1970 Profile: Harry Jacobs

Middle Linebacker
No. 64
Bradley
"A tackle, guard and defensive end at Bradley, Harry was chosen as Athlete of the Year for 1958-59 and played in the College All-Star Game. He held forth as the Bills' starting middle linebacker for the seventh year in 1969.
Harry has recovered fully from a broken collarbone which sidelined him midway through the 1967 season. His hobby is playing handball."

-1970 Topps No. 13

1970 Profiles: James Harris and Dan Darragh

JAMES HARRIS
Quarterback
No. 12
Grambling
"He was the starting quarterback as a rookie last year until he was knocked out by a stomach ailment and knee surgery. He was limited to four games and completed 15 of 36 passes for 270 yards and a touchdown.
Harris, a special pupil of Eddie Robinson at Grambling, is trying to become the regular black quarterback in big-time pro football. He has the size, at 6-3 and 210 pounds, and a strong arm. He could be the one to inject an aerial scoring threat (the Bills' 230 points were the lowest total in the league) and open up the Bill offense for runners like Simpson."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970


DAN DARRAGH
Quarterback
No. 10
Willliam & Mary
"An All-Southern Conference pick three years at William & Mary, Dan holds the majority of W&M passing records. He directed the team to a 27-point fourth quarter in a big upset of Navy in 1967.
With the Bills, Dan has shown remarkable poise and grasp of play calling. He has fine size and throwing ability and should have a bright future in pro football.
Dan married a former airline stewardess."

-1970 Topps No. 136

1970 Bills Offensive Line Profiles

FRANK MARCHLEWSKI
Center
No. 57
Minnesota
"'It won't be too long before Frank Marchlewski is rated as one of the best in the league,' says Norb Hecker. That's high praise for a center entering his third year in the league, but Frank has all the essentials. He snaps the ball back well and then springs into his primary blocking assignment.
A 6-2, 238-pounder, he was rated the finest center to come out of the University of Minnesota in the last ten years. He was a fifth-round draft pick by the Rams in 1965."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967

"You really have to keep your eyes on a center after he snaps the ball to know how good he is. He has diverse assignments that can make or break a play. Frank Marchlewski, who has started at center for the Falcons for the past two years, appears to be developing into a first-rate pivotman. He fires out well on the middle linebacker, and he is a good blocker on passing plays.
A burly 6-2, 240-pounder, Frank was praised as the finest center to come out of Minnesota in a decade by his former coach, Murray Warmath. He was drafted in the fifth round by the  Rams in 1965, and came to the Falcons in the expansion draft."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968


BILLY SHAW
Guard
No. 66
Georgia Tech
"Back in full stride after suffering a serious knee injury in 1967, Billy is still outstanding in all aspects of playing the guard position. He served as the team captain for six years and he retains his enthusiasm for playing as if he's still a rookie.
An  All-American tackle at Georgia Tech in 1960, Billy lettered for three years. He played in the Gator Bowl, Senior Bowl, North-South Game, Coaches' All-American Game and College All-Star Game."

-1970 Topps No. 229


JOE O'DONNELL
Guard
No. 70
Michigan
"After missing nearly all of the previous season with a knee injury, he came back as game and strong as ever last year. If the Bills' running game improves at all, you will hear O'Donnell's name being mentioned prominently, since he will be the one leading those sweeps for O.J. He enjoys being the pulling guard, and is known as a ferocious blocker.
Joe's one of the smart ones. He had a scholastic scholarship at the University of Michigan, where he captained the team."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970


AL BEMILLER
Offensive Tackle
No. 50
Syracuse
"Al is the Bills' iron-man, having started every game for the club since 1961. He has worked every line spot except tight end. He's a consistent worker who missed only one practice session in nine years.
Al played center for Syracuse University's national champions of 1959 and earned All-East recognition that year. He played in the Blue-Gray Game and also lettered in wrestling.
Al is a fine banquet speaker."

-1970 Topps No. 191

PAUL COSTA

Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Notre Dame
"Although a little on the small side for a pro tackle, Costa has the quickness and strength to make his 255 pounds effective. A six-year veteran from Notre Dame, where he played offensive and defensive end as well as tackle and halfback, Costa moved to right tackle last year after four years as a tight end. An ankle injury in 1968 helped him make the decision to move.
At 28, Costa is the second youngest returning regular in the Bills' front line and the year's experience at tackle should make him all the tougher."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"Paul never had a set position in three varsity seasons at Notre Dame. He played offensive end and defensive end, tackle and halfback. A tight end his first four years with the Bills, Paul volunteered to move to offensive tackle for 1969. He was hampered in 1968 by ankle surgery prior to the opening of training camp, but recovered nicely.
If not used at tackle, Paul has the ability to become the premier tight end in the AFC. He's extremely strong with good speed for his size and he's capable of making the difficult catch.
Paul was a shot-putter at Notre Dame."

-1970 Topps No. 36

1970 Profiles: Marlin Briscoe and Austin Denney

MARLIN BRISCOE
Wide Receiver
No. 86
Omaha
"Complementing Haven Moses, usually on the right side, Briscoe made a name for himself as a receiver after breaking into the starting lineup in mid-season after Bubba Thornton was injured. He finished with 32 catches for 532 yards- that's a 16.6-yard average- and scored five touchdowns.
Briscoe started as a quarterback with the Denver Broncos when he first came up from the University of Omaha. But his small size (5-10, 177 pounds) worked against him and he was tried at defensive back before being moved to wide receiver for the Bills. Now in his third year, Briscoe will finally know where he stands- or at least where he is supposed to line up- and there's little doubt that he will continue to catch on."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970


AUSTIN DENNEY
Tight End
No. 84
Tennessee
Austin was acquired on waivers from Chicago after two and a half seasons as the starting tight end for the Bears. With good hands and a talent for moving through a crowd of defenders, his career looks promising.
His best year as a collegian came in 1966 after Austin was moved to tight end. His seven receiving touchdowns that year led the SEC and were tenth in the nation, and his 42 points were second in the conference. The seven receiving touchdowns set a record for Tennessee tight ends as did his career total of nine.

1970 Profile: Haven Moses

Flanker
No. 25
San Diego State
"He again led the Bills in receiving, just as he did as a rookie in 1968 when he was the number one draft choice. Last season he had 39 catches for 752 yards - an average of 19.3 per reception - and five touchdowns.
Since coming from San Diego State, Moses has continued to develop and put on weight without impairing his speed, quickness, good hands or body control. At 6-3 and 205 pounds, he can now absorb those bumps and pushes from the linebackers before flying downfield.
Considering the Bills' quarterbacking problems over the last two years, Moses' ranking in the top 15 receivers each year takes on greater significance."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"The Bills' leading pass receiver both years he's been with the club, Haven was their first-round draft choice for 1968. He has all the attributes for a top-flight wide receiver- good speed, good hands, quickness and body control.
Haven was a unanimous Little All-American choice in 1967. He was also named to The Sporting News All-American team.
Haven rides a motorbike for relaxation."

-1970 Topps No. 165

1970 Profiles: O.J. Simpson and Wayne Patrick

O.J. SIMPSON
Halfback-Kick Returner
No. 32
USC
"All he wants to do is work more. After a creditable but not outstanding rookie season, Simpson said, 'I want to run more ... and I want to run the ball my way this year.' Despite sounding like he wants to be the coach, all Simpson means is that he would like to get the ball and run with it wherever there is room, rather than follow the more patterned instructions Coach Rauch has devised.
In addition to his rushing and pass catching duties, though, Simpson showed he could perform like the O.J. of old on the kick return team, running back 21 for a total of 529 yards. And despite his initial reluctance to play in Buffalo, O.J. is now happy to play with the Bills and anxious to instill some of his winning spirit. He's not out for personal glory. As he puts it, 'If the Bills lose, I lose. We lost together.'"

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"O.J. was Buffalo's and pro football's #1 draft choice for 1969. He enjoyed a fine rookie campaign for the Bills, as he finished the season as the sixth leading rusher in the AFL.
The winner of the Heisman Trophy as the outstanding college player of 1968, O.J. led the nation with 1,709 yards rushing on 355 carries for a 4.8 average. He also scored 22 touchdowns.
O.J. has made numerous TV appearances."

-1970 Topps No. 90


WAYNE PATRICK
Fullback
No. 30
Meet one of pro football's most determined players. Patrick is always looking goalward and has the reputation for being a battler who never stops working. Buffalo coaches like his quickness and aggressiveness, as well as his consistent and solid effort. Patrick is a young man of outstanding character and is totally dedicated.

1970 Profile: John Rauch

"John Rauch wanted to show what he could do, so he left Oakland and came to Buffalo. The Bills did improve- to a 4-10 record from 1-12-1- but Rauch, of course, feels it could have been much better.
'The difference between winning and losing a few more games was in the mental errors more than in physical shortcomings,' he says. 'When you make the mental mistake, you're beating yourself. And that's what we did too frequently.' His biggest problem is finding a regular, steady quarterback- and if there is one Rauch knows something about, it's quarterbacking. When he was 19 and a freshman at the University of Georgia, he became the first-string varsity quarterback. He led the Bulldogs into the Oil, Sugar, Gator and Orange Bowls in his four years. He was also mentioned on several All-American teams in 1949, his senior year.
Rauch had always wanted to be a coach, so he spent only two years as a pro quarterback before returning to college to coach football at the University of Florida in 1951. He remained in the college ranks until 1963 when he joined Oakland as an assistant coach. He moved up to the head coach's position in 1966 and his success with the Raiders is history. One of the things he developed at Oakland was a quarterback named Daryle Lamonica, who, by the way, was obtained from the Buffalo Bills.
After finding, or settling on, a quarterback, Rauch has to impose his system successfully on the Bills. They have had a year to work with it and have found it demanding, but Rauch says, 'I know it's the kind of system with which a team can win. And we expect to do more winning in 1970.'"

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

1970 Buffalo Bills Outlook

"If the quarterback problem is solved ... if O.J. Simpson gets to carry the ball more often ... if rookies come through on defense ... and if the Bills can finally adjust to the Rauch system of football after a one-year trial ... then maybe Buffalo can make some headway against New York, Baltimore, Miami and Boston in the Eastern Division of the AFC.
Johnny Rauch moved to Buffalo last year after spectacular success at Oakland. He installed a system he described as 'more demanding and more flexible than the previous one.' And though the Bills improved their record from 1-12-1 to 4-10, it was neither spectacular nor successful. And if the Bills are neither spectacular nor successful this year by the time those cold and snowy winds start coming off Lake Erie, a lot of football fans might move indoors to watch the new pro basketball and hockey teams.
What the Bills need most is a quarterback. Jack Kemp, who threw 22 interceptions and ranked only tenth in passing in the old AFL in 1969, has retired and forsaken football for politics. Fighting it out for the starting berth are the men Kemp beat out last year: Jimmy Harris, who was sidelined as a rookie last season with a stomach ailment and a knee injury, and Dan Darragh, who missed part of the season because of military service and then injured his shoulder against the Jets. Another veteran with a shot at quarterback is Tom Sherman, a third-year man from Penn State who was obtained from Boston. He only played in the closing minutes of the final game for the Bills, but he did throw a touchdown pass, one of 17 last year as the anemic Bill offense could score only 230 points in the 14 league games.
The answer may ultimately be Dennis Shaw, the number two draft choice out of San Diego State. Built like a pro quarterback at 6-3 and 210 pounds, Shaw threw 39 scoring passes last season in leading the Aztecs to their second straight undefeated season.
If the quarterback problem is solved, better use can be made of O.J. Simpson, the league's sixth-leading ground gainer with 697 yards on 181 carries for a 3.9-yard average. Simpson also accounted for 343 yards on pass receptions in what would have been a fine rookie season for anyone but a former Heisman Trophy winner. By the end of the season, though, Simpson was complaining about not getting the ball often enough and not being able to 'free-lance' on offense. He carried the ball an average of 13 times a game, compared with the 30-plus times he usually carried it in college.
Another rookie who had a disappointing season was fullback Bill 'Earthquake' Enyart. The 236-pounder from Oregon State was beaten much of the year by veteran Wayne Patrick.
If Simpson and the other Bill backs want the ball more, it is up to the defense to see that the other teams don't have it so much. Rauch took dead aim on the leaky defense, which allowed an average of 26 points a game in 1969. Previously a strong point in the Bills' glory days of the mid-60s, the defense was a sore spot last season. Several key players were injured for all or part of the season and Rauch used the college draft in an attempt to bolster the defense. The number one choice was big (6-5, 245 pounds) Al Cowlings, a defensive end from Southern California. Defenders Glenn Alexander, Jerome Gantt and Steve Starnes were the fourth, fifth and sixth choices. But there are better-than-average veterans up front in perennial All-Star Ron McDole and Bob Tatarek. Butch Byrd in the secondary and solid linebackers like Paul Guidry and Mike Stratton, another All-Star regular, provide a good nucleus.
There was only one statistical category in which the Bills had two representatives among the league leaders: kickoff returns. This was further testimony that the Buffalo defense gave up an awful lot of points. Simpson and speedy Bubba Thornton each averaged about 25 yards a return, good enough for the fifth and sixth rankings, respectively.
The offensive line is experienced, with Al Bemiller, Billy Shaw, Joe O'Donnell and Paul Costa all around 30 years old. Mike Richey was a rookie who won a starting job. But the pass protection was leaky, perhaps because the linemen had to adjust their blocking to so many different types of quarterbacks. At any rate, the Bills obtained center Frank Marchlewski from the New Orleans Saints and drafted 6-2, 250-pound guard Jim Reilly from Notre Dame.
If a regular quarterback can be installed, the Bills have the receivers for a potentially fine passing attack. In addition to Simpson and Patrick coming out of the backfield (each caught more than 30 passes last year), there are the fleet Haven Moses and Marlin Briscoe as wide receivers. Moses average 19.3 yards a reception on his 39 catches while Briscoe, a converted quarterback, caught 32 passes for 532 yards; each scored five touchdowns. Former Arkansas star Bobby Crockett and Texas Christian flash Bubba Thornton both were injured much of the season but showed brilliance at times.
The punting is safe with Paul Maguire, who averaged 44.5 yards a kick, only a tenth of a yard off the league lead. Bruce Alford was the sixth most accurate kicker in the league and scored 74 points."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

IN BRIEF
Probable 1970 Finish: 5th (AFC Eastern)
Strengths:  a running backfield led by O.J. Simpson, and an experienced set of linebackers.
Biggest Needs: a quarterback and some consistency, especially in pass protection from the offensive line.
1969 finish: tied for 3rd (Eastern, 4-10-0)

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970


"At the end of the 1968 football season, Johnny Rauch went from coach of one of the best teams in the game, the Oakland Raiders, to coach of perhaps the game's worst team, the Buffalo Bills. The Bills won exactly once in '68. Rauch wasted no time in making changes. Early in training camp the coach started getting rid of people he felt would add little to the  Bills' future. Tom Sestak, a one-time all-league defensive tackle and a starter throughout the 1968 season, was encouraged to retire. So was veteran guard George Flint, who had started at guard part of the previous season. Strongside safeteyman  Tom Janik was traded to Boston for a number six draft choice. Starting wide receiver Richard Trapp was sent to San Diego for a number three draft choice. Perhaps the biggest surprise of all as far as Bill's fans were concerned was the release of old Ed Rutkowski, a sometime kick returner and wide receiver who had been pressed into service at quarterback during the plague of injuries at the position in '68. Rutkowski had been voted the team's most valuable player for his gutty performance. Still another name player to get a quick release was fullback Bob Cappadonna.
Rauch was determined to rebuild with young players and, as a result of astute drafting, he had a fantastic group of rookies to work with. The most exciting, of course, was O.J. Simpson, the best running back in college football the previous year. Right behind him in the draft came Bill Enyart, a 6-4, 236-pound fullback who had never been stopped for a loss in college. Rauch kept 13 rookies in all, and a couple lower draft choices surprised by earning regular jobs by the time the season opened. They were Jim Harris, a 6-4, 212-pounder from Grambling who displayed the best passing arm ever seen in a Bill camp, and flanker Bubba Thornton, a 14th round draft choice who played mostly defense at TCU but whose 9.5 speed in the hundred made him a very difficult man to stay with on pass patterns. Thornton's not too easy to hold down on kick returns, either, as the Bears discovered in an exhibition game. Bubba ran one kickoff back 97 yards for a touchdown and returned another 65 yards.
Rauch was so impressed by Simpson, Enyart, Harris and Thornton that he opened the season with an all-rookie offensive backfield. He knew the early part of the season at least would be a trying time, a time of mistakes and learning. First of all, the Bills had always played a rather simple, straight forward offense that relied on power and execution. Rauch installed a complex system that even the veteran players would need time to adjust to.
O.J. Simpson, particularly, had his troubles. His contract negotiations dragged on so long that he reported to the team four weeks late. Then, having done little pass receiving at USC, Simpson suddenly had to learn 20 flare patterns with five options off each pattern. And undoubtedly the most difficult problem to overcome was the fact that Buffalo's once formidable offensive line had grown old and slow. Not only was the unit nothing to cheer about in opening holes for Simpson and Enyart, it had a terrible time preventing holes from opening on pass plays. This was obvious in '68 when the Bills seemed to lose quarterbacks to injuries every week; five different quarterbacks were sidelined. In '69 the Bills lost only two quarterbacks, but they were the first two. Jim Harris was hospitalized early with a battered knee, and number two man Dan Darragh later had to have surgery on a damaged shoulder. Jack Kemp then became the regular, with ex-Patriot Tom Sherman in reserve.
The Bills played a strong game as they played the world champion Jets in the opener. In the fourth quarter Buffalo evened the score, 19-19, as Simpson burst through on an eight-yard touchdown run and Bruce Alford kicked a ten-yard field goal. But the Jet defense tightened, returning an interception for a touchdown, and fullback Matt Snell scored another as New York won, 33-19. The following week the Bills did nothing except return kicks as Houston won, 17-3.
Buffalo had lost ten games in a row going back to '68 when they met the Broncos at War Memorial Stadium on September 27. Although Denver jumped off to a 14-3 lead, the Bills scored 17 points in the second quarter and 21 in the third to pull away. Simpson had his best day as a pro, rushing for 110 yards and catching five passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. Jack Kemp threw two other touchdowns as well in the 41-28 victory.
After being beaten by Houston again, 28-14, the Bills bounced back to beat the Patriots, 23-16. But mistakes killed Rauch's youngsters against the experienced Oakland Raiders, 50-21. It wasn't Buffalo's defense that gave up all those points; the offense fumbled the ball away four times and also gave it up twice on interceptions. But Rauch did not back down on his determination to build a football team with his fine young prospects.
The Miami Dolphins, winless in their first six games, beat the Bills, 24-6, and Buffalo's offense couldn't get anything going the following week against Kansas City, either. The Chiefs tackled Dan Darragh nine times for losses totaling 93 yards and won going away, 29-7. However, the Bills avenged their loss to Miami the next week as Simpson returned the opening kickoff 73 yards, then caught passes of 18 and eight yards from Kemp for the score. Kemp later hit him for a 55-yard touchdown pass and threw a 12-yarder to Marlin (The Magician) Briscoe. A second-year man, Briscoe had done some exciting if inconsistent quarterbacking as a Bronco rookie but now was developing as a first-rate receiver for the Bills. After beating the Dolphins, 28-3,  the Bills lost to New York, 16-6, as Simpson made a costly fumble and committed an offside penalty that nullified a touchdown.
Buffalo won only one more game, beating Cincinnati, 16-13, when cornerback Booker Edgerson stole the ball from Bengal quarterback Greg Cook and scored. But a 4-10 record for a rebuilding year such as Rauch fashioned last season was not all bad. This is a team with a lot of fine youngsters who gained invaluable experience and they will be much better this season. Seven of the team's 19 draft choices are offensive linemen so look for some changes in that unit. Notre Dame guard Jim Reilly is expected to become a starter, as is defensive end Al Cowlings. And number two draft choice Dennis Shaw of San Diego State will put up a strong battle for the starting quarterback job."

-Berry Stainback, Pro Football Forecast for 1970

A TEAM ON THE RISE
"The Buffalo Bills, AFL champion in 1964 and 1965 and winner of a third straight Eastern title in 1966, went to pot after that and hit bottom in 1968, with a 1-12-1 record. But there was a bright spot to this debacle. This abysmal finish gave the Bills first choice in the combined draft. So naturally, they latched on to O.J. Simpson, the most widely-hailed varsity star of the Sixties.
With a new coach in Johnny Rauch, who had guided the Oakland Raiders to the AFL title in 1967, and Simpson as their offensive bellwether, the drastically rebuilt Bills rebounded to a 4-10 record in 1969 and look very much like a team on the rise.
From having one of the oldest squads in the game, they now rate as one of pro football's youngest teams, with 25 members of their basic 40-man roster 25 years of age or younger and only five who have reached 30.
'When you're rebuilding,' Rauch explains,' there has to be a heavy reliance on youth. We'll have a number of young players in key positions but we'll also be looking to our top veterans for leadership. A good blend of this youth and veteran leadership should make us more formidable and be reflected in our record.'
Welding large numbers of players, who will just be getting familiar with each other, into coordinated units isn't Buffalo's only major problem. They also have one at quarterback, which has been pretty much a disaster area since the Bills' championship years.
The decision of 13-year veteran Jack Kemp to enter politics has left the Buffalo quarterbacking job up for grabs. The top candidates are Dan Darragh, who looked good in spots over the last two seasons but also was prone to injury, and strong-armed James Harris, whose 1969 rookie season was marred by a stomach ailment and a knee operation. Tom Sherman, formerly of Boston, is another experienced contender. It could be, though, that the job will go to a rookie- Dennis Shaw of San Diego State, Buffalo's No. 2 draft choice.
Whoever does the throwing for the Bills, he will have fleet wide receivers in Haven Moses and Bobby Crockett on the left and Marlin Briscoe and Bubba Thornton on the right. At tight end, big Billy Masters showed promise in his first season as a starter and young Willie Grate is rated highly as a prospect. Buffalo's running backs are capable pass receivers, too, particularly Simpson.
In his maiden season with the Bills, the mercurial Ojay led the team in rushing with 697 yards on 181 carries, gained 343 yards on 30 pass receptions, returned 21 kickoffs for another 530 yards and scored five touchdowns. And Buffalo did not begin to tap the full potential of this workhorse speedboy. Ojay, used to carrying the ball 30 times and more a game for Southern California, already has made a public pitch to Rauch for more work. The coach seems ready to accommodate him.
As alternating companions behind the ball, Simpson has two blood and thunder heavy-duty runners in 254-pound Wayne Patrick and 236-pound Bill (Earthquake) Enyart. Slippery little Max Anderson will provide Ojay with what Rauch sees fit to give him. Bruce Alford, who has a good record of accuracy, handles the Buffalo placekicking. Set to do the punting again is Paul Maguire, one of the best.
There will be four veteran starters on the Bills' offensive line- Paul Costa at right tackle, Joe O'Donnell at right guard, Al Bemiller at center and Billy Shaw at left guard. Mike Richey, who took over in mid-1969, will get the first shot at left tackle unless it's decided to move Shaw there. Such a shift would depend on the development of such youngsters as Angelo Loukas and Notre Dame's Jim Reilly, Buffalo's No. 3 draft choice.
Two old standbys, 288-pound Ron McDole and 277-pound Jim Dunaway, anchor the left side of the Bills' defensive line. Bob Tatarek won his spurs as a right-tackle replacement for the retired Tom Sestak in 1969. Mike McBath and Julian Nunamaker, the top-ranking right ends, face a stiff challenge from 245-pound Al Cowlings of Southern California, the Bills' No. 1 draft choice.
In the linebacker sector, Buffalo remains loaded, with Paul Guidry, Harry Jacobs and Mike Stratton out in front and Edgar Chandler and, perhaps, Steve Starnes, a highly regarded rookie from Tampa, in support.
Buffalo may have to fuss around with its defensive secondary. George Saimes, the Bills' crack free safety, played out his option in 1969 and may yet sign with another team. If he goes, Pete Richardson, who took over in midseason after Saimes injured a knee, probably will get the job. John Pitts, the strong safety, will be challenged by rookie George Bevan. Booker Edgerson and Butch Byrd, two of the best, are solid on the corners."

-Joe Sheehan, Illustrated Digest of Pro Football, 1970 Edition

1970 Buffalo Bills Preseason Roster
* Glen Alexander (CB) Grambling
46 Bruce Alford (K) Texas Christian
22 Max Anderson (RB) Arizona State
* Al Andrews (LB) New Mexico State
50 Al Bemiller (C) Syracuse
* George Bevan (S) LSU
Frank Blackwell (SE) Memphis State
* Billy Bridges (LB) Houston
86 Marlin Briscoe (WR) Nebraska-Omaha
42 Butch Byrd (DB) Boston University
52 Edgar Chandler (MLB) Georgia
* Richard Cheek (G) Auburn
51 Jerald Collins (LB) Western Michigan
79 Paul Costa (T) Notre Dame
* Willie Costen (OT-DT) Morris Brown
* Al Cowlings  (DE) USC
Hilton Crawford (S) Grambling
83 Bobby Crockett (WR) Arkansas
62 Dick Cunningham (C-LB) Arkansas
10 Dan Darragh (QB) William & Mary
* Larry Davis (WR) Rice
* Willie Dixon (CB) Albany State
78 Jim Dunaway (DT) Mississippi
John Eason (WR) Florida A & M
24 Booker Edgerson (CB) Western Illinois
* Ken Edwards (RB) VPI
41 Bill Enyart (RB) Oregon State
* Dave Farris (LB) Central Michigan
80 Charley Ferguson (TE) Tennessee State
* Wayne Fowler (T) Richmond
* Thomas Freeman (C) San Diego State
* Jerome Gantt (T) North Carolina Central
85 Willie Grate (TE) South Carolina State
33 Ben Gregory (FB) Nebraska
59 Paul Guidry (LB) McNeese State
Grant Guthrie (K) Florida State
12 Jim Harris (QB) Grambling
65 Waddy Harvey (DT) VPI
Al Hotz (G) Memphis
64 Harry Jacobs (MLB) Bradley
20 Robert James (CB-S) Fisk
54 Howard Kindig (T) Los Angeles State
Bob Kruse (DT) Wayne State
60 Angelo Loukas (G) Northwestern
55 Paul Maguire (LB-P) The Citadel
Frank Marchlewski (C) Minnesota
* Jim Massey (LB) Weber State
87 Billy Masters (TE) LSU
76 Mike McBath (DE) Penn State
72 Ron McDole (DE) Nebraska
25 Haven Moses (WR) San Diego State
61 Julian Nunamaker (DE) Tennessee-Martin
67 Joe O'Donnell (G) Michigan
53 Dave Ogas (LB) San Diego State
* Marty Orcutt (G) Memphis State
30 Wayne Patrick (RB) Louisville
* Tommy Pharr (S) Mississippi State
48 John Pitts (S) Arizona State
28 Roy Reeves (WR) South Carolina
* Jim Reilly (G) Notre Dame
47 Pete Richardson (S) Dayton
Mike Richey (OT) North Carolina
36 Preston Ridlehuber (RB) Georgia
26 George Saimes (S) Michigan State
Steve Schroeder (K) Pacific
* Dennis Shaw (QB) San Diego State
18 Tom Sherman (QB) Penn State
* Dave Simpson (G) Drake
32 O.J. Simpson (RB) USC
Joe Sliker (WR) Tampa
* Steve Starnes (LB) Tampa
58 Mike Stratton (LB) Tennessee
71 Bob Tatarek (DT) Miami
34 Bubba Thornton (WR) Texas Christian
* Brawnski Townes (DB) Alabama A & M
* Terry Williams (RB) Grambling

* rookie

-Pro Football 1970

1970 Buffalo Bills Basic Roster
OFFENSE
WR        Marlin Briscoe (Omaha)
WR        Bobby Crockett (Arkansas)
WR        Haven Moses (San Diego State)
WR        Bubba Thornton (TCU)
TE          Willie Grate (South Carolina State)
TE          Billy Masters (LSU)
T            Paul Costa (Notre Dame)
T            Howard Kindig (Los Angeles State)
T            Mike Richey (North Carolina)
G           Joe O'Donnell (Michigan)
G           Jim Reilly (Notre Dame)*
G           Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech)
C           Al Bemiller (Syracuse)
C           Frank Marchlewski (Minnesota)
QB        Dan Darragh (William & Mary)
QB        Jim Harris (Grambling)
QB        Dennis Shaw (San Diego State)*
RB        Max Anderson (Arizona State)
RB        Bill Enyart (Oregon State)
RB        Wayne Patrick (Louisville)
RB        O.J. Simpson (Southern California)
K           Bruce Alford (TCU)
P           Paul Maguire (Citadel)
DEFENSE
E           Al Cowlings  (USC)*
E           Mike McBath (Penn State)
E           Ron McDole (Nebraska)
T           Jim Dunaway (Mississippi)
T           Waddy Harvey (VPI) 
T           Bob Tatarek (Miami) (Fla.)
LB         Edgar Chandler (Georgia)
LB         Paul Guidry (LB) McNeese State
LB         Harry Jacobs (Bradley)
LB         Steve Starnes (Tampa)*
LB         Mike Stratton (Tennessee)
CB        Butch Byrd (Boston University)
CB        Hilton Crawford (Grambling)
CB        Booker Edgerson (Western Illinois)
S          John Pitts (Arizona State)
S          Pete Richardson (Dayton)
S          George Saimes (Michigan State)

* rookie

-Pro Football 1970, Dell Publishing Co.


1970 Buffalo Bills Preseason Depth Charts
OFFENSE
QB - Dan Darragh (William & Mary) 10, Jim Harris (Grambling) 12, Tom Sherman (Penn State) 18, Dennis Shaw (San Diego State)*
HB - O.J. Simpson (USC) 32, Max Anderson (Arizona State) 22, Preston Ridlehuber (Georgia) 36, Ken Edwards (VPI)*
FB - Wayne Patrick (Louisville) 30, Bill Enyart (Oregon State) 41, Ben Gregory (Nebraska) 33, Terry Williams (Grambling)*
E - Haven Moses (San Diego State) 25, Bobby Crockett (Arkansas) 83
T - Mike Richey (North Carolina), Howard Kindig (Los Angeles State) 54
G - Angelo Loukas (Northwestern) 60, Richard Cheek (Auburn)*, Dave Simpson (Drake)*
C - Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50, Frank Marchlewski (Minnesota), Thomas Freeman (San Diego State)*
G - Joe O'Donnell (Michigan) 67, Jim Reilly (Notre Dame)*, Marty Orcutt (Memphis State)*
T - Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 79, Jerome Gantt (North Carolina Central)*, Wayne Fowler (Richmond)*
E - Billy Masters (LSU) 87, Willie Grate (South Carolina State) 85, Charley Ferguson (Tennessee State) 80
FL - Marlin Briscoe (Nebraska-Omaha) 86, Bubba Thornton (Texas Christian) 34, Roy Reeves (South Carolina) 28, Larry Davis (Rice)*

DEFENSE
E - Ron McDole (Nebraska) 72
T - Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78, Waddy Harvey (VPI) 65
T - Bob Tatarek (Miami) 71, Bob Kruse (Wayne State), Willie Costen (Morris Brown)*
E - Mike McBath (Penn State) 76, Julian Nunamaker (Tennessee) 61, Al Cowlings  (USC)*
LB - Paul Guidry (McNeese State) 59, Edgar Chandler (Georgia) 52, Steve Starnes (Tampa)*, Al Andrews (New Mexico State)*
LB - Harry Jacobs (Bradley) 64, Dave Ogas (San Diego State) 53, Billy Bridges (Houston)*
LB - Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58, Jerald Collins (Western Michigan) 51, Dave Farris (Central Michigan)*, Jim Massey (Weber State)*
CB - Booker Edgerson (Western Illinois) 24, Glen Alexander (Grambling)*
S - John Pitts (Arizona State) 48, Robert James (Fisk) 20, George Bevan (LSU)*
S - George Saimes (Michigan State) 26, Pete Richardson (Dayton) 47, Tommy Pharr (Mississippi State)*
CB - Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42, Hilton Crawford (Grambling), Willie Dixon (Albany State)*, Brawnski Townes (Alabama A & I)*

* rookie

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

OFFENSE
QB - Dennis Shaw (San Diego State)*, Dan Darragh (William & Mary) 10, James Harris (Grambling) 12, Tom Sherman (Penn State) 18
HB - O.J. Simpson (USC) 32, Max Anderson (Arizona State) 22
FB - Wayne Patrick (Louisville) 30, Bill Enyart (Oregon State) 41
WR - Marlin Briscoe (Nebraska-Omaha) 86, Bubba Thornton (Texas Christian) 34, Glenn Alexander (Grambling)*
T - Howard Kindig (Los Angeles State) 54, Mike Richey (North Carolina) 75, Art Laster (Maryland Eastern Shore)*
G - Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66, Jim Reilly (Notre Dame)*
C - Frank Marchlewski (Minnesota) 57, Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50
G - Joe O'Donnell (Michigan) 67, Richard Cheek (Auburn)*
T - Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 79, Dick Cunningham (Arkansas) 63, Jerome Gantt (North Carolina Central)*
TE - Austin Denney (Tennessee) 84, Willie Grate (South Carolina State) 85
WR - Haven Moses (San Diego State) 25, Bobby Crockett (Arkansas) 83

DEFENSE
DE - Ron McDole (Nebraska) 72, Julian Nunamaker (Tennessee-Martin) 88
DT - Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78, Waddey Harvey (Virginia Tech) 65
DT - Bob Tatarek (Miami) 71, Bob Kruse (Wayne State) 62
DE - Al Cowlings (USC)*, Mike McBath (Penn State) 76
LB - Paul Guidry (McNeese State) 59, Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
MLB - Edgar Chandler (Georgia) 52, Harry Jacobs (Bradley) 64
LB - Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58, Steve Starnes (Tampa)*
CB - Robert James (Fisk) 20, Glenn Alexander (Grambling)*
SS - John Pitts (Arizona State) 48, George Bevan (LSU)*
FS - Pete Richardson (Dayton) 47, Jackie Allen (Baylor) 21
CB - Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42

SPECIALISTS
K - Grant Guthrie (Florida State)*
P - Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
KR - Bubba Thornton (Texas Christian) 34, Glenn Alexander (Grambling)*
PR - Max Anderson (Arizona State) 22, Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42

* rookie 


1970 Buffalo Bills Profile Summary
Head Coach - John Rauch

QB - Dan Darragh (William & Mary) 10
QB - James Harris (Grambling) 12
HB - O.J. Simpson (USC) 32
FB - Wayne Patrick (Louisville) 30
WR - Marlin Briscoe (Nebraska-Omaha) 86
WR - Haven Moses (San Diego State) 25
TE - Austin Denney (Tennessee) 84
C - Frank Marchlewski (Minnesota) 57
G - Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66
G - Joe O'Donnell (Michigan) 67
T - Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 79
T - Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50

DT - Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78
DT - Bob Tatarek (Miami) 71
DE - Ron McDole (Nebraska) 72
DE - Al Cowlings (USC) 82
MLB - Harry Jacobs (Bradley) 64
LB - Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58
LB - Paul Guidry (McNeese State) 59
LB - Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
CB - Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42
CB - Robert James (Fisk) 20
SS - John Pitts (Arizona State) 48
FS - George Saimes (Michigan State) 26

K - Bruce Alford (Texas Christian) 46
P - Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
KR - O.J. Simpson (USC) 32
PR - Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42

1969 Profiles: Paul Maguire and Bruce Alford

PAUL MAGUIRE
Punter-Linebacker
No. 55
The Citadel
One of the bright spots for the Bills in an otherwise dismal season was Paul's undiminished talent for making opponents start deep in their own territory. He led the AFL in punts (100) and in punting yards (4,175), was sixth in punting average (41.8) and booted circuit's eighth-longest punt (61 yards).


BRUCE ALFORD
Place Kicker
No. 46
Texas Christian
Sixth in the AFL in field goals (14) and fifth in field goal percentage (58.3), the statistics registered by Bruce in 1968 don't tell the whole story.
His three field goals and four PATs were the difference in Buffalo's 37-35 win over the Jets. His two field goals at Miami salvaged a tie. His determined 18-yard fourth-quarter three-pointer at Denver gave the Bills a 32-31 lead in a game not lost until a late field goal by rival booter Bobby Howfield. And Buffalo's loyal and devoted fans even appreciated Bruce's two first-quarter field goals in the Astrodome, even if they were the only points scored by the Bills in a season-ending loss to the Oilers.

1969 Profiles: John Pitts and George Saimes

JOHN PITTS
Strong Safety
No. 48
Arizona State
Buffalo's first-round draft pick in 1967 assumed a starting role midway through '68. John has not only the size for a strong side safety but the speed and football know-how which is essential to his position. His two interceptions last year included one returned 17 yards.


GEORGE SAIMES
Free Safety
No. 26
Michigan State
"Undersized but never overlooked, George Saimes has been a perennial All-Pro safetyman almost since coming into the league back in 1963. Standing only 5-10 and weighing 188 pounds, he doesn't present a classic figure, but George is the complete football player.
Roaming his free safety position, he is one of the surest tacklers in the business. He executes the safety blitz just the way it was diagrammed, and steals passes as deftly as a jewel thief. In his six seasons with the Bills, he has collected 19 interceptions.
He played his college football at Michigan State, where he was a running back."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969

"George, a familiar face on All-AFL clubs, has the speed and football know-how which is essential to his position. He was obtained from the Kansas City Chiefs.
During his college career, he played in the East-West Game, the Hula Bowl and the All-America Game as a fullback."

-1969 Topps No. 142

1969 Bills Defensive Line Profiles

TOM SESTAK
Defensive Tackle
No. 70
McNeese State
"Gimpy knees have robbed Tom Sestak of his All-Pro ranking, once an annual thing. But Tom managed to skip his yearly appointment with the surgeon after the 1967 campaign, and had his best season in three years. Once again, opposing quarterbacks tried to steer running plays away from him, as Tom regained much of his old mobility.
An All-AFL performer five times before his injury siege, Tom is now in his eighth pro season. He was drafted in the seventeenth round by the Bills in 1962, after playing college ball at Baylor and McNeese State."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969


JIM DUNAWAY
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Mississippi
"Despite his huge size, Jim has great agility and speed. His greatest thrill in pro football came against the New York Jets when he scored a touchdown after blocking a field goal attempt.
Jim was the No. 1 draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 1963, but he elected to sign with the Buffalo Bills."

-1969 Topps No. 10

RON MCDOLE

Defensive End
No. 72
Nebraska
"Even on the coldest day of the year in Buffalo, local football fans can get heated up over Ron McDole being snubbed for the AFL All-Star team last season. According to the locals, he was the Bills' most consistent defensive player in '68, and turned in outstanding games virtually every week.
A bruising 6-2 1/2, 278-pounder who storms enemy quarterbacks with surprising swiftness, Ron took over at end in 1964 after failing in trials with the Cardinals, Oilers and Vikings. But he didn't begin to come into his own until the past couple of seasons. For years he suffered from migraine headaches. Now, you might say, he's become one to opposing clubs."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969

"A real hustler, Ron gives his all whenever he is in action. His excellent mobility has won him a spot on several All-AFL teams. Ron played with the Cardinals, Oilers and Vikings before signing with the Bills.
Ron plays the paddle-racquets to stay in condition."

-1969 Topps No. 78


TOM DAY
Defensive End
No. 89
North Carolina A & T
"This block-busting defensive end came to the San Diego Chargers in 1967 in the deal that sent Keith Lincoln to Buffalo. Tom is a three-time All-Star selection.
Tom is an excellent pass-rusher and is constantly harassing the opposing quarterback. Extremely versatile, he can also play a guard or tackle position if called upon."

-1969 Topps No. 38

JULIAN NUNAMAKER

Defensive End

3rd Round

Tennessee-Martin

Age, 23. Weight, 240 pounds. Height, 6 feet, 3 inches.

"Nunmaker was named to the Little All-American squad after the 1968 season. He made 90 individual tackles, blocked 28 passes, and threw quarterbacks for a loss 26 times last fall. He lists his greatest athletic thrill as winning a football scholarship as a freshman.

His hometown is Manning, South Carolina."

1969 College All-Star Game Official Program and Record Book

1969 Profiles: Richard Trapp and Billy Masters

RICHARD TRAPP
Split End
No. 28
Florida
As a rookie last year, Richard always gave a consistent and solid effort. The youngster showed outstanding character and total dedication and justified his reputation for being a battler who never stops working.
Richard distinguished himself at Florida in 1966 by finishing first in the Southeastern Conference in receptions (63), receiving yards (872) and receiving touchdowns (7). In 1967 he was second in the conference in receptions (58) and third in receiving yards (708).


BILLY MASTERS
Tight End
No. 87
LSU
Perfectly built for the tight end position, Billy is a top-notch blocker, especially in short yardage situations. His ability as a receiver was demonstrated in a 1967 game against Miami in which he caught two touchdown passes from Jack Kemp in a 35-13 Buffalo win.
Billy completed his collegiate career by finishing ninth in the Southeastern Conference with 24 receptions.

1969 Bills Running Back Profiles

O.J. SIMPSON
Halfback
1st Round
USC
"Drinking orange juice, Buster, may not make you a champion but having Orange Juice on your team can win the national collegiate football championship. At least it did for Southern California.
Yes, O.J. (Orange Juice) Simpson led the Trojans to an easy victory (24-7) over top-ranked Notre Dame and on to the conquest of Indiana in the Rose Bowl. Since Orange is still flowing for Southern Cal, it is an odds-on favorite for the Pacific-8 title and also a better choice than anyone else for national honors.
John McKay, the Moshe Dayan of college football, again has put together a fast-striking machine, which should cut down anything in its path this season when O.J. remains on call. Simpson, in leading Troy to the national title, rolled to 1,543 yards to become the school's all-time single-season rushing leader as well as a consensus All-American."

-Jim Scott, 1968 True's Football Yearbook


MAX ANDERSON
Halfback-Kick Returner
No. 22
Arizona State
"The Bills drafted little Max Anderson mainly as a specialist to run back kicks and punts, and maybe to play some halfback now and then. Before the season was very old, however, he was in there at one of the regular running back spots, and racing off with the club leadership in rushing last year.
The 5-8, 183-pound sprite gained 525 yards on 147 carries for a 3.6 average and two touchdowns. This didn't come as much of a surprise to anyone back at Arizona State, where Max was the nation's third leading ground gainer in 1967 with 1,183 yards and 12 touchdowns.
His size was against him when he came into the pros, but Max runs with controlled speed, and like another little fellow named Mike Garrett, uses his blockers extremely well."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969


BOB CAPPADONNA
Fullback
No. 36
Northeastern
"After spending a couple of seasons as Jim Nance's backup man at Boston, Bob was dealt to the Bills just before the 1968 season began. In his first year with Buffalo, he finished third on the club in yards gained rushing.
Bob carried for over 2,000 yards in college."

-1969 Topps No. 40

BILL ENYART

Fullback

2nd Round

Oregon State

Age, 22. Weight, 236 pounds. Height, 6 feet 3 inches.

"He was nicknamed Earthquake because 'the ground seems to tremble when Enyart carries the ball.' Enyart went on to be one of Oregon State's greatest running backs in his final two years, setting 10 school records in the process. An Academic All-American, he averaged 4.5 yards in 1968.

His hometown is Medford, Oregon."

1969 College All-Star Game Official Program and Record Book

1969 Bills Linebacker Profiles

HARRY JACOBS
Middle Linebacker
No. 64
Bradley
The middle man of one of the AFL's most feared linebacking corps, Harry pursues the quarterback with little regard for blockers. He possesses that special sixth sense which tells him where the play will be unfolding.
In his college days at Bradley, he was that school's Athlete of the Year as a senior and played in the College All-Star Game.


MIKE STRATTON
Linebacker
No. 58
Tennessee
"Maybe he didn't play up to his All-AFL ranking last season, but Mike Stratton wasn't that far off his game, either. Still regarded as one of the most deadly blitzers in the league, he is rarely caught out of position. And there are few outside linebackers who can make their drops as quickly as Mike can. He's the leader among Bill linebackers in lifetime interceptions with 17.
Mike joined the Bills as a tight end in 1962 after coming out of Tennessee, but never got to play the position once the coaches saw what he could do on defense when he was 25 pounds heavier than his college weight."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969


PAUL GUIDRY
Linebacker
No. 59
McNeese State
"During Paul's college days, he played as a tight end. His speed, size and agility give him all that is necessary to play at left linebacker. An early draft choice of the Bills in 1966, he impressed as a special teams man.
Paul would like to coach a high school football team someday."

-1969 Topps No. 109

1969 Profile: Haven Moses

Flanker
No. 25
San Diego State
"People knew that someday the Bills would face the start of a new season without Elbert Dubenion at flanker. This will be the year, and the man who will start in his place is Haven Moses, who made an impressive splash as a rookie last season. A 6-2 1/2", 200-pounder drafted first by the Bills, Haven caught 42 passes for 633 yards and a pair of touchdowns in '68; one of his scores came on a 55-yarder.
He brings to the game a lot of the same attributes of his predecessor - speed, fine hands, toughness in a crowd, and ability to run in a broken field.
At San Diego State he gained 2,169 yards on passes and scored 17 touchdowns in two years."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969

1969 Profiles: Butch Byrd and Booker Edgerson

BUTCH BYRD
Cornerback
No. 42
Boston University
"As a rookie back in 1964, Butch Byrd intercepted his first pass and took it back 72 yards for a touchdown. It gave him an understandably great feeling, and since then, neither the feeling nor the touch has left him. For in his five years with the Bills, he has become the club's all-time leader in interceptions with a career total of 29.
Butch is more than just a pass defender; he's an all-around player who's highly regarded for the way he comes to meet the run, and for the sting he put into his tackles. Though he's not as fast as some of the other top cornerbacks around, Butch reads defenses so well that some people think he's been guessing.
Twice named All-Pro, he played his college football at Boston University."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969

"A natural enemy of opposing quarterbacks, George topped the Bills in interceptions last year. He is Buffalo's all-time ace at aerial thefts.
His first one in the A.F.L. in 1964 was good for a 72-yard touchdown. George has started every game since his rookie year."

-1969 Topps No. 173


BOOKER EDGERSON
Cornerback
No. 24
Western Illinois
Booker returned two interceptions for touchdowns in 1968 and his total of 100 yards on interceptions was good for 10th in the AFL. In Buffalo's only win of the season, on September 29 against the eventual Super Bowl-winning Jets, he returned an interception 45 yards for a touchdown to give the Bills a 37-21 lead in an eventual 37-35 win. Booker did it again on November 24 at Denver with a 35-yard score to bring the Bills to within a touchdown of the Broncos, and an eventual lead, in a game not won by Denver until a late field goal.

1969 Bills Offensive Line Profiles

AL BEMILLER
Center
No. 50
Syracuse
"It has probably escaped the notice of most people, but Al Bemiller has started every Bills' game since 1961. That adds up to 112 regular season games.
Of course, anyone following Al's career knows he couldn't always be found in the same place. A versatile type, he has played both tackle positions, as well as center, during his eight years in the pros. At 6-3 and 246 pounds, he's big enough to play anywhere on the offensive side.
An All-East star with Syracuse University, Al is also superstitious - whether he's playing center or tackle, he always has a towel tucked in the back of his football pants."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969


BILLY SHAW
Guard
No. 66
Georgia Tech
"One AFL coach said of Billy Shaw, 'Even half-healthy, he's better than most.' It was high praise for the 6-2, 258-pound guard who has missed a lot of action over the past two seasons due to injury.
But when he's in there, he gives enemy tackles an all-out battle on every play. There probably isn't a better pulling guard in the league, and yet Billy, who drives himself to excel in every department, also provides solid protection for the passer.
He became a Bill in 1961 after being chosen in the second round of the draft. He played his college football at Georgia Tech."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969


BOB KALSU
Guard
No. 61
Oklahoma
Playing all 14 games in '68 and starting nine, Bob shows promise of being one of the young linemen who will help move Buffalo's offense back to elite status during the 70s. He will lead the way for top NFL draft selection O.J. Simpson.
Whether pass blocking or pulling out on a sweep and leveling an opponent, Bob has already impressed Buffalo's coaching staff with his outstanding character and total dedication.


STEW BARBER
Offensive Tackle
No. 77
Penn State
"A high draft choice of the Bills, Stew said no to the Dallas Cowboys when they picked him, too. He played as a linebacker during his early years with Buffalo. When his teammate Billy Shaw was injured two years ago, Stew filled in at left guard for six games. This veteran is respected for his competitive spirit.
Stew lifts weights in the off-season to stay in condition."

-1969 Topps No. 242


PAUL COSTA
Offensive Tackle
No. 79
Notre Dame
A new position, a new uniform number and a new challenge for Paul in 1969. Although mobile and quick as a receiver, he has the size (6-6, 268) to be an offensive tackle.
As a tight end, in a late-season game in 1966 against the Oilers at Rice Stadium, with the Bills trailing 10-0 in the second quarter, he caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Daryle Lamonica for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter of that game, he caught a 3-yard toss from Jack Kemp as Buffalo secured a 42-20 win over their division rival.
Paul was an AFL All-Star in 1966 and has started every game in the last three seasons.

1969 Profiles: Jack Kemp and Marlin Briscoe

JACK KEMP
Quarterback
No. 15
Occidental
"The Buffalo quarterback this year will be Dan Darragh - that is, if neither Jack Kemp nor Tom Flores can make it back from injury-plagued seasons in 1968.
Don't bet against Kemp. Jack suffered torn knee ligaments in an unfortunate (some say needless) intrasquad scrimmage last year before the start of the season and was out the rest of the way. But his recuperation was quick; by Thanksgiving, he was skiing in California. While he feels his knee is entirely healed, Jack thinks the year off gave his tired arm a needed rest.
He's been flinging passes for 13 years now. That's long enough for him to have quarterbacked teams in five AFL Championship games (two with the Chargers, three with the Bills). In 1965, he was the league's MVP."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969


MARLIN BRISCOE
Quarterback
No. 11
Nebraska-Omaha
"Going into the 1968 season, Marlin Briscoe's chances of directing the Broncos from quarterback appeared remote. His chances of making the squad were not wholly promising.
True, he had exceptional credentials from the University of Omaha, where he was ranked as the greatest quarterback in the school's history, averaging 201 yards per game in total offense and setting 22 records. But at 5-11 and 180 pounds, he was regarded as too slight to be a pro quarterback, and besides, he was a scrambler.
But when Steve Tensi received his shoulder injury in a pre-season game, the Broncos were forced to go with Marlin. And he delivered. As a passer he completed 93 throws in 224 attempts for 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns, to rank seventh in the league; as a runner he was second on the team only to Floyd Little, as he gained 584 yards on 158 carries for a 3.7 average and three touchdowns. He ripped long runs of 51 and 68 yards, and threw as long as 60 yards for a score.
He'll be up against a recuperated Tensi again this year, but at least with the kind of offense he can provide, Marlin probably has won himself a spot somewhere. He already won one distinction last season by becoming the first Negro to quarterback a major professional football team."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969

1969 Profile: John Rauch

Head Coach
"When Al Davis suddenly found himself elevated to Commissioner of the AFL during the recent off-season, the logical choice to succeed him as head coach of the Raiders was John Rauch. John has been Davis' chief assistant with the offensive backfield since he joined the Oakland staff in 1963, and he has helped to rig some of those imaginative formations used by the Raiders.
A calm, patient man, he is not given to the extraordinary bursts of emotion that personify so many coaches, but his authority is unquestioned. 'He commands leadership,' a co-worker says of him, 'but John does it in a silent, unassuming way. You know they respect him.'
This will be Rauch's first head coaching assignment, after 14 years of assistantship. He has coached at Florida, Tulane, Georgia and West Point.
It was at Georgia, of course, that he began his fabulous career. He quarterbacked every game for the Bulldogs from 1945 through 1948, leading them to four post-season Bowl games and making All-America in '48.
He played pro ball for the New York Yanks/Bulldogs of the old AAC, then for the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL. He turned to coaching in '52."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1966

"Like a relay runner picking up where his trackmate has left off, John Rauch has taken the baton from Al Davis with no noticeable loss of ground to the Oakland Raiders. While John may lack Davis' flair for color, he nevertheless held the same steady hand last year, as he guided the Raiders to the identical 8-5-1 second-place finish they had in 1965. Even more, the team seemed to be coming of age at various times last season, and some of the personnel changes they've made since then could make them an even stronger contender in the West in 1967.
John is the complete coach. His training and background have given him an intense knowledge of every facet of the game, and his nimble brain has conceived some of pro football's more imaginative innovations. It was John who helped Davis install his highly original offense when Davis took over at Oakland in 1963.
In his playing days, John quarterbacked every varsity game for the great University of Georgia teams between 1945 and '48. He later played some pro football for the New York Yankees, of the old All-America Conference, and the Detroit Lions. He launched his coaching career in 1952.
He doesn't have to shout to be heard, because when John speaks to his athletes, the room is silent."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967

"The blueprint was drawn up by Al Davis, who also provided the essential material. But the man who put the finishing touches on Oakland's 'Project Championship' was John Rauch, who led the Raiders to the AFL crown and a Super Bowl meeting with the Packers last season. This year, John has designs on a second championship, plus that elusive Super Bowl win.
Since succeeding Davis in 1966, after three years as his top assistant, John has compiled a record of 21-6-1. He may lack Davis' outward spark and drive, but behind that Southern drawl and seemingly bland manner is a man with an intensely sophisticated football mind. This is revealed not in the way Rauch appears in public, but in the way his Raiders play football.
John was an All-America quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, whom he led to post-season bowl games between 1945 and '48. He was drafted by the New York Yankees of the old AAC when he came out of college, and after spending three years as a pro, decided to switch to coaching.
He served as an assistant at Florida, Tulane, Georgia and West Point, then joined Davis' staff in 1963. It was in Oakland that John's fertile imagination was let loose, and he and Davis devised some of the more original and complex- not to mention successful- offenses in the AFL.
As head man of the Raiders, he doesn't have to flaunt his authority- everyone seems to know who's in charge."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968

"The opportunity to be his own man at last was the reason John Rauch gave for leaving the Oakland Raiders at the conclusion of last season to take over the coaching job in Buffalo. There were skeptics who sneered - there always are - but why else would a man want to leave Oakland, with its championship-caliber football club for Buffalo, with its fallen team and its miserable winters?
During his three years as head coach of the Raiders, Rauch compiled the best won-lost record in professional football. But Rauch always had the sensation former coach Al Davis was looking over his shoulder. It was Davis, after all, who had molded the Raiders into what they were, and then had voluntarily stepped down to fight the AFL's then existing war against the NFL. That chore accomplished, Davis then came back to the job of managing general partner, which some people construed as overseer to Rauch. Both men denied it, and indeed, Rauch insists that he made his own decisions, and that these were sometimes in conflict with Davis' theories. So the parting was completed just after the Raiders lost the AFL championship to the Jets.
The Bills became John's second pro team following a lengthy career that began at the University of Georgia, where he was an All-America quarterback. He played pro football for the old New York Yankees, then took a series of college coaching jobs. He joined Oakland at the time Davis was beginning to form the Raiders, and he remained a top assistant until Davis handed him the number one job three years ago.
But John knows you don't get handed jobs for nothing. You produce or else. Those terms will suit him fine in Buffalo."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969

1969 Buffalo Bills Outlook

"In assessing the football picture in Buffalo, there are three questions which must be considered: Will the city build the much-needed domed stadium and save the Bills from a move to the West? Was the Bills' 1-12-1 record last year the worst disaster in the city's history? Will O.J. Simpson show up and save the day for everybody?
Actually, Simpson alone would probably bring happy solutions to the first two problems and leave any questions about himself to be answered during the course of the new season. But Simpson in a Buffalo uniform does not spell an instant title. Even at Southern Cal, it was shown that he needed the men blocking in front of him as much as they needed him. And he's in a rougher league now than anything he ever experienced in the Pacific Eight Conference.
More even than blocking, Simpson, and for that matter the Bills, will need the quarterbacking they didn't have last season, when all a man had to do to get on the disabled list was to go in for a few plays at quarterback. Jack Kemp and Tom Flores, most notably, were the hardest hit; Kemp missed the entire season with what is euphemistically referred to as a training camp knee injury, while Flores got into part of one game and then underwent shoulder surgery. Both are healthy again, and Kemp is expected to resume command of the attack, with Flores as his deputy. If another calamity strikes this department this season, look for people like Kay Stephenson, Dan Darragh and Benny Russell to come in again.
Assuming there is an O.J. Simpson, he will line up in the first backfield and attempt to show why he is worth so much money. It would be hard to conceive of him not busting loose for a few long gainers and climbing quickly into the super status Joe Namath achieved in his rookie year. The identity of his running mate will be determined in the training camp battle among heavy-legged Bob Cappadonna, who had the job at the end of last season, Ben Gregory, who might have held on to it if not felled by an injury, and Bill Enyart, the big All-America fullback from Oregon State. The Bills probably have nothing to lose and everything to gain in letting Enyart win the job; he's big and quick, and probably tailor-made to run interference for Simpson. Little Max Anderson, who was the starter at halfback last season, will now be released for full-time duty with the special teams (lucky fellow). Write in Gary McDermott as another backup runner.
There's the possibility of an improved passing game this year, following the fine rookie performance of flanker Haven Moses in 1968. The kid finished eleventh in the league in receiving with 42 catches for 633 yards and looks like a real comer. Richard Trapp, who played well after Elbert Dubenion retired early last season, is a strong candidate for split end, but he'll have to fight for it with Bobby Crockett, who has his speed back after missing a year through injury. Paul Costa at tight end is sound again after ankle surgery. The spares are Monte Ledbetter and Ed Rutkowski at flanker, and Billy Masters at tight end.
For the second year in a row, the Bills' offensive line is coming back nursing wounds from the previous season. If all hands stay healthy, they should do an adequate job of blocking. The frontliners are Stew Barber and Dick Cunningham at tackle, Billy Shaw and Joe O'Donnell at guard, and Al Bemiller at center. If Howard Kindig can successfully make the switch from defense to center, it will free Bemiller for duty at either guard or tackle. Other reserves are tackle Wayne DeSutter and Dick Hudson and guards George Flint, Bob Kalsu and Bob Kirk, the latter a sleeper from Indiana.
An echo of Buffalo's glory years can still be perceived on the defensive line, which now has Tom Day back after a brief sojourn in San Diego. Day holds down right end, while Ron McDole is the left end, with Tom Sestak and Jim Dunaway at the tackles. There's good depth behind them, with Julian Nunamaker, Bill Wilkerson and Bob Tatarek among the vets, and rookies Ben Mayes, Waddey Harvey and Leon Lovelace.
The linebackers will be operating near top efficiency with Mike Stratton, Harry Jacobs and Paul Guidry returning as regulars, though Jacobs is being sorely pressed now by Marty Schottenheimer. Guidry had a fine break-in year as a replacement for the retired Tom Tracey. Paul Maguire and Ed Chandler are the holdovers from last year, and Wayne Lineberry is the lone draftee.
Perhaps the least of Buffalo's worries will come from the defensive backfield; there is a hustling crew back there, consisting of Booker Edgerson and Butch Byrd at the corners, and Tom Janik and George Saimes at the safeties. The best of the reserves are Hagood Clarke, Jerome Lawson and John Pitts, who filled in for the injured Janik last year. The outstanding rookies are Bubba Thornton and Steve Auerbach."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969

IN BRIEF
Probable 1969 Finish: 5th (East)
Strengths:  an offensive revived by Simpson, and a stubborn defense generated by its front foursome.
Biggest Needs: some fresh bodies on the offensive line, stronger linebacking, and another receiver.
1968 finish:  5th (1-12-1)

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969


"Way back in 1961 someone ran a little poll to try to determine who was the most important player on a football team. If, the question was, you were starting a new club and you had your choice of any single player in the game, who would you pick? Half of the people queried picked Johnny Unitas, then by far the premiere quarterback. The other half picked Joe Schmidt, then at the top of his game at middle linebacker and a guy who set the standard by which all outstanding middle backers have been judged ever since. But if someone asked the Buffalo Bills last season which they would pick, the key man on offense or the leader of the defense, they would have had no trouble at all deciding.
You see, in 1968 the Buffalo Bills went through not one, not two, not three, not four, not five- but six quarterbacks! It had to be an all-time AFL-NFL record.
The problem started very early in training camp when Tom Flores had arm troubles that still bothered him from the previous season. And regular quarterback Jack Kemp, who'd had all kinds of problems throughout the '67 season, completing only 43.6 percent of his passes, seemed to be starting in the exhibition games right where he'd left off. He wasn't the only one, though; most of the Bills appeared lethargic and uninspired during the preseason. Toward the end, as the regular schedule approached, coach Joel Collier got disgusted. He called for an all-out intrasquad scrimmage, which any number of coaches would have done in the past without disastrous results.
But for the Bills, the scrimmage proved disastrous. Jack Kemp went back under pressure from a defense that was definitely all out to show its coach it had pride. Kemp was hit, he went down and he didn't get up; torn knee ligaments; out for the season. From that moment on the Bills' quarterback position looked like a subway turnstile. Players came, went, came again, went again as one man after another found himself battered and banged. Third-stringer Dan Darragh, a number 13 draft choice out of William & Mary, suddenly found himself a starter from then on. When he was able, that is. Darragh was variously in and out with a damaged arch, a sprained foot and bruised ribs. With the ranks so thin, the Buffalo front office managed to talk San Diego out of its second-string quarterback, Kay Stephenson. He lasted until November, when he abruptly discovered it was hard to throw a football with a broken collarbone. Buffalo had one more quarterback, young Benny Russell of Louisville University, who had broken most of Unitas' passing records there. Unfortunately, the Bills didn't have him available because the Air National Guard had called him to active duty. But in November Russell managed to wrangle a 17-day leave and reported to duty with the Bills, who hoped they wouldn't have to use him because he hadn't practiced with the team. Right away, naturally, the Bills lost two other quarterbacks in a game against San Diego and Russell had to go in. Russell was so rusty that the coaches didn't even trust him to take the snap from center. They had their center, Al Bemiller, snap the ball deep to Russell standing back in a tailback position. Actually, Russell had come in for a flanker, Ed Rutkowski, the former Notre Damer who had, he seemed to remember, played some quarterback in high school. He had been pressed in at quarterback and, considering, did a good job (completing 41 of 100 passes for 380 yards and gaining 96 yards on 20 rushes). But it was small wonder that the Bills had a terrifying season.
They lost their first two games almost without ever being in them: to Boston, 16-7, and to Oakland, 48-6. In game number three, at least, they had the lead for a while. After Cincinnati had gone ahead 10-0, fullback Gary McDermott scored on a five-yard run and halfback Max Anderson ran 14 yards for a touchdown. But the Bengals added 10 more points in the third period and 14 more in the fourth. The best Buffalo could do was a 100-yard kickoff return by Anderson and another two points on a safety. The final was Cincinnati 34, Buffalo 23.
Things were a little different the next week, though. The Jets went into Buffalo undefeated and 19-point favorites. As it turned out, the Jets were a little too loose in this game and the Bills were very much up for it, particularly the defense. Although Dan Darragh completed only eight of 18 passes for 79 yards, the running game accounted for 140 yards, led by rookie fullback Ben Gregory's 87. But the defense did the big damage.
After New York had scored a touchdown, safetyman Tommy Janik intercepted a Namath pass that led to a 35-yard field goal by newcomer Bruce Alford. (Not only were the Bills shuffling quarterbacks, they had to shuffle placekickers, too, Alford having joined the team just three days before.) That interception established the pattern of things to come. Jet punter Curley Johnson replaced injured tight end Pete Lammons in a third-and-goal situation on the Bills' ten. Namath aimed a pass at Johnson but hung the ball a bit behind him. Janik cut in front of Johnson at the goal line, grabbed the ball and didn't stop running until he'd crossed the Jet goal line 100 yards away. The Jets scored to make it 17-14, in favor of the Bills, and Alford kicked another field goal, a 41-yarder; but New York pulled ahead, 21-20, just before the half.
Alford's 37-yard field goal was the only scoring in the third period, making it 23-31, but everyone was just waiting for Namath to get going with his passes. What happened was that the Bills got going with his passes. Cornerback Butch Byrd, playing George Sauer very tightly on a sideline pattern, snatched the pass away from Sauer and scooted 53 yards for a touchdown. The Bills kicked off and Namath went to flanker Don Maynard on the other sideline. Cornerback Booker Edgerson picked off the pass and raced 45 yards to a touchdown. The Jets cut the score to 37-28 and drove all the way down to the Bills' five-yard line. Then, under great pressure from the pass rush, Namath made a desperation heave and Byrd intercepted again. Buffalo hung on to win, 37-35.
It was the Bills' only victory of the season. Their only other moment of glory came two weeks later against Miami when the Bills had to use four different quarterbacks and Rutkowski, the last, passed for a two-point conversion in the final 18 seconds to earn a 14-14 tie.
But the Bills are by no means a 1-12-1 football team if their regular quarterbacks, Kemp and Flores, stay healthy. Their defense, when it has a chance to breathe- as it seldom did last season- remains one of the toughest in the league. And this season, assuming they sign him, the Bills will have O.J. Simpson carrying the ball for them 25 or so times per game. The former USC All-America and Heisman Trophy winner could be the league's best runner as a rookie. Another rookie who could pair with him is No. 2 draft choice Bill Enyart, a big, powerful pack from Oregon State.
Last year's No. 1 draft choice was a prize, speedy flanker Haven Moses from San Diego State, the best receiver the Buffalo's ever had. Paul Costa is a good tight end when he's healthy and the rest of the offensive line, led by tackle Stew Barber and guard Billy Shaw, is solid.
Joel Collier was fired after the second game of '68 as management no doubt recalled the scrimmage which led to Kemp's being sidelined. Personnel director Harvey Johnson finished out the season, but the Bills have a new coach now and a good one- Johnny Rauch, who proved his ability to handle men but not owners in Oakland. He could make the Bills the AFL's surprise team of 1969."

-Berry Stainback, Pro Football Forecast for 1969


JOHN RAUCH WILL IMPROVE THE BILLS- BUT HOW FAST?
"In attempting to evaluate the role Buffalo will play in the AFL's Eastern Division race, a question regarding last year's team must first be answered. Were the Bills of 1968 truly a 1-12-1 ball club? Or, more graphically, were they really the worst team in pro football?
The answer is a resounding- 'No.'
One need look no further than the quarterback position in explaining why the Bills scored only one victory. Jack Kemp, Buffalo's No. 1 thrower since 1962, was felled by a knee injury in training camp. Tom Flores made only a brief appearance as quarterback in one game before undergoing shoulder surgery. Rookie Dan Darragh tried to carry the brunt of the quarterbacking but numerous injuries also reduced his effectiveness. Then Kay Stephenson, another strong-armed passer, stepped into the breach, only to be sidelined with a broken collarbone. Finally, Buffalo's long-time Mr. Everything- Ed Rutkowski- quarterbacked for the first time since he was a Notre Dame sophomore eight years before.
Pro football teams can win with the experience of a Kemp or a Flores, and often pull off victories with youngsters like Darragh and Stephenson. But it's dreaming the impossible to expect victory on Sunday afternoon without adequate quarterbacking. And that wasn't the only position where the Bills suffered damaging injuries.
Right guard Joe O'Donnell and offensive right tackle Dick Hudson never played a minute of a regular-season game. Knee injuries turned them into spectators. Rookie fullback Ben Gregory, a most effective performer, had to undergo knee surgery after the sixth game.
This year, the combination of a hopeful return to health of key injured players, development of many rookies, a fine defensive nucleus, and the infusion of new blook could make Buffalo the 'turn-around team' of the AFL.
John Rauch has assumed the head coaching position, and he's already proven a winner. In fact, he has a record that surpasses that of any active coach in either pro league. A one-time Georgia All-American quarterback, he coached the Oakland Raiders to the 1967 AFL championship, two AFL Western Division titles, and a Super Bowl engagement which they lost to Green Bay. His unmatched three-year regular-season won-lost record is 33-8-1.
Why did Rauch want to join the Buffalo organization? The challenge of 'returning the Bills to football respectability in the Eastern Division- as quickly as possible,' he states. Rauch makes no predictions, but to him 'as quickly as possible' means an all-out effort today.
A position-by-position analysis of Buffalo's offensive outlook follows:
TIGHT END- Incumbent starter: Paul Costa. Challengers: Billy Masters and Charley Ferguson. Costa was slowed last year by an ankle problem, and his pass receptions fell to a low of 15. He's now completely recovered and should be one of the league's best receiver-blockers.
TACKLES - Incumbent starters: Dick Cunningham and Stew Barber. Challengers: Dick Hudson, Mike Richey, Wayne DeSutter and George Merchant. Cunningham, a rookie guard in '67, moved into the starting job last season because of Hudson's knee problems. Hudson's future remains in doubt because of surgery to both knees.
GUARDS- Incumbent starters: Bob Kalsu and Billy Shaw. Challengers: Joe O'Donnell, Bob Kirk, Dick Tyson and George Flint. Kalsu, a rookie from Oklahoma, stepped into the breach after O'Donnell's knee injury but has yet to achieve O'Donnell's proficiency. Shaw remains one of football's premier guards.
CENTER- Incumbent starter: Al Bemiller. Challenger: Howard Kindig. Bemiller has started every Bills game since 1961. Kindig played at center some last year with inconclusive results.
SPLIT END- Incumbent starter: Richard Trapp. Challenger: Bobby Crockett. After missing a season because of injury, Crockett looms as a receiver with a fine future. Trapp has a speed advantage, while Crockett has size and superior blocking ability.
BACKFIELD- Incumbent starters: Fullback Bob Cappadonna; Halfback Max Anderson; Quarterback Dan Darragh; Flanker Haven Moses. Challengers: Fullbacks Ben Gregory, Bill Enyart, Bobby Hall and Wayne Patrick; Halfbacks Gary McDermott, O.J. Simpson, Lloyd Pate and Karl Wilson; Quarterbacks Jack Kemp, Tom Flores, Kay Stephenson, Benny Russell and James Harris; Flankers Monte Ledbetter and Ed Rutkowski.
Gregory was headed for an outstanding rookie season last year when he was injured. Earthquake Enyart, as everyone knows, gained All-America honors at Oregon State. Hall is a versatile performer and Patrick is a taxi squad graduate. Anderson proved a bright spot in the Bills' offense last season, leading the team in rushing and kickoff returns. McDermott has shown flashes of outside running ability. Simpson, of course, need only approach his college exploits to move into a starting role. Both Pate and Wilson are strong runners and good pass catchers. Moses, Buffalo's No. 1 draft pick a year ago, has the attributes for stardom as a flanker. Ledbetter is a real speed merchant who has improved as a catcher. Bruce Alford returns as the Bills' place-kicking specialist.
An analysis of Buffalo's defensive outlook:
DEFENSIVE ENDS- Incumbent starters: Tom Day and Ron McDole. Challengers: Julian Nunamaker, Bill Wilkerson and Mike McBath. Day returns to Buffalo after a year in San Diego. He's still a good pass rusher. Nunamaker has fine speed and could make a strong challenge. McDole was Buffalo's most consistent performer in '68, turning in outstanding games virtually every Sunday.
DEFENSIVE TACKLES- Incumbent starters: Tom Sestak and Jim Dunaway. Challengers: Bob Tatarek, Waddey Harvey, Ben Mayes and Leon Lovelace. Sestak had his finest season in three years. Tatarek spelled Sestak last fall and has the muscle and ruggedness to develop into a good tackle. Harvey, a rookie, has a reputation for liking the tough going. If Dunaway has disappointed, it's because he hasn't yet achieved the super-star status many believe he's capable of. Still, he's among the league's best and will be difficult to dislodge.
LINEBACKERS- Incumbent starters: Mike Stratton, Harry Jacobs and Paul Guidry. Challengers: Paul Maguire, John Paske, Marty Schottenheimer, Edgar Chandler and Wayne Lineberry. Stratton has held down a starting job- and largely in All-Star fashion- since 1962. Maguire has been a seldom employed backup since he also handles the punting chores. Jacobs was a starter throughout last season but Schottenheimer made his first real challenge after three years of watching. Chandler, a prime prospect, has been learning the linebacking position after attaining All-America status as an offensive guard at Georgia. In his first full season as a starter, Guidry achieved a high degree of proficiency on the strong side. Lineberry is the lone linebacker drafted by the Bills (from East Carolina) and is a rugged, aggressive competitor.
DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD- Incumbent starters: Cornerbacks Butch Byrd and Booker Edgerson; Safeties George Saimes and Tom Janik. Challengers Charley Brown, Ron Baines, John Smedley, Jerome Lawson, Bubba Thornton and Steve Auerbach; Safeties John Pitts, Hagood Clarke and Pete Richardson.
Byrd rates with the top cornerbacks in football. Brown has fine speed and could develop. Baines could be either a cornerback or a flanker. He's a good runner and likes to hit. Edgerson is an eight-year veteran who turned in an outstanding performance last season. Lawson, who taxied until the final game, could make it at either corner or safety this year.
George Saimes has earned numerous All-Star ratings since he joined the Bills in 1963. He's an outstanding open-field tackler. Clarke, a hard hitter, is a punt-return specialist. Janik was firmly entrenched at left safety last season when a leg fracture sidelined him and gave Pitts his opportunity. It should be a good battle for the starting job."

-Sports Quarterly Presents The Pros Football 1969


1969 BUFFALO BILLS PRESEASON ROSTER
Bruce Alford (K) Texas Christian
22 Max Anderson (HB) Arizona State
Steve Auerback (F-DB) Occidental
* Ron Baines (F-CB) Montana
77 Stew Barber (T) Penn State
50 Al Bemiller (C) Syracuse
23 Charley Brown (DB) Syracuse
42 Butch Byrd (DB) Boston University
36 Bob Cappadonna (FB) Northeastern
52 Edgar Chandler (G) Georgia
45 Hagood Clarke (DB) Florida
82 Paul Costa (TE) Notre Dame
83 Bobby Crockett (E) Arkansas
62 Dick Cunningham (T) Arkansas
10 Dan Darragh (QB) William & Mary
89 Tom Day (DE) North Carolina A & T
71 Wayne DeSutter (T) Western Illinois
78 Jim Dunaway (DT) Mississippi 
24 Booker Edgerson (DB) Western Illinois
* Bill Enyart (FB) Oregon State
80 Charley Ferguson (TE) Tennessee State
63 George Flint (G) Arizona State
16 Tom Flores (QB) Pacific
33 Ben Gregory (FB) Nebraska
59 Paul Guidry (LB) McNeese State
* Bob Hall (FB) North Carolina State
* James Harris (QB) Grambling
* Waddy Harvey (OT) VPI
* John Helton (DE) Arizona State
79 Dick Hudson (T) Memphis State
64 Harry Jacobs (LB) Bradley
27 Tom Janik (DB) Texas A & I
61 Bob Kalsu (G) Oklahoma
15 Jack Kemp (QB) Occidental
73 Howard Kindig (DE) Los Angeles State
* Bob Kirk (OT) Indiana
21 Jerome Lawson (DB) Utah
43 Monte Ledbetter (FL) Northwest Louisiana State
* Wayne Lineberry (LB) East Carolina
* Leon Lovelace (OT) Texas Tech
55 Paul Maguire (LB-P) The Citadel
87 Billy Masters (TE) LSU
* Ben Mayes (DT) Drake
76 Mike McBath (T-DT) Penn State
32 Gary McDermott (RB) Tulsa
72 Ron McDole (DE) Nebraska
George Merchant (OT) Bishop
25 Haven Moses (FL) San Diego State
* Julian Nunamaker (DE) Tennessee
67 Joe O'Donnell (G) Michigan
John Paske (G) Colgate
* Lloyd Pate (HB) Cincinnati
30 Wayne Patrick (FB) Louisville
48 John Pitts (DB) Arizona State
Pete Richardson (DB) Dayton
* Mike Richey (OT) North Carolina
7   Benny Russell (QB) Louisville
40 Ed Rutkowski (FL) Notre Dame
26 George Saimes (DB) Michigan State
57 Marty Schottenheimer (LB) Pittsburgh
70 Tom Sestak (DT) McNeese State
66 Billy Shaw (G) Georgia Tech
* O.J. Simpson (HB) USC
John Smedley (HB) Cincinnati
18 Kay Stephenson (QB) Florida
58 Mike Stratton (LB) Tennessee
71 Bob Tatarek (DT) Miami
* Bubba Thornton (CB) Texas Christian
28 Richard Trapp (E) Florida
Dick Tyson (G) Tulsa
Bill Wilkerson (DE) Texas Western
* Karl Wilson (HB) Olivet

* rookie

-Pro Football 1969


1969 BUFFALO BILLS PRESEASON DEPTH CHARTS
OFFENSE
QB - Jack Kemp (Occidental) 15, Tom Flores (Pacific) 16, Dan Darragh (William & Mary) 10
HB - O.J. Simpson (USC)*, Max Anderson (Arizona State) 22, Gary McDermott (Tulsa) 32
FB - Bob Cappadonna (Northeastern) 36, Bill Enyart (Oregon State)*, Ben Gregory (Nebraska) 33
SE - Richard Trapp (Florida) 28, Bobby Crockett (Arkansas) 83
T - Stew Barber (Penn State) 77, Wayne DeSutter (Western Illinois)
G - Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66, George Flint (Arizona State) 63
C - Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50, Howard Kindig (Los Angeles State) 73
G - Joe O'Donnell (Michigan) 67, Bob Kalsu (Oklahoma) 61
T - Dick Hudson (Memphis State) 79, Mike Richey (North Carolina)*
TE - Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 82, Billy Masters (LSU) 87
FL - Haven Moses (San Diego State) 25, Monte Ledbetter (Northwest Louisiana State) 43, Ed Rutkowski (Notre Dame) 40

DEFENSE
DE - Ron McDole (Nebraska) 72, Bill Wilkerson (Texas Western)
DT - Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78, Ben Mayes (Drake)*
DT - Tom Sestak (McNeese State) 70, Bob Tatarek (Miami) 71
DE - Tom Day (North Carolina A & T) 89, Julian Nunamaker (Tennessee)* 
LB - Paul Guidry (McNeese State) 59, Wayne Lineberry (East Carolina)*
MLB - Harry Jacobs (Bradley) 64, Marty Schottenheimer (Pittsburgh) 57
LB - Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58, Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
CB - Booker Edgerson (Western Illinois) 24, Jerome Lawson (Findlay) 21
S - Tom Janik (Texas A & I) 27, John Pitts (Arizona State) 48
S - George Saimes (Michigan State) 26, Hagood Clarke (Florida) 45
CB - Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42, Charley  Brown (Syracuse) 23

* rookie

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969

OFFENSE
QB - Jack Kemp (Occidental) 15, Tom Flores (Pacific) 16, Dan Darragh (William & Mary) 10, James Harris (Grambling)*
HB - O.J. Simpson (USC)*, Max Anderson (Arizona State) 22, Bill Enyart (Oregon State)*
FB - Ben Gregory (Nebraska) 33, Wayne Patrick (Louisville) 30, Bob Cappadonna (Northeastern) 36
SE - Richard Trapp (Florida) 28, Bobby Crockett (Arkansas) 83
T - Stew Barber (Penn State) 77, Mike Richey (North Carolina)*
G - Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66, George Flint (Arizona State) 63
C - Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50, Howard Kindig (Los Angeles State) 54
G - Joe O'Donnell (Michigan) 67, Bob Kalsu (Oklahoma) 61
T - Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 79, Dick Cunningham (Arkansas) 62
TE - Billy Masters (LSU) 87, Charley Ferguson (Tennessee State) 80
FL - Haven Moses (San Diego State) 25, Monte Ledbetter (Northwest State-Louisiana) 43, Bubba Thornton (Texas Christian)*

DEFENSE
DE - Ron McDole (Nebraska) 72, Julian Nunamaker (Tennessee-Martin)*
DT - Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78, Waddey Harvey (Virginia Tech)*
DT - Tom Sestak (McNeese State) 70, Bob Tatarek (Miami) 71
DE - Tom Day (North Carolina A & T) 89, Mike McBath (Penn State) 76
LB - Paul Guidry (McNeese State) 59, Edgar Chandler (Georgia) 52
MLB - Harry Jacobs (Bradley) 64, Marty Schottenheimer (Pittsburgh) 57   
LB - Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58, Dave Ogas (San Diego State) 53, Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55 
CB - Booker Edgerson (Western Illinois) 24, Robert James (Fisk)*
SS - John Pitts (Arizona State) 48, Hagood Clarke (Florida) 45
FS - George Saimes (Michigan State) 26, Pete Richardson (Dayton)*
CB - Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42, Ron Baines (Montana)*

SPECIALISTS
K - Bruce Alford (Texas Christian) 46
P - Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
KR - Max Anderson (Arizona State) 22, Bubba Thornton (Texas Christian)*
PR - Hagood Clarke (Florida) 45, Max Anderson (Arizona State) 22

* rookie 

1969 Buffalo Bills Profile Summary
Head Coach - John Rauch

QB - Jack Kemp (Occidental) 15
QB - Marlin Briscoe (Nebraska-Omaha) 11
HB - O.J. Simpson (USC) 32
HB - Max Anderson (Arizona State) 22
FB - Bob Cappadonna (Northeastern) 36

FB - Bill Enyart (Oregon State) 41
FL - Haven Moses (San Diego State) 25
SE - Richard Trapp (Florida) 28
TE - Billy Masters (LSU) 87
C - Al Bemiller (Syracuse) 50
G - Billy Shaw (Georgia Tech) 66
G - Bob Kalsu (Oklahoma) 61
T - Stew Barber (Penn State) 77
T - Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 79

DT - Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78
DT - Tom Sestak (McNeese State) 70
DE - Ron McDole (Nebraska) 72
DE - Tom Day (North Carolina A & T) 89

DE - Julian Nunamaker (Tennessee-Martin) 88
MLB - Harry Jacobs (Bradley) 64
LB - Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58
LB - Paul Guidry (McNeese State) 59
LB - Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
CB - Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42
CB - Booker Edgerson (Western Illinois) 24
SS - John Pitts (Arizona State) 48
FS - George Saimes (Michigan State) 26

K - Bruce Alford (Texas Christian) 46
P - Paul Maguire (The Citadel) 55
KR - Max Anderson (Arizona State) 22
PR - Max Anderson (Arizona State) 22

1968 Profile: Elbert Dubenion

Flanker
No. 44
Bluffton
Elbert has truly become a folk hero of the Niagara frontier. A member of the Bills since the inaugural season of 1960, he was All-AFL in 1963 and '64, with a league leading 27.1 yards per reception in '64. And a stalwart of the Buffalo AFL champions of 1964 and '65.
In the 31-7 loss to Kansas City in the '66 AFL title game, Elbert scored the only Buffalo touchdown on a 69-yard pass from Jack Kemp.

1968 Profile: Wray Carlton

Fullback
No. 30
Duke
"There are few heavy-duty fullbacks around who live up to that description better than Wray Carlton does. The big-shouldered 6-1, 230-pounder from Duke plugs for the short yardage up the middle, he blocks for the passer, and he can catch passes. The only thing he really lacks is speed to the outside, but he makes up for this deficit with his hustle and hard work.
Last season, despite injuries which hobbled him in several games, he wound up in tenth place among the league's rushers with 467 yards on 107 carries for a 4.4 average and three touchdowns. That's been about the big fellow's pace in his seven years with the Bills, though he enjoyed his best season in '66, when he finished fifth in rushing with 696 yards, a 4.4 average and six touchdowns."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968

"A tough competitor, Wray is great at grinding out the necessary yardage for a first down. The big back is rated a top pass blocker.
Wray was originally signed by Boston."

-1968 Topps No. 97

1968 Bills Defensive Back Profiles

BUTCH BYRD
Cornerback-Punt Returner
No. 42
Boston University
As a cornerback in 1967, Butch was sixth in the AFL with three fumbles recovered and his five interceptions were good for ninth. As a punt returner, his total of 30 was third in the league, his 142 yards was seventh and his 4.7 yards per return was fifth.


CHARLEY MITCHELL
Cornerback
No. 46
Washington
"Every other club wants Charley Mitchell, the flash from McNary, Arizona who spent his rookie 1963 season jumping from left halfback to a corner defensive post [while also] carting back kickoffs and punts, finishing Nos. 4 and 5, respectively, in these two departments. Mitchell caught eight passes for 71 yards and rushed 23 times for 45 yards.
His speed and body balance are eye-openers and he can do so many things well."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964

"Charley was an outstanding rookie with the Denver Broncos in 1963. Used often on kickoff and punt returns, he has shown he has excellent balance to combat onrushing tacklers. Football experts predict that Charley will go on to become one of the AFL's top running halfbacks.
A graduate of Washington, Charley's younger brother is now attending that school."

-1964 Topps No. 55

"Versatile Charley Mitchell has proven he can swing between offense and defense, but with the Broncos was used most at running halfback last season, where he gained 590 yards on 174 carries to rank seventh among AFL rushers.
He has excellent breakaway speed and fine body balance. His 90-yard kickoff return against Houston for a touchdown is still a club record.
The 5-11, 185-pound speedster played college ball at the University of Washington."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1965

"Blinding speed and balance make Charley one of the most feared runners in football. He is an excellent pass receiver and is also used on kickoff and punt returns- Charley is co-holder of the club mark with a 90-yard kickoff return.
Watch him cross the goal many times this coming season."

-1965 Topps No. 60

"Built more like a defensive halfback, which is the way he started out with the Broncos, Charley also proved he could run with the ball when he was given a chance.
A 5-11, 185-pound speedster, Charlie was moved to offense in his sophomore year of 1964 and raced for 590 yards on 177 carries; he had a 3.3 average and scored five touchdowns. He also was on the receiving end of 33 passes for 225 yards. Last year, coming back from an injury which disabled him throughout 1965, Charlie picked up 199 yards on 70 carries; and he caught 14 passes for 239 yards, for a 17.1 average.
A second-team All-America at the University of Washington in 1962, he runs with great balance and surprising power to the inside."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967


GEORGE SAIMES
Safety
No. 26
Michigan State
"It used to be that George Saimes was conspicuous on a football field because of his size. Now he's conspicuous because of what he does on the field. At 5-10 and 185 pounds, he has the stature to be the league's most resourceful free safetyman. One AFL scout unequivocally calls him the best open-field tackler in the game. Others admire the way he executes the safety blitz. And enemy receivers are still seeking ways to elude him. He's swift, shrewd and sure as a pass defender.
For the past three years, he's been selected All-AFL. He's now in his sixth pro year, and has grabbed 16 interceptions, though he's still looking for his first touchdown return.
George was a unanimous All-America fullback at Michigan State in 1962, and came to the Bills after they obtained draft rights to him from Kansas City."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968


TOM JANIK
Strong Safety
No. 27
Texas A&I
"At 6-3 and 185 pounds, Tom Janik is ideally suited to play strongside safety. You have to be big enough to hold your own with those burly tight ends, and you have to be able to run away from them after you've swiped a pass.
That about describes the kind of season Tom had in 1967. He tied two others in the league for most interceptions with ten, and he returned them a total of 222 yards, two of them for scores. The two touchdowns matched his 1966 performance.
Tom, who has shown that he can play all four defensive backfield positions, originally was drafted by Denver in 1963 in the third round. The Bills acquired him during the 1964 season. He played his college football at Texas A&I, where he also was a fine punter."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968