Tuesday, November 14, 2017

1979 Profile: Joe Ferguson

Quarterback
No. 12
Arkansas
"Watched Rome burn all around him while playing first fiddle for six years in Buffalo. Had a great offensive line to protect him at one time, not so great anymore. Same with his receivers and running backs. But Joe plays on.
'Like any quarterback, Joe will improve when he has a better surrounding cast,' says coach Chuck Knox. 'I'm not talking simply about the offense. When the defense can stop people, it won't put such a tremendous burden on the offense, the quarterback in particular. Joe's got a great arm and had some great games for us.'
Born in Alvin, Texas, Ferguson was one of Arkansas' great quarterbacks. He was sixth in the AFC in passing last year and fourth in touchdown passes (16)."

-Dave Newhouse, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1979 Edition

"Ferguson has always been a passer. An underrated quarterback, he has had the misfortune of playing for some outmanned Buffalo Bills teams. With a virtual cast of youngsters and marginal players, Ferguson still finished among the top 10 in NFL quarterback ratings (10th), completing 53% of his passes. With his better supporting cast in 1979, Ferguson could come up a big winner."

-Joel D. Blumberg, Football Forecast 1979

"Joe has moved into second place on the Bills' all-time list in all passing categories.
He threw four touchdown passes in one game against the Patriots on November 23, 1975.
Joe hopes someday to be a coach."

-1979 Topps No. 23

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