Sept. 20, 1964 - John David Crow was quick to recognize the true nature of the tie that looked like a victory.
“We showed a lot of poise to come back and get the tie,” said the smiling football Cardinal veteran, “and that Jim Bakken — well, he’s just beautiful.”
Only five seconds were left in the Cleveland Browns’ home opener before 76,954 today when St. Louis’ kicker Bakken booted his fourth field goal to give the Big Red a 33-33 tie.
The way it was done, getting into field goal range with just 48 seconds remaining after the Browns had gone ahead, was almost as satisfactory to the Cardinals as a victory would have been.
When Crow saluted the poise of his teammates, he could have meant any or all of them, but quarterback Charley Johnson’s poise had to be the top factor.
The full weight of the situation fell on Johnson’s shoulders after the Browns drove for the late go-ahead touchdown in the struggle in which Bakken matched the four-field-goal total of Cleveland’s Lou Groza.
“I felt a lot of pressure on the first play,” said Charley, “but after we hit on that first play, I got my confidence back. I felt we were going for the field goal. I wish we’d had about 10 more seconds to make a try for the touchdown and victory.”
Jim Brown carried the ball 21 times for 79 yards today — a so-so total for the NFL’s great rushing champion. The Cardinals’ Crow, apparently all the way back in his comeback from last season’s knee surgery, carried 11 times for 58 yards and caught three passes for 29.
“There’s no doubt about it, John’s just a superstar,” Card quarterback Johnson said of Crow. “His great ability to block, run, pass, or receive puts pressure on the opposing defense, and his running threat certainly makes the play-action pass work.”
Card coach Wally Lemm was also pleased with Crow’s performance. “He did a good job,” Lemm said, “and how about that 51-yard field goal by Bakken — what a shot in the dark!”
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