1961 Seeking 2ndNFL Title-Pitt did not help the Eagles

[LeonardRachiele]

The New York Giants finished the season at 10-3-1 and the Philadelphia Eagles were 10-4, 1/2 game behind. Freezing other variables, a Week 2 game at Pittsburgh between the Steelers and the Giants really hurt both Pennsylvania teams. The Giant offense was phasing in Y. A. Title as the first string quarterback but 42 year old Charlie Connerly still had significant playing time.

Now for the game. The Steelers scored first as John Henry Johnson capped a drive with a three yard zip. Steelers 7 Giants 0. Then came the most damaging play of the entire season for Pittsburgh. A second drive in the first quarter stalled at the NY 35 yard line. The Steelers were attempting a 42 field goal with Tom Tracy holding for Lou Michaels. Tracy spotted the ball then picked it up which totally confused the Giants. Tracy threw on the option play to John Henry Johnson, who was standing all alone at the 20 yard line. The pass was right between his numbers and he dropped the ball. I believe he could have crawled into the End Zone. Johnson fell flat in shame and frustration.

A 14 to 0 lead might have opened in flood gates for Pittsburgh; quite the contrary it invigorated New York and this below took place, with the Steelers leading 7 to 0. Over the first three periods:

Chuck Connerly threw a touchdown pass to Joe Morrison;
Y. A Title threw a touchdown pass to Del Shofner;
Pat Summeral kicked a 19 yard field goal
Erich Barnes had two interceptions off Bobby Layne

for Pittsburgh:
As stated John Henry Johnson opened the scoring with a three yard touchdown run. Midway in the fourth quarter, Buddy Dial caught an 11 yard touchdown pass. Pittsburgh now trailed 17 to 14. After that, Buddy Dial made another fine catch in the Giant 25 Jim Katcavage got a sack-fumble creaming Layne on a pass play. Andy Robustelli recovered. The Steelers lost 17 to 14. Like I said- Had Pittsburgh won Eagles would have won the division by a half a game. 10-4 to the Giants 9-4-1.

[Brian wolf]

Fine year from Jurgensen and the Eagles but Norm Van Brocklin should have been named HC like he was promised by management. Sonny would never lead the Eagles or Redskins to that many victories in a season the rest of his career ...

[JohnH19]

It’s highly unlikely that the rest of the season would have played out the same if Pittsburgh would have won that early season game. It’s called the Butterfly Effect.

NVB wouldn’t have been any more effective in Philly than he was in Minnesota and Atlanta. He was not cut out to be a head coach.