Nov. 22, 1964 - The Baltimore Colts wore down a tough Ram defense today to win, 24-7, at Los Angeles and clinch the NFL’s Western Conference title.
Johnny Unitas, the Colts’ quarterback, had a rough afternoon at the hands of the Rams, but when he was stymied in the air, he called ground plays to hit scoring territory.
“They’re so doggone big,” Johnny said afterward. “You have to throw high — like throwing out of the bottom of a barrel.”
The Colts, winning their 10th consecutive game after a loss to Minnesota, led at halftime by 7-0, and the Rams were a threat until the final period.
Baltimore didn’t score until late in the first period when Lenny Moore burst through the right side of the line on an 18-yard run. The touchdown was set up by a 62‐yard pass play from Unitas to John Mackey.
Unitas engineered a touchdown march again in the third period—this one largely on the ground. He tried only one pass in the five‐play march and that was incomplete. With the ball on the Ram 17, Unitas fooled the defense by calling a draw play, and Jerry Hill darted up the middle for the touchdown.
Roman Gabriel was the quarterback for the Rams in the first half. He netted 8 yards while losing 56 trying to pass.
A rookie, Bill Munson, took over in the third period and steered Los Angeles to its touchdown. The payoff was a 21‐yard pass to another rookie, Bucky Pope, his ninth touchdown of the season.
The Colts, leading by 14—7 in the final period, scored 10 more points on Lou Michael's 23‐yard field goal and Tony Lorick’s touchdown plunge to move out of range.
The crowd of 72,137 was the largest home attendance for the Rams since 1960, when they drew 75,461 against the Colts.
“It’s been a hell of a year,” said Baltimore coach Don Shula afterward.
“I want you all to know that I’ve never been associated with a finer bunch of guys,” claimed the 34-year-old coach, who is younger than some of his players. “It has been a real happy bunch from the beginning.
“They dedicated themselves to this title and went after it, and it hasn’t been easy. We lost that first game to the Vikings, and we did some real soul-searching after that one.
“I think the key to the season came in the second game, when we beat the Packers, 21-20. We all knew then that we could do it.”
It was a happy scene in the Colt dressing room — but not completely wild. They are saving the big one for December 27, when they meet the Eastern Division winners.
Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s
Comments