Down & Up in 1971

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LeonardRachiele
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Joined: Tue May 22, 2018 4:15 pm

Down & Up in 1971

Post by LeonardRachiele »

In 1971, the Eagles lost their first five games. After the third loss, owner Leonard Tose replaced Jerry Williams with Ed Khayat. All of the five were never close with the 42 to 7 home loss to Dallas being the worst.

Starting with the sixth week, the team began to improve. Their first win ever at Veterans Stadium was a decisive 23 to 7 decision over the New York Giants. Still at home, they won a close 17 to 16 game with Denver. The Eagles blew several scoring opportunities at Washington and settled for a 7 to 7 tie. Nevertheless, the team went three games without losing and was now 2-5-1.

The next three games were not great but offered some hope. At Dallas, the Eagles lost 20 to 7. They beat St Louis on the road 37 to 20 with a good offensive show. They then lost to Washington at home 20 to 13.  The consolation from this game was the season's most exciting play. While being tackled, Pete Liske threw a touchdown pass to Kent Kramer. He displayed some skills on that play he never showed again. That was the season's final loss and their record stood at 3-7-1.

Philadelphia ended the season with a three game winning streak.

-At Detroit. With slight over two minutes to play Greg Landry, the Detroit quarterback, ran six yards for a touchdown. Detroit overcame a 16 to 0 deficit and now led 20 to 16. The Eagles went on a great quick drive, and about 53 seconds later, Pete Liske threw a six yard touchdown pass to Kent Kramer. The 23 to 20 victory was the best of the year and eliminated Detroit from playoff contention.

-St Louis at Veterans Stadium. This was a good defensive effort. Tom Dempsey kicked four field goals, one from 54 yards for a 19 to 7 victory.

-At New York Giants. This was another offensive show with the game not as close as the score indicated.  Pete Liske completed 12 of 18 passes for 221 yards and three touchdowns.  Eagles Defensive Back Al Nelson started the scoring returning an interception  19 yards for a touchdown.  After Philadelphia led 41 to 14, the Giants scored two touchdowns against a prevent defense.

For 1971, Ronnie Bull led the Eagles in rushing with a meager 351 yards.   Harold Jackson caught 47 passes for 716 yards and three touchdowns.  Leading the league in pass interceptions  was Bill Bradley stealing 11 for 248 yards.  His longest return was 51 yards.
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