Shot in the dark - Boomer's debut

[rob_justdmb]

Does anyone have any idea of Boomer's debut for us in 1984? I know Klingler's (vs. Pittsburgh 1992), Blake's (@ Cleveland 1994), Akili's (@ Tennessee 1999) and CP's, need to track down a copy of it and the first place to start is to get a date. Thanks.

ps obviously that's Blake's Bengal debut, not NFL debut as he played with the Jets briefly.

[rob_justdmb]

OK I found his first start, but not first game. Interestingly enough, in searching I found an article in the Washington Post from 09/1983 talking about how the Federals from the USFL were interested in him, as USFL was interfering in the NFL system (remember we almost took Steve Young if not for the USFL). Wonder what would've happened if the Federals got him. PB was so anti-USFL after they raided our team, no way we would've taken his rights. Guys like Collinsworth and Lapham signed with the USFL while still under contract to the Bengals.

[jjakq27]

OK I found his first start, but not first game. Interestingly enough, in searching I found an article in the Washington Post from 09/1983 talking about how the Federals from the USFL were interested in him, as USFL was interfering in the NFL system (remember we almost took Steve Young if not for the USFL). Wonder what would've happened if the Federals got him. PB was so anti-USFL after they raided our team, no way we would've taken his rights. Guys like Collinsworth and Lapham signed with the USFL while still under contract to the Bengals.

Rob I haven't found anything yet but I did find that Anderson only played in 11 games in 1984. I don't remember if he was hurt or if he got pushed out by Boomer. I was working in NE Ohio at the time so the recall isn't that good for that time period.

I don't remember Collinsworth signing with the USFL. I do remember Lapham doing it though. I also think OC Lindy Infante signed a contract during the 1983 season to coach in 1984 and I think PB canned him or he resigned.

[jjakq27]

Still nothing specific but here is a summary of the time period.

http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/cincy/bengals.html

"1984: With former back up QB Sam Wyche holding the coaching reigns, the Bengals began to look toward the future by drafting QB Boomer Easion out of Maryland. With aging QB Ken Anderson struggling the Bengals lost their first 5 games, on the way to a 4-8 start. With the playoffs out of question the Bengals gave Boomer a chance at QB, and helped guide the Bengals to 4 straight wins to close the season with at 8-8."

[Abqbengal]

I remember Boomer filling in for Kenny at St. Louis as Anderson was horiffic and St Louis killed them. I got to witness it in person. I think Boomer started after that.

[rob_justdmb]

We didn't play the Cards in 84. any chance you meant the Seahawks? because that would fit right. I'm e-mailing Hobson. Does he ever reply?

[FonzieDog]

I know he made an appearance in week 3, Sunday, September 16 at New York Jets. Anderson started the game but Boomer did come in late in the game. That is where he scored his first career touchdown on a 3 yard run in the 4th quarter. Bengals lost that game 23-43. I don't think he made an appearance before that game.