Tom Dempsey - Saints Kicker in 1969
One armed, half-footed rookie Tom Dempsey kicks a field goal against the New York Giants in 1969. This game was a wild won as the lead changed hands 7 times. But the New Orleans Saints won this one as Dempsey kicked the game winner with 7 seconds left on the clock in the 4th. Tony Lorick is blocking and Dave Whitsell is the holder.
Billy Kilmer started at quarterback for New Orleans while it was Fran Tarkenton guiding the Giants. Tarkenton came out on top in the numbers game – 29 attempts, 18 completions, 271 yards and 2 touchdowns compared to Kilmer’s 10 completions on 19 tries with 153 yards, 1 TD. But in the end it was Tom Dempsey’s 4 field goals that made the difference.
In other highlights of the game, Chicago Bears running back Andy Livingston led all Saints with 20 carries for 74 rushing yards. Livingston also scored the Saints’ first touchdown on a 51-yard catch-and-run. Danny Abramowicz had 4 catches, 49 yards. Abramowicz would led all the NFL with 73 catches by season’s end. Rookie Steve Preece returned a blocked Giant punt for a score as well.Â
For New York, ex-Falcon Junior Coffey had the most yards on the ground with 44 while Tight End Freeman White (#81 in the picture) had 7 catches. 32-year old veteran Joe Morrison scored twice for the Giants.
The win was New Orleans third of the year as the Saints would finish with 5 victories and 3rd place finish in the NFL’s Capitol Division. Tom Dempsey would be selected to his sole Pro Bowl.
For a full Statistical review of the game visit https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/nor/1969.htm at Pro Football Reference.
