Jim Plunkett: Remembering the Comeback Career

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for NFLSportChannel.com

Published: March 31, 2009

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... he faced high expectations coming out of Stanford University.

Plunkett was awarded the Heisman Trophy after his senior season in 1970, as he became the first college player to account for over 7,000 yards of total offense He also led the Cardinals to their first Rose Bowl appearance in almost 20 years, beating heavily favored Ohio State University.

Plunkett lived up to expectations his first year with the Patriots. The team improved from a dismal 2-12 record to a 6-8 record as Plunkett threw for 19 touchdowns and 2,158 yards. He was subsequently awarded rookie of the year.

Over the next three years, however, Plunkett’s career decayed. He threw only 40 touchdowns compared to 64 interceptions and was sacked 97 times. The Patriots record during this span was 15-27 with no playoff appearances.

This lack of progress led the Patriots to draft the legendary Steve Grogan in 1975. Plunkett was on a short leash, eventually being relegated to backup quarterback ...

Read Complete Article at Bleacher Report - NFL
Article Source: BleacherReport.com


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