Vintage Browns: The 1980 Kardiac Kids

This short video shows a key drive in game 7 of the Kardiac Kids 1980 season vs the Green Bay Packers. The two play sequence reveals an essential element of the Kardiac Kids 1980 success, creating mismatches in the passing game. This game was in fact a turning point in the Kardiac Kids 1980 season. First, the Browns were 3-3 at that point and a loss would have put them at 3-4 nearly halfway through the season. More importantly is that the team after this game started to get a sense of the fact that they had the talent and playbook that would allow them to beat anyone at any time.

The video contains two long pass plays both of which tell much of the story of the 1980 Browns success. Take note on the first play, where number 35 Calvin Hill lines up in the backfield. He is actually split outside the offensive tackle Cody Riesen by almost a yard. Not the normal spot for a running back to line up but as we know, Calvin Hill might have lined up in the backfield, but he carried the ball only once all season, he was on the field of play for one reason, to catch the ball. On the snap, Hill shoots straight out into the pattern and it is number 56, Green Bay linebacker Ed O'Neil, who has the unfortunate responsibility to try to keep up with him. Hill already has 5 yards on O'Neil when Sipe's pass lands in his hands and he gains over 50 yards on the play.

The next play is a touchdown pass to Ozzie Newsome, the Browns tight end. For today's football fans it might seem amazing that a tight end could get that wide open but let's remember back in 1980, the only tight ends who could get deep were Ozzie and Kellen Winslow. On this particular play, Green Bay was in a zone but surely their focus were on the outside wide receivers as they still hadn't digested the fact that Mr. Newsome could move his body 30 yards in a few seconds. 7 points in about 30 seconds, not bad!!! The next offensive series was even more delicious, classic Kardiac Kids and I will bring you that one in the next few days..!!!