1973 NFL Season
As originally written by Tim Brulia and Jimmy Delach:
This was the year that the U.S. Congress dramatically changed the blackout rules of the NFL, much against the wishes of Commissioner Pete Rozelle and NFL owners. The home market (and markets that fell within the 75 miles radius of the home market) could lift the blackout IF the game was sold out at least 72 hours in advance of kickoff. Games in which the blackout was lifted are shown in bold.
Also of note is that CBS decides to no longer show the halftime entertainment from the stadium. Instead, CBS utilizes the time for an NFL Films feature called "NFL Playbook", sponsored by American Express. The show educates viewers on the intricacies and strategy involved with football.
PRESEASON
Friday 7/27: Dolphins-College All-Stars (Chicago), 9:30, ABC. Chris Schenkel, Bud Wilkinson, Howard Cosell
Saturday 7/28: 49ers-Patriots (Canton, OH - Hall of Fame Game), 4:00, ABC. Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
Saturday 8/18: Vikings-Chiefs, 9:00, NBC. Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Friday 8/24: Rams-Dolphins, 8:00, NBC. Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Sunday 8/26: Packers-Chiefs, 9:00, ABC. Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell
Friday 8/31: Dolphins-Vikings, 9:00, CBS. Jack Whitaker, Pat Summerall, Brent Musburger
Saturday 9/1: Lions-Browns, 8:00, NBC. Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Thursday 9/6: Dolphins-Cowboys, 9:00, CBS. Frank Glieber, Pat Summerall, Brent Musburger
Sunday 9/9: Bears-Redskins, 8:30, CBS. Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Brent Musburger
WEEK 1, 1973 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/16:
Colts-Browns, 1, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Bills-Patriots, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Dave Kocourek
Oilers-Giants, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Cardinals-Eagles, 1, CBS, Dan Kelly, Irv Cross, Andy Musser*
Chargers-Redskins, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
49ers-Dolphins, 1, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Wayne Walker, Brent Musburger*
Falcons-Saints, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Tommy Mason, Frank Clarke*
Cowboys-Bears, 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Pete Retzlaff, Bruce Roberts*
Raiders-Vikings, 2, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Bengals-Broncos, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Lions-Steelers, 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Pat Summerall, Bart Starr, Dick Stockton*
Rams-Chiefs, 4, CBS, Ray Scott, Tom Brookshier, Gil Stratton*
Monday 9/17:
Jets-Packers (Milwaukee), 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 2, 1973 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/23:
Browns-Steelers, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Oilers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Bill Enis, Dave Kocourek
Chiefs-Patriots, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Eagles-Giants, 1, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Tom Brookshier, Andy Musser*
Lions-Packers, 2, CBS, Jack Drees, Johnny Sauer, Frank Clarke*
Vikings-Bears, 2, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Bruce Roberts*
Jets-Colts, 2, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Redskins-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Dan Kelly, analyst unknown, Dick Stockton*
Falcons-Rams, 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Wayne Walker, Gil Stratton*
Bills-Chargers, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Dolphins-Raiders (Berkeley, CA), 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
49ers-Broncos, 4, CBS, Don Criqui, Tommy Mason, Brent Musburger*
Monday 9/24:
Saints-Cowboys, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 3, 1973 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/30:
Patriots-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Giants-Browns, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Pat Summerall, Dick Stockton*
Jets-Bills, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Redskins-Eagles, 1, CBS, Dan Kelly, Tim Brown, Andy Musser*
Packers-Vikings, 2, CBS, Ray Scott, Tom Brookshier, Bruce Roberts*
Saints-Colts, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Tommy Mason
Steelers-Oilers, 2, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Cardinals-Cowboys, 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Pete Retzlaff, Frank Clarke*
Bears-Broncos, 4, CBS, Jack Drees, Irv Cross*, Brent Musburger*
Bengals-Chargers, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Dave Kocourek
Rams-49ers, 4, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Wayne Walker, Gil Stratton*
Raiders-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Monday 10/1:
Falcons-Lions, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 4, 1973 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/7:
Colts-Patriots, 1, NBC, Bill O’Donnell, Dave Kocourek
Bengals-Browns, 1, NBC, Ken Coleman, Sam DeLuca
Packers-Giants (New Haven, CT), 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Tom Brookshier, Dick Stockton*
Jets-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Al DeRogatis
Eagles-Bills, 1, CBS, Jack Drees, Johnny Sauer, Andy Musser*
Chargers-Steelers, 1, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
49ers-Falcons, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Wayne Walker, Frank Clarke*
Bears-Saints, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Tommy Mason, Brent Musburger*
Broncos-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Bill Enis, Kyle Rote
Rams-Oilers, 2, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Tim Brown, Gil Stratton*
Raiders-Cardinals, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Vikings-Lions, 4, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Bart Starr, Bruce Roberts*
Monday 10/8:
Cowboys-Redskins, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 5, 1973 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/14:
Colts-Bills, 1, NBC, Al Michaels, Dave Kocourek
Bears-Falcons, 1, CBS, Ray Scott, Tom Brookshier, Bruce Roberts*
Jets-Patriots, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Steelers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Kyle Rote
Redskins-Giants (New Haven, CT), 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Wayne Walker, Dick Stockton*
Broncos-Oilers, 2, NBC, Bill Enis, Al DeRogatis
Lions-Saints, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Brent Musburger*
Chiefs-Packers (Milwaukee), 2, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Eagles-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Andy Musser*
Cowboys-Rams, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Pete Retzlaff, Frank Clarke*
Vikings-49ers, 4, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Pat Summerall, Gil Stratton*
Raiders-Chargers, 4, KTVU-San Francisco, Don Klein, Gary Park
Monday 10/15:
Dolphins-Browns, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 6, 1973 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/21:
Colts-Lions, 1, NBC, Al Michaels, Dave Kocourek
Bills-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Oilers-Browns, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Jets-Steelers, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Al DeRogatis
Cardinals-Redskins, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Tom Brookshier, Andy Musser*
Patriots-Bears, 2, WLVI-Boston; WGN-Chicago, Ken Coleman, Sam DeLuca
Eagles-Vikings, 2, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Tim Brown, Dick Stockton*
Falcons-Chargers, 4, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Gil Stratton*
Packers-Rams, 4, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Bruce Roberts*
Chiefs-Bengals, 4, KMBC-Kansas City, Bill Enis, Kyle Rote
Saints-49ers, 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Johnny Sauer, Brent Musburger*
Giants-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Wayne Walker, Frank Clarke*
Monday 10/22:
Raiders-Broncos, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 7, 1973 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/28:
Cowboys-Eagles, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Pete Retzlaff, Andy Musser
Broncos-Jets, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Packers-Lions, 1, CBS, Jack Drees, Tom Brookshier, Dick Stockton*
Dolphins-Patriots, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Chargers-Browns, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Oilers-Bears, 2, NBC, Bill Enis, Dave Kocourek
Rams-Vikings, 2, CBS, Ray Scott, Wayne Walker, Gil Stratton*
Giants-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Jack Buck, Pat Summerall, Bruce Roberts*
Raiders-Colts, 2, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Redskins-Saints, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Frank Clarke*
Falcons-49ers, 4, CBS, Don Criqui, Tommy Mason, Brent Musburger*
Bengals-Steelers, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Monday 10/29:
Chiefs-Bills, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 8, 1973 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/4:
Rams-Falcons, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Pat Summerall, Frank Clarke
Dolphins-Jets, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Patriots-Eagles, 1, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Bills-Saints, 2, NBC, Ken Coleman, Alan Miller
Bears-Packers, 2, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Tim Brown, Brent Musburger*
Bengals-Cowboys, 2, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Browns-Vikings, 2, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Broncos-Cardinals, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Dave Kocourek
Oilers-Colts, 2, NBC, Al Michaels, Mike Haffner*
Chiefs-Chargers, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Giants-Raiders, 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Wayne Walker, Bill Thompson
49ers-Lions, 4, CBS, Ray Scott, Tom Brookshier, Bruce Roberts
Monday 11/5:
Redskins-Steelers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 9, 1973 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/11:
Falcons-Eagles, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Dick Stockton*
Colts-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Bengals-Bills, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Cowboys-Giants (New Haven, CT), 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Pete Retzlaff, Frank Clarke*
Patriots-Jets, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
49ers-Redskins, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Pat Summerall, Brent Musburger*
Browns-Oilers, 2, NBC, Bill Enis, Dave Kocourek
Lions-Vikings, 2, CBS, Ray Scott, Tom Brookshier, Jim Thacker*
Cardinals-Packers, 2, CBS, Dan Kelly, Wayne Walker, Bruce Roberts*
Saints-Rams, 4, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Tim Brown, Gil Stratton*
Steelers-Raiders, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Chargers-Broncos, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Monday 11/12:
Bears-Chiefs, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 10, 1973 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/18:
Colts-Redskins, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Dave Kocourek
Broncos-Steelers, 1, NBC, Al Michaels, Sam DeLuca
Packers-Patriots, 1, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Tom Brookshier, Dick Stockton*
Dolphins-Bills, 1, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Jets-Bengals, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Cardinals-Giants (New Haven, CT), 1, CBS, Dan Kelly, Wayne Walker, Brent Musburger*
Lions-Bears, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Bruce Roberts*
Oilers-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Ross Porter*, Willie Davis*
Eagles-Cowboys, 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Pete Retzlaff, Frank Clarke*
Browns-Raiders, 4, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Saints-Chargers, 4, CBS, Jack Drees, Tommy Mason, Bill Thompson*
49ers-Rams, 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Pat Summerall, Bart Starr, Gil Stratton*
Monday 11/19:
Vikings-Falcons, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 11, 1973 - CBS Doubleheader:
Thursday 11/22:
Redskins-Lions, 12:15, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Bart Starr, Bruce Roberts*
Dolphins-Cowboys, 3:30, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Sunday 11/25:
Giants-Eagles, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Tim Brown, Gil Stratton*
Steelers-Browns, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Cardinals-Bengals, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Wayne Walker, Dick Stockton*
Bills-Colts, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Bears-Vikings, 2, CBS, Ray Scott, Tom Brookshier, Bruce Roberts*
Rams-Saints, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Irv Cross, Frank Clarke
Patriots-Oilers, 2, NBC, Bill Enis, Dave Kocourek
Falcons-Jets, 4, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Pat Summerall, Brent Musburger*
Chiefs-Broncos, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Chargers-Raiders, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Monday 11/26:
Packers-49ers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 12, 1973 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 12/2:
Colts-Jets, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Bills-Falcons, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Vikings-Bengals, 1, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Dick Stockton*
Giants-Redskins, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Wayne Walker, Andy Musser*
Chargers-Patriots, 1, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Lions-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Jack Drees, Irv Cross, Gil Stratton*
Rams-Bears, 2, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Tom Brookshier, Brent Musburger
Saints-Packers (Milwaukee), 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Tommy Mason, Bruce Roberts*
Raiders-Oilers, 2, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Browns-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Cowboys-Broncos, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Pete Retzlaff, Frank Clarke*
Eagles-49ers, 4, CBS, Dan Kelly, Tim Brown, Ron Barr*
Monday 12/3:
Steelers-Dolphins, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 13, 1973 - CBS Doubleheader:
Saturday 12/8:
Vikings-Packers, 1, CBS, Ray Scott, Tom Brookshier, Don Criqui
Chiefs-Raiders, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Sunday 12/9:
Bears-Lions, 1, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Tim Brown, Dick Stockton*
Browns-Bengals, 1, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Oilers-Steelers, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Patriots-Bills, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Alan Miller
Jets-Eagles, 1, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Cardinals-Falcons, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Wayne Walker, Brent Musburger*
Dolphins-Colts, 2, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
49ers-Saints, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Irv Cross, Andy Musser*
Broncos-Chargers, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Redskins-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Pat Summerall, Bart Starr, Frank Clarke*
Monday 12/10:
Giants-Rams, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 14, 1973 - NBC Doubleheader:
Saturday 12/15:
Lions-Dolphins, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Pat Summerall, Wayne Walker, Bruce Roberts*
Note: The DET-MIA featured an experimental statistical graphics package, which included stats not normally seen in its day. 30 years or so ahead of its time, if you will.
Steelers-49ers, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Sunday 12/16:
Bills-Jets, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Vikings-Giants (New Haven, CT), 1, CBS, Ray Scott, Tom Brookshier, Andy Musser*
Saints-Falcons, 1, CBS, Jack Drees, Irv Cross, Dick Stockton*
Eagles-Redskins, 1, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Wayne Walker, Brent Musburger*
Chargers-Chiefs, 1, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Bengals-Oilers, 2, NBC, Al Michaels, Dave Kocourek
Cowboys-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Pete Retzlaff, Frank Clarke*
Packers-Bears, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Bruce Roberts*
Patriots-Colts, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Browns-Rams, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Broncos-Raiders, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Note: Al Michaels called CIN-HOU in place of Bill Enis, who died of a heart attack two days prior at age 39.
DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS:
Saturday 12/22:
Redskins-Vikings, 1, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Wayne Walker, Tommy Mason, Bruce Roberts
Steelers-Raiders, 4, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Sunday 12/23:
Bengals-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Tim Ryan
Rams-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Pat Summerall, Bart Starr, Dick Stockton
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Sunday 12/30:
Vikings-Cowboys, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Pat Summerall, Wayne Walker, Jack Whitaker, Brent Musburger
Raiders-Dolphins, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Sam DeLuca
SUPER BOWL VIII from Houston:
Sunday 1/13: Vikings-Dolphins, 3:30, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Bart Starr (occasional analyst), Jack Whitaker
PRO BOWL from Kansas City:
Sunday 1/20: AFC-NFC, 2, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
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