The Detroit Lions are one of the oldest NFL franchises, having been established in 1930. The team has a rich history of talented players, and the quarterbacks of the 1970s were no exception. The Lions struggled during this decade, but their quarterbacks still managed to make an impact. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Detroit Lions quarterbacks of the 1970s.
The Early 1970s: Greg Landry and Bill Munson
The Detroit Lions entered the 1970s with Greg Landry as their starting quarterback. Landry had been with the team since 1968 and was a talented player. However, injuries plagued him during the early part of the decade, and he missed significant playing time. In 1971, Bill Munson stepped in as the starting quarterback and performed admirably.
Munson led the Lions to a 7-6-1 record that season and threw for over 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns. However, the team struggled in the following years, and Munson was eventually replaced by Landry. Despite the team's struggles, Landry had a solid season in 1972, throwing for over 2,200 yards and 15 touchdowns.
The Mid-1970s: Joe Reed and Gary Danielson
In 1975, the Detroit Lions drafted Joe Reed in the first round. Reed was a talented quarterback out of Mississippi State, and the Lions had high hopes for him. However, Reed struggled during his rookie season and was eventually replaced by Gary Danielson.
Danielson had been with the Lions since 1974 and had served as a backup until Reed's struggles. Danielson had a solid season in 1976, throwing for over 2,200 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, the team struggled, and Danielson was eventually replaced as the starting quarterback.
The Late 1970s: Dan Pastorini
In 1979, the Detroit Lions made a bold move and traded for Houston Oilers quarterback Dan Pastorini. Pastorini had been a Pro Bowl quarterback for the Oilers, but injuries had derailed his career. The Lions hoped that Pastorini could recapture his Pro Bowl form, but it was not to be.
Pastorini struggled during his time with the Lions and was eventually replaced as the starting quarterback. The team continued to struggle during the late 1970s, and the quarterback position remained a sore spot.
The Legacy of the Detroit Lions Quarterbacks of the 1970s
The Detroit Lions quarterbacks of the 1970s may not have led the team to many victories, but they still left their mark on the franchise. Greg Landry and Bill Munson were solid players who battled through injuries and adversity. Joe Reed and Gary Danielson showed promise but were ultimately unable to lead the team to success. Dan Pastorini was a talented player who struggled during his time with the Lions.
Despite the team's struggles, the Detroit Lions quarterbacks of the 1970s were an important part of the franchise's history. They may not have won many games, but they still left their mark on the team and the city of Detroit.
In Conclusion
The Detroit Lions quarterbacks of the 1970s were a diverse group of players who faced a variety of challenges. Through injuries, struggles, and adversity, they battled to lead their team to success. While they may not have achieved their ultimate goal of winning a championship, they still left their mark on the franchise and the city of Detroit.
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