Today we look at the 1978 Green Bay Packers Yearbook, with a photo of defensive back Johnnie Gray on the cover — taken during the Bears game at Lambeau, which the Packers lost 26-0. That makes two covers in a row where the photo was taken during a Packers’ blowout loss the year before.
But, in 1978, the team worked their way to an 8-7-1 record, which placed them in second place in the NFC Central Division. That was twice as many wins as the year before, and perhaps coach Starr was beginning to turn things around — some began to think. Lynn Dickey was gone as quarterback, and David Whitehurst became the starter for the whole season. He produced 2,093 yards through the air, with 10 TD’s and 17 INT’s. Running back Terdell Middleton became the first Packer to rush for more than 1,000 yards since John Brockington five years earlier. New to the receiving corps, (future Hall-of-Famer) rookie James Lofton led the team in receptions with 46 for 818 yards and 6 TD’s.
Looking at the final standings for the Division, Green Bay tied Minnesota, who also had a record of 8-7-1. But, in the two head-to-head games, Minnesota won the first 21-7, while the two teams tied the second meeting 10-10. Therefore, the Vikings held the statistical advantage and won the Division.
Some of the stories in the 1978 Yearbook were: “Packers Start No. 60 (season); Rushing, for Against, Big Key”... “The Young Nucleus of a Team on the Rise”... “Nitschke in Hall of Fame”... “Dave Roller Plays Football Because He Loves It”... “Barty Smith — Coming Off Best Season”... “Larry McCarren — The Strong Silent Type”... “Lisle Blackbourn — The Hall of Fame Drafter”...“The (Dick) Corrick Personnel”... “Whitehurst Surprised Himself”... “Bart Starr Takes a Look at the Expanded Schedule”... “The Safety, Zany Game”... “Your 1978 Packers”... “The Record Book’s Wide Open”...
