Remembering the Green Bay Packers First Appearance on Monday Night Football

Monday Night Football changed the culture of America when it debuted in 1970. Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, and Keith Jackson (Frank Gifford replaced Jackson in 1971) were behind the mic in a show that changed Monday viewing habits around the United States. The Green Bay Packers made their first appearance on Monday Night Football in Week 4 of the 1970 season when the traveled to west coast to face the San Diego Chargers. Not only was this the Packers first appearance on Monday Night Football, but it was also their first regular season game against a team from the AFL in this, the first year of the merger between the two leagues. This game was not only full of firsts, but it was also an exciting game that was decided in the final seconds.

Remembering the Packers First Appearance on Monday Night Football: The Buildup

The Packers entered the game with a 2-1 record. Head coach Phil Bengtson’s club had won two straight games after being blown out by the Lions in Week 1 40-0. The Chargers were 0-2-1. Green Bay had just edged the Minnesota Vikings 13-10 in Milwaukee while the Chargers were blown out by the Rams 37-10 in their last game.

With a win the Packers hoped to challenge the Vikings for the NFC Central Division in this, Bengtson’s third season as head coach after taking over for Vince Lombardi.

The starting quarterbacks would be Bart Starr for the Packers and John Hadl for San Diego. Ironically, five years later, Starr would be the Packers head coach and Hadl would be his starting quarterback.

A Defensive First Half

The Packers took an early lead in this game. Linebacker Dave Robinson intercepted Hadl and returned the ball to the Chargers 18. That set up a 16-yard field goal by Dale Livingston that gave Green Bay a 3-0 lead.

Early in the second quarter, the Packers scored again, this time on a 27-yard kick by Livingston. The key play on this drive was a 22-yard pass from Starr to halfback Donny Anderson.

The Chargers responded with a pair of second quarter field goals to tie the game 6-6. The first field goal was set up by a 70-yard end around by tight end Willie Frazier. Packers safety Doug Hart saved a touchdown when he caught Frazier from behind. The Green Bay defense held and forced San Diego to settle for a 16-yard field goal by former Packers kicker Mike Mercer.

Late in the second quarter, the Chargers put together another scoring drive. They tied the game on a 39-yard field goal by Mercer with seven seconds left before intermission.

Remembering the Packers First Appearance on Monday Night Football: The Packers Pull Ahead

In the third quarter, the Packers took control of the game. Starr led the team on a 71-yard drive that ended on a four-yard touchdown toss to Jack Clancy. But Livingston’s extra point was blocked by San Diego’s Tom Williams, and the Packers lead was 12-6.

Later in the quarter, Starr led the Packers downfield again and increased the lead to 19-6 after a two-yard pass to John Hilton. Green Bay pulled ahead 19-6 which was the score after three quarters.

A Thrilling Finish

Starr had to leave the game early in the 4^th quarter and he was replaced by Don Horn. Meanwhile, Hadl left the game and was replaced by Marty Domres. Horn struggled in his brief appearance. Early in the fourth quarter, Pete Barnes intercepted Horn to give the Chargers a chance to score. Domres found Dave Smith for 42 yards to set up a 24-yard touchdown run by Frazier on another end around. That cut the Packers lead to 19-13.

Then, Horn fumbled on the first Packers offensive play after the ensuing kickoff. Bob Bruggers recovered on the Green Bay 7. On third-and-goal, Jeff Queen scored from a yard out. Mercer’s extra point put the Chargers ahead for the first time all game, 20-19.

But safety Willie Wood came up with a big interception. He picked off Domres at the San Diego 40 and ran the ball back to the 13. It was Wood’s second interception of the game. The Packers defense finished with four interceptions and six sacks which proved to be the difference in the game.

Meanwhile, Starr returned to the game for one more series. Livingston kicked a 14-yard field goal with 3:39 left in the game and the Packers led 22-19. The defense made that kick stand up and the Packers left the field with a win to increase their record for the season to 3-1.

Remembering the Packers First Appearance on Monday Night Football: The Aftermath

Starr finished the game going 16-for-20 good for 158 yards and two touchdowns. On the ground, the Packers gained 200 yards as a team, led by Travis Williams who gained 109 yards on 21 carries. Carroll Dale led all Packers receivers with eight catches for 90 yards. The Packers defense forced five turnovers and six sacks.

Unfortunately, the Packers couldn’t sustain their fast start to the season. After going 4-2 to open the campaign, the Packers lost six of their last eight games to finish 6-8. After the season, Bengtson resigned, and the Packers hired Dan Devine to take his place.

The Packers have now played 73 games on Monday Night Football and have a record of 38-34-1, but this was their first appearance. It was also their first game against an AFC opponent and their first game against the Chargers.

They managed to find a way to win it behind the key interceptions by Wood and some clutch play by Starr.