambling
* rookie
-Pro Football 1969
1969 Giants Preseason Depth Charts
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Gary Wood (Cornell) 19, Gary Lane (Missouri) 18
HB - Bob Duhon (Tulane) 28, Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27, Ron Blye (Notre Dame) 22, John Fuqua (Morgan State)*
FB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23, Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Allen Jacobs (Utah) 30
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45, Rich Houston (East Texas State)*
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, John Crenshaw (Shaw)*
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65, Andy Gross (Auburn) 64
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Hinton (Mississippi) 59
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61, Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 63
T - Steve Wright (Alabama) 78, Richard Buzin (Penn State) 77
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Butch Wilson (Alabama) 86, Freeman White (Nebraska) 81
FL - Joe Morrison (Cinncinati) 40, Gent, Joe Koontz (San Francisco State) 47, Randy Payne (Indiana State)*
Defense
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75, Fred Dryer (San Diego State)*, McKinley Boston (Minnesota) 82
DT - Sam Silas (Southern Illinois) 72, Roger Anderson (Virginia Union) 73
DT - Bob Lurstema (Western Michigan) 71, Lou Galiardi (Dayton)*
DE - Miller, Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79, Chatman*
LB - Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi) 54, Ken Riley (Arlington State)*, Ralph Heck (Colorado) 55
MLB - Henry Davis (Grambling) 66, Mike Ciccolella (Dayton) 58
LB - Tommy Crutcher (TCU) 56, Ray Hickl (Texas A & I)*
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20, Jim Holifield (Jackson State) 49
S - Bruce Maher (Detroit) 21, Al Brenner (Michigan State)*
S - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Dave Hathcock (Memphis) 46
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41, Ken Parker (Fordham)*
*rookie
-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969
Offense
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10, Gary Wood (Cornell) 19, Gary Lane (Missouri) 18
HB - Bob Duhon (Tulane) 28, Ron Blye (Notre Dame) 22, Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27, John Fuqua (Morgan State)*
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24, Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45, Rich Houston (East Texas State)*
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69, Rich Buzin (Penn State) 77
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53, Chuck Hinton (Mississippi) 59
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62, Doug Van Horn (Ohio State) 63
T - Steve Wright (Alabama) 78, Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88, Freeman White (Nebraska) 81, Butch Wilson (Alabama) 86
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
Defense
DE - Bruce Anderson (Willamette) 79, McKinley Boston (Minnesota) 82
DT - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71, Jim Moran (Idaho) 74
DT - Vern Vanoy (Kansas)*, Joe Szczecko (Northwestern) 76
DE - Fred Dryer (San Diego State)*
LB - Ralph Heck (Colorado) 55, Ken Avery (Southern Mississippi) 54
MLB - Henry Davis (Grambling) 66, Mike Ciccolella (Dayton) 58
LB - Tommy Crutcher (Texas Christian) 56, Ray Hickl (Texas A & I)*
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20, Jim Holifield (Jackson State) 49
SS - Bruce Maher (Detroit Mercy) 21, Al Brenner (Michigan State)*
FS - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43, Dave Hathcock (Memphis) 46
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23, Steve Smith (Weber State)*
KR - Randy Minniear (Purdue) 27, John Fuqua (Morgan State)*
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
*rookie
1969 New York Giants Profile Summary
Head Coach - Allie Sherman
QB - Fran Tarkenton (Georgia) 10
QB - Gary Wood (Cornell) 19
QB - Milt Plum (Penn State) 16
HB - Bobby Duhon (Tulane) 28
HB - Junior Coffey (Washington) 34
FB - Tucker Frederickson (Auburn) 24
FB - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
FL - Joe Morrison (Cincinnati) 40
SE - Homer Jones (Texas Southern) 45
TE - Aaron Thomas (Oregon State) 88
C - Greg Larson (Minnesota) 53
G - Pete Case (Georgia) 65
G - Darrell Dess (North Carolina State) 62
T - Willie Young (Grambling) 69
T - Charlie Harper (Oklahoma State) 61
DT - Bob Lurtsema (Western Michigan) 71
DT - Frank Parker (Jackson State) 72
DE - Jim Katcavage (Dayton) 75
DE - Fred Dryer (San Diego State) 89
MLB - Ralph Heck (Colorado) 55
LB - Tommy Crutcher (Texas Christian) 56
LB - Henry Davis (Grambling) 66
CB - Willie Williams (Grambling) 41
CB - Scott Eaton (Oregon State) 20
SS - Bruce Maher (Detroit Mercy) 21
FS - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
K - Pete Gogolak (Cornell) 3
P - Ernie Koy (Texas) 23
P - Curley Johnson (Houston) 33
KR - Bobby Duhon (Tulane) 28
PR - Spider Lockhart (North Texas) 43
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