43 YEARS AGO TODAY September 19, 1971 – Archie Manning’s TD wins opener for Saints - New Orleans’ rookie quarterback Archie Manning, playing his first NFL regular-season game, led the Saints on a 70-yard touchdown drive in the final minute and 10 seconds to upset the Los Angeles Rams 24-20. With three seconds remaining, Manning rolled out, squirmed between two defenders, and fumbled as he scored. Rams’ defensive end Jack Youngblood fell on the ball at the two-yard line, but the officials ruled it a touchdown. With the contest tied 3-3 at half, the Saints’ broke through with a couple of third-quarter touchdowns. Tight end Dave Parks scored the go-ahead touchdown with a six-yard pass from Manning. Bob Gresham scored the Saints’ second TD on a two yard run. Los Angeles had overcome a 17-6 deficit going into the fourth quarter with a 29-yard TD pass from Roman Gabriel to Les Josephson, and Josephson’s one-yard run. Manning finished with 16 completions for 218 yards and wide receiver Danny Abramowicz led all receivers with five receptions for 73 yards.
Posted on: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 15:35:54 +0000
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