1973 Buffalo Bills Offensive Line Profiles

MIKE MONTLER

Center

No. 53

Colorado

"A third member (Ron Sellers and Carl Garrett were the others) of the Pats' super draft in 1969, Montler was the No. 2 choice. The Patriots gambled on him despite his age. Due to his Marine Corps career, he was already 25 when he got out of Colorado, where he earned All-America honors and was twice All-Big Eight.

Montler was inserted into the line as a guard in 1969 when incumbent Charlie Long got hurt. For the next nine games, the Pats had the best pass-protection record in the game. 'An excellent rookie,' said Clive Rush.

He has been a guard and Jon Morris' backup at center in his first two years, but may be switched to tackle because of his heft.

Montler majored in TV journalism at Colorado and was twice Academic All-America. From Columbus, Ohio, before joining the Marines."

-John Devaney, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

"Has been a starter all three years with the Patriots. The line has improved every year since. Mike began as a guard but is now set at tackle. He played there last year and the Patriots felt he may have gotten some all-star mention if he'd been with a better team. He also could play center if called upon.

Mike went to college after a Marine Corps stint. He was 25 years old when the Pats made him a second-round draft choice. They were willing to gamble on his age and they haven't regretted it.

He was All-America and twice All-Big Eight. He was a good student who majored in radio journalism and earned Academic All-America honors, too.

Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Mike sports a mean-looking monster tattoo on his leg."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)

"A rugged ex-Marine, Mike is developing into one of the Patriots' most promising offensive linemen. He was the club's 2nd draft choice in 1969 after an All-American selection at Colorado. Mike was a two-time All-Big Eight Conference pick and was selected to play in the North-South, Hula Bowl, Senior Bowl, Coaches All-America and College All-Star games. In the Senior Bowl, he played opposite Joe Greene, now with the Steelers.

Mike umpires Little League baseball games."

-1972 Topps No. 324

"Mike became a starter as a rookie with the Patriots in 1969 and has been at his offensive tackle post ever since. He converted from tackle to guard in 1969, then moved back to tackle in 1971 and did a standout job.

Mike was an All-American as a senior at Colorado and named to several other all-star teams."

-1973 Topps No. 409

REMI PRUDHOMME

Center

No. 66

LSU

"Reacquired by the Bills in 1972, Remi was drafted by Buffalo in 1964. He's played in two AFL championship games and one Super Bowl, with the Chiefs. He was an All-American at LSU."

-1973 Topps No. 313

REGGIE MCKENZIE

Guard

Michigan

A starter as a rookie, Reggie was the only Buffalo guard to be a regular for the entire 1972 season. A consensus All-American at Michigan, he was All-Big Ten first team as both a junior and senior. Reggie played in the Rose Bowl, Hula Bowl and College All-Star Game.

JOE DeLAMIELLEURE 

Guard

1st Round

Michigan State

Schoolchildren throughout western New York will have to learn how to spell this man's last name. Along with last year's second-round choice Reggie McKenzie, Buffalo's Joe D. forms an impressive young offensive guard tandem leading the chase through opposing defenses for rising star O.J. Simpson, along with providing years of solid pass protection for quarterback Dennis Shaw.

An excellent combination of strength and speed, DeLamielleure was All-Big Ten three times and three times an All-American. He also played in the College All-Star Game.

DONNIE GREEN

Offensive Tackle

No. 74

Purdue

"A pleasant surprise to the Bills coaching staff, Donnie developed more rapidly than expected in his rookie campaign of 1971. Made a starter due to an injury suffered by Paul Costa, he has excellent strength, good speed and mobility for his size (6-8, 272).

Donnie captained the Purdue Boilermakers in his senior year."

-1973 Topps No. 258

DAVE FOLEY

Offensive Tackle

No. 78

Ohio State

"A great utility man along the offensive line for the Jets, Dave was acquired by the Bills for the 1972 season and stepped into a starting spot. He does well at either tackle or center and has come off two knee operations to show steady improvement.

Dave helped lead the Ohio State Buckeyes to victory over USC in the Rose Bowl and the national championship."

-1973 Topps No. 94

1973 Buffalo Bills Running Back and Receiver Profiles

O.J. SIMPSON

Running Back
No. 32
USC
"Nobody put the squeeze on O.J. in 1972. In game No. 2 of the regular season, he roared past his boyhood heroes, the San Francisco 49ers, for 138 yards on 29 carries.
'It was the best game I've ever played in the pros,' he said later. Simpson went on to gain 1,251 yards rushing. In fact, he passed 1,000 in his 11th game. O.J. had a 94-yard burst against Pittsburgh to set a team record and topped 100 yards six times in 1972.
On everyone's All-NFL teams, Simpson averaged 4.3 yards a carry as he lugged the ball more than anyone in the AFC. Then for a finale, he won the MVP honor in the Pro Bowl game, his first.
'It was a fun game,' he said later. 'I haven't had too many of those in my pro career.' His turnabout in 1972 was attributed to two things: (1) he lost 11 pounds and (2) his new coach, Lou Saban, let him run more often."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

CAN O.J. SIMPSON BRING CHAMPAGNE TO THE BUFFALO BILLS

He Claims The Bad Times Are Over, Has Dedicated Himself To The Team, And Coach Lou Saban Is Building An AFC Challenger Around Him

"The audience was usual at a sports banquet- full-blown corporate types, almost exclusively male, easy to please. The gags were authentic antiques, but the laughs rewarded them as they were freely-minted wit.

'I'm happy to be in Phoenix,' announced O.J. Simpson from the podium. 'In fact, after five months in Buffalo, I'm happy to be anywhere.'

The yuks rolled in a tidal wave up to the dias.

It's been like that for five football seasons between O.J. and the old, sometimes dowdy Queen City by the of the Great Lakes.

In 1969 O.J. galloped out of the West as the greatest pro prospect of all time. The Dallas Cowboys' computer certified him as a bona fide NFL superstar before he took his first NFL handoff. BLESTO and CEPO and all those other scouting acronyms competed to bestow superlatives.

But by 1969 the common draft was in operation as a result of the shotgun marriage between the old American Football League and the NFL. In 1968 the Buffalo Bills had finished with the worst record in pro football, thereby winning the privilege of drafting before any other pro club.

Simpson's options were these: 1. sign with Buffalo; 2. play in the Canadian League; 3. accept the tantalizing offer before him from the Orlando Panthers- a pile more money, all the orange drink he could drink and virtual obscurity.

Halfway through the Bills' training camp, he signed with Buffalo.

For three seasons O.J. was a good back with a bad team. Not a great back, a good one. The man who moved mountains at Southern California was listed behind ball carriers like Carl Garrett and Floyd Little and even the aging Leroy Kelly in his own American Conference. When All-Pro and Pro Bowl time came, O.J. was not listed.

The Buffalo clubs he played with were poor ones. But then, he didn't do all that much to make them better. In 1971 the Bills won only one of 14 games. That was worse than the 1-12-1 record they had in 1968 when they qualified to draft him.

But his apologists rallied to his side.

'He should be playing in L.A. ... or San Francisco,' they said. 'He belongs there ... the common draft is unfair ... he should be able to play with a good team in a good town ... O.J. Simpson playing in Buffalo is like casting pearls before swine.'

So one day last summer, in the middle of their training camp, the Bills called a press conference. Its content was stunning. O.J. Simpson had decided to sign a new contract with Buffalo. It would begin after the 1972 season, the last year of his old contract. The new one would bind him to the Bills through 1976, and probably through the balance of his playing career.

Why?

'I just couldn't bear to go through the entire 1972 season with everyone asking me if I was going to play out my option and try to sign with another team every time we visited a new city,' he explained.

'Why do I want to stay with the Bills in Buffalo?

'The answer is pretty elementary. I cried with these guys who are my teammates. Some day I want to drink champagne with them.'

The scene switches to Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, December 17. It's cold enough to frost your eyelashes. The Bills are playing the Washington Redskins, who, a month later, will trot to the Los Angeles Coliseum floor to represent the National Conference in the 1973 Super Bowl. The Redskins ration touchdowns in a miserly way. You just don't run against their defense.

O.J. ran against it.

He ran for his sixth 100-yard-plus day of the season. It gave him the ground-gaining championship of the National Football League, 1,251 yards on 292 carries.

In a year when Larry Csonka, Larry Brown, Ron Johnson, Franco Harris, Marv Hubbard, John Brockington, Calvin Hill, Mike Garrett and Mercury Morris made it the year of the running back, each gaining 1,000 or more yards, O.J. from the lowly Bills was the best of all.

That day against the Redskins he ran so well that the Bills upset the NFC champs, 24-17. Five weeks later in Dallas, when they played the Pro Bowl, he proved he was the best again, blazing to another 100-plus day, keying the AFC's victory, and winning the most valuable player award.

'I think we've arrived. I think I'm a better runner than I've ever been since coming to the pros,' he says. 'The Buffalo Bills are going to be a good team. You watch.'

He may have something there. At least eventually.

The Bills won only four games and tied one last year. But half their schedule was played against playoff teams- Miami twice, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Oakland, San Francisco and Washington.

They beat the Redskins, 49ers, tied Detroit and lost to the Dolphins by one point. It won't get them into the Hall of Fame, but it was the best showing by a Buffalo team in half a dozen seasons.

This year the schedule is a bit more reasonable with Philadelphia, New Orleans, Atlanta, Cincinnati and San Diego replacing some of the heavyweights.

But the biggest difference in the future of O.J. and the Bills is the master plan devised by Lou Saban, who returned to Buffalo as head coach after an absence of six years.

Saban was the first pro coach who O.J. had recognized and attempted to capitalize on it to the fullest.

'You see that man?' Saban asked his wide receivers one day, attempting to teach them the crackback block. 'If you do your job and get O.J. some room to run outside, he's going to put some money in your pocket.

'He's your bread and butter.'

Saban's reasoning worked, even against great odds. The Bills were cursed with a blight of injuries just where it would hurt O.J. the most, in the offensive line. Seven guards missed all or at least 90% of the season due to injury or illness. It ravaged four centers and four tackles.

Still, the Bills ran and O.J. gained big yardage.

Now, Saban has been busy trying to assemble a team O.J. can drink champagne with.

His first two draft choices were offensive linemen- a couple of studs from the Big Ten- tackle Paul Seymour of Michigan and guard Joe DeLamielleure of Michigan State (who may, however, by physically unable to play pro ball).

A trade Saban made last year should pay off in '73. He acquired veteran guard Irv Goode from St. Louis and Goode immediately became Simpson's No. 1 bodyguard. 'He just seems to grow in the hole,' marveled O.J., who appreciates good blocking.

But Goode tore up a knee against the Bears in Chicago in the next-to-last exhibition game. He missed the season.

Center Bruce Jarvis, a 6-7 youngster who could be All-Pro in a couple of years, tore up a knee in the opener and sat down for the season. Starting guard Jim Reilly never got past the first physical. A kidney ailment drydocked him for '72.

Their misfortune may eventually turn into good fortune for the Bills, however, since in their absence rookie guard Reggie McKenzie became a quality player and Dave Foley, the ex-Jet whom Saban picked up on waivers, contributed greatly as a starting tackle even though he was playing on an injured leg.

The Bills now, emphasizing O.J., are a running team but they have other skills. Don Shula calls receiver J.D. Hill 'a potential Paul Warfield.' The other receiver, Bob Chandler, is first-rate. The young defense has big potential with players Walt Patulski, Pro Bowl cornerback Robert James and tackle Don Croft.

O.J.'s pals are still developing, but that champagne may not be so many seasons in the future."

-Larry Felser, Football Digest, August 1973

"O.J. Simpson of Buffalo, No. 1 running back in the NFL last season, sums up the difference between college and pro ball this way: 'In college, I always expected to get through the line and then I would meet the defensive back. The pros are different. I get belted by linebackers head-on. They can really zing you. And as for linemen in the pro league, I think I've met every lineman in the league face-to-face."

-John Kuenster, Football Digest (September 1973)

"The NFL's leading rusher in 1972, O.J. had the longest run from scrimmage in the league with a 94-yard touchdown run against the Steelers on October 29. He rushed for 189 yards in that game."

-1973 Topps No. 500

JIM BRAXTON

Running Back

No. 34

West Virginia

"Jim comes equipped with quickness, blocking and pass-catching ability. He has excellent potential as both as a runner and receiver. He was an All-American at West Virginia."

-1973 Topps No. 154

J.D. HILL

Wide Receiver

No. 40

Arizona State

"Hill came into the NFL as a flashy collegian who caught 115 passes for 1,886 yards and 21 touchdowns. He felt pro ball was going to be a breeze. It wasn't.

'Catching the ball and running with it is no problem,' he says. 'But running a pass pattern is self-discipline.' J.D. didn't get to play until the ninth game of 1971. His first catch wasn't noteworthy but his next two were for touchdowns. He's been a solid star ever since.

In 1972 Hill caught 52 passes, fourth best in the AFC, and scored five touchdowns. His percentage of 14.5 was impressive, too. J.D. made four catches and six crackback blocks as the Bills beat Philadelphia.

'I came to the pros thinking it would be easy,' he says, looking back. 'But the best wide receivers have been playing five, six, seven, eight years.'"

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

"The Bills' leading receiver in 1972, J.D. finished in a tie with Gary Garrison for fourth place in the AFC rankings. Among his five touchdowns was one for 58 yards."

-1973 Topps No. 69

BOB CHANDLER

Wide Receiver

No. 81

USC

"A sure-handed youngster with the moves of a much more experienced receiver, Bob is a tireless worker. He led USC receivers in each of his varsity seasons."

-1973 Topps No. 336

LINZY COLE

Wide Receiver

No. 26

Texas Christian

"Acquired from the Oilers after the start of the 1972 season, Linzy was the Bills' second leading return artist. He has excellent speed, quickness and good hands."

-1973 Topps No. 449

JAN WHITE

Tight End

No. 80

Ohio State

"Typical of the new breed of tight end- fast. White has done the 40-yard dash in 4.4 or 4.5 seconds every time he's been clocked. He's a former Pennsylvania high school hurdles champion.

'Most clubs are going to the faster tight end,' he says, 'so they can't be covered by a linebacker. If a safety is tied up covering a tight end, it takes away the opponent's ability to double-cover a wide receiver.' He hasn't had the opportunity to be on the receiving end much, though. As a rookie, he caught 13 passes for 130 yards. Last season he grabbed 12 for 148 yards and two touchdowns.

He's added 20 pounds to his college playing weight. White started for three years at Ohio State and the Buckeyes lost only two games."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

"The best blocking tight end the Bills have ever had, Jan possesses excellent attitude and football sense. He took over as the starting tight end in his rookie season."

-1973 Topps No. 476

PAUL SEYMOUR 

Tight End

1st Round

Michigan

"The seventh man taken in the entire 1973 draft. O.J. should love him. Seymour runs the 40 in 4.8 and was a powerful tight end before moving to tackle as a senior. He upped his weight from 210 to 250 to make the conversion. Paul is the brother of pro receiver Jim Seymour.

'He could handle just about anybody one-on-one,' says his college coach Bo Schembechler.

Seymour makes furniture as a hobby."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

"Paul started his college career as a tight end. He's known as the brother of Jim Seymour, All-American of Notre Dame. He grew into a tackle prospect after catching six passes for 63 yards as a junior (a lot at run-oriented Michigan) and successfully made the switch to the key spot in the Michigan ground attack. 'I made the switch to tackle for the good of the team and because I could see my future in football was at tackle,' Seymour says of the move.

He was selected by Buffalo as the seventh collegian and is considered by scouts as a hot pro prospect. He should help protect O.J. Simpson."

-Football Digest, August 1973

1973 Buffalo Bills Defensive Line Profiles

JERRY PATTON

Defensive Tackle

No. 77

Nebraska

Jerry was acquired on waivers from the Vikings during the 1972 preseason and became a starter for the Bills in the second game of the season. After three seasons as a defensive end at Nebraska, he played a year of semi-pro football before signing with Minnesota as a free agent.

MIIKE KADISH 

Defensive Tackle

No. 71

Notre Dame

"There's no question about this big fellow's ability. It's a surgical knee that pros worry about."

-Bob Billings, Football Digest, January 1972

"Should help the Dolpins right away as a starter or top flight reserve. Kadish was overshadowed as a collegian by teammate Walt Patulski but actually led the Irish in tackles last season with 97. The figure included eight sackings of quarterbacks for losses totaling 40 yards. He bothered quarterbacks further with six broken-up passes.

Kadish played for the North in the Senior Bowl. He is a first-round choice whom the Dolphins say rates with ex-Notre Damer Mike McCoy at this stage of his development. Don Shula says, 'He's what we needed- a big strong inside guy on defense.'

Born May 27, 1950, he is from Grand Rapids, Michigan."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)

"You have to go with a first-round choice of the Dolphins; they've been doing some great picking in recent years, like Otto Stowe last season. Don Shula must have said a few prayers after finding this kid still alive when they got to pick in the first round. He's the big guy they need for the middle of their defense. They have been depending too long on Nick Buonticonti at middle linebacker. Mike is the big strong boy who'll probably start for them in the opening game."

-Anonymous Scout, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1972 Edition)

JEFF WINANS

Defensive Tackle

2nd Round

USC

"Lost among the many stars on Southern Cal's powerful 1972 team. In fact, he didn't even letter in 1971. But Buffalo took him high in the second round of the draft. Winans was a junior college star, where he also scored 41 points in a basketball game. He threw the shot 61 feet in high school.

Winans was one wire service's second-team All-Pacific Coast a year ago but otherwise didn't get too many honors. He was second on the team with eight sacks."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

WALT PATULSKI

Defensive End
No. 85
Notre Dame
"Patulski was the No. 1 choice in the entire football draft a year ago. He enhanced his image during his first season in the pros but he could have been more impressed with the way the pros play.
'The whole organization of pro football is cold,' he says. 'Everybody goes their own way. I've developed into a loner.' He did keep a few opposing quarterbacks company, though. But there, too, he has a slight problem. Like the day he had to think first before forcing himself to clobber Johnny Unitas, an old hero of his.
'I'm placid in a game. I don't loaf but I play too easy, too unemotional.' The Bills figure they are getting pretty good feedback from their $150,000-a-year star. He signed a three-year contract."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

"One of pro football's finest rookies of the 1972 season, Walt was the Bills' and pro football's first draft selection.

Possessed with great strength and mobility, he was named All-America in six major polls in 1971, his senior year at Notre Dame. Walt received the Lombardi Award as the top college lineman and played in two bowl games."

-1973 Topps No. 293

AL COWLINGS

Defensive End

No. 82

USC

"Al stepped right in as a rookie for the Bills in 1970 and won a starting defensive end job. As one of Buffalo's best pass rushers, his speed and quickness, coupled with experience, give him All-Pro potential.

Al earned All-American recognition during his senior year at USC, where he was a teammate of boyhood friend and Bill teammate O.J. Simpson."

-1973 Topps No. 16

EARL EDWARDS 

Defensive End

No. 73

Wichita State

"Born in Tampa, Florida, Earl played tackle at Howard Blake High School. During his three years at Wichita State University, he won the Most Valuable Player award, was named Lineman of the Year and was All-Conference and honorable mention All-American.

Earl joined the Eskimos on August 15, 1967 in a trade with the Ottawa Roughriders. He's considered by head coach Neill Armstrong to have the highest potential in the C.F.L. He caught the attention of several N.F.L. teams this winter but signed with Edmonton.."

-1968 O-Pee-Chee No. 108

HALVOR HAGEN

Defensive End-Guard

No. 88

Weber State

"Secured by the Patriots from the Cowboys in a 1971 trade, Halvor moved into a starting guard spot and has been a big plus for the offensive line. He was Dallas' third draft choice in 1969 and played defense as a rookie, switching to offense in 1970.

Possessed with excellent speed, Halvor can back up at center."

-1973 Topps No. 58

1973 Buffalo Bills Defensive Back Profiles

ROBERT JAMES

Cornerback
No. 20
Fisk
"A real surprise for the Bills, who, in turn, were a surprise on pass defense because of him. James had only one interception for the season but played strong as the Bills finished seventh overall among all NFL teams on pass defense. His one steal, however, preserved Buffalo's exciting 24-17 upset of the Washington Redskins. He bumps and runs with the best cornerbacks in the game.
James went to the Bills as a free agent in 1969, first playing with the special teams. In 1970 he started at the corner and in 1971 intercepted four passes to lead the team. He reached his peak in 1972 when he was chosen to play in the Pro Bowl. He's the first player from Fisk to start in the pros."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

"Selected for the AFC's Pro Bowl squad in 1972, Bob is one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL. An aggressive tackler, he excels in man-to-man coverage."

-1973 Topps No. 120

DWIGHT HARRISON

Cornerback-Wide Receiver

No. 28

Texas A&I

A second-round draft choice of the Denver Broncos in 1971, Dwight was acquired by the Bills in exchange for Haven Moses during the 1972 season. This year he makes the switch from wide receiver to cornerback.

Dwight excelled at both positions at Texas A&I and was named Flanker of the Decade in the Lone Star conference. A track standout, he once ran the 100-yard dash in 9.5 seconds.

JOHN PITTS

Strong Safety

No. 48

Arizona State

"Possessed with excellent size (6-4, 215) and good speed, John enters his sixth year as the Bills' strong safety. His rookie year of 1967 was spent as a receiver."

-1973 Topps No. 178

ERNIE KELLERMAN  

Strong Safety

No. 24

Miami-Ohio

"His entrance into the pros was obscure, but Ernie Kellerman made up for it with a splashy rookie campaign. Drafted 12th by the Dallas Cowboys in 1965, he was one of the last players they cut before the season opened. The Browns signed him as a free agent and carried him on the cab squad for that season. Then, last year, he got a trial at strong safety and won the job.

He was a tenacious defender who added needed speed to the secondary, and he showed a healthy appetite for tackling. Ernie made three interceptions and now the Browns feel he can only improve.

A six-footer weighing 183 pounds, he was a left-handed quarterback at Miami of Ohio."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1967

"Determined, aggressive, steady and hard working, Ernie is extremely versatile and can be used as a strong-side safety or as a cornerback by the well-knit Cleveland defensive squad.

Ernie was a quarterback in college."

-1969 Topps No. 96

"A fine southpaw quarterback at Miami of Ohio, Ernie made All-Mid-America Conference three straight seasons and received honorable mention in 1963 and 1964 on several All-America squads. He set many school and conference records as a roll-out passer. Ernie threw an 88-yard touchdown pass that enabled Miami to upset  Purdue, 10-7, in 1962, in the game voted as 'Upset of the Year' by one of the national wire services.

Ernie played defense for only three plays in his college career but was pressed into defensive duty with the Browns in 1966 due to another player's injury. He's a smart, alert tactician and calls most of the team's 'forces' for defensive backs and linebackers on opponents' sweeps.

Ernie is the only member of the Brown who's a native of Cleveland."

-1971 Topps No. 7

"Rated as one of the Brown's more dependable tacklers, Ernie is a totally dedicated player. Signed by the Browns as a free agent in 1965, he stepped in at safety in a switch caused by Walter Beach's injury and has been there since 1966.

Ernie was a left-handed quarterback in college."

-1972 Topps No. 162

TONY GREENE

Free Safety

No. 43

Maryland

Tony led the Atlantic Coast Conference in interceptions as a ju‭nior and was team captain as a senior. His time of 9.5 in the 100-yard dash is a Maryland record. Tony won a starting job for the Bills in 1972 after being used mostly on special teams as a rookie.

ALVIN WYATT

Defensive Back-Kick Returner

No. 41

"Competitive spirit and willingness to learn made Alvin a valuable addition to the Bills in 1971. Acquired from the Raiders, he led the Bills in both kickoff  and punt returns in 1972."

-1973 Topps No. 362

1973 Profile: Dennis Shaw

Quarterback

No. 16

San Diego State

"Some good, some bad came out of the 1972 season for Shaw. He predicted a possible 10-win season for the Bills and they didn't quite make half of that, but he had a better year than 1971. That year, he recalls, 'I was frustrated with myself, the coaching staff, the Bills organization, everything. What do you expect in a 1-13 season?' He lost 26 passes to the opposition on intercepts in 1971; he cut that down to 17 last season.

Shaw threw fewer passes than ever in 1972 (only 258) but hit on 52.7% and tossed for 14 scores. He had three coaches in his first three years with the Bills and blames that for some of his problems. He wore contact lenses for the first time in '72; he doesn't like to see reporters, though.

'I don't like interviews,' he says. 'There are some things the public isn't entitled to know.' Interceptions might be one of those things."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

"The AFC's ninth leading passer in 1972, Dennis' longest passing play of the season was a 58-yard touchdown pass to J.D. Hill. He has a fine ability to read a defense."

-1973 Topps No. 525

1973 Profile: Lou Saban

Head Coach

TIP FROM THE COACH

"'I've always told this team that names don't mean anything to me,' says Lou Saban, who heads one of the youngest casts in pro football, many of whom have come into the league without big reputations. "You had to play and if you didn't want to play we'd get others who did."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Football, 1973 Edition

1973 Buffalo Bills Outlook

DRAFT REVIEW

"If O.J. Simpson could gain 1,200 yards behind an injury-depleted line, what could he do with the addition of two first-round blockers up front? Lou Saban decided to find out and went for Paul Seymour, ranked among the top three tackles, and Joe DeLamielleure, another Big Ten standout.

Three of the Bills' next five picks were defensive tackles- Jeff Winans, Bob Kampa and Jeff Yeates- to fill an equally pressing need. Saban sees Winans as a starter, with Don Croft moving to end. Supposedly, he's disenchanted with Al Cowlings. Dennis Shaw is not necessarily the quarterback of the future in Buffalo, although he might change behind improved blocking. If he doesn't, Saban can try Joe Ferguson, who excited much pro interest as a junior, then slumped during a senior season clouded by 'personal problems.' The Bills also drafted strong-armed Grambling quarterback Matt Reed, best small-school cornerback Donny Walker, and middle-round linebacker help. Rating: 7 1/2 (Under 4 is poor, 4-5 fair, 6-7 good, over 7 excellent)"

-Ed Stone, Football Digest, June 1973

TEAM DIRECTORY

President: Ralph Wilson, Jr.

General Manager: Bob Lustig

Coach: Lou Saban

Assistant Coaches: Bill Atkins, Stan Jones, John Ray, Jim Ringo, Bob Shaw

Trainer: Ed Abromoski

Office: 69 West Mohawk St., Buffalo, NY, 14202 

Stadium: Erie County (80,000)

Colors: Royal Blue, White, Scarlet

Training Camp: Niagara University, Niagara, NY

-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1973 Edition)

"Like any other coach taking over a 1-13 team, Lou Saban predicted marked improvements for the Bills last season. But to his credit, Saban delivered. The team improved by three-and-a-half games in the standings and maybe more so in appearance.
This a young team. As O.J. Simpson said in the team's huddle before the first game of the season, 'Okay, does everybody here know everybody?'
The Bills had a lot of injuries last season so they didn't get to know each other very well. Only about half the players made it through all 14 games and there was a point where Lou Saban was about ready to start combing the stands for offensive guards. The Bills made more than their share of off-season trades and had what seems to be another fine draft; the main job is to patch up the offensive line and repair the linebacking corps. Whether Dennis Shaw can fulfill the promise he showed as a rookie may make the difference as this club tries to climb past Baltimore and the New York Jets to become a second-place contender."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

OFFENSIVE BACKFIELD
"The mysterious Mr. Shaw must start delivering his passes more consistently. As a rookie he showed he could. But he has dumped a lot of his throws into enemy hands since that fine start in 1970. Shaw will be pushed this year by second-year man Leo Hart and rookie Joe Ferguson, a third-round choice from Arkansas.
When J.D. Hill improved last season, the whole pass-catching department was on the upgrade. Hill caught 52, fourth highest in the AFC. Bob Chandler, a third-year man like Hill, caught 33 on the other flank. Both get good distance with their catches. Dwight Harrison, picked up last season from Denver, could see more action as the backup receiver. Except for him, the Bills have little in the wide receiver corps. Jan White, the tight end, didn't see the ball much last season but he's a flyer for his size and may be a secret weapon once this team gets into contention.
Buffalo has the ideal deep backs in O.J. and Jim Braxton. Both can run and catch. They caught 51 passes between them last season. O.J., of course, came into his own as a runner, gaining 1,251 yards to lead all NFL rushers. Braxton, the heavy-duty back, gained another 453 yards but after him the running attack tapers off sharply. This team could use a good number three back now that Wayne Patrick has been traded."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

OFFENSIVE LINE
"Herein lies the tale to Buffalo's future. The Bills quarterbacks got sacked 49 times for 411 yards in losses last year. Granted there were a lot of injuries but excuses aren't going to prolong Dennis Shaw's life. Reggie McKenzie, a guard who made the all-rookie team, is good at pulling out for Simpson but must upgrade his pass blocking. The other guard could well be Joe DeLamielleure, a Michigan State rookie and first-round draft choice. Another first-round choice, Paul Seymour of Michigan (the seventh man taken in the draft), could be at tackle. Mike Montler, who came in a trade from New England, could get a tackle berth though Paul Costa and Donnie Green figure because of last year's experience. Jim Reilly, who was out all season with an injury, is back at guard. Bruce Jarvis is at center."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

DEFENSIVE LINE
"Walt Patulski established himself at end. Jerry Patton played all 14 games at tackle as a rookie. Don Croft and Steve Okoniewski, also second-year men, will wage a battle with high draft picks Jeff Winans (Southern Cal) and Bob Kampa (California) at tackle. But Halvor Hagen, who the Bills think is a 'sleeper,' must replace the traded Al Cowlings at end."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD
"Picking linebackers in Buffalo is like playing roulette. Jim Cheyunski, obtained from New England, could be a factor along with veterans Dale Farley, Dick Cunningham and Mike Stratton. Ken Lee, who led the team in interceptions with six, figures somewhere.
Bob James is an outstanding cornerback. Young Tony Greene and veteran Alvin Wyatt fill the other job. The safety position is improved because of young Mike Tyler, a rookie last season, who joined John Pitts and another 1972 rookie, John Saunders, in the deep spots."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

SPECIALISTS
"Buffalo didn't force too many punts last season but the Bills did get to return a lot of kickoffs. The punt returns were fair, with Wyatt the best man, and the kickoff returns were good, with Wyatt and Greene hauling them back.
The Bills got a surprisingly good year out of kicker John Leypoldt, who made good on 16 of his 24 field goals. But the punting, handled by Spike Jones last season, must improve."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

OUTLOOK
"Buffalo could conceivably start eight men on offense and six on defense who have been in the league for two years or less. O.J. Simpson, with four seasons behind him, is becoming a senior citizen on this squad. But it's a very promising young group that is building, not rebuilding. Look for more improvement."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

1973 Buffalo Bills' Big Play

"This is one of how O.J. Simpson had a 1,000-plus yard year. The quarterback fakes a pitch to the running back going outside, then hands off to O.J., who starts outside, then cuts up the middle after taking the handoff."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1973 Edition

"OFFENSE: The Bills went 4-9-1 last year, their best record since 1966. O.J. Simpson led the league in rushing with 1,251 yards. And the Bills will have a new ballpark this season, an 80,000-seat beauty in Orchard Park.
Buffalo defeated playoff-bound San Francisco and Washington and tied a good Detroit club. The Bills also came closest to stopping Miami's perfect season, 23-24, and also gave the Dolphins a good scrap in the rematch before falling, 30-16.
Simpson accumulated 1,562 yards of Buffalo's 3,733 yards of total offense- 1,251 rushing, 198 catching 27 passes and another 113 on five-of-eight pass completions. Coach Lou Saban had a good thing going for him and he used it at the expense of the passing game that ranked last in the conference with 114.4 yards a game. Jim Braxton added 443 yards rushing.
Quarterback Dennis Shaw made a mild comeback from his 1971 disaster by completing 52.2 percent of his passes for 1,666 yards and 14 touchdowns.
J.D. Hill was the third busiest receiver in the conference with 52 catches for a 14.5 average and five touchdowns. Bobby Chandler added 33 catches and five touchdowns.
The offensive line captured Saban's attention during the draft. Buffalo had two picks in the first round and both are offensive linemen. No. 1a, Paul Seymour, a 6-5, 252 tackle from Michigan and No. 1b, Joe DeLamielleure, a guard from Michigan State. DeLamielleure was selected on a choice held by the Miami Dolphins but yielded for the negotiating rights to receiver Marlin Briscoe.
The third pick was Arkansas quarterback Joe Ferguson, one of those best-athlete-available selections. The offense was characterized by inconsistency. The Bills were shut out once, held to a field goal another time and managed just a touchdown on a third occasion. It is an offense that must average more than 18.4 points a game to survive.
DEFENSE: Buffalo plucked Walter Patulski off the Notre Dame campus last year, gave him a piece of real estate and said, 'Now work for it.' Patulski, the very first pick in the college draft, stood his ground to a degree but it was all very frustrating. It can get difficult at times when you are a defensive end on a defensive line that gives up 160 yards rushing per game, only better than three other teams in your conference.
'The opponents don't just come to my side, they like to spread it around,' Patulski said. 'Frankly, we had our troubles, defensively. We had two rookies starting. Jerry Patton's been on taxi squads for two years, so Al Cowlings is the only experienced man on the line. They've just been sort of attacking us in general.' Walter was not pleased with his rookie performance. 'I expected there'd be a lot to learn but I thought I'd be able to pick it up quicker than I did. In college, we never used any techniques. It was a matter of just trying to knock somebody out of there, that's all. We kept using that approach week after week and getting away with it. You don't get away with that in the pros.'
Cowlings has been sentenced to a fate worse than Buffalo- Houston- so now it's up to Walter and his young buddy, Patton, and a bunch of rookies to improve the pass rush that decked quarterbacks a mere 22 times. Second-round draft choice Jeff Winans (6-2, 238) of Southern Cal, No. 3 Bob Kampa (6-4, 250) of California and fourth-round pick Jeff Yeates (6-2, 238) may help. Halvor Hagen, acquired from New England, could step into a starting job as should middle linebacker Jim Cheyunski. Linebacker Paul Guidry was also sent to Houston for defensive end Allen Aldridge, who was no higher than third at his position on the Oilers' final depth chart last season.
The defensive backfield situation is chaotic, with John Pitts, Alvin Wyatt, John Saunders, Maurice Tyler and rookie Don Walker, a fourth-round pick from Central Ohio State, figured in there somewhere. Linebacker Ken Lee led the team with six interceptions, and Tyler and Wyatt had four apiece.
Turnovers continued to plague the Bills last season. They lost 15 of 29 fumbles and recovered only eight of the opposition fumbles. But the people in Buffalo are excited. They have been watching a highlight film titled 'A Year to Cheer' and they are enthused about 1973. Saban's boys should be so excited.
SPECIAL TEAMS: John Leypoldt scored 77 points on 16 of 24 field goals, which was good. Spike Jones averaged 38.8 yards on punts, which was bad. It was doubly bad because the punts were returned 8.4 yards, a rather high average. Alvin Wyatt was the sixth swiftest kickoff return man in the conference with a 25.4 average and he returned 11 punts an average of 7.7 yards. Buffalo's special teams could be better but they have been worse.
QUESTIONS: The defensive line needs help badly. The offensive line needs help badly. The rushing defense needs help badly. The punting could be better.
STRENGTHS: A new atmosphere of a new stadium, O.J. being a dangerous runner and Wyatt leading the way on returns.
OUTLOOK: The Bills could pull a shocker this season and finish second behind Miami in the division."

-Al Levine, Gridiron News 1973 Pro Yearbook


"For a long time, it's been hard to suppress a chuckle at the Buffalo Bills. The Bills counted it as a good year when they won more than two games. O.J. Simpson made some of the finest runs of the season just getting to the line of scrimmage. The Bills' stadium was in the ghetto and the ghetto residents complained because it gave the neighborhood a bad name.
All that may not be changed, but it's getting better.
The ghetto residents are still stuck with that awful stadium, but the Bills will play their games in a new 80,000-seat park in the suburbs. The old stadium had a capacity of 46,206.
O.J. led the National Football in ground-gaining last year and the Bills actually started to beat winning teams.
To be sure, Buffalo's record was an un-miracle 4-9-1 in '72. But it was the best mark turned in by the Bills since 1966. The difference, for the team and especially for Simpson, was that Lou Saban returned to coach.
The Bills enjoyed their greatest days during the first Saban era, when they won back-to-back championships in the American League of 1964-65.
O.J. got the ball more than he ever dreamed he'd get it as a pro. He carried 292 times for 1,251 yards, 35 more than Larry Brown of Washington. Saban's idea was not only to make total use of the game's most exciting runner but to cut down on his team's mistakes.
Saban reasoned that his offensive lads could get into less mischief if they concentrated solely on giving O.J. some daylight. The result was far fewer turnovers and some impressive holes for the Juice. Even the wide receivers, J.D. Hill and Bob Chandler, blocked.
Given some help, O.J. became worth the price of admission. He went over 100 yards six times, raced 94 yards- longest in four NFL seasons- for a touchdown against Pittsburgh's good defense and then capped the year with a spectacular show that helped sink the Washington Redskins in a final upset.
Saban gave him a hard-blocking, hard-running cohort, Jim Braxton, but the coach is pondering an even more explosive partner this season. He is Randy Jackson, the sole survivor of the plane crash that wiped out the Wichita University team three years ago.
Actually, Simpson had a spectacular year despite a severe handicap. The Bills went through seven guards, four centers and four tackles in a scourge of illness and injury.
To backstop against another siege like that, Saban used both his first-round draft picks to acquire offensive linemen, tackle Paul Seymour of Michigan and guard Joe DeLamiellere of Michigan State. In addition, he traded for guard Mike Montler of New England, and two solid starters, center Bruce Jarvis and guard Irv Goode, come off the injury list.
The Bills haven't abandoned the passing game, even if it appears that way at times. Dennis Shaw hasn't duplicated the rookie season he had three years ago but his 14 '72 touchdown passes tied a club record.
Hill, an embryo superstar, and Chandler split 10 scoring receptions last year.
John Leypoldt was a walk-on surprise in training camp two years ago and now has two better-than-satisfactory field-goaling seasons to his credit.
While Saban has made good progress in lining up studs to grind it out on offense, it has been slower going in his effort to build a defense.
Walt Patulski was the No. 1 pick in the whole draft last year, and the big end from Notre Dame justified the honor by having a strong season. The Bills picked up another prize when they claimed rookie tackle Don Croft from Baltimore. Two openings remain, however. One may be filled by end Halvor Hagen, another trade acquisition from New England.
The team's most critical area is linebacking. The trade with New England brought a middle linebacker, Jim Cheyunski. Ken Lee, a youngster who played only part-time last year but led the club in interceptions, will be moved outside.
Steadiest of the outside linebackers was Dave Washington, the stringbean from Denver. Mike Stratton has been around a dozen seasons but young Dale Farley, the ex-Dolphin, got to start the last game and played strongly against Miami. He will get a chance at the first-string job.
The Bills possess cornerbacks a contender would envy. Robert James made the Pro Bowl last year and Don Shula, the Miami coach, calls him 'the best in the conference.' His counterpart, Tony Greene, covers as well as most anyone in the AFC.
Safety is a problem. John Saunders, a rookie claimed off the Los Angeles roster, Chuck Detwiler, an acquisition from San Diego, and soph Maurice Tyler will try to unscramble it."

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1973

OFFENSE
"QUARTERBACKS: Shaw hasn't lived up to the promise of his rookie season. Leo Hart didn't look like the answer in his brief appearances. Joe Ferguson had a bad senior season but he could have a pro future. Matt Reed may be a tight end.
Performance Quotient: 4 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
RUNNING BACKS: O.J. finally moved mountains, just as they said he would when he was a legend in college. Who knows what he could do with first-rate blocking? Braxton came on strong at the end, looking like a competent power back. Jackson has great potential. Bo Cornell, from the Browns, and Ted Koy are scheduled for spot duty.
Performance Quotient: 2
RECEIVERS: Hill finished fourth in the AFC with 52 catches and also scored five touchdowns, yet J.D. hasn't approached his full potential. He could be one of the great ones. Chandler, a great athlete with less-than-great tools, caused Haven Moses to be traded to Denver for Dwight Harrison. Dwight is a future stock. Jan White, undersized for NFL tight ends, wasn't thrown to much. Jack Gehrke, from Denver, is nothing special. Wallace Francis is a sleeper.
Performance Quotient: 3
INTERIOR LINEMEN: Big changeover is due here. An injury siege caused constant change in last year's line. Only enormous Donnie Green, in his third year as a starter, stayed constant. Ex-Jet Dave Foley played better for Buffalo than he ever did in New York. Reggie McKenzie made the All-Rookie club. He was '72's best lineman here. Goode, hurt in a preseason game, sat out the campaign. Jarvis got hurt in the opener and never played again. Montler, from New England, can step in if somebody falters.
Coach Saban made Seymour and DeLamielleure his two first-round draftees.
Performance Quotient: 3
KICKERS: Mike Clark broke his arm in a summer game. Leypoldt had his second promising season with a 16-for-24 field goal performance. Punter Spike Jones does his job.
Performance Quotient: 2"

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1973

DEFENSE
"FRONT LINEMEN: Patulski ended up playing like the No. 1 pick in the draft in the draft is supposed to play. Part of the Bills' future is tied to his development. A master stroke was claiming rookie Croft from the Colts. Baltimore made an error. He played as well as Patulski. Another hole was filled when Jerry Patton was plucked off Minnesota's taxi squad. Hagen, new to Buffalo and new to defense, could be a gem. Jeff Winans was drafted high for an eventual starting spot. Allen Aldridge came in a trade with Houston. The others fight to stay.
Performance Quotient: 3
LINEBACKERS: One of Buffalo's major trouble spots. No one is proven here. Dick Cunningham and Cheyunski, from New England, duel here. Lee looked sharp at times last year. He will go outside. Stratton finished well, but at 32 how long has he got? Washington, acquired from Denver last year, has been a peaks-and-valleys guy throughout his career. Ex-Dolphin Farley may get a big shot. John Skorupan made All-America at Penn State.
Performance Quotient: 4
CORNERBACKS: James quietly edged into the ne-plus-ultra of cornerbacks. He puts clamps on the stars and made All-Pro. Greene demonstrated first-rate coverage ability in his first year as a starter. Newcomer Don Walker could battle Leon Garror and Alvin Wyatt, the kick returner, for a place on the bench.
Performance Quotient: 2
SAFETIES: Another troublesome area. Saunders, plucked from L.A. as a rookie, started late and showed well. Tyler played brilliantly at times as a rookie. Detwiler, a former San Diego starter, can help here.
Performance Quotient: 3"

-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1973

"Sensational O.J. Simpson, running behind a makeshift offensive line, still managed to gain 1,251 yards as he emerged as the NFL's leading rusher. Simpson's individual total was only 86 yards shy of the 1,337 produced the year before by the entire team. It was on the strength of O.J.'s remarkable achievement that the Bills managed to finish as high as sixth in the league's overall rushing statistics.

Others who contributed to the Buffalo ground attack include Jim Braxton (453) and Wayne Patrick with another 130 yards; the latter, however, has been dealt to the Patriots. Buffalo had two first-round selections (Miami's first pick, received in exchange for Marlin Briscoe). It selected Paul Seymour, an offensive tackle from Michigan who seems destined to win a spot at left tackle, and Joe DeLamielleure, a promising guard from Michigan State.

Even he's coming off a knee injury, Irv Goode is expected to be the full-time center, while Reggie McKenzie and Don Green are listed as the starters at left guard and right tackle. Additional help could come from two former Patriots, Halvor Hagen and Mike Montler.

Dennis Shaw, the Bills' fourth-year quarterback who was such a statistical sensation in his rookie season, improved slightly over the performance that ruined his sophomore year. Last season, Shaw placed ninth in the AFC with a 52.7 completion ratio that produced 1,666 yards and 14 touchdowns. More significantly, Shaw cut down on his tendency to throw the interception- a drop from 26 to 17.

One of the main reasons why Shaw seemed to have a better season was the fact that J.D. Hill, the two-year speed merchant, was completely healthy throughout the entire schedule. Hill, who missed nine games in his rookie season because of knee surgery, exploded on the AFC scene with 52 catches, good for 754 yards, five touchdowns and a 14.5 per catch.

Shaw's other receivers include the talented Bob Chandler (33-525-5) and tight end Jan White (12-148-2), with Dwight Harrison and rookies Wallace Francis (Arkansas AM&N) and Mike Repond (Arkansas) in reserve.

Coach Lou Saban is also making slow but sure progress in attaining his defensive goals. It took a little bit longer than expected, but Walt Patulski eventually began to show the ability that made him the No. 1 pick in the draft a year ago. The coaches feel that he will improve greatly as he gains experience.

Last year's draft could produce the ingredients for a fine interior defensive line in the person of Jeff Winans, the second-round selection from USC, and third-round draftee from the University of California. They will, however, have to beat a group of holdovers that includes Mike McBath, Jerry Patton and Bob Tatarek at tackle as well as Louis Ross at end.

The Bills' linebacking needs depth behind the starting trio of newcomer Jim Cheyunski, Ken Lee (the rookie who led all linebackers with six interceptions) and Dale Farley. Such help is expected to come from the likes of Dave Washington, Mike Stratton, Andy Selfridge, and rookies John Skorupan (Penn State) and Brian McConnell (Michigan State).

Robert James, the Bills' left cornerback, is referred to by one NFL personnel man as 'The Magnet' because of his close coverage of opposing receivers. The unheralded five-year vet played in his first Pro Bowl this past season, and many of the NFC wide receivers were amazed at his speed and moves. The rest of the Buffalo secondary is greatly improved as well. Alvin Wyatt is the other starter on the corners, and the regular safeties are Maurice Tyler and Tony Greene. Challenging them for playing time will be Chuck Detwiler (a former starter with San Diego) and seven-year man John Pitts.

Even though John Leypoldt had a fine 16-of-24 year in the field goal department, he is expected to face a stiff challenge from Mike Clark. The former Cowboy won the Bills' kicking job only to be sidelined for the entire 1972 season with a broken arm.

If O.J. is able to stay free from injury, he will again be at or near the top of the rushing stats, especially if his offensive line develops along the lines of Saban's grand design.

While Buffalo is not yet a contender, some of the teams that are, such as Kansas City, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Miami and the Jets, will not enjoy their visits to the Bills' new 75,000-seat stadium, nor will they look forward to defending both Simpson and Hill- in other words, you can look for the Bills to play the role of spoiler throughout the length of their schedule.

Predicted Finish: 4th."

-Frank Ross & the Editors, Pro Football Illustrated 1973

"The great balance, speed and maneuverability of O.J. Simpson has long been demonstrated, but in 1972 he led the league in ground gaining with 1,251 yards.

Simpson is the generator of the Bills' offensive thrust. The Bills' Dennis Shaw, figured by some to have the potential of Miami's Bob Griese, cut down on his interceptions in his third year as the starting quarterback.

It could be Shaw is ready to come on strong. If he doesn't, the Bills are going to be disappointed. He has three full seasons as the No. 1 quarterback behind him and if he's going to make a mark something has to start falling into place.

Coach Lou Saban's philosophy is to play ball control and Shaw isn't going to be doing much gambling. Saban says, 'It took us a year to get to know each other, coaches and players, and perhaps we can put to good use what we learned last season. I think if we can stay relatively healthy we will not only have a decent season but perhaps we'll surprise some people.'

Saban went about bolstering his offensive and defensive lines and he drafted in that direction, taking tackle Paul Seymour of Michigan and guard Joe DeLamielleure of Michigan State. Last year, the offensive line was shattered by a succession of injuries, including the loss of five guards.

Much of the promise offered by J.D. Hill, when he was drafted No. 1 two years ago, is starting to evidence itself. Hill has speed and mobility and caught 52 passes last year for 754 yards. The Shaw-to-Hill combination should complement all the things Simpson can do, making the Bills a more balanced offensive force."

-John Steadman, Football Digest (September 1973)

1973 BUFFALO BILLS ROSTERS

Buffalo Bills 1973 Veteran Roster

60 Bill Adams (G) Holy Cross

Allen Aldridge (DE) Prairie View

34 Jim Braxton (RB) West Virginia

81 Bob Chandler (WR) USC

Jim Cheyunski (LB) Syracuse

7    Mike Clark (K) Texas A&M

79 Paul Costa (T) Notre Dame

72 Don Croft (DT) Texas-El Paso

63 Dick Cunningham (LB) Arkansas 

57 Dale Farley (LB) West Virginia

78 Dave Foley (T) Ohio State

47 Leon Garror (CB) Alcorn A&M

Jack Gehrke (WR) Utah

65 Irv Goode (C) Kentucky

74 Donnie Green (T) Purdue

43 Tony Greene (CB) Maryland

Halvor Hagen (DE) Weber State

28 Dwight Harrison (WR) Texas A&M

10 Leo Hart (QB) Duke

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)  

67 Reggie McKenzie (G) Michigan

55 Bill McKinley (LB) Arizona

Mike Montler (G) Colorado

88 Steve Okoniewski (DT) Montana

77 Jerry Patton (DT) Nebraska

85 Walt Patulski (DE) Notre Dame

69 Bob Penchion (G) Alcorn A&M

48 John Pitts (S) Arizona State

61 Jim Reilly (G) Notre Dame

87 Louis Ross (DE) South Carolina State

21 John Saunders (S)Toledo

64 Andy Selfridge (LB) Virginia

16 Dennis Shaw (QB) San Diego State

32 O.J. Simpson (RB) USC

58 Mike Stratton (LB) Tennessee 

Clem Turner (RB) Cincinnati

42 Maurice Tyler (S) Morgan State

86 Dave Washington (LB) Alcorn State

80 Jan White (TE) Ohio State

41 Alvin Wyatt (CB) Bethune-Cookman

-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1973 Edition)

1973 Rookies in Draft Order

Paul Seymour (T) Michigan

Joe DeLamielleure (G) Michigan State

Jeff Winans (DT) USC

Joe Ferguson (QB) Arkansas

Bob Kampa (DT) California

Don Walker (DB) Central State, Ohio

Jeff Yeates (DT) Boston College

Wallace Francis (WR) Arkansas AM&N

John Skorupan (LB) Penn State

Brian McConnell (LB) Michigan State

John Ford (TE) Henderson State

Lee Fobbs (RB) Grambling

Mike Reppond (WR) Arkansas

Matthew Reed (QB) Grambling

John LeHeup (LB) South Carolina

Richard Earl (T) Tennessee

Ron Carroll (DT) Sam Houston

Merv Krakau (LB) Iowa State

Joe Rizzo (LB) Kings Point

Vince O'Neil (RB) Kansas

John Stearns (DB) Colorado

-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1973 Edition) 

OFFENSE
Quarterbacks
Dennis Shaw (San Diego State)
Leo Hart (Duke)
Joe Ferguson (Arkansas)*
Matt Reed (Grambling)*

Running Backs
O.J. Simpson (USC)
Jim Braxton (West Virginia)
Randy Jackson (Wichita)
Bo Cornell (Washington)
Ted Koy (Texas)

Receivers
J.D. Hill (W) (Arkansas)
Bob Chandler (W) (USC)
Jan White (T) (Ohio State)
Dwight Harrison (W) (Texas A & I)
Jack Gehrke (W) (Utah)
Wallace Francis (W) (Texas AM & N)*
James Ford (T) (Henderson State)
(W)-Wide Receiver  (T)-Tight End

Interior Linemen
Donnie Green (T) (Purdue)
Dave Foley (T) (Ohio State)
Reggie McKenzie (G) (Michigan)
Irv Goode (G) (Kentucky)
Bruce Jarvis (C) (Washington)
Mike Montler (G) (Colorado)
Paul Seymour (T) (Michigan)*
Joe DeLamielleure (G) (Michigan State)*
Bob Penchion (G) (Alcorn A & M)
(T)-Tackle  (G)-Guard  (C)-Center

Kickers
John Leypoldt
Mike Clark (Texas A & M)
Spike Jones (Georgia)

DEFENSE
Front Linemen
Walt Patulski (E) (Notre Dame)
Halvor Hagen (E) (Weber State)
Don Croft (T) (Texas-El Paso)
Jerry Patton (T) (Nebraska)
Jeff Winans (T) (USC)*
Allen Aldridge (E) (Prairie View)
Lou Ross (E) (South Carolina State)
Bob Kampa (T) (California)*
Jeff Yeates (T-E) (Boston College)*
(E)-End  (T)-Tackle

Linebackers
Dave Washington (O) (Alcorn A & M)
Mike Stratton (O) (Tennessee)
Jim Cheyunski (M) (Syracuse)
Dale Farley (O) (West Virginia)
Dick Cunningham (M) (Arkansas)
Ken Lee (M-O) (Washington)
John Skorupan (O) (Penn State)*
(O)-Outside Linebacker  (M)-Middle Linebacker

Cornerbacks
Robert James (Fisk)
Tony Greene (Maryland)
Leon Garror (Alcorn A & M)
Donnie Walker (Central Ohio)*
Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman)

Safeties
Chuck Detwiler (S-W) (Utah State)'
John Saunders (W) (Toledo)
Maurice Tyler (S) (Morgan State)
John Pitts (S) (Arizona State)
(S)-Strong Side  (W)-Weak Side or 'Free' Safety

* Rookie

-Pro Football 1973 published by Cord Communications, Corp.

1973 Buffalo Bills Revised 40-Man Roster (after final cutdown before the start of the 1973 regular season)

60 Bill Adams (G) Holy Cross

81 Bob Chandler (WR) USC 

27 Charles Davis (RB) Alcorn A&M

68 Joe DeLamielleure (G) Michigan State

73 Earl Edwards (DT) Wichita

57 Dale Farley (LB) West Virginia

12 Joe Ferguson (QB) Arkansas

78 Dave Foley (T) Ohio State

89 Wallace Francis (WR) Arkansas AM&N

47 Leon Garror (CB) Alcorn A&M

74 Donnie Green (T) Purdue

43 Tony Greene (CB) Maryland

88 Halvor Hagen (DE) Weber State

28 Dwight Harrison (WR) Texas A&M

40 J.D. Hill (WR) Arizona State

20 Robert James (CB) Fisk

51 Bruce Jarvis (C) Washington

80 Ray Jarvis (WR) Norfolk State

11 Spike Jones (P) Georgia 

71 Mike Kadish (DT) Notre Dame

70 Bob Kampa (DE) California

54 Rick Kingrea (LB) Tulane

37 Ted Koy (RB) Texas

52 Merv Krakau (LB) Iowa State

3    John Leypoldt (K)  

67 Reggie McKenzie (G) Michigan

53 Mike Montler (G) Colorado

56 Willie Parker (C-G) North Texas State

77 Jerry Patton (DT) Nebraska

85 Walt Patulski (DE) Notre Dame

69 Bob Penchion (G) Alcorn A&M

48 John Pitts (S) Arizona State

87 Paul Seymour (TE) Michigan

16 Dennis Shaw (QB) San Diego State

32 O.J. Simpson (RB) USC

55 John Skorupan (LB) Penn State

26 Donnie Walker (DB) Central State, Ohio

86 Dave Washington (LB) Alcorn A&M

38 Larry Watkins (RB) Alcorn A&M

75 Jeff Winans (DT) USC

Preseason Inactive List

34 Jim Braxton (RB) West Virginia

50 Jim Cheyunski (MLB) Syracuse

30 Bo Cornell (RB) Washington

-Football Digest (December 1973)  

1973 BUFFALO BILLS DEPTH CHARTS

Offense

QB Dennis Shaw, Leo Hart, Joe Ferguson*, Matt Reed*

RB O.J. Simpson, Ted Koy

RB Jim Braxton, Randy Jackson

WR J.D. Hill, Wallace Francis

T Dave Foley, Paul Seymour*

G Reggie McKenzie, Mike Montler

C Bruce Jarvis

G Irv Goode, Bob Penchion, Joe DeLamielleure*

T Donnie Green

TE Jan White, James Ford

WR Bob Chandler, Dwight Harrison, Jack Gerhke

Defense

DE Walt Patulski, Lou Ross, Jeff Yeates*

DT Don Croft, Jeff Yeates*

DT Jerry Patton, Jeff Winans*, Bob Kampa*

DE Al Cowlings, Halvor Hagen, Allen Aldridge

LB Dave Washington, Ken Lee, John Skorupan*

MLB Jim Cheyunski, Dick Cunningham

LB Mike Stratton, Dale Farley

CB Robert James, Alvin Wyatt

S Maurice Tyler, Chuck Detwiler

S John Saunders, John Pitts

CB Tony Greene, Donnie Walker*, Leon Garror

*rookie

-Pro Football 1973, published by Cord Communications Corporation

OFFENSE

QB Joe Ferguson (Arkansas)*,  Dennis Shaw (San Diego State) 16

HB O.J. Simpson (USC) 32, Bo Cornell (Washington) 30

FB Jim Braxton (West Virginia) 34, Ted Koy (Texas) 37, Larry Watkins (Alcorn A&M) 38

WR J.D. Hill (Arizona State) 40, Ray Jarvis (Norfolk State) 80

T Dave Foley (Ohio State) 78, Bill Adams (Holy Cross) 60                

G Reggie McKenzie (Michigan) 67, Willie Parker (North Texas State)*

C Bruce Jarvis (Washington) 51, Mike Montler (Colorado) 53

G Joe DeLamielleure (Michigan State)*, Bob Penchion (Alcorn State) 69

T Donnie Green (Purdue) 74

TE Paul Seymour (Michigan)*

WR Bob Chandler (USC) 81, Wallace Francis (Arkansas AM&N)*, Dwight Harrison (Texas A&M) 28

DEFENSE

DE Walt Patulski (Notre Dame) 85, Halvor Hagen (Weber State) 88

DT Mike Kadish (Notre Dame) 71, Bob Kampa (California)*

DT Jerry Patton (Nebraska) 77, Jeff Winans (USC)*

DE Earl Edwards (Wichita State)*

LB John Skorupan (Penn State)*, Dale Farley (West Virginia) 57

MLB Jim Cheyunski (Syracuse) 50, Rick Kingrea (Tulane) 54

LB Merv Krakau (Iowa State)*, Dave Washington (Alcorn State) 86

CB Robert James (Fisk) 20

SS John Pitts (Arizona State) 48, Ted Koy (Texas) 37

FS Tony Greene (Maryland) 43, Leon Garror (Alcorn A&M) 47

CB Dwight Harrison (Texas A&M) 28, Donnie Walker (Central State, Ohio)*

SPECIALISTS

K John Leypoldt (Northern Virginia CC) 3

P Spike Jones (Georgia) 10

KR Wallace Francis (Arkansas AM&N) 89    

PR Donnie Walker (Central State, Ohio)*

* rookie

1973 Buffalo Bills Topps Checklist

No. Name  

34   Jim Braxton (running back)

81   Bob Chandler (wide receiver)

26   Linzy Cole (wide receiver)

82   Al Cowlings (defensive end)

63   Dick Cunningham (linebacker)

78   Dave Foley (tackle)

74   Donnie Green (tackle)

40   J.D. Hill (wide receiver)

20   Bob James (cornerback)

11   Spike Jones (punter)

3     John Leypoldt (kicker)

85   Walt Patulski (defensive end)

48   John Pitts (safety)

68   Remi Prudhomme (center)

16   Dennis Shaw (quarterback)

32   O.J. Simpson (running back) (1972 AFC Rushing Leader, 1,251 yards)

58   Mike Stratton (linebacker)

86   Dave Washington (linebacker)

80   Jan White (tight end)

41   Alvin Wyatt (cornerback)

1973 Buffalo Bills Profile Summary

Head Coach - Lou Saban

QB Dennis Shaw (San Diego State) 16

HB O.J. Simpson (USC) 32

FB Jim Braxton (West Virginia) 34

WR J.D. Hill (Arizona State) 40

WR Bob Chandler (USC) 81

WR Dwight Harrison (Texas A&I) 28

WR Linzy Cole (Texas Christian) 26

TE Jan White (Ohio State) 80

TE Paul Seymour (Michigan) 87

C Mike Montler (Colorado) 53

C Remi Prudhomme (LSU) 66

G Reggie McKenzie (Michigan) 67

G Joe DeLamielleure (Michigan State) 68

G Halvor Hagen (Weber State) 88

T Donnie Green (Purdue) 74

T Dave Foley (Ohio State) 78

T Dick Cunningham (Arkansas) 63

DT Jerry Patton (Nebraska) 77

DT Mike Kadish (Notre Dame) 71

DT Jeff Winans (USC) 75

DE Al Cowlings (USC) 82

DE Walt Patulski (Notre Dame) 85

DE Earl Edwards (Wichita State) 73

DE Halvor Hagen (Weber State) 88

MLB Jim Cheyunski (Syracuse) 50

MLB Dick Cunningham (Arkansas) 63

LB Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58

LB Dave Washington (Alcorn A&M) 86

CB Robert James (Fisk) 20

CB Dwight Harrison (Texas A&I) 28

SS John Pitts (Arizona State) 48

SS Ernie Kellerman (Miami-Ohio) 24

FS Tony Greene (Maryland) 43

DB Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41 

K John Leypoldt (Northern Virginia CC) 3

P Spike Jones (Georgia) 10

KR Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41 

PR Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41 

1972 Buffalo Bills Radio Information

"For the first time since they were founded, the Buffalo Bills will switch radio outlets. The new station will be WKBW-Buffalo. The announcers were not determined by press time."

-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

1972 Buffalo Bills Kicker Profiles

JOHN LEYPOLDT

Place Kicker

No. 3

Last year John was given a training camp tryout by the Bills and was signed as a free agent. He was put on waivers before the start of the season, then was activated for the last eight games of the season.

In Week 11, with Buffalo 0-10, John's two field goals, for 48 and 41 yards, and his two extra points were the difference in the team's 27-20 win over the Patriots, the Bills' only win of 1971.

Before joining the Bills, John served 18 months in the Army, played semi-pro football with the Virginia Sailors and worked for the Maryland Gas Company.

MIKE CLARK

Place Kicker

No. 7

Texas A&M

"Obtained from Philadelphia two years ago, Mike has led the Steelers in scoring both years. Last season he kicked 19 extra points and 11 of 19 field attempts for 54 points. Steeler fans are looking for more from Mike in '66."

-1966 Philadelphia No. 148

"Mike came to the Steelers to replace the traded Lou Michaels. He has led the Steelers in scoring the past two years.

Last year he was fifth in the league with 97 points on 34 extra points and an excellent 21 field goals out of 32 attempts."

-1967 Philadelphia No. 149

"The top scoring kicker in the NFL in 1968, Mike topped the circuit with 54 extra points in 54 attempts. Only the Browns' Leroy Kelly scored more points than Mike did last season.

Originally signed as a free agent by the Eagles, the kicker was obtained by the Cowboys from Pittsburgh."

-1969 Topps No. 188

"Mike had never tried to kick a field goal until he went to Texas A&M. He tried it on the freshman team, and after only one game won himself the starting job. Mike's field goals have won many games for the Cowboys.

His hobby is flying."

-1972 Topps No. 27

SPIKE JONES

Punter

No. 11

Georgia

Spike joined the Bills for the second game of the 1971 season and for the year registered a 41.2 punting average. His longest punt was 62 yards.

The Oiler's 4th round draft choice in 1970, he tied a club record with 84 punts for an average of 42.4. He was waived when Dan Pastorini became Houston's punter.

Spike was named All-Southeast Conference in 1968 and 1969. In '69 he was the leading punter in the nation with a 43.5 average on 71 punts. He holds the record for the longest punt in Georgia history, 87 yards.

1972 Buffalo Bills Defensive Back Profiles

ROBERT JAMES

Cornerback

No. 20

Fisk

"Bob moved into a starting cornerback slot in 1970, after playing mainly on special teams as a rookie. He's a tough tackler and open-field defender. The first player from Fisk University to make good in pro football, Bob played linebacker and defensive end at Fisk and was the team's MVP in 1968.

Bob wears contact lenses on the field."

-1972 Topps No. 114

ALVIN WYATT

Cornerback-Kick Returner

No. 41

Bethune-Cookman

"A first-year surprise at cornerback, Wyatt came to Buffalo in a trade with Oakland. He'd been a fine kick returner on the West Coast, having led the Raiders his rookie year (1970), yet was just a special teamer in the Raiders' long list of talent. But in Buffalo he found a starting job, displacing longtime hero Butch Byrd on the right side of the defense.

Alvin intercepted one pass and ran it back 30 yards. He also gave the Bills some real breakaway speed on kick returns and ran back his 30 kickoffs for an average of 25.4 yards. He also averaged a very respectable 8.2 yards for his 23 punt returns and raced 61 yards for a touchdown with one of them.

Wyatt had an 86-yard punt return in college where he was all-conference three years in a row. He played baseball and ran track in college, too. He keeps active with baseball and basketball in the off-seasons."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Football, 1972 Edition

JOHN PITTS

Strong Safety

No. 48

Arizona State

The No. 1 draft choice of the Bills in 1967, John is in his fifth year as Buffalo's starting strong safety. He has outstanding size (6-4, 215) for his position and is known for meeting a sweep with a jarring tackle.

John was both a defensive back and a wide receiver for Arizona State. He was All-Western Athletic Conference in 1965 and '66 and played in the Coaches All-America Game. He also played basketball and ran track.

JACKIE ALLEN

Free Safety

No. 21

Baylor

Known for getting to the ball quickly, Jackie became Buffalo's starting free safety halfway through last season. He has a habit of being in the right place at the right time.

Jackie was a starting defensive back at Baylor for three years and was All-Southwest Conference in 1968. He was also a three-year letterman in track.

He enjoys hunting and fishing and plans on a coaching career after his playing days.

1972 Buffalo Bills Linebacker Profiles

EDGAR CHANDLER

Middle Linebacker

No. 52

Georgia

"A rugged competitor with good speed and agility, Edgar established himself as a middle linebacker in the 1970 season. He scored the first touchdown of his pro career with a 59-yard return of an interception against the Patriots that year.

Edgar was the Bills' 4th pick in 1968. He has four sisters."

-1972 Topps No. 319

MIKE STRATTON

Linebacker

No. 58

Tennessee

The last man left from the glory days of Buffalo's AFL Championships, Mike played in six AFL All-Star Games (1963-68) and was three times all-AFL (1964-65-66). He's known as one the most devastating blitzers among pro linebackers.

Mike played both offensive and defensive end at Tennessee and held the school's reception record until it was broken by former Bill Austin Denney. He has a bachelor of science degree in education and served six years in the Marine Corps Reserve.

PAUL GUIDRY

Linebacker

No. 59

McNeese State

"A first-rate linebacker who has held down his job since 1968, with some time out for injury, Guidry replaced John Tracey as a starter after making a name for himself on special teams. He has made four interceptions, including one last season. Paul reached his peak in 1970 when he was accorded second-team All-AFC honors by United Press.

Guidry started college at Louisiana State but transferred to McNeese State where he starred as an all-conference tight end. Drafted eighth by the Bills in 1966, he has the speed, mobility and talent for snooping out opponents' plays.

Paul is nicknamed 'Gomer' because of his likeness to Jim Nabors of TV fame. He wants to coach someday."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

"An eighth draft choice, Guidry has good speed and mobility. He has the ability to 'read' plays and react quickly.

Guidry was the starting left linebacker for the entire 1970 season. Last year he had an interception for 13 yards."

-1972 Coco-Cola

1972 Buffalo Bills Defensive Line Profiles

FRANK CORNISH 

Defensive Tackle

No. 75

Grambling 

"By the end of last season, Frank Cornish was probably the finest young defensive tackle in the National Football League. A huge and frightening 6-6 and 270 pounds, Frank has tremendous strength and more than adequate agility for a man of his bulk. The Chicago defensive strategy is designed to have him always on the side of the line opposite the offensive tight end.

This is his third year in the league. He came to the Bears after playing collegiate football at Grambling."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968

"The biggest man on the man-eating Bear defensive line is 6-6, 270-pound Frank Cornish, who made a place for himself after only one season in the league. Because of his great size and strength, Frank is always positioned against the strong side of the offense- the side on which the tight end lines up. His presence forces clubs to run the other way, but Frank can also penetrate and get to their quarterback. A couple of seasons ago against the St. Louis Cardinals, he was credited with nine unassisted tackles."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1969

BOB TATAREK

Defensive Tackle

No. 71

Miami

Bob was drafted 2nd in 1968, started all 14 games in '69, was injured most of '70 and started every game in '71. From the rock'em, sock'em school of defensive play, he nails the opposition with hard, sure tackles.

He was an All-American in his senior year at Miami. He played in the Liberty Bowl, Bluebonnet Bowl and College All-Star Game.

Bob majored in business administration and likes hunting, fishing and golf.

AL COWLINGS

Defensive End
No. 82
USC
"He traced O.J.'s footsteps almost to a toenail. Cowlings grew up in San Francisco, attended San Francisco City College, became an All-America at Southern Cal and was a No. 1 draft choice of the Bills- the same path O.J. traveled.
Because of his excellent size, speed and pursuit, Big Al earned a starting job as a rookie and last year gave evidence of being a fledgling star. The Bills' publicity mill says he 'may make a strong bid for All-Pro recognition in 1972.' Cowlings was the team's best pass rusher last year.
He's mod, and a music lover."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

WALT PATULSKI

Defensive End

1st Round

Notre Dame

"At 6-4 and 255 plus, this fellow is supposed to have everything necessary to make it big."

-Bob Billings, Football Digest, January 1972

"The first man taken in the entire draft, he has superstar potential. 21 years old, Patulski is expected to bump veteran Cal Snowden out of a job on the right side of the line. A great college player, he's from Liverpool, New York, not too far from Buffalo. That fact, plus his Polish ancestry, could make him a big star in Buffalo if he can cut it in the pros. Walt is a team player who prides himself on his clean play.

Patulski went to Notre Dame as a fullback prospect and still harbors a desire to carry the ball. He was a prep All-America as a back, and made the nation's all-sophomore team in college and was a consensus All-America as a senior. Walt co-captained the Irish. He wants to go to law school."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

"That big 84 is really going to be something. He is going to a club that can really use a strong pass rush, and this fellow could have been playing for a pro club when he was a junior at Notre Dame. The first time I saw him, I couldn't believe I was watching a college defensive lineman. He's got the right mixture of meanness, confidence and the willingness to learn."

-Anonymous Scout, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

"Patulski was the Bills' first-round draft pick. At Notre Dame, he started every game and received the Lombardi Award as the top college lineman in 1971. Patulski was named All-America in six major polls."

-1972 Coca-Cola

FRED SWENDSEN

Defensive End

3rd Round

Notre Dame

"Fred Swendsen, Notre Dame, 6-4, 235, rates as an excellent prospect. Sooner or later you're bound to notice that the scouts consider the entire Irish front four as excellent prospects."

-Bob Billings, Football Digest, January 1972

1972 Buffalo Bills Offensive Line Profiles

BRUCE JARVIS

Center

No. 51

Washington

"An instant success with the Bills after being a third-round draft choice, Jarvis earned a starting job almost on the first day of training camp and held it throughout the season. He made numerous all-rookie teams. Probably the tallest starting center [6-7] in the game, Jarvis has good range for a center and has been a standout at that position throughout college and his brief pro career.

Bruce was born in Seattle. He played in the Hula Bowl after his senior season as an All-West Coast selection."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

JOHN MATLOCK 

Center

No. 53

Miami

"A member of the Jets' 1966 taxi squad, John played for the Jersey Jets in the ACFL. He was signed as a free agent.

John was a three-year regular for the Hurricanes. He was a four-letter athlete in high school playing football, basketball, track and baseball. He is a student in the off-season.

His nickname is 'Broom.' John's hometown is North Royalton, Ohio."

-The New York Jets Official 1967 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

REGGIE MCKENZIE

Guard

2nd Round

Michigan

"Reggie McKenzie, Michigan, is one of the mainstays of the Wolverine ground game. He can add a few pounds to his 6-4, 225-pound frame."

-Bob Billings, Football Digest, January 1972

"Like Walt Patulski, he has a background as a winner- McKenzie played for two Rose Bowl teams. He can really move. Reggie may have to put on weight but his speed is so good, he can sacrifice some of it.

'Most people projected Reggie in the first round,' says Saban. 'Top line prospects are difficult to come by and McKenzie certainly has the tools.' The Bills got him at the top of the second round. He made a name for himself blocking for record breaking Billy Taylor but in the end it was Reggie who made All-America.

McKenzie is best at blocking for the run; his weakness for pass blocking is credited to inexperience. He is a potential first-year starter on the right side.

He's from Detroit."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

DICK HART 

Guard

No. 62

"In a season in which the Eagles virtually counted the wounded after every pileup, they found some solace in the way rookie guard Dick Hart broke in.

Dick came into the NFL without the benefit of having played college football. He had been an outstanding high school prospect but elected to try baseball instead. After spending several years in the Milwaukee Braves' organization and getting no farther than Double-A ball, he decided to switch back to football.

Incredibly, he won the regular job at left guard in training camp and started all 14 games; he played 374 minutes, more than any other offensive player on the club. What impressed the staff about this 6-2, 255-pounder was quickness and strength."

-Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1968

BOB PENCHION

Guard

5th Round

Alcorn State

"Most scouts rate him right up with the top offensive linemen in college ball."

-Bob Billings, Football Digest , January 1972

DAVE FOLEY 

Offensive Tackle

No. 78

Ohio State

1969

Dave comes to New York as the offensive tackle needed to continue the success of the explosive Jet offense. This 6-5, 255-pound first-rounder clearly has the size and strength needed to assure adequate protection for Namath's passing. This consensus Ohio State All-American also proved his run-blocking prowess as part of the Buckeye squad that won the Rose Bowl.

"Foley came off two knee operations to become a regular at right tackle for the Jets in 1970. Drafted 1st in 1969, he was injured in that year's opener with ruptured ligaments in his right knee and then underwent further surgery to remove the staple just as the 1970 training camp began.

He moved into a starting slot midway through the third game when Roger Finnie was injured against Buffalo and held it all the way from there. He became stronger as the season progressed, solving the problem of his leg tiring late in games. He did an outstanding job against Deacon Jones and Dave Cash of Los Angeles as the Jets won. He followed up with two more great shows, against Boston's Mel Witt and Minnesota's All-Pro Carl Eller.

Weeb Ewbank says Foley will develop into one of the best tackles in the game. 

Foley worked as an industrial engineer for the Port Authority of New York. He won the Ohio high school shot-put championship in 1965 with a 61-8 toss. He spends his free time fishing and playing handball. His hometown is Cincinnati, Ohio."

-The New York Jets Official 1971 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

"A great utility man along the offensive line, Foley does well at either tackle or center when called upon. He has come off two knee operations to show steady improvement. He has good explosion off the line.

Foley was a regular at right tackle in 1970 after sitting out '69 with a knee ligament damage incurred in the opening game in Buffalo. He had further surgery in 1970 to remove the staple in his right knee. Dave became a starter after the third game that year when Roger Finnie injured his ankle. He became stronger as 1970 progressed, solving the problem of his leg tiring late in games. He did an outstanding job against Deacon Jones (then of the Rams) and Dave Cash as the Jets upset Los Angeles, and also excelled against the Vikings' Carl Eller.

Drafted No. 1 in 1969, Dave worked as a financial planner for Equity Funding Securities Corp. He won the Ohio high school shot-put championship in 1965 with a 61-8 toss.

He enjoys handball and fishing. His hometown is Cincinnati, Ohio."

-The New York Jets Official 1972 Yearbook, edited by Frank Ramos

IRV GOODE

Offensive Tackle

No. 65

Kentucky

"A first-rate offensive lineman, Irv was traded to the Bills during the off-season. He had been a mainstay of the outstanding Big Red forward wall for a decade, playing tackle, center and guard, but has filled in at other positions when needed.

He came to the Cardinals as their first-round draft choice in 1962 and he earned the team rookie of the year honors as a tackle. He played in the 1965 and 1968 Pro Bowl games.

Irv was All-America at Kentucky."

-1972 Topps No. 214

1972 Buffalo Bills Receiver Profiles

J.D. HILL

Wide Receiver

No. 40

Arizona State

"Possessed with excellent speed and mobility, J.D. had a fine season in 1971 as he adjusted to playing pro football. The first selection of the Bills in the 1971 college draft, he reported late to camp after playing in the College All-Star Game.

J.D. led Arizona State in receiving and kickoff returns as a senior. He holds track and sprint records at that school."

-1972 Topps No. 188

"Hill led Arizona State in receiving and kickoff returns. He has the potential to become a super star in the N.F.L.

Hill was the Bills' number one draft choice. Last year, his rookie year, he received 11 times for 216 yards and two touchdowns."

-1972 Coca-Cola

HAVEN MOSES

Flanker

No. 25

San Diego State

"With the trade of Marlin Briscoe to Miami, Haven again becomes a prime- if not the prime- figure in the Bills' receiving department. After catching 42, 39 and again 39 passes in his first three big-league seasons, he was limited to 23 last year as he shared the left-side job with rookie J.D. Hill. The earliest indication is that both Moses and Hill will be Shaw's batterymates this season.

Injuries also figured in Moses' subpar season, but he showed his old self after catching 23 passes as he averaged 20.4 yards per reception. He scored a 73-yard touchdown.

Haven comes from sports-minded Compton, California, and played at pass-minded San Diego State, where he was a Little All-America. He also played in major postseason games, including the East-West, Senior, Coaches All-America and College All-Star games. He was drafted No. 1 by the Bills and has been a starter ever since."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

"Moses was a unanimous Little All-American choice in 1967 at San Diego State. He was also named to the Sporting News All-American team and played in the Shrine East-West, Senior, Coaches All-American and College All-Star games.

Moses was the Bills' number one draft pick in 1968. He passed the 2000-yard mark in receptions as a Bill during the 1970 season. Last year he received 23 times for 470 yards and two touchdowns."

-1972 Coca-Cola

IKE HILL

Wide Receiver-Cornerback

No. 28

Catawba

"The AFC's third-leading punt returner in 1971, Ike returned one boot 68 yards for a touchdown against the Patriots last November 14.

Possessed with good speed and quickness, he was a wide receiver at Catawba and once scored four touchdowns in one game against Western Carolina. Ike holds his school's 100-yard dash record."

-1972 Topps No. 83

MARLIN BRISCOE

Wide Receiver

No. 86

Nebraska-Omaha

"The leading AFC pass receiver with 57 catches for 1,036 yards and eight touchdowns in 1970, Marlin was named to the AFC first team and participated in the Pro Bowl. He made the switch to wide receiver after being the Denver Broncos' starting quarterback in his rookie year of 1968.

Marlin enjoys shooting pool."

-1972 Topps No. 30

JAN WHITE

Tight End

No. 80

Ohio State

"He didn't catch a lot of passes as a rookie but made almost everyone's all-rookie team regardless. The reason: he's an exceptional blocking tight end, maybe the best in Bills' history, yet he has been a pro only one year. He gathered in 13 passes for 130 yards.

Jan has excellent speed (he was one of the nation's best hurdlers in high school) so he may be utilized more this season. A second-round draft choice, Jan had been a three-year starter for three great Ohio State teams. He's interested in a coaching career.

He's very agile and has fine range and hands. Jan lends himself to Coach Saban's system and could be a future star.

Jan is from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania."

-Jim Benagh, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1972 Edition

1972 Profiles: Wanye Patrick and Jim Braxton

WAYNE PATRICK

Running Back

No. 30

Louisville

"Wayne was enjoying his finest pro season in 1970 when he was sidelined with a shoulder injury in the season's ninth game. An excellent power runner and blocker, he was drafted by the Bengals in 1968 and then signed with the Bills as a free agent. Wayne played three varsity seasons at fullback for Louisville.

Wayne's hobby is listening to jazz music."

-1972 Topps No. 57

JIM BRAXTON

Running Back

No. 34

West Virginia

With his impressive blocking and pass catching ability, Jim provides the Bills with needed depth at fullback. He showed great promise last year before being hampered by an ankle injury.

Jim was an All-American at West Virginia and played both fullback and tight end. In 1970 he was the fullback on the AP All-America team and that year was named West Virginia's Outstanding Amateur Athlete. Jim played in the Shrine East-West Game. He was also a discus thrower in college.