2003 in 1973-Week 1 vs New England

by Dozerdog

The 2003 Season marks the Diamond Anniversary of one of the greatest achievements in both Buffalo Bills and NFL history, OJ Simpson’s quest for 2,000 yards. While recent history portrays Simpson as one of the nation’s villains, it does not detract from the tremendous accomplishment which occurred 30 seasons ago. With football being the ultimate team sport, this is recognition of not only OJ Simpson, but his teammates and coaches who made it all possible. It was the dedication to the cause that we celebrate today.

The 1973 season opener was a new beginning for the Buffalo Bills. Despite going winless for only the second time in team history in the preseason, the Bills entered the year with a brand new state of the art facility in Orchard Park, the 80,000+ seat Rich Stadium. But the grand opening and homecoming would be put on hold as the Bills opened the season in another brand new facility, The New England Patriots’ Schaefer Stadium.

Lou Saban was brought back the previous year to coach the team and resurrect Simpson’s stalled career. Misused in his first two disappointing campaigns, Saban was determined to utilize the NFL’s best offensive weapon to it’s fullest. To do this he needed to reconstruct his offensive line. It began with drafting Guard Reggie McKenzie from Michigan in the 2nd round of the 1972 draft. Later, Tackle Dave Foley was nabbed off the waiver wire from the New York Jets. In 1973, Tackle Paul Seymore, McKenzie’s team mate at Michigan was selected with Buffalo’s first pick. A talented but undersized lineman, Saban moved him to TE. In round 2, Saban selected future Hall of Fame Guard Joe DeLamielluere. The final piece of the puzzle was the acquisition of Center Mike Montler in an offseason trade with New England. The only hold over from the pre Saban regime was 3rd year Tackle Donnie Green. Rookie QB Joe Ferguson was Saban’s 3rd round pick. By the end of the preseason, he had won the starter’s job from 1970 NFL Rookie of the Year Dennis Shaw.

Simpson made everyone forget the woeful 0-6 preseason with a record shattering performance. After the Bills fell behind early on a Sam Cunningham 6 yard TD run, Simpson and the Bills methodically carved up the Patriots defense. It took OJ only one play, an 80 yard Simpson signature sweep that he took the distance. The Bills offense stalled in the second quarter, as Ferguson was knocked out with an Injury.

Leading 10-6 to start the 3rd quarter, Simpson went to work again on ripping up the New England defense. A 22 yard run set up a Larry Watkins 4 yard TD run. The Patriots answered with an 80 yard drive of their own to close the gap to 17-13, but the Bills rushing machine could not be stopped. Simpson put the Bills up 24-13 on the first play of the 4th quarter with his second spectacular scoring run on the day, from 22 yards out. Larry Watkins also finished his career best day with his second TD to make it a final, 31-13.

Simpson broke the NFL record with 250 yards rushing on 29 carries for the day. Lost in the performance was Larry Watkins adding 105 and 2 TDs of his own. Buffalo set a team records with 360 yards on the ground on 51 attempts. Guard Reggie McKenzie, who boldly predicted a 2,000 yard season 2 weeks previous, was quoted “Did I lie? I’m telling you, Juice is the greatest!”

Next- Week 2 in San Diego Bills Time Zone