Oct. 5, 1964 - A 21-point scoring spree in the third quarter not only lifted the Colts over the previously unbeaten Los Angeles Rams, 35-20, yesterday before 56,537 in Baltimore but also into first place in the Western Division race of the NFL.
Of course, the Colts needed help to accomplish the second part, and that help was extended by the Minnesota Vikings, who did unto the Green Bay Packers yesterday as they had unto the Colts in the league opener four weeks ago, beating the Pack, 24-23. The Vikings whipped the Colts in the inaugural, 34-24.
Now, Baltimore sits atop the division ladder with a 3-1 record. L.A. dropped into a second-place tie with the Detroit Lions with 2-1-1 marks. And the Packers are now 2-2, both losses being by one point. Green Bay earlier lost to the Colts, 21-20.
The Colt scoring punch yesterday was handled by Jimmy Orr on three touchdown passes from Johnny Unitas, and Lenny Moore on two runs. Lou Michaels converted after each touchdown, but his field goal effort of 31 yards in the first period was blocked.
At the intermission, Los Angeles held a 13-7 advantage. But that 15-minute break was all the Colts needed to shake the lethargic first half shackles and zoom into a commanding lead.
Within the space of 42 seconds, the Colts scored twice in the mid-minutes of the third period to go ahead, 21-10. A 43-yard scoring pass to Orr started the parade.
Coach Don Shula was asked after the game if he had given the Colts hell at intermission.
“No,” he said. “We talked over our coverages on cross end pass patterns and reviewed our offenses. We didn’t make any major adjustment. But you must remember we had the ball on only 18 plays in the first half. That [Bill] Munson killed us with third-down passes.”
Jack Patera, who once played linebacker for the Colts and is now the defensive line coach for the Rams, remarked after the game:
“I didn’t think the Colt defense was as good as it was today. Of course, we were hurt by our rookie, Jerry Richardson. He was picked on, and you have to expect that. [Colt guard] Jim Parker did a good job on Rosey Grier, but Rosey was playing with a pulled muscle which limited his action.”
After the game, Unitas sought out Bill Munson, the rookie Ram passer, and congratulated him on a fine effort.
Munson said: “If he hadn’t found me, I was going to look for him. He’s a great guy, isn’t he, coming to see me and offer me congratulations.”

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