Flashback: Baltimore Colts at Oakland Raiders, 1970 AFC Championship
We’re just days away from the first Sunday of the 2013 NFL regular season, and on tap for the first week is a contest between the Indianapolis Colts and Oakland Raiders. This will be the 15th meeting between the two squads, with the Raiders holding an 8-6 edge. What I have for you today are some game action photos from the very first meeting between the Raiders and the then-Baltimore Colts — the 1970 AFC Championship game, played on January 3, 1971 at Baltimore’s Memorial Coliseum.
Baltimore took an early 10-0 lead, and eventually pulled away for a 27-17 victory and a trip to Super Bowl V. It turned out to be the final home playoff victory for the Colts in Baltimore. Before we get to the photos, here are some NFL Films game highlights — with the awesome title of “Duel in the Dust” — as narrated by the legendary John Facenda.
Let’s get to the photos now, shall we?
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- Johnny Unitas (#19) drops back to pass.
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- Oakland’s Ben Davidson (#83) looks on from the sideline.
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- Daryle Lamonica (#3) about to hand the ball off.
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- Harry Schuh (#79) protects the QB against Baltimore’s Bubba Smith (#78).
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- The Raiders regroup on defense.
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- Oakland starting QB Daryle Lamonica looks on from the sideline.
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- Jim Duncan (#35) of the Colts returns a kickoff.
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- George Blanda (#16) drops back to pass.
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- George Blanda (#16) of the Raiders gets ready to pass.
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- George Blanda (#16) looks for an open receiver.
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- George Blanda (#16) throws a pass.
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- Fumble!
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- Fumble!
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- Norm Bulaich (#36) carries the ball for Baltimore.
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- Oakland QB/kicker George Blanda looks on from the sideline.
For some more excellent game action photos, check out this gallery from a 1961 Colts/Packers showdown.