Canton Bulldogs Dynasty

[SFL Cat]

"But wait", you might say, "the Canton Bulldogs ceased to exist as a NFL team back during the formative years of the 1930s. How is this possible?" Glad you asked.

As a proud member of the HFL (Historic Football League MP), I decided to start a new career using 3ric's revised 1970 rosters and subsequent draft files. I figured it would give a chance to reacquaint myself with the players of the era (I started following pro football in 1970 as a kid.)

I reoganized the NFL so it more accurately represented itself as it was 1970 (at least as much as FOF would allow). I made the following modifications: my team, the Canton Bulldogs was the Baltimore Ravens; the Arizona Cardinals moved back to St. Louis, the Houston Texans reverted to the Oilers, the Indianapolis Colts moved back to Baltimore; and the St. Louis Rams moved back to Los Angeles. In addition, since I've never particularly cared for Jacksonville's team nickname (the Jaguars), I renamed the team the Sharks (the name of the city's 1974 WFL team).

NFL looks like this

NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Redskins

NFC North
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC West
Los Angeles Rams
St. Louis Cardinals
San Francisco 49ers
Seattle Seahawks.

AFC East
Boston Patriots
Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins
New York Jets

AFC North
CANTON BULLDOGS
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh Steelers

AFC South
Baltimore Colts
Houston Oilers
Jacksonville Sharks
Tennessee Titans

AFC West
Denver Broncos
Kansas City Chiefs
Oakland Raiders
San Diego Chargers

The Bulldogs will remain in AFC North, which by all rights should be renamed the AFC "Ohio Division." I'll use the following house rules -- Wall Street setting, Actual 1970s Rosters (which means my team and other post 1970 expansion clubs like the Bucs, Seahawks, Panthers and Jacksonville will struggle early), let the computer do my gameplanning; Can't initiate any trades or make counter offers to trades the computer offers me. I can only accept or reject AI trade offers. I'll try to do one season per week as time permits.

[3ric]

Great! This will be interesting to follow along with the HFL...

[SFL Cat]

The Canton staff:

Head Coach:
Sammie Harris, 44. Looks to be an above average head coach. Very good at motivation; good at discipline; very good at both offensive and defensive playcalling; and good at injury avoidance.

Offensive Coordinator:
Brock LeCroy, 56. Average with both QBs and RBs, very good with receivers and offensive linemen, fair with kickers/punters, and average at developing young talent.

Defensive Coordinator:
Sam McNeil, 51. Excellent with kickers/punters, average in all his other player development skills.

Head Scout:
Charles Huffman, 65. Grizzled vet of the NFL wars who is rated average with QBs, RBs, WR, TE, and DL; good with K, P, and young talent; and very good with OL, LB, and DBs.

My preseason roster is not looking too bad at this point:

1970 Canton Bulldogs

Quarterbacks:
Bill Cappelman, a rookie out of Florida State, looks like he'll be the Bulldogs starting qb in 1970. He is rated 45/61 and has decent ratings across the board. He has an excellent "pocket sense" which I hope translates into fewer sacks.

If anything happens to Cappelman, the Bulldogs could be in for a long season since our two reserves (Pete Liske - 29/50 and Bill Boore - 18/56) are not ready for prime time.

Running Backs:
Looks like the Bulldogs will have a decent and deep backfield. John Isenberger (58/65) looks to be the starter. He'll be backed by Cliff McClain (54/54) and Odell Lawson (53/59).

Fullbacks:
Capable Don Highsmith (91/91) will start. He'll be backed up by Duane Thomas (68/80), who we are considering converting RB.

Tight Ends:
Rich Coady (55/62) is the starter. He'll be backed up by Jim Mandich (53/61) and project Rich McGeorge (38/64).

Wide Receivers:
Jack Clancy (66/66) and Mike Brunson (61/64) are the starters. Jon Staggers (61/61) is our third receiver. Margene Adkins (55/63) provides depth.

Centers:
Wayne Fowler (69/69) is the starter. Mark Oriard (44/63) and Tom Vinyard (39/75) will vie for a backup role. Although Oriard is better now, Vinyard looks like he has a better upside.

Guards:
No complaints here. Tom Bayless (71/71) will start at LG and Jim Reilly (52/88) will play at RG. Chuck Hutchinson (61/65) looks like a solid backup.

Tackles:
Tackle looks to be the weak spot on our O-line. Currently, Wayne Moore (50/57) is penciled in as our starter on the left side, while Dick Stevens (41/43) will play at RT. Former Bronco Sam Brunelli (36/58) will be the primary back-up. Levert Carr (29/46) and Chad Fisher (22/53) are nothing special at this point.

Kickers:
We have a decent pair of rookie kickers on the roster. Spike Jones (60/62) will handle punting while Mark Moseley (58/68) will handle kickoffs and place kicking.

On defense, Sam McNeil has adopted the new and increasingly popular 3-4 alignment as the Bulldog's base defense.

Defensive Ends:
Jim Mitchell (56/71) will start at LDE and Dennis Wirgowski (38/47) will start at RDE. Nick Roman (34/56) and Ernie Burroughs (23/52) will provide depth.

Nose Tackle:
Bill Brundige (74/74) will anchor the middle. He'll be backed by Bill Yanchar (67/75), who'll also play when the team goes with four down-linemen sets.

Outside Backers:
Looks to be a strength for the Bulldogs, Jon Onkotz (75/75) and Carl Crennel (69/70) will start. They'll be backed up by John Ebersole (67/73) and Mike Ballou (58/59).

Inside Backers:
Cleo Walker (59/62) and Gerald Irons (38/67) will man the inside linebacker spots. They'll be backed by Clyde Werner (32/41).

Corners:
Al Matthews (57/66) and former Saint Elijah Nevett (59/60) will start. Backups Tom Curtis (58/58) and rookie Mel Blount (38/86) should see a lot of playing time. Blount looks like he could be a future All-Pro.

Safeties:
Tony Plummer (90/90), an undrafted rookie from Pacific Lutheran, could be the find of the decade. He looks to be a fixture at SS for years. Former Ram Jim Nettles (77/77) will man the FS slot. Backups are rookies Sandy Durko (68/70) and Charlie Waters (64/67).

[SFL Cat]

STREET & SMITH'S 1970 FOOTBALL ANNUAL

NFC East -- Predicted Finish

1.) Dallas Cowboys
2.) New York Giants
3.) Philadelphia Eagles
4.) Washington Redskins

Dallas Cowboys

Star Players: QB Craig Morton, RB Dan Reeves, DT Jethro Pugh, LB D.D. Lewis, T Rayfield Wright.

Players To Watch: DT Bob Lilly, S Richmond Flowers, TE Pettis Norman

Notes: Head coach Harry Chapman's Cowboys look to be the class of the NFC. QB Craig Morton leads a well-balanced attack that should put up lots of points. On defense, the Dallas front seven looks solid. The only question mark on defense is in the Cowboys' secondary. If DBs Lamar Parrish, Mel Renfro, Richmond Flowers and Cornell Green can jell as a unit, the Cowboys could be Super Bowl bound.

New York Giants

Star Players: G Willie Banks, QB Fran Tarkenton, DE Fred Dryer

Players To Watch: LB Matt Hazeltine, CB Scott Eaton, RB Ron Johnson

Notes: The Giants have the pieces in place to make a run for the playoffs. Fran Tarkenton is a first-rate QB, but his success will depend on how well his young corps of receivers (WRs Don Herrman and Rich Houston, TE Bob Tucker) develop. Head coach Nate Waerig also hopes to get big production from second-year RB Ron Johnson. The team's biggest concern is on defense. The Giants have a solid front four in DEs Fred Dryer and Bob Lurtsema and DTs Jim Kanicki and Jim Norton, but they need stronger play from their linebacking trio of Matt Hazeltine, John Kirby and Ray Hickl. The secondary needs an upgrade. Currently, the Giants get steady play only from CB Scott Eaton and S Joe Green.

Philadelphia Eagles

Star Players: DT Mike Dirks, G Mark Nordquist

Players To Watch: WR Ben Hawkins, FB Cyril Pinder, K Charlie Gogolak

Notes: Don't look for the Eagles to do much in the NFC East this season. They still have too many holes to seriously challenge for a playoff spot. You know you need help when a pair of linemen (G Mark Nordquist and C Mike Evans) are your only standouts on offense. It's even worse on defense. Mike Dirks is a stud at DT, but the talent curve takes a severe drop from there.

Washington Redskins

Star Players: QB Sonny Jurgenson

Players To Watch: DE Jim Hoffman, RB Larry Brown

Notes: It could be tough to be a Redskins' fan this year. Sonny Jurgenson might be the premier QB in the NFL, but he has little else on offense with which to work. It says something when TE Jerry Smith is Jurgenson's best target, especially when he's known more for his blocking than receiving. HC Artie Francis hopes the Skins can take some of the pressure off the passing game by coaxing a good year from RB Larry Brown. However, a lot will depend on how well a mediocre offensive line plays. The Skins defense definitely needs help. On the D-line, only DE Jim Hoffman deserves mention. All three starting linebackers (Harold McLinton, John Didion, and Chris Hanburger) would be backups on a team like the Cowboys. To compound matters, the Skins' corner spots will be manned by a pair of rookies (Howard Washington and Jon Jaqua).

[SFL Cat]

STREET & SMITH'S 1970 FOOTBALL ANNUAL

NFC North -- Predicted Finish

1) Green Bay Packers
2) Detroit Lions
3) Chicago Bears
4) Minnesota Vikings

Green Bay Packers

Star Players: T Forrest Gregg, CB Ken Ellis, LB Fred Carr, DT Rich Moore

Players to Watch: T Dick Himes, TE John Hilton, G Dave Bradley

Notes: The Pack is the class of the NFC North and should challenge for a championship. QB Bart Starr is the pivot for a talented offense that can beat you through the air or on the ground. The offensive line, anchored by tackles Forrest Gregg and Dick Himes is one of the best in football. Green Bay also has one of the league's strongest defensive units, led by potential All-Pros Rich Moore, Fred Carr and Ken Ellis.

Detroit Lions

Star Players: TE Craig Cotton, LB Ed Mooney, RB Nick Eddy, G Rocky Rasley, FB Mel Farr

Players to Watch: TE Charlie Sanders, C Ed Flanagan, DT Alex Karras

Notes: The Lions are poised to challenge the Packers for supremacy in the NFC North. Detroit boasts one of the league's strongest ground games, led by RB Nick Eddy and FB Mel Farr. The "dynamic duo" run behind a superior offensive line featuring stalwarts Rocky Rasley, Rocky Freitas, Roger Shoals and Ed Flanagan. The Lions' defense is solid up the middle, starting with tackles Alex Karras and Jerry Rush. They are backed by All-Pro candidate Ed Mooney at MLB. The secondary of Dick LeBeau, Lem Barney, Mike Weger and Wayne Rasmussen is solid.

Chicago Bears

Star Players: TE Jimmy Hester, FB Jack Kurek, DT George Seals

Players To Watch: CB Garry Lyle, G Howard Mudd

Notes: The Bears have the potential to be a spoiler in the NFC North. Bobby Douglas might not be an elite NFL QB, but he doesn't have to be. RB Craig Baynham and FB Jack Kurek highlight a strong ground game. When Douglas does have to pass, he has good targets in TE Jimmy Hester and WRs George Seymour and Bob Wallace. The line is solid and features potential All-Pro guard Howard Mudd. The Bears' defense is very good. DT George Seals is the star on the defensive line, and he is capably backed by LBs Doug Buffone and Dick Butkus. CB Garry Lyle and S Ron Smith star in the Chicago secondary.

Minnesota Vikings

Star Players: TE Kent Kramer, LB Mike McGill

Players To Watch: RB Bill Brown, LB Wayne Meylan

Notes: It looks to be a rebuilding year for Vikings. Gary Cuozzo is at best a journeyman at QB and RBs Bill Brown and Clint Jones have yet to live up to their potential. Cuozzo has a good target in TE Kent Kramer, but Gene Washington and Patrick Poloski need to be more consistent. Ron Yary is the only bonafide starter on an otherwise unspectacular Vikes offensive line. The Vikings' defense is in definite need of an upgrade. On the line, only Doug Sutherland plays consistently from game-to-game. The linebacking and secondary is ordinary with only LB Mike McGill and CB Karl Kassulke deserving mention.

[Franklinnoble]

I didn't realize Tarkenton played for the Giants.

Oh, and it's too bad Hanburger's ratings aren't better for the 'skins. He's a big fan favorite in the DC area...

[SFL Cat]

Vikes coach Norm Van Brocklin feuded with Tarkenton and sent him packing to the Giants. Tarkenton was in New York from 1968-1971. He returned to the Vikes under Bud Grant in 72.

Hanburger was a great linebacker for the Rams and Skins. Blame FOF's X Factor for his devaluation in my universe.

[SFL Cat]

STREET & SMITH'S 1970 FOOTBALL ANNUAL

NFC South -- Predicted Finish

1) Atlanta Falcons
2) New Orleans Saints
3) Carolina Panthers
4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Atlanta Falcons

Star Players: DE Pat Toomay, DE Alden Roche, WR Ken Burrough, Al Lavan, DE Claude Humphrey

Players to Watch: FB Art Malone, S Tom McCauley

Notes: The Falcons are the class of the NFC South. QB Randy Johnson is primed for a big year in Atlanta. Making his job easier are WRs Ken Burroughs and Dave Smith. RB Harmon Wages and FB Cannonball Butler headline a strong rushing attack. The line is only adequate with C John Matlock as the lone standout. On defense, ends Pat Toomay and Alden Roche are a force on the outside. They are backed by a solid group of linebackers led by Ron Acks. The secondary of Ken Reaves, Grady Cavness, Tom McCauley and Al Lavan is one of the best in the league.

New Orleans Saints

Star Players: G Del Williams, S Hugo Hollas

Players to Watch: QB Billy Kilmer, DE Billy Newsome

Notes: The Saints are still lacking several pieces to make a serious run for a championship, but they should be solid enough to provide the Falcons with at least the semblance of a challenge in the weak NFC South. Head coach Toby Garrett is banking on a strong season from QB Billy Kilmer, especially since the New Orleans ground game, which features Tom Barrington and Tony Baker, is ordinary at best. While Kilmer has reliable targets in TE Ray Poage and WR Bob Shaw, the Saints lack a true big-threat receiver. Other than All-Pro candidate Del Williams at guard, New Orleans' offensive line is unremarkable. If the Saints seriously want to take the next step, they need to address deficiencies on defense. Other than DT Dave Rowe, LB Frank Emanuel, and S Hugo Hollas, the New Orleans defense lacks top-line talent.

Carolina Panthers

Star Players: RB Mike Hull, LB Jimmy Gunn

Players To Watch: G Everett Wyrick

Notes: It will be a year of growing pains for the young Carolina Panthers. The team has too many holes to fill on its roster to seriously challenge for a postseason spot. Since no clear cut leader has emerged to claim the starting QB position, rookies Cliff Anderson, Steve Sutter and Johnny Dunlap could all see playing time during the season. Third-year RB Mike Hull is a solid player, but he will be hard pressed to find openings behind an inexperienced offensive line. There are more questions than answers on defense for Carolina, with MLB Jimmy Gunn the only sure-fire starter on the roster.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Star Players: DT Dick Arndt,

Players To Watch: G Jesse Chapman

Notes: Rookie QB Eddie Austin from Purdue will oversee a green offense that will need to mature fast. RBs Larry Sprouse and Hunter Banks will run behind a line of no-names on offense. As bad as things are on offense, the defense could be even worse. The Bucs can count on solid play from only one of their current starters, DT Dick Arndt.

[Franklinnoble]

Vikes coach Norm Van Brocklin feuded with Tarkenton and sent him packing to the Giants. Tarkenton was in New York from 1968-1971. He returned to the Vikes under Bud Grant in 72.

Hanburger was a great linebacker for the Rams and Skins. Blame FOF's X Factor for his devaluation in my universe.
I never knew that. Thanks for the history lesson...

[SFL Cat]

STREET & SMITH'S 1970 FOOTBALL ANNUAL

NFC South -- Predicted Finish

1) St. Louis Cardinals
2) San Francisco 49ers
3) Los Angeles Rams
4) Seattle Seahawks

St. Louis Cardinals

Star Players: T Ernie McMillan, FB MacArthur Lane, TE Jackie Smith

Players to Watch: SE Fred Hyatt, LB Larry Stallings

Notes: The Cardinals have the talent to take the NFC West. While Jim Hart is not an elite QB, the Cardinals can rely on a strong rushing attack led by RB Roy Shivers and FB MacArthur Lane. The offensive line is solid, anchored by tackles Ernie McMillan and Bob Reynolds. Cal Snowden and Mike Reid star on a very good defensive line that is backed by equally good LBs Chip Healy and Dave Olerich. The St. Louis secondary is only average, but should be aided by the strong push from the front seven.

San Francisco 49ers

Star Players: TE Bob Windsor, LB Dave Wilcox, S Johnny Fuller

Players to Watch: K Bruce Gossett, Stan Hindman

Notes: The Niners require only a few pieces to seriously contend for the NFC West. As they stand, San Fran should give the Cardinals a good chase for the division title. The lack of bonafide stars at running back and wide receiver will keep the Niners from achieving elite status. But QB John Brodie has a solid offensive line to work behind and should often hook-up with TE Bob Windsor. The Niners' defensive front is solid, led by DT Charley Krueger. The linebacking and secondary are the big question marks for the San Francisco defense. Coach Kurt Buchanan has filled these units with a lot of young players. He hopes they get plenty of seasoning and experience from long-time holdovers such as LB Dave Wilcox and CB Jimmy Johnson.

Los Angeles Rams

Star Players: TE Bob Klein, DT Diron Talbert, FB Pat Curran

Players to Watch: CB Kermit Alexander, QB Roman Gabriel

Notes: The Rams probably have too many question marks to seriously challenge for the West this season, but if QB Roman Gabriel can put together a decent season, and if the Rams can fill a big hole at DT, and if coach Ken Davis can get consistent play from his group of solid linebackers and defensive backs -- the sky is the limit for how high this Rams team could soar.

Seattle Seahawks

Star Players: G Bob Newton

Players to Watch: K Leo Mares

Notes: Seahawks fans will have to be patient. The team simply doesn't have the talent to be competive this season.

[SFL Cat]

STREET & SMITH'S 1970 FOOTBALL ANNUAL

NFC South -- Predicted Finish

1) Buffalo Bills
2) New York Jets
3) Miami Dolphins
4) Boston Patriots

Buffalo Bills

Star Players: TE Austin Denny, S Tommy Pharr, LB Dick Cunningham

Players to Watch: RB O.J. Simpson, G Levert Carr, CB Butch Byrd

Notes: The Bills hope to ride a strong ground game and defense to the AFC East crown. James Harris doesn't appear to be a long term solution at QB, but as long as he can hand off to RB O.J. Simpson the Buffalo offense should be okay. The defense is solid from the front four to the secondary and should make it tough on opponents trying to move the ball.

New York Jets

Star Players: T Pete Perreault, T Winston Hill, LB Ralph Baker

Players to Watch: QB Joe Namath, DT Leo Brooks

Notes: The Jets will go only as far as the arm of Joe Namath can take them. The Jets' QB has some good intangibles, but he needs to put together a consistent season for the team to challenge for the division title. The Jets will need to score a lot of points, because their defense is likely to give up a lot of points. LB Larry Grantham will lead a green group of youngsters with lots of potential but little experience, especially on the defensive line.

Miami Dolphins

Star Players: WR Howard Twilley, DE Bill Stanfill, DT Manny Fernandez

Players to Watch: G Bob Kuechenberg, QB Bob Griese, T Wayne Moore

Notes: The Dolphins are an up-and-coming young team, but they are still probably a season or two away from seriously competing for a championship. If QB Bob Griese lives up to his potential, and young runners Norm Bullaich and Larry Csonka can quickly develop, the Dolphins' offense should prosper. The unit will definitely benefit from one of the stronger offensive line in the AFC. The Miami defense is where the team might find some headaches. While strong along the line, the Dolphins' D is questionable in other places. The linebacking corps is definitely in need of some fresh blood, with only Doug Swift looking like a keeper. Coach Carlton Adamski hopes his inexperienced CBs, Tim Foley and Dean Brown, get strong support from veteran safeties Dick Anderson and Bob Petrella.

Boston Patriots

Star Players: K Gino Cappelletti

Players to Watch: CB Daryl Johnson, FB Jim Nance, S John Outlaw

Notes: The Patriots will need to retool to seriously compete. Boston lacks firepower on offense, which is especially evident when K Gino Cappelletti is the team's most dangerous weapon. The Patriots' defense looks like it will struggle to stop either the run or the pass.

[SFL Cat]

STREET & SMITH'S 1970 FOOTBALL ANNUAL

AFC South -- Predicted Finish

1) Baltimore Colts
2) Houston Oilers
3) Jacksonville Sharks
4) Tennessee Titans

Baltimore Colts

Star Players: QB Earl Morrall, LB Robby Nichols

Players to Watch: TE Tom Mitchell, G John Williams

Notes: The Colts are an aging squad that will benefit playing in the weak AFC South. Old-timers Earl Morrall and Johnny Unitas will probably share time at QB. Sam Havrilak will start at RB but is nothing special. The offensive line is old and may start showing signs of wear and tear before the season is over. The Baltimore defense is average and may struggle against some of the elite offensive units in the AFC.

Houston Oilers

Star Players: QB Charley Johnson

Players to Watch: C Hank Autry, RB Mike Richardson, T Terry Stoepel, S Bob Atkins

Notes: The Oilers have a decent enough offense to compete in the AFC South. Unfortunately, the poor state of the defense could cost Houston any chance at a division title. QB Charley Johnson, RB Mike Richardson and WR Charlie Joiner have great potential. However, they'll be forced to work behind an offensive line that is average at best. On defense, only LB Ron Pritchard and S Bob Atkins deserve mention.

Jacksonville Sharks

Star Players: none

Players to Watch: G Chuck Walton, S Bobby Williams

Notes: Coach Hunter Duncan is expecting growing pains with his young squad in 1970. The Sharks are a team with lots of potential, but will probably suffer some rough handling before things begin to fall into place.

Tennessee Titans

Star Players: none

Players to Watch: G Vincent Hoover

Notes: Coach Emmanuel Bookwalter isn't prone to wishful thinking. His Titans are an expansion team and with one of the youngest rosters in the league, he predicts they will play like an expansion team. This team could easily wind up with the first pick in the 1971 draft.

[SFL Cat]

STREET & SMITH'S 1970 FOOTBALL ANNUAL

AFC North -- Predicted Finish

1) Canton Bulldogs
2) Pittsburgh Steelers
3) Cincinnati Bengals
4) Cleveland Browns

Canton Bulldogs

Star Players: FB Don Highsmith, S Tony Plummer

Players to Watch: G Jim Reilly, CB Mel Blount,

Notes: The Bulldogs have a great blend of talent and youth. They should be in the thick of the AFC divisional title race.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Star Players: FB Warren Bankston

Players to Watch: QB Terry Bradshaw

Notes: The Steelers are a team on the rise. How quickly they have success depends on how quickly rookie QB Terry Bradshaw develops. At first, Bradshaw will stay on the sidelines and watch QB Terry Hanratty direct a solid Steelers offense, but it is only a matter of time before the first-year player from Louisiana Tech takes the field. Preston Pearson is a solid RB and the offensive line gets the job done. On defense, the Steelers should be stingy as they line up in a 3-4.

Cincinnati Bengals

Star Players: C Bob Johnson

Players to Watch: TE Bruce Coslet, WR Speedy Thomas

Notes: The Bengals should have a decent offense, led by QB Virgil Carter and RB Essex Johnson. However, deficiencies in Cincinnati's defense, especially along the defensive line, could cost the Bengals a shot at the division crown.

Cleveland Browns

Star Players: DT Jerry Sherk

Players to Watch: G Jim Copeland, DT Kevin Hardy, LB John Garlington

Notes: Age will finally catch up with the Cleveland Browns this season. Such greats as RB Jimmy Brown, WR Gary Collins, G Gene Hickerson, T Dick Schafrath, LB Jim Houston and CB Erich Barnes are all in the twilights of their careers. To complicate matters, Don Gault, a rookie out of Hofstra will start at QB. Although the team might find enough in the tank to surprise some people, the Browns are in serious need of a youth transfusion on both sides of the ball.

[SFL Cat]

STREET & SMITH'S 1970 FOOTBALL ANNUAL

AFC South -- Predicted Finish

1) Denver Broncos
2) Kansas City Chiefs
3) San Diego Chargers
4) Oakland Raiders

Denver Broncos

Star Players: C Grant Guthrie, LB Dave Washington, TE Steve Zabel, DE John Ward, LB Jim Files, DE Al Cowlings

Players to Watch: RB Fran Lynch, QB Wayne Clark, DT Paul Smith

Notes: With one of the most talented and deep rosters in the AFC, the Broncos could be the team to beat. RB Fran Lynch is the headliner for an explosive offense. On defense, the Broncos front seven, led by DE John Ward and LB Dave Washington, are possibly the best in the league.

Kansas City Chiefs

Star Players: TE Fred Arbanas, LB Willie Lanier

Players to Watch: DT Curley Culp, S Johnny Robinson, T George Daney, S Jim Kearney

Notes: If the Chiefs can settle the looming QB controversy between Len Dawson and Mike Livingstone, the Chiefs could challenge for a title. Whoever plays QB will have the benefit of working behind a first rate line and handing-off to a first-rate back like Warren McVea. The defense, anchored by MLB Willie Lanier is solid top-to-bottom.

San Diego Chargers

Star Players: CB Earlie Thomas, CB Dellas Howell, DE Randy Marshall, LB Mike Kolen

Players to Watch: FB Jeff Queen, DT Andy Rice

Notes: A solid offense and strong defense should help keep the Chargers competitive in what should be a highly contested race in the AFC West. Second year man Marty Domres gets the nod at QB and will be helped by a strong line and a decent running back in Dickie Post. The On defense, the Charger secondary is one of the best in the league. Corners Earlie Thomas and Dellas Howell are the stars here.

Oakland Raiders

Star Players: Jim Otto

Players to Watch: QB Daryl Lamonica, DT Tom Keating, FB Marv Hubbard

Notes: The Raiders have enough talent that they could probably win a division crown if they played in any other division. Unfortunately the play in the AFC West and will probably spend the season chasing after Denver, KC, and San Diego.

[SFL Cat]

WEEK ONE PRESEASON (home team bold)

Green Bay 19; Kansas City 11

Injury Report: GB -- DE Lionel Aldridge out for two weeks with strained Achilles Tendon, DE Sweeny Williams out for four weeks with strained Patellar Tendon, P Gabe Raymond and S Herb Joseph are questionable, WR Carroll Dale and CB Lee Harden are probable. KC -- TE Morris Stroud out for six weeks with torn knee cartilage, DE Tony Cline and DT Mark Lomas are probable.

New York Jets 55; Tampa Bay 10

Injury Report: NYJ -- RB Bobby Anderson out for four weeks with a seperated shoulder. TB -- S Jumbo Sims is probable.

[SFL Cat]

Preseason Week Two -- Buffalo Bills at Canton Bulldogs

The Bulldogs have a first good outing against the Bills, winning 37-13. Bill Cappleman completes 8-of-10 for 79 yards and two TDs. He does have to leave the game with a bruised shoulder, but is probable for next week. Rookie kicker Mark Mosely misses his first pro kick, a PAT, but later nails a 31 yard field goal as the Bulldogs roll out to a 30-0 lead by early in the third period. Buffalo's backup QB Dan Darragh tosses two TD passes to make the score a little more respectable, 30-13. Canton's third string RB Odell Lawson plunges for a 1-yard TD to cap the scoring. QB Pete Liske played well in relief for Cappleman, completing 8-of-16 passes for 91 yards. Most impressive, our defense forced five Buffalo turnovers (two interceptions and three fumble recoverires).
I'm pleased, for this week at least.

Injuries: none

Other Games (home team in bold

Chicago 45; Baltimore 17
POG -- Chicago QB Bobby Douglas (14-23-0, 173 yds, 3 TDs)
Injuries -- Chicago: S Phil Clark (head), doubtful; LB John Neidert (ankle), probable. Baltimore: S Rick Volk (thigh), probable.

Cincinnati 28; NY Jets 20
POG -- Cincinnati WR Eric Crabtree (9-89, 3 TDs; punt returns 3-16)
Injuries -- Cincinnati:DE Les Bethea (leg), out; QB Virgil Carter (ankle), probable, G Rufus Mayes (neck), probable. New York Jets: RB Bobby Anderson (shoulder), out; FB Matt Snell (abdomin), doubtful.

Cleveland 13; Tennessee 7
POG -- Cleveland G Jim Copeland (7 key run blocks)
Injuries -- Tennessee: S Pete Lake (nose), probable.

Dallas 31; St. Louis 13
POG -- Dallas WR Lance Rentzel (8-133, TD; kick return 1-19)
Injuries -- Dallas: RB Calvin Hill (calf), out; DT Jethro Pugh (depression), probable. St. Louis: C Wayne Mulligan (leg), questionable.

Denver 31; Houston 14
POG -- Denver QB Al Pastrana (17-20-0, 155y, 2TDs)
Injuries -- Houston: T Walt Suggs (shoulder), out.

Atlanta 24; Green Bay 19
POG -- Atlanta WR Dave Smith (7-97, TD)
Injuries -- Atlanta: Gary Roberts (abdomin), out; TE Raymond Chester (ribs), probable. Green Bay: DE Sweeny Williams (leg), doubtful; DE Lionel Aldridge (leg), probable; P Gabe Raymond (knee), probable.

Minnesota 35; Jacksonville 3
POG -- Minnesota QB Gary Cuozzo (17-29-0, 175y, 2TDs)
Injuries -- Minnesota: DT Gary Larson (knee), out. Jacksonville: DE Leon Nelson (thumb), questionable.

Los Angeles 21; Oakland 11
POG -- Los Angeles DT Diron Talbert (5 Tk, 1 As, 1.5 Sk)
Injuries -- Los Angeles: DT Diron Talber (shoulder), out; LB Jack Pardee (knee), probable.

NY Giants 31; Boston 24
POG -- NY Giants WR Rich Houston (8-107)
Injuries -- New York: FB Les Shy (cold), probable. Boston: DE Ron Carpenter (ankle), probable.

New Orleans 27; Philadelphia 17
POG -- New Orleans WR Bob Shaw (9-96)
Injuries -- New Orleans: RB Gary Lewis (elbow), out; LB Johnny Brewer (knee), questionable; QB Billy Kilmer (cold), probable. Philadelphia: CB Richard Harvey (shoulder), out; WR Ben Hawkins (shoulder), probable.

Detroit 24; Pittsburgh 3
POG -- Detroit DT Jerry Rush (5 Tk, 2 Sk)
Injuries -- Pittsburgh: WR Horace Sims (knee), questionable; RB John Fuqua (arm), probable; LB Chuck Allen (knee), probable.

San Diego 41; Seattle 7
POG -- San Diego LB Rick Redman (7 Tk, 2 As, 1 Sk, 1 Int)
Injuries -- San Diego: DT Gene Ferguson (toe), questionable. Seattle: WR Bo Terrell (knee), probable.

Kansas City 20; San Francisco 9
POG -- Kansas City C E.J. Holub (7 key run blocks)
Injuries -- Kansas City: TE Morris Stroud (knee), out.

Miami 24; Tampa Bay 3
POG -- Miami DE Bill Stanfill (5 Tk, 2 As, 2.5 Sk)
Injuries -- Miami: QB Bob Griese (ankle), probable. Tampa Bay: S Jumbo Sims (groin), questionable.

Washington 27; Carolina 14
POG -- Washington WR Linzy Cole (5-104, TD)
Injuries -- Washington: DT Dave Costa (abdomin), out.

[SFL Cat]

Preseason Week 3 -- Canton Bulldogs at Atlanta Falcons

The Bulldogs go into Atlanta expecting a tough game from the team expected to win the NFC South Division. Things go sour for us on our first possession, as Cappleman throws a pass that is picked off by Atlanta S Al Lavan and returned to our 31 yard-line. The Falcons push to our one yard-line, but we dodge a bullet when RB Sonny Campbell fumbles and the ball is recovered by DE Nick Roman. We promptly go three-and-out and our punter shanks a 28-yard punt that is downed at our 46. This time Atlanta drives to our nine yard-line before stalling. Jim O'Brien nails a 26-yard field goal to give the Falcons a 3-0 lead.

The Bulldogs tie the game on their next possession by driving to the Atlanta 30, where Mark Moseley drills a 47-yard field goal. Atlanta responds by driving 80 yards in 13 plays and scoring on a three-yard TD pass from Randy Johnson to Ken Burrough. The extra point makes it 10-3, Falcons.

Canton makes it a 10-6 ballgame midway through the third quarter when Moseley boots a 38-yard field goal. The Bulldogs and Falcons trade punts until late in the final period. Atlanta is able to extend its lead to 17-6 on a six-yard TD run by Sonny Campbell. Our backup QB Pete Liske does a good job of driving us down the field late in the game. The Bulldogs find themselves on the Atlanta two-yard line with 55 seconds left to play in the game. A TD and a two-point conversion would make it 17-14, giving us a chance to tie it on a FG if we can recover an onside kick. Liske is sacked back at the ten by Atlanta's Pat Toomay forcing us to burn a precious time out. On the next play, Al Lavan picks off his second pass of the game in the endzone killing any chance for a comeback. Atlanta then proceeds to run out the clock for the victory. Atlanta DE Pat Toomay was awarded the POG award although I think S Al Lavan might have deserved it more. Toomay finished with four tackles, one assist, and 2.5 sacks.

Notes -- Neither of my QBs played exceptionally well. Cappleman only played during the first quarter. He finished the game completing 2-of-5 passes for 26 yards, one interception and was sacked once. In three quarters of work, Pete Liske completed only 12-of-29 passes for 172 yards and threw one interception. He had a tendency to hold the ball too long as well and was sacked by the Falcons four times. My tackles, Sam Brunelli and Dick Stevens, each gave up two sacks. I'm not happy about that at all. We played okay on defense, although we did give up a couple of long scoring drives to the Falcons.

[SFL Cat]

Preseason Week 3 (home teams in bold)

Boston 30; Washington 7
POG -- Boston: DE Ike Lassiter (3 Tk, 2 As, 2.5 Sk)

Buffalo 44; Tennessee 17
POG -- Buffalo: G Levert Carr (7 key run blocks)

NY Giants 29; Carolina 3
POG -- NYG: DT Jim Kanicki (8 Tk, 2 As, 1.5 Sk)

Denver 31; Chicago 19
POG -- DEN: QB Wayne Clark (16-22-1, 228y, 2TDs)

Detroit 24; Cincinnati 10
POG -- DET: QB Bill Munson (15-21-0, 188y, TD)

Green Bay 24; Cleveland 0
POG -- GB: TE John Hilton (6-60, TD)

Dallas 20; Houston 3
POG -- DAL: QB Roger Staubach (14-19-0, 194y, 2TDs)

Miami 40; Jacksonville 10
POG -- MIA: QB John Stofa (15-18-0, 104, 2TDs)

Kansas City 40; Minnesota 24
POG -- KC: FB Robert Holmes (rush 2-3, rec 2-67, 2TDs, 2 key run blocks)

New Orleans 24; NY Jets 21
POG -- NO: QB Billy Kilmer (19-24-0, 233y, 2TDs)

Oakland 17; San Francisco 16
POG -- OAK: WR Drew Buie (7-79, TD)

Pittsburgh 26; Philadelphia 3
POG -- PIT: DE Ben McGee (3 Tk, 4 As, 2 Sk)

Seattle 24; Baltimore 17
POG -- SEA: WR Shane Emerson (6-65)

San Diego 42; St. Louis 34
POG -- SD: QB Frank Patrick (14-24-0, 183y, 2TDs)

Los Angeles 31; Tampa Bay 7
POG -- LA: RB Tommy Mason (rush 18-92, TD rec 4-48, TD)