TEAM DIRECTORY
President: Ralph Wilson, Jr.
General Manager: Bob Lustig
Head Coach: Lou Saban
Assistant Coaches: Bill Atkins, Jim Dooley, Stan Jones, Jim Ringo, Bob Shaw
Trainer: Ed Abromoski
Office: 69 West Mohawk St., Buffalo, NY, 14202
Stadium: War Memorial Stadium (46,206)
Colors: Royal Blue, White, Scarlet
Training Camp: Niagara University, Niagara, NY
-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)
All in all, he's got a team that must improve- and undoubtedly will. Don't count on the Bills to overtake Baltimore or Miami, but they could leap over New England or the injury-plagued New York Jets. It's conceivable that the club could improve by four or five games despite the presence of San Francisco, Oakland, Detroit and Washington on the schedule. Saban clearly has inherited a team ripe for improvement."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition
OFFENSIVE BACKFIELD
"All eyes will be on Dennis Shaw, the rookie surprise of 1970, the sophomore flop of 1971. An inexperienced line and a sore finger on his throwing hand contributed to his problems.
He lost Marlin Briscoe (44 catches) in a trade, but he has the receivers in Wayne Patrick (36), Haven Moses (23), O.J. Simpson (21), Jim Braxton (18), Greg Jones (16), Jan White (13) and J.D. Hill (11)- all of whom have good hands and young legs. Actually, Shaw is expected to be throwing more to men like Moses, Hill and White and maybe a little less to the running backs such as Patrick, Simpson, Braxton and Jones once he gets some help from his line and has more time to set up. Last year, he got sacked 33 times and got hurried on his throws often, which accounted for his league-leading 26 interceptions. The Bills have another, even longer thrower behind Shaw in Jim Harris.
Simpson, like Shaw, needs more help from the line to begin to approach his college running feats, but he did improve his total rushing last season to 742 yards. Wayne Patrick is a workhorse type of back, but he may relinquish more of his playing time to the promising Braxton. Rookie Randy Jackson may spell O.J."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition
OFFENSIVE LINE
"Many of last season's offensive problems focused on the line, which was made up virtually of rookies. The old man of this season's line would be Levert Carr, a fourth-year man, but he may lose his right guard spot to sophomore Dick Cheek or rookie prospect Reggie McKenzie, an All-American from Michigan. Tackles Willie Young and Donnie Green, center Bruce Jarvis and tight end Jan White (a fine blocker) are only in their second year. Guard Jim Reilly is in his third year. Despite their youthfulness, all are legitimate pros.
Irv Goode, a late acquisition from St. Louis, may figure at guard."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition
DEFENSIVE LINE
"It would be good if Walt Patulski, the heralded rookie, pushes veteran Cal Snowden out of job at end. Bob Tatarek is a seasoned pro, though Mike McBath needs to prove himself. Two other rookies, Fred Swendsen at end and darkhorse Karl Salb at tackle, may figure in the picture, too."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition
DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD
"Outside linebacker Paul Guidry is a first-class player. Mike Stratton is the Bills' senior citizen but his effectiveness has been below par because of an ankle which required surgery last season. Edgar Chandler and Dick Cunningham will continue their battle for the middle linebacker job. Newcomer Dale Farley is a candidate, too.
Cornerbacks Alvin Wyatt and Bob James are above average, though Wyatt probably helps the team more with his kick returns. Safetymen John Pitts, Jackie Allen and Pete Richardson might face a challenge from rookies Ralph Stepaniak and Paul Gibson, a track star who is a converted receiver."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition
SPECIALISTS
"Buffalo gets good kick returns from Wyatt, Ike Hill and, when needed, O.J. Simpson.
John Leypoldt, who won the place-kicking chores from Grant Guthrie in mid-season, has that job. He didn't get a lot of opportunities up close but he did make five of six between the 40- and 50-yard lines."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition
OUTLOOK
"The youngest team in pro football could become a fine team. Look for instant improvement. But it'll take time to become a contender."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition
BUFFALO BILLS' BIG PLAY
"Buffalo's running offense, obviously, depends on utilizing O.J. Simpson's talents. But since O.J. carries the rushing load on offense, some fancy footwork and fakes are needed to spring him loose.
In Buffalo's 'Pitch-Hand Back To Halfback' play, Dennis Shaw fakes a pitchout to the other deep back, going to the right, then pivots and hands off to O.J. going up the middle."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition
"THE OFFENSE: Things haven't been the same for the Buffalo Bills and Lou Saban since they parted company five years ago. The Bills, who were 38-18-3 and won two AFL titles in four years under Saban, slumped to just 21-47-3 after his departure. Saban didn't do much better as the head man at Denver, resigning as the Broncos' coach nine games into last season. Saban is back with Buffalo, and the Bills are looking forward to the chemistry Lou worked back in the mid-1960s. The Bills have been the least successful team in football the past few years, which counts only on draft day. If they continue their recent practice of acquiring the top picks each January, by 1990 the Bills will have the greatest collection of talent around- and O.J. Simpson will be 43 years old and probably retired to the presidency of General Motors. The return of Lou Saban indicates owner Ralph Wilson does not wish to wait that long. Ralph hasn't had a winning team since 1967.
Losing finally took a terrible toll on the Buffalo morale last season. Coach John Rauch quit in the preseason. Quarterback Dennis Shaw was benched after 25 starts for saying some unfortunate things about almost everybody- the defense, the receivers, the coaches.
'I was frustrated,' he later explained. Simpson, the extraordinary running back, best crystallized life in Buffalo: 'It's tough. It's 20 degrees and you're oh-and-10 and it's snowing and it's Tuesday and you got to go out and practice for next week's opponent. It's a helluva grind.' Saban can't change the weather in Buffalo on Tuesdays but he can try to give the Bills a rosier approach. He sees some assets in the Buffalo offense.
'We have one essential to winning,' Saban said, 'and that is we have the big play talent in the O.J. Simpsons, J.D. Hills, Dennis Shaws and others.' Shaw is Saban's quarterback and Jim Harris his reserve. Shaw suffered a drop in passing statistics and threw 26 interceptions, which led the NFL last year. Harris added six interceptions and passed for only one touchdown.
Simpson heads a potentially good running game. O.J. had his most productive season in 1971, rushing for 742 yards (7th in the AFC), scoring five times, catching 21 passes and averaging 26.8 yards on four kickoff returns. Running mate Wayne Patrick added 332 yards. The subs, Jim Braxton and Greg Jones, had only 37 carries between them.
Hill is among one of the most promising assemblages of receivers in the AFC. Haven Moses had a 20.4 average, a career high, but caught only 23 passes compared to 39 in 1970. Hill missed the first nine games last year after a preseason knee injury, didn't start until the Bills' 11th game and then he thought he deserved some Rookie of the Year votes on the basis of 11 catches, a 19.6 average and two touchdowns. That's confidence. Tight end Jan White played well as a rookie starter with occasional relief from Ted Koy. Another top pass catcher, Marlin Briscoe, played out his option and signed with Miami.
Buffalo had line trouble last season and it is no wonder. The five-man front consisted for most of the season of three rookies, one second-year man and one third-year man. Rookie Donnie Green took over right tackle as seven-year vet Paul Costa experienced a bad time of it. Saban is talking up both as starters. Third-year man Levert Carr stepped in at right guard when veteran Joe O'Donnell injured an ankle. O'Donnell was traded to St. Louis for Irv Goode, who will swing between guard and center, where Bruce Jarvis started as a rookie. Jim Reilly played well in his second year at left guard and rookie Willie Young got the left tackle job when Carr was moved to guard.
This is an offense capable of lighting up a scoreboard. The losing and the interceptions took their toll last season. The quarterbacks threw 13 touchdown passes in the preseason but only 12 in the regular season as Buffalo held a lead a mere 11 times in 14 games. The Bills started off big, scoring 37 points on the Dallas Doomsday defense in losing the opener. They also managed to roll up 371 yards total offense on Miami- about 120 yards more than Dallas managed in the Super Bowl- only to be shut out 34-0. Buffalo is the youngest club in the National Football League, a weakness that may someday be a strength.
'What we have to build is an attitude that focuses on the elements that it takes to win.,' says Saban.
THE DEFENSE: Buffalo gave up 2,496 yards and 394 points last year, both club records. The Bills ranked last in the AFC in total defense and rushing defense. Teams scored almost any way they wished against Buffalo, including an AFC-high 20 times through the air. The Bills didn't hold anyone below 19 points last season and they haven't had a shutout since Lou Saban's last game as the Buffalo coach, the 1965 AFL title game against San Diego (23-0).
'In the past we built our fine teams on the men up in the trenches,' said Saban, underscoring his point by first hiring deposed Chicago coach Jim Dooley as his defensive coordinator and then acquiring some bodies for Dooley to work with. Saban drafted nine defensive players and traded a fifth-round pick to Atlanta for two veteran defensive linemen, Greg Lens and Randy Marshall. His top selection was Walt Patulski of Notre Dame, who Saban expects to step into a starting end job opposite Al Cowlings. Offensive guard Reggie McKenzie was No. 2 and Fred Swendsen, Notre Dame's other end, was the third-round choice. Lens will battle veteran Bob Tatarek and Jim Dunaway. Mike McBath and rookie Karl Salb will fight it out for the tackle spots. Salb was an interesting selection in the 14th round- he skipped football at Kansas the past two years to concentrate on his shot putting.
Linebacking is Buffalo's major weakness. Edgar Chandler calls the signals from the middle and has been effective the past two years, but he has his critics. On the flanks, Mike Stratton had a subpar year in 1971 after returning from ankle surgery and Paul Guidry has been a starter since 1968.
The cornerback situation has Alvin Wyatt on the right side and Bobby James at the left. James had four interceptions last year to pace Buffalo's team total of 11, fewest in the AFC. Jackie Allen and Pete Richardson share the free safety job and will get competition from Paul Gibson, the No. 8 draftee from Texas-El Paso, who will be tried here first rather than at receiver, his college position. Strong safety John Pitts may be the tallest at the position at 6-4.
Saban had one of the strongest defensive units last year at Denver before injuries decimated it. He's going to need patience with this group.
'The less I say about the past, the better.'
THE KICKING AND SPECIAL TEAMS: John Leypoldt began 1971 as a credit accountant with the Washington Gas Light & Co. and finished it as the leading scorer of the Buffalo Bills. An only-in-Buffalo fairy tale, to be sure. A 25-year-old non-college free agent, Leypoldt was cut by Buffalo in training camp but hung around town just in case things didn't go so well with Grant Guthrie, the regular kicker. Sure enough ... the Bills soured on Guthrie's short kickoffs, which were being returned an average of 23.1 yards, and his 1-5 ratio between the 40 and 49, and summoned Leypoldt. The Bills need someone who can make them because they often don't get much closer to the goal. Leypoldt succeeded, making five of six at that distance, and led the lowest-scoring team in the entire league with 39 points.
Spike Jones, picked up from Houston on waivers last year, ranked sixth in the AFC in punting with a 41.2 average but his kicks were returned an average of 11.2, worst in the AFC. Four kick returns went for touchdowns.
The Buffalo special teams were not immune to the ridiculous errors that plagued the Bills last year- in particular, after blocking a second straight St. Louis field goal, one of the Bills ran off the wrong side of the field, giving St. Louis possession on the penalty and setting up a Cardinal touchdown.
The kick returners have dash. Ike Hill was third in the conference in punt returns with a 9.5 average and Alvin Wyatt was sixth with 8.2. Hill and Wyatt accounted for two of only three punts returned for touchdowns in the AFC last season, Hill's going for 68 yards against the Patriots and Wyatt's going for 61 against the Cardinals. Wyatt ranked fourth in kickoff returns with a 25.4 average and Tim Beamer wasn't far behind with 19.7.
THE QUESTIONS: How does that line from the Love Story theme go? 'Where do I begin? ...' Almost every department has a question of depth and experience, and the overall defense is questionable.
THE STRENGTHS: Potentially explosive offense, good running, good receiving.
THE OUTLOOK: A year ago the Bills were considered to be a year or two away from serious contention. It's true if you're measuring by light years. Saban has his work cut out for him."
-Al Levine, Gridiron 1972 Pro Yearbook
"Since 1967 the Buffalo Bills have labored and brought forth 13 victories for their faithful followers. Of those 13, only two were scored against teams that ended up winning more than they lost in that particular season. The last time they defeated a team that finished over .500 was in 1968, when they returned four Joe Namath interceptions for touchdowns and upset the World Champions to-be. That, incidentally, was the Bills' only victory of the year.
When Lou Saban used to coach the Bills, his team once won 13 games in a single season.
The Bills' demise as a football power coincides with the departure from Buffalo of Saban. He quit in January of 1966, a few days after he guided the team to its second straight American League championship.
They won a division title in '66, mostly with Saban carry-over, but total disintegration followed. So did four head coaches in rapid succession- Joe Collier, Harvey Johnson, John Rauch and Johnson again.
Now owner Ralph Wilson, who allowed Saban to slip away in a disagreement over money and power, is attempting to pick up the pieces by luring Lou back to Buffalo with vast power (he's the vice-president in charge of football operations as well as head coach) at about double his old salary.
To some it is an attempt to recapture the past. Maybe, but in Buffalo there hasn't been so much excitement about the Bills in years. Combined with Saban's return is the construction of a new stadium in the suburbs which is scheduled for completion in August of '73.
The outlook is extremely upbeat.
Saban is accustomed to starting a situation from a low place in the standings (Boston in 1960, Buffalo in '62, the U. of Maryland in '66 and Denver in '67), but he says he never has had such good young material as he has on the current Buffalo team.
His approach is couched in the future tense. There is no mention of the past- neither his previous success in Buffalo nor the players' individual failings in recent seasons. The idea in the latter approach is that the sins of the past will be ignored, if not altogether forgiven, and everyone gets a fresh roll.
Saban dismissed everyone from the previous coaching staff. His idea was to start totally fresh, with no player having a friend in court when training camp opened.
His assets, for a team that won only one game in 1971, are relatively lush.
Under his hand in Denver, Floyd Little became the most productive runner in football. In Buffalo he has O.J. Simpson, whose potential is still almost limitless but who has been a disappointment in three previous seasons since galloping out of USC where he was a national legend.
It is expected that Simpson will be used more frequently under Saban than he has been since turning pro. It must be remembered that Little carried the ball 493 times over the last two seasons in Denver.
Last season Simpson carried 182 times (101 fewer than Little) and gained 742 yards. That is his high mark as a pro so far.
Beefy Wayne Patrick is Simpson's running mate but sophomore Jim Braxton may push him a bit more than he did last year. Greg Jones and rookies Randy Jackson of Wichita State and Ed Moss of Southeast Missouri provide a bench.
The Bills' receiving is stronger than anything Saban had in Denver and potentially is more skilled than most NFL clubs. J.D. Hill, who missed the first part of his rookie season because of knee surgery, is a budding superstar. Haven Moses replaces Marlin Briscoe, the team's leading receiver, who played out his option and deserted to the Miami Dolphins. Bob Chandler and Ike Hill are competent reserve wide receivers.
Just how well the passing game functions depends on how well Saban can rehabilitate Dennis Shaw. The Rookie of the Year in '70, when he passed for 2,507 yards, Shaw had a brilliant exhibition season last year and opened the regular season by throwing four touchdown passes against the Dallas Cowboys.
Then he collapsed.
He was intercepted 26 times and his control of the team, which had been extremely firm, dissipated when he publicly blamed several of his teammates for the Bills' bad fortunes.
Part of his trouble was due to playing behind a rookie-laden offensive line. Some of it was due to a right-hand injury he suffered in an exhibition game. But lack of maturity had a lot to do with it, too.
'He still can be a top quarterback if someone can sit on him,' commented a departing coach from the old Buffalo staff. Saban intends to do some high-powered sitting. He admires Shaw's ability and particularly his willingness to stand firm against a tough pass rush.
The offensive line, seat of many Buffalo troubles, should be far better this season. Center Bruce Jarvis, the 6-7 blond from Washington, was the Bills' most consistent lineman as a rookie. Saban traded with St. Louis for veteran guard Irv Goode. The hope is that Goode can contribute a couple of strong seasons while Reggie McKenzie, the Michigan All-America who was drafted No. 2, learns the nuances of pass blocking.
The other guard, Jim Reilly, is a comer. He enters his third season. Levert Carr and Dick Cheek, a '70 starter who tore up a knee last year, also are possibilities.
Tackle is a problem spot. Saban hopes 6-8 Donnie Green, a green rookie starter last year, will progress rapidly under the new line coach, Jim Ringo. Veteran Paul Costa and Willie Young, another rookie starter from '71, will be on the other side. Rookie Robert Penchion of Alcorn A&M or Carr might provide some bench.
The starting tight end was also a rookie, Jan White. He provided excellent blocking last year but seldom was involved in the passing game. Saban plans more frequent use of him as a receiver. Ted Koy, the ex-Raider, was his backup last year. Saban may take a longer look at Koy as a fullback, his college position at Texas.
John Leypoldt, a walk-on free agent in training camp, won the place-kicking job in mid-season and connected on nine of 15 kicks. He was five-of-six between the 40 and 49. He provides a bonus when kicking off, having made 11 tackles last year. Punter Spike Jones, the ex-Oiler, averaged 41.2 on 72 kicks.
For the second time in four drafts, the Bills got the No. 1 NFL pick. The first one was used to select O.J. The latest was designed to help the defense, bringing in Notre Dame's massive end, Walt Patulski, to shore up a glaring weakness.
Patulski should start immediately, pairing off with Al Cowlings, the team's best lineman last year. Cal Snowden was a starting end last year but he was traded to San Diego.
Another possibility is Dale Farley, obtained from Miami in a trade for defensive tackle Jim Dunaway. Farley didn't play much as a rookie but the Bills are intrigued by his versatility.
The sole incumbent tackle is Bob Tatarek, but he will be pressed by Greg Lens, who came in a trade with Atlanta. Other defensive linemen include Randy Marshall, another ex-Falcon, Julian Nunamaker, ex-Chief Chuck Hurston, Mike McBath, Louis Ross and rookies Fred Swendsen of Notre Dame (No. 3 draftee) and Karl Salb, Kansas.
Another Saban rehabilitation project is weakside linebacker Mike Stratton, an 11-year veteran. Stratton was beaten out by young Al Andrews last year but Saban traded Andrews to Denver.
'I would like to see Stratton come back strongly because we need experienced linebackers with our young defensive line,' reasons Saban.
If Stratton can summon some of his prime it would free Dave Washington, the man who came in the trade for Andrews, for duty as a tight end. If Mike has lost it all, Washington likely would start in his place, as that was his position in Denver.
The other outside backer job belongs to Paul Guidry, a steady player. Edgar Chandler faces a challenge from often-injured Dick Cunningham in the middle. Other backers include Dick Palmer and Bill McKinley, both coming off injuries, and rookies Steve Vogel of Boise State and Bill Light, the Minnesota captain.
Corner is among the team's few solid positions. The Bills feel Robert James is extremely underrated. Alvin Wyatt won a regular job after coming from Oakland in a trade. He's also an accomplished punt returner. Tony Greene and Dick Beamer, rookies last year, and freshman Leon Garror of Alcorn A&M are the depth.
Big John Pitts is the strong safety. Rookies Ralph Stepaniak of Notre Dame and Maurice Tyler of Morgan State are his competition.
Free safety is one of the most unsettled positions. Pete Richardson and Jackie Allen will fight it out but Saban may pluck his man from elsewhere."
-Larry Felser, Street and Smith's Official 1972 Pro Football Yearbook
In Buffalo's 'Pitch-Hand Back To Halfback' play, Dennis Shaw fakes a pitchout to the other deep back, going to the right, then pivots and hands off to O.J. going up the middle."
-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition
"THE OFFENSE: Things haven't been the same for the Buffalo Bills and Lou Saban since they parted company five years ago. The Bills, who were 38-18-3 and won two AFL titles in four years under Saban, slumped to just 21-47-3 after his departure. Saban didn't do much better as the head man at Denver, resigning as the Broncos' coach nine games into last season. Saban is back with Buffalo, and the Bills are looking forward to the chemistry Lou worked back in the mid-1960s. The Bills have been the least successful team in football the past few years, which counts only on draft day. If they continue their recent practice of acquiring the top picks each January, by 1990 the Bills will have the greatest collection of talent around- and O.J. Simpson will be 43 years old and probably retired to the presidency of General Motors. The return of Lou Saban indicates owner Ralph Wilson does not wish to wait that long. Ralph hasn't had a winning team since 1967.
Losing finally took a terrible toll on the Buffalo morale last season. Coach John Rauch quit in the preseason. Quarterback Dennis Shaw was benched after 25 starts for saying some unfortunate things about almost everybody- the defense, the receivers, the coaches.
'I was frustrated,' he later explained. Simpson, the extraordinary running back, best crystallized life in Buffalo: 'It's tough. It's 20 degrees and you're oh-and-10 and it's snowing and it's Tuesday and you got to go out and practice for next week's opponent. It's a helluva grind.' Saban can't change the weather in Buffalo on Tuesdays but he can try to give the Bills a rosier approach. He sees some assets in the Buffalo offense.
'We have one essential to winning,' Saban said, 'and that is we have the big play talent in the O.J. Simpsons, J.D. Hills, Dennis Shaws and others.' Shaw is Saban's quarterback and Jim Harris his reserve. Shaw suffered a drop in passing statistics and threw 26 interceptions, which led the NFL last year. Harris added six interceptions and passed for only one touchdown.
Simpson heads a potentially good running game. O.J. had his most productive season in 1971, rushing for 742 yards (7th in the AFC), scoring five times, catching 21 passes and averaging 26.8 yards on four kickoff returns. Running mate Wayne Patrick added 332 yards. The subs, Jim Braxton and Greg Jones, had only 37 carries between them.
Hill is among one of the most promising assemblages of receivers in the AFC. Haven Moses had a 20.4 average, a career high, but caught only 23 passes compared to 39 in 1970. Hill missed the first nine games last year after a preseason knee injury, didn't start until the Bills' 11th game and then he thought he deserved some Rookie of the Year votes on the basis of 11 catches, a 19.6 average and two touchdowns. That's confidence. Tight end Jan White played well as a rookie starter with occasional relief from Ted Koy. Another top pass catcher, Marlin Briscoe, played out his option and signed with Miami.
Buffalo had line trouble last season and it is no wonder. The five-man front consisted for most of the season of three rookies, one second-year man and one third-year man. Rookie Donnie Green took over right tackle as seven-year vet Paul Costa experienced a bad time of it. Saban is talking up both as starters. Third-year man Levert Carr stepped in at right guard when veteran Joe O'Donnell injured an ankle. O'Donnell was traded to St. Louis for Irv Goode, who will swing between guard and center, where Bruce Jarvis started as a rookie. Jim Reilly played well in his second year at left guard and rookie Willie Young got the left tackle job when Carr was moved to guard.
This is an offense capable of lighting up a scoreboard. The losing and the interceptions took their toll last season. The quarterbacks threw 13 touchdown passes in the preseason but only 12 in the regular season as Buffalo held a lead a mere 11 times in 14 games. The Bills started off big, scoring 37 points on the Dallas Doomsday defense in losing the opener. They also managed to roll up 371 yards total offense on Miami- about 120 yards more than Dallas managed in the Super Bowl- only to be shut out 34-0. Buffalo is the youngest club in the National Football League, a weakness that may someday be a strength.
'What we have to build is an attitude that focuses on the elements that it takes to win.,' says Saban.
THE DEFENSE: Buffalo gave up 2,496 yards and 394 points last year, both club records. The Bills ranked last in the AFC in total defense and rushing defense. Teams scored almost any way they wished against Buffalo, including an AFC-high 20 times through the air. The Bills didn't hold anyone below 19 points last season and they haven't had a shutout since Lou Saban's last game as the Buffalo coach, the 1965 AFL title game against San Diego (23-0).
'In the past we built our fine teams on the men up in the trenches,' said Saban, underscoring his point by first hiring deposed Chicago coach Jim Dooley as his defensive coordinator and then acquiring some bodies for Dooley to work with. Saban drafted nine defensive players and traded a fifth-round pick to Atlanta for two veteran defensive linemen, Greg Lens and Randy Marshall. His top selection was Walt Patulski of Notre Dame, who Saban expects to step into a starting end job opposite Al Cowlings. Offensive guard Reggie McKenzie was No. 2 and Fred Swendsen, Notre Dame's other end, was the third-round choice. Lens will battle veteran Bob Tatarek and Jim Dunaway. Mike McBath and rookie Karl Salb will fight it out for the tackle spots. Salb was an interesting selection in the 14th round- he skipped football at Kansas the past two years to concentrate on his shot putting.
Linebacking is Buffalo's major weakness. Edgar Chandler calls the signals from the middle and has been effective the past two years, but he has his critics. On the flanks, Mike Stratton had a subpar year in 1971 after returning from ankle surgery and Paul Guidry has been a starter since 1968.
The cornerback situation has Alvin Wyatt on the right side and Bobby James at the left. James had four interceptions last year to pace Buffalo's team total of 11, fewest in the AFC. Jackie Allen and Pete Richardson share the free safety job and will get competition from Paul Gibson, the No. 8 draftee from Texas-El Paso, who will be tried here first rather than at receiver, his college position. Strong safety John Pitts may be the tallest at the position at 6-4.
Saban had one of the strongest defensive units last year at Denver before injuries decimated it. He's going to need patience with this group.
'The less I say about the past, the better.'
THE KICKING AND SPECIAL TEAMS: John Leypoldt began 1971 as a credit accountant with the Washington Gas Light & Co. and finished it as the leading scorer of the Buffalo Bills. An only-in-Buffalo fairy tale, to be sure. A 25-year-old non-college free agent, Leypoldt was cut by Buffalo in training camp but hung around town just in case things didn't go so well with Grant Guthrie, the regular kicker. Sure enough ... the Bills soured on Guthrie's short kickoffs, which were being returned an average of 23.1 yards, and his 1-5 ratio between the 40 and 49, and summoned Leypoldt. The Bills need someone who can make them because they often don't get much closer to the goal. Leypoldt succeeded, making five of six at that distance, and led the lowest-scoring team in the entire league with 39 points.
Spike Jones, picked up from Houston on waivers last year, ranked sixth in the AFC in punting with a 41.2 average but his kicks were returned an average of 11.2, worst in the AFC. Four kick returns went for touchdowns.
The Buffalo special teams were not immune to the ridiculous errors that plagued the Bills last year- in particular, after blocking a second straight St. Louis field goal, one of the Bills ran off the wrong side of the field, giving St. Louis possession on the penalty and setting up a Cardinal touchdown.
The kick returners have dash. Ike Hill was third in the conference in punt returns with a 9.5 average and Alvin Wyatt was sixth with 8.2. Hill and Wyatt accounted for two of only three punts returned for touchdowns in the AFC last season, Hill's going for 68 yards against the Patriots and Wyatt's going for 61 against the Cardinals. Wyatt ranked fourth in kickoff returns with a 25.4 average and Tim Beamer wasn't far behind with 19.7.
THE QUESTIONS: How does that line from the Love Story theme go? 'Where do I begin? ...' Almost every department has a question of depth and experience, and the overall defense is questionable.
THE STRENGTHS: Potentially explosive offense, good running, good receiving.
THE OUTLOOK: A year ago the Bills were considered to be a year or two away from serious contention. It's true if you're measuring by light years. Saban has his work cut out for him."
-Al Levine, Gridiron 1972 Pro Yearbook
"Since 1967 the Buffalo Bills have labored and brought forth 13 victories for their faithful followers. Of those 13, only two were scored against teams that ended up winning more than they lost in that particular season. The last time they defeated a team that finished over .500 was in 1968, when they returned four Joe Namath interceptions for touchdowns and upset the World Champions to-be. That, incidentally, was the Bills' only victory of the year.
When Lou Saban used to coach the Bills, his team once won 13 games in a single season.
The Bills' demise as a football power coincides with the departure from Buffalo of Saban. He quit in January of 1966, a few days after he guided the team to its second straight American League championship.
They won a division title in '66, mostly with Saban carry-over, but total disintegration followed. So did four head coaches in rapid succession- Joe Collier, Harvey Johnson, John Rauch and Johnson again.
Now owner Ralph Wilson, who allowed Saban to slip away in a disagreement over money and power, is attempting to pick up the pieces by luring Lou back to Buffalo with vast power (he's the vice-president in charge of football operations as well as head coach) at about double his old salary.
To some it is an attempt to recapture the past. Maybe, but in Buffalo there hasn't been so much excitement about the Bills in years. Combined with Saban's return is the construction of a new stadium in the suburbs which is scheduled for completion in August of '73.
The outlook is extremely upbeat.
Saban is accustomed to starting a situation from a low place in the standings (Boston in 1960, Buffalo in '62, the U. of Maryland in '66 and Denver in '67), but he says he never has had such good young material as he has on the current Buffalo team.
His approach is couched in the future tense. There is no mention of the past- neither his previous success in Buffalo nor the players' individual failings in recent seasons. The idea in the latter approach is that the sins of the past will be ignored, if not altogether forgiven, and everyone gets a fresh roll.
Saban dismissed everyone from the previous coaching staff. His idea was to start totally fresh, with no player having a friend in court when training camp opened.
His assets, for a team that won only one game in 1971, are relatively lush.
Under his hand in Denver, Floyd Little became the most productive runner in football. In Buffalo he has O.J. Simpson, whose potential is still almost limitless but who has been a disappointment in three previous seasons since galloping out of USC where he was a national legend.
It is expected that Simpson will be used more frequently under Saban than he has been since turning pro. It must be remembered that Little carried the ball 493 times over the last two seasons in Denver.
Last season Simpson carried 182 times (101 fewer than Little) and gained 742 yards. That is his high mark as a pro so far.
Beefy Wayne Patrick is Simpson's running mate but sophomore Jim Braxton may push him a bit more than he did last year. Greg Jones and rookies Randy Jackson of Wichita State and Ed Moss of Southeast Missouri provide a bench.
The Bills' receiving is stronger than anything Saban had in Denver and potentially is more skilled than most NFL clubs. J.D. Hill, who missed the first part of his rookie season because of knee surgery, is a budding superstar. Haven Moses replaces Marlin Briscoe, the team's leading receiver, who played out his option and deserted to the Miami Dolphins. Bob Chandler and Ike Hill are competent reserve wide receivers.
Just how well the passing game functions depends on how well Saban can rehabilitate Dennis Shaw. The Rookie of the Year in '70, when he passed for 2,507 yards, Shaw had a brilliant exhibition season last year and opened the regular season by throwing four touchdown passes against the Dallas Cowboys.
Then he collapsed.
He was intercepted 26 times and his control of the team, which had been extremely firm, dissipated when he publicly blamed several of his teammates for the Bills' bad fortunes.
Part of his trouble was due to playing behind a rookie-laden offensive line. Some of it was due to a right-hand injury he suffered in an exhibition game. But lack of maturity had a lot to do with it, too.
'He still can be a top quarterback if someone can sit on him,' commented a departing coach from the old Buffalo staff. Saban intends to do some high-powered sitting. He admires Shaw's ability and particularly his willingness to stand firm against a tough pass rush.
The offensive line, seat of many Buffalo troubles, should be far better this season. Center Bruce Jarvis, the 6-7 blond from Washington, was the Bills' most consistent lineman as a rookie. Saban traded with St. Louis for veteran guard Irv Goode. The hope is that Goode can contribute a couple of strong seasons while Reggie McKenzie, the Michigan All-America who was drafted No. 2, learns the nuances of pass blocking.
The other guard, Jim Reilly, is a comer. He enters his third season. Levert Carr and Dick Cheek, a '70 starter who tore up a knee last year, also are possibilities.
Tackle is a problem spot. Saban hopes 6-8 Donnie Green, a green rookie starter last year, will progress rapidly under the new line coach, Jim Ringo. Veteran Paul Costa and Willie Young, another rookie starter from '71, will be on the other side. Rookie Robert Penchion of Alcorn A&M or Carr might provide some bench.
The starting tight end was also a rookie, Jan White. He provided excellent blocking last year but seldom was involved in the passing game. Saban plans more frequent use of him as a receiver. Ted Koy, the ex-Raider, was his backup last year. Saban may take a longer look at Koy as a fullback, his college position at Texas.
John Leypoldt, a walk-on free agent in training camp, won the place-kicking job in mid-season and connected on nine of 15 kicks. He was five-of-six between the 40 and 49. He provides a bonus when kicking off, having made 11 tackles last year. Punter Spike Jones, the ex-Oiler, averaged 41.2 on 72 kicks.
For the second time in four drafts, the Bills got the No. 1 NFL pick. The first one was used to select O.J. The latest was designed to help the defense, bringing in Notre Dame's massive end, Walt Patulski, to shore up a glaring weakness.
Patulski should start immediately, pairing off with Al Cowlings, the team's best lineman last year. Cal Snowden was a starting end last year but he was traded to San Diego.
Another possibility is Dale Farley, obtained from Miami in a trade for defensive tackle Jim Dunaway. Farley didn't play much as a rookie but the Bills are intrigued by his versatility.
The sole incumbent tackle is Bob Tatarek, but he will be pressed by Greg Lens, who came in a trade with Atlanta. Other defensive linemen include Randy Marshall, another ex-Falcon, Julian Nunamaker, ex-Chief Chuck Hurston, Mike McBath, Louis Ross and rookies Fred Swendsen of Notre Dame (No. 3 draftee) and Karl Salb, Kansas.
Another Saban rehabilitation project is weakside linebacker Mike Stratton, an 11-year veteran. Stratton was beaten out by young Al Andrews last year but Saban traded Andrews to Denver.
'I would like to see Stratton come back strongly because we need experienced linebackers with our young defensive line,' reasons Saban.
If Stratton can summon some of his prime it would free Dave Washington, the man who came in the trade for Andrews, for duty as a tight end. If Mike has lost it all, Washington likely would start in his place, as that was his position in Denver.
The other outside backer job belongs to Paul Guidry, a steady player. Edgar Chandler faces a challenge from often-injured Dick Cunningham in the middle. Other backers include Dick Palmer and Bill McKinley, both coming off injuries, and rookies Steve Vogel of Boise State and Bill Light, the Minnesota captain.
Corner is among the team's few solid positions. The Bills feel Robert James is extremely underrated. Alvin Wyatt won a regular job after coming from Oakland in a trade. He's also an accomplished punt returner. Tony Greene and Dick Beamer, rookies last year, and freshman Leon Garror of Alcorn A&M are the depth.
Big John Pitts is the strong safety. Rookies Ralph Stepaniak of Notre Dame and Maurice Tyler of Morgan State are his competition.
Free safety is one of the most unsettled positions. Pete Richardson and Jackie Allen will fight it out but Saban may pluck his man from elsewhere."
-Larry Felser, Street and Smith's Official 1972 Pro Football Yearbook
"Late last season the Buffalo football fans were reduced to cheering frantically when their placekicker, John Leypoldt, would race downfield to make a tackle after he had kicked off.
The Buffalo fans aren't quite the rubes that action indicates. They would prefer to be more discerning, but considering what the Bills have been offering them for the past five seasons, they take their thrills where they can get them.
The Bills have been sleepwalking since 1967, following the lush years of the first Lou Saban era. This season ushers in the second Lou Saban era.
Saban returns to the Bills following a six-year absence. He resigned after the '65 championship in which his team won its second straight American League championship. The cast has changed drastically since then, but owner Ralph Wilson is hoping Saban can perform the old magic on its young successors.
Almost anything he does will be an improvement. The Bills had the worst record in pro football last year, 1-13. The season before that saw three victories, the one before that four, the one before that one victory, and the one before that four. That's 13 spread over five seasons.
Despite the impression gained from their won-lost record, the Bills are not totally disarmed.
For starters, there is O.J. Simpson. One of these days, the experts insist, O.J. is going to explode. If he doesn't, the Buffalo fans are going to explode. O.J. is not a popular fellow in Buffalo and his press notices have been far better than his rushing statistics.
Last year he gained 742 yards on 183 carries, seventh best in the AFC. Not bad, but nothing like Gale Sayers did in his early days with a Chicago team that was just about as bad as Buffalo's. Nor is it as good as Floyd Little did with Saban's old Denver team the last two seasons.
The Bills other offensive assets are its wide receivers. J.D. Hil, who can scorch people, missed the final half of his rookie season after tearing up a knee. It was amazing that he got back into the lineup at all. When he did, he burned Patriot pass defenders for two long touchdown catches, giving the Bills their only victory. Haven Moses, possibly a superstar with another, better team, still has unlimited potential.
The biggest offensive problems are quarterback and the offensive line.
Two seasons ago Dennis Shaw was the NFL's Rookie of the Year. One year later the skeptics were wondering aloud whether he wasn't a flash in the pan. Some of those yardage-eating long passes he completed in '70 looked like fat balloons in '71. The result was a league-leading 26 interceptions.
Shaw's arm wasn't the only thing under critical examination. His moxie and ability to lead, which seemed solid after the great rookie season, were open to serious question.
Youth in over-abundance was the principal with the line. Saban traded for Irv Goode, once an All-Pro guard with St. Louis, as a partial remedy. He also hopes center Bruce Jarvis and guard Bruce Reilly will keep up their steady improvement. One of the most effective blockers is Jan White, who started as a rookie.
Defensively the Bills were almost a complete disaster.
Saban began rebuilding by drafting Walt Patulski, the great Notre Dame defensive end. If he can contribute immediately as a starting end it would help immensely as the other end, Al Cowlings, is the team's most dependable forward.
Greg Lens, acquired from Atlanta, and Bob Tatarek will try to hold down the starting tackle spots. Lens is promising but Tatarek hasn't shown first-rate ability. Some other talent may surface in camp.
Linebacking is a thorny issue since Paul Guidry, the strong-side backer, is the only established starter. Coach Saban hopes to rehabilitate Mike Stratton, who starred for Saban in the '60s. Edgar Chandler has yet to prove himself in the middle. Hopefuls to challenge for outside spots are Dave Washington and Dale Farley; both were acquired in the off-season- from Denver and Miami, respectively.
Robert James, a third-year man, is considered a sterling cornerback. His opposite number, Alvin Wyatt, contributed heavily in '71. He's a first-class punt returner, too.
John Pitts is stable at strong safety, but free safety is wide open. Jackie Allen, who shared it last year with Pete Richardson, has first chance at the job this season."
-Cord Sportsfacts Pro Football 1972
OFFENSE
"QUARTERBACKS: Skeptics are wondering if Dennis Shaw's rookie season was a flash in the pan. Jim Harris doesn't move the club.
Performance Quotient: 5 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
RUNNING BACKS: O.J. Simpson is great close to the goal line but that doesn't happen often. He'll have to produce more under Coach Lou Saban. Even though he isn't giving it his full attention, O.J. is still a super back.
Wayne Patrick is a blaster but he battles weight and a tendency to fumble. Jim Braxton, the best reserve, needs motivation.
Performance Quotient: 3
RECEIVERS: J.D. Hill can be the greatest receiver in the AFC. He has it all- speed, desire, size, hands. He missed the first half of last season with knee surgery, which keeps 99 percent of its victims out for the year. He came back to win a starting job.
Haven Moses still has superstar potential. Jan White is a fine blocker but needs work on the reception side. The others are average.
Performance Quotient: 2
INTERIOR LINEMEN: Three rookies and two sophs started here at one time last year. Experience could do wonders.
Lou Saban made a bold move when he traded for Irv Goode, once an All-Pro with the Cardinals. The hope is that he can provide two sound seasons while Reggie McKenzie develops. Jim Reilly came fast at the end of the year. Their best was a rookie, Bruce Jarvis, who won starting work immediately.
The big worry is at tackle. Paul Costa has had good years but '71 wasn't one of them. Donnie Green showed some pass-blocking potential. Willie Young ended up as a starter.
Performance Quotient: 5
KICKERS: Walk-on John Leypoldt turned into an asset with his long kicks and his poise. Punter Spike Jones is more than adequate.
Performance Quotient: 2"
-Cord Sportsfacts Pro Football 1972
DEFENSE
"FRONT LINEMEN: Walt Patulski must come through big if the Bills are to improve their weak defense. Scouts saw him as an immediate contributor. The Notre Dame star was the first man taken in the entire draft.
The best incumbent is the other end, Al Cowlings. His quickness and strength should make him a star pass rusher.
Bob Tatarek has been so-so in four pro seasons. Ex-Falcon Greg Lens could work regularly. Rookie Bob Swendsen has a chance.
Performance Quotient: 5
LINEBACKERS: This is one of the Bills' critical areas. Paul Guidry had been the defense's best man until a slump early last year. He came fast at the close and must be rated the key to the unit. Edgar Chandler has been up and down since winning a starting job two years ago. Mike Stratton is another Saban rehabilitation project. He lost his regular job to Al Andrews, since traded to Denver for Dave Washington.
Dave gained favor with Lou in two Broncos seasons but might be tried as a tight end. Dale Farley, a former high Miami draft pick, might get a chance.
Performance Quotient: 5
CORNERBACKS: The best fortified area on the defensive unit. Bob James needs some work on his techniques to avoid interference calls. Alvin Wyatt is a great plugger. He doubles as a punt return ace.
Tim Beamer's :09.2 speed calls for another long look, but he was a disappointing rookie.
Performance Quotient: 3
SAFETIES: Saban considers John Pitts the steadiest man in the deep combination. But if rookie Ralph Stepaniak can win a job, Pitts may shift to the weak side. Jackie Allen has his back to the wall.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Cord Sportsfacts Pro Football 1972
"Dennis Shaw, after being the NFL's Rookie of the Year, was beset by physical and accuracy troubles. He completed 26 passes to the opposition, more interceptions than any NFL quarterback gave away. Shaw has to come back, of course, and injuries wiped out so many offensive linemen that there was no way for the Bills to sustain adequate blocking protection for him.
He wound up playing behind an all-rookie line and they didn't exactly complement each other in their performances. Still, Dennis completed 51 percent of his passes for 1,183 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The Bills have an effective combination in O.J. Simpson and Wayne Patrick. They are not at all similar in size or running style yet both possess ability. Simpson is swift, likes to turn outside and is an artist knowing how to cut off his blockers. Patrick is strong, hard-hitting and can either run over tacklers or take them with him.
There's no shortage of good receivers. In fact, things were so deep in this department that Lou Saban felt he could afford to trade away Marlin Briscoe, who had led the team in pass catching the last two years, to the Dolphins.
But the Bills abound in good catchers, such Haven Moses, J.D. Hill, who has the ability to attain All-Pro status; and then Simpson and Patrick coming out of the backfield. Tight end Jan White, although not known for his receiving, does the other part of it- the blocking- as well as any established veteran.
The interior of the offensive line needs seasoning. Defensively, the Bills will have two outstanding pass rushers in their No. 1 draft pick, Walt Patulski of Notre Dame, and Al Cowlings, who is playing his third year as a pro and has distinguished himself despite playing with poor Buffalo teams.
Jim Dunaway, thought to be an institution in Buffalo, was benched last year when Mike McBath showed improvement and then Saban sent him to the Dolphins last spring. The linebacking group, led by Paul Guidry, a hitter, is adequate and the same for the secondary of Al Wyatt, Jackie Allen, John Pitts and Bobby James.
Another depressing fact left over from last year was the 32 interceptions and 16 fumbles- adding up to 48 gifts, all turnovers, when the defense had to bring its weary bodies back on the field to forestall the inevitable, another defeat.
The Bills will never be this inept again. It would be almost impossible to approach such infamous humiliation."
-John Steadman, Football Digest, September 1972
1972 BUFFALO BILLS ROSTERS
Buffalo Bills 1972 Veteran Roster
21 Jackie Allen (S) Baylor
46 Tim Beamer (CB) J.C. Smith
34 Jim Braxton (RB) West Virginia
62 Levert Carr (C-T) North Carolina Central
81 Bob Chandler (WR) USC
52 Edgar Chandler (LB) Georgia
73 Dick Cheek (G) Auburn
79 Paul Costa (T) Notre Dame
82 Al Cowlings (DE) USC
63 Dick Cunningham (LB) Arkansas
-- Dale Farley (LB) West Virginia
26 Clyde Glosson (WR) Texas-El Paso
74 Donnie Green (T) Purdue
43 Tony Greene (CB) Maryland
59 Paul Guidry (LB) McNeese State
12 Jim Harris (QB) Grambling
28 Ike Hill (WR) Catawba
40 J.D. Hill (WR) Arizona State
64 Chuck Hurston (DE) Auburn
20 Robert James (CB) Fisk
51 Bruce Jarvis (C) Washington
36 Greg Jones (RB) UCLA
10 Spike Jones (P) Georgia
54 Howard Kindig (T-C) Los Angeles State
85 Ted Koy (TE) Texas
-- Greg Lens (DT) Trinity (TX)
3 John Leypoldt (K)
-- Randy Marshall (DE) Linfield
76 Mike McBath (DE) Penn State
55 Bill McKinley (LB) Arizona
25 Haven Moses (WR) San Diego State
88 Julian Nunamaker (DT) Tennessee-Martin
50 Dick Palmer (LB) Kentucky
30 Wayne Patrick (RB) Louisville
48 John Pitts (S) Arizona State
61 Jim Reilly (G) Notre Dame
47 Pete Richardson (S) Dayton
87 Louis Ross (DE) South Carolina State
16 Dennis Shaw (QB) San Diego State
32 O.J. Simpson (RB) USC
75 Cal Snowden (DE) Indiana
58 Mike Stratton (LB) Tennessee
71 Bob Tatarek (DT) Miami
-- Dave Washington (TE-LB) Alcorn State
80 Jan White (TE) Ohio State
65 Mike Wilson (G) Dayton
41 Alvin Wyatt (CB) Bethune-Cookman
68 Willie Young (T) Alcorn A&M
-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)
1972 Rookies in Draft Order
Walt Patulski (DE) Notre Dame
Reggie McKenzie (G) Michigan
Fred Swendsen (DE) Notre Dame
Randy Jackson (RB) Wichita State
Leon Garror (DB) Alcorn A&M
Robert Penchion (G) Alcorn A&M
Ralph Stepaniak (DB) Notre Dame
Paul Gibson (WR) Texas-El Paso
Steve Vogel (LB) Boise State
Maurice Tyler (DB) Morgan State
Bill Light (LB) Minnesota
Jeff Baker (WR) U.S. International
Ed Moss (RB) Southeast Missouri
Karl Salb (DT) Kansas
Brian Linstrom (QB) Arizona
John Shelley (DB) Oklahoma
-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)
1972 Bills Veterans
21 Jackie Allen (S) Baylor
46 Tim Beamer (CB) J.C. Smith
34 Jim Braxton (RB) West Virginia
62 Levert Carr (G-T) North Carolina Central
81 Bob Chandler (WR) USC
52 Edgar Chandler (LB) Georgia
73 Dick Cheek (G) Auburn
79 Paul Costa (T) Notre Dame
82 Al Cowlings (DE) USC
63 Dick Cunningham (LB) Arkansas
Dale Farley (LB) West Virginia
26 Clyde Glosson (WR) Texas-El Paso
Irv Goode (C-G) Kentucky
74 Donnie Green (T) Purdue
43 Tony Greene (CB) Maryland
59 Paul Guidry (LB) McNeese State
12 Jim Harris (QB) Grambling
28 Ike Hill (WR) Catawba
40 J.D. Hill (WR) Arizona State
64 Chuck Hurston (DE) Auburn
20 Robert James (CB) Fisk
51 Bruce Jarvis (C) Washington
36 Greg Jones (RB) UCLA
10 Spike Jones (P) Georgia
54 Howard Kindig (T-C) Los Angeles State
85 Ted Koy (TE) Texas
Greg Lens (DT) Trinity (TX)
3 John Leypoldt (K)
Randy Marshall (DE) Linfield
76 Mike McBath (DE) Penn State
55 Bill McKinley (LB) Arizona
25 Haven Moses (WR) San Diego State
88 Julian Nunamaker (DT) Tennessee-Martin
50 Dick Palmer (LB) Kentucky
30 Wayne Patrick (RB) Louisville
48 John Pitts (S) Arizona State
61 Jim Reilly (G) Notre Dame
47 Pete Richardson (S) Dayton
87 Louis Ross (DE) South Carolina State
16 Dennis Shaw (QB) San Diego State
32 O.J. Simpson (RB) USC
58 Mike Stratton (LB) Tennessee
71 Bob Tatarek (DT) Miami
Dave Washington (TE-LB) Alcorn State
80 Jan White (TE) Ohio State
Wandy Williams (RB) Hofstra
65 Mike Wilson (G) Dayton
41 Alvin Wyatt (CB) Bethune-Cookman
68 Willie Young (T) Alcorn A&M
Coach - Lou Saban
-Gridiron 1972 Pro Yearbook
1972 Bills Rookies
D1: Walt Patulski (DE) Notre Dame
D2: Reggie McKenzie (G) Michigan
D3: Fred Swendsen (DE) Notre Dame
D4: Randy Jackson (RB) Wichita State
D5: Leon Garror (DB) Alcorn A&M
D5: Robert Penchion (G) Alcorn A&M
D7: Ralph Stepaniak (DB) Notre Dame
D8: Paul Gibson (WR) Texas-El Paso
D9: Steve Vogel (LB) Boise State
D10: Maurice Tyler (DB) Morgan State
D11: Bill Light (LB) Minnesota
D12: Jeff Baker (WR) U.S. International
D13: Ed Moss (RB) Southeast Missouri
D14: Karl Salb (DT) Kansas
D16: Brian Linstrom (QB) Arizona
D17: John Shelley (DB) Oklahoma
-Gridiron 1972 Pro Yearbook
Bills Veteran Roster
21 Jackie Allen (S) Baylor
46 Tim Beamer (CB) J.C. Smith
34 Jim Braxton (RB) West Virginia
62 Levert Carr (G-T) North Carolina Central
81 Bob Chandler (WR) USC
52 Edgar Chandler (MLB) Georgia
73 Dick Cheek (G) Auburn
79 Paul Costa (T) Notre Dame
82 Al Cowlings (DE) USC
63 Dick Cunningham (MLB) Arkansas
Dale Farley (LB) West Virginia
26 Clyde Glosson (WR) Texas-El Paso
Irv Goode (G) Kentucky
74 Donnie Green (T) Purdue
43 Tony Greene (CB) Maryland
59 Paul Guidry (LB) McNeese State
12 Jim Harris (QB) Grambling
28 Ike Hill (WR) Catawba
40 J.D. Hill (WR) Arizona State
64 Chuck Hurston (DE) Auburn
20 Robert James (CB) Fisk
51 Bruce Jarvis (C) Washington
36 Greg Jones (RB) UCLA
10 Spike Jones (P) Georgia
54 Howard Kindig (T-C) Los Angeles State
85 Ted Koy (TE) Texas
Greg Lens (DT) Trinity (TX)
3 John Leypoldt (K)
Randy Marshall (DE) Linfield
76 Mike McBath (DE) Penn State
55 Bill McKinley (MLB) Arizona
25 Haven Moses (WR) San Diego State
88 Julian Nunamaker (DT) Tennessee-Martin
50 Dick Palmer (MLB) Kentucky
30 Wayne Patrick (RB) Louisville
48 John Pitts (S) Arizona State
61 Jim Reilly (G) Notre Dame
47 Pete Richardson (S) Dayton
87 Louis Ross (DE) South Carolina State
16 Dennis Shaw (QB) San Diego State
32 O.J. Simpson (RB) USC
58 Mike Stratton (LB) Tennessee
71 Bob Tatarek (DT) Miami
Dave Washington (TE-LB) Alcorn State
80 Jan White (TE) Ohio State
Wandy Williams (RB) Hofstra
65 Mike Wilson (G) Dayton
41 Alvin Wyatt (CB) Bethune-Cookman
68 Willie Young (T) Alcorn A&M
-Steet and Smith's Official 1972 Pro Football Yearbook
Rookies
W. Anderson (DE) Troy State
Jeff Baker (WR) U.S. International
Greg Fries (K-P) Maryland
Leon Garror (CB) Alcorn A&M
Paul Gibson (S) Texas-El Paso
Randy Jackson (RB) Wichita State
Pete Johnson (TE) Delaware
Garf Jones (S) Wilkes
Billy Light (MLB) Minnesota
Brian Linstrom (QB) Arizona
Ed Moss (RB) Southeast Missouri
Reggie McKenzie (G) Michigan
Walt Patulski (DE) Notre Dame
Robert Penchion (G) Alcorn A&M
Karl Salb (DT) Kansas
Bernie Scruggs (S) Kentucky
John Shelley (S) Oklahoma
Ralph Stepaniak (S) Notre Dame
Fred Swendsen (DE) Notre Dame
Maurice Tyler (S) Morgan State
Steve Vogel (LB) Boise State
-Street and Smith's Official 1972 Pro Football Yearbook
1972 Buffalo Bills Roster by Position
OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Dennis Shaw (San Diego State)
James Harris (Grambling)
Running Backs
O.J. Simpson (USC)
Wayne Patrick (Louisville)
Jim Braxton (West Virginia)
Greg Jones (UCLA)
Randy Jackson (Wichita)
Receivers
J.D. Hill (W) (Arkansas)
Haven Moses (W) San Diego State
Jan White (T) (Ohio State)
Bob Chandler (W) (USC)
Ike Hill (W) (Catawba)
Ted Koy (T) (Texas)
(W)-Wide Receiver (T)-Tight End
Interior Linemen
Donnie Green (T) (Purdue)
Paul Costa (T) (Notre Dame)
Irv Goode (G) (Kentucky)
Jim Reilly (G) (Notre Dame)
Bruce Jarvis (C) (Washington)
Willie Young (T) (Alcorn A&M)
Reggie McKenzie (G) (Michigan)
Dick Cheek (G) (Auburn)
(T)-Tackle (G)-Guard (C)-Center
Kickers
John Leypoldt
Spike Jones (Georgia)
DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Al Cowlings (E) (Southern California)
Walt Patulski (E) (Notre Dame)
Bob Tatarek (T) (Miami)
Greg Lens (T) (Trinity (TX))
Chuck Hurston (E) (Auburn)
Fred Swendsen (E) (Notre Dame)
(E)-End (T)-Tackle
Linebackers
Paul Guidry (O) (McNeese State)
Mike Stratton (O) (Tennessee)
Edgar Chandler (M) (Georgia)
Dave Washington (O) (Alcorn A & M)
Dick Cunningham (M) (Arkansas)
Dale Farley (O) (West Virginia)
Bill McKinley (M-O) (Arizona)
(O)-Outside Linebacker (M)-Middle Linebacker
Cornerbacks
Robert James (Fisk)
Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman)
Tim Beamer (Johnson C. Smith)
Leon Garror (Alcorn A & M)
Safeties
John Pitts (S) (Arizona State)
Jackie Allen (W) (Baylor)
Ralph Stepaniak (S) (Notre Dame)
(S)-Strong Side (W)-Weak Side or 'Free' Safety
-Cord Sportsfacts Pro Football 1972
1972 Buffalo Bills Revised Roster (after final cutdown before start of regular 1972 season)
54 Tom Beard (C) Michigan State
34 Jim Braxton (RB) West Virginia
81 Bob Chandler (WR) USC
52 Edgar Chandler (LB) Georgia
79 Paul Costa (T) Notre Dame
82 Al Cowlings (DT) USC
72 Don Croft (DT) Texas-El Paso
63 Dick Cunningham (LB) Arkansas
73 Jeff Curchin (T) Florida State
57 Dale Farley (LB) West Virginia
78 Dave Foley (T-C) Ohio State
74 Donnie Green (T) Purdue
43 Tony Greene (CB) Maryland
59 Paul Guidry (LB) McNeese State
12 Jim Harris (QB) Grambling
40 J.D. Hill (WR) Arizona State
33 Randy Jackson (RB) Wichita State
20 Robert James (CB) Fisk
51 Bruce Jarvis (C) Washington
11 Spike Jones (P) Georgia
37 Ted Koy (RB) Texas
56 Ken Lee (LB) Washington
3 John Leypoldt (K)
76 Mike McBath (DT) Penn State
67 Reggie McKenzie (G) Michigan
25 Haven Moses (WR) San Diego State
88 Steve Okoniewski (T) Montana
30 Wayne Patrick (RB) Louisville
77 Jerry Patton (DT) Nebraska
85 Walt Patulski (DE) Notre Dame
69 Bob Penchion (RG) Alcorn State
48 John Pitts (S) Arizona State
87 Louis Ross (DE) South Carolina State
16 Dennis Shaw (QB) San Diego State
32 O.J. Simpson (RB) USC
71 Bob Tatarek (DT) Miami
42 Maurice Tyler (S) Morgan State
86 Dave Washington (TE) Alcorn State
80 Jan White (TE) Ohio State
41 Alvin Wyatt (CB) Bethune-Cookman
68 Willie Young (T) Alcorn A&M
-Football Digest, December 1972
1972 BUFFALO BILLS DEPTH CHART
OFFENSE
QB Dennis Shaw (San Diego State) 16, James Harris (Grambling) 12
HB O.J. Simpson (USC) 32, Randy Jackson (Wichita State) 33
FB Jim Braxton (West Virginia) 34, Wayne Patrick (Louisville) 30
WR J.D. Hill (Arizona State) 40
T Dave Foley (Ohio State) 78, Willie Young (Alcorn State) 68
G Reggie McKenzie (Michigan)*
C Bruce Jarvis (Washington) 51, Tom Beard (Michigan State) 54
G Bob Penchion (Alcorn State)*, Jeff Curchin (Florida State) 73
T Donnie Green (Purdue) 74, Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 79
TE Jan White (Ohio State) 80, Ted Koy (Texas) 37
WR Haven Moses (San Diego State) 25, Bob Chandler (USC) 81
DEFENSE
DE Walt Patulski (Notre Dame)*, Louis Ross (South Carolina State) 87
DT Don Croft (Texas-El Paso)*, Steve Okoniewski (Montana) 88
DT Jerry Patton (Nebraska) 77, Bob Tatarek (Miami) 71
DE Al Cowlings (USC) 82, Mike McBath (Penn State) 76
LB Paul Guidry (McNeese State) 59, Dale Farley (West Virginia) 57
MLB Edgar Chandler (Georgia) 52, Dick Cunningham (Arkansas) 63, Ken Lee (Washington) 56
LB Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58, Dave Washington (Alcorn State) 86
CB Robert James (Fisk) 20
SS Maurice Tyler (Morgan State)*
FS John Pitts (Arizona State) 48,Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41
CB Tony Greene (Maryland) 43
SPECIALISTS
K John Leypoldt (Northern Virginia CC) 3
P Spike Jones (Georgia) 10
KR Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41
PR Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41
* rookie
1972 Buffalo Bills Topps Cards
Marlin Briscoe
Edgar Chandler
Irv Goode
Ike Hill
J.D. Hill
Bob James
Wayne Patrick
Dennis Shaw
O.J. Simpson
1972 NFLPA Wonderful World Stamps, alphabetical
Bob Chandler
Paul Costa
Jim Dunaway
Paul Guidry
James Harris
Robert James
Mike McBath
Haven Moses
Wayne Patrick
John Pitts
Jim Reilly
Pete Richardson
Dennis Shaw
O.J. Simpson
Mike Stratton
Bob Tatarek
1972 NFLPA Wonderful World Stamps, by position
QB Dennis Shaw
QB James Harris
HB O.J. Simpson
FB Wayne Patrick
WR Haven Moses
WR Bob Chandler
G Jim Reilly
T Paul Costa
DT Jim Dunaway
DT Bob Tatarek
DE Mike McBath
LB Mike Stratton
LB Paul Guidry
CB Robert James
SS John Pitts
FS Pete Richardson
1972 Sunoco Stamps, alphabetical
Al Andrews
Marlin Briscoe
Levert Carr
Edgar Chandler
Al Cowlings
Jim Dunaway
Donnie Green
Paul Guidry
J.D. Hill
Robert James
Bruce Jarvis
Spike Jones
John Leypoldt
Mike McBath (update)
Wayne Patrick
Walt Patulski (update)
John Pitts
Jim Reilly
Pete Richardson
Dennis Shaw
O.J. Simpson
Cal Snowden
Bob Tatarek
Alvin Wyatt
Jan White
Willie Young
1972 Sunoco Stamps, by position
WR J.D. Hill 40
LT Willie Young 68
LG Jim Reilly 61
C Bruce Jarvis 51
RG Levert Carr 62
RT Donnie Green 74
TE Jan White 80
WR Marlin Briscoe 86
QB Dennis Shaw 16
RB O.J. Simpson 32
RB Wayne Patrick 30
DE Al Cowlings 82
DT Mike McBath 76 (update)
DT Bob Tatarek 71
DT Jim Dunaway 78
DE Walt Patulski 85 (update)
DE Cal Snowden 75
LLB Paul Guidry 59
MLB Edgar Chandler 52
RLB Al Andrews 56
LCB Robert James 20
RCB Alvin Wyatt 41 (KR)
LS John Pitts 48
RS Pete Richardson 47
K John Leypoldt 3
P Spike Jones 10
1972 Buffalo Bills Profile Summary
Head Coach - Lou Saban
Offensive Line Coach - Jim Ringo
Linebacker Coach - Jim Dooley
QB Dennis Shaw (San Diego State) 16
QB Mike Taliaferro (Illinois) 17
QB Leo Hart (Duke) 10
HB O.J. Simpson (USC) 32
FB Wayne Patrick (Louisville) 30
FB Jim Braxton (West Virginia) 34
WR J.D. Hill (Arizona State) 40
WR Haven Moses (San Diego State) 25
WR Ike Hill (Catawba) 28
WR Marlin Briscoe (Nebraska-Omaha) 86
TE Jan White (Ohio State) 80
C Bruce Jarvis (Washington) 51
C John Matlock (Miami) 53
G Reggie McKenzie (Michigan) 67
G Dick Hart 62
G Bob Penchion (Alcorn State) 69
T Dave Foley (Ohio State) 78
T Irv Goode (Kentucky) 65
DT Frank Cornish (Grambling) 75
DT Bob Tatarek (Miami) 71
DE Al Cowlings (USC) 82
DE Walt Patulski (Notre Dame) 85
DE Fred Swendsen (Notre Dame) 83
MLB Edgar Chandler (Georgia) 52
LB Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58
LB Paul Guidry (McNeese State) 59
CB Robert James (Fisk) 20
CB Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41
CB Ike Hill (Catawba) 28
SS John Pitts (Arizona State) 48
FS Jackie Allen (Baylor) 21
K John Leypoldt (Northern Virginia CC) 3
K Mike Clark (Texas A&M) 7
P Spike Jones (Georgia) 11
KR Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41
PR Ike Hill (Catawba) 28
WHEN THE BILLS RODE HIGH
In The Early '60s, Jack Kemp And Cookie Gilchrist Paced AFL Powerhouse
"'Count me in with Buffalo!' Those words, spoken by Ralph Wilson Jr. to the founders of the American Football League, heralded the return of Buffalo to the pro football scene after an absence of 11 years.
The metropolis on the shores of Lake Erie has had a long and distinguished place in the history of professional football. The city's first team, the Buffalo All-Americans of 1920, was a member of the American Professional Football Association, forerunner of the NFL. This club lasted until 1927 and was also known as the Bisons and Rangers. Some of the finest players of that period played for Buffalo, stars such as Eddie Casey, Lud Wray, Elmer Oliphant, Tommy Hughitt, Lou Little and Tiny Thornhill.
The second team to represent the city was in the third abortive AFL of 1940-41. This team was called the Indians and then the Tigers. A third and more substantial team appeared in 1946, the Bills of the All-America Conference. Playing the entire four years of the AAFC, they won their division in the third year.
After Wilson obtained the franchise in October of 1959, he selected his first draft choice, Richie Lucas; named the team the Bills and signed his first player, Joe Schaeffer. The name had infinitely more success than the players.
When Wilson got around to naming his coach he selected Garrard 'Buster' Ramsey. Ramsey had been a fine guard for the Cardinals and for the previous eight years had been defensive coach of the Lions. Dick Gallagher, a man of vast football experience, was chosen general manager. Ramsey failed to produce a winner his first two years and was replaced by Lou Saban.
Saban had been a linebacker for Paul Brown and was well schooled in his methods. In his first season he brought in two men who were to play lead roles in the glory years to follow.
For the ground game he obtained a 6'2 1/2", 243-pounder who had gone from straight from high school football to Canada. Carlton Chester 'Cookie' Gilchrist, who had played with five teams in the Canadian league, was a punishing runner, super blocker, and excellent receiver. His favorite saying was, 'There isn't anything I can't do with a football.'
Cookie led the league in rushing with 1,096 yards his first year and repeated again in 1964. When he retired, he had seven rushing records, the most notable being achieved on the day he rushed for 243 yards and five touchdowns.
The air game was to rest on the arm of Jack Kemp. Jack had quarterbacked the San Diego Chargers in their first two title games, yet Saban was able to obtain him on injured waivers.
Presently a U.S. Congressman from Buffalo, Kemp holds the distinction of being the only quarterback who was a starting signal caller the entire 10 years of the AFL. He played in five of the 10 title games, was the league's top passer in 1960, and its MVP in 1965.
Saban led the team to its first season over the .500 mark. However, the next year they fell to exactly .500, tying Boston for the Eastern Division lead. Though they lost to the Pats in a playoff, better days were just around the corner.
The Bills opened their 1964 season by crushing the Chiefs, 34-13. They did not lose until their tenth game when the Broncos took them, 36-28. Their only other loss was to Oakland by three points; thus a margin of 11 points kept them from a perfect year.
This was a solid club, both on offense and defense. Behind Kemp was Daryle Lamonica, a scrambler like Jack with a powerful arm. Six times that season, Daryle was to come to the rescue to either win or save a game. He ended up as the third-best rusher on the club. Though Gilchrist did most of the carrying, the Bills had fine runners in the vet Wray Carlton and rookies Willie Ross, Bobby Smith, and Joe Auer.
The receivers were Glenn Bass, Elbert Dubenion and Ed Rutkowski with Ernie Warlick the tight end. Stew Barber and Dick Hudson held down the tackles, Al Bemiller and Billy Shaw, the guards; and Walt Cudzik, center. Joe O'Donnell and Dave Behrman were the backup men. The brilliant Shaw, a wizard at leading interference, has been called the best offensive guard in the history of the AFL.
It was a cold, bleak day when the Bills met the Chargers for the league title. Things got even darker for the Buffalo fans as the Chargers jumped off to a 7-point lead. Things began to improve when the rookie soccer kicker Pete Gogolak hit with a field goal. An off-tackle slant by Carlton put the Bills in front to stay, making superfluous another Gogolak field goal and a one-yard sneak by Kemp after he had hit Bass with a 48-yard pass. Buffalo now had its first title after many, many years of patient waiting.
The defensive line that yielded only four touchdowns rushing all season was composed of Ron McDole and Tom Day at ends and Jim Dunaway and Tom Sestak, tackles. Dudley Meredith was the swing man. Sestak, a 17th round draft choice from McNeese State, was the mainstay of this great line and has been named to the all-time AFL team.
Linebackers were John Tracey, Harry Jacobs and Mike Stratton. All received all-league mentions. Tracey was one of the 10 men in the famous Ollie Matson deal of several years previous. Jacobs is a member of the exclusive club composed of men who played the entire 10 years of the AFL, and Stratton is now in his 11th year with the club. The fourth linebacker was the resident humorist of the team, Paul McGuire. His constant sense of the ridiculous kept the club loose, and he also happened to be one of the best punters in the game.
The deep defense had Butch Byrd and Booker Edgerson at the cornerbacks with Haygood Clarke and George Saimes at the safeties. George, an All-American running back, was switched to free safety and became one of the all-time greats at this post. For a period of 17 games in 1964 and '65 this defense did not allow one touchdown by rushing.
Dick Gallagher, now director of the Hall of Fame in Canton, feels that a great deal of the Bills' success was due to their 1963 draft. 'That was a great draft,' recalls Dick. 'We got Dave Behrman, Jim Dunaway, George Saimes, Gene Sykes and Daryle Lamonica.'
'I felt our '64 club was the best all-around physical team,' says Jack Kemp. 'It had the best weapons. We were tops in scoring and rushing and our defense allowed the fewest yards and points in the league. The '65 team had the tenacity and spirit to overcome many obstacles to win. We had some severe injuries but managed to go all the way. That year we lost our top three receivers, Bass, Dubenion and Warlick, by midseason. However, Charley Ferguson, Bo Roberson and Paul Costa took over nicely.'
'I felt the 1965 team was the best overall and we had better depth,' says Tom Sestak. 'This club had a better attitude and more confidence. For example, we did not have Gilchrist. He felt that he was not getting to carry the ball enough so he took himself out of a game without the coach's permission. After the season he was sent to Denver for Billy Joe.'
The Bills did not clinch their second consecutive Eastern Division crown until the 11th game when the clever scrambling and adept passing of Kemp salvaged a tie with San Diego and the division title. Their overall record for 1965 was 10-3-1.
The only difference in the 1965 championship game was that it was played under sunny California skies and the Bills beat the Chargers by a wider margin. This time the Bills struck first as Kemp hit Warlick with a 28-yard pass and then Byrd brought a punt back 74 yards. The three Gogolak field goals were hardly needed as Buffalo won 23-zip.
Lou Saban returned to college coaching after that season and was replaced by his assistant Joe Collier. Kicker Gogolak also left by defecting to the Giants. This turned the 'cold war' into a hot one with the eventual merger of the two leagues.
Under Collier the Bills were able to repeat for the third time as rookies Bobby Burnett and Bobby Crockett had spectacular years, but lost the opportunity for a trip to the first Super Bowl by losing to Kansas City.
Lou Saban has now returned to Buffalo and hopes that O.J. Simpson and Dennis Shaw become the Gilchrist and Kemp of a new dynasty."
-Stan Grosshandler, Football Digest, January 1973
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