1973 Buffalo Bills season
Encyclopedia
The 1973
Buffalo Bills
season was the 14th season for the team and their 4th season in the National Football League
(NFL). The season was defined by O.J. Simpson becoming the first player in NFL history to rush for 2000 yards in a season. The Buffalo Bills finished in second place in the American Football Conference East Division and finished the 1973 NFL season
with a record of 9 wins and 5 losses. This was the team's second season with Lou Saban
in his second tenure as head coach
. Saban had previously led the team to the 1964 and 1965 American Football League
championships. It was the first season that the team played in the new Rich Stadium, which has now been renamed Ralph Wilson Stadium, after several years using War Memorial Stadium
as the team's home stadium.
The team had three participants in the January 20, 1974 Pro Bowl
and two members of the All-Pro
team. In addition to establishing a record for single-season rushing yardage
of 2003, which lasted for eleven years, Simpson established the single-season record for rushing yards gained per game, which continues to be an NFL record. The team drafted several players in the 1973 NFL Draft
who contributed to the offense as starters during this record setting season. The explosive offense centered around O.J. "Juice" Simpson was nicknamed the "Electric Company
" for its ability to turn on the juice.
.
and 1973
. Incumbent starting quarterback Dennis Shaw
found himself in a battle with 1973 NFL Draft
ee Joe Ferguson
for the starting job. Simpson was coming off of his best season as a Bill in which he earned his first All-Pro recognition and first rushing title. During the On April 19, 1973 the Bills traded Edgar Chandler
, Jeff Lyman and Wayne Patrick
to the New England Patriots
for Jim Cheyunski
, Halvor Hagen
and Mike Montler
. Although Patrick had been the Bill's Fullback, he lost the starting job to Jim Braxton
in 1972. Key draft choices included quarterback
Joe Ferguson
, converted tight end
Paul Seymour
, offensive guard Joe DeLamielleure
, linebacker
s John Skorupan
and Merv Krakau
. The Bills also made key acquisitions of the Miami Dolphins
' top 1972 NFL Draft
selection Mike Kadish
in exchange for offensive lineman Irv Goode
. The Bills traded defensive tackle Al Cowlings
and acquired defensive end
Earl Edwards
. The Bills acquired Mike Montler
from the New England Patriots
. 10-year Bills veteran linebacker Mike Stratton
left to play a final season with the San Diego Chargers
.
The Bills started the season 4–1 before falling to a 5–5 record and then winning their final 4 games. In 1973, rookie Ferguson, who would be the Bills starting quarterback for 12 seasons, started all 14 games at quarterback. Dennis Shaw
who had been the starter the previous three season, saw action in four games. Simpson recorded 2,000 rushing yards during the season and was voted NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP), and the team had its first winning record since 1966
. The "Electric Company
" of Simpson, Jim Braxton
, rookie Seymour, and rookie DeLamielleure lead a dramatic turnaround on the field. The "Electric Company" was the offensive line (OG Reggie McKenzie
, OT Dave Foley
, C Mike Montler
, OG Joe DeLamielleure and OT Donnie Green
) which provided the electricity for the "Juice". Larry Watkins
and Braxton shared the fullback duties with each accumulating over 400 yards rushing. Braxton's 4.6 yards per carry was eighth in the NFL. The offensive guards were a pair of young future All-Pro
performers: Pro Football Hall of Fame
r DeLamielleure (drafted 26th overall in 1973) and College Football Hall of Fame
r McKenzie (drafted 27th overall in 1972).
This was the fifth of nine consecutive seasons that Simpson led the team in rushing yards and the first of four times that Bob Chandler
led the team in receiving yards. Simpson began and ended the fourteen game season with two 5-game 100-yard rushing streaks. Seymour, who had been a member of the 1972 College Football All-America Team
as an offensive tackle for the Michigan Wolverines
after having played two season at tight end
, became the team's starting tight end. Seymour, who would play his entire career with the Bills, went on to be the starting tight end for a total of five seasons. Jan White had been the tight end the previous two years. During the season, Wallace Francis, who finished second in the league in kickoff return average, was the only player in the league to return two kickoffs
for touchdowns. John Leypoldt
's 70% field goal percentage ranked fifth in the league.
The season was the second of three Pro Bowl
and first of two All-Pro
season for cornerback
Robert James. J.D. Hill had been a Pro Bowl
performer the prior season. This was Foley's first and only Pro Bowl selection. It was McKenzie's only All-Pro season. The season marked the third of six Pro Bowls and 2nd of 5 consecutive All-Pro seasons for Simpson. Both Simpson and James were returning Pro Bowl selections. It was also the first of two times Simpson would lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns, first of three times he would lead the league in yards from scrimmage
and the second of four times he would lead the league in rushing yards. Although Simpson posted a career best 6.0 yards per carry in 1973, he was surpassed by Mercury Morris
who posted a 6.4 yards per carry average for the 1973 Miami Dolphins
. The only season that he led the league in yards per carry was two years later when he averaged 5.5 yards per carry.
Although Simpson's 2003 yard total has now been eclipsed by 5 other runners, , his 143.1 yards per game continues to be an NFL single-season record because all subsequent runners reached 2000 yards in 16 games, while Simpson only needed 14.
For his efforts, Simpson was named Associated Press Athlete of the Year
. The team was featured on Madden NFL '96
as one of the "classic" teams. It was listed along with the four consecutive American Football Conference
champions from 1990–1993 as Bills teams on the list.
the ball 30 times twice all season, but totaled 2003 yards due to a 6.0 yards per carry average. Over the course of the season he was only credited with six receptions
.
's 247-yard performance in 1971. Although the Bills had gone 0–6 in their exhibition schedule, they started the season with a 31–13 victory in Chuck Fairbanks
's debut as New England Patriots
coach. Simpson scored on an 80-yard run in the first quarter and a 22-yard run in the third quarter.
s and 4 interceptions. Despite 103 yards rushing by Simpson and 118 yards receiving by Hill. The Bills surrendered 27 consecutive points after Simpson tied the score 7–7 with a 6-yard second quarter run.
(playing in place of an injured Joe Namath
) hit Jerome Barkum
for 34 yards with two seconds left.
and Norm Bulaich
.
for 10-yards and later scored on a 1-yard quarterback keeper. Simpson scored on a 3-yard run in the third quarter and on a 78-yard run in the fourth "thrilled a crowd of 78,875".
to Jim Mandich
. The Bills made no first downs in the first half. Leypoldt and Garo Yepremian
opened and closed the scoring by swapping field goals. The Dolphins' other touchdown came when a 21-yard Paul Warfield
reception set up a Mercury Morris
4-yard touchdown.
in 1966 and Harry Newman
in 1934. In the game, the Chiefs fumble
d on their opening possession on their own 15-yard-line, leading to a Bills touchdown on four consecutive rushes. Three plays into the Chiefs' second possession Cheyunski intercepted Len Dawson
and returned it 31 yards to the 4-yard-line leading to another Simpson score, giving them a 14–0 lead 3:37 into the game. Leypoldt added three field goals.
made a 33-yard field goal with three seconds remaining.
. With Miami leading 10–0, Buffalo drove from their own 20-yard-line to the Dolphins' 4-yard-line and then turned the ball over on downs four plays later at the 1-yard-line. In the game, the Bills were shut out despite a pair of 100-yard rushing efforts by Simpson and Braxton who posted 120 and 119 yards respectively.
connected with Tom Mitchell and George Hunt added a field goal to give Baltimore a 17–10 lead. Late in the game the Colts gave the Bills good field position following an 18-yard punt by David Lee. Ferguson passed for 38-yards to Bob Chandler
to tie the score with 1:34 remaining. Then Dwight Harrison
recorded a 31-yard interception return with 1:11 remaining to give the Bills their final margin of victory. The game marked only the second and final time all season the Bills passed for 100 yards.
who posted two field goals.
. He posted 200 yards on 34 carries to bring his total to 2003 in Weeb Ewbank's final game as Jets coach. He became the first to accumulate 200 yards in a game three times in a season. In O.J.'s post-game press conference, he brought the entire Electric Company
to meet the media. Before he would field any questions, he introduced each of his teammates.
1973 NFL season
The 1973 NFL season was the 54th regular season of the National Football League. The season featured O.J. Simpson becoming the first man to rush for 2,000 yards in one season...
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
season was the 14th season for the team and their 4th season in the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
(NFL). The season was defined by O.J. Simpson becoming the first player in NFL history to rush for 2000 yards in a season. The Buffalo Bills finished in second place in the American Football Conference East Division and finished the 1973 NFL season
1973 NFL season
The 1973 NFL season was the 54th regular season of the National Football League. The season featured O.J. Simpson becoming the first man to rush for 2,000 yards in one season...
with a record of 9 wins and 5 losses. This was the team's second season with Lou Saban
Lou Saban
Louis Henry Saban was an American football player and coach. Saban played for Indiana University in college and as a pro for the Cleveland Browns of the All-America Football Conference...
in his second tenure as head coach
Head coach
A head coach, senior coach or manager is a professional at training and developing athletes. They typically hold a more public profile and are paid more than other coaches...
. Saban had previously led the team to the 1964 and 1965 American Football League
American Football League
The American Football League was a major American Professional Football league that operated from 1960 until 1969, when the established National Football League merged with it. The upstart AFL operated in direct competition with the more established NFL throughout its existence...
championships. It was the first season that the team played in the new Rich Stadium, which has now been renamed Ralph Wilson Stadium, after several years using War Memorial Stadium
War Memorial Stadium (Buffalo)
War Memorial Stadium is the name of a stadium that formerly stood in Buffalo, New York. The stadium was on a rectangular block near the downtown area. Its main entrance was at Jefferson Avenue to the east and Best Street to the south...
as the team's home stadium.
The team had three participants in the January 20, 1974 Pro Bowl
1974 Pro Bowl
The 1974 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was played on January 20, 1974 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The final Score was AFC 15, NFC 13. Kicker Garo Yepremian of the Miami Dolphins was the game's MVP. The attendance for the game was 66,918. In the game, Yepremian set a Pro Bowl record with 5...
and two members of the All-Pro
All-Pro
All-Pro is a term mostly used in the NFL for the best players of each position during that season. It began as polls of sportswriters in the early 1920s...
team. In addition to establishing a record for single-season rushing yardage
Yards from scrimmage
Yards from scrimmage is an American football and Canadian football statistical measure. In the game of football, progress is measured by advancing the football towards the opposing team's goal line. Progress can be made during play by the offensive team by advancing the ball from the its point of...
of 2003, which lasted for eleven years, Simpson established the single-season record for rushing yards gained per game, which continues to be an NFL record. The team drafted several players in the 1973 NFL Draft
1973 NFL Draft
The 1973 National Football League Draft was held on January 30–31, 1973.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:...
who contributed to the offense as starters during this record setting season. The explosive offense centered around O.J. "Juice" Simpson was nicknamed the "Electric Company
Electric Company (Football)
The Electric Company was the nickname of the offensive line of the Buffalo Bills during the mid 1970s that helped running back O.J. Simpson establish numerous National Football League all-time records and earn numerous statistical titles...
" for its ability to turn on the juice.
NFL Draft
Buffalo selected the following players who played for the team in the 1973 season during the 1973 NFL Draft1973 NFL Draft
The 1973 National Football League Draft was held on January 30–31, 1973.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:...
.
| Round | |Player | |College | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | Offensive Tackle | Michigan Michigan Wolverines football The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history... |
|
| 1 | 26 | Offensive Guard | Michigan State Michigan State Spartans football The Michigan State Spartans football program represents Michigan State University in college football as members of the Big Ten Conference at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level... |
|
| 2 | 32 | Defensive Tackle | USC | |
| 3 | 57 | Quarterback Quarterback Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line... |
Arkansas Arkansas Razorbacks football The Arkansas Razorbacks football program is a college football team that represents the University of Arkansas. The team is a member of the Southeastern Conference's Western Division, which is in Division I's Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... |
|
| 3 | 77 | Defensive Tackle | California California Golden Bears football The California Golden Bears football team is the college football team of the University of California. The team plays its home games at California Memorial Stadium, however the team played at San Francisco's AT&T Park in 2011 while Memorial Stadium was being renovated, the team will return to... |
|
| 5 | 110 | Wide Receiver Wide receiver A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible... |
Arkansas State Arkansas State Red Wolves football The Arkansas State Red Wolves football team represents Arkansas State University in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football competition. The team was originally founded in 1911, and, since 2001, Arkansas State has competed as a member of the... |
|
| 6 | 136 | Linebacker Linebacker A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen... |
Penn State Penn State Nittany Lions football The Penn State Nittany Lions football team represents the Pennsylvania State University in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the Big Ten Conference. It is one of the most tradition-rich and storied college football programs in the... |
|
| 7 | 162 | Linebacker | Michigan State | |
| 14 | 344 | Linebacker | Iowa State Iowa State Cyclones football The Iowa State Cyclones football team represents Iowa State University in college football. The Cyclones compete in the Big 12 Conference in the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision. ISU started playing football in 1892, however, it did not become an official sport until 1894... |
| = Pro Bowl Pro Bowl In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those... er |
= Hall of Famer Pro Football Hall of Fame The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees... |
Background
The Bills were recovering from 1–13 and 4–9–1 records in 19721972 NFL season
The 1972 NFL season was the 53rd regular season of the National Football League. The Miami Dolphins became the first NFL team to finish a championship season undefeated and untied when they beat the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII.-Major rule changes:...
and 1973
1973 NFL season
The 1973 NFL season was the 54th regular season of the National Football League. The season featured O.J. Simpson becoming the first man to rush for 2,000 yards in one season...
. Incumbent starting quarterback Dennis Shaw
Dennis Shaw
Dennis Wendell Shaw is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, and the Kansas City Chiefs.-College career:...
found himself in a battle with 1973 NFL Draft
1973 NFL Draft
The 1973 National Football League Draft was held on January 30–31, 1973.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:...
ee Joe Ferguson
Joe Ferguson
Joseph Carlton Ferguson, Jr. is a former American football quarterback in the NFL. Ferguson played college football at the University of Arkansas, where he still holds the school's single game record for most completions and in that same season was named the Southwest Conference's Offensive...
for the starting job. Simpson was coming off of his best season as a Bill in which he earned his first All-Pro recognition and first rushing title. During the On April 19, 1973 the Bills traded Edgar Chandler
Edgar Chandler
Edgar Thomas Chandler, Jr. was an American Professional Football player who played linebacker for six seasons, for the Buffalo Bills in the American Football League and the NFL, and for the NFL New England Patriots. Chandler was a two-time All-American at the University of Georgia...
, Jeff Lyman and Wayne Patrick
Wayne Patrick
Wayne Allen Patrick was a professional American football running back for five seasons for the Buffalo Bills in both the American Football League and the National Football League. He was born in Gainesville, Florida. He settled in Amherst, a suburb of Buffalo after retiring from football and...
to the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
for Jim Cheyunski
Jim Cheyunski
James M. Cheyunski James M. Cheyunski James M. Cheyunski (born December 29, 1945 in Bridgewater, Massachusetts is a former American football linebacker in the NFL for the Boston/New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and the Baltimore Colts. He played college football at Syracuse University....
, Halvor Hagen
Halvor Hagen
Halvor Reini Hagen is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots, and the Buffalo Bills. He played college football at Weber State University and was drafted in the third round of the 1969 NFL Draft....
and Mike Montler
Mike Montler
Michael R. Montler was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Boston/New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and the Detroit Lions.-University of Colorado:...
. Although Patrick had been the Bill's Fullback, he lost the starting job to Jim Braxton
Jim Braxton
James Robert Braxton was a professional American football fullback in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.-Collegiate career:...
in 1972. Key draft choices included quarterback
Quarterback
Quarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Joe Ferguson
Joe Ferguson
Joseph Carlton Ferguson, Jr. is a former American football quarterback in the NFL. Ferguson played college football at the University of Arkansas, where he still holds the school's single game record for most completions and in that same season was named the Southwest Conference's Offensive...
, converted tight end
Tight end
The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
Paul Seymour
Paul Seymour (American football)
Paul Christopher Seymour is a former professional American football player. He played five seasons for the Buffalo Bills.A 6'5", 250 lbs...
, offensive guard Joe DeLamielleure
Joe DeLamielleure
Joseph Michael DeLamielleure is a former American football offensive lineman who was an All-American at Michigan State. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft. He won All-Rookie Honors, after finding out a physical condition with his irregular heartbeat was...
, linebacker
Linebacker
A linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
s John Skorupan
John Skorupan
John Paul Skorupan is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants. He played college football at Penn State University and was drafted in the sixth round of the 1973 NFL Draft...
and Merv Krakau
Merv Krakau
Mervin Floyd Krakau is a former professional American football player who played linebacker for six seasons for the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots. After a five-year hiatus, he played a seventh professional season with the Tampa Bay Bandits of the United States Football League.Krakau...
. The Bills also made key acquisitions of the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
' top 1972 NFL Draft
1972 NFL Draft
The 1972 National Football League Draft was held on February 1–2, 1972.-Player selections:-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:-Round seven:-Round eight:-Round nine:-Round ten:...
selection Mike Kadish
Mike Kadish
Michael S. Kadish was an American football defensive lineman who played nine seasons in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills. He played college football at the University of Notre Dame....
in exchange for offensive lineman Irv Goode
Irv Goode
Irving Lee Goode is a former American football guard who played thirteen seasons in the National Football League....
. The Bills traded defensive tackle Al Cowlings
Al Cowlings
Allen G. Cowlings is a retired American football player, known for his role in the saga of O.J. Simpson's murder trial...
and acquired defensive end
Defensive end
Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
Earl Edwards
Earl Edwards (American football)
Earl Edwards is a former American football defensive tackle. He played College football at Wichita State University, and then forHe helped the San Francisco 49ers win the NFC Western Division from 1970-1972....
. The Bills acquired Mike Montler
Mike Montler
Michael R. Montler was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Boston/New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and the Detroit Lions.-University of Colorado:...
from the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. 10-year Bills veteran linebacker Mike Stratton
Mike Stratton
David Michael Stratton was an American football linebacker in the AFL and NFL for the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers....
left to play a final season with the San Diego Chargers
San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Regular season
Although some describe almost the whole 1970s decade as the Electric Company era, the 1973 season marked a new era in Bills history and is regarded by many as the beginning of the Electric Company era of the mid 1970s. The team ushered in a new stadium, new uniforms and a transformed team build through the draft and a few key trades. With all the emphasis on rushing the team would only post to 100-yard receiving efforts.The Bills started the season 4–1 before falling to a 5–5 record and then winning their final 4 games. In 1973, rookie Ferguson, who would be the Bills starting quarterback for 12 seasons, started all 14 games at quarterback. Dennis Shaw
Dennis Shaw
Dennis Wendell Shaw is a former American football quarterback in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Giants, and the Kansas City Chiefs.-College career:...
who had been the starter the previous three season, saw action in four games. Simpson recorded 2,000 rushing yards during the season and was voted NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP), and the team had its first winning record since 1966
1966 Buffalo Bills season
Kansas City Chiefs 31, Buffalo Bills 7The Bills went into the 1966 AFL Championship having already won the game the previous two years. Though the game was to be played in Buffalo, the visiting Kansas City Chiefs were three-point favorites, mainly because of their explosive and innovative offense...
. The "Electric Company
Electric Company (Football)
The Electric Company was the nickname of the offensive line of the Buffalo Bills during the mid 1970s that helped running back O.J. Simpson establish numerous National Football League all-time records and earn numerous statistical titles...
" of Simpson, Jim Braxton
Jim Braxton
James Robert Braxton was a professional American football fullback in the NFL for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins.-Collegiate career:...
, rookie Seymour, and rookie DeLamielleure lead a dramatic turnaround on the field. The "Electric Company" was the offensive line (OG Reggie McKenzie
Reggie McKenzie (guard)
Reginald McKenzie is a former American football player. He played at the offensive guard position for the University of Michigan from 1969 to 1971 and was a consensus first-team All-American in 1971. He also who played 13 years of professional football for the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks...
, OT Dave Foley
Dave Foley (American football)
David Foley is a former college and professional offensive lineman of the 1960s and '70s.Foley was a three-year starter at offensive tackle for the Ohio State Buckeyes under head coach Woody Hayes...
, C Mike Montler
Mike Montler
Michael R. Montler was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Boston/New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and the Detroit Lions.-University of Colorado:...
, OG Joe DeLamielleure and OT Donnie Green
Donnie Green
Donnie Gerald Green is a former American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Detroit Lions. He played college football at Purdue University and was drafted in the fifth round of the 1971 NFL Draft....
) which provided the electricity for the "Juice". Larry Watkins
Larry Watkins
Lawrence Watkins is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and the New York Giants. He played college football at Alcorn State University....
and Braxton shared the fullback duties with each accumulating over 400 yards rushing. Braxton's 4.6 yards per carry was eighth in the NFL. The offensive guards were a pair of young future All-Pro
All-Pro
All-Pro is a term mostly used in the NFL for the best players of each position during that season. It began as polls of sportswriters in the early 1920s...
performers: Pro Football Hall of Fame
Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
r DeLamielleure (drafted 26th overall in 1973) and College Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame
The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and museum devoted to college football. Located in South Bend, Indiana, it is connected to a convention center and situated in the city's renovated downtown district, two miles south of the University of Notre Dame campus. It is slated to move...
r McKenzie (drafted 27th overall in 1972).
This was the fifth of nine consecutive seasons that Simpson led the team in rushing yards and the first of four times that Bob Chandler
Bob Chandler
Robert Donald Chandler was an American football wide receiver in the National Football League.-Professional career:...
led the team in receiving yards. Simpson began and ended the fourteen game season with two 5-game 100-yard rushing streaks. Seymour, who had been a member of the 1972 College Football All-America Team
1972 College Football All-America Team
The 1972 College Football All-America team is composed of various organizations that choose College All-America teams that season. The organizations that chose the teams were Associated Press, United Press International, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Football Writers Association of America,...
as an offensive tackle for the Michigan Wolverines
Michigan Wolverines football
The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history...
after having played two season at tight end
Tight end
The tight end is a position in American football on the offense. The tight end is often seen as a hybrid position with the characteristics and roles of both an offensive lineman and a wide receiver. Like offensive linemen, they are usually lined up on the offensive line and are large enough to be...
, became the team's starting tight end. Seymour, who would play his entire career with the Bills, went on to be the starting tight end for a total of five seasons. Jan White had been the tight end the previous two years. During the season, Wallace Francis, who finished second in the league in kickoff return average, was the only player in the league to return two kickoffs
Kickoff (American football)
A kickoff is a method of starting a drive in American football and Canadian football. Typically, a kickoff consists of one team – the "kicking team" – kicking the ball to the opposing team – the "receiving team"...
for touchdowns. John Leypoldt
John Leypoldt
John Howard Leypoldt was a former American football placekicker who played eight seasons in the National Football League. Leypoldt died of a heart attack at St. Joseph Intercommunity Hospital in Cheektowaga, New York....
's 70% field goal percentage ranked fifth in the league.
The season was the second of three Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
and first of two All-Pro
All-Pro
All-Pro is a term mostly used in the NFL for the best players of each position during that season. It began as polls of sportswriters in the early 1920s...
season for cornerback
Cornerback
A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Robert James. J.D. Hill had been a Pro Bowl
Pro Bowl
In professional American football, the Pro Bowl is the all-star game of the National Football League . Since the merger with the rival American Football League in 1970, it has been officially called the AFC–NFC Pro Bowl, matching the top players in the American Football Conference against those...
performer the prior season. This was Foley's first and only Pro Bowl selection. It was McKenzie's only All-Pro season. The season marked the third of six Pro Bowls and 2nd of 5 consecutive All-Pro seasons for Simpson. Both Simpson and James were returning Pro Bowl selections. It was also the first of two times Simpson would lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns, first of three times he would lead the league in yards from scrimmage
Yards from scrimmage
Yards from scrimmage is an American football and Canadian football statistical measure. In the game of football, progress is measured by advancing the football towards the opposing team's goal line. Progress can be made during play by the offensive team by advancing the ball from the its point of...
and the second of four times he would lead the league in rushing yards. Although Simpson posted a career best 6.0 yards per carry in 1973, he was surpassed by Mercury Morris
Mercury Morris
Eugene Edward "Mercury" Morris , is a former American football player, nicknamed early on for his mercurial quickness when running with the ball. Morris was a running back and kick returner for 9 years, playing mostly for the Miami Dolphins...
who posted a 6.4 yards per carry average for the 1973 Miami Dolphins
1973 Miami Dolphins season
-Awards and honors:* Larry Csonka, Super Bowl Most Valuable Player* Larry Csonka, Pro Bowl Selection* Bob Griese, Pro Bowl Selection-Notes and references:**...
. The only season that he led the league in yards per carry was two years later when he averaged 5.5 yards per carry.
Although Simpson's 2003 yard total has now been eclipsed by 5 other runners, , his 143.1 yards per game continues to be an NFL single-season record because all subsequent runners reached 2000 yards in 16 games, while Simpson only needed 14.
For his efforts, Simpson was named Associated Press Athlete of the Year
Associated Press Athlete of the Year
The first Athlete of the Year award in the United States was initiated by the Associated Press in 1931. At a time when women in sports were never given the same recognition as men, the AP offered a male and a female athlete of the year award to either a professional or amateur athlete...
. The team was featured on Madden NFL '96
Madden NFL '96
Madden NFL '96 is a football video game designed for the 1995 NFL season, licensed by the NFL . It features John Madden on the cover. The AI has been boosted and can now hurry in two-minute drill situations, spike the ball, and cover the receivers with better efficiency.It was the last to...
as one of the "classic" teams. It was listed along with the four consecutive American Football Conference
American Football Conference
The American Football Conference is one of the two conferences of the National Football League . This conference and its counterpart, the National Football Conference , currently contain 16 teams each, making up the 32 teams of the NFL....
champions from 1990–1993 as Bills teams on the list.
Schedule
- On Week 1, (played on September 16), against the New England Patriots, O.J.Simpson sets record with 250 yd rushing and two touchdowns.
- On Week 14, (played on December 16), against the New York Jets. O.J. Simpson rushes for 200 yd and rushes for 2003 yd becoming the first RB to eclipse 2000 yd. Simpson breaks Jim BrownJim BrownJames Nathaniel "Jim" Brown is an American former professional football player who has also made his mark as an actor. He is best known for his exceptional and record-setting nine-year career as a running back for the NFL Cleveland Browns from 1957 to 1965. In 2002, he was named by Sporting News...
's record of 1863 set 10 years earlier.Game Date Opponent Result Bills points Opponents Bills first downs Record 1 Sept. 16 at New England Patriots New England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
Win 31 13 23 1–0 2 Sept. 23 at San Diego Chargers San Diego ChargersThe San Diego Chargers are a professional American football team based in San Diego, California. they were members of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Loss 7 34 16 1–1 3 Sept. 30 New York Jets New York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Win 9 7 15 2–1 4 Oct. 7 Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia EaglesThe Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
Win 27 26 16 3–1 5 Oct. 14 Baltimore Colts Win 31 13 18 4–1 6 Oct. 21 at Miami Dolphins Miami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Loss 6 27 8 4–2 7 Oct. 29 Kansas City Chiefs Kansas City ChiefsThe Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
Win 23 14 21 5–2 8 Nov. 4 at New Orleans Saints New Orleans SaintsThe New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
Loss 0 13 10 5–3 9 Nov. 11 Cincinnati Bengals Cincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
Loss 13 16 10 5–4 10 Nov. 18 Miami Dolphins Miami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Loss 0 17 15 5–5 11 Nov. 25 at Baltimore Colts Win 24 17 16 6–5 12 Dec. 2 at Atlanta Falcons Atlanta FalconsThe Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
Win 17 6 17 7–5 13 Dec. 9 New England Patriots New England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
Win 37 13 13 8–5 14 Dec. 16 at New York Jets New York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
Win 34 14 21 9–5
Standings
| AFC East AFC East The American Football Conference – Eastern Division or AFC East is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference. There are four members: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots , and New York Jets... |
||||||
| Team | W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miami Dolphins 1973 Miami Dolphins season -Awards and honors:* Larry Csonka, Super Bowl Most Valuable Player* Larry Csonka, Pro Bowl Selection* Bob Griese, Pro Bowl Selection-Notes and references:**... |
12 | 2 | 0 | .857 | 343 | 150 |
| Buffalo Bills | 9 | 5 | 0 | .643 | 259 | 230 |
| New England Patriots 1973 New England Patriots season The New England Patriots finished the National Football League's 1973 season with a record of five wins and nine losses, and finished third in the AFC East division.-Staff:-Schedule:- Standings :-Roster:... |
5 | 9 | 0 | .357 | 258 | 300 |
| New York Jets 1973 New York Jets season The 1973 New York Jets season was the 14th season for the team and the fourth in the National Football League. It began with the team trying to improve upon its 7–7 record from 1972 under head coach Weeb Ewbank. The Jets finished with a record of 4–10.... |
4 | 10 | 0 | .286 | 240 | 306 |
| Baltimore Colts 1973 Baltimore Colts season The 1973 Baltimore Colts season was the 21st season for the team in the National Football League. The Baltimore Colts finished the National Football League's 1973 season with a record of 4 wins and 10 losses, and finished tied for fourth in the AFC East with the New York Jets... |
4 | 10 | 0 | .286 | 226 | 341 |
O.J. Simpson
O.J. Simpson had three 200-yard rushing games, six 150-yard rushing games and eleven 100-yard rushing games. He only rushedRush (American football)
Rushing has two different meanings in gridiron football .-Offense:The first is an action taken by the offensive team that means to advance the ball by running, as opposed to passing. A run is technically any play that does not involve a forward pass...
the ball 30 times twice all season, but totaled 2003 yards due to a 6.0 yards per carry average. Over the course of the season he was only credited with six receptions
Reception (American football)
In American football, a reception is part of a play in which a forward pass from behind the line of scrimmage is received by a player in bounds, who, after the catch, proceeds to either score a touchdown or be downed. Yards gained from the receiving play are credited to the player as receiving...
.
| Date | Home/Away | Opponent | Result | Rushes | Yards | Yards/Attempt | Touchdowns | Receptions | Yards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 16, 1973 | A | NWE | W 31–13 | 29 | 250 | 8.62 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| September 23, 1973 | A | SDG | L 7–34 | 22 | 103 | 4.68 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| September 30, 1973 | H | NYJ | W 9–7 | 24 | 123 | 5.13 | 0 | 2 | 15 |
| October 7, 1973 | H | PHI | W 27–26 | 27 | 171 | 6.33 | 1 | 3 | 33 |
| October 14, 1973 | H | BAL | W 31–13 | 22 | 166 | 7.55 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| October 21, 1973 | A | MIA | L 6–27 | 14 | 55 | 3.93 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| October 29, 1973 | H | KAN | W 23–14 | 39 | 157 | 4.03 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| November 4, 1973 | A | NOR | L 0–13 | 20 | 79 | 3.95 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| November 11, 1973 | H | CIN | L 13–16 | 20 | 99 | 4.95 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| November 18, 1973 | H | MIA | L 0–17 | 20 | 120 | 6.00 | 0 | 1 | 22 |
| November 25, 1973 | A | BAL | W 24–17 | 15 | 124 | 8.27 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| December 2, 1973 | A | ATL | W 17–6 | 24 | 137 | 5.71 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| December 9, 1973 | H | NWE | W 37–13 | 22 | 219 | 9.95 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| December 16, 1973 | A | NYJ | W 34–14 | 34 | 200 | 5.88 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Week 1
Simpson rushed for 250 yards on 29 carries, setting a new NFL single-game rushing record. He surpassed Willie EllisonWillie Ellison
William Henry Ellison is a former American football running back who played eight seasons in the National Football League for the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs. Sporting #33, he spent his first four seasons in the NFL as backup behind Larry Smith, before taking over as starting...
's 247-yard performance in 1971. Although the Bills had gone 0–6 in their exhibition schedule, they started the season with a 31–13 victory in Chuck Fairbanks
Chuck Fairbanks
Chuck Fairbanks is a former American football coach, a head coach at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. The offensive and defensive systems he introduced and helped develop have proven influential in the NFL....
's debut as New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
coach. Simpson scored on an 80-yard run in the first quarter and a 22-yard run in the third quarter.
Week 2
The Bills surrendered an opening kickoff return touchdown, 3 quarterback sackQuarterback sack
In American football and Canadian football, a sack occurs when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage before he can throw a forward pass, or when the quarterback is tackled behind the line of scrimmage in the "pocket" and the intent of what he was going to do is unclear...
s and 4 interceptions. Despite 103 yards rushing by Simpson and 118 yards receiving by Hill. The Bills surrendered 27 consecutive points after Simpson tied the score 7–7 with a 6-yard second quarter run.
Week 3
The Bills' Rich Stadium debut was a sellout of 80,200 with 2595 no-shows. Simpson rushed for 123 yards, giving him 476 in his first three games. The Bills scored on three Leypoldt field goals. He made a 42-yarder in the first quarter and added two more in the fourth quarter. The Jets almost became the Bills' first shutout victim since 1965, but Al WoodallAl Woodall
Frank Alley Woodall was an American football player. Woodall played college football at Duke where he was an All American. Woodall played several seasons with the Jets in the AFL and NFL. He became an insurance agent in the New York area after his football days...
(playing in place of an injured Joe Namath
Joe Namath
Joseph William "Joe" Namath , nicknamed "Broadway Joe" or "Joe Willie", is a former American football quarterback. He played college football for the University of Alabama under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant and his assistant, Howard Schnellenberger, from 1962–1964, and professional football in the...
) hit Jerome Barkum
Jerome Barkum
Jerome Barkum was a wide receiver and tight end in the National Football League. He played 12 years with New York Jets. He was drafted by the Jets out of Jackson State University with the 9th overall pick in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft. In 1973, he was selected to the Pro Bowl as a WR...
for 34 yards with two seconds left.
Week 4
The Bills opted for a 47-yard Leypoldt field goal with four minutes remaining after driving 42 yards to Eagles' 40-yard-line. The score held up in the final minutes. On the day, Simpson's 171-yard rushing performance offset a pair of 100-yard performances by Tom SullivanTom Sullivan (American football)
Thomas Ashley Sullivan was a professional American football running back with two National Football League teams. His best success came with the Philadelphia Eagles. In his second year with the team, Sullivan surpassed the 900 yard rushing yard mark and in his third year he led the NFL in...
and Norm Bulaich
Norm Bulaich
Norman Batton Bulaich is a former American football running back in the National Football League.-Professional Career:...
.
Week 5
O.J. posted 166 yards, giving him his fifth 100-yard rushing effort in five games and giving him 813 for the season. The Colts had given Simpson 1-yard losses on his first two carries. Ferguson got the scoring started by connecting with Larry WatkinsLarry Watkins
Lawrence Watkins is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and the New York Giants. He played college football at Alcorn State University....
for 10-yards and later scored on a 1-yard quarterback keeper. Simpson scored on a 3-yard run in the third quarter and on a 78-yard run in the fourth "thrilled a crowd of 78,875".
Week 6
Miami took over first place in the AFC East by halting Simpson's streak of consecutive 100-yard performances. They held him to 55 yards on 14 carries before he left the game with an ankle sprain in the fourth quarter. Miami posted a 21-point second quarter highlighted by a pair of touchdown passes from Bob GrieseBob Griese
Robert Allen "Bob" Griese is a former American collegiate and Professional Football quarterback who earned All-American honors with the Purdue Boilermakers before being drafted in 1967 by the American Football League's Miami Dolphins...
to Jim Mandich
Jim Mandich
James Michael "Mad Dog" Mandich was a professional American football tight end with the Miami Dolphins. Mandich was an All-American at the University of Michigan. In 2004 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. As color commentator for the Miami Dolphins , he was teamed with Jimmy...
. The Bills made no first downs in the first half. Leypoldt and Garo Yepremian
Garo Yepremian
Garabed Sarkis "Garo" Yepremian is an Armenian-American former football placekicker in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a career that spanned from 1966 to 1981. -Career:Yepremian was born in Larnaca, Cyprus to...
opened and closed the scoring by swapping field goals. The Dolphins' other touchdown came when a 21-yard Paul Warfield
Paul Warfield
Paul Dryden Warfield is a former professional American football wide receiver in the 1960s and 1970s known for his speed, fluid moves, grace, jumping ability and hands.- Football career :...
reception set up a Mercury Morris
Mercury Morris
Eugene Edward "Mercury" Morris , is a former American football player, nicknamed early on for his mercurial quickness when running with the ball. Morris was a running back and kick returner for 9 years, playing mostly for the Miami Dolphins...
4-yard touchdown.
Week 7
Simpson set an NFL record for yards in the first seven games by surpassing 1,000 yards with a 157-yard effort. His total of 1,025 was 54 ahead of Brown's pace. Simpson set the NFL single-game record for carries with 39 surpassing the 38 by Jim NanceJim Nance
James Solomon "Big Jim" Nance was an American collegiate and Professional Football fullback with the Boston Patriots during their days in the American Football League...
in 1966 and Harry Newman
Harry Newman
Harry Lawrence Newman was an American football quarterback who played for the University of Michigan Wolverines , the New York Giants , and the Brooklyn/Rochester Tigers .-College career:...
in 1934. In the game, the Chiefs fumble
Fumble
A fumble in American and Canadian football occurs when a player, who has possession and control of the ball loses it before being downed or scoring. By rule, it is any act other than passing, kicking or successful handing that results in loss of player possession...
d on their opening possession on their own 15-yard-line, leading to a Bills touchdown on four consecutive rushes. Three plays into the Chiefs' second possession Cheyunski intercepted Len Dawson
Len Dawson
Leonard Ray "Len" "Lenny" Dawson is a former American collegiate and Professional Football quarterback who attended Purdue University and went on to play for three professional teams, most notably the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs...
and returned it 31 yards to the 4-yard-line leading to another Simpson score, giving them a 14–0 lead 3:37 into the game. Leypoldt added three field goals.
Week 8
Simpson had totaled 1025 yards in the first half of the season, which was ahead of the 971 Brown had gained in his first seven games. The Saints posted all their scoring in the first half and kept the Bills to under 200 yards of total offense while shutting them out.Week 9
Simpson posted 99 yards on 20 carries including a 32-yard game-tying touchdown run in the third quarter. He had a 1,203 total for nine games. It appeared the game would end in a tie until the Bengals' Horst MuhlmannHorst Muhlmann
Horst Herbert Erich Muhlmann was a former professional American football player. He was a placekicker in the American Football League and the National Football League for nine seasons...
made a 33-yard field goal with three seconds remaining.
Week 10
The Dolphins clinched the East Division title with a 17–0 shutout of the Bills. Miami's first touchdown drive included two fourth-and-one conversions by Jim KiickJim Kiick
James Forrest Kiick is a former professional American football running back, who is best known for playing halfback for the Miami Dolphins in the American Football League from 1968 to 1969 and in the National Football League from 1970 through 1974...
. With Miami leading 10–0, Buffalo drove from their own 20-yard-line to the Dolphins' 4-yard-line and then turned the ball over on downs four plays later at the 1-yard-line. In the game, the Bills were shut out despite a pair of 100-yard rushing efforts by Simpson and Braxton who posted 120 and 119 yards respectively.
Week 11
The Bills built a 10–7 halftime lead on the strength of a 58-yard Simpson touchdown run. Marty DomresMarty Domres
Martin Francis Domres is a former American collegiate and professional football player. From Columbia University, he was drafted in the first round of the Common Draft as a quarterback by the American Football League's San Diego Chargers. Domres played in nine professional football seasons from...
connected with Tom Mitchell and George Hunt added a field goal to give Baltimore a 17–10 lead. Late in the game the Colts gave the Bills good field position following an 18-yard punt by David Lee. Ferguson passed for 38-yards to Bob Chandler
Bob Chandler
Robert Donald Chandler was an American football wide receiver in the National Football League.-Professional career:...
to tie the score with 1:34 remaining. Then Dwight Harrison
Dwight Harrison
Dwight Webster Harrison is a retired American football defensive back who played ten seasons in the National Football League for the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Colts and the Oakland Raiders. He played college football at Texas A&I University ....
recorded a 31-yard interception return with 1:11 remaining to give the Bills their final margin of victory. The game marked only the second and final time all season the Bills passed for 100 yards.
Week 12
Braxton, who totaled 80 yards on 23 carries accounted for both of the Bills' touchdowns. Simpson posted 137 yards on 24 carries. The Falcon's scoring came from future Bills kicker Nick Mike-MayerNick Mike-Mayer
Nicholas "Nick" Mike-Mayer is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League from 1973-1982 for the Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, and the Buffalo Bills. Nick made the Pro Bowl in his rookie year. He later played with the San Antonio Gunslingers of the United States...
who posted two field goals.
Week 13
After New England posted a first quarter field goal, Francis returned the kickoff 90 yards to give the Bills a lead they would not relinquish. Simpson posted 219 yards on 22 carries including a 6-yard touchdown that put the Bills ahead 14–3 in the second quarter. Chandler caught two touchdown passes from Ferguson and Leypoldt added three field goals. The effort earned Simpson his third NFL Offensive Player of the Week honor.Week 14
Simpson entered the final game needing 61 yards to eclipse Brown's record of 1863 yards and the team entered the game needing 177 rushing yards to break the team record of 2960 set by the 1972 Miami Dolphins1972 Miami Dolphins season
The 1972 Miami Dolphins are the only National Football League team to win the Super Bowl with a perfect season. The undefeated campaign was led by coach Don Shula and notable players Bob Griese, Earl Morrall, and Larry Csonka...
. He posted 200 yards on 34 carries to bring his total to 2003 in Weeb Ewbank's final game as Jets coach. He became the first to accumulate 200 yards in a game three times in a season. In O.J.'s post-game press conference, he brought the entire Electric Company
Electric Company (Football)
The Electric Company was the nickname of the offensive line of the Buffalo Bills during the mid 1970s that helped running back O.J. Simpson establish numerous National Football League all-time records and earn numerous statistical titles...
to meet the media. Before he would field any questions, he introduced each of his teammates.
Awards and records
- O.J. Simpson, NFL MVP
- O.J. Simpson, NFL Offensive Player of the Year
- O.J. Simpson, Bert Bell AwardBert Bell AwardThe Bert Bell Award for the Professional American football Player of the Year is presented by the Maxwell Football Club. This award is named in honor of Bert Bell , Commissioner of the National Football League and founder of the Maxwell Club...
- O.J. Simpson, UPI AFL-AFC Player of the YearUPI AFL-AFC Player of the YearFrom 1960 to 1969, the United Press International gave the annual AFL Player of the Year award in the American Football League, whose teams in 1970 became the American Football Conference of the new National Football League ....
- O.J. Simpson, AP Male Athlete of the YearAssociated Press Athlete of the YearThe first Athlete of the Year award in the United States was initiated by the Associated Press in 1931. At a time when women in sports were never given the same recognition as men, the AP offered a male and a female athlete of the year award to either a professional or amateur athlete...
- O.J. Simpson, 1974 Pro Bowl1974 Pro BowlThe 1974 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was played on January 20, 1974 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The final Score was AFC 15, NFC 13. Kicker Garo Yepremian of the Miami Dolphins was the game's MVP. The attendance for the game was 66,918. In the game, Yepremian set a Pro Bowl record with 5...
Selection - O.J. Simpson, All-Pro Selection
- Robert James, All-Pro Selection
- Robert James, 1974 Pro Bowl1974 Pro BowlThe 1974 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was played on January 20, 1974 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The final Score was AFC 15, NFC 13. Kicker Garo Yepremian of the Miami Dolphins was the game's MVP. The attendance for the game was 66,918. In the game, Yepremian set a Pro Bowl record with 5...
Selection - Dave FoleyDave Foley (American football)David Foley is a former college and professional offensive lineman of the 1960s and '70s.Foley was a three-year starter at offensive tackle for the Ohio State Buckeyes under head coach Woody Hayes...
, 1974 Pro Bowl1974 Pro BowlThe 1974 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl was played on January 20, 1974 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The final Score was AFC 15, NFC 13. Kicker Garo Yepremian of the Miami Dolphins was the game's MVP. The attendance for the game was 66,918. In the game, Yepremian set a Pro Bowl record with 5...
Selection - Reggie McKenzieReggie McKenzie (guard)Reginald McKenzie is a former American football player. He played at the offensive guard position for the University of Michigan from 1969 to 1971 and was a consensus first-team All-American in 1971. He also who played 13 years of professional football for the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks...
, All-Pro Selection
Milestones
- O.J. Simpson, First 2,000 Yard Rushing Season in NFL History
- Single-season record: 143.1 rushing yards per game
- Single-season record: 2,243 yards from scrimmage
- Single-season record: 23 touchdowns
- Single-game record: 250 rushing yards
- First back-to-back 200-yard rushing games
- Single-game carries record (39)
- Consecutive 100-yard rushing games (7, ending with week 5).
- Single-season record: 3 200-yard games
- Single-season record: 11 100-yard games
External links
- 1973 Bills on Pro Football Reference
- 1973 Bills on databasefootball.com
- YouTube – Classic Buffalo Bills: 1973 Highlight Film – Part 1 of 2
- YouTube – Classic Buffalo Bills: 1973 Highlight Film – Part 2 of 2