RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The Colts have competed as a member club of the NFL since their founding in Baltimore in 1953 after then-owner Carroll Rosenbloom purchased the assets of the NFL's last founding Ohio League member Dayton Triangles-Dallas Texans franchise. They were one of three NFL teams to join those of the American Football League (AFL) to form the AFC following the 1970 merger. While in Baltimore, the team advanced to the playoffs 10 times and won three NFL Championship games in 1958, 1959, and 1968. The Colts played in two Super Bowl games while they were based in Baltimore, losing to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III and defeating the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl V. The Colts relocated to Indianapolis in 1984 and have since appeared in the playoffs 16 times, won two conference championships, and won one Super Bowl, in which they defeated the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.
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1978 Baltimore Colts vs Dallas Cowboys - Radio Broadcast
The September 4, 1978, matchup between the Baltimore Colts and Dallas Cowboys pitted two teams in very different situations at the start of the NFL season. Baltimore, led by coach Ted Marchibroda, was coming off a disappointing 1977 season and began this game with Mike Kirkland starting at quarterback. Meanwhile, the defending Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys, under the legendary Tom Landry, had Roger Staubach leading the charge. This early-season game had the Cowboys looking to assert dominance in the NFC East and defend their title, while the Colts were searching for improvement after a rocky 1977 campaign. Dallas entered the game with high expectations, thanks to stars like Tony Dorsett and Drew Pearson, while the Colts were seeking stability in the AFC East.
The game quickly turned into a one-sided affair as Dallas took control in the second quarter. Staubach was sensational, throwing for four touchdowns, including a 91-yard pass to Dorsett, and spreading the ball to multiple receivers like Drew Pearson and Billy Joe DuPree. Dallas’s offensive line protected Staubach well, preventing any sacks, while Baltimore struggled on both sides of the ball. The Colts' offense, led by Kirkland, managed only 116 passing yards and was sacked five times. Baltimore’s defense couldn’t contain Dallas's high-powered offense, as the Cowboys amassed 583 total yards, with Dorsett running for 147 yards on the ground. By the fourth quarter, the Cowboys added a field goal to seal the victory, while the Colts failed to put up any points.
The Cowboys' 38-0 win marked an emphatic start to their season, improving to 1-0, and set the tone for what would become another strong year, eventually leading them deep into the playoffs. For Baltimore, the defeat underscored the challenges they faced as they dropped to 0-1, needing significant improvements in both offense and defense to compete in their division.
On September 19, 1976, the Cincinnati Bengals faced off against the Baltimore Colts at Memorial...
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Colts - 1976 Radio Broadcast / On September 19, 1976, the Cincinnati Bengals faced off against the Baltimore Colts at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. The Bengals, led by quarterback Ken Anderson, came into the game with a record of 0-1, aiming to rebound from their season opener loss. On the opposing side, the Colts, under the leadership of quarterback Bert Jones, held a record of 1-0, having started their season on a high note. Both teams had strong offensive capabilities, with the Colts known for their robust passing game, and the Bengals for their dynamic and versatile attack. Coaches Bill Johnson and Ted Marchibroda were set to test their strategic prowess against each other in this early season matchup.
The game was characterized by a series of pivotal plays and shifting momentum between both teams. The Colts struck first with a dramatic 68-yard touchdown pass from Bert Jones to Roger Carr, setting the tone for what would be a high-flying game. The Bengals responded quickly with a defensive score by Tommy Casanova, who returned an interception for a touchdown. Throughout the game, both teams continued to exchange blows. Ken Anderson and John Reaves led the Bengals' aerial assault, while Bert Jones continued to find success downfield for the Colts. Despite the Bengals' efforts to keep pace, including multiple field goals from kicker Chris Bahr, the Colts' offense proved just potent enough to keep the lead into the fourth quarter.
Ultimately, the Colts clinched a narrow 28-27 victory over the Bengals. This game highlighted the strength of Bert Jones' connection with receiver Roger Carr, who caught three touchdown passes, contributing significantly to the Colts' victory. The game's outcome positioned Baltimore favorably early in the season, improving their record to 2-0, while Cincinnati fell to a challenging 0-2 start.
