Turning Point: Eddie Lee Ivery’s 3 TDs and Tim Lewis’ Record Setting Pick Revived the 1984 Packers

The 1984 Green Bay Packers were a tough team to figure out. This was Forrest Gregg’s first season as coach of the team after he replaced Bart Starr. Gregg’s team won their season opener and then lost their next seven games. But then, the team rallied and went on a second half surge that saw them get back into the playoff race. But in Week 12, the Packers put their three-game winning streak on the line against a Los Angeles Rams team that was in the thick of the playoff race. Today we recall the turning point of the 1984 Packers season thanks to Eddie Lee Ivery and Tim Lewis who revived the team.

Eddie Lee Ivery and Tim Lewis Revived the 1984 Packers: The Buildup

The Packers entered this game on a three-game winning streak behind quarterback Lynn Dickey. After a 1-7 start, the Packers crushed the Lions by 32 points, went into New Orleans and won 23-13 and then returned home to thump the Vikings 45-17.

The Packers knew they had to run the table to make the playoffs, but they had momentum and seemed to be hitting on all cylinders especially on offense.

Meanwhile, the Rams entered this game with a 7-4 record. They had won their last two contests. The LA offense was built around running back, Eric Dickerson. The future Hall of Famer enjoyed the best season of his career in 1984. By the time the season was over, he would set a new league record by gaining 2,105 yards on the ground, an average of 131.6 yards per game.

John Robinson’s team also had a strong defense that specialized in stopping the run. The Packers would likely have to put the ball in the air to defeat the Rams and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

A Tough Start

The Packers won the toss and went right to work. Dickey looked for future Hall of Fame wide receiver James Lofton deep downfield, but his pass was intercepted by Johnnie Johnson. The Rams took over at their own 39. The Rams gave the ball to Dickerson six times on the ensuing drive which stalled at the Green Bay four. Mike Lansford kicked a 21-yard field goal and the Packers trailed 3-0.

The Packers finally put a successful drive together in the second quarter. Dickey found Lofton for 37 yards in between five runs by Ivery. His fifth run was a one-yard touchdown plunge over the right guard, and the Packers took the lead 7-3.

Johnson intercepted Dickey again midway through the second quarter and he returned this one to midfield. Dickerson ran three times for 23 yards on the drive that was disrupted by penalties by both teams. Lansford booted a 50-yard field goal and the Packers led was cut to 7-6.

The Packers responded immediately. A good kick return by Del Rodgers gave the Pack good field position at their own 40. Dickey threw deep for Lofton again on the first play of the drive and the play gained 51 yards to the Rams 9. Three plays later, Ivery followed right tackle Greg Koch over the right side and scored his second touchdown of the game. The Packers led 14-6 at halftime.

Eddie Lee Ivery and Tim Lewis Revived the 1984 Packers: Pulling Away

The Packers got revenge on the first play of the second half. Rams quarterback Jeff Kemp looked for wideout Henry Ellard, but Packers cornerback Mark Lee intercepted the ball and returned it to the Rams 22. Gerry Ellis ran for nine yards and caught a six-yard pass from Dickey, but the drive stalled at the Rams 3. Al Del Greco kicked at 21-yard field goal and the Packers lead was extended to 17-6.

The Packers scored again the next time they touched the ball. Dickey found Lofton twice on the drive, good for 17 and 13 yards. Ivery scored his third touchdown of the game, scoring from two yards out. The Packers were in command 24-6.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Rams made a desperate attempt to get back into the game. Kemp found Ellard for 20 yards and Ron Brown for 22 more. From the Packers 16, Kemp threw for the end zone, but Lewis intercepted at the Green Bay one and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown. That set a new Packers record for the longest interception return. The previous record of 94 yards was set by Rebel Steiner in 1950 and stood for 34 years. Lewis’ mark was tied by Aaron Rouse in 2008, but it still stands. That gave the Packers a 31-6 lead and ended the scoring.

An interception by linebacker John Anderson ended the Rams last threat and the Packers were able to run out the clock.

The Aftermath

Ivery’s three rushing touchdowns were his career high. He finished the game with 103 total yards including 77 yards rushing on 15 carries. Meanwhile, Lofton caught six passes 129 yards.

The Packers defense forced four turnovers. While Dickerson gained 132 yards on 25 carries, his longest gain was 10 yards and he did not score.

The Packers had now won four straight games. They would finish the season 7-1 after a 1-7 start. Their only loss in the second half came in Detroit on Thanksgiving Day. The 8-8 record wasn’t good enough to make the playoffs, but it did give the team hope for 1985.

For Ivery, this was a very productive game. For Lewis, it was a record setting game. But for Forrest Gregg’s team, it was a much-needed win.