Few Packer games stick out in my memory more than the one that was played 20 years ago tonight, on Monday Night October 15th, 1984, against the Broncos. Coincidently, it was a struggling Packer team much like this years squad who took the field that night.
The Broncos were an upstart team with a 4-1 record, with a young QB (who would later bite us in a Super Bowl), and a young coach (Dan Reeves). The Pack came in with only one win, a 1-point opening day triumph over the playoff-caliber St. Louis Cardinals. It would have been a high-scoring, offensive affair in normal condition. However, this night would be far from ordinary.
Monday Night Football told the story to the millions watching on television. Frank Giffords opening monologue was delayed by a rendition of Walking in a WinterWonderland. A blizzard had hit the Rockies, and dumped snow all day on Mile High Stadium. It was some sight to be seen. The Giff apologized because he knew he wouldnt be able to accurately tell us the yard markers and field positions. In a sight that could be looked back upon with hilarity, or cold disgust, O.J. Simpson the broadcaster sat in the booth with a skull cap and gloves...the stage was set for some memorable Monday night madness in the snow.
Unfortunately for our Pack, the outcome of the game was unexpectedly decided in the first 50 seconds. The Packers received the ball and had a First Down at about their own 25. On the very first play from scrimmage, my friend Lynn Dickey turned and handed the ball off to Gerry Ellis. Before Gerry had any chance to react, Tom Jackson--yes, the man who carries Chris Berman on ESPN now--met him head on and caused a fumbly. Steve Foley picked it up, and the Broncos led 7-0. And guess what? After the Packers got the ball back, on the first snap, the Pack again called a very conservative play, this time with Jessie Clark running up the gut. But he too coughed the ball up, and Louie Wright brought the fumble back, for 14-0 lead, with less than 1 minute gone in the first quarter.
The Pack fought for the next 3 hours. The defense only allowed three points to the potent Denver offense. Elway looked like a second year struggling QB, and was ineffective the entire evening. Conversely, Lynn Dickey and the offense thrived in the conditions. Lynn threw for over 300 yards, and James Lofton had perhaps his greatest game with 10+ catches for better than 220 yards and a touchdown. But they just couldnt get the team over the hump, set back by a missed field goal and fumbles. The Pack went down 17-14 despite dominating the Broncosin Mile High under the crazy conditions.
Its games like these that should make a Quarterback like Lynn Dickey legendary in Packer lore. I recently read what James Lofton said during his Hall of Fame acceptance speech. He said Lynn was as tough as they come ever in the NFL. He spoke of Lynns limited mobility because of injury, which forced him to be a pocket passer, and thus take vicious hit after vicious hit to find his receivers, many time of course being Lofton. Lynn helped James become a Hall of Fame receiver. He also kept the Packers from being 2-14 in years such as 1984.
The Pack when on to finish 8-8 that year, turning their season around in the second half of the season. On that night, Lynn Dickey, James Lofton, and all the players from that era showed that they were fighters, through any conditions, and for that deserve more respect and admiration than they get.
