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Michael Rand started RandBall with hopes that he could keep lies from conquering the minds of the weak. So far, he's only succeeded in using the word "redacted" a lot. He welcomes suggestions, news tips, links of pure genius, and pictures of pets in Halloween costumes here, though he already knows he will regret that last part.
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TFD: Behold the magnificent rookie debut of QB ... Fran Tarkenton
Posted by: Michael Rand under Vikings Updated: September 10, 2012 - 5:44 PM
The spectacular debut of Robert Griffin III on Sunday brought to mind another opener for @tafknat on Twitter.
Nearly 51 years ago, a young man identified on Pro Football Reference as Francis Asbury 'The Scrambler' Tarkenton made his Vikings debut. And while the purple were putrid that year, at least for a day Fran and the boys were not.
In that debut, Tarkenton completed 17 of 23 passes for 250 yards and four TD passes against zero interceptions. He also ran for the Vikings' other score in a 37-13 victory over the Bears.
His passer rating for that game? 148.6.
His passer rating, however, would not top 40.3 in four of the next five games. Things, of course, would get better in the long haul.
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