1973 Buffalo Bills season

14th season in franchise history November 2013 February 2026 Buffalo Bills 1973 9–5 2nd AFC East Lou Saban Ralph Wilson Rich Stadium Did not qualify RB O.J. SimpsonCB Robert JamesOT Dave Foley Bills seasons The 1973 Buffalo Bills season was the 14th season for the team and their 4th season in the National Football League (NFL). The Bills finished in 2nd place in the AFC East division and finished the 1973 NFL season with a record of 9–5, the team's first winning record since 1966.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/ Buffalo Bills Franchise Encyclopedia June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Head coach Lou Saban began the second season of his second tenure with the Bills. Saban had previously led the team to the 1964 and 1965 AFL championships.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/SabaLo0.htm Lou Saban June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121009091915/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/SabaLo0.htm October 9, 2012 This was the first season that the team played in Rich Stadium (which changed names over a decade later) after thirteen years playing at War Memorial Stadium ("The Rockpile"). The Bills were returning from 1–13 and 4–9–1 records in 1971 and 1972, respectively. Incumbent starting quarterback Dennis Shaw found himself in a battle with rookie Joe Ferguson for the starting job. The season was defined by O. J. Simpson. The fifth-year running back became the first player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season. Behind Simpson's record-setting season, the Bills set an NFL record for most team rushing yards in a 14-game season, with 3,088Pro-Football-Reference.com: In a single season, from 1940 to 2011, in the regular season, sorted by descending Rushing Yds and averaged 5.1 yards per carry, higher than every Super Bowl championship team in all of league history. Simpson was returning from his best professional season, in which he earned his first All-Pro recognition and first rushing title.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7TIgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=01EEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7186,4315885&dq=buffalo+bills+1973&hl=en Buffalo Is Still Rebuilding June 28, 2010 August 17, 1973 The Dispatch In addition to establishing a then-record for single-season rushing yardage, with 2,003 yards,The record was later broken by Eric Dickerson in 1984) Simpson established the single-season record for rushing yards gained per game (143.1 yards per game on 23.7 rushes per game, an average of six yards per carry),1973 Buffalo Bills Statistics And Players from Pro Football Reference which still stands.2011 on The explosive offense centered on O. J. Simpson was nicknamed the "Electric Company" for its ability to turn on "The Juice" ("O. J." Simpson). After 12 years, this was the final season to feature the standing red bison logo on the helmets. The next season, the team introduced a new logo depicting a blue buffalo silhouette charging to the right with a red stripe extending from the animal's eye to its back. The updated logo remains in use by the team. Electric Company era begins Although some describe the entire 1970s decade as the Electric Company era,http://www.billszone.com/mtlog/archives/2004/01/01/the_electric_company_19701978_buffalo_bills.php The Electric Company 1970–1978 Buffalo Bills June 26, 2010 Billszone.com Choinski, Bill January 29, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100129035730/http://www.billszone.com/mtlog/archives/2004/01/01/the_electric_company_19701978_buffalo_bills.php the 1973 season marked a new era in Bills history and is regarded by many as the beginning of the Electric Company era of the mid-1970s. The team ushered in a new stadium, new uniforms and a transformed team built through the draft and a few key trades.http://www.billszone.com/mtlog/archives/2004/01/01/1973_buffalo_bills_the_birth_of_the_electric_company.php 1973 Buffalo Bills – The Birth of the Electric Company June 26, 2010 Billszone.com December 14, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20101214113256/http://www.billszone.com/mtlog/archives/2004/01/01/1973_buffalo_bills_the_birth_of_the_electric_company.php With all the emphasis on rushing the team would only post two 100-yard receiving efforts. The Bills started the season 4–1 and then lost four of their next five before winning their final 4 games. Rookie quarterback Joe Ferguson, who eventually would be the Bills starting quarterback for 12 seasons,https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FergJo00.htm Joe Ferguson June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100613212807/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FergJo00.htm June 13, 2010 live started all 14 games at quarterback.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1973.htm 1973 Buffalo Bills June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100616051104/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1973.htm June 16, 2010 live Dennis Shaw who had been the starter the previous three seasons, saw action in four games.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/ShawDe00.htm Dennis Shaw June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100619055859/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/ShawDe00.htm June 19, 2010 live Simpson's record-breaking year thumb|right|150px|Simpson pictured in the game where he became the first running back to gain over 2,000 yards in a season on Dec. 16, 1973. Running back O. J. Simpson broke the 2,000-yard barrier for rushing yards in a season, and was voted NFL Most Valuable Player. Simpson began and ended the fourteen-game season with bookend five-game streaks where he ran for at least 100 yards. 1973 was the fifth of nine consecutive seasons that Simpson led the team in rushing yards. It was also the first time Simpson would lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns, first time he would lead the league in yards from scrimmage and the second time he would lead the league in rushing yards. (Although Simpson posted a career best 6.0 yards per carry in 1973, he was surpassed by Mercury Morris who posted a 6.4 yards per carry average for the 1973 Miami Dolphins. The only season that Simpson led the league in yards per carry was two years later when he averaged 5.5 yards per carry.)https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1973/leaders.htm 1973 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100513023440/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1973/leaders.htm May 13, 2010 live Although Simpson's 2003 yard total has now been eclipsed by 5 other runners,https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_yds_single_season.htm NFL Single-Season Rushing Yards Leaders June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com 2010 on, his 143.1 yards per game remains an NFL single-season record due to being achieved in a fourteen-game season. (All subsequent 2,000-yard seasons took place in 16 games.)https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_yds_per_g_single_season.htm NFL Single-Season Rushing Yards per Game Leaders June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100611171411/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_yds_per_g_single_season.htm June 11, 2010 live Simpson was named Associated Press Athlete of the Year.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=fJEyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=begFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2958,1990733&dq=buffalo+bills+simpson&hl=en O. J. Named Male Athlete of the Year August 27, 2010 January 17, 1974 Lawrence Journal-World Offensive firepower The "Electric Company" of Simpson, Jim Braxton, and rookie Paul Seymour and Joe DeLamielleure led a dramatic turnaround on the field. The "Electric Company" was the nickname of the offensive line (OG Reggie McKenzie, OT Dave Foley, Centers Mike Montler and Bruce Jarvis OG Joe DeLamielleure and OT Donnie Green) which "turned on the Juice" (i.e. O. J. Simpson). The offensive guards were a pair of young future All-Pro performers: Pro Football Hall of Famer DeLamielleure (drafted 26th overall in 1973) and College Football Hall of Famer McKenzie (drafted 27th overall in 1972).https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McKeRe20.htm Reggie McKenzie June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100731133719/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/McKeRe20.htm July 31, 2010 livehttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeLaJo01.htm Joe DeLamielleure June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100603111800/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/D/DeLaJo01.htm June 3, 2010 live Paul Seymour, who would play his entire career with the Bills, became the team's starting tight end. Seymour had been an All-American tackle for Michigan after having played two season at tight end.https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fballam/aaseymp.htm University of Michigan Football All-American: Paul Seymour: Tackle, 1972 June 26, 2010 The Regents of the University of Michigan February 10, 2007 Seymour went on to start at tight end for a total of five seasons.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SeymPa00.htm Paul Seymour June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100807020103/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SeymPa00.htm August 7, 2010 live replacing former tight end Jan White.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WhitJa01.htm Jan White June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Running backs Braxton and Larry Watkins shared the fullback duties with each accumulating over 400 yards rushing. Braxton's 4.6 yards per carry were eighth-most in the NFL.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BraxJi00.htm Jim Braxton June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100701102043/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BraxJi00.htm July 1, 2010 live Wide receiver Bob Chandler led the team in receiving yards, the first of four years he would do so. During the season, Wallace Francis, who finished second in the league in kickoff return average, was the only player in the league to return two kickoffs for touchdowns. John Leypoldt's 70% field goal percentage ranked fifth in the league. Awards, accolades and legacy The 1973 Bills had three participants in the 1974 Pro Bowl and two members of the All-Pro team. 1973 was the second Pro Bowl and first All-Pro season for cornerback Robert James.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JameRo00.htm Robert James June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Offensive tackle Foley was also voted to the Pro Bowl.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FoleDa00.htm Dave Foley June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100717072507/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FoleDa00.htm July 17, 2010 live Guard McKenzie's was voted to the All-Pro team. Simpson made this third Pro Bowl and second All-Pro team.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SimpO.00.htm O. J. Simpson June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Both Simpson and James were returning Pro Bowl selections.http://www.databasefootball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=BUF&lg=nfl&yr=1972 1972 Buffalo Bills June 26, 2010 databaseSports.com usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20100919042527/http://databasefootball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=BUF&lg=nfl&yr=1972 September 19, 2010 The team was featured in the video game Madden NFL '96 as one of the game's "classic" teams, along with 1990–1993 Bills, who won four consecutive AFC Championships.http://www.gameskanker.com/genesis_megadrive/genmdrive_maddennfl96.htm Madden NFL 96 Gameskanker.com June 26, 2010 Offseason On April 19, 1973, the Bills traded linebackers Edgar Chandler and Jeff Lyman and fullback Wayne Patrick to the New England Patriots for linebacker Jim Cheyunski, Halvor Hagen and Mike Montler.http://www.buffalobills.com/team/history/important-dates-april.html The Month of April In Bills History The Buffalo Bills June 28, 2010 https://archive.today/20090413141813/http://www.buffalobills.com/team/history/important-dates-april.html April 13, 2009 dead Although Patrick had been the Bills' Fullback, he lost the starting job to Jim Braxton in 1972.http://www.buffalonews.com/deaths/local-obituaries/article40216.ece Wayne Patrick, Bills fullback in late ’60s, early ’70s June 28, 2010 March 25, 2010 The Buffalo News The Bills also acquired of the Miami Dolphins' top draft selection Mike Kadish in exchange for guard Irv Goode. The Bills traded defensive tackle Al Cowlings to Houston in exchange for defensive end Earl Edwards. Longtime Bills linebacker Mike Stratton, who had spent the last ten seasons with Buffalo, left the team to play his final season with the San Diego Chargers. NFL draft 1973 NFL draft The team drafted several players in the 1973 NFL draft who contributed to the offense as starters during this record-setting season. Offensive linemen Paul Seymour and Joe DeLamielleure became cornerstones of the Bills' "Electric Company" offensive line. DeLamielleure was voted to five consecutive Pro Bowls for the Bills (1975–1979), to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, and to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. Quarterback Joe Ferguson played 164 games at quarterback in 12 seasons for the Bills, a franchise-record. Ferguson retired as the team's all-time leading passer, and his 27,590 passing yards are still second in franchise history behind Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. 1973 Buffalo Bills 1 7 Paul Seymour Tight end Michigan yes 1 26 Joe DeLamielleure Guard Michigan State yes yes yes 2 32 Jeff Winans Defensive tackle USC yes 3 57 Joe Ferguson Quarterback Arkansas yes 3 77 Bob Kampa Defensive tackle California yes 5 110 Wallace Francis Wide receiver Arkansas State yes 6 136 John Skorupan Linebacker Penn State yes 7 162 Brian McConnell Linebacker Michigan State yes 7 181 John Ford Tight end Henderson State no 8 190 Lee Fobbs Running back Grambling no 10 240 Matthew Reed Quarterback Grambling no 10 259 John LeHeup Linebacker South Carolina no 11 265 Richard Earl Tackle Tennessee no 12 294 Ronnie Carroll Defensive tackle Sam Houston State no 14 344 Merv Krakau Linebacker Iowa State yes 15 369 Joe Rizzo Linebacker Kings Point no 15 379 Vince O'Neil Running back Kansas no 17 423 John Stearns Defensive back Colorado no yes Personnel Staff/coaches 1973 Buffalo Bills Owner/CEO/President – Ralph Wilson Vice president and general manager – Bob Lustig Vice president – Pat McGroder Head coach – Lou Saban Receivers – Bob Shaw Offensive line – Jim Ringo Defensive line – Stan Jones Linebackers – Jim Dooley Defensive backfield – Bill Atkins Special teams – Ed Cavanaugh Final roster 1973 Buffalo Bills 12 Joe Ferguson y 10 Leo Hart 16 Dennis Shaw 34 Jim Braxton 46 Steve Jones 32 O. J. Simpson 36 Pete Van Valkenburg y 38 Larry Watkins 81 Bob Chandler 40 J. D. Hill 89 Wallace Francis y 80 Ray Jarvis 87 Paul Seymour American football y 60 Bill Adams offensive lineman G 68 Joe DeLamielleure y G 78 Dave Foley American football T 74 Donnie Green T 51 Bruce Jarvis C 67 Reggie McKenzie guard G 53 Mike Montler C 56 Willie Parker C/G 69 Bob Penchion G 73 Earl Edwards DE 88 Halvor Hagen DE 71 Mike Kadish DT 70 Bob Kampa DE 79 Steve Okoniewski DT 77 Jerry Patton DT 85 Walt Patulski DE 75 Jeff Winans DT 50 Jim Cheyunski MLB 30 Bo Cornell OLB 54 Phil Croyle OLB 57 Fred Forsberg OLB 52 Merv Krakau MLB 56 Rich Lewis OLB 55 John Skorupan y OLB 22 Bill Cahill FS 21 Larry Carwell CB 43 Tony Greene FS/CB 25 Dwight Harrison CB 20 Robert James CB 24 Ernie Kellermann SS 37 Ted Koy SS 26 Donnie Walker FS 11 Spike Jones P  3 John Leypoldt K 39 Cookie Brinkman TE IR 72 Don Croft DT IR 86 Dave Washington LB IR 62 Jeff Yeates y DE PUP Source:Pro-Football-Reference Regular season Schedule On Week 1, (played on September 16), against the New England Patriots, O. J. Simpson sets record with 250 yards to go with two touchdowns. On Week 14, (played on December 16), against the New York Jets. O. J. Simpson rushes for 200 yards to reach a season total of 2,003. He became the first running back to eclipse 2,000 yards and broke Jim Brown's season record of 1,863 set ten years earlier. Seven players have since rushed for 2,000 yards, with Simpson being passed in 1984, but Simpson is the only one to have done his mark in a fourteen-game season, and his 143.1 yards per game for that season still ranks as the best in NFL history. Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap 1 September 16 at New England Patriots W 31–13 1–0 Schaefer StadiumRecap 2 September 23 at San Diego Chargers L 7–34 1–1San Diego StadiumRecap 3 September 30 New York Jets W 9–7 2–1Rich StadiumRecap 4 October 7 Philadelphia Eagles W 27–26 3–1Rich StadiumRecap 5 October 14 Baltimore Colts W 31–13 4–1Rich StadiumRecap 6 October 21 at Miami Dolphins L 6–27 4–2Miami Orange BowlRecap 7 October 29, 1973 Kansas City Chiefs W 23–14 5–2Rich StadiumRecap 8 November 4 at New Orleans Saints L 0–13 5–3Tulane StadiumRecap 9 November 11 Cincinnati Bengals L13–16 5–4Rich StadiumRecap 10 November 18 Miami Dolphins L 0–17 5–5Rich StadiumRecap 11 November 25 at Baltimore Colts W 24–17 6–5Memorial StadiumRecap 12 December 2 at Atlanta Falcons W 17–6 7–5Atlanta StadiumRecap 13 December 9 New England Patriots W 37–13 8–5Rich StadiumRecap 14 December 16 at New York Jets W 34–14 9–5Shea StadiumRecaphttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1973.htm 1973 Buffalo Bills Pro-Football-Reference.com Sports Reference LLC September 2, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100825133246/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1973.htm August 25, 2010 live Standings NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York, NY, 978-0-7611-2480-1, p. 296 O. J. Simpson O. J. Simpson had three 200-yard rushing games, six 150-yard rushing games and eleven 100-yard rushing games. He only had 30 rushes in a game twice all season, but totaled 2,003 yards due to a 6.0 yards-per-carry average. Over the course of the season Simpson also caught six pass receptions.https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SimpO.00/gamelog/ O. J. Simpson Career Game Log June 26, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com DateHome/AwayOpponentResultRushesYardsYards/AttemptTouchdownsReceptionsYards September 16, 1973A NWE W 31–13 292508.62200 September 23, 1973A SDG L 7–34 221034.68100 September 30, 1973HNYJ W 9–7 241235.130215 October 7, 1973HPHI W 27–26 271716.331333 October 14, 1973HBAL W 31–13 221667.55200 October 21, 1973A MIA L 6–27 14553.93000 October 29, 1973HKAN W 23–14 391574.03200 November 4, 1973A NOR L 0–13 20793.95000 November 11, 1973HCIN L 13–16 20994.95100 November 18, 1973HMIA L 0–17 201206.000122 November 25, 1973A BAL W 24–17 151248.27100 December 2, 1973A ATL W 17–6 241375.71000 December 9, 1973HNWE W 37–13 222199.95100 December 16, 1973A NYJ W 34–14 342005.88100 Game summaries Week 1 Week 1: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriotshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309160nwe.htm Buffalo Bills 31 at New England Patriots 13 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com dead https://web.archive.org/web/20121113201124/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309160nwe.htm November 13, 2012 Buffalo Bills (1–0) New England Patriots (0–1) 7 3 7 14 6 0 7 0 September 16, 1973 Schaefer Stadium (astroturf)Foxborough, Massachusetts 1:00 PM 56,119 64 degrees, relative humidity 71%, wind 15 mph Fred Silva Simpson rushed for 250 yards on 29 carries, setting a new NFL single-game rushing record. He surpassed Willie Ellison's 247-yard performance in 1971. Although the Bills had gone 0–6 in their exhibition schedule, they started the season with a 31–13 victory in Chuck Fairbanks's debut as New England Patriots coach. Simpson scored on an 80-yard run in the first quarter and a 22-yard run in the third quarter.O. J. Gains 250; Bills Win September 17, 1973 C2 Chicago Tribune Backup back Larry Watkins also had a strong day with 105 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Week 2 Week 2: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargershttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309230sdg.htm Buffalo Bills 7 at San Diego Chargers 34 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Buffalo Bills (1–1) San Diego Chargers (1–1) 0 7 0 0 7 7 14 6 September 23, 1973 San Diego Stadium (grass)San Diego 1:00 PM 47,588 67 degrees, relative humidity 70%, wind 11 mph The Bills surrendered an opening kickoff return touchdown, 3 quarterback sacks and 4 interceptions, despite 103 yards rushing by Simpson and 118 yards receiving by Hill. The Bills surrendered 27 consecutive points after Simpson tied the score 7–7 with a 6-yard second quarter run. Week 3 Week 3: New York Jets at Buffalo Billshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197309300buf.htm New York Jets 7 at Buffalo Bills 9 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com New York Jets (1–2) Buffalo Bills (2–1) 0 0 0 7 3 0 0 6 September 30, 1973 Rich Stadium (astroturf)Orchard Park, New York 1:00 PM 77,425 53 degrees, relative humidity 62%, wind 9 mph Pat Haggerty The Bills' Rich Stadium debut was a sellout of 80,200 with 2595 no-shows. Simpson rushed for 123 yards, giving him 476 in his first three games. The Bills scored on three Leypoldt field goals. He made a 42-yarder in the first quarter and added two more in the fourth quarter. The Jets almost became the Bills' first shutout victim since 1965, but Al Woodall (playing in place of an injured Joe Namath) hit Jerome Barkum for 34 yards with two seconds left.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=huwgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=NHIFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4422,133321&dq=buffalo+bills+1973&hl=en Simpson Lauds Bouncing Guards As Bills Nip Jets June 28, 2010 October 1, 1973 The Day Pike, Marvin R. Week 4 Week 4: Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Billshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310070buf.htm Philadelphia Eagles 26 at Buffalo Bills 27 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Philadelphia Eagles (0–3–1) Buffalo Bills (3–1) 6 10 7 3 10 14 0 3 October 7, 1973 Rich Stadium (astroturf)Orchard Park, New York 1:00 PM 72,364 56 degrees, relative humidity 66%, wind 8 mph Fred Wyant The Bills opted for a 47-yard Leypoldt field goal with four minutes remaining after driving 42 yards to Eagles' 40-yard-line. The score held up in the final minutes.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=FsAzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=lQUEAAAAIBAJ&pg=4453,2183575&dq=buffalo+bills+1973&hl=en Subs Frighten Steeler Fans June 28, 2010 October 8, 1973 Ocala Star-Banner On the day, Simpson's 171-yard rushing performance offset a pair of 100-yard performances by Tom Sullivan and Norm Bulaich. Week 5 Week 5: Baltimore Colts at Buffalo Billshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310140buf.htm Baltimore Colts 13 at Buffalo Bills 31 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Baltimore Colts (1–4) Buffalo Bills (4–1) 3 3 0 7 0 10 7 14 October 14, 1973 Rich Stadium (astroturf)Orchard Park, New York 1:00 PM 78,875 58 degrees, relative humidity 58%, wind 27 mph Bob Frederic O. J. posted 166 yards, giving him his fifth 100-yard rushing effort in five games and giving him 813 for the season. The Colts had given Simpson 1-yard losses on his first two carries. Ferguson got the scoring started by connecting with Larry Watkins for 10-yards and later scored on a 1-yard quarterback keeper. Simpson scored on a 3-yard run in the third quarter and on a 78-yard run in the fourth "thrilled a crowd of 78,875".Pro Football Roundup: O. J. Romps For 166—816 Total! October 15, 1973 C3 Chicago Tribune Week 6 Week 6: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphinshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310140buf.htm Buffalo Bills 6 at Miami Dolphins 27 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Buffalo Bills (4–2) Miami Dolphins (5–1) 3 0 0 3 3 21 3 0 October 21, 1973 Orange Bowl (astroturf)Miami, Florida 1:00 PM 65,241 80 degrees, relative humidity 77%, wind 17 mph Fred Silva Miami took over first place in the AFC East by halting Simpson's streak of consecutive 100-yard performances. They held him to 55 yards on 14 carries before he left the game with an ankle sprain in the fourth quarter. Miami posted a 21-point second quarter highlighted by a pair of touchdown passes from Bob Griese to Jim Mandich. The Bills made no first downs in the first half.Packers racked, O. J. squeezed October 22, 1973 C3 Chicago Tribune Leypoldt and Garo Yepremian opened and closed the scoring by swapping field goals. The Dolphins' other touchdown came when a 21-yard Paul Warfield reception set up a Mercury Morris 4-yard touchdown.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=EjEcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OFoEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6696,3258612&dq=buffalo+bills+simpson&hl=en Dolphins Stop Simpson Bills August 24, 2010 October 22, 1973 The Victoria Advocate June 2016 medicmedic Week 7 Week 7: Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Billshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197310290buf.htm Kansas City Chiefs 14 at Buffalo Bills 23 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Kansas City Chiefs (3–3–1) Buffalo Bills (5–2) 0 7 0 7 14 0 9 0 October 29, 1973 Rich Stadium (astroturf)Orchard Park, New York 9:00 PM 76,071 45 degrees, relative humidity 92%, wind 19 mph Simpson set an NFL record for yards in the first seven games by surpassing 1,000 yards with a 157-yard effort. His total of 1,025 was 54 ahead of Brown's pace. Simpson set the NFL single-game record for carries with 39 surpassing the 38 by Jim Nance in 1966 and Harry Newman in 1934. In the Monday night game, the visiting Chiefs fumbled on their opening possession on their own 15-yard-line, leading to a Bills touchdown on four consecutive rushes. Three plays into the Chiefs' second possession, Cheyunski intercepted Len Dawson and returned it 31 yards to the 4-yard-line, leading to another Simpson score for a 14–0 lead in the first quarter. Leypoldt added three field goals in the third quarter.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3SUeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KJwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5012,2460303&dq=buffalo+bills+1973&hl=en Bills' Simpson Passes 1,000-Yard Rushing Mark June 28, 2010 October 30, 1973 The Tuscaloosa News Week 8 Week 8: Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saintshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311040nor.htm Buffalo Bills 0 at New Orleans Saints 13 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Buffalo Bills (5–3) New Orleans Saints (4–4) 0 0 0 0 3 10 0 0 November 4, 1973 Tulane Stadium (astroturf)New Orleans 1:00 PM 74,770 73 degrees, relative humidity 83%, wind 9 mph Jack Reader Simpson had totaled 1025 yards in the first half of the season, which was ahead of the 971 Brown had gained in his first seven games.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=RYQyAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mLcFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1515,6905973&dq=buffalo+bills+simpson&hl=en Simpson Tumbles Records September 1, 2010 October 31, 1973 The Palm Beach PostJuly 2026 InternetArchiveBot The Saints posted all their scoring in the first half and kept the Bills to under 200 yards of total offense while shutting them out. Week 9 Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Billshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311110buf.htm Cincinnati Bengals 16 at Buffalo Bills 13 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Cincinnati Bengals (5–4) Buffalo Bills (5–4) 6 7 0 3 3 3 7 0 November 11, 1973 Rich Stadium (astroturf)Orchard Park, New York 1:00 PM 76,927 34 degrees, relative humidity 69%, wind 14 mph, wind chill 25 Ben Dreith Simpson posted 99 yards on 20 carries including a 32-yard game-tying touchdown run in the third quarter. He had a 1,203 total for nine games. It appeared the game would end in a tie until the Bengals' Horst Muhlmann made a 33-yard field goal with three seconds remaining. Week 10 Week 10: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Billshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311180buf.htm Miami Dolphins 17 at Buffalo Bills 0 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Miami Dolphins (9–1) Buffalo Bills (5–5) 7 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 November 18, 1973 Rich Stadium (astroturf)Orchard Park, New York 1:00 PM 77,138 37 degrees, relative humidity 70%, wind 12 mph, wind chill 28 Dick Jorgensen The Dolphins clinched the East Division title with a 17–0 shutout of the Bills. Miami's first touchdown drive included two fourth-and-one conversions by Jim Kiick. With Miami leading 10–0, Buffalo drove from their own 20-yard-line to the Dolphins' 4-yard-line and then turned the ball over on downs four plays later at the 1-yard-line.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=HOgzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xTgHAAAAIBAJ&pg=3448,1093665&dq=buffalo+bills+1973&hl=en Miami defeats Bills to clinch division crown June 28, 2010 November 19, 1973 Bangor Daily News In the game, the Bills were shut out despite a pair of 100-yard rushing efforts by Simpson and Braxton who posted 120 and 119 yards respectively. Week 11 Week 11: Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Coltshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197311250clt.htm Buffalo Bills 24 at Baltimore Colts 17 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Buffalo Bills (6–5) Baltimore Colts (2–9) 3 7 0 14 7 0 0 10 November 25, 1973 Memorial Stadium (grass)Baltimore 1:00 PM 52,250 61 degrees, relative humidity 78%, wind 16 mph Fred Swearingen The Bills built a 10–7 halftime lead on the strength of a 58-yard Simpson touchdown run. Marty Domres connected with Tom Mitchell and George Hunt added a field goal to give Baltimore a 17–10 lead. Late in the game the Colts gave the Bills good field position following an 18-yard punt by David Lee. Ferguson passed for 38-yards to Bob Chandler to tie the score with 1:34 remaining. Then Dwight Harrison recorded a 31-yard interception return with 1:11 remaining to give the Bills their final margin of victory.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IOgzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xTgHAAAAIBAJ&pg=5511,3558160&dq=buffalo+bills+1973&hl=en Buffalo Bills defeat Colts June 28, 2010 November 26, 1973 Bangor Daily News The game marked only the second and final time all season the Bills passed for 100 yards. Week 12 Week 12: Buffalo Bills at Atlanta Falconshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312020atl.htm Buffalo Bills 17 at Atlanta Falcons 6 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Buffalo Bills (7–5) Atlanta Falcons (8–4) 7 3 7 0 0 6 0 0 December 2, 1973 Atlanta Stadium (grass)Atlanta 1:00 PM 54,607 52 degrees, relative humidity 62%, wind 12 mph Braxton, who totaled 80 yards on 23 carries accounted for both of the Bills' touchdowns. Simpson posted 137 yards on 24 carries. The Falcon's scoring came from future Bills kicker Nick Mike-Mayer who posted two field goals. Week 13 Week 13: New England Patriots at Buffalo Billshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312090buf.htm New England Patriots 13 at Buffalo Bills 37 June 28, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com New England Patriots (5–8) Buffalo Bills (8–5) 3 3 7 0 7 10 17 3 December 9, 1973 Rich Stadium (astroturf)Orchard Park, New York 1:00 PM 72,470 30 degrees, relative humidity 88%, wind 9 mph, wind chill 22 After New England posted a first-quarter field goal, Francis returned the kickoff 90 yards to give the Bills a lead they would not relinquish. Simpson posted 219 yards on 22 carries including a 6-yard touchdown that put the Bills ahead 14–3 in the second quarter. Chandler caught two touchdown passes from Ferguson and Leypoldt added three field goals. The effort earned Simpson his third NFL Offensive Player of the Week honor.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=50UgAAAAIBAJ&sjid=PpwEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7201,2356353&dq=buffalo+bills+simpson&hl=en Buffalo Has To Win, Too, For Simpson To Be Happy The Tuscaloosa News September 1, 2010 December 13, 1973 Week 14 at Jets Buffalo Bills 1973 2; text-align:center collapsed Week Fourteen: Buffalo Bills (8–5) at New York Jets (4–9) December 16 1:00 p.m. EDT Bills 7 14 7 6 Jets 7 0 0 7 Shea Stadium • Flushing, New York 47,740 Flurries • 31 F C • Wind 17 mph km/h knot Bob Frederic Pro-Football-Reference.com Bills Joe Ferguson3/5, 70 Yds O. J. Simpson34 Rush, 200 Yds, TD Bob Chandler 2 Rec, 55 Yds Jets Joe Namath13/30, 206 Yds, 2 TD Emerson Boozer7 Rush, 32 Yds Jerome Barkum4 Rec, 102 Yds, TD Simpson entered the final game needing 61 yards to eclipse Brown's record of 1863 yards and the team entered the game needing 177 rushing yards to break the team record of 2960 set by the 1972 Miami Dolphins. In addition Simpson needed 197 rushing yards to gain 2,000 yards rushing overall on the season. He posted 200 yards on 34 carries to bring his total to 2003 in Weeb Ewbank's final game as Jets coach. He became the first to accumulate 200 yards in a game three times in a season. In O. J.'s post-game press conference, he brought the entire Electric Company to meet the media. Before he would field any questions, he introduced each of his teammates.https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8nocAAAAIBAJ&sjid=1VEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1820,5060157&dq=buffalo+bills+1973&hl=en His Finest Moment Was After The Game June 29, 2010 December 17, 1973 The Dispatch Richman, Milton BUF NYJ collapsed 1 Bills RushTD Jim Braxton 1 good John Leypoldt run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 0 1 Jets RecTD Jerome Barkum Joe Namath 48 good Bobby Howfield run/pass good/failed/incomplete 7 7 2 Bills RushTD O. J. Simpson 13 good John Leypoldt run/pass good/failed/incomplete 14 7 2 Bills PuntTD Bill Cahill 51 good John Leypoldt run/pass good/failed/incomplete 21 7 3 Bills RushTD Jim Braxton 1 good John Leypoldt run/pass good/failed/incomplete 28 7 4 Bills FG 12 John Leypoldt 31 7 4 Bills FG 11 John Leypoldt 34 7 4 Jets RecTD Rich Caster Joe Namath 16 good Bobby Howfield run/pass good/failed/incomplete 34 14 34 14 Awards and records O. J. Simpson, NFL MVP O. J. Simpson, NFL Offensive Player of the Year O. J. Simpson, Bert Bell Awardhttp://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/content/awards/bell/past_bell.htm Bert Bell Award Professional Player of the Year June 28, 2010 Maxwell Football Club https://web.archive.org/web/20090619081037/http://www.maxwellfootballclub.org/content/awards/bell/past_bell.htm June 19, 2009 dead O. J. Simpson, UPI AFL-AFC Player of the Yearhttp://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=SIMPSOJ01 O. J. Simpson September 2, 2010 databaseSports.com https://web.archive.org/web/20100921180538/http://databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=SIMPSOJ01 September 21, 2010 usurped O. J. Simpson, AP Male Athlete of the Year O. J. Simpson, 1974 Pro Bowl Selectionhttp://www.databasefootball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=BUF&lg=nfl&yr=1973 1973 Buffalo Bills June 24, 2010 databaseSports.com databaseFootball.com usurped https://web.archive.org/web/20100919042443/http://databasefootball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=BUF&lg=nfl&yr=1973 September 19, 2010 O. J. Simpson, All-Pro Selection Robert James, All-Pro Selection Robert James, 1974 Pro Bowl Selection Dave Foley, 1974 Pro Bowl Selection Reggie McKenzie, All-Pro Selection Milestones O. J. Simpson, First 2,000 Yard Rushing Season in NFL History Single-season record: 143.1 rushing yards per game Single-season record: 2,243 yards from scrimmagehttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/yds_from_scrimmage_single_season.htm NFL Single-Season Yards From Scrimmage Leaders September 2, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Single-season record: 23 touchdownshttps://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/all_td_single_season.htm NFL Single-Season Touchdowns Leaders September 2, 2010 Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com Single-game record: 250 rushing yardshttp://www.profootballhof.com/history/release.aspx?release_id=93 Lewis Rushes For 295 Yards! June 27, 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame First back-to-back 200-yard rushing games Single-game carries record (39) Consecutive 100-yard rushing games (7, ending with week 5).https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=0rAzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=TjgHAAAAIBAJ&pg=2491,1636129&dq=buffalo+bills+1973&hl=en Bills Can Prove They're For Real Against Miami June 28, 2010 October 19, 1973 Bangor Daily News 14 Single-season record: 3 200-yard games Single-season record: 11 100-yard gameshttp://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/indiv/rushing Individual Records: Rushing September 2, 2010 NFL Enterprises LLC. January 2, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130102235652/http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/indiv/rushing dead External links 1973 Bills on Pro Football Reference 1973 Bills on databasefootball.com References 30em Buffalo Bills Category:Buffalo Bills seasons Buffalo