| January 01, 2004 | « Previous Story | HOME | Next Story » | Posted at 03:46 PM |
As strong as an ox and as talkative as Oprah, Fred Smerlas was one of the most celebrated defensive linemen to ever wear a buffalo on his helmet.
A two-time All-New England tackle at Boston College, Smerlas was disappointed to slip to the second round of the 1979 NFL draft. Lean years beset the team in the mid-1980s, but Smerlas persevered through them all, earning five Pro-Bowl appearances and All-Pro selections from 1982 to 1986. In 1988, the veteran Smerlas factored heavily in a Bills' defense which propelled the team to the first of four consecutive American Football Conference Eastern Division championships. Perhaps the single play for which Fred is best remembered was his block of a potential game-winning field goal by the New York Jets on the day the Bills eventually prevailed in overtime to clinch the 1988 Division crown.
Buzzard's Hall Of Fame -
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Buffalo Sports Hall Of Fame - Career stats
1980 was the breakthrough season for Knox and his young Bills. Knox added veteran characters, Conrad Dobler and Phil Villipiano to a young and talented squad that included Joe Cribbs, Lucious Sanford, Ken Jones, Joe Devlin, Steve Freeman, Ben Williams, Mario Clark and Charlie Romes. In their first game of the season, the Bills would exorcise the 20 year Miami jinx and win 17-7. It was the spark that would ignite the Bills to win its first five games without a loss and finish the season at 11-5 and first in the AFC Eastern Division. Knox was named AFC coach of the year, the first Bills coach to be so named since Lou Saban, in 1965. Chuck Knox's record as Bills coach stands at 38-38-0, good for third all-time, behind Lou Saban and Marv Levy.
Buzzard's Hall Of Fame - Where are they now - Career stats
Drafted with the Bills second number one pick in 1979, 5th overall, out of Clemson, Jerry Butler gave the Bills an instant game breaking threat. In only his 4th game with the Bills, Butler established a record 255 yards receiving and scored 4 touchdowns as the Bills beat the N.Y. Jets 46-31. In 1980 Butler was considered one of the best in the NFL and was selected to his first and only Pro Bowl. He continued to enjoy solid seasons in '81 and '82. After injury plagued seasons in '83 and '84, Butler returned in '85 strong, teaming with rookie Andre Reed. What could have been one of the NFL's deadliet combinations with the arrival of Jim Kelly in 1986 unfortunatly was cut short. Jerry Butler's last catch as a Bill was a touchdown vs Miami, as the speedy receiver broke an ankle on the play. He finished his abbreviated career with 278 catches for 4,301 yards and 28 TDs.
Buzzard's Hall Of Fame - Where are they now - Career stats
When Hall of Fame running back O.J. Simpson was traded to the 49ers for five draft choices in 1978, the final selection that the Bills obtained in the deal was San Francisco's second-round pick in 1980. Buffalo used it to take Auburn halfback Joe Cribbs.
The Bills would win 11 games and the division title in the '80 season as Cribbs ran for a team rookie record 1,185 yards and 11 TDs. The following season, Cribbs became the only Bill running back in team history to eclipse 1,000 yards in his first two seasons, with 1,097 yards and 3 TDs. A contract dispute and a players strike limited Cribbs to only 7 games in 1982, but Cribbs made the most of it, rushing for 633 yards. In 1983, the disgruntled RB signed a USFL contract with his hometown Birmingham Bulls, but gave the Bills his best season yet with 1,131 yards. Returning after the USFL folded, Cribbs was a shadow of his former self. Cribbs, an excellent receiver as well as a runner, finished his career with 2 more seasons with the49ers. He tallied a total of 7,555 combined rushing and receiving yards from scrimmage and 42 TDs over 7 NFL seasons.
Buzzard's Hall Of Fame - Where are they now - Career stats
In retrospect, the trade for Frank Lewis turned out to be the steal of the decade for the Bills.
In 1979 Lewis became the second Buffalo Bills wide receiver in the history of the franchise to go over 1000 yards in receptions in a season, with 1,082 yards. He also lead the team in receptions with 54 catches for a whopping 20.0 yards per catch average, the highest by any Bills receiver since 1964. In 1981 Frank Lewis had his finest season, becoming the first Buffalo Bills player to catch 70 passes in one season. He also broke Elbert Dubenion's record for yardage in a season with 1,244 yards. He continued to shine in the post season as he caught seven passes for 155 yards in the Bills 31-27 victory over the New York Jets. It was the Bills first playoff win since 1965. Lewis retired a Bill in 1983 with 397 career receptions, 6,724 yards and 40 TDs.
Knox went to work assembling what was to become an awesome defensive unit. Haslett was moved to inside linebacker next to LB Shane Nelson. With big Fred Smerlas inserted as the Nose Tackle, Nelson and Haslett formed the famed and feared "Bermuda Triangle," so named because once opposing ball-carriers entered the domain of these defenders, they seldom emerged. Haslett was named All-Rookie and was the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year. After the Bills improved to 7-9, in 1979, they entered 1980 riding a wave of youth and success. The Bills' defense ranked first in the NFL that season and sparked the team to its first division title since 1966. Haslett was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1980 and 1981.
BillsZone Bio - Career stats
Nelson not only beat the odds and made the Bills, but he started every game, totaled 168 tackles and was named to the All-Rookie team. Two seasons later with Buffalo using a 3-4 defensive alignment, he racked up an incredible team record 192 tackles and anchored the middle next to Jim Haslett, who was in his first year. Add another rookie, nose tackle Fred Smerlas, and Western New York became home to its own "Bermuda Triangle". Where are they now - Career stats
He would struggle in his first few seasons with the Bills playing at center but not starting, as then coach Chuck Knox considered Ritcher a bust. In 1983, Bills legendary left guard Reggie McKenzie was traded to the Seattle Seahawks and Ritcher was moved from center to left guard and inserted into Reggie's spot. It was a spot on the roster that Ritcher would hold onto for 11 seasons. He was the only constant on the Bills offensive line during that time. Ritcher would become the only player who played during the Chuck Knox era, to play for the Bills in the Super Bowl. He acomplished this by keeping himself in top shape. He was consistantly the strongest player on the team, outlifting all teammates in the weight room. He was recognized as one of the best offensive guards in the league, making the Pro Bowl in 1991 and again in 1992. Buzzard's Hall Of Fame -
Career stats
Ben Williams was in a word - refreshing, when he joined the Bills in 1976. Selected in the third round out of the University of Mississippi, the All-Southeastern Conference defensive lineman didn't arrive in Buffalo with the attitude that the NFL deserved him or vice-versa
Williams experienced 10 seasons with the Bills. He retired prior to the 1986 campaign having played in 150 games. His 45.5 career sacks ranks fourth on the club's all-time list. "I would attribute that to probably playing injury-free. As you know, I didn't have any serious injuries during the time that I played in Buffalo. I think I only missed two games my entire career in Buffalo." Buzzard's Hall Of Fame -
Where are they now
- Career stats
A decision made by the Patriots after only two preseason games in 1975 affected the Bills for the next 12 years, when Steve Freeman, a rookie safety from Mississippi State, wasn’t in New England’s plans and was waived. Freeman showed what he had. Not only as a reserve safety for his first three seasons when he collected three interceptions, including one that he returned 30 yards for a touchdown against Miami, but on special teams as well. From 1975 until late in the ‘84 campaign, Freeman was in on a lot of plays. And in fact, did not miss a game. A 144-game streak. However, during a November game against New England, he suffered a ruptured thigh muscle. The Bills lost that afternoon to go 0-11, but it never crossed Freeman’s mind to let the injury heal properly and finish the disappointing season on the sideline.That was the only game Freeman ever took off during his 12-year career with the Bills. When he left Buffalo via a trade to the Vikings in ‘87, he held the team record for most games with 178. He’s now sixth on the club’s all-time list.
- Where are they now - Career stats
Jeff Nixon was selected in the fourth round of the 1979 NFL draft.
After making the team and spending the first 11 games of his rookie season as Greene's backup and playing in the nickel defense, Nixon moved into the starting lineup at an unusual time. Nixon stayed there for the rest of the season and finished the campaign with six interceptions for 81 yards. The most picks by a Bills’ rookie since Butch Byrd totaled seven in ‘64. Nixon was also credited with 61 tackles. Nixon was instrumental in the Buffalo Bills snapping a 20 game losing streak to the Miami Dolphins on opening day, 1980. Nixon grabbed three interceptions, two off of Bob Griese and one off of Don Strock, to help the Bills beat Miami 17-7. Injuries caught up with Nxon in 1981, and plagued him over the rest of his shortened career. He retired in 1983 with the Kansas City Cheifs, and finished with 11 interceptions with one returned for a touchdown.
Where are they now - Career stats
Keating made the Bills and contributed on special teams and by backing up Haslett and Shane Nelson in the middle. He made his starting debut during the '81 season on a nationally televised Monday night game in Dallas following a stint on injured reserve because of a back injury. Keating performed admirably during his six seasons with the Bills. He witnessed the highs and lows of professional football. From being a team that won the division and was "Talkin' Proud," to also being on a squad that went 2-14. Keating totaled three interceptions, recovered a fumble for a touchdown, and registered two sacks during his 74-game career with the Bills. But he stood out more for his special teams performance.
- Where are they now - Career stats
Eugene Marve was projected to be chosen in the eighth round of the 1982 NFL draft. The Saginaw Valley State (Mich.) linebacker was actually selected in the third round. No one, however, projected that he would play nearly twice as many seasons for the Bills than the other 10 players who were drafted that year. Combined. Marve didn’t start in his first game for the Bills, the ‘82 season opener against Kansas City. But Nelson had to leave the field after only one play because of the injury and the rookie was lining up next to Haslett seemingly before the pre-game marching band had settled into their seats. It was the beginning of a 5 year stint in which he was one of the best defensive players on some very poor teams. Injuries and a new coaching staff spelled the end of Marve in Buffalo. Traded to Tampa Bay in ‘88, Marve played four seasons for the Buccaneers and one in San Diego.
- Where are they now - Career stats
Lucius Sanford, an outside linebacker with Buffalo for nine seasons, had a tendency to hit running backs head-on, lift them off their feet and plant their backs on the field. Offensive linemen have ‘pancake blocks.’ Sanford had ‘pancake tackles.’ It was a practice he began as a four-year starter at Georgia Tech. Sanford led the Rambling Wreck in tackles for three straight seasons and closed his collegiate career as the leading tackler in the school’s history. However, surprisingly, he was still available for the Bills to select in the fourth round of the ‘78 NFL draft. Recording over 100 tackles in each of his first four seasons, there was no question Sanford could sniff out the ball carrier. There was also no questioning his reliability. Sanford didn’t miss a game until his seventh season when a ruptured disc that required surgery took him out of the lineup. Starting from his rookie season, Sanford demonstrated an admirable work ethic as well. He tried to be as committed to the game as the veteran players who had taken him under their wings - Tony Greene, Jim Braxton and Bob Chandler. .
- Where are they now - Career stats
The odds were against Roland Hooks, a running back chosen in the tenth round of the 1975 draft by a team whose leading rusher was O.J. Simpson. He realized that if he even made the Bills that year, he'd be on the sideline for nearly every offensive play and would have to try to contribute on special teams. As it turned out, Hooks wished that would have been the case. Hooks was the understudy of understudies, backing up the likes of OJ Simpson, Terry Miller, and Joe Cribbs. This versitile back contributed 2,634 yards rushing and receiving, and 15 touchdowns for Buffalo over 8 workman-like seasons. In 1979 vs Cincinnati, Hooks had a highlight reel game with very limited action. Hooks had 5 carries for 70 yards, and 4 went for touchdowns!
- Where are they now - Career stats
Leaks had played the previous five seasons with the Colts. In 54 games, he started 41 times, rushed for 1,268 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, he was waived by Baltimore and claimed by the Bills four months before the '80 season got underway. In the '80 season opener against Miami, Leaks provided the decisive points when he caught a four-yard touchdown pass from Joe Ferguson, as the Bills won 17-7. That snapped their 10-year, 20-game losing streak to the Dolphins. Buffalo finished the campaign with an 11-5 record and won its division. In '81, the Bills were 10-6. It was the team's first back-to-back winning seasons since 1974-75. Leaks could always be counted on to do his job the best that he could during his four seasons with the Bills, whether he was carrying the ball or the lead blocker for halfbacks Joe Cribbs or Hooks. His finest season in Buffalo - stat-wise - was during the strike-shortened '82 season. He rushed for 405 yards on 97 carries and paced the Bills' backs with five touchdowns. In a game against his former team, the Colts, Leaks totaled 90 yards on a career-high 22 carries as Buffalo blanked Baltimore 20-0. His NFL career concluded after the '83 campaign.
- Where are they now - Career stats
Where is it written that an offensive lineman who is drafted in the second round can not be shifted to the defensive line during his first training camp? Certainly not in Lou Saban's book.
In 1976, the Bills' coach moved Ken Jones, an All-America guard at Arkansas State, to defensive end after losing Pat Toomay to Tampa Bay in the NFL expansion draft, and trading Walt Patulski to St. Louis and Earl Edwards to the Cleveland Browns. Jones was in on 29 tackles, had one sack and recovered two fumbles during his brief defensive tenure. After playing behind Dave Foley at left tackle during the ‘77 season, Jones became a starter the following year. Behind Jones, The Bills had 2 1,000yard rookie running backs- Terry Miller in 1978 and Joe Cribbs in 1980. Jones didn’t get to experience a lot of winning during his 11 years (1976-86) with the Bills, just the ‘80 and ‘81 seasons. However, he did experience several coaching changes. All told, he played for six head coaches: Saban, Jim Ringo, Knox, Kay Stephenson, Hank Bullough and Marv Levy.- Where are they now - Career stats
It would certainly have been understandable if Cross had been in awe after the Bills drafted him in ‘81 out of Western State (Colo). Going from the Rocky Mountain Conference to the NFL could be intimidating. However, a back injury left him on Injured Reserve as a rookie and allowed him time to adjust to the transition. Earning a job as a reserve tackle the following season, Cross was also Buffalo’s long snapper. Cross became a starter in ‘83 when the Bills went 8-8 during Kay Stephenson’s first year as head coach.Cross not only wanted to win, he also wanted to stay healthy. In ‘84, his season ended when a Seahawks defensive lineman fell across the back of his right leg and his ankle. The following year, he was in a pileup at the line of scrimmage and fractured his left arm in three places. Cross’ playing days concluded following the ‘86 season. With a five-year NFL career; the tenth-round draft choice is proud that he beat the odds.
- Where are they now - Career stats
Undrafted in 1979, Tim Vogler, along with Jon Borchardt, were the only rookie offensive linemen to make the Bills’ roster that season. As a rookie he learned from veterans Willie Parker, Joe DeLamielleure, & Reggie McKenzie. In 1980, after four consecutive losing seasons and six years out of the playoffs, Buffalo’s head coach Chuck Knox taught his players how to win. The Bills went 11-5, won their division and met Pittsburgh in the post-season. Whether he was playing under Knox, Stephenson, Hank Bullough or Marv Levy; Vogler could be counted on for his versatility. During his 10 seasons, he played center, guard, tackle, as well as on special teams. Vogler cleared the way for 1000 yard seasons for Joe Cribbs, Greg Bell, and blocked for a rookie named Thurman Thomas in his final year. Vogler retired after 10 seasons, all with the Bills, following the 1988 season.
- Where are they now - Career stats
During the 1979 season, the Bills scored seven or fewer points in six games; all losses. That may have been a reason why they used their first five selections of the '80 NFL draft on offensive players.
Mark Brammer was chosen with Buffalo's first of two third-round picks.
Brammer shared playing time at tight end with veteran Reuben Gant and had two touchdown catches in his first five games. The Bills went 11-5 during Brammer’s first season and won their division for the first time since 1966. It was also the first time in six years that they were in the playoffs. In 4 seasons as a Bill, Brammer finished with 116 receptiions for 1,137 yards and 10 TDs. Where are they now - Career stats
Only the second true punter ever drafted by the Bills and the first one to make the team, Greg Cater came to Buffalo after being selected in the tenth round of the 1980 draft out of the University of Tennessee - Chattanooga.Cater played 6 seasons in the NFL, 4 with the Buffalo Bills. He played 54 of his 77 games in a Bills uniform, finishing his NFL career with 377 punts and a 38.7 net average. He never had a single punt blocked. Where are they now - >- Career stats
Lou Piccone began his career with the NY Jets from 1974-76 as a free agent. He led the league in kick off returns in his Rookie season with over 1000 yards. From 1977-83, Lou played in Buffalo. A full scale utility player, Lou was noted for his ability to play most any receiver position and fans heralded him on the field with the famous.... "Lou, Lou, Lou" chant. In ‘77, Piccone’s first season with Buffalo, he was fourth on the team in receptions behind Bobby Chandler, Jim Braxton and Reuben Gant. Ironically, his first touchdown as a Bill was against the Jets. But under Jim Ringo, the team finished with a 3-11 record. The Bills had a new head coach the following season - Chuck Knox. Piccone played six seasons with the Bills, totaling 81 receptions and six touchdowns. His work ethic and contribution on special teams made him a fan favorite.
