Head Coach
"Charley Winner, the head coach of the New York Jets, is an energetic man who has spent the past 21 years of his life coaching pro football. The 48-year-old Winner is entering his second season as head coach after spending 1973 as an assistant.
Winner, formerly the head coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, has an association with the National Football League which dates back to 1954 when he went to Baltimore as an assistant coach under Weeb Ewbank. In the course of 12 years with the Colts, Winner was in charge of the ends, the defensive backs, the linebackers and eventually took over the entire defense as head coordinator. He was the head defensive coach when the Colts annexed a pair of NFL crowns in 1958 and 1959, and when the team won or shared the Western title in 1964 and 1965.
In 1966 Winner accepted the head coaching position of the St. Louis Cardinals, a post he held for five years. During his time there he guided the Cards to a 35-30-5 record, the best mark in Cardinal annals. Under his leadership the Cards set a team record for fewest rushing yards allowed in a season in 1966. In 1970, the Cards defense put together a string of three straight shutouts. His Cards were in playoff contention that year right until the end and finished with an 8-5-1 record after being 4-9-1 in 1969. Winner moved on to the Washington Redskins as coach of the defensive backs in 1971 and helped propel the Redskins into the playoffs and Super Bowl.
Winner has also been associated with Ewbank throughout his life. He has played and coached under Ewbank, and on the personal side, he married Ewbank's daughter, Nancy, on June 23, 1950.
Winner's coaching career began as an assistant under Weeb at Washington University in St. Louis in 1948. Winner stayed there two years (only one under Ewbank) before heading for Case Tech where he served under Lou Saban. He was reunited with his father-in-law in 1954 at Baltimore and remained there after Ewbank left in 1963.
'I decided to stay at Baltimore,' he recalls, 'because I felt it was time to strike out on my own, rather than continue to be associated with Weeb forever, though he and I had a fine working relationship.'
A native of Somerville, New Jersey, Winner was born either on July 2 or July 3, 1925, depending on whether you read the birth certificate or listen to his mother. 'My birth certificate says July 3,' says Winner, 'but my mother always said I was born on July 2, so I celebrate both of them.'
He was a fine high school halfback but too small for major college notice. With the help of a high school friend who was enrolled there, Winner was offered a scholarship at Southest Missouri State College in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Winner made the freshman squad in 1941, but was drafted into the Army in the spring of 1942. He became a radio operator and gunner in the Air Force, flew 17 missions over Germany and was shot down in the spring of 1945, spending six weeks in a prisoner of war camp before the war ended.
Returning to his education, he enrolled at Washington University where he earned a pair of letters as a halfback and three as a sprinter and also his wife. He received his B.S. degree in 1949.
Winner and his wife have two daughters, Cinda and Lisa."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Monday, May 11, 2015
Sunday, May 10, 2015
1975 Profile: Al Ward
General Manager
"'First class, astute, blue chip, efficient, quality person'- those are some of the words used to describe the New York Jets' new general manager, Al Ward.
The quiet, soft-spoken Ward comes to the Jets from the Dallas Cowboys where he was, in effect, the assistant general manager for nine years. He was named Vice-President of Administration in 1972 and the right hand man to the highly knowledgeable Tex Schramm.
'I think the Jets job is among the best in football,' said Ward. 'It's not easy to leave an organization like the Cowboys, but this is very exciting. It takes money, hard work and intelligence to produce a winner. I don't think the Jets have a shortage of any of those.'
'In our search for a general manager, Al presented the background and experience that we were looking for,' said Jets President Phil Iselin. 'Al comes to us from an excellent organization that had a tradition of winning. He has the highest of recommendations from the most respected people in football. We feel very fortunate in having a man of Al's capabilities join our organization.'
Ward, who was named to the GM post on February 13, has signed a three-year contract that calls for him to primarily negotiate player contracts, work on booking preseason games, handle radio and preseason TV contracts, administer the front office and work together with head coach Charley Winner on trades and player development.
'We're very happy to have a man of Al's caliber with us,' said Winner. 'He's a man from a winning organization who can give us some new ideas which will help us in the future. I'm very impressed with his administrative knowledge of the NFL. He will be a strong asset to our entire organization and I look forward to working with him.'
Tex Schramm, the president and general manager of the Cowboys said of Ward: 'Al is one of those individuals who has been responsible for our success. His loss is going to be tough, but we are all delighted for him and for this opportunity in New York. I feel certain Al will make a great contribution to the Jets. He is a quality person and will be an asset to their organization.'
'He's first class, a blue chip type of person,' said Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach. 'He's easy going; but he's also business. He has what I call the hard-soft look. You know you can't take advantage of him. But while he's firm and hard, he's also likable. He'll do a heck of a job.'
Ward joined the Cowboys in 1965 as director of public relations and became assistant general manager to Tex Schramm in 1966 and has been, in effect, since then. He was named a vice-president in 1972. It has been his main function to sign veteran players.
Prior to joining the Cowboys, Ward was director of public relations for the American Football League when it was based in Dallas, from 1960 through 1962. When the league moved its offices to New York, Ward became director of public relations for the Southwest Conference and the Cotton Bowl until rejoining the AFL in 1965 in New York as director of promotions. He is a native of Brownsville, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
"'First class, astute, blue chip, efficient, quality person'- those are some of the words used to describe the New York Jets' new general manager, Al Ward.
The quiet, soft-spoken Ward comes to the Jets from the Dallas Cowboys where he was, in effect, the assistant general manager for nine years. He was named Vice-President of Administration in 1972 and the right hand man to the highly knowledgeable Tex Schramm.
'I think the Jets job is among the best in football,' said Ward. 'It's not easy to leave an organization like the Cowboys, but this is very exciting. It takes money, hard work and intelligence to produce a winner. I don't think the Jets have a shortage of any of those.'
'In our search for a general manager, Al presented the background and experience that we were looking for,' said Jets President Phil Iselin. 'Al comes to us from an excellent organization that had a tradition of winning. He has the highest of recommendations from the most respected people in football. We feel very fortunate in having a man of Al's capabilities join our organization.'
Ward, who was named to the GM post on February 13, has signed a three-year contract that calls for him to primarily negotiate player contracts, work on booking preseason games, handle radio and preseason TV contracts, administer the front office and work together with head coach Charley Winner on trades and player development.
'We're very happy to have a man of Al's caliber with us,' said Winner. 'He's a man from a winning organization who can give us some new ideas which will help us in the future. I'm very impressed with his administrative knowledge of the NFL. He will be a strong asset to our entire organization and I look forward to working with him.'
Tex Schramm, the president and general manager of the Cowboys said of Ward: 'Al is one of those individuals who has been responsible for our success. His loss is going to be tough, but we are all delighted for him and for this opportunity in New York. I feel certain Al will make a great contribution to the Jets. He is a quality person and will be an asset to their organization.'
'He's first class, a blue chip type of person,' said Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach. 'He's easy going; but he's also business. He has what I call the hard-soft look. You know you can't take advantage of him. But while he's firm and hard, he's also likable. He'll do a heck of a job.'
Ward joined the Cowboys in 1965 as director of public relations and became assistant general manager to Tex Schramm in 1966 and has been, in effect, since then. He was named a vice-president in 1972. It has been his main function to sign veteran players.
Prior to joining the Cowboys, Ward was director of public relations for the American Football League when it was based in Dallas, from 1960 through 1962. When the league moved its offices to New York, Ward became director of public relations for the Southwest Conference and the Cotton Bowl until rejoining the AFL in 1965 in New York as director of promotions. He is a native of Brownsville, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Saturday, May 9, 2015
1975 New York Jets Board of Directors Profiles
DIRECTORS
"The New York Jets Directors have earned the reputation as an aggressive group which will not settle for anything less than the best for its team. The Board has been the impetus for the remarkable transition of the troubled New York entry in the American Football League into one of the most colorful and successful franchises in pro football. Under their aegis, the club hired Weeb Ewbank as the first Jet coach and the move paid off with a World Championship in 1968 and two division titles (1968 & 1969).
Now the Directors have found themselves in an exciting period of activity as the team has forged ahead into a new era of accomplishments. In a period of two years, the Directors have overseen the hiring of a new general manager, a new head coach and the building of a training center for the team.
Most recently, the Board, under the direction of President Philip H. Iselin, chose Al Ward as the club's general manager to replace retired Weeb Ewbank.
'In our search for a general manager, Al Ward presented the background and experience that we were looking for,' remarked Iselin on behalf of the Board.
Another dramatic step by the organization took place in September 1974 when the Jets took occupancy of a new training center in Hempstead, Long Island. The million-dollar facility gives the team and coaches a full-time place to practice and prepare for games, alleviating the complications of sharing Shea Stadium with the Mets, Yankees and Giants.
Innovation is also something Iselin and his associates belive in. On February 1, 1973 the Board hired Charley Winner to be the successor to Weeb Ewbank as head coach of the Jets, but instead of waiting, they brought Winner into the organization as an assistant coach that very year so that he could have a period of learning before assuming the leadership duties.
'I feel that by bringing Charley to our staff now,' Iselin remarked at the time, 'he will gain a full year of learning in our organization.'
Three members of the Jets' original Board of Directors have been a guiding force in the development of the franchise since they acquired the team in 1963- President Philip Iselin; Chairman of the Board Townsend B. Martin; and Vice-President and Treasurer Leon Hess. Mrs. Helen Dillon, daughter of the late club President Donald Lillis, assumed the post of Vice-President and Secretary in 1968 and has become one of the most respected women in professional sports.
Philip H. Iselin, President, is a unique man in the world of sports since he occupies the top position in two major sporting concerns. In addition to his role as President of the New York Jets, he is also President and Chairman of the Board of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, one of the nation's finest thoroughbred racing facilities. It is to Iselin's credit as a chief executive that both of his sporting connections are known to all as among the finest in their fields.
As evidence of his work in racing, last winter Iselin was inducted into the Jockey Club. He lives in Oceanport, New Jersey and in 1969 was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Monmouth College (NJ) for his contributions to the shore area.
Townsend B. Martin, Chairman of the Board, is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses and a member of the Jockey Club. Mr. Martin is also engaged in the investment banking business with Bessemer Securities in New York City. An original backer of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club in 1946, he now serves on its Board of Directors.
Leon Hess, Vice-President and Treasurer, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Amerada Hess Corporation. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, the American Broadcasting Corporation and the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company.
Mrs. Helen Dillon, Vice-President and Secretary, is the daughter of Donald C. Lillis, the late President of the Jets. She is a vivacious and enthusiastic football fan who is in regular attendance at every Jet game and function. She has become one of the most respected woman executives in sports and serves as the first woman on the Board of Directors of the Pop Warner Football Association.
She resides with her husband, Dr. Thomas F. Dillon, and her family in Greenwich, Connecticut."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
"The New York Jets Directors have earned the reputation as an aggressive group which will not settle for anything less than the best for its team. The Board has been the impetus for the remarkable transition of the troubled New York entry in the American Football League into one of the most colorful and successful franchises in pro football. Under their aegis, the club hired Weeb Ewbank as the first Jet coach and the move paid off with a World Championship in 1968 and two division titles (1968 & 1969).
Now the Directors have found themselves in an exciting period of activity as the team has forged ahead into a new era of accomplishments. In a period of two years, the Directors have overseen the hiring of a new general manager, a new head coach and the building of a training center for the team.
Most recently, the Board, under the direction of President Philip H. Iselin, chose Al Ward as the club's general manager to replace retired Weeb Ewbank.
'In our search for a general manager, Al Ward presented the background and experience that we were looking for,' remarked Iselin on behalf of the Board.
Another dramatic step by the organization took place in September 1974 when the Jets took occupancy of a new training center in Hempstead, Long Island. The million-dollar facility gives the team and coaches a full-time place to practice and prepare for games, alleviating the complications of sharing Shea Stadium with the Mets, Yankees and Giants.
Innovation is also something Iselin and his associates belive in. On February 1, 1973 the Board hired Charley Winner to be the successor to Weeb Ewbank as head coach of the Jets, but instead of waiting, they brought Winner into the organization as an assistant coach that very year so that he could have a period of learning before assuming the leadership duties.
'I feel that by bringing Charley to our staff now,' Iselin remarked at the time, 'he will gain a full year of learning in our organization.'
Three members of the Jets' original Board of Directors have been a guiding force in the development of the franchise since they acquired the team in 1963- President Philip Iselin; Chairman of the Board Townsend B. Martin; and Vice-President and Treasurer Leon Hess. Mrs. Helen Dillon, daughter of the late club President Donald Lillis, assumed the post of Vice-President and Secretary in 1968 and has become one of the most respected women in professional sports.
Philip H. Iselin, President, is a unique man in the world of sports since he occupies the top position in two major sporting concerns. In addition to his role as President of the New York Jets, he is also President and Chairman of the Board of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, one of the nation's finest thoroughbred racing facilities. It is to Iselin's credit as a chief executive that both of his sporting connections are known to all as among the finest in their fields.
As evidence of his work in racing, last winter Iselin was inducted into the Jockey Club. He lives in Oceanport, New Jersey and in 1969 was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Monmouth College (NJ) for his contributions to the shore area.
Townsend B. Martin, Chairman of the Board, is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses and a member of the Jockey Club. Mr. Martin is also engaged in the investment banking business with Bessemer Securities in New York City. An original backer of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club in 1946, he now serves on its Board of Directors.
Leon Hess, Vice-President and Treasurer, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Amerada Hess Corporation. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, the American Broadcasting Corporation and the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company.
Mrs. Helen Dillon, Vice-President and Secretary, is the daughter of Donald C. Lillis, the late President of the Jets. She is a vivacious and enthusiastic football fan who is in regular attendance at every Jet game and function. She has become one of the most respected woman executives in sports and serves as the first woman on the Board of Directors of the Pop Warner Football Association.
She resides with her husband, Dr. Thomas F. Dillon, and her family in Greenwich, Connecticut."
-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook
Thursday, May 7, 2015
1975 New York Jets Outlook
"The New York Jets ended the 1974 season with a six-game winning streak. The streak was cause for conjecture among hot stove discussers last winter.
Their debate was over:
1. Whether the Jets' won-1, lost-6 record in the first half was a fluke.
2. Whether the six-game winning streak was a fluke.
But beyond those questions, the overriding query about the Jets concerns what the future holds for Joe Willie Namath. He is the reason the Jets ended the season on such an upbeat note. He is the reason for the team's hopes for 1975.
Namath and the only pro football team for which he has ever toiled have been involved in drawn-out salary negotiations. In their midst, the World Football League said it would offer Namath a $4-million package. Namath and the WFLers talked. They upped the ante to $5-million. Namath thought. Namath declined the proposition with thanks, but still hadn't reached agreement with the Jets. Discussions with top Jet management continued, but progress was slow. Everyone was aware that the Jets without Namath are not one of the powerhouse outfits of the NFL.
To be sure, there are other weapons on this team. Last year John Riggins gave indications that he really wanted to play football. When that happens, Riggins is one of the best fullbacks in the league. Emerson Boozer is still a useful running back at his advanced age and Namath likes to throw the ball to him. But he needs rest, and the loss of Anthony Davis to the WFL robs the team of a ready-made substitute.
Namath's passes were parcelled out on nearly an equal basis to wide receiver Jerome Barkum and rookie David Knight and tight end Richard Caster. Barkum caught 41, Knight 40 and Caster 38. That's balance. Caster's catches included seven touchdowns.
One of the liabilities of the Jets in recent years has been deteriorating pass protection. Namath just wasn't getting the kind of guarding a man with his skills and infirmities needs. That changed last year, which was one of the big reasons for the winning streak. Down the stretch, the New York pass protection was the best in the league.
There were several reasons. Tackle Richard Woods got some experience. Guard Garry Puetz gained some polish and center Wayne Mulligan was acquired from St. Louis. Two veterans, tackle Winston Hill and guard Randy Rasmussen, finished the season playing strong football.
Coach Charley Winner's big off-season project was rebuilding his defensive line. The rebuilding actually started in '74 when rookie Carl Barzilauskas justified his No. 1 draftee status and virtually improved the Jets' defense against the rush single-handedly. Winner then traded his No. 1 pick in the '75 draft to New Orleans for Billy Newsome, a hard working end who had productive years in Baltimore. Winner also traded a fourth round choice to the Colts for tackle Jim Bailey, who has been in a funk since Baltimore started losing. Winner hopes he can team the newcomers with Barzo and Richard Neal to form a line that will both stop the run and put pressure on passers.
The coach also would like to see three newcomers make it big in his linebacking corps. They are Godwin Turk, Richard Wood and Gary Baccus. Turk was a high draft choice last year. He was impressive in training camp, then got hurt and missed the entire season. He has speed and he's a hitter, something the Jets could use. Wood was outstanding at the University of Southern California and the Jets feel his availability in the third round of the draft offered them a bargain they couldn't refuse. He has range, but the worry is that his size may be an NFL drawback. Baccus is a hard-hitting former Oklahoma player who spent last season in the WFL. The linebacking got a lift last year when another of Winner's old St. Louis players, Jamie Rivers, came through for him at middle linebacker.
The rest of the NFL may look upon the New York secondary as suspect, but the efficiency of the defensive backs might be increased by a better pass rush. Newsome could do something about that. Burgess Owens still has the potential to become one of the better safeties in the league. Roscoe Word, looked upon mostly as a kick returner in the last draft, turned out to be a starting cornerback. Phil Wise is competent at weak safety if he can stay free of injury, but Delles Howell or Rich Sowells must capture the left corner.
The Jets need a comeback from Bobby Howfield, who had to sit out the balance of the season with a gimpy leg after he kicked six of his first seven field goals. Sophomore Greg Gantt must punt better than he did as a rookie."
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1975
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Namath holds the Jets' immediate fate in the palm of his hand. If he doesn't play, school is out. Al Woodall is mediocre at best. Demory is not even that.
Performance Quotient: 2 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: Riggins patched up his delicate psyche and, though missing four games due to a separated shoulder, put together a pretty solid year. Aging Boozer won't be able to handle a full work load. There's room for a quick young man; the Jets thought they had him in Anthony Davis, but he defected. The reserves are run-of-the-mill.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: How valuable this group is depends on who's doing the throwing. If it's Namath, there will be abundant productivity. Barkum, with talent galore, shakes loose despite continual double coverage. Knight is steady and meticulous. Caster is a constant threat to go the distance. Eddie Bell is reliable in relief. Willie Brister is primitive. Kick returns are Lou Piccone's bag.
Performance Quotient: 2
Interior Linemen: The first priority of '74 was to seal the suddenly leaky pass blocking. Mission was accomplished- breakdowns were cut from 37 to 19. But there remains a crying need for more life in the running game. This may be Hill's finale; Namath's hulking bodyguard is 34 in October. Rasmussen never stops giving his all. Puetz decided against the WFL; he, Woods and Mulligan appear to profit from the wealth of time invested in them. Gordie Browne, Roger Bernhardt and Warren Koegel are just okay as support troops.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Before his injury, Howfield was 6-for-7 on field goals. But look at his age! Gantt needs an about-face to hang on.
Performance Quotient: 4"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1975
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: The Jets were punctured for 2,240 rushing yards and had only 25 sacks, so there are changes here. Trades brought in Newsome and Bailey; both will start. Barzilauskas, who has vast potential, justified his No. 1 draft status. Determined Neal completes a foursome that is among the NFL's bulkiest. Depth does not seem to be a problem. Mark Lomas and Ed Galigher backed off from WFL commitments. Lomas, who missed three games, still made five sacks. Joe Schmiesing, Galigher and Larry Woods jockey for places on the roster.
Performance Quotient: 3
Linebackers: Rivers has one post nailed down, but there will be a free-for-all to determine who plays alongside him. John Ebersole is likely to pass Ralph Baker, who may choose retirement. An injury postponed Turk's baptism; he could start. On the other side, Rich Lewis is listed first; Rich came in a 'steal' when Buffalo tried to reactivate him from injury waivers. Bill Ferguson reconsidered joining the WFL and certainly must be reckoned with. Al Atkinson is still handy. Reaction to Wood is mixed, but many say he's something special. The rangy Baccus, an WFL alumnus, is supposed to be a hitter.
Performance Quotient: 3
Cornerbacks: Talent is there; it's now a matter of coordinating in order to function as a unit. Howell returns from injury intent on regaining his slot from Sowells. Word stepped in as rookie to make a bench-warmer of Earlie Thomas.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Owens is climbing to the All-Pro plateau. He should arrive there before long. Wise finally had an injury-free campaign and took advantage of it. Steve Tannen will be used in spots.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1975
"The New York Jets continued their winning ways early this year, mainly back in January when they 'won' the draft.
Further, their top pick of 1975 wasn't even taken at the draft. He's a man who'll never wear a number. He'll be too busy counting them out.
Before the first round of the '75 draft was over, the Jets had in their possession two proven defensive linemen. They traded their No. 1 pick to New Orleans for end Billy Newsome, rated as one of the NFL's best pass rushers, and sent their No. 4 pick to Baltimore for tackle Jim Bailey.
The second and third rounds were just about as productive. With its No. 2 pick New York grabbed the draft's glamour name, Southern California All-American running back Anthony Davis. And with No. 3 came his teammate, another All-American on the Rose Bowl winners, linebacker Richard Wood.
'Newsome is a guaranteed pro who can step in and be a starter for us right now and it looks like Bailey will be our right tackle,' said Charley Winner.
The 'numbeless man,' though, may be the key to the Jets' future. He's quiet, soft-spoken Al Ward, their new general manager, taking over where Weeb Ewbank left off.
'I think the Jets job is among the best in football,' Ward said. 'It takes money, hard work and intelligence to produce a winner. I don't think the Jets have a shortage of any of those.' Ward is long on talent. His past speaks for itself.
'Al comes to us from an excellent organization (the Dallas Cowboys) that had a tradition of winning,' said Jets President Phil Iselin. 'He has the highest of recommendations from the most respected people in football.' And Winner added: 'He's a man from a winning organization who can help give us some new ideas which will help us in the future.' The praise also came from his former team. 'Al is one of those individuals who has been responsible for our success ... I feel certain Al will make a great contribution to the Jets,' said Cowboys President Tex Schramm. And Dallas quarterback Roger Staubach added: 'He's first class, a blue-chip type of person. He'll do a heck of a job.'
The only question is whether the Jets will do the job this year. The feeling is that they will, taking those six straight victories at the end of the '74 season and using them as a springboard to a solid '75 campaign. The whole thing, of course, hinges on the return of quarterback Joe Namath. If the rumors are true, if Namath defects to the World Football League or decides to make Hollywood his new home, the Jets can forget this season altogether. Quarterbacks Al Woodall and Bill Demory haven't got what it takes to hold the team together and give it direction and that undefinable thing called spirit.
But Joe will be there, spirit, charisma, weak knees, strong arm and all. And with him will come a backfield and line that made the Jets one of the most explosive teams in the AFC last year. John Riggins can be counted on to rebound from his unfortunate 1974 season, when he missed all but five games, Emerson Boozer will be at the other running back spot, and Mike Adamle, Hank Bjorklund, young Jazz Jackson and Davis will do their share of the carrying.
Jerome Barkum, Richard Caster and emerging David Knight will head the pass-catching corps and Newsome, Bailey, Carl Barzilauskas, Mark Lomas and Roscoe Word will give New York a cohesiveness missing much of last year. Better seasons from punter Greg Gantt and place kicker Bobby Howfield are important. Howfield, coming off a knee problem, may be challenged by Pat Leahy.
In other words, having won the draft, they've got to win a few more games. With the front line and front office names they've assembled, it looks like a good bet they'll do just that."
-Bruce Lowitt, Gridiron News 1975 Pro Yearbook
"Joe Namath & Co. came on like gangbusters the second half of '74, ripping off six straight wins to finish in a blaze of glory. The turnaround left the Jets and Charley Winner convinced they can make it to the playoffs this year if Namath can stay healthy.
Broadway Joe was superb down the stretch, throwing 20 touchdown passes and piling up 2,616 yards through the air. Namath played in all 14 games after seeing action in only 29 of 56 games the previous four seasons, and proved he is the finest pure passer in the game. Al Woodall and Bill Demory are listed as backup men.
No tight end in the game can match Rich Caster's deep speed or his 20-yards-per-catch average, while flankers Jerome Barkum and David Knight are exceptionally sure-handed targets, with Barkum nearing an All-Pro level. Reserve flanker Eddie Bell faces a challenge from 4.5 sprinter James Scott, who led the WFL in receptions last season.
Veterans Emerson Boozer and big John Riggins form a sound if not dangerous set of running backs. When right, Riggins (680 yards) can be as good as any fullback in football. Winner went to the draft to acquire some speed in All-American Anthony Davis of USC, the TD Terror who broke all of O.J.'s records, but Davis chose the more lucrative deal offered him by the WFL. Therefore, veterans Mike Adamle, Bob Burns and speedy Clarence Jackson will support Boozer and Riggins.
New York's offensive line, pass blockers par excellence, is comprised of tackles Winston Hill and Robert Woods, guards Randy Rasmussen and Garry Puetz, and center Wayne Mulligan. Winner used two prime draft picks to secure 6'4", 245-pound strongman Joe Wysock of Miami and 6'4", 240-pound Tom Alward of Nebraska as protection against the possible loss of Puetz to the WFL.
The Jets appear to have put together a formidable front wall and one that should generate a strong pass rush, something they have lacked for several seasons. Key man is the huge (285) soph tackle Carl Barzilauskas, an All-Rookie selection and future All-Pro. Ex-Colt Jim Bailey (255) will take the double-teaming pressure off Barzo. Veteran Billy Newsome (260) was acquired from the Saints and is a proven headhunter at end where he will team with either Rich Neal (260) or Mark Lomas (250), with Ed Galigher (260) in the wings.
Jamie Rivers is a fixture at middle linebacker but regular outside men Ralph Baker and John Ebersole may be benched in favor of the highly regarded Godwin Turk, Rich Lewis or rangy Richard Wood, the three-time All-American from USC.
The young secondary will benefit from the improved pass rush. A surplus of talent is available with Roscoe Word, Delles Howell and Earlie Thomas returning at the corners with Burgess Owens, Phil Wise and swing man Steve Tannen on hand at the deep slots. Ex-Raider Bob Proutt and speedy newcomer Ed Taylor of Memphis State may open things up for a trade prior to the start of the season.
The gods have not smiled on the Jets this year, confronting them with far and away the toughest schedule of any team in the entire NFL. As always, however, it comes down to the same old question when trying to predict the success or failure of the Jets- will Joe Namath play and for how long? It's that simple."
-Jim Stewart, Pro Football Illustrated 1975
Their debate was over:
1. Whether the Jets' won-1, lost-6 record in the first half was a fluke.
2. Whether the six-game winning streak was a fluke.
But beyond those questions, the overriding query about the Jets concerns what the future holds for Joe Willie Namath. He is the reason the Jets ended the season on such an upbeat note. He is the reason for the team's hopes for 1975.
Namath and the only pro football team for which he has ever toiled have been involved in drawn-out salary negotiations. In their midst, the World Football League said it would offer Namath a $4-million package. Namath and the WFLers talked. They upped the ante to $5-million. Namath thought. Namath declined the proposition with thanks, but still hadn't reached agreement with the Jets. Discussions with top Jet management continued, but progress was slow. Everyone was aware that the Jets without Namath are not one of the powerhouse outfits of the NFL.
To be sure, there are other weapons on this team. Last year John Riggins gave indications that he really wanted to play football. When that happens, Riggins is one of the best fullbacks in the league. Emerson Boozer is still a useful running back at his advanced age and Namath likes to throw the ball to him. But he needs rest, and the loss of Anthony Davis to the WFL robs the team of a ready-made substitute.
Namath's passes were parcelled out on nearly an equal basis to wide receiver Jerome Barkum and rookie David Knight and tight end Richard Caster. Barkum caught 41, Knight 40 and Caster 38. That's balance. Caster's catches included seven touchdowns.
One of the liabilities of the Jets in recent years has been deteriorating pass protection. Namath just wasn't getting the kind of guarding a man with his skills and infirmities needs. That changed last year, which was one of the big reasons for the winning streak. Down the stretch, the New York pass protection was the best in the league.
There were several reasons. Tackle Richard Woods got some experience. Guard Garry Puetz gained some polish and center Wayne Mulligan was acquired from St. Louis. Two veterans, tackle Winston Hill and guard Randy Rasmussen, finished the season playing strong football.
Coach Charley Winner's big off-season project was rebuilding his defensive line. The rebuilding actually started in '74 when rookie Carl Barzilauskas justified his No. 1 draftee status and virtually improved the Jets' defense against the rush single-handedly. Winner then traded his No. 1 pick in the '75 draft to New Orleans for Billy Newsome, a hard working end who had productive years in Baltimore. Winner also traded a fourth round choice to the Colts for tackle Jim Bailey, who has been in a funk since Baltimore started losing. Winner hopes he can team the newcomers with Barzo and Richard Neal to form a line that will both stop the run and put pressure on passers.
The coach also would like to see three newcomers make it big in his linebacking corps. They are Godwin Turk, Richard Wood and Gary Baccus. Turk was a high draft choice last year. He was impressive in training camp, then got hurt and missed the entire season. He has speed and he's a hitter, something the Jets could use. Wood was outstanding at the University of Southern California and the Jets feel his availability in the third round of the draft offered them a bargain they couldn't refuse. He has range, but the worry is that his size may be an NFL drawback. Baccus is a hard-hitting former Oklahoma player who spent last season in the WFL. The linebacking got a lift last year when another of Winner's old St. Louis players, Jamie Rivers, came through for him at middle linebacker.
The rest of the NFL may look upon the New York secondary as suspect, but the efficiency of the defensive backs might be increased by a better pass rush. Newsome could do something about that. Burgess Owens still has the potential to become one of the better safeties in the league. Roscoe Word, looked upon mostly as a kick returner in the last draft, turned out to be a starting cornerback. Phil Wise is competent at weak safety if he can stay free of injury, but Delles Howell or Rich Sowells must capture the left corner.
The Jets need a comeback from Bobby Howfield, who had to sit out the balance of the season with a gimpy leg after he kicked six of his first seven field goals. Sophomore Greg Gantt must punt better than he did as a rookie."
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1975
OFFENSE
"Quarterbacks: Namath holds the Jets' immediate fate in the palm of his hand. If he doesn't play, school is out. Al Woodall is mediocre at best. Demory is not even that.
Performance Quotient: 2 [1 through 5, 1 being best]
Running Backs: Riggins patched up his delicate psyche and, though missing four games due to a separated shoulder, put together a pretty solid year. Aging Boozer won't be able to handle a full work load. There's room for a quick young man; the Jets thought they had him in Anthony Davis, but he defected. The reserves are run-of-the-mill.
Performance Quotient: 3
Receivers: How valuable this group is depends on who's doing the throwing. If it's Namath, there will be abundant productivity. Barkum, with talent galore, shakes loose despite continual double coverage. Knight is steady and meticulous. Caster is a constant threat to go the distance. Eddie Bell is reliable in relief. Willie Brister is primitive. Kick returns are Lou Piccone's bag.
Performance Quotient: 2
Interior Linemen: The first priority of '74 was to seal the suddenly leaky pass blocking. Mission was accomplished- breakdowns were cut from 37 to 19. But there remains a crying need for more life in the running game. This may be Hill's finale; Namath's hulking bodyguard is 34 in October. Rasmussen never stops giving his all. Puetz decided against the WFL; he, Woods and Mulligan appear to profit from the wealth of time invested in them. Gordie Browne, Roger Bernhardt and Warren Koegel are just okay as support troops.
Performance Quotient: 3
Kickers: Before his injury, Howfield was 6-for-7 on field goals. But look at his age! Gantt needs an about-face to hang on.
Performance Quotient: 4"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1975
DEFENSE
"Front Linemen: The Jets were punctured for 2,240 rushing yards and had only 25 sacks, so there are changes here. Trades brought in Newsome and Bailey; both will start. Barzilauskas, who has vast potential, justified his No. 1 draft status. Determined Neal completes a foursome that is among the NFL's bulkiest. Depth does not seem to be a problem. Mark Lomas and Ed Galigher backed off from WFL commitments. Lomas, who missed three games, still made five sacks. Joe Schmiesing, Galigher and Larry Woods jockey for places on the roster.
Performance Quotient: 3
Linebackers: Rivers has one post nailed down, but there will be a free-for-all to determine who plays alongside him. John Ebersole is likely to pass Ralph Baker, who may choose retirement. An injury postponed Turk's baptism; he could start. On the other side, Rich Lewis is listed first; Rich came in a 'steal' when Buffalo tried to reactivate him from injury waivers. Bill Ferguson reconsidered joining the WFL and certainly must be reckoned with. Al Atkinson is still handy. Reaction to Wood is mixed, but many say he's something special. The rangy Baccus, an WFL alumnus, is supposed to be a hitter.
Performance Quotient: 3
Cornerbacks: Talent is there; it's now a matter of coordinating in order to function as a unit. Howell returns from injury intent on regaining his slot from Sowells. Word stepped in as rookie to make a bench-warmer of Earlie Thomas.
Performance Quotient: 3
Safeties: Owens is climbing to the All-Pro plateau. He should arrive there before long. Wise finally had an injury-free campaign and took advantage of it. Steve Tannen will be used in spots.
Performance Quotient: 3"
-Larry Felser, Pro Football 1975
"The New York Jets continued their winning ways early this year, mainly back in January when they 'won' the draft.
Further, their top pick of 1975 wasn't even taken at the draft. He's a man who'll never wear a number. He'll be too busy counting them out.
Before the first round of the '75 draft was over, the Jets had in their possession two proven defensive linemen. They traded their No. 1 pick to New Orleans for end Billy Newsome, rated as one of the NFL's best pass rushers, and sent their No. 4 pick to Baltimore for tackle Jim Bailey.
The second and third rounds were just about as productive. With its No. 2 pick New York grabbed the draft's glamour name, Southern California All-American running back Anthony Davis. And with No. 3 came his teammate, another All-American on the Rose Bowl winners, linebacker Richard Wood.
'Newsome is a guaranteed pro who can step in and be a starter for us right now and it looks like Bailey will be our right tackle,' said Charley Winner.
The 'numbeless man,' though, may be the key to the Jets' future. He's quiet, soft-spoken Al Ward, their new general manager, taking over where Weeb Ewbank left off.
'I think the Jets job is among the best in football,' Ward said. 'It takes money, hard work and intelligence to produce a winner. I don't think the Jets have a shortage of any of those.' Ward is long on talent. His past speaks for itself.
'Al comes to us from an excellent organization (the Dallas Cowboys) that had a tradition of winning,' said Jets President Phil Iselin. 'He has the highest of recommendations from the most respected people in football.' And Winner added: 'He's a man from a winning organization who can help give us some new ideas which will help us in the future.' The praise also came from his former team. 'Al is one of those individuals who has been responsible for our success ... I feel certain Al will make a great contribution to the Jets,' said Cowboys President Tex Schramm. And Dallas quarterback Roger Staubach added: 'He's first class, a blue-chip type of person. He'll do a heck of a job.'
The only question is whether the Jets will do the job this year. The feeling is that they will, taking those six straight victories at the end of the '74 season and using them as a springboard to a solid '75 campaign. The whole thing, of course, hinges on the return of quarterback Joe Namath. If the rumors are true, if Namath defects to the World Football League or decides to make Hollywood his new home, the Jets can forget this season altogether. Quarterbacks Al Woodall and Bill Demory haven't got what it takes to hold the team together and give it direction and that undefinable thing called spirit.
But Joe will be there, spirit, charisma, weak knees, strong arm and all. And with him will come a backfield and line that made the Jets one of the most explosive teams in the AFC last year. John Riggins can be counted on to rebound from his unfortunate 1974 season, when he missed all but five games, Emerson Boozer will be at the other running back spot, and Mike Adamle, Hank Bjorklund, young Jazz Jackson and Davis will do their share of the carrying.
Jerome Barkum, Richard Caster and emerging David Knight will head the pass-catching corps and Newsome, Bailey, Carl Barzilauskas, Mark Lomas and Roscoe Word will give New York a cohesiveness missing much of last year. Better seasons from punter Greg Gantt and place kicker Bobby Howfield are important. Howfield, coming off a knee problem, may be challenged by Pat Leahy.
In other words, having won the draft, they've got to win a few more games. With the front line and front office names they've assembled, it looks like a good bet they'll do just that."
-Bruce Lowitt, Gridiron News 1975 Pro Yearbook
"Joe Namath & Co. came on like gangbusters the second half of '74, ripping off six straight wins to finish in a blaze of glory. The turnaround left the Jets and Charley Winner convinced they can make it to the playoffs this year if Namath can stay healthy.
Broadway Joe was superb down the stretch, throwing 20 touchdown passes and piling up 2,616 yards through the air. Namath played in all 14 games after seeing action in only 29 of 56 games the previous four seasons, and proved he is the finest pure passer in the game. Al Woodall and Bill Demory are listed as backup men.
No tight end in the game can match Rich Caster's deep speed or his 20-yards-per-catch average, while flankers Jerome Barkum and David Knight are exceptionally sure-handed targets, with Barkum nearing an All-Pro level. Reserve flanker Eddie Bell faces a challenge from 4.5 sprinter James Scott, who led the WFL in receptions last season.
Veterans Emerson Boozer and big John Riggins form a sound if not dangerous set of running backs. When right, Riggins (680 yards) can be as good as any fullback in football. Winner went to the draft to acquire some speed in All-American Anthony Davis of USC, the TD Terror who broke all of O.J.'s records, but Davis chose the more lucrative deal offered him by the WFL. Therefore, veterans Mike Adamle, Bob Burns and speedy Clarence Jackson will support Boozer and Riggins.
New York's offensive line, pass blockers par excellence, is comprised of tackles Winston Hill and Robert Woods, guards Randy Rasmussen and Garry Puetz, and center Wayne Mulligan. Winner used two prime draft picks to secure 6'4", 245-pound strongman Joe Wysock of Miami and 6'4", 240-pound Tom Alward of Nebraska as protection against the possible loss of Puetz to the WFL.
The Jets appear to have put together a formidable front wall and one that should generate a strong pass rush, something they have lacked for several seasons. Key man is the huge (285) soph tackle Carl Barzilauskas, an All-Rookie selection and future All-Pro. Ex-Colt Jim Bailey (255) will take the double-teaming pressure off Barzo. Veteran Billy Newsome (260) was acquired from the Saints and is a proven headhunter at end where he will team with either Rich Neal (260) or Mark Lomas (250), with Ed Galigher (260) in the wings.
Jamie Rivers is a fixture at middle linebacker but regular outside men Ralph Baker and John Ebersole may be benched in favor of the highly regarded Godwin Turk, Rich Lewis or rangy Richard Wood, the three-time All-American from USC.
The young secondary will benefit from the improved pass rush. A surplus of talent is available with Roscoe Word, Delles Howell and Earlie Thomas returning at the corners with Burgess Owens, Phil Wise and swing man Steve Tannen on hand at the deep slots. Ex-Raider Bob Proutt and speedy newcomer Ed Taylor of Memphis State may open things up for a trade prior to the start of the season.
The gods have not smiled on the Jets this year, confronting them with far and away the toughest schedule of any team in the entire NFL. As always, however, it comes down to the same old question when trying to predict the success or failure of the Jets- will Joe Namath play and for how long? It's that simple."
-Jim Stewart, Pro Football Illustrated 1975
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
1974 Rookie Profile: Travis Roach
Guard
6th Round (1973)
Texas
"Roach joins the Jets this year after passing up signing a year ago. He had been originally a 6th round pick of the Jets in the 1973 draft. He played last year for the British Columbia Lions and started one game.
Travis was an outstanding strong side guard at Texas, teaming up with Jerry Sisemore. A great one-on-one pass blocker, he was known as one of the toughest, most competitive members of the Longhorn squad. Travis was twice All-SWC and named All-America by various groups.
Travis was a teammate of Bill Wyman at Texas. He majored in business. His hometown is Marlin, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
6th Round (1973)
Texas
"Roach joins the Jets this year after passing up signing a year ago. He had been originally a 6th round pick of the Jets in the 1973 draft. He played last year for the British Columbia Lions and started one game.
Travis was an outstanding strong side guard at Texas, teaming up with Jerry Sisemore. A great one-on-one pass blocker, he was known as one of the toughest, most competitive members of the Longhorn squad. Travis was twice All-SWC and named All-America by various groups.
Travis was a teammate of Bill Wyman at Texas. He majored in business. His hometown is Marlin, Texas."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Rookie Profile: Doug Lowrey
Guard-Long Snapper
17th Round
Arkansas State
"Drafted 17th, Lowrey is strong, quick and tough, according to reports, and a consistent and fluid lineman. He's a good punt and extra point center for the long snap. Doug was a Football News College Division All-America and has 5.0 speed.
Doug majored in business and has worked as a coaching aide at Arkansas State during the summer,supervising a weight program. His hometown is Fort Smith, Arkansas."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
17th Round
Arkansas State
"Drafted 17th, Lowrey is strong, quick and tough, according to reports, and a consistent and fluid lineman. He's a good punt and extra point center for the long snap. Doug was a Football News College Division All-America and has 5.0 speed.
Doug majored in business and has worked as a coaching aide at Arkansas State during the summer,supervising a weight program. His hometown is Fort Smith, Arkansas."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
1974 Rookie Profile: Clarence Jackson
Running Back
16th Round
Western Kentucky
"Drafted 16th, Jackson has 4.5 speed with good acceleration and is a very muscular and durable runner despite his size.
Jackson set Ohio Valley Conference records with 39 career touchdowns and 297 rushing yards in one game (vs. Butler, 1971). His career stats are 519-2584-34 and he caught 21 for 246 and two touchdowns. He also helped the Hilltoppers by returning kicks, taking 37 punts for 234 yards and two touchdowns and returning 20 kickoffs for 443 yards and a touchdown.
Clarence is nicknamed 'Jazz,' which he prefers. He played on three OVC championship teams. He enjoys fishing, swimming and working with wood. His hometown is Knoxville, Tennessee."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
16th Round
Western Kentucky
"Drafted 16th, Jackson has 4.5 speed with good acceleration and is a very muscular and durable runner despite his size.
Jackson set Ohio Valley Conference records with 39 career touchdowns and 297 rushing yards in one game (vs. Butler, 1971). His career stats are 519-2584-34 and he caught 21 for 246 and two touchdowns. He also helped the Hilltoppers by returning kicks, taking 37 punts for 234 yards and two touchdowns and returning 20 kickoffs for 443 yards and a touchdown.
Clarence is nicknamed 'Jazz,' which he prefers. He played on three OVC championship teams. He enjoys fishing, swimming and working with wood. His hometown is Knoxville, Tennessee."
-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)