1974 NFL Season
As originally written by Tim Brulia and Jimmy Delach:
CBS ends the practice of having a specific "CBS Control" man at their games, where a "host" would conduct halftime updates and statistics, and if time permitted, conduct postgame interviews. CBS would start this season by phasing in a wraparound live studio pregame, halftime and postgame show, co-hosted by Jack Whitaker and Lee Leonard, all originating in New York.
The NFL signs a new four contract with the three networks. No major changes. ABC does get a Week 14 game, played on Saturday night and also secures rights to the Pro Bowl.)
PRESEASON
Friday 7/26: Dolphins-College All-Stars (Chicago), 9:30, ABC. CANCELLED BY PLAYER'S STRIKE
Saturday 7/27: Cardinals-Bills (Canton, OH - Hall of Fame Game), 4:00, ABC. Frank Gifford, Fred Williamson, Howard Cosell
Saturday 8/17: Bengals-Falcons (Georgia Tech), 9:00, NBC. Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Monday 8/19: Vikings-Dolphins, 9:00, ABC. Frank Gifford, Fred Williamson, Howard Cosell
Saturday 8/24: Dolphins-Rams, 9:00, NBC. Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Don Meredith
Sunday 8/25: Bills-Vikings, 8:30, CBS. Don Criqui, Pat Summerall
Monday 8/26: Lions-Bengals, 9:00, ABC. Frank Gifford, Fred Williamson, Howard Cosell
Friday 8/30: Steelers-Redskins, 9:00, CBS. Lindsey Nelson, Pat Summerall
Monday 9/2: Raiders-49ers, 9:00, ABC. Frank Gifford, Fred Williamson, Howard Cosell
Thursday 9/5: Steelers-Cowboys, 9:00, NBC. Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Don Meredith
Sunday 9/8: Falcons-Broncos, 9:30, CBS. Jack Buck, Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas
NOTE: The disastrous Fred Williamson experiment for ABC lasted four games, all of which are listed above.
WEEK 1, 1974 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/15:
Colts-Steelers, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Browns-Bengals, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Dolphins-Patriots, 1, NBC, Bill O’Donnell, Sam DeLuca
Redskins-Giants (New Haven, CT), 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Pat Summerall
Lions-Bears, 2, CBS, Brent Musburger, John Sauer
Vikings-Packers, 2, CBS, Dick Stockton, Tommy Mason
Eagles-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Bill Campbell, Tom Brookshier
Chargers-Oilers, 2, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
49ers-Saints, 2, CBS, Dan Kelly, Irv Cross
Cowboys-Falcons, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas
Rams-Broncos, 4, CBS, Don Criqui, Wayne Walker
Jets-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Monday 9/16:
Raiders-Bills, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 2, 1974 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/22:
Oilers-Browns, 1, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Dolphins-Bills, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Vikings-Lions, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Pat Summerall
Patriots-Giants (New Haven, CT), 1, NBC, Bill O’Donnell, Johnny Morris
Cardinals-Redskins, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Bart Starr
Chargers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Al Michaels, Mike Haffner
49ers-Falcons, 1, CBS, Brent Musburger, Wayne Walker
Packers-Colts, 2, CBS, Dick Stockton, Pete Retzlaff
Jets-Bears, 2, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Chiefs-Raiders, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Saints-Rams, 4, CBS, Don Criqui, Tom Brookshier
Steelers-Broncos, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Monday 9/23:
Cowboys-Eagles, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 3, 1974 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/29:
Colts-Eagles, 1, NBC, Bill O’Donnell, Johnny Morris
Rams-Patriots, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Wayne Walker
Jets-Bills, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Falcons-Saints, 2, CBS, Dan Kelly, Irv Cross
Bears-Vikings, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Tom Brookshier
Browns-Cardinals, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Lions-Packers (Milwaukee), 2, CBS, Dick Stockton, Pete Retzlaff
Chiefs-Oilers, 2, NBC, Al Michaels, Mike Haffner
Giants-Cowboys, 2, CBS, Jack Buck, Pat Summerall
Bengals-49ers, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Dolphins-Chargers, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Raiders-Steelers, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Don Meredith
Monday 9/30:
Broncos-Redskins, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 4, 1974 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/6:
Falcons-Giants (New Haven, CT), 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Wayne Walker
Colts-Patriots, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Al DeRogatis
Raiders-Browns, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Redskins-Bengals, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Johnny Unitas
Bills-Packers, 2, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Saints-Bears, 2, CBS, Brent Musburger, Johnny Sauer, Jane Chastain
Steelers-Oilers, 2, NBC, Al Michaels, Sam DeLuca
Broncos-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Lions-Rams, 4, CBS, Bill Mazer, Pete Retzlaff
Vikings-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Bart Starr
Eagles-Chargers, 4, CBS, Dick Stockton, Tom Brookshier
Cardinals-49ers, 4, CBS, Dan Kelly, Tommy Mason
Monday 10/7:
Jets-Dolphins, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 5, 1974 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/13:
Bears-Falcons, 1, CBS, Brent Musburger, Wayne Walker
Bengals-Browns, 1, NBC, Al Michaels, Sam DeLuca
Dolphins-Redskins, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Al DeRogatis
Patriots-Jets, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, John Brodie
Giants-Eagles, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Tom Brookshier
Bills-Colts, 2, WKBW-Buffalo, Bill O'Donnell, Paul Maguire
Cowboys-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Tommy Mason
Oilers-Vikings, 2, Not televised
Steelers-Chiefs, 2, KDKA-Pittsburgh, Dick Stockton, Bill Currie
Rams-Packers (Milwaukee), 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Pat Summerall
Saints-Broncos, 4, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Jane Chastain
Raiders-Chargers, 4, KHBK-San Francisco, Don Klein, Al Lo Casale
Monday 10/14:
49ers-Lions, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 6, 1974 - CBS and NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/20:
Colts-Jets, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Browns-Steelers, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Patriots-Bills, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Saints-Falcons, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Wayne Walker
Giants-Redskins, 1, CBS, Brent Musburger, Pat Summerall, Jane Chastain
Eagles-Cowboys, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Tom Brookshier
Lions-Vikings, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Bart Starr
Cardinals-Oilers, 2, CBS, Dan Kelly, Johnny Sauer
Bengals-Raiders, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Chiefs-Dolphins, 4, NBC, Al Michaels, Mike Haffner
Chargers-Broncos, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
49ers-Rams, 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Johnny Unitas
Monday 10/21:
Packers-Bears, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 7, 1974 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/27:
Colts-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Bears-Bills, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Bart Starr
Cowboys-Giants (New Haven, CT), 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Johnny Unitas
Broncos-Browns, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Packers-Lions, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Tommy Mason
Oilers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Al Michaels, Mike Haffner
Rams-Jets, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Wayne Walker
Patriots-Vikings, 2, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Eagles-Saints, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross
Redskins-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Chiefs-Chargers, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Raiders-49ers, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Don Meredith
Monday 10/28:
Falcons-Steelers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 8, 1974 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/3:
Bills-Patriots, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Don Meredith
Oilers-Jets, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph*, Paul Maguire*
Saints-Lions, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Irv Cross
Eagles-Steelers, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Bengals-Colts, 2, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Vikings-Bears, 2, CBS, Brent Musburger, Johnny Sauer
Cardinals-Cowboys, 2, CBS, Dan Kelly, Pete Retzlaff
Redskins-Packers, 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Tommy Mason
Falcons-Dolphins, 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Johnny Unitas
Browns-Chargers, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Giants-Chiefs, 4, CBS, Don Criqui, Wayne Walker
Raiders-Broncos, 4, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Monday 11/4:
Rams-49ers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 9, 1974 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/10:
Browns-Patriots, 1, NBC, Bill O’Donnell, Johnny Morris
Oilers-Bills, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Jets-Giants (New Haven, CT), 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Note: CBS obtained rights from NBC to broadcast videotaped highlights of this game to New York viewers both during and after WSH-PHI telecast. Johnny Unitas provided commentary.
Chargers-Chiefs, 1, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
49ers-Cowboys, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Johnny Sauer
Redskins-Eagles, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Bears-Packers (Milwaukee), 2, CBS, Jack Buck, Bart Starr
Broncos-Colts, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Dolphins-Saints, 2, NBC, Al Michaels, Mike Haffner
Falcons-Rams, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Wayne Walker
Lions-Raiders, 4, CBS, Dick Stockton, Pete Retzlaff
Steelers-Bengals, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Monday 11/11:
Vikings-Cardinals, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 10, 1974 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/17:
Colts-Falcons, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Bills-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Giants-Lions, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Unitas
Jets-Patriots, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Steelers-Browns, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Cardinals-Eagles, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Pete Retzlaff
Bengals-Oilers, 2, NBC, Al Michaels, Mike Haffner
Packers-Vikings, 2, CBS, Jack Buck, Johnny Sauer
Rams-Saints, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Tommy Mason
49ers-Bears, 2, CBS, Dick Stockton, Wayne Walker
Cowboys-Redskins, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Chargers-Raiders, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Monday 11/18:
Chiefs-Broncos, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 11, 1974 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/24:
Bills-Browns, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Bears-Lions, 1, CBS, Brent Musburger, Johnny Sauer
Chiefs-Bengals, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Dolphins-Jets, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Eagles-Redskins, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Bart Starr
Cardinals-Giants (New Haven, CT), 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier, Johnny Unitas
Cowboys-Oilers, 2, CBS, Dick Stockton, Pete Retzlaff, Jane Chastain
Patriots-Colts, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Chargers-Packers, 2, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Falcons-49ers, 4, CBS, Don Criqui, Tommy Mason
Broncos-Raiders, 4, NBC, Al Michaels*, Mike Haffner*
Vikings-Rams, 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Wayne Walker
Monday 11/25:
Steelers-Saints, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 12, 1974 - CBS Doubleheader:
Thursday 11/28:
Broncos-Lions, 12:30, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Don Meredith
Redskins-Cowboys, 3:45, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier, Bart Starr, Frank Glieber
Sunday 12/1:
Colts-Bills, 1, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Packers-Eagles, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Johnny Unitas
Oilers-Steelers, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Chargers-Jets, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
49ers-Browns, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Wayne Walker
Chiefs-Cardinals, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Saints-Vikings, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Johnny Sauer
Giants-Bears, 2, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Rams-Falcons, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Bart Starr
Patriots-Raiders, 4, NBC, Bill O’Donnell, Johnny Morris
Monday 12/2:
Bengals-Dolphins, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 13, 1974 - NBC Doubleheader:
Saturday 12/7:
Falcons-Vikings, 12:45, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier, Johnny Unitas
Browns-Cowboys, 4, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie, Don Meredith
Sunday 12/8:
Bills-Jets, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Lions-Bengals, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Wayne Walker
Eagles-Giants (New Haven, CT), 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Johnny Sauer
Steelers-Patriots, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Cardinals-Saints, 1, CBS, Dan Kelly, Irv Cross
Dolphins-Colts, 2, NBC, Ross Porter*, Willie Davis
Bears-Chargers, 4, CBS, Dick Stockton, Tommy Mason
Packers-49ers, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Bart Starr
Oilers-Broncos, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph*, Paul Maguire*
Raiders-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Monday 12/9:
Redskins-Rams, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
WEEK 14, 1974 - NBC Doubleheader:
Saturday 12/14:
Bengals-Steelers, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Vikings-Chiefs, 3:15, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer
Cowboys-Raiders, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
Sunday 12/15:
Bears-Redskins, 1, CBS, Dick Stockton, Johnny Unitas
Lions-Eagles, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Irv Cross
Packers-Falcons, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Wayne Walker
Patriots-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Browns-Oilers, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Giants-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier
Jets-Colts, 2, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Bills-Rams, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Don Meredith
Broncos-Chargers, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Saints-49ers, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Johnny Sauer
DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS:
Saturday 12/21:
Cardinals-Vikings, 1, CBS, Brent Musburger, Johnny Unitas, Irv Cross
Dolphins-Raiders, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Don Meredith
Sunday 12/22:
Bills-Steelers, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, John Brodie
Redskins-Rams, 4, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier, Bart Starr
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Sunday 12/29:
Rams-Vikings, 1, CBS, Pat Summerall, Tom Brookshier, Johnny Unitas
Steelers-Raiders, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Don Meredith
SUPER BOWL IX from New Orleans:
Sunday 1/12: Steelers-Vikings, 3, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Don Meredith, Charlie Jones
Pro Bowl from Miami:
Monday 1/20: NFC-AFC, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Alex Karras, Howard Cosell
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