Sept. 20, 1964 - “I don’t think George Saimes (pictured) will be ready to play at all,” said Buffalo coach Lou Saban last Friday. “That collision he had the day before yesterday injured his sternum, and he’s really hurting.”
Before the first quarter was finished in the Bills’ 30-13 victory over Denver in War Memorial Stadium today, Saimes:
— Separated a Bronco ball carrier from his senses.
— Make a fine play to knock down a long pass.
— Intercepted another of Jacky Lee’s passes to set up the Bills’ first touchdown.
— Didn’t miss a play on defense all day.
The gritty little safety, a former Michigan State All-America, typifies the Bills’ 1964 defensive unit.
It has been called “porous,” “shaky,” and “second-rate” in preseason analysis, but the Bills’ defense might be the biggest reason undefeated Buffalo is tied for first place in the battle for the AFL’s Eastern Division championship.
“What an improvement in that defense,” commented Denver’s quarterback Lee. “They’re really solid now.”
He should know. He and his understudy, Mickey Slaughter, threw a total of 37 passes, completed 14, and gained just 157 yards. The runners did even worse, gaining just 69 yards in 27 carries, an average of 2.5 yards.
Meanwhile, Saban’s “play-the-one-who’s-ready” quarterback scheme worked the first time he tried it.
Starter Jack Kemp was as ineffective as he was effective against Kansas City the week before. Saban stayed with him for four interceptions and two series into the second half before sending in Daryle Lamonica.
Lamonica did little passing (two completions in five attempts for 58 yards_, but his presence seemed to inspire fullback Cookie Gilchrist.
Cookie, with Lamonica doing the handing off, lambasted the Bronco defensive line for 57 yards in 13 carries, controlling the game.
But the game’s turning point was a diving catch by Elbert Dubenion of Lamonica’s 39-yard pass on the Denver 4, setting up the touchdown which broke the 13-13 tie.
“The ball was thrown low,” said Denver coach Jack Faulkner. “Dubenion had to time his dive just right and make a stab just before it hit the ground. That killed us.”
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