From 1975-1980, Houston had 5 winning seasons in 6 years under Bum Phillips
The outlier was a 5-9 hiccup in 76
What went wrong?
Was it as simple as the rest of that division finishing with winning records?
1976 Oilers
Re: 1976 Oilers
I am looking in the 1977 Pocket Book of Pro Football.
Apparently, injuries were a factor in their decline from 10-4 to 5-9. For starters, Billy Johnson was playing hurt, and he didn't do as well on kick and punt returns as he did in 1975.
Pastorini also struggled with some injuries. He started 14 games and made the Pro Bowl in 75, but only started 10 games in 1976.
Also, they played nine games against teams that finished above .500 in 1976 as opposed to seven in 1975.
Apparently, injuries were a factor in their decline from 10-4 to 5-9. For starters, Billy Johnson was playing hurt, and he didn't do as well on kick and punt returns as he did in 1975.
Pastorini also struggled with some injuries. He started 14 games and made the Pro Bowl in 75, but only started 10 games in 1976.
Also, they played nine games against teams that finished above .500 in 1976 as opposed to seven in 1975.