Jim Plunkett

New England Patriots

The Joe Namath of 1971 had his problems during his rookie year, as all first-year quarterbacks do, but there is no lack of optimistic words about his potential from the pro scouts.

Strong at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds and mature at 23, Plunkett was force-fed in 1971 because of the absence of Joe Kapp, taking Step No. 1 in his timetable a year ahead of schedule since he was slated for a season of watching.
While he played the scouts were able to determine that in throwing ability, set-up speed and reaction under pressure Plunkett has 4 to 5 potential. But, as with all rookies, the scouts shied from handing out marks for leadership and reading defenses.

A distinct pocket-passer type, unlike Archie Manning of New Orleans, Plunkett could wind up in a battle with Manning and Pastorini five years from now for the same No. 1 honor now fought for by Namath, Unitas and Jurgensen. For, there is little doubt that Plunkett has the potential to go to the head of the class. Right now, however, at least one scout feels that Manning reacts under pressure just a bit better than Plunkett.

That's a department, then, that the Heisman Trophy winning passer from Stanford may have to improve.

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