For most of his 14-year career, Cliff Branch was one of the most feared receivers in the NFL. To put him in today’s term he was a Tyreek Hill-like deep threat. He stretched and scared the defense no matter where the Raiders offense snapped the ball. His stat-line from his 1976 All-Pro season is ridiculous.
46 catches
1111 yards
12 TDs
24.2 yards/catch
This was a year before receivers could run routes without being assaulted.
Branch was a frightening receiver. The constant vertical threat that he posed opened the field for the Hall of Fame careers of Fred Biletnikoff and Dave Casper. Marcus Allen even benefited from a very veteran Branch on the field.
Branch still has to make it through a final vote. If he does it’ll make for a nice two-year Hall of Fame run for the Raiders and their fans. Tom Flores finally got through this year. Branch next year? Which “snubbed” player will Raiders Nation bitch about next? Todd Christensen?
Dick Vermeil had an interesting head coaching career. Perhaps the standout aspect of that career was that it didn’t take long for him to turn his teams into contenders. It took him two years to guide UCLA to their first conference championship in ten years. He only had two years as a college head coach because a sad Philadelphia Eagles team grabbed him. Three years later the Eagles were winners. It took him five years to get the Eagles to a Super Bowl. Citing stress and burnout, he left coaching two years after that title appearance. He couldn’t leave the game entirely as he started a 15-year run in the broadcast booth. Just when it looked like he’d settled into a John Madden-like career progression, he returned to coaching. Vermeil was successful as a head coach in his 40s. He was more successful as a head coach in his 60s. He turned a struggling St. Louis Rams into champions. He nearly did the same with the Kansas City Chiefs.
In his call with Pro Football Hall of Fame President David Baker, Dick Vermeil questioned whether he belonged in Canton. Former Detroit Lions/Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Buddy Parker was my choice for Coach Finalist. He’s been waiting so long. Vermeil does belong.
When the Hall announces the Senior and Coach finalists there’s an initial feeling that they’ve made it to the Hall. They haven’t. Cliff Branch and Dick Vermeil still must receive 80% voting support by the entire 49-member Selection Committee when they meet in advance of Super Bowl LVI. This is still a huge step. The finalists selected by the Senior and Coach Committees usually sail through the voting process.
The Contributor Finalist will be selected August 31.
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