1973 Buffalo Bills season

1973 Buffalo Bills season
Head coach Lou Saban
Owner Ralph Wilson
Home field Rich Stadium
Results
Record 9–5
Division place 2nd AFC East
Playoff finish did not qualify
Timeline
Previous season Next season
< 1972 1974 >

The 1973 Buffalo Bills season was the 14th season for the team and their fourth season in the National Football League (NFL). The Bills finished in second place in the AFC East division and finished the 1973 NFL season with a record of 9 wins and 5 losses, the team's first winning record since 1966.[1]

Head coach Lou Saban began the second season of his second tenure with the Bills.[1] Saban had previously led the team to the 1964 and 1965 AFL championships.[2] It was the first season that the team played in Rich Stadium (now "Ralph Wilson Stadium") after thirteen years playing at War Memorial Stadium.

The Bills' were coming off of 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 becoming 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 3,088.[3] Simpson was coming off of his best professional season, in which he earned his first All-Pro recognition and first rushing title.[4] In addition to establishing a then-record for single-season rushing yardage, with 2,003,[5] Simpson established the single-season record for rushing yards gained per game, which still stands.[6] The explosive offense centered around O.J. Simpson was nicknamed the "Electric Company" for its ability to turn on "The Juice" (i.e. "O.J." Simpson)

Electric Company Era Begins

Although some describe the entire 1970s decade as the Electric Company era,[7] 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.[8] With all the emphasis on rushing the team would only post two 100-yard receiving efforts.[9]

The Bills started the season 4–1 and then lost four of their next five before winning their final 4 games.[9] Rookie quarterback Joe Ferguson, who eventually would be the Bills starting quarterback for 12 seasons,[10] started all 14 games at quarterback.[9] Dennis Shaw who had been the starter the previous three season, saw action in four games.[11]

Simpson's Record-Breaking year

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.[12] 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.[13] (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.)[14]

Although Simpson's 2003 yard total has now been eclipsed by 5 other runners,[15] as of 2010, 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.)[16]

Simpson was named Associated Press Athlete of the Year.[17]

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).[18][19]

Paul Seymour, who would play his entire career with the Bills, became the team's starting tight end.[9] Seymour had been an All-American tackle for Michigan after having played two season at tight end.[20] Seymour went on to start at tight end for a total of five seasons.[21] replacing former tight end Jan White.[22]

Running backs Braxton and Larry Watkins shared the fullback duties with each accumulating over 400 yards rushing.[9] Braxton's 4.6 yards per carry were eighth-most in the NFL.[23]

Wide receiver Bob Chandler led the team in receiving yards, the first of four years he would do so.[1] 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.[14] John Leypoldt's 70% field goal percentage ranked fifth in the league.[14]

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.[24] Offensive tackle Foley was also voted to the Pro Bowl.[25] Guard McKenzie's was voted to the All-Pro team.[18] Simpson made this third Pro Bowl and second All-Pro team.[13] Both Simpson and James were returning Pro Bowl selections.[26]

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.[27]

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 and offensive linemen Halvor Hagen and Mike Montler.[28] Although Patrick had been the Bills' Fullback, he lost the starting job to Jim Braxton in 1972.[29]

The Bills also acquired of the Miami Dolphins' top draft selection Mike Kadish in exchange for offensive lineman Irv Goode. The Bills traded defensive tackle Al Cowlings to Houston in exchange for defensive end Earl Edwards. Long-time 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.[8]

NFL draft

Main article: 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.

Round Pick Player Position College
17Paul SeymourOffensive TackleMichigan
126Joe DeLamielleureOffensive GuardMichigan State
232Jeff WinansDefensive TackleUSC
357Joe FergusonQuarterbackArkansas
377Bob KampaDefensive TackleCalifornia
5110Wallace FrancisWide ReceiverArkansas State
6136John SkorupanLinebackerPenn State
7162Brian McConnellLinebackerMichigan State
14344Merv KrakauLinebackerIowa State
= Pro Bowler = Hall of Famer

Regular season

Schedule

Game Date Opponent Result Bills points Opponents Bills first downs Record
1 Sept. 16 at New England Patriots Win 31 13 23 1–0
2 Sep 23 at San Diego Chargers Loss 7 34 16 1–1
3 Sep 30 New York Jets Win 9 7 15 2–1
4 Oct 7 Philadelphia Eagles Win 27 26 16 3–1
5 Oct 14 Baltimore Colts Win 31 13 18 4–1
6 Oct 21 at Miami Dolphins Loss 6 27 8 4–2
7 Oct 29 Kansas City Chiefs Win 23 14 21 5–2
8 Nov 4 at New Orleans Saints Loss 0 13 10 5–3
9 Nov 11 Cincinnati Bengals Loss 13 16 10 5–4
10 Nov 18 Miami Dolphins Loss 0 17 15 5–5
11 Nov. 25 at Baltimore Colts Win 24 17 16 6–5
12 Dec 2 at Atlanta Falcons Win 17 6 17 7–5
13 Dec 9 New England Patriots Win 37 13 13 8–5
14 Dec 16 at New York Jets Win 34 14 21 9–5

[30]

Standings

AFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Miami Dolphins 12 2 0 .857 7–1 9–2 343 150 W1
Buffalo Bills 9 5 0 .643 6–2 7–4 259 230 W4
New England Patriots 5 9 0 .357 1–7 3–8 258 300 L2
New York Jets 4 10 0 .286 4–4 4–7 240 306 L2
Baltimore Colts 4 10 0 .286 2–6 2–9 226 341 W2

[31]

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.[12]

Date Home/Away Opponent Result Rushes Yards Yards/Attempt Touchdowns Receptions Yards
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 Patriots[32]
1 234Total
• Buffalo Bills (1–0) 7 3714 31
New England Patriots (0–1) 6 070 13

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.[33]

Week 2

Week 2: Buffalo Bills at San Diego Chargers[34]
1 234Total
Buffalo Bills (1–1) 0 700 7
• San Diego Chargers (1–1) 7 7146 34
  • Location: San Diego Stadium (grass)
    San Diego, California
  • Game start: 1:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 47,588
  • Game weather: 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.[34]

Week 3

Week 3: New York Jets at Buffalo Bills[35]
1 234Total
New York Jets (1–2) 0 007 7
• Buffalo Bills (2–1) 3 006 9
  • Location: Rich Stadium (astroturf)
    Orchard Park, New York
  • Game start: 1:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 77,425
  • Game weather: 53 degrees, relative humidity 62%, wind 9 mph

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.[36]

Week 4

Week 4: Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Bills[37]
1 234Total
Philadelphia Eagles (0–3–1) 6 1073 26
• Buffalo Bills (3–1) 10 1403 27
  • Location: Rich Stadium (astroturf)
    Orchard Park, New York
  • Game start: 1:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 72,364
  • Game weather: 56 degrees, relative humidity 66%, wind 8 mph

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.[38] On the day, Simpson's 171-yard rushing performance offset a pair of 100-yard performances by Tom Sullivan and Norm Bulaich.[37]

Week 5

Week 5: Baltimore Colts at Buffalo Bills[39]
1 234Total
Baltimore Colts (1–4) 3 307 13
• Buffalo Bills (4–1) 0 10714 31
  • Date: October 14, 1973
  • Location: Rich Stadium (astroturf)
    Orchard Park, New York
  • Game start: 1:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 78,875
  • Game weather: 58 degrees, relative humidity 58%, wind 27 mph

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".[40]

Week 6

Week 6: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins[41]
1 234Total
Buffalo Bills (4–2) 3 003 6
• Miami Dolphins (5–1) 3 2130 27
  • Date: October 21, 1973
  • Location: Orange Bowl (astroturf)
    Miami, Florida
  • Game start: 1:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 65,241
  • Game weather: 80 degrees, relative humidity 77%, wind 17 mph

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.[42] 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.[43]

Week 7

Week 7: Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills[44]
1 234Total
Kansas City Chiefs (3–3–1) 0 707 14
• Buffalo Bills (5–2) 14 090 23
  • Date: October 29, 1973
  • Location: Rich Stadium (astroturf)
    Orchard Park, New York
  • Game start: 9:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 76,071
  • Game weather: 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 game, the 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, giving them a 14–0 lead 3:37 into the game. Leypoldt added three field goals.[45]

Week 8

Week 8: Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints[46]
1 234Total
Buffalo Bills (5–3) 0 000 0
• New Orleans Saints (4–4) 3 1000 13
  • Date: November 4, 1973
  • Location: Tulane Stadium (astroturf)
    New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Game start: 1:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 74,770
  • Game weather: 73 degrees, relative humidity 83%, wind 9 mph

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.[47] 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.[46]

Week 9

Week 9: Cincinnati Bengals at Buffalo Bills[48]
1 234Total
• Cincinnati Bengals (5–4) 6 703 16
Buffalo Bills (5–4) 3 370 13
  • Date: November 11, 1973
  • Location: Rich Stadium (astroturf)
    Orchard Park, New York
  • Game start: 1:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 76,927
  • Game weather: 34 degrees, relative humidity 69%, wind 14 mph, wind chill 25

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.[42]

Week 10

Week 10: Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills[49]
1 234Total
• Miami Dolphins (9–1) 7 1000 17
Buffalo Bills (5–5) 0 000 0
  • Date: November 18, 1973
  • Location: Rich Stadium (astroturf)
    Orchard Park, New York
  • Game start: 1:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 77,138
  • Game weather: 37 degrees, relative humidity 70%, wind 12 mph, wind chill 28

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.[50] 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.[49]

Week 11

Week 11: Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Colts[51]
1 234Total
• Buffalo Bills (6–5) 3 7014 24
Baltimore Colts (2–9) 7 0010 17
  • Date: November 25, 1973
  • Location: Memorial Stadium (grass)
    Baltimore, Maryland
  • Game start: 1:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 52,250
  • Game weather: 61 degrees, relative humidity 78%, wind 16 mph

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.[52] The game marked only the second and final time all season the Bills passed for 100 yards.[9]

Week 12

Week 12: Buffalo Bills at Atlanta Falcons[53]
1 234Total
• Buffalo Bills (7–5) 7 370 17
Atlanta Falcons (8–4) 0 600 6
  • Date: December 2, 1973
  • Location: Atlanta Stadium (grass)
    Atlanta, Georgia
  • Game start: 1:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 54,607
  • Game weather: 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.[53]

Week 13

Week 13: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills[54]
1 234Total
New England Patriots (5–8) 3 370 13
• Buffalo Bills (8–5) 7 10173 37
  • Date: December 9, 1973
  • Location: Rich Stadium (astroturf)
    Orchard Park, New York
  • Game start: 1:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 72,470
  • Game weather: 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.[54] The effort earned Simpson his third NFL Offensive Player of the Week honor.[55]

Week 14

Week 14: Buffalo Bills at New York Jets[56]
1 234Total
• Buffalo Bills (9–5) 7 1476 34
New York Jets (4–10) 0 600 6
  • Date: December 16, 1973
  • Location: Shea Stadium (grass)
    Queens, New York
  • Game start: 1:00 PM
  • Game attendance: 47,740
  • Game weather: 31 degrees, relative humidity 66%, wind 17 mph, wind chill 19

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.[55] 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.[57]

Roster

1973 Buffalo Bills roster
Quarterbacks

Running Backs

Wide Receivers

Tight Ends

Source:
Pro-Football-Reference

Offensive Linemen

Defensive Linemen

Special Teams

Linebackers

Defensive Backs

Awards and records

Milestones

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Buffalo Bills Franchise Encyclopedia". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  2. ↑ "Lou Saban". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  3. ↑ Pro-Football-Reference.com: In a single season, from 1940 to 2011, in the regular season, sorted by descending Rushing Yds
  4. ↑ "Buffalo Is Still Rebuilding". The Dispatch. August 17, 1973. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  5. ↑ The record was later broken by Eric Dickerson in 1984)
  6. ↑ as of 2011
  7. ↑ Choinski, Bill. "The Electric Company 1970–1978 Buffalo Bills". Billszone.com. Archived from the original on January 29, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "1973 Buffalo Bills – The Birth of the Electric Company". Billszone.com. Archived from the original on December 14, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 "1973 Buffalo Bills". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on June 16, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  10. ↑ "Joe Ferguson". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on June 13, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  11. ↑ "Dennis Shaw". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on June 19, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "O.J. Simpson Career Game Log". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 "O.J. Simpson". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 "1973 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on May 13, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "NFL Single-Season Rushing Yards Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "NFL Single-Season Rushing Yards per Game Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on June 11, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "O.J. Named Male Athlete of the Year". Lawrence Journal-World. January 17, 1974. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 "Reggie McKenzie". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on July 31, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  19. ↑ "Joe DeLamielleure". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on June 3, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  20. ↑ "University of Michigan Football All-American: Paul Seymour: Tackle, 1972". The Regents of the University of Michigan. February 10, 2007. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  21. ↑ "Paul Seymour". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on August 7, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  22. ↑ "Jan White". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  23. ↑ "Jim Braxton". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on July 1, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Robert James". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  25. ↑ "Dave Foley". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on July 17, 2010. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  26. ↑ "1972 Buffalo Bills". databaseSports.com. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  27. ↑ "Madden NFL 96". Gameskanker.com. Retrieved June 26, 2010.
  28. ↑ "The Month of April In Bills History". The Buffalo Bills. Archived from the original on April 13, 2009. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  29. ↑ "Wayne Patrick, Bills fullback in late ’60s, early ’70s". The Buffalo News. March 25, 2010. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  30. ↑ "1973 Buffalo Bills". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on August 25, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  31. ↑ NFL 2001 Record and Fact Book, Workman Publishing Co, New York,NY, ISBN 978-0-7611-2480-1, p. 296
  32. ↑ "Buffalo Bills 31 at New England Patriots 13". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  33. ↑ "O.J. Gains 250; Bills Win". Chicago Tribune. September 17, 1973. p. C2.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 "Buffalo Bills 7 at San Diego Chargers 34". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  35. ↑ "New York Jets 7 at Buffalo Bills 9". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  36. ↑ Pike, Marvin R. (October 1, 1973). "Simpson Lauds Bouncing Guards As Bills Nip Jets". The Day. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 "Philadelphia Eagles 26 at Buffalo Bills 27". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  38. ↑ "Subs Frighten Steeler Fans". Ocala Star-Banner. October 8, 1973. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  39. ↑ "Baltimore Colts 13 at Buffalo Bills 31". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  40. ↑ "Pro Football Roundup: O.J. Romps For 166—816 Total!". Chicago Tribune. October 15, 1973. p. C3.
  41. ↑ "Buffalo Bills 6 at Miami Dolphins 27". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 "Packers racked, O.J. squeezed". Chicago Tribune. October 22, 1973. p. C3.
  43. ↑ "Dolphins Stop Simpson Bills". The Victoria Advocate. October 22, 1973. Retrieved August 24, 2010.
  44. ↑ "Kansas City Chiefs 14 at Buffalo Bills 23". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 "Bills' Simpson Passes 1,000-Yard Rushing Mark". The Tuscaloosa News. October 30, 1973. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 "Buffalo Bills 0 at New Orleans Saints 13". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  47. ↑ "Simpson Tumbles Records". The Palm Beach Post. October 31, 1973. Retrieved September 1, 2010.
  48. ↑ "Cincinnati Bengals 16 at Buffalo Bills 13". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 "Miami Dolphins 17 at Buffalo Bills 0". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  50. ↑ "Miami defeats Bills to clinch division crown". Bangor Daily News. November 19, 1973. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  51. ↑ "Buffalo Bills 24 at Baltimore Colts 17". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  52. ↑ "Buffalo Bills defeat Colts". Bangor Daily News. November 26, 1973. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 "Buffalo Bills 17 at Atlanta Falcons 6". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 "New England Patriots 13 at Buffalo Bills 37". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 "Buffalo Has To Win, Too, For Simpson To Be Happy". The Tuscaloosa News. December 13, 1973. Retrieved September 1, 2010.
  56. ↑ "Buffalo Bills 34 at New York Jets 14". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  57. ↑ Richman, Milton (December 17, 1973). "His Finest Moment Was After The Game". The Dispatch. Retrieved June 29, 2010.
  58. ↑ "Bert Bell Award Professional Player of the Year". Maxwell Football Club. Archived from the original on June 19, 2009. Retrieved June 28, 2010.
  59. ↑ "O.J. Simpson". databaseSports.com. Archived from the original on September 21, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 60.2 "1973 Buffalo Bills". databaseFootball.com. databaseSports.com. Retrieved June 24, 2010.
  61. ↑ "NFL Single-Season Yards From Scrimmage Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  62. ↑ "NFL Single-Season Touchdowns Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  63. ↑ "Lewis Rushes For 295 Yards!". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved June 27, 2010.
  64. ↑ 64.0 64.1 64.2 "Individual Records: Rushing". NFL Enterprises LLC. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
  65. ↑ "Bills Can Prove They're For Real Against Miami". Bangor Daily News. October 19, 1973. p. 14. Retrieved June 28, 2010.