Oates’ AFC-NFC Theory Merely a Lot of Hog-Walsh

Well, Bob Oates has done it again! Trying to build a case that the recent NFC dominance over the AFC is merely an illusion (May 14), he gives credit for all the Super Bowls Bill Walsh and Joe Gibbs have won to the AFC, and concludes that the AFC record versus the NFC over the last 20 years is an “extraordinary 16-4.” In order to arrive at this odd conclusion, he also has to credit Walsh with winning one of his “four” Super Bowls in the broadcast booth, with George Seifert masquerading as coach on the sidelines. Incidentally, he also has to ignore the coaching successes of Bill Parcells and Mike Ditka.

What is remarkable is Mr. Oates’ short memory. If he wants to indulge in a little revisionism, how about giving Baltimore’s 1971 victory and Pittsburgh’s four Super Bowl wins back to the NFC? While we’re at it, let’s credit Miami’s victories to the NFC as well, based on Don Shula’s NFL “pedigree and philosophy” dating back to the 1968 Colts.

This version of history would bring the two conferences very close together over the last 21 years (AFC 11, NFC 10). Bob should stick to reporting facts. He seems to shoot himself in the foot whenever he tries to draw “insightful” conclusions based on his observations.

BOB SCHAUER

Long Beach