Hall of Fame linebacker Ted Hendricks played only one season with the Green Bay Packers, but what a season it was. Hendricks made the Pro Bowl and set an NFL record for blocked kicks in a season. Today, we remember Ted Hendricks’ best game with the Packers. Ironically, this win over the Rams cost the Pack dearly in the long run as it led to a trade that set the team back for years.

Ted Hendricks Best Game with the Packers: The Buildup

The 1974 Packers entered this Week 5 contest in Milwaukee with a 2-2 record. Head coach Dan Devine was trying to recapture the magic of the team’s 10-4 season in 1972. The team was fresh off a disappointing 27-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills which ended a two-game winning streak. The Packers biggest problem was a lack of good quarterback play with starter Jerry Tagge struggling mightily.

Meanwhile, the Rams were off to a 3-1 start. They were heavy favorites to win their second straight NFC West title under Chuck Knox. The Rams beat the Lions the previous week 16-13. The Rams offense, led by quarterback John Hadl, was unable to replicate the success they had the previous year when Hadl was league MVP.

The Packers knew this was almost a must win if they hoped to compete for the NFC Central crown as the Vikings were off to a 4-0 start. A third loss would make catching Minnesota almost impossible.

The team took the field in a light drizzle, but the rain picked up as the game progressed and left the field a muddy mess.

An Early Defensive Struggle

Both teams possessed strong defenses and struggling offenses, so it was no surprise the first quarter ended with no score.

In the second quarter, the Rams got on the board on a 28-yard field goal by David Ray. The Packers trailed 3-0.

Then came the first big play of the game. With 6:59 left in the half, Rams punter Dave Chapple got off a boot that was fielded by Packers wide receiver Jon Staggers at his own 32. Staggers managed to change direction, got a great block from Charlie Hall and ran 68 yards for the game’s first touchdown. The Packers led 7-3.

“It was designed to go further outside,” Staggers told reporters after the game. “But the way the blockers had gotten out, I could see the only room was going to be on the inside. So, I just cut it up and went.”

The 7-3 lead held at the half with neither team able to move the football effectively.

Ted Hendricks Best Game with the Packers: The Defense Steps Up

Late in the third quarter, the Packers defense took control of the game. Cornerback Willie Buchanon intercepted Hadl and gave the Packers good field position. That set up a 32-yard field goal by Chester Marcol. The Packers led 10-3 after three quarters.

Early in the fourth quarter, Knox benched Hadl and replaced him with James Harris. The Packers understood the move.

“Hadl was scared out there,” Buchanon explained. “He was gun shy. He was throwing the ball all over the place.”

Harris fared a bit better. He drove the Rams downfield and reached the Green Bay 28. But Buchanon stepped in front of intended receiver Harold Jackson and batted away the third-down pass. Ray booted his second 28-yard field goal of the game, and the Green Bay lead was cut to 10-6.

Putting the Game Away

The Rams got the ball deep in their own territory and tried to start a drive that they hoped would give them the lead. On third-and-10, from their own 18, the Packers put the game away. Defensive tackle Mike McCoy got pressure on Harris and Hendricks intercepted the pass and returned it seven yards to the Rams 18.

The Packers converted when running back John Brockington scored on a five-yard run with 2:15 left in the game. It was the first rushing touchdown allowed by the Rams all season.

“There was no way they were going to keep me out of that end zone,” Brockington said. “I was fired up and the line was fired up. When I get holes like that, there’s just no way. I am definitely back in form now. For a while I was hesitating, looking for holes that weren’t there instead of just hitting the hole.”

Brockington finished the game with a season-high 89 yards on 26 carries. He had struggled early in the season but felt better in this game.

“I looked at films of our last game, and something was wrong,” Brockington said. “I wasn’t taking it up the middle. I bounced outside. But in this league, you usually can’t go on the outside. I just made up my mind I was going to jump into the line.”

A fumble recovery by McCoy on the Rams next drive ended the contest. The Packers walked off the field with a 17-6 win.

Ted Hendricks Best Game with the Packers: The Aftermath

“This was my kind of football game,” Devine said. “We played this game the way I’ve coached here for a long time. I think we turned a corner. It’s going to be easy to go from here. This club is a good football team that’s going to get better.”

Hendricks finished the game with three interceptions, two on Hadl and one of Harris. Hendricks gave credit to the Packers defensive line who provided “a tremendous rush. The first two interceptions were gifts but the third one I had to fight for. What do you know, Christmas comes twice a year.”

“Hendricks did a beautiful job,” Devine added. “He’s been playing well all season.”

The Packers offense remained a mess. For the game, Tagge completed just 2-of-9 passes for 17 yards. He was sacked three times for 18 yards in losses, giving the Packers minus-one passing yards for the game which they still managed to win. Five turnovers by the defense certainly helped.

“It makes a big difference when we have a lead to protect. If we’re behind the other team can do anything they want to make it tough for us,” said defensive end Alden Roche. “But if we’re ahead, the defense has the advantage.”

The Trade and Its Impact

The quarterback situation got so bad that a few weeks later, the desperate Devine traded for Hadl and gave up a pair of first-round picks, a pair of second-round picks and a third rounder for the 34-year-old quarterback who was just benched by the Rams. The trade cost the Packers for years to come, hampering their efforts to rebuild the team.

After seeing Hadl struggle so badly against the Packers, it’s tough to understand why Devine gave up so much to acquire him.

Hadl led the Packers to three wins in his first three starts, putting the Pack at 6-5, but they lost their last three games and finished 6-8. Devine resigned after the season before the Packers executive committee could fire him. The Packers won this game, but it led to a trade that hurt the team for years to come.

Hendricks played out his option, and the Packers traded his rights to the Raiders where he continued his Hall of Fame career. He helped lead them to two more Super Bowl wins.

 

 

 

 

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