Norm Bulaich, Miami Dolphins
Norm Bulaich graduated from Texas Christian University, and was drafted in the first round, 18th overall, by the Baltimore Colts in the 1970 draft.
In Bulaich's rookie season, he led the Colts backfield with 426 yards on 139 carries and three touchdowns. On their way to Super Bowl V, Bulaich gained 116 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals in the Divisional Playoff, as the Colts won 17-0.
In 1971 he earned his first and only Pro Bowl selection by gaining 741 yards on 152 carries with eight touchdowns. He broke the 100 yard mark twice that season, including a 198 yard game on opening day against the New York Jets.
Due to injury, Bulaich's 1972 season was limited to six games. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles after the season.
Bulaich would remain on the Philadelphia Eagles for two seasons starting in 1973, gaining a total of 588 yards on 156 carries with a single touchdown. He also caught 70 passes for 607 yards and three touchdowns.
In 1975, Bulaich joined the Miami Dolphins. Used out of the backfield primarily as a change of pace back, he gained 309 yards on 78 carries, good for third on the team.
1976 saw Bulaich finish second on the Dolphins with 540 yards on 122 carries, his best totals since his Pro Bowl season in 1971. This included a 107 yard effort on an opening day win against the Buffalo Bills. Unfortunately, the Dolphins finished 6-8 that year, the only time the team finished under .500 in the 1970's.
For the next three seasons, Bulaich would see his totals steadily decrease, gaining 416 yards in 1977, 196 in 1978, and just 37 in 1979 before retiring following the season.
Over 64 games covering five seasons for the Dolphins, Bulaich totalled 1,498 yards on 340 carries with 17 touchdowns, also catching 109 balls for 752 yards and six touchdowns.
1 recs | 31 comments
ricky williams best miami running back in dolphins history
ahead of larry
Tison M - February 6, 2012
THis^^^^= CRazy
PAPHIN4ever - February 6, 2012 via mobile
Ahead of a HoFer and a Super Bowl MVP.......... uh no!
I loved RW even during the “saga” years but it isn’t even close.
Agent J 78 - February 6, 2012
There is always the question about what would have happened if "Wanstache" and JJ hadn't pushed Marino out of the league.
Ricky Williams was drafted a year maybe two after Marino’s retirement. Dan never had a running game to speak of and Ricky never had a legit QB to take the pressure off his shoulders.
Hollywood Dolfan - February 6, 2012 via mobile
We did not draft Ricky!
texascowpunk - February 6, 2012 via Android app
Did I say the Miami Dolphins draftes RW? I know he was drafted in 99 and we got him on trade in like 01 or 02.
Hollywood Dolfan - February 6, 2012 via mobile
What is was saying was it is possible that Marino and William could have played together if Marino hadnt been forced into retirement and that fact may have changed this entire conversation.
Hollywood Dolfan - February 6, 2012 via mobile
What is was saying was it is possible that Marino and William could have played together if Marino hadnt been forced into retirement and that fact may have changed this entire conversation.
Hollywood Dolfan - February 6, 2012 via mobile
Take it easy there Hollywood!
texascowpunk - February 6, 2012 via Android app
We are talking about actual history
not what ifs and maybes.
Agent J 78 - February 6, 2012
He doesnt seem all that great....
I would rather have Ronnie Brown than him. How is he in the top 100 when he never really started?
jdelsandro - February 6, 2012
The Dolphins gave Ricky to many rushing att
383 rushing att in 2002!! and 392 rushing att a year after!!!
BlaqDolfin - February 6, 2012
We have not had a full 100 guys better then this guy?
Now I just feel sad.
texascowpunk - February 6, 2012 via Android app
Is this the top 100 Dolphin RB's
Otherwise this dude does not belong.
CJS55 - February 6, 2012
The list was calculated by using the approximate value statistic
It’s explained on this page http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?page_id=518, but if you don’t feel like clicking, in short:
A players approximate value is, in it’s most basic terms, a way to assign everyone on the field 1/11th the credit for each play. It may seem unfair in the short term, ie. over one play, or even one game, but when measured over seasons, it gives us a historical perspective on who has meant the most to the franchise. It also affords us the rare opportunity to see how a quarterback stacks up next to a linebacker, a running back, a defensive tackle, or an offensive guard.
There have been flashier players than Norm Bulaich, but when utilizing this system, there are only 99 who have meant more to the Dolphins.
Kevin Kraczkowski - February 6, 2012
I was not questioning it as I was
sure you had done the research. I was more surprised that a guy that seems to be a total spare was our 100th best player.
texascowpunk - February 6, 2012 via Android app
I hear ya! No worries!
Kevin Kraczkowski - February 6, 2012
I hope Eric Kumerow is number 99... hahahahahahahahahahahaha
… just for you Tex!
Alpha6 - February 6, 2012
Don't hold your breath...
Kumerow is tied for number 356…
Kevin Kraczkowski - February 6, 2012
LOL... he was a pos
Alpha6 - February 6, 2012
harsh
texascowpunk - February 7, 2012 via Android app
Why for me?
texascowpunk - February 6, 2012 via Android app
Cause you and I are the only ones that remember him... as a pos.....
Alpha6 - February 6, 2012
There are plenty on here older then I.
Unless you’re suggesting they are so old they can no longer remember.
texascowpunk - February 7, 2012 via Android app
Not a spare
Bulaich was NOT a spare. In the mid-late 70’s he was a solid FB on a team that was transitioning from a running attack to a more balanced attack. As Csonka and Kiick and Warfield left for the CFL, Bulaich transitioned into playing more and did a fairly good job on a team that was aging and transitioning from their early 70’s glory years.
If you had an all-time depth chart for FB, the Dolphins’ chart would look like this I believe: 1: Csonka, 2: Franklin, 3: Bennett, 4: Bulaich, 5: Nottingham, with Tony Paige, Keith Byers, and Rob Konrad as other notable Dolphins FBs.
douglaskoehne - February 7, 2012
I believe it's what he did to contribute to the team overall...
I also take in the fact that stats and the way the game was played during those years. At 100, I don’t have a problem with this selection. There will be other RB’s on the list I’m sure and will rate higher. But I see that teams rely on RB’s for a great contribution regardless of time period….
Alpha6 - February 6, 2012
I like the idea of this series, and appreciate the effort. thanks kevin , and keep 'em coming.
daytonadolfan - February 6, 2012
I second that!
texascowpunk - February 7, 2012 via Android app
Guess this guy was under the radar
All I remember running the skin was Csonka, Kickk, and Morris in the 70’s. Got a thorough research engine, Kevin, to find this guy. Your poll is interesting already.
fin4three5yrs - February 6, 2012
There will also be guys you've heard of, I'm sure
but tomorrow’s entry is from as far back as Dolphinly possible. Thanks!
Kevin Kraczkowski - February 6, 2012
And the chant goes out on Monday Night Football, circa 1976 or so....
BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU.
The first and only original positive “Buuuu” chant was for this guy. For that he definitely deserves a spot in the top 100. :-)
douglaskoehne - February 7, 2012
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