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January 21, 2007
Colts Return to Miami . . . Scene of Super Bowls Past
This year's SB (I've lost count of what roman numeral it is, which has become a truly stupid symbol of the NFL's hubris) will be held in Miami -- the scene, coincidentally enough, of SB-V when the Colts last appeared in the title game and upset the favored Cowboys 16-13 in what easily was the worst demonstration of football by two teams in a championship game. [SB-V kicked off at 1:05 pm, if I remember correctly.] Miami also was the scene of the Colts calamitous loss to the NYJets in SB-III.
In perfectly good weather on January 17, 1971, the Colts and Cowboys -- who were wearing their ugly and unlucky blue "road" uniforms -- combined for 11 turnovers, 7 by the victorious Colts and only 4 by the Cowboys. The game ended on a field goal by rookie kicker Jim O'Brien after a Craig Morton pass deflected off the hands of Dan Reeves into the waiting arms of LB Mike Curtis. The game represented redemption for both the Colts and their QB Earl Morrall. [Here's Sports Illustrated's 1971 story.]
Two years earlier, the Colts of course lost to the Jets 16-7 in SB-III. But in SB-V, Morrall relieved an injured Johnny Unitas and did just enough not to lose.
SB-V marked a turning point for both organizations.
For the Colts, SB-V marked the beginning of the end for Johnny Unitas. Although he led the Colts to the AFC title game the following year against Miami, he was gone from Baltimore just one season later -- and ended his career ignominiously with the drug-scandalized San Diego Chargers. Earl Morrall was also soon let go by the Colts as part of their rebuilding process. He landed in Miami with his former Colts coach, Don Shula -- and earned MVP honors in '72 when he guided the Dolphins after Bob Griese's injury to a 14-0 regular season. Griese returned for the playoffs, reclaimed his starting job, and finished off the 'Phins 17-0 perfect season.
For the Cowboys, their failure in SB-V opened the door for Roger Staubach's run to the Hall of Fame and four more Super Bowl appearances in '70s . . . becoming -- aargh!!! -- "America's Team." Craig Morton was traded to the NYGiants for a No. 1 pick that turned into Ed "Too Tall" Jones. Morton later returned to the Super Bowl with the Broncos in 1978 -- against Staubach and the Cowboys.
It's been a long trip back to the SB for the Colts. If they can stop the Bears' powerful rushing attack and keep Manning upright in the SB, they'll win. Of course, the Saints had the same game plan going into their game today at Soldier field.
Posted by shertaugh at January 21, 2007 10:28 PM