Dan Pastorini/Charley Johnson

Houston Oilers

Dan Pastorini has it all, and as soon as he learns to use it properly, he probably will step in permanently for Charley Johnson as Houston's No. 1 quarterback.

It's strictly a case of Pastorini, a 6-foot-3, 216-pound rookie from Santa Clara who made his debut during the 1971 season, gaining enough experience to oust Johnson, a veteran of 11 NFL campaigns who will be 34 in 1972.

Pastorini has the physical equipment, a strong, accurate arm and the personality to command respect. What he lacks is the experience that has kept Johnson at the job.
 

A 6-foot-1, 190-pounder who came out of New Mexico State and joined the St. Louis Cardinals before moving on to Houston, Johnson has a throwing arm rated no higher than 2 by the pro scouts. And his ability to keep his poise under pressure also is questioned.

Johnson had some outstanding years with St. Louis in the mid-1960s, but age and a broken collarbone obviously have started to take their toll and once his experience no longer is such a major factor the Oilers will have a new passer.

While Pastorini has moved in as the heir apparent, the Oilers also have another candidate in Lynn Dickey, like Pastorini a youngster with just one season behind him.
 

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