| November 04, 2004 | « Previous Story | HOME | Next Story » | Posted at 04:14 PM |
A look back at Joe Ferguson Enjoy this ride down memory lane with the Zone's Stephen Brandt. Most people who are my age (25) think that Jim Kelly is and was the only quarterback who ever played for the Buffalo Bills. However, that is not the case. Long before Jim came to town, Joe Ferguson played in Buffalo, from 1973-84 until he was traded to Detroit. Joe was the Bills first of two 3rd round selections in the 1973 draft out of Arkansas.
He was outshined in his rookie year, by a running back that most people know something about, O.J. Simpson. Not a bad player to be outshined by. Simpson rushed for an individual record of 2,003 yards, and the Bills gained an NFL team-record 3,088 yards. Joe averaged fewer than 12 attempts and five completions per game for the ball-control Bills, the current Bills are trying to be a ball control offense. By 1975, the passing game became an integral part of one of the most feared released on the opposition. Despite outstanding personal statistics, however, Ferguson was always humble and deflected the praise to the team.
The Miami Dolphins were the Bills' chief rivals and tormentors to Joe during his career. Of course, as a true blue Buffalo Bill, some of his best games came against the Dolphins. On a sunny September Sunday in 1980, Joe drove the Bills to two late scores to end a twenty game winning streak. In 1983, Joe spoiled the starting debut of a rookie from the Middle Atlantic States. Dan Marino, ever heard of him? Joe spoiled it with a brilliant performance featuring five touchdown passes, and team records for completions, attempts, and yardage in an overtime victory, the Bills first victory in Miami since 1966.
Never were Joe's grit and determination more evident than during an AFC Divisional playoff game at San Diego on January 3, 1981. While playing on a sprained left ankle, Ferguson led the Bills to a 14-3 halftime lead in their first playoff appearance in six years. Despite his heroics, the Bills lost a 20-14 heartbreaker in the last two minutes. This game remains the most ineradicable image of Ferguson to most Bills fans.
He led the Bills in passing for 12 straight seasons (73-84) not to mention he set virtually every team passing record during the 1970s and early 80s. He still ranks second in club history in career attempts (4,166), completions (2,188), yards (27,590) and touchdowns (181). Joe is also a winner of the Ralph C. Wilson Distinguished Service Award in 1991. Mr. Ferguson is currently involved in the real estate business in Arkansas.
