(More) Thoughts on Super Bowl V
Posted: Wed Jun 14, 2023 8:20 am
I watched a 'recreated' full broadcast of Super Bowl V, and it was interesting to see the game unfold in real time, although a few 4th quarter plays were still missing. Here are some random thoughts on the game:
*The number one thing that stood out to me was how dominant both defensive lines were. George Andrie and Roy Hilton were all over the QBs whenever they tried to pass, and Jethro Pugh was especially disruptive. Neither offense could sustain any drive.
*John Unitas was atrocious. He was lucky to complete a single pass in the game. His passes were late, weak, and inaccurate. He had 2 INTs and a fumble, and had a 3rd INT by Lee Roy Jordan called back due to a penalty. The Colts were fortunate that Unitas got knocked out of the game, although he spent the 2nd half warming up on the sidelines with the announcers constantly speculating about his return.
*A big factor in this game was turf. Not only were both teams unfamiliar with turf (especially Baltimore), but the turf at the Orange Bowl was especially slick. Lots of slips during the game, which probably contributed to the sloppiness.
*Craig Morton was terrible as well. Most of his passes were nowhere near the receiver. His best passes were dropped by Bob Hayes.
*Chuck Howley really did deserve the MVP. He was making plays the entire game. He tripped up Unitas on the play in which Unitas fumbled, and he wasn't fooled by the 4th down goal line pass and tied up Tom Mitchell at the LOS. Both of these were big plays.
*Its really too bad that Eddie Hinton didn't score on the wacky play, because it really was an underrated move by Sam Havrilak to just throw a pass. Cornell Green made a great play to chase down Hinton from behind, although kind of weak for Hinton to fumble on that play.
*The Colts were the better team once Morrall entered the game. I think for that reason, the Thomas fumble at the goal line was the big play rather than Reeves dropping a pass at the end and getting it INT'd. If Thomas doesn't fumble on 1st and goal from the 2, the Cowboys likely punch it in for a TD, go up 20-6, and can just kill the clock the rest of the half. If Reeves doesn't drop that pass, the Cowboys still would have to punt the ball back to Baltimore and the game would go into OT at 13-13, with the Colts being the stronger team at that point.
*The number one thing that stood out to me was how dominant both defensive lines were. George Andrie and Roy Hilton were all over the QBs whenever they tried to pass, and Jethro Pugh was especially disruptive. Neither offense could sustain any drive.
*John Unitas was atrocious. He was lucky to complete a single pass in the game. His passes were late, weak, and inaccurate. He had 2 INTs and a fumble, and had a 3rd INT by Lee Roy Jordan called back due to a penalty. The Colts were fortunate that Unitas got knocked out of the game, although he spent the 2nd half warming up on the sidelines with the announcers constantly speculating about his return.
*A big factor in this game was turf. Not only were both teams unfamiliar with turf (especially Baltimore), but the turf at the Orange Bowl was especially slick. Lots of slips during the game, which probably contributed to the sloppiness.
*Craig Morton was terrible as well. Most of his passes were nowhere near the receiver. His best passes were dropped by Bob Hayes.
*Chuck Howley really did deserve the MVP. He was making plays the entire game. He tripped up Unitas on the play in which Unitas fumbled, and he wasn't fooled by the 4th down goal line pass and tied up Tom Mitchell at the LOS. Both of these were big plays.
*Its really too bad that Eddie Hinton didn't score on the wacky play, because it really was an underrated move by Sam Havrilak to just throw a pass. Cornell Green made a great play to chase down Hinton from behind, although kind of weak for Hinton to fumble on that play.
*The Colts were the better team once Morrall entered the game. I think for that reason, the Thomas fumble at the goal line was the big play rather than Reeves dropping a pass at the end and getting it INT'd. If Thomas doesn't fumble on 1st and goal from the 2, the Cowboys likely punch it in for a TD, go up 20-6, and can just kill the clock the rest of the half. If Reeves doesn't drop that pass, the Cowboys still would have to punt the ball back to Baltimore and the game would go into OT at 13-13, with the Colts being the stronger team at that point.
