Roger Craig a West Coast Pioneer
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May 2, 2007 by
As we hear tales of the West Coast Offense flourishing and spreading throughout football, Bill Walsh is often (and deservedly) credited for its success. But one wonders if it would have become as popular if not for the success of the San Francisco 49er players in the 1980’s, and the running backs in particular.
For those who haven’t noticed, the rushing game still matters in football and it matters in the West Coast Offense (WCO). Look at the Super Bowl teams that have featured the WCO and you’ll find that the teams that had more running attempts than passing attempts (1981, 1984, 1989 49ers, 1996 Packers, 1997, 1998 Broncos, and 2002 Buccaneers) went 7-0 while those who passed more than they rushed (1988, 1994 49ers, 1997 Packers, 2002 Raiders and 2005 Seahawks) went 2-3. In the two victories, former Nebraska running back Roger Craig tallied 172 total yards for the 1988 49ers in their win over the Bengals and Ricky Watters and William Floyd combined for 176 total yards and 4 touchdowns in a win over the Chargers. So there’s little doubt that the running backs mattered.
Now look more closely at those 49er teams. The team that won the first Super Bowl after the 1981 season over the Bengals had 39 rushing attempts versus only 22 passing attempts. In 1985, the tallies were 40 rushes against 35 passes. Roger Craig had 135 total yards and became the first player to score 3 TD’s in a Super Bowl in the 49er victory over the Dolphins. This came on the heels of a season where Craig became the first NFL player to rush for over 1,000 yards and net over 1,000 yards receiving in the same year. After Craig’s aforementioned production in the Super Bowl win over the Bengals that followed the 1988 season, he teamed with former Husker Tom Rathman for 184 total yards and 3 touchdowns against the Broncos after the 1989 season. The 49ers had 44 rushes against 32 passes in the rout.
Now imagine the 49ers didn’t get that kind of production from Craig or any back in 1985, 1988, or 1989. It’s easy to imagine that the 49ers would not have been the team of the decade, nor would so many coaches be seeking to emulate their offensive system. Instead, the more traditional offenses like those run by the Redskins and Giants in the 1980’s would have remained the standard.
Of course, it would be foolish to overlook the contributions of players like Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young. But, take away the running back production and you likely take away Super Bowl rings. Roger Craig is no lock to ever enter the NFL Hall of Fame, but his contributions no doubt played a major part in shaping football history and by extension the future of Husker football.
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Mike Hughes May 02 07
Patently obvious! Bill Walsh had no plan and just lucked into the Super Bowl wins.
kalthalior May 03 07
I've always considered Roger the prototypical WCO running back, one who can run both outside and between the tackles, as well as pass catch out of the backfield.
Gregory May 07 07
Steve, you help make the off season go by quick!
Plus, Roger is "immortalized" in the "Walk of life" video, by Dire Straits.
Is there a more fun NFL memory, than seeing Roger, Tom and Jaime with "Nebraska" at the top of their fasemasks?! That was the '90 Super Bowl against Denver.
Tom Ega Aug 04 07
Roger Craig was a good football player in his day, but overall his total accomplishments will never get him into the hall of fame. There are many players that have accomplished way more who will barely get in. That keeps things in the overall scheme of things. With Bill Walsh (Mr. Super_Ego) dead now, that won't happen at all now because dead men can't lobby for you. Let's not forget about Eddie DeBartolo...his name is mud as well. So much for the 49er legacy.