1958 Classic Still Rings True

Pigskin was served up differently 50 years ago, and Atlantic scribe Marc Bowden learned just how differently by watching the 1958 New York Giants-Baltimore Colts classic with current Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid. “You can’t even do that today," Reid said of the Colts' first play. “You have to have some guys on the line of scrimmage.” The game was also quicker—with no pauses for commercial breaks—and plays were simpler.

"This was just a part-time job for these guys," Reid noted. "They didn't have the time time" to study "all day." But some elements still thrill: Johnny Unitas, Reid says, threw just like Brett Favre. And his final, winning drive at Yankee Stadium is as riveting as any in modern ball. “This is just simple football right now, man,” Reid said. "Awesome."
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