Johnny Gilliam started his career in 1967 with New Orleans, playing for 2 years where he wasn’t used that much, in 1969 he was traded to St. Louis where he instantly became a 1,000 yard receiver with a 20 ypc. Gary Garrison had a fine career playing just about all of it in San Diego and making the Pro Bowl 4 times. Harold Jackson was an Eagle before the Rams, he was traded to the Rams for Roman Gabriel i believe. Love the vid Mark.
I can remember hearing on radio when John Gilliam scored the Saints 1st TD in franchise history. In fact it was on their 1st PLAY, as he returned the opening kickoff for a TD.
Well I really enjoyed this one. Seeing the Willie Wells shots, I could not help but notice that it was Daryle 'The Mad Bomber' Lamonica throwing those deep balls. As I commented elsewhere, the '64 Bills had Elbert Dubennion who had 42 catches for a 27.1 average. Teammate, Glenn bass hauled in 43 for a 20.9 average - throws made by Jack Kemp and Daryle Lamonica. Lamonica (and I believe Bass) were traded to Oakland after '66 with Lamonica seeming to be the epitome of the Al Davis philosophy to throw it deep. Speaking of deep, Homer Jones averaged 22.4 yards per catch for his career. I was a freshman in college in '66, the Giants were the 'local' team, and the band of brothers who watched the Giants were disgusted by Homer as he seemed to drop every square out thrown to him. He left it to Joe Morrison to grab the short yardage stuff. That season was ugly for NYC as Earl Morrall, and then Gary Wood were injured, resulting in lefty Tom Kennedy getting playing time. 1-12-1 was hard to view. And Doug Swift (born two days before me) lived next to me that freshman year before going on to play for the Dolphins. despite the 53 defense name, Doug was the starting linebacker with Bob Matheson replacing him or a lineman in passing downs.
Thank you for your great comments. Yes, Lamonica and Bass were traded together, along with 3rd & 5th round draft choices for QB Tom Flores, WR Art Powell, and a 1967 2nd round draft pick. So that was a major trade. If you haven't done so already, please feel free to check out my Homer Jones video that I published a little over one month ago entitled "The NFL's Greatest Big Play Wide Receiver Of All-Time". It's in my Playlist. Thanks again!
Right on. They are taking longer to make due to the increasing detailed approach to video-making, but that's the way it goes...only so many hours in a day.
WOW again. Another great video. Love to see my guy Staubach & Hayes ALWAYS seemed 3 yards past the DBs but my big take away aside from the great memories & confirmation of my belief that today's game doesn't hold a candle the NFL of "my time" the late 60s thru late 70s & that is those BEAUTIFUL tight spirals of not only my guy but also Hadl Fouts Brodie Bert Jones Hart Ken Anderson & Lamonica....also enjoyed seeing one of my old heroes George Atkinson take that shot at Ken Burroughs. Good old days. Targeting? Unnecessary roughness? Illegal contact? FOOLISHNESS. Your video proves that even IF the NFL allows DEFENSE & does NOT insist in turning WRs & QBs into a protected class of panty wastes there is STILL room for plenty of explosive plays. Also no coincidence that Wells AND Branch are on here with 2 different eras & QBs of Raiders. Davis LOVED that speed. Just win Baby. RIP Al.
Another excellent show. My favorite receiver of 1973 was Harold Carmichael. Led the league in yardage 1116 and Y/G 79.7. I always remember Gillian getting whacked by Glen Edwards and Blount making an interception. Then later catching a Tarkenton pass that had been deflected back to Fran; all for naught because it was illegal. Good catch by Gillian :D
Outstanding presentation! Really breaks out the home run hitters with this statistical model. I’ll always place Warfield as the GOAT. All of the guys were thoroughbreds. Wouldn’t it be cool to show up to play 18 holes in that Oilers helmet cart? Excellent analysis Mark. Made it through the hurricane unscathed.
That's awesone news about making it through the hurricane! I would think that with all the promotion going on in the NFL that they would want to bring back those helmet carts!
So fun to watch the Raiders back then...(if you liked the Raiders). Other teams as well. Curt Gowdy on a Sunday afternoon. Truly an era that will NEVER be repeated.
In 1974 Topps messed up the 49'ers Gene Washington (Stanford) card with the former Vikings version (then Broncos) statistics on his card. It was the Michigan State Gene Washington's final season.
"Great comp" Mark"...."you went deep"down the "rabbit hole" ...."in regards" to "step by step"chronologics"receipts" and "player identification"🔥🔥🔥🔥"!!
Isaac Curtis (85) was murder on the Browns and Oilers in the AFC Central in the mid 70’s. 21 of his career TDs came vs those two division rivals. A lot of terrific highlight reels in those games.
@@markgardner9460 Yes, along with Ken Anderson’s pinpoint passing. Not so much vs Oakland and Pittsburgh tho. The Raiders and Steelers were tough to score on. Talk about intimidation.
That is a great question! I have not been able to figure that out. I don't think it's Fouts because he was #14. My guess is that it is someone who was signed to play for only one game, but did not attempt a pass. There is no #11 listed in profootballreference.com, but I will continue to research this.
Yep, for some reason Fouts was not wearing his # 14 that day - October 17, 1976. That was an 81 yard pass play Fouts to Joiner. Two Oilers missed him, the third got him about 10 yards into the end zone. There’s a short video titled “Charlie Joiner not ruled down 81 Yard Touchdown/ Oilers at Chargers 1976.” It’s Howard Cossell’s call on a halftime show.
As a Viking fan I loved Gilliam 22 ypc was awesome!.And that game vs the Rams at 8:00 he caught a 66 yard TD from Fran Tarkenton who also had a 70 yard pass to Jon Henderson and a shocking 76 yard TD pass to the old warhorse Bill Brown! The Vikes win 45-41 and they were before the game number 1 and 2 in the NFC in defense!
Another thing about John Gilliam that I guarantee Mark and a lot of folks here will know: He took back the opening kickoff in Saints history 94 yards for a touchdown against the Rams in 1967!At the old Tulane Stadium.
The 1970's was truly the Decade of Defense. The Zone and Bump and Run tactics, were due to the weariness of the likes Bob Hayes, Otis Taylor, and Paul Warfield. It forced offenses to find more creative ways to get the ball to their outside receivers. Or find alternate targets. There were still deep passes. The PA-pass was very effective in this regard. As it gave passers extra time to find holes in the Zones. And of course a scrambling QB found his own way of finding ways to get the ball deep. Living in Minnesota, we all loved the Fran-Bombs to Gilliam. After his great season in '72, Gilliam's number begn to decrease.But not because of any drop in talent. But because of the Human-Utility Knife named Chuck Foreman who took over the Offense. But Gilliam still made his usual impact as a deep threat.
Thanks for commenting, as always. I like how you noted "creative ways" because even though a WR screen pass isn't all that innovative, it worked to perfection twice, as shown by Burrough speeding down the sidelines.
@@markgardner9460 It was commonly thought that Coach Landry brought back the Shotgun to open the Deep Pass. The intent was for Roger, who was taking a lot of hits, to get the ball out quicker. It opened up the short and intermediate passes. It actually made Drew more dangerous running cross patterns.
Enjoy the video very much enjoyed the video very much recognized quite a few of the quarterbacks but I think it would be more enjoyable if you mentioned who the quarterbacks were throwing to the receivers thank you very much
Stanley Morgan' has a career 19.2 yards per catch over an entire career and over 10,000 receiving yards it needs to be in the Hall of Fame. Do I need a retired he was in the top five all-time in receiving yards before the league totally exploded and passing. Harold Jackson also deserves a plaque and a case can be made for Isaac Curtis as well.... Receivers in this period are very under represented in the Hall of Fame
I wholeheartedly agree with Morgan and Jackson. I'll throw in Wesley Walker, too. I also agree that receivers from that era are grossly underappreciated. Thanks for commenting!
Walker's career YPC at Cal is mind-boggling. I still recall watching him play in the 1977 Hall of Fame Game which was televised by ABC. Either Gifford or Cosell was raving about how talented Walker was and promising his career appeared. Thanks for your comments, as usual.
Thanks, I love that era for ball. It seems to me there were several factors or common denominator with these guys. Of course scheme, which is why AFC was airing it out mid '70s consequently winning inter - conference games. A strong arm qb throwing down field, in the seventies you had to have the ball quick or suffer decapitation. Warm weather climate helped (I know Gilliam, Curtis, Carr, Walker) warm weather teams utilized the vertical game more. Lastly, both qb and (especially) receivers had some stones hucking it long...oh the pain of the Bronco pass D getting beat like a drum....but the '77 props and Tommy Jackson to the house assuage the horror. But believe me I saw allot of deep shots from the wrong jerseys....the Broncs pass D stunk until '75-'76 (then just ok). Thanks brother, you're appreciated.
I knew that I could count on you to comment about the Broncos! Did you see Lyle jumping on the pile of Broncos? I'm sure that someone didn't feel that great having him land on them.
@@stevenzimmerman4057 Lyle's capricious nature could go up down, back forth on a dime. United Way adds playing with crippled children to swinging a helmet laboring to crush the skull of a terrified opponent....should we call like it was? Roid rage affects. Thanks Steve I value your takes.
@@markgardner9460 Mark, as long as you lob me orange softballs I'll bang that drum. Thanks for providing an excellent forum with superb contributors e.g. SteveZ. I value your takes and hard work.
I had to look that up since I was unaware of that. I guess he wrestled Superstar Billy Graham, among other notables. Thank you for providing this info!
Soynds like you have a very good memory. Other wrestlers who played in the NFL: Alex Karras, Bronko Nagurski, Ernie "The Cat" Ladd, "Hacksaw" Butch Reed, Paul Orndorf and Ed "Wahoo" McDaniel. I'm sure there are a lot more.
His best YPC season in the 1970's was 15.4 in 1971 (and he only had 24 catches that year), so he didn't come close to qualifying for this list. As noted in the video, this "club" is for '70's receivers who had a season of at least 40 catches with a YPC of at least 20.0.
Great stuff, as usual. I'm surprised at Gilliam's consistent high level of performance. Neither he nor Harold Jackson are in the Hall of Fame. Should they be? If you had to pick only one receiver from this list to put in the HoF, whom would it be? Cliff Branch is in the Hall, but Jackson's numbers seem to compare very favorably to his, except for championships won, but that's a team accomplishment.
How would you like to cross the goal line for a TD at 10:21 only to have a guy waiting in the end zone and slug you in the face. Wow I thought I’d seen every dirty play in the archives.
...and all that happened was a 15 yard unnecessary roughness penalty, so Toni Fritsch most likely kicked the ball out of the end zone and the Raiders started with the ball on their 20 yard line. Some deterrent.
Warren Wells averaging 48 catches 23.3 yd Avg for 3 seasons is phenomenal. Did he blow out a knee or something. Why didn't Wells play longer? anyways, Chargers WR Gary Garrison seemed to be underrated. No where near as well known as Lance Alworth -- who was damn good -- but the original Ghost was truly overshadowed by Alworth. Highly entertained by John Gilliam St Louis Cardinal highlights. He could be one of the most underrated WR in NFL history certainly made a name for himself (at least in Minnesota) as the Vikings #1 WR target for Fran Tarkenton. Gene Washington looks like he was awesome. I remember his football card and being impressed by the stats. And who was the hottie tanned brunette in the Halloween cliche hippie costume? Peace lovin babe, indeed.😘 SportsStatsNGab you've done it again. Love the highlights. love the stats. Steve largent the only WR with 1200 Yds in 1970's blows my mind. I was a huge fan of Largent (and Zorn, to be totally honest) as a kid, too, despite being from Cleveland and yes, a Browns fan by nature. Born and raised. I got to the point I would watch a Browns Seahawks game in ambivalent silence hoping the offenses would play well ... Sipe and Pruitt, Greg or Mike, Ozzie #82; and again, Largent and Zorn ... not knowing who I wanted to win. But I digress. Great vid. Go Browns. Could care less about Seahawks anymore. Their uniform change actually helped my care less attitude for them now. Logo still awesome. uni design nowhere near as likable.
Wells had legal problems, as he spent 10 months in a California prison. Now I wish that I had worn my Largent jersey and added a "Jersey Talk" episode within this video. I totally agree with you regarding the Seahawks current uniforms. As a kid, I always liked the Browns on account of Greg Pruitt and their cool uniforms - great color scheme, IMO. Thanks for the great comments - much appreciated!
@@markgardner9460 Browns best uni is the dark brown jersey, white numbers and white pants with orange and brown stripe. The orange pants second with the dark brown jersey. No logo needed in my eyes. I did learn to appreciate THE ONLY team without a logo in NFL. But, early on, as a kid, that is part of the reason I liked the Seahawks ... The bad ass bird logo on both sides of helmet. Perfect blue and green color scheme. I call the mess of a logo at mid field Browns games today the Amoeba Elf. Lame. But, I still live and die as a Browns fan. The Orange helmet is simply and impressively original.
@@markgardner9460Atkinson was a dirty thug that should have been kicked completely out of the league even back then him and Jack Tatum deliberately tried to cripple guys and Tatum sorry behind finally succeeded he should have been arrested kicked out of the league in jailed for what he did like that in a preseason game to Darryl stingley
He wasn't wearing his 10 gallon hat in the Chargers photo, nor the photo that was taken inside the Astrodome. Bum used to say that it's impolite to wear a hat indoors.
@@markgardner9460 My late grandfather's favorite coaches were Tom Landry for his demeanor and greatness and Bum Phillips because of his colorful and folksy way!At least in his later years! Of course he liked Halas Lombardi Shula and Bud Grant!
I knew that you'd spot him, Steven! Topps thought so highly of him that they dedicated a card to him in their 1976 set - 1 year after Fran won the NFL MVP. Did they really think that he was going to cut into Tark's playing time?
@markgardner9460 and I believe I've said under a previous video, he also made the Dolphins historic running game possible thanks to the threat he posed. His presence forced defenses to stretch when stuffing the line was necessary to have a chance to stop peak Csonka and Morris.
How did you photo-shop all the gloves out ?? Everyone knows elite athletes who are bigger, faster & stronger than EVER - can't possible catch a football without gloves.
Yeah, I'm so sick and tired of hearing tv commentators say "He's got such strong hands!". Maybe/maybe not, but one thing is for sure: these receiver gloves are more effective than Stickum was. How else could they possibly make these circus catches?
Swann only came close in '79 when he had 41 catches, byt fell short with a 19.7 YPC. For purposes of this video, his season would not have qualified since it occurred in a 16 game season, as I noted in the presentation. Same thing with Stallworth's 1978 season: 41 catches and 19.5 YPC, but it fell short and it was done in a 16 game schedule, too.
Tucker is far and away the best receiver for the Giants in the 70s! The second best may be Don Hermann they also had Walker Gillette and for a year Clifton McNeil but wow! The wide receiver corp for them in the 70s wasn't good at all!
WHERE IS OTIS TAYLOR for this list!?!!! WHY isn't he on this list?! Otis started off the 1970's in the 1st game played of the decade (Super Bowl 4) by catching a crushing touchdown pass from Len Dawson to make the final score 23-7 Chiefs. Otis Taylor was better than 2/3rds of the wide receivers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame but never got admission because of all of the PRO-NFL media idiots who felt the AFL wasn't good enough for the players to be considered for the Hall. Taylor should be on EVERY SINGLE LIST from this era.
I was extremely surprised that Drew Pearson of the Dallas Cowboys was not on this list. And neither were the Pittsburgh Steelers' twin deepbthreats of Lynn Swann and John Stallworth
In those three players' combined 34 years of NFL play, only Stallworth had a 20 YPC season. He had two, but he only caught 9 passes in '80 and only 30 in '75.
Memories. When I started watching. Like those old teams, players.
Johnny Gilliam started his career in 1967 with New Orleans, playing for 2 years where he wasn’t used that much, in 1969 he was traded to St. Louis where he instantly became a 1,000 yard receiver with a 20 ypc.
Gary Garrison had a fine career playing just about all of it in San Diego and making the Pro Bowl 4 times.
Harold Jackson was an Eagle before the Rams, he was traded to the Rams for Roman Gabriel i believe.
Love the vid Mark.
I can remember hearing on radio when John Gilliam scored the Saints 1st TD in franchise history. In fact it was on their 1st PLAY, as he returned the opening kickoff for a TD.
Straight Out Of South Carolina St
WHEN THE GAME WAS ABSOLUTELY REAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Very true!
Still real. Sober up
We have the National "Fixed" League now, I've totally lost interest
Well I really enjoyed this one. Seeing the Willie Wells shots, I could not help but notice that it was Daryle 'The Mad Bomber' Lamonica throwing those deep balls. As I commented elsewhere, the '64 Bills had Elbert Dubennion who had 42 catches for a 27.1 average. Teammate, Glenn bass hauled in 43 for a 20.9 average - throws made by Jack Kemp and Daryle Lamonica. Lamonica (and I believe Bass) were traded to Oakland after '66 with Lamonica seeming to be the epitome of the Al Davis philosophy to throw it deep. Speaking of deep, Homer Jones averaged 22.4 yards per catch for his career. I was a freshman in college in '66, the Giants were the 'local' team, and the band of brothers who watched the Giants were disgusted by Homer as he seemed to drop every square out thrown to him. He left it to Joe Morrison to grab the short yardage stuff. That season was ugly for NYC as Earl Morrall, and then Gary Wood were injured, resulting in lefty Tom Kennedy getting playing time. 1-12-1 was hard to view.
And Doug Swift (born two days before me) lived next to me that freshman year before going on to play for the Dolphins. despite the 53 defense name, Doug was the starting linebacker with Bob Matheson replacing him or a lineman in passing downs.
Thank you for your great comments. Yes, Lamonica and Bass were traded together, along with 3rd & 5th round draft choices for QB Tom Flores, WR Art Powell, and a 1967 2nd round draft pick. So that was a major trade.
If you haven't done so already, please feel free to check out my Homer Jones video that I published a little over one month ago entitled "The NFL's Greatest Big Play Wide Receiver Of All-Time". It's in my Playlist.
Thanks again!
Cliff Branch was so smooth and fast. He had a long, terrific career. Three time SB champion.
It's a shame that they didn't vote him into the HOF decades ago.
@@markgardner9460 Agreed!
@@markgardner9460 And Ken Anderson Ken Riley Foreman and Jim Marshall
That's right!
cliff branch is the only man i would compare to tyrek hill
Warfield and Harold Jackson made it look effortless!
Smooth! Curtis, too.
The Mad Bomber threw a beautiful deep ball!
Your videos always make my day better.
Glad to hear that! Thank you!!
@@markgardner9460 I.say this every video but I look forward to seeing your videos too .Mark!
Right on. They are taking longer to make due to the increasing detailed approach to video-making, but that's the way it goes...only so many hours in a day.
WOW again. Another great video. Love to see my guy Staubach & Hayes ALWAYS seemed 3 yards past the DBs but my big take away aside from the great memories & confirmation of my belief that today's game doesn't hold a candle the NFL of "my time" the late 60s thru late 70s & that is those BEAUTIFUL tight spirals of not only my guy but also Hadl Fouts Brodie Bert Jones Hart Ken Anderson & Lamonica....also enjoyed seeing one of my old heroes George Atkinson take that shot at Ken Burroughs. Good old days. Targeting? Unnecessary roughness? Illegal contact? FOOLISHNESS. Your video proves that even IF the NFL allows DEFENSE & does NOT insist in turning WRs & QBs into a protected class of panty wastes there is STILL room for plenty of explosive plays. Also no coincidence that Wells AND Branch are on here with 2 different eras & QBs of Raiders. Davis LOVED that speed. Just win Baby. RIP Al.
Thank you for your comments - much appreciated. You made a lot of good points!
Another excellent show. My favorite receiver of 1973 was Harold Carmichael. Led the league in yardage 1116 and Y/G 79.7. I always remember Gillian getting whacked by Glen Edwards and Blount making an interception. Then later catching a Tarkenton pass that had been deflected back to Fran; all for naught because it was illegal. Good catch by Gillian :D
I remember those plays in that Super Bowl vividly. As poorly as MN played, with a couple of breaks, they could have won the game.
@@markgardner9460 Jeff Siemon played like a wrecking ball. The closest the Vikes ever got to a win in a SB. i was rooting for the Steelers, though.
Isn't Harold Carmichael still the tallest WR in league history?
I believe that to be the case.
Great compilation, man Jones to Carr was something else.
I had 3 other deep throw clips that I wanted to show, but they were copyrighted.
@@markgardner9460 -its good enough Mark, no point in gettin in trouble with that stuff.
Indeed. With Jones' throws, they looked more like laser darts, whereas Stabler's were lofted and dropped softly into the receivers' hands.
Outstanding presentation! Really breaks out the home run hitters with this statistical model. I’ll always place Warfield as the GOAT. All of the guys were thoroughbreds. Wouldn’t it be cool to show up to play 18 holes in that Oilers helmet cart? Excellent analysis Mark. Made it through the hurricane unscathed.
That's awesone news about making it through the hurricane!
I would think that with all the promotion going on in the NFL that they would want to bring back those helmet carts!
@@markgardner9460Yes,the helmet carts were cool!
So fun to watch the Raiders back then...(if you liked the Raiders). Other teams as well. Curt Gowdy on a Sunday afternoon. Truly an era that will NEVER be repeated.
To me, Curt Gowdy is the best NFL announcer of all-time. Plus his work on MLB games is near the top, too.
Curt Gowdy was one of a kind! Great announcer!
there was another gene Washington who played wide receiver for the vikings
In 1974 Topps messed up the 49'ers Gene Washington (Stanford) card with the former Vikings version (then Broncos) statistics on his card. It was the Michigan State Gene Washington's final season.
"Great comp" Mark"...."you went deep"down the "rabbit hole" ...."in regards" to "step by step"chronologics"receipts" and "player identification"🔥🔥🔥🔥"!!
Thank you! All of my videos are fun to "produce", but this one was near the top. I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
I absolutely love this channel. Your voice, knowledge and analysis is spot on
Much appreciated! I'm super glad that you enjoy the channel.
@markgardner9460 I enjoy it very much
Gary Garrison and Bambi! Great pair of wide receivers!
How 'bout GG turning the trick 4 straight years from '68-71? Talk about being underrated.
@@markgardner9460 He definitely was!
Fran to Gilliam was a great combo. I was a kid during that Vikings era. Couldn't name a Viking on today's team.
You made mention of Mel Gray, the "Cowboy Killer". He was one of my all time favorites.
Yes he was! If you haven't already, feel free to check out my Mel Gray video that's located in my Playlist - he's depicted on the thumbnail. Thanks!
Yea what a Cowboy killer. 70's Cardinals won exactly ZERO playoff games while the Cowboys went to 5 Super bowls.
The responder was alluding to the big statistical games that Gray had in his career against the Cowboys, not team playoff success.
Ridiculous speed.
Isaac Curtis (85) was murder on the Browns and Oilers in the AFC Central in the mid 70’s. 21 of his career TDs came vs those two division rivals. A lot of terrific highlight reels in those games.
Wow! That is truly torching those teams! I'm sure that they double-covered him, but when you're good, you're good...and he was really good.
@@markgardner9460 Yes, along with Ken Anderson’s pinpoint passing. Not so much vs Oakland and Pittsburgh tho. The Raiders and Steelers were tough to score on. Talk about intimidation.
Most people don't remember Ken Anderson to Issac Curtis but they were explosive!
I remember as a kid being captivated at how consistently Anderson hit Curtis in stride on bombs.
Carr 25.9 ypc! Mind-blowing
This may sound goofy but I think Charlie Joiner doesn't get the recognition he should have!
Slick move by the Snake ducking the rush 19:51!
All of them are great receivers! NFC 4.7 per pass attempt!?! I know that was a great defensive year, but that's woeful! Another great production Mark!
Foreman Fran and Gilliam💜
For a QB, RB and WR on one team in the '70's, that's as good as it gets.
Another great video! Question- is that Dan Fouts wearing #11 at 18:20?
That is a great question! I have not been able to figure that out. I don't think it's Fouts because he was #14. My guess is that it is someone who was signed to play for only one game, but did not attempt a pass. There is no #11 listed in profootballreference.com, but I will continue to research this.
Yep, for some reason Fouts was not wearing his # 14 that day - October 17, 1976. That was an 81 yard pass play Fouts to Joiner. Two Oilers missed him, the third got him about 10 yards into the end zone. There’s a short video titled “Charlie Joiner not ruled down 81 Yard Touchdown/ Oilers at Chargers 1976.” It’s Howard Cossell’s call on a halftime show.
Now that I've re-watched that a few times, I can tell that it's Fouts by his physical posture. Thanks for the info!
As a Viking fan I loved Gilliam 22 ypc was awesome!.And that game vs the Rams at 8:00 he caught a 66 yard TD from Fran Tarkenton who also had a 70 yard pass to Jon Henderson and a shocking 76 yard TD pass to the old warhorse Bill Brown! The Vikes win 45-41 and they were before the game number 1 and 2 in the NFC in defense!
What a wild game that was! Before pass interference was called in an overabundance, no less.
@@markgardner9460 I was a bit stunned watching it!
Holy cow, I watched that game. Great comeback for the Vikes.
@@argelbargel7680 35 second half points!
Another thing about John Gilliam that I guarantee Mark and a lot of folks here will know: He took back the opening kickoff in Saints history 94 yards for a touchdown against the Rams in 1967!At the old Tulane Stadium.
The 1970's was truly the Decade of Defense. The Zone and Bump and Run tactics, were due to the weariness of the likes Bob Hayes, Otis Taylor, and Paul Warfield. It forced offenses to find more creative ways to get the ball to their outside receivers. Or find alternate targets. There were still deep passes. The PA-pass was very effective in this regard. As it gave passers extra time to find holes in the Zones. And of course a scrambling QB found his own way of finding ways to get the ball deep. Living in Minnesota, we all loved the Fran-Bombs to Gilliam. After his great season in '72, Gilliam's number begn to decrease.But not because of any drop in talent. But because of the Human-Utility Knife named Chuck Foreman who took over the Offense. But Gilliam still made his usual impact as a deep threat.
Thanks for commenting, as always. I like how you noted "creative ways" because even though a WR screen pass isn't all that innovative, it worked to perfection twice, as shown by Burrough speeding down the sidelines.
@@markgardner9460 It was commonly thought that Coach Landry brought back the Shotgun to open the Deep Pass. The intent was for Roger, who was taking a lot of hits, to get the ball out quicker. It opened up the short and intermediate passes. It actually made Drew more dangerous running cross patterns.
He split a lot of zone seams...and took some big hits, too, but for such a skinny guy, he was extremely tough and durable.
@@jstube36 Correct! Gilliam was still great but Foreman made the Vikes more balanced and dangerous!
Can't wait to watch this Mark!
Enjoy the video very much enjoyed the video very much recognized quite a few of the quarterbacks but I think it would be more enjoyable if you mentioned who the quarterbacks were throwing to the receivers thank you very much
Glad you enjoyed it. I will take your recommendation under advisement for future videos. Thank you!!
Stanley Morgan' has a career 19.2 yards per catch over an entire career and over 10,000 receiving yards it needs to be in the Hall of Fame. Do I need a retired he was in the top five all-time in receiving yards before the league totally exploded and passing. Harold Jackson also deserves a plaque and a case can be made for Isaac Curtis as well.... Receivers in this period are very under represented in the Hall of Fame
I wholeheartedly agree with Morgan and Jackson. I'll throw in Wesley Walker, too. I also agree that receivers from that era are grossly underappreciated. Thanks for commenting!
Stanley Morgan deserves to be in the Hall Of Fame,This Some BS
Isaac Curtis. Imo, one the top 5 underrated receivers in history.
I remember that duo of Stingley and Morgan for New England.
Fantastic video, as always. How many times is Cliff Branch the Last Man Standing after a catch? And a Go Bears! for Wesley Walker. Thank you.
Walker's career YPC at Cal is mind-boggling. I still recall watching him play in the 1977 Hall of Fame Game which was televised by ABC. Either Gifford or Cosell was raving about how talented Walker was and promising his career appeared. Thanks for your comments, as usual.
Some Great receivers here
Warfield and Branch probably the 2 the teams feared most
Yes - double coverage isn't effective when the receiver blows by both defenders and leaves them in the dust.
Great memories!
When Paul Warfield was with the Cleveland Browns, we would all practice running post patterns with that beautiful stride of his
The Selmon brothers were awesome at Oklahoma!
Lucious was the smallest of the 3 by a moderate amount, yet he still played the Noseguard position.
Great catch by Gilliam at 3:20!
Thanks, I love that era for ball. It seems to me there were several factors or common denominator with these guys. Of course scheme, which is why AFC was airing it out mid '70s consequently winning inter - conference games. A strong arm qb throwing down field, in the seventies you had to have the ball quick or suffer decapitation. Warm weather climate helped (I know Gilliam, Curtis, Carr, Walker) warm weather teams utilized the vertical game more. Lastly, both qb and (especially) receivers had some stones hucking it long...oh the pain of the Bronco pass D getting beat like a drum....but the '77 props and Tommy Jackson to the house assuage the horror. But believe me I saw allot of deep shots from the wrong jerseys....the Broncs pass D stunk until '75-'76 (then just ok). Thanks brother, you're appreciated.
I knew that I could count on you to comment about the Broncos! Did you see Lyle jumping on the pile of Broncos? I'm sure that someone didn't feel that great having him land on them.
@@markgardner9460 Lyle in football mode was someone you couldn't mix with polite people! Yeah OUCH - HEY!
Lyle was quite the character,on and off the field!
@@stevenzimmerman4057 Lyle's capricious nature could go up down, back forth on a dime. United Way adds playing with crippled children to swinging a helmet laboring to crush the skull of a terrified opponent....should we call like it was? Roid rage affects. Thanks Steve I value your takes.
@@markgardner9460 Mark, as long as you lob me orange softballs I'll bang that drum. Thanks for providing an excellent forum with superb contributors e.g. SteveZ. I value your takes and hard work.
Culp was a great addition to the Oilers!
I think so too! They had enough of The Tooz's lackluster effort and shipped him outta Dodge for Culp.
Ron Pritchard was a professional wrestler in the off-season! 😊😊😊😊😊
I had to look that up since I was unaware of that. I guess he wrestled Superstar Billy Graham, among other notables. Thank you for providing this info!
@@markgardner9460 I used to read wrestling magazines in my youth when I came across this. Still remember that when you mentioned his name in a trade.
Soynds like you have a very good memory. Other wrestlers who played in the NFL: Alex Karras, Bronko Nagurski, Ernie "The Cat" Ladd, "Hacksaw" Butch Reed, Paul Orndorf and Ed "Wahoo" McDaniel. I'm sure there are a lot more.
No Charley Taylor, no list. Taylor had 649 catches and 70+ TDs. How you left him out of a WR conversation of the 70s is criminal.
His best YPC season in the 1970's was 15.4 in 1971 (and he only had 24 catches that year), so he didn't come close to qualifying for this list. As noted in the video, this "club" is for '70's receivers who had a season of at least 40 catches with a YPC of at least 20.0.
Ken Anderson threw a beautiful ball.
Roger Carr "White Lightning".
Great stuff, as usual. I'm surprised at Gilliam's consistent high level of performance. Neither he nor Harold Jackson are in the Hall of Fame. Should they be? If you had to pick only one receiver from this list to put in the HoF, whom would it be? Cliff Branch is in the Hall, but Jackson's numbers seem to compare very favorably to his, except for championships won, but that's a team accomplishment.
Thank you, I think Harold Jackson is the most deserving of being inducted into the HOF. Hopefully, the writers will right that wrong soon.
Bert Jones had a freaking gun.
He threw most of his passes with a very tight spiral, too.
I remember harold jackson. If he played today ---he would get $40 million per year. Way tougher than these cupcakes today.
If I see Warfield, I'm in.
How would you like to cross the goal line for a TD at 10:21 only to have a guy waiting in the end zone and slug you in the face. Wow I thought I’d seen every dirty play in the archives.
...and all that happened was a 15 yard unnecessary roughness penalty, so Toni Fritsch most likely kicked the ball out of the end zone and the Raiders started with the ball on their 20 yard line. Some deterrent.
dan fauts and air correyel was awesome too!
Warren Wells averaging 48 catches 23.3 yd Avg for 3 seasons is phenomenal. Did he blow out a knee or something. Why didn't Wells play longer?
anyways, Chargers WR Gary Garrison seemed to be underrated. No where near as well known as Lance Alworth -- who was damn good -- but the original Ghost was truly overshadowed by Alworth.
Highly entertained by John Gilliam St Louis Cardinal highlights. He could be one of the most underrated WR in NFL history certainly made a name for himself (at least in Minnesota) as the Vikings #1 WR target for Fran Tarkenton.
Gene Washington looks like he was awesome. I remember his football card and being impressed by the stats.
And who was the hottie tanned brunette in the Halloween cliche hippie costume? Peace lovin babe, indeed.😘
SportsStatsNGab you've done it again. Love the highlights. love the stats. Steve largent the only WR with 1200 Yds in 1970's blows my mind. I was a huge fan of Largent (and Zorn, to be totally honest) as a kid, too, despite being from Cleveland and yes, a Browns fan by nature. Born and raised. I got to the point I would watch a Browns Seahawks game in ambivalent silence hoping the offenses would play well ... Sipe and Pruitt, Greg or Mike, Ozzie #82; and again, Largent and Zorn ... not knowing who I wanted to win. But I digress. Great vid. Go Browns. Could care less about Seahawks anymore. Their uniform change actually helped my care less attitude for them now. Logo still awesome. uni design nowhere near as likable.
Wells had legal problems, as he spent 10 months in a California prison.
Now I wish that I had worn my Largent jersey and added a "Jersey Talk" episode within this video. I totally agree with you regarding the Seahawks current uniforms. As a kid, I always liked the Browns on account of Greg Pruitt and their cool uniforms - great color scheme, IMO.
Thanks for the great comments - much appreciated!
@@markgardner9460 Browns best uni is the dark brown jersey, white numbers and white pants with orange and brown stripe. The orange pants second with the dark brown jersey. No logo needed in my eyes. I did learn to appreciate THE ONLY team without a logo in NFL. But, early on, as a kid, that is part of the reason I liked the Seahawks ... The bad ass bird logo on both sides of helmet. Perfect blue and green color scheme.
I call the mess of a logo at mid field Browns games today the Amoeba Elf. Lame. But, I still live and die as a Browns fan. The Orange helmet is simply and impressively original.
The orange pants with the dark brown jersey best.
The original Seahawks uniform was awesome with the blue and green colors!
and the seahawk head on the jersey sleeves
From seconds 20-35 what’s interesting about the weather conditions? Could have been the Astrodome!
I love hard -nosed football but I think George Atkinson was over the top when he hit Burrough in the end zone way after he scored!
Would be ejected, fined and suspended today. He didn't need to be concerned about that back then.
@@markgardner9460Atkinson was a dirty thug that should have been kicked completely out of the league even back then him and Jack Tatum deliberately tried to cripple guys and Tatum sorry behind finally succeeded he should have been arrested kicked out of the league in jailed for what he did like that in a preseason game to Darryl stingley
Great video.
Thaank you - I'm glad that you enjoyed it!
Little known fact, Dan Fouts wore a jersey other than #14 for a brief time. (1976) 👍🏾
Enjoyable video watching real football…deep sigh..
Did he wear #11 without his name on the back of the jersey as shown in this video?
@@markgardner9460
That is correct 👍🏾
Thanks for letting us know - another viewer had asked that question
Pastorini threw that 60 yards to Burrough and it looked effortless!15;30
He had a cannon, man. Love Dante!
@@markgardner9460Did he ever!😊
Bum Phillips is almost unrecognizable then!
He wasn't wearing his 10 gallon hat in the Chargers photo, nor the photo that was taken inside the Astrodome. Bum used to say that it's impolite to wear a hat indoors.
@@markgardner9460That's right! No hat in the house for Bum! What a great guy and players coach!
If a player couldn't play for Bum, then it's doubtful that he could have played for any other Head Coach; he was that well liked and respected.
@@markgardner9460 My late grandfather's favorite coaches were Tom Landry for his demeanor and greatness and Bum Phillips because of his colorful and folksy way!At least in his later years! Of course he liked Halas Lombardi Shula and Bud Grant!
the Good Day.
Bob Berry sighting 9:30!
I knew that you'd spot him, Steven! Topps thought so highly of him that they dedicated a card to him in their 1976 set - 1 year after Fran won the NFL MVP. Did they really think that he was going to cut into Tark's playing time?
@@markgardner9460That's funny to think about! I have nothing bad to say about Berry, but he wasn't in the same league as Fran Tarkenton!
Berry was even shorter than Tark at 5'11". They wouldn't allow him to play QB today.
@@markgardner9460 I don't think Tarkenton was actually 6'
Paul Warfield was the greatest receiver until Rice came along...maybe still.
I hear ya! Warfield had it a whole lot more difficult than Rice did.
@markgardner9460 and I believe I've said under a previous video, he also made the Dolphins historic running game possible thanks to the threat he posed. His presence forced defenses to stretch when stuffing the line was necessary to have a chance to stop peak Csonka and Morris.
He took 2 defenders out of most running plays because they were forced to account for his big play talent.
@markgardner9460 absolutely!
Cliff Branch!!!!!!!!
I'd love to know how many players were seriously injured in those old stadiums like Tulane Stadium.
No kidding. Players could get a stick in the eye from the hedges!
@@markgardner9460 Abramowicz got a camera to the head.
@@loreauvillephil Was that Tulane Stadium?
@loreauvillephil Thanks to a push by Adderley, I believe.
Would Warren Wells have been a Hall of Fame member without his legal issues?
His career was too short for HOF consideration, my thought anyway
@@mhlaw229 Probably so but is it possible those issues derailed him? I know pure speculation now!
@@stevenzimmerman4057 What were his legal issues
How did you photo-shop all the gloves out ?? Everyone knows elite athletes who are bigger, faster & stronger than EVER - can't possible catch a football without gloves.
Yeah, I'm so sick and tired of hearing tv commentators say "He's got such strong hands!". Maybe/maybe not, but one thing is for sure: these receiver gloves are more effective than Stickum was. How else could they possibly make these circus catches?
seriously no Lynn Swan or John Stallworth?
Swann only came close in '79 when he had 41 catches, byt fell short with a 19.7 YPC. For purposes of this video, his season would not have qualified since it occurred in a 16 game season, as I noted in the presentation. Same thing with Stallworth's 1978 season: 41 catches and 19.5 YPC, but it fell short and it was done in a 16 game schedule, too.
Hey u forgot the giants 1970s receivers….being extremely sarcastic 😅
I guess Bob Tucker is their best from the '70's. Wow, they didn't have much at all at WR, did they? Pathetic.
Tucker is far and away the best receiver for the Giants in the 70s! The second best may be Don Hermann they also had Walker Gillette and for a year Clifton McNeil but wow! The wide receiver corp for them in the 70s wasn't good at all!
WHERE IS OTIS TAYLOR for this list!?!!! WHY isn't he on this list?! Otis started off the 1970's in the 1st game played of the decade (Super Bowl 4) by catching a crushing touchdown pass from Len Dawson to make the final score 23-7 Chiefs. Otis Taylor was better than 2/3rds of the wide receivers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame but never got admission because of all of the PRO-NFL media idiots who felt the AFL wasn't good enough for the players to be considered for the Hall. Taylor should be on EVERY SINGLE LIST from this era.
He didn't qualify for this list because his best YPC in the 1970's was in 1971 when he had 19.5.
🇺🇸👍
Receivers today would be whining and crying just trying to get off the line of scrimmage. These guys of the 70’s were tremendous.
You're absolutely right!
I was extremely surprised that Drew Pearson of the Dallas Cowboys was not on this list. And neither were the Pittsburgh Steelers' twin deepbthreats of Lynn Swann and John Stallworth
In those three players' combined 34 years of NFL play, only Stallworth had a 20 YPC season. He had two, but he only caught 9 passes in '80 and only 30 in '75.
cliff branch, the origional tyreek hill, nuff said