Walsh's passing stirs memories

by Ed Valentine on Jul 31, 2007 12:08 AM EDT in New York Giants News

I would be remiss if I didn't offer some thoughts on the passing of the legendary Bill Walsh Monday at the age of 75.

There are many others who can more eloquently detail Walsh's revolutionary impact on how football is played today. I will let them describe Walsh's genius.

From the perspective of a Giants fan, what I remember is that he built the 49ers into three-time Super Bowl champs largely during Bill Parcells era as Giants coach.

In the late 1980s these two teams, the 49ers and Giants, were in many ways what the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts are to today's NFL. These are the teams that were the standard-bearers in that period of the NFL.

One of my favorite Giants games ever has to be the 49-3 thrashing Big Blue put on Walsh's 49ers in the opening round of the 1986 playoffs. That, of course, started the Giants on the road to their first Super Bowl title.

One of the moments in Giants history that is burned into my brain is Leonard Marshall nearly breaking Joe Montana in half, sending him to the bench.

Even 20 years later, Walsh's 'West Coast Offense' is still the basis for the way many NFL teams play. He didn't invent the forward pass, of course, but he brought new ways to use it into the game -- and eventually into the offenses of most teams around the league.

There have been many great coaches in the NFL. Over the last 30 years, though I can't think of one who has had more of a profound impact on the sport.

Rest in peace, Bill. Job well done.

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Jim Burt

got a good lick in on Montana also in that game.

I remember that game like it was yesterday. On the first series Rice missed a catch that would have been a sure touchdown. I was so relieved. It was all downhill for the 49ers after that in that game but the niners had a great run under Walsh, who will go down as a legend.

by giant fan since 57 on Jul 31, 2007 3:05 PM EDT reply actions

Yes he did

It was a slant pass over the middle and I have to say it was my favorite play in Jerry Rice's entire career.

by Ed Valentine on Jul 31, 2007 4:30 PM EDT up reply actions

not really all downhill

They did have that Superbowl win over San Diego.

And Leonard Marshall's hit on Montana was one of my all-time favorite plays in Giants history. I'm just glad it came in what ended up being one of the greatest Giants wins of all time and not a stinging loss (different sport, but I'm thinking of Endy Chavez' catch here).

Come back Tiki!!!

by Greenpoint Ian on Aug 3, 2007 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Walsh

Before he went to SF, the Giants tried to get Walsh, but he wanted to stay on the west coast. He amazed his receivers by telling them exactly where their defenders would be on specific plays. And think of the intangibles he saw in Montana, who many thought wouldn't make it in the pros because of his rag arm (despite his memorable performance in the Cotton Bowl, bringing ND back from way behind.) Remember Walsh's demeanor on the sideline? Could it be any further from TC's?

by george cronin on Aug 1, 2007 3:59 PM EDT reply actions