NFL Defenses of 1977

[SeahawkFever]

One factor that finally tipped the balance in 1977 is likely that many teams couldn't even run the ball particularly well any more. The rushing average was 4.1 in 1976, in 1977 it was 3.8, despite more carries. Defenses knew year over year they didn't need to respect the pass, teams tried to run, defenses then stopped the run and there was nowhere to go. A lot of the rushing statistics, particularly in the NFC, are fairly dismal for the weaker teams. Something had to change.

After looking up how the teams ran from an efficiency perspective, I totally see what you mean.

The Buccaneers, Packers, Falcons, Redskins, Giants, Lions, Eagles, Vikings and 49ers were among the eleven lowest teams by yards per carry; each at 3.7 or lower. That’s nine of the 14 NFC teams.

Green Bay in particular had no players with more than 3.4 yards per carry among players who were handed the ball more than 14 times.

A look at the individual rushing leaders will show that only three players (Chuck Foreman, Lawrence McCutcheon, and Walter Payton) averaged four yards per carry on 250 rushing attempts, and only 12 of the 30 players with 150 rushing attempts averaged four yards per carry or more, and only seven averaged 4.2 per carry or more. Also only four players had eight rushing touchdowns (Payton, Tony Dorsett, Franco Harris, and Wayne Morris).

Walter Payton’s 1977 season of 1,852 yards on 5.5 yards per carry and with 14 rushing touchdowns when the league was rushing like that, looks on a different level now that I look at it in comparison to how the league rushed.

[JohnTurney]

In 1977 many defensive linemen were playing at slightly lower weights --- to the extent you can trust listed weights ... but Harvey Martin dropped from listed 260 to 248. Jack Youngblood dropped to 225 to open season and had to gain weight and got back up to 237 or so. Lyle Alzado was order by Red Miller to report at 240, but Alzado freaked and got team to relent and reported at 248, maybe 12 below normal. He was often different that listed ... rookie year, maybe close to 290-300 other years in the 255 ish ... Claude Humphrey listed in high 240s. Under 250, anyway,

Eller looked super light that year. Also some defensive tackles playing a bit skinner, too (Page, Brooks, Sherk maybe Chambers).

Youd' think that would have made it easier to run on them ... but maybe their agility was higher because they maintained they didn't lose strength.

When you look at games from that year -- plenty on YT, guys look skinny. Then they look bigger by maybe 1979-80.

LBers also looked small ... maybe speed and quickness took over in the trenches ... because you could be 5-10 pounds lighter and also just as strong.

[JohnTurney]

In 1977 many defensive linemen were playing at slightly lower weights --- to the extent you can trust listed weights ... but Harvey Martin dropped from listed 260 to 248. Jack Youngblood dropped to 225 to open season and had to gain weight and got back up to 237 or so. Lyle Alzado was order by Red Miller to report at 240, but Alzado freaked and got team to relent and reported at 248, maybe 12 below normal. He was often different that listed ... rookie year, maybe close to 290-300 other years in the 255 ish ... Claude Humphrey listed in high 240s. Under 250, anyway,

Eller looked super light that year. Also some defensive tackles playing a bit skinner, too (Page, Brooks, Sherk maybe Chambers).

Griz blitz DL was tiny, for another example.

Youd' think that would have made it easier to run on them ... but maybe their agility was higher because they maintained they didn't lose strength.

When you look at games from that year -- plenty on YT, guys look skinny. Then they look bigger by maybe 1979-80.

LBers also looked small ... maybe speed and quickness took over in the trenches ... because you could be 5-10 pounds lighter and also just as strong.

[Citizen]

Eller looked super light that year. Also some defensive tackles playing a bit skinner, too (Page, Brooks, Sherk maybe Chambers).

I never thought about it, but you're right. Compared to the behemoths who would come along, linemen from that era look downright emaciated. In fact, I believe Alan Page and Bud Grant's falling out had to do with how much weight Page lost.