1971 Profile: John Rauch

Head Coach

"The matchless won-lost record John Rauch built in three years as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders (33-8-1) is slowly turning into a very ordinary one the longer Rauch stays with the Bills. After two years in Buffalo, Rauch's professional record stands at 40-28-2. The difference is that with Oakland, Rauch was coaching a superior team, a team that won two division championships, the 1967 AFL championship and a chance to play in a Super Bowl. With Buffalo, Rauch, who at 44 is entering his 21st year of coaching, has had to cope with a young and inexperienced team.
But he's putting the pieces together and the time for winning might not be too far off. Rauch has a number of young players who show signs of eventually becoming standouts. Most promising last season was quarterback Dennis Shaw, who surpassed Joe Namath's accomplishments as a first-year player and was named Rookie of the Year.
Shaw's performance undoubtedly brought back memories to Rauch. A quarterback himself, he was Georgia's starting passer for four years and led the Bulldogs to four Bowl games. His professional career began in 1949 as a quarterback, first with the New York Bulldogs, then with the New York Yankees, and finally with the Philadelphia Eagles.
He retired after the 1951 season and embarked on his coaching career, which includes stints at Florida, Tulane, Georgia and West Point. In 1963 Rauch joined the Oakland staff and succeeded Al Davis as head coach in '66."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

1971 Buffalo Bills Outlook

TEAM DIRECTORY

President: Ralph Wilson, Jr.

General Manager: Bob Lustig

Head Coach: John Rauch

Assistant Coaches: Marvin Bass, Chuck Gottfried, Ralph Hawkins, Bobby Hunt

Trainer: Ed Abromoski

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

Stadium: War Memorial (46, 206)

Colors: Royal Blue, White, Scarlet

Training Camp: Niagara University, Niagara, NY

-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

IN BRIEF

Probable 1971 Finish: 4th (AFC Eastern)

Strengths:  a strong air game with Shaw passing, Briscoe and Moses receiving, excellent linebacking and a dependable secondary.

Biggest Needs: complete comebacks by Simpson, Patrick and Stratton, and improved pass protection.

1970 finish: 4th (AFC Eastern, 3-10-1)

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"It looks as if the Bills will be getting a new Stadium in Buffalo and may not have to move to Seattle after all. By the time the new playing field is ready, maybe the Bills' promising youngsters will have jelled into a contending team. As far as the Bills are concerned, there is no place to go but up. They probably would have won more than three games even last year if not for serious injuries which tore the team apart.
Number one on the comeback list is halfback O.J. Simpson, who will be entering his third pro season and still has to live up to expectations. Simpson looked to be on his way last year until he injured his knee on November 8; he avoided surgery but missed the rest of the season. It wasn't only Simpson's loss, however, which destroyed the Bills' ground game. Wayne Patrick, slated to be the starting fullback this year, and substitutes Max Anderson and Greg Jones were also hit by injuries which kept them from playing anywhere from five games to the entire season. Jones and Anderson are the reserves behind Simpson, and Roland Moss, acquired from San Diego last year, should add depth at halfback. Patrick is expected to meet strong competition from third round draft choice Jim Braxton of West Virginia, also a good place kicker.
If the running game hadn't been destroyed then Buffalo's passing game might have been more dangerous in 1970. Rookie of the Year Dennis Shaw emerged as a fine pro quarterback and a team leader. There's depth with Jim Harris and Dan Darragh available. Harris is a strong-armed youngster who filled in for Shaw late in the year. The rookie is Busty Underwood, a 6-3, 216-pounder from Texas Christian.
Complementing Shaw last year, and maybe helping him look extra good in his rookie season, were two exceptional pass catchers- Marlin Briscoe and Haven Moses. They stayed healthy last year and, therefore, rookies Glenn Alexander and Clyde Glosson didn't see much action. Added strength this season should come from Ike Hill, who is moving from cornerback to offense, where he starred in college. But hopefully the big threat will come number one draft choice J.D. Hill of Arizona State, who has frightening speed and excellent reflexes. He could break open some games on punt and kickoff returns, too. As a great a prospect as J.D. is, where is he going to play? Ahead of Moses or Briscoe? Unlikely.
With good speed from the wide receivers, it really doesn't matter much that tight end Austin Denney isn't a deep threat; acquired from Chicago last year, Denney, a second-year pro, is developing into a good blocker and short-yardage receiver. He'll defend his starting job against Willie Grate, who saw limited action last year. The biggest challenge, however, could come from second round draft choice Jan White, a crusher at Ohio State. White has great speed for a big man.
Last year's line was not outstanding on pass protection- the Bills' quarterbacks were sacked 53 times. Going into training camp, only right tackle Paul Costa seems to be a shoo-in for a starting job. Howard Kindig, the starting left tackle last season, will meet competition from Art Laster, who showed potential as a rookie, and 11th round draft choice Andy Browder, a 6-4, 255-pounder from Texas A&I. Offensive captain Joe O'Donnell will be challenged at right guard by Jerome Gantt, a second-year man, and left guards Rich Cheek and Jim Reilly will continue their battle for the starting berth they shared as rookies last year. Center Frank Marchlewski will be challenged by young Wayne Fowler and rookie Bruce Jarvis. Fowler and Jarvis are bigger, but Marchlewski is a veteran pro.
Defensively, linebacking is the Bills' strength. Edgar Chandler moved into the middle linebacking job last year and performed well. Mike Stratton, entering his ninth pro season, missed six games because of an injury but is expected to be fully recovered this year. Paul Guidry, beginning his fourth season as the strong-side linebacker, shows improvement each year. The reserves are Al Andrews, who replaced Stratton last season until he was injured, too, J.C. Collins, who didn't play much in '70, Dick Cunningham, the backup MLB, and Mike McCaffrey, who filled in at right linebacker last year but is more comfortable behind Guidry on the left. The rookies are Bob Strickland and Bill McKinley.
The secondary appears set with cornerbacks Butch Byrd and Robert James and safeties Pete Richardson and John Pitts. Byrd will be backed by Alvin Wyatt at right corner (Wyatt came to Buffalo from Oakland in a trade for Bill Enyart). James, who will face a challenge from rookie Tom Beamer, is a hard hitter with good speed who worked his way up to a starting berth after signing with Buffalo as a free agent. Second-string safety Jackie Allen will be a strong contender for a job; he filled in at both corner and safety last year.
In what is said by the players to be a continuing purge of veterans, left defensive end Ron McDole was traded to the swap-happy Washington Redskins in May. However, in a training camp battle for the job, Al Cowlings probably would have come out on top anyway. Last year Cowlings played on the right side, and the 6-5, 258-pound rookie was the Bills' strongest pass rusher. The right end job will go to either veteran Mike McBath, who held the job in '69, or to Louis Ross or Jim Hoots, both rookies. Ross is said to have unusual speed for a 6-6, 238-pounder. Right tackle Bob Tatarek lost time because of an injury last year. He'll be challenged by Julian Nunamaker, who held the job in his absence. There was talk that left tackle Jim Dunaway, an eight-year veteran, might follow McDole in the trade exodus. But the Bills would be short-handed without him. Backup tackle Waddey Harvey can also fill at either end.
The placekicking chores will be handled by Grant Guthrie, who replaced Bruce Alford last year, unless rookie fullback Braxton beats him out. Guthrie set a Buffalo record with a 52-yard field goal and wound up scoring 54 points on 10 field goals and 24 conversions. If punter Paul Maguire retires this year, as has been suspected, Steve Schroder, Dave Chapple and rookie Jim Sheffield will battle for the job. Maguire had only a 38.9-yard average last year."

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

"After compiling a 33-8-1 record in three years as coach of the Raiders, Johnny Rauch took over a Bill team in 1968 that was full of great old names, ballplayers who had been fan favorites since the birth of the club in 1960. But all players, no matter how great, eventually have to go, the victims of time and cumulative injuries. Rauch, an unsentimental man, speeded them on their way, year after year, trying to build a new team with young men.

Last season, after the Bills had won only five games in two years, Rauch just about cleaned out the last of the old-guard Bill players. Cornerback Booker Edgerson was traded to Boston. Middle linebacker Harry Jacobs was put on waivers. Free safety George Saimes, once a perennial All-Pro, was waived. The Bills won three games, tied one and lost 10 in 1970.

'The difference between winning and losing a few more games was in the mental errors as much as in the physical shortcomings,' says Rauch. When you make the mental mistake, you're beating yourself- and that's what we did too frequently.'

This is usually the case with youthful, inexperienced ballclubs. And the Bills are nothing if not young- of the 48 veterans who will go to camp with the Bills this year, 31 joined the team in the past two seasons. However, youth alone didn't cause all of the Bills' problems last season.

Injuries hurt them badly. Linebacker Mike Stratton, defensive tackle Bob Tatarek and defensive end Mike McBath all missed large portions of the season. But the area most seriously affected by injuries was the running attack. Max Anderson, the diminutive but very swift backup man for O.J. Simpson, was lost for the entire season, Simpson himself for six games. The next week starting fullback Wayne Patrick was lost and he was followed by a fourth running back, Greg Jones.

Without question the Bill record would have been even worse had it not been for their first two draft choices, defensive end Al Cowlings, who quickly became the team's best pass rusher, and second choice Dennis Shaw, who reported late after a contract dispute, yet won the starting quarterback job in the second game. In the opinion of many scouts, the 6-2, 209-pounder from San Diego State did not have a strong enough arm to be a pro passer. But when Shaw took over in game number two he went on to complete 55.5 percent of his passes, a Bill record for 2,507 yards and ten touchdowns. Shaw showed a good, if not great, passing arm, amazing poise under pressure and excellent leadership abilities. He was voted AFC Rookie of the Year at season's end.

His big games were the victories over the Jets (one against Joe Namath, 34-31,  and one without him, 10-3), a 17-17 tie with the eventual world champion Colts, and a 45-10 romp over Boston.

Shaw's favorite targets were wide receivers Marlin Briscoe, the former Denver quarterback who switched to end in Buffalo the year before last, and Haven Moses. Briscoe stands only 5-10, but he is fast, knows how to get open and has excellent hands. He led the AFC in receptions with 57 and was first in the entire league in yardage gained on pass catches with 1,036. Briscoe also caught eight touchdowns. Moses caught only two, but he did grab 39 passes for 726 yards, his average gain of 18.6 yards per catch being slightly better than Briscoe's. The team's tight end, former Bear Austin Denney, was a much better blocker than he was a receiver. His drawback was lack of speed, which is why Buffalo's second draft choice this year was Jan White, a strong, quick tight end from Ohio State. Look for White to win a starting job as a rookie. The team's top draft choice was the most highly rated wide receiver in college ball last season, J.D. Hill from Arizona State. The Bills obviously didn't take him out of need but, says Rauch, 'as the best player available regardless of position. He has burning speed, is very competitive and is a fine kick-return specialist, too.'

The Bills' Player Personnel Director, Harvey Johnson, says that the team 'had as good a draft as we've had since the Bills started. I think we drafted three or four players who should step right in and play, and another four or five who will give their competition a good battle for their jobs.'

Which is fine with Rauch, who says, 'We went to the draft feeling we needed immediate help in three areas- tight end, offensive line and the special teams. I feel we have filled these needs and have also added to our personnel with good size and speed- essentials in the pro game.'

Other rookies who have an excellent chance of earning starting jobs this season are: Bruce Jarvis, a large and agile center from the University of Washington picked in round three; Jim Braxton, another third-round choice, is a hard-nosed fullback from West Virginia who may be faster than incumbent Wayne Patrick; Don Green, the No. 5 choice, is a 6-7, 270-pound offensive tackle from Purdue and may well unseat veteran Howard Kindig.

If the rookies work out as hoped, the Bills will be a surprisingly solid team this season and could upset some of the powers. The keys to the offense are how well the line blocks for Shaw and how good the running of Simpson and his yet unselected backfield partner turns out to be.

The defense finally put together a decent pass rush last season, led by Al Cowlings and veteran tackle Jim Dunaway. Mike McBath will be back at the other end, backed by Ron McDole, and Tatarek will return to his tackle spot. He may not regain it so easily, though, as Julian Nunamaker showed flashes of real talent in his place and could end up as the starter this year.

The linebacking also finally settled itself with young Edgar Chandler doing a very capable job in the middle, and Mike Stratton and Paul Guidry on the outside. Guidry, in his third year as a regular, developed into one of the team's most consistent performers.

With the exception of cornerback Butch Byrd, - who has started every game since 1964- the secondary is young and seemingly set. Hard-hitting Robert James is the other corner, with John Pitts at strong safety and Pete Richardson on the weak side. We say seemingly set because Byrd will have to turn back a heavy challenge from Alvin Wyatt. A tremendous kick returner, Wyatt was acquired from Oakland for fullback Bill Enyart."

-Berry Stainback, Pro Football Forecast For 1971

STRENGTHS: Overall youth; fine rookie group; second-year quarterback Dennis Shaw; improved O.J. Simpson.

WEAKNESSES: Defensive line; lack of receiving depth; kickoff and punt returns; punting; extremely brutal early-season schedule.

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

"They don't give game balls to talent scouts and personnel directors but they ought to reconsider for each contest the Bills win this season. Last year the team played a total of 29 players who were either yearlings or second-year men in pro football. Now comes a group of newcomers that Personnel Director Harvey Johnson calls 'as good as we've had since the Bills started.' 

Obviously, when you finish as poorly as the Bills did in 1970 (winning only three games) you get better draft choices. But the Bills may have gone one better. They came up with perhaps four starters and another four or five rookies who have a chance to make the team.

Wide receiver J.D. Hill should help relieve AFC leader Marlin Briscoe and Haven Moses with the pass-catching. Jan White should move in at tight end. Bruce Jarvis is a pro lineman at center, his specialty, or at guard. Jim Braxton is a potential starting running back on the basis of his combined rushing-blocking skills. Even if the rookies don't dot the starting lineup, they'll give the Bills much-needed depth."

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

OFFENSIVE BACKFIELD

"Assuming J.D. Hill, the first non-quarterback taken by any team in the draft, can help immediately, the Bills are in pretty good shape for the first time since their championship days in the mid-1960s. Dennis Shaw, the surprise Rookie of the Year last season, has the makings of an outstanding quarterback, especially with Hill, White and a healthy O.J. Simpson downfield when he throws. Shaw had 20 passes intercepted a year ago, but that can be excused for rookie mistakes and a lack of good receivers. He was on target on 55 per cent of his passes. Prime receiver Briscoe, an ex-quarterback with only a couple of seasons behind him as a pass-catcher, gains a lot of yards per catch (18.2 a year ago). Moses is equally as dangerous with 18.6.

Simpson came into his own as a runner, averaging 4.1 a try and having several fine days despite injuries. Braxton is a tough guy who will give veteran Wayne Patrick a battle for the other running position now that Bill Enyart has been traded. There's little talent behind Shaw at quarterback (Jimmy Harris and Dan Darragh are erratic) but otherwise the Bills look fine on offense."

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

OFFENSIVE LINE

"The youth movement won't affect the line except at tight end where White contends with second-year man Austin Denney and left guard where sophomores Rich Cheek and Jim Reilly continue their rivalry. The heart of the line consists of veterans Howard Kindig and Paul Costa at tackle, Joe O'Donnell at guard and Frank Marchlewski at center, unless Jarvis comes on strong. Costa is outstanding, O'Donnell is good, but the others are average."

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

DEFENSIVE LINE

"Left end Ron McDole and left tackle Jim Dunaway have been around for years. McDole will be replaced by second-year man Al Cowlings, a former No. 1 draft choice. On the right side, Bob Tatarek is a starter again if he overcomes knee surgery. The Bills were more than respectable a year ago with their front four and should be again."

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

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD

"Outside linebackers Mike Stratton and Paul  Guidry are fine, middle linebacker Ed Chandler so-so. Chandler was in the slot for the first year; the Bills hope he will improve. He returned one interception 59 yards for a touchdown. There's little depth, however.

Bill deep backs intercepted few passes but overall ranked second in the conference in pass defense. Cornerback Butch Byrd has all-star qualities, but he's aging. Ex-Oakland Raider Alvin Wyatt may spell him from time to time. Bob James is an up-and-coming cornerback and John Pitts and Pete Richardson are good safeties."

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

SPECIALISTS

"A year ago the Bills fared badly in kickoff returns and rarely bothered to return punts, choosing instead to signal for fair catches. Exciting rookie J.D. Hill could help the club in both departments. And Simpson, whose broken-field ability was evident when he averaged an unbelievable 47.6 yards on seven kickoff returns, should shake up the opposition if he gets more opportunities. Paul Maguire, the Bill punter for years, may retire, and if he does the Bills may have difficulty finding an adequate replacement. Place-kicker Grant Guthrie had his moments- good and bad."

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

OUTLOOK

"Buffalo will improve considerably if the newest wave of rookies lives up to advance billings. But the improvement may not be reflected in the standings because of a deadly schedule."

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

THE BILLS' BIG PLAY

"O.J. Simpson may not have proven himself yet in the statistical columns, but he's still the man the Bills go to in the clutch. This trap play is one of the most dangerous threats. The quarterback makes a reverse spin and fakes a handoff to the other setback, trying to deceive the opponent's left tackle. If the tackle falls for it, the Bills' pulling left guard has an easy prey and O.J. has a hole."

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

RADIO DATA

"For the 11th year in a row, WBEN in Buffalo will send Bill games throughout western New York State. Some 11 stations are on the network. Van Miller returns to do play-by-play and Stan Barron handles the color."

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

"The Buffalo Bills will play their 1971 schedule in, of all places, Buffalo, New York. (Despite some talk of shifting the team because of inadequate stadium facilities, owner Ralph Wilson decided to stay put.) But they'll play their 14 regular-season contests under the aegis of a new head coach. In mid-July Johnny Rauch resigned because of 'unresolvable differences' with the club and was replaced by Harvey Johnson.

Rauch had previously dug a hole for himself by shipping away several of the Buffalo fans' old favorites. Notable among them was Ron McDole, the defensive end who was one of only six remaining veterans of the Bills' last championship outfit of 1965.

'I know I'm not going to end up looking like a nice guy, and that the older players will try to make it appear a purge is on,' Rauch admitted when he traded McDole. 'But from the organization's standpoint, I felt it was a logical thing to do for the future.'

That didn't end matters, however. There followed an incident in which Rauch went on a local radio station and took verbal potshots at both Ron ('he wasn't my kind of player for the last two seasons') and retired punter Paul McGuire ('he was the team clown, and was only interested in getting out of work'). Needless to say, the words didn't go down well with the loyal Wilson.

Another reason for the sour reaction to Rauch's remarks was the fact that the younger players he chose to build with have yet to enjoy much success, and the club struggled to a 3-10-1 mark in 1970. Still, he was justifiably encouraged by the performance of quarterback Dennis Shaw, who was the finest rookie signal-caller in pro football last season.

Shaw is going to get even better this time around, and Buffalo's aerial game will be doubly dangerous with touted rookie J.D. Hill added to a receiving corps that already includes AFC leader Marlin Briscoe (57 catches for 1,036 yards and eight touchdowns) and speedy Haven Moses (39 grabs for 726 yards and a pair of scores). If O.J. Simpson makes it all the way back from last year's knee injury, the Bills should have a potent running attack.

The  Buffalo defense figures to be solid. One of the reasons Rauch felt free to deal McDole was that Al Cowlings demonstrated in 1970 that he was ready to join Jim Dunaway, Bob Tatarek and Mike McBath on the tough front four. The linebacker trio of Mike Stratton, Ed Chandler and Paul Guidry is most capable."

-Vito Stellino, All-Pro 1971 Football

"This is one of the youngest teams in football; it is making progress but doesn't yet figure to be a contender. Quarterback Dennis Shaw demonstrated amazing poise in his rookie exposure. He doesn't have a great arm but one that's good enough to get by with. Shaw had the second highest rate of interceptions in the AFC, behind Griese, and must be given added blocking protection.

The same for O.J. Simpson, who had injury problems. Simpson can run but the back has yet to be born who can shoot out of a backfield without some kind of an opening. The Bills know their offensive line needs help.

They have two strong runners in Lloyd Pate and Wayne Patrick, both of whom are capable of pounding the inside while Simpson skips off the tackles and tries to break outside. The play of Pate and Patrick was of such high order that Bill Enyart was dealt to Oakland.

Al Cowlings, a defensive end, who sparkled as a first-year player, should continue to develop. The outlook in Buffalo is one of continued improvement. The Bills are moving but still a considerable distance away from being any kind of a title threat."

-John Steadman, Football Digest, September 1971

1971 BUFFALO BILLS ROSTERS

45 Glen Alexander (WR) Grambling

21 Jackie Allen (CB) Baylor

22 Max Anderson (RB) Arizona State 

56 Al Andrews (LB) New Mexico State

* Tim Beamer (DB) J.C. Smith

* Jim Braxton (RB) West Virginia

86 Marlin Briscoe (WR) Nebraska-Omaha

* Andy Browder (OT) Texas A&I

42 Butch Byrd (CB) Boston University 

74 Levert Carr (T) North Carolina Central

* Bob Chandler (WR) USC

52 Edgar Chandler (MLB) Georgia

Dave Chapple (K-P) USC

73 Richard Cheek (G) Auburn

* Charles Cole (FB) Toledo

51 Jerald Collins (LB) Western Michigan

79 Paul Costa (T) Notre Dame

82 Al Cowlings  (DE) USC

63 Dick Cunningham (MLB) Arkansas 

10 Dan Darragh (QB) William & Mary

84 Austin Denney (TE) Tennessee

78 Jim Dunaway (DT) Mississippi  

53 Wayne Fowler (C) Richmond

69 Jerome Gantt (T) North Carolina Central

26 Clyde Glosson (WR) Texas-El Paso

85 Willie Grate (TE) South Carolina State

* Don Green (T) Purdue

59 Paul Guidry (LB) McNeese State 

7   Grant Guthrie (K) Florida State

12 Jim Harris (QB) Grambling

65 Waddy Harvey (DT) VPI 

28 Ike Hill (CB) Catawba

* J.D. Hill (WR) Arizona State

* Jim Hoots (DE) Missouri Southern

* Billy Hunter (DB) Utah

20 Robert James (CB) Fisk

* Bruce Jarvis (C) Washington

* Romus Jeffries (WR) Livingston

36 Greg Jones (RB) UCLA

54 Howard Kindig (T-C) Los Angeles State 

75 Art Laster (T) Maryland State

55 Paul Maguire (P) The Citadel

57 Frank Marchlewski (C) Minnesota 

76 Mike McBath (DE) Penn State 

64 Mike McCaffrey (LB) California

* Bill McKinley (DE-LB) Arizona

* Pat Morrison (TE) Arkansas

25 Haven Moses (WR) San Diego State

40 Roland Moss (RB) Toledo

Bill Murphy (CB) Norfolk State

88 Julian Nunamaker (DT) Tennessee-Martin

67 Joe O'Donnell (G) Michigan

* Stan Parris (S) Henderson State

33 Lloyd Pate (RB) Cincinnati

30 Wayne Patrick (RB) Louisville

27 Tommy Pharr (S) Mississippi State

48 John Pitts (S) Arizona State

61 Jim Reilly (G) Notre Dame

47 Pete Richardson (S) Dayton

* Lewis Ross (DE) South Carolina State

Stefan Schroder (K-P) Pacific

16 Dennis Shaw (QB) San Diego State

* Jim Sheffield (P) Texas A&M

32 O.J. Simpson (RB) USC

58 Mike Stratton (LB) Tennessee 

* Bob Strickland (LB) Auburn

71 Bob Tatarek (DT) Miami

* Busty Underwood (QB-K) Texas Christian

* Tyrone Walls (TE-RB) Missouri

* Jan White (TE) Ohio State

Alvin Wyatt (CB) Bethune-Cookman

* rookie

-Pro Football 1971

VETERANS

45 Glen Alexander (WR) Grambling

21 Jackie Allen (CB) Baylor

22 Max Anderson (RB) Arizona State 

56 Al Andrews (LB) New Mexico State

86 Marlin Briscoe (WR) Omaha

42 Butch Byrd (CB) Boston University 

74 Levert Carr (T) North Carolina Central

52 Edgar Chandler (MLB) Georgia

73 Richard Cheek (G) Auburn

51 Jerald Collins (LB) Western Michigan

79 Paul Costa (T) Notre Dame

82 Al Cowlings  (DE) USC

63 Dick Cunningham (MLB) Arkansas 

10 Dan Darragh (QB) William & Mary

84 Austin Denney (TE) Tennessee

78 Jim Dunaway (DT) Mississippi  

53 Wayne Fowler (C) Richmond

69 Jerome Gantt (T) North Carolina Central

26 Clyde Glosson (WR) Texas-El Paso

85 Willie Grate (TE) South Carolina State

59 Paul Guidry (LB) McNeese State 

7   Grant Guthrie (K) Florida State

12 Jim Harris (QB) Grambling

65 Waddy Harvey (DT) VPI 

28 Ike Hill (CB) Catawba

20 Robert James (CB) Fisk

36 Greg Jones (RB) UCLA

54 Howard Kindig (T-C) Los Angeles State 

75 Art Laster (T) Maryland State

55 Paul Maguire (P) The Citadel

57 Frank Marchlewski (C) Minnesota 

76 Mike McBath (DE) Penn State 

64 Mike McCaffrey (LB) California

25 Haven Moses (WR) San Diego State

40 Roland Moss (RB) Toledo

88 Julian Nunamaker (DT) Tennessee-Martin

67 Joe O'Donnell (G) Michigan

33 Lloyd Pate (RB) Cincinnati

30 Wayne Patrick (RB) Louisville

27 Tommy Pharr (S) Mississippi State

48 John Pitts (S) Arizona State

61 Jim Reilly (G) Notre Dame

47 Pete Richardson (S) Dayton

16 Dennis Shaw (QB) San Diego State

32 O.J. Simpson (RB) USC

58 Mike Stratton (LB) Tennessee 

71 Bob Tatarek (DT) Miami

Alvin Wyatt (CB) Bethune-Cookman

ROOKIES

J.D. Hill (WR) Arizona State

Jan White (TE) Ohio State

Bruce Jarvis (C) Washington

Jim Braxton (RB) West Virginia

Don Green (T) Purdue

Tim Beamer (DB) J.C. Smith

Bill McKinley (DE-LB) Arizona

Bob Chandler (WR) USC

Lewis Ross (DE) South Carolina State

Tyrone Walls (TE-RB) Missouri

-The Complete Handbook of Pro Football (1971 Edition)

Bills Revised Roster (after final cutdown before start of regular 1971 season)

21 Jackie Allen (CB) Baylor

22 Max Anderson (RB) Arizona State 

56 Al Andrews (LB) New Mexico State

46 Tim Beamer (CB) J.C. Smith

86 Marlin Briscoe (WR) Nebraska-Omaha 

74 Levert Carr (T) North Carolina Central

81 Bob Chandler (WR) USC

52 Edgar Chandler (LB) Georgia

6   Dave Chapple (P-K) USC

79 Paul Costa (T) Notre Dame

82 Al Cowlings  (DE) USC

78 Jim Dunaway (DT) Mississippi  

89 Wes Grant (DE) UCLA

59 Paul Guidry (LB) McNeese State 

7   Grant Guthrie (K) Florida State

12 Jim Harris (QB) Grambling 

28 Ike Hill (CB) Catawba

40 J.D. Hill (WR) Arizona State

64 Chuck Hurston (LB) Auburn

20 Robert James (CB) Fisk

51 Bruce Jarvis (C) Washington

36 Greg Jones (RB) UCLA

54 Howard Kindig (T-C) Los Angeles State 

85 Ted Koy (WR) Texas

76 Mike McBath (DE) Penn State 

55 Bill McKinley (DE-LB) Arizona

25 Haven Moses (WR) San Diego State

67 Joe O'Donnell (G) Michigan

30 Wayne Patrick (RB) Louisville

48 John Pitts (S) Arizona State

61 Jim Reilly (G) Notre Dame

47 Pete Richardson (S) Dayton

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

80 Jan White (TE) Ohio State

41 Alvin Wyatt (CB) Bethune-Cookman

68 Willie Young (T) Alcorn A & M

-Football Digest, December 1971

1971 BUFFALO BILLS DEPTH CHARTS

OFFENSE

QB - Dennis Shaw (San Diego State) 16, Jim Harris (Grambling) 12, Dan Darragh (William & Mary) 10, Busty Underwood (Texas Christian)*

HB - O.J. Simpson (USC) 32, Greg Jones (UCLA) 36, Max Anderson (Arizona State) 22, Roland Moss (Toledo) 40, Tyrone Walls (Missouri)*

FB - Wayne Patrick (Louisville) 30, Lloyd Pate (Cincinnati) 33, Jim Braxton (West Virginia)*, Charles Cole (Toledo)*

E - Haven Moses (San Diego State) 25, Clyde Glosson (Texas-El Paso) 26, Ike Hill (Catawba) 28, J.D. Hill (Arizona State)*

T - Howard Kindig (Los Angeles State) 54, Art Laster (Maryland State) 75, Andy Browder (Texas A&I)*

G - Richard Cheek (Auburn) 73, Jim Reilly (Notre Dame) 61

C - Frank Marchlewski (Minnesota) 57, Wayne Fowler (Richmond) 53, Bruce Jarvis (Washington)*

G - Joe O'Donnell (Michigan) 67, Jerome Gantt (North Carolina Central) 69

T - Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 79, Levert Carr (North Central) 74, Don Green (Purdue)*

E - Austin Denney (Tennessee) 84, Willie Grate (South Carolina State) 85, Jan White (Ohio State)*, Pat Morrison (Arkansas)*

FL - Marlin Briscoe (Nebraska-Omaha) 86, Glen Alexander (Grambling) 45, Bob Chandler (USC)*, Romus Jeffries (Livingston)*

DEFENSE

E - Al Cowlings  (USC) 82

T - Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78, Waddy Harvey (VPI) 65

T - Bob Tatarek (Miami) 71, Julian Nunamaker (Tennessee) 88

E - Mike McBath (Penn State) 76, Lewis Ross (South Carolina State)*, Jim Hoots (Missouri Southern)*

LB - Paul Guidry (McNeese State) 59, Mike McCaffrey (California) 64

LB - Edgar Chandler (Georgia) 52, Dick Cunningham (Arkansas) 63, Bill McKinley (Arizona)*

LB - Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58, Al Andrews (New Mexico State) 56, Jerald Collins (Western Michigan) 51, Bob Strickland (Auburn)*

CB - Robert James (Fisk) 20, Tim Beamer (J.C. Smith)*, Bill Murphy (Norfolk State)

S - John Pitts (Arizona State) 48, Billy Hunter (Utah)*, Stan Parris (Henderson State)*

S - Pete Richardson (Dayton) 47, Jackie Allen (Baylor) 21, Tommy Pharr (Mississippi State) 27

CB - Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42, Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman)

* rookie

-Brenda Zanger, Pro Football 1971

OFFENSE

QB Dennis Shaw (San Diego State) 16, Jim Harris (Grambling) 12

RB O.J. Simpson (USC) 32, Greg Jones (UCLA) 36, Max Anderson (Arizona State) 22

RB Wayne Patrick (Louisville) 30

WR Haven Moses (San Diego State) 25, J.D. Hill (Arizona State)*, Ike Hill (Catawba) 28

T Howard Kindig (Los Angeles State) 54, Willie Young (Alcorn A & M)*

G Jim Reilly (Notre Dame) 61

C Bruce Jarvis (Washington)*

G Joe O'Donnell (Michigan) 67

T Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 79, Levert Carr (North Central) 74

TE Jan White (Ohio State)*, Ted Koy (Texas) 85

WR Marlin Briscoe (Nebraska-Omaha) 86, Bob Chandler (USC)*

DEFENSE

DE Al Cowlings  (USC) 82, Wes Grant (UCLA)*

DT Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78

DT Bob Tatarek (Miami) 71, Mike McBath (Penn State) 76

DE Cal Snowden (Indiana) 75, Chuck Hurston (Auburn) 64

LB Paul Guidry (McNeese State) 59

MLB Edgar Chandler (Georgia) 52, Bill McKinley (Arizona)*

RLB Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58, Al Andrews (New Mexico State) 56

CB Robert James (Fisk) 20, Tim Beamer (J.C. Smith)*

SS John Pitts (Arizona State) 48

FS Pete Richardson (Dayton) 47, Jackie Allen (Baylor) 21

CB Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41

K Grant Guthrie (Florida State) 7

P Dave Chapple (USC) 6

KR Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41, Ike Hill (Catawba) 28

PR Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41, Ike Hill (Catawba) 28

*rookie

NFLPA Wonderful World Stamps, alphabetical

Butch Byrd

Bob Chandler

Edgar Chandler

Paul Costa

Jim Dunaway

Paul Guidry

James Harris

Robert James

Mike McBath

Haven Moses

John Pitts

Jim Reilly

Dennis Shaw

O.J. Simpson

Mike Stratton

Bob Tatarek

NFLPA Wonderful World Stamps, by position

QB Dennis Shaw

QB James Harris

HB O.J. Simpson

WR Haven Moses

WR Bob Chandler

G Jim Reilly

T Paul Costa

DT Jim Dunaway

DT Bob Tatarek

DE Mike McBath

MLB Edgar Chandler

LB Mike Stratton

LB Paul Guidry

CB Butch Byrd

CB Robert James

S John Pitts

1971 Buffalo Bills Profile Summary

Head Coach - John Rauch

Head Coach - Harvey Johnson

QB Dennis Shaw (San Diego State) 16

HB O.J. Simpson (USC) 32

FB Wayne Patrick (Louisville) 30

WR Marlin Briscoe (Nebraska-Omaha) 86

WR Haven Moses (San Diego State) 25

WR J.D. Hill (Arizona State) 40

TE Austin Denney (Tennessee) 84

TE Jan White (Ohio State) 80

C Frank Marchlewski (Minnesota) 57

G Joe O'Donnell (Michigan) 67

G Jim Reilly (Notre Dame) 61

T Paul Costa (Notre Dame) 79 

T Howard Kindig (Los Angeles State) 54

DT Jim Dunaway (Mississippi) 78

DT Bob Tatarek (Miami) 71

DE Al Cowlings (USC) 82

DE Mike McBath (Penn State) 76

MLB Edgar Chandler (Georgia) 52 

LB Mike Stratton (Tennessee) 58 

LB Paul Guidry (McNeese State) 59

CB Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42

CB Robert James (Fisk) 20

CB Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41 

SS John Pitts (Arizona State) 48

FS Pete Richardson (Dayton) 47

K Grant Guthrie (Florida State) 7 

P Spike Jones (Georgia) 10

KR O.J. Simpson (USC) 32

KR Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41 

PR Butch Byrd (Boston University) 42

PR Alvin Wyatt (Bethune-Cookman) 41 

1970 Profiles: Paul Maguire and Bruce Alford

PAUL MAGUIRE
Punter-Linebacker
No. 55
The Citadel
In 1969 Paul continued to be one of the best punters in pro football. His 3,471 punting yards led the AFL, his 44.5 yards per punt were second and his booming punts included a 78-yarder,  the AFL's second longest of the year.
A seasoned veteran of many campaigns, Paul was one of only twenty players who were in the American Football League for its entire ten-year existence. He played in six of the ten AFL Championship Games — three with the Chargers and three with the Bills, winning three AFL Championship rings.


BRUCE ALFORD
Place Kicker
No. 46
Texas Christian
Last year Bruce continued to give the Bills their best placekicking since the departure of Pete Gogolak. His 17 field goals were fifth in the AFL, his 65.4 field goal percentage fourth and his total of 74 points was good for ninth in the circuit.
On October 11 in Buffalo against Boston, Bruce's three field goals included 22-yarder to put Buffalo ahead 16-13 in a 23-16 win. On November 30 at home against Cincinnati, he kicked field goals of 33, 24 and 35 yards, the last putting Bills ahead 9-6 in the 3rd quarter of a 16-13 win.

1970 Bills Defensive Back Profiles

BUTCH BYRD
Cornerback-Punt Returner
No. 42
Boston University
"Butch, as this 6-0, 200-pound cornerback is usually called, led Buffalo in interceptions for the third time last year, stealing seven for 95 yards and a touchdown. He is the all-time club leader in interceptions, with 36 in his six seasons with the Bills. He has started every game in every season and has been on the All-Star team four times.
His size and determination also make him valuable at stopping runners when he's called upon to make like a linebacker on power sweeps. He's extremely physical in handling wide receivers; he's one of the few cornerbacks with the size that approximates that of his opponents."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"George was Boston University's top running threat in 1962 and 1963 and played in the Challenge Bowl.
A draft choice of the Bills in 1964, George earned All-Star recognition five of the last six seasons and has started every game since his rookie season. A strong hitter with quick reflexes, he is the Bills' lifetime leader in interceptions.
George owns a hamburger franchise in Buffalo."

-1970 Topps No. 119


ROBERT JAMES
Cornerback
No. 20
Fisk
In 14 games as a rookie last season, James won over Buffalo fans with a lot of hustle, his great speed and his whiplash tackling. Durable and dependable, he has a habit of being in the right place at the right time.
Robert ran track in his college days at Fisk University.


JOHN PITTS
Strong Safety
No. 48
Arizona State
Buffalo's first-round draft pick in 1967, John started all 14 games last year. His two interceptions included one returned 38 yards. He recovered a fumble and returned it 17 yards.
John is a safety with an instinct for finding a loose ball. He's also a jarring tackler who can cover anyone in the NFL.


GEORGE SAIMES
Free Safety
No. 26
Michigan State
George was named to the American Football League All-Time Team in January of this year. He was a Pro Bowl selection from 1964-68 and was Al-Pro in 1964, '65 and '67. He is arguably the best open-field tackler in pro football.
A Consensus All-American in 1962, George finished seventh in the Heisman voting. That year he  led the Big Ten with 642 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns while finishing second in the conference with 54 points.

1970 Profile: Paul Guidry

Linebacker
No. 59
McNeese State
After starting on the special teams as a rookie from McNeese State five seasons ago, 'Gomer' Guidry worked his way into a starting linebacker position on the strong side. Then, midway though the 1969 season, he was injured. But the 6-2, 233-pounder is back in his usual spot, banging heads with runners and harassing pass receivers. He has the ability to cover backs deep and is becoming one of the team leaders.
He was drafted originally as a tight end."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

1970 Profile: Mike Stratton

Linebacker
No. 58
Tennessee
"Another frequent All-Star selection, Stratton is considered one of the best blitzing linebackers in the league. He also knows how to cover pass patterns, since nine years ago he was an end at the University of Tennessee. He put on weight (up to 250) and the coaches made a linebacker out of him. But he can still catch a pass, as his 17 career interceptions indicate.
Stratton also works well with his linebacking mates Paul Guidry and Harry Jacobs to form one of the strongest units on the Bills."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"Mike continued to be the workhorse on the right side and earned All-Star recognition for the sixth consecutive year. A strong tackler and an exceptional blitzer, he has been a starter at linebacker since his rookie season.
He played both offensive and defensive end at Tennessee, suffering a broken ankle in his senior year.
Mike relaxes by going fishing."

-1970 Topps No. 252

1970 Bills Defensive Line Profiles

JIM DUNAWAY
Defensive Tackle
No. 78
Mississippi
Jim was selected for the AFL East All-Star team every year from 1965-68 and was named first-team All-AFL in 1966. He's outstanding at ending high powered ground attacks and is the kind of head-hunting defensive tackle feared by opposing quarterbacks.
In his college days at Ole Miss, Jim was a consensus All-American.


BOB TATAREK
Defensive Tackle
No. 71
Miami
"A powerful and willing worker, Tatarek took over the right defensive tackle position from Tom Sestak. A 6-4, 260-pound third-year man out of Miami, Bob continued to improve throughout the '69 season, his first as a regular. He had weight problems as a rookie, but last year licked that and is now touted as a future All-Star."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970


RON MCDOLE
Defensive End
No. 72
Nebraska
"Coach Rauch has such confidence in this 6-3, 288-pound defensive end that the team depth chart doesn't even list a replacement for McDole. He is almost a perennial All-Star now and the one time he didn't make it, the Buffalo fans resented the snub and made McDole a cause celebre.
As a one-time journeyman pro he tried to make it with St. Louis, Houston and Minnesota. McDole had a problem with migraine headaches which almost ended his career. Now he is in the business of giving headaches. Most teams double-team him because of his great pursuit and his never-quit attitude."

-Brenda and Jack Zanger, Pro Football 1970

"Ron was outstanding last season. He has great pursuit and has intercepted one or more passes in five of his last six seasons. He has fine mobility for a big man and has been on several All-AFL teams. Ron had played for the Cardinals, Oilers and Vikings before becoming a Bill.
He was All-Big Eight Conference in 1959 and 1960 at Nebraska. He played offensive end and tackle and appeared in the Senior Bowl, All-American Bowl and Blue-Gray Game.
Ron lives in a 150-year-old house he remodeled."

-1970 Topps No. 63


AL COWLINGS
Defensive End
1st Round
USC
Al was an All-American defensive tackle for undefeated USC in his senior year, leading a feared line known as 'The Wild Bunch.' Few linemen coming out of college in recent years can equal his pass-rushing ability. Al can get off the line quickly and work his way through a wall of blockers and is skilled at harassing a quarterback.
Al was a teammate of his good friend O.J. Simpson at San Francisco's Galileo High School, the City College of San Francisco and USC.