General 1981 pre-season predictions and expectations

[nicefellow31]

1981 will always seem to me kind of a "changing of the guard" season. It was probably the one year in which all preseason predictions got thrown out the window. Each of the top Super Bowl entries, both of which dominated their conference during '81, had been among their conferences worse team for the past few years. The defending champion Raiders more or less fell on their face despite a few soiid triumps. The Eagles, while starting out strong, went down the toilet to finish the year. Also, traditional recent powers (Pittsburgh, LA Rams, Houston. Atlanta, Cleveland) descended into mediocrity. Vegas must have lost a lot of money this year.

I agree. In '81 you see the birth of the 49'ers, Joe Gibb's Redskins, and the LT Giants. In the AFC you have the beginnings of the Dan Reeve's Broncos. 11 Super Bowl appearances for those 4 teams over the next 14 years. Only 1985, 1992, and 1993 are missing those teams.

[7DnBrnc53]

Just got the Game Plan 1981 preview issue. Two things that stand out:

1. Another predictor that had the Rams bouncing back to take the West from the Falcons. I don't understand that trend, especially with Ferragamo going to Canada.

2. In their conclusion about the 49ers (who they picked third that year), they said this:

At quarterback, the starter probably won't be decided until pre-season camp, but we figure ex-Notre Damer Montana will hang onto the full-time job he took away from DeBerg midway through the season. However, that should not be misconstrued as meaning the 49ers are all set at quarterback, since quite frankly we don't feel either Montana or DeBerg is the final answer at this position.

Then, after complimenting their short passing game, they said this:

But the offense would take on a whole new magnitude if the long passing game were utilized more effectively (something QBs Montana and DeBerg may not have the throwing arms for)

[74_75_78_79_]

How does Houston do in ’81 if Bum Phillips don’t get fired the previous NYE?