Memory Lane - 1976 New Orleans Saints Preview

In 1967 the NFL expanded again this time with the NO Saints and in nine season the Saints have a 32-89-5 record. They also have a new head coach for the 1976 season, their fifth (including one interim coach). The Saints are hoping Hank Stram (HOF) can build a winning tradition in New Orleans. Hank spent the 1975 season in the broadcast booth after being let go by the Chiefs after the 1974 season.

Stram goes into the preseason with six QB’s on the roster, presumptive starter Archie Manning would be sidelined all season after shoulder surgery. That leaves Bobby Scott, ex-Steeler Joe Gilliam and a couple of youngsters. In a trade with the Chargers, Stram gets QB Bobby Douglass a better runner than a passer. Last year the Saint running game was poor and the first two draft picks were RB Chuck Muncie and Tony Galbreath. As bad as the rushing game was last year, the passing game was even worse and they didn’t do much to improve it for 1976. The offensive line gave up 53 sacks in 14 games in ‘75.

On the defensive side they were in the middle of the pack in 1975 and there hasn’t been a lot of change for the 1976 season except for the loss of DL Joe Owens in the expansion draft to Tampa Bay. The prominent players on defense, DL Andy Doris, Bob Pollard and DB Tommy Myers. Hank Stram will have to do an outstanding job of coaching to get the unit to see any improvement from the 2-12 1975 season. Success won’t come overnight for this roster but we assume that is why a championship caliber coach was hired.

1976 Draft additions: RB Chuck Muncie, RB Tony Galbreath, G Bob Simmons, G Terry Stevie.

1975 Rankings

Tot Yds Off: 26 of 26 teams

Tot Yds Def: 13

Tot Pts Scored: 26

Tot Pts Against: 23

1975 Results

1976 Opening Day Roster

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