History of The Green Bay Packers - The Second "Dark Ages" (1972-1991)

The Second "Dark Ages" (1972-1991)

For over a quarter century after Lombardi left the Packers, they had little success. Poor drafting of players was a key reason. To cite a few examples, in the first round of the 1972 draft, when future Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris was still available, the Packers instead chose mediocre quarterback Jerry Tagge. In 1981, when no fewer than three future Hall of Fame defenders were still available -- Ronnie Lott, Mike Singletary, and Howie Long, the Packers chose another mediocre quarterback, Rich Campbell. Finally, in 1989, when such future legends as Barry Sanders, Deion Sanders, and Derrick Thomas were available, the Packers chose offensive lineman Tony Mandarich. Though rated highly by nearly every professional scout at the time, Mandarich's performance failed to meet expectations.

Although the Packers would not have winning success until 1992, there were moments when the Packers at times resembled the old Packer days of the 1960s. In 1972, led by workhorse running backs John Brockington and new Packer MacArthur Lane, and a sturdy defense that featured rookie Willie Buchanon, the Packers clinched the NFC Central Division Title with a 10–4 record. That team would lose to the Washington Redskins 16-3. In 1975 under new head coach Bart Starr the Packers won only 4 games, but one of those wins came at home, as the Packers beat the eventual 1975 NFC Champion Dallas Cowboys 19–17 on October 19.

1976 was another losing campaign, with the Packers only achieving a 5-9 record, the lowest in their division. The team dropped back to a 4-10 season in 1977. The frequent changes of quarterbacks during this period was indicative of Green Bay's troubles. When the NFL expanded the regular season to 16 games the following year, the team won six of its first seven matches, but largely due to an easy schedule. After the Packers began facing tougher opponents, the wins dried up and the final record for 1978 was 8-7-1.

The Packers had another 1,000 yard rusher in Terdell Middleton: he rushed for 1,116 yards. In the early 1980s, the Packers had a star-studded aerial attack led by quarterback Lynn Dickey and wide receivers James Lofton and John Jefferson.

While the 1978 season had raised the morale of Packers fans, it did not last, for 1979 saw the team finish with a 5-11 record, and a 5-10-1 showing during the injury-plagued 1980 season. In 1981, the Packers came close to the playoffs, but lost the final game of the season, a road match against the New York Jets, and ending up with an 8-8 record.

After the 1982 season was reduced to nine games by a players' strike, the NFL held a special playoff tournament with the eight best teams in each conference. The 5-3-1 Packers qualified for this, routing the Cardinals 41-16, but in the next round lost to the Cowboys 36-27. Another 8-8 season the following year led to the dismissal of Bart Starr as head coach. Forrest Gregg succeeded him, but after two more 8-8 seasons, he decided to cut several aging players and start over with fresh rookies. The rejuvenated Packers produced a 4-12 record in 1986, as was typical of a rebuilding period.

Another strike affected the NFL in 1987, resulting in a 15-game season. During the strike, the league used substitute players. The Packers fill-ins won one game and lost two before the regulars returned, but in the end the struggling team managed only a 5-9-1 record. Afterwards, Forrest Gregg resigned and was replaced by Lindy Infante. Still did the team struggle, going 4-12 in 1988.

With such a weak record, the Packers gained the privilege of first-round draft picks during the 1989 off-season. They selected Michigan State offensive tackle Tony Mandarich, who was getting considerable publicity due to his huge 325-pound frame. Mandarich (who later admitted to using steroids in college) proved a poor choice in the end, and after three seasons of mediocre performance was cut. The 1989 campaign was the best in 17 years, with the Packers compiling a 10-6 record (including a victory over the eventual Super Bowl Champion San Francisco 49ers), but still missing the playoffs. There followed another two losing seasons, with 6-10 and 4-12 records. A general overhaul took place during the 1992 off-season, with Mike Holmgren replacing Lindy Infante. Most importantly however, the Packers acquired second-year quarterback Brett Favre from the Atlanta Falcons.