LISA MARCHESONI, Senior Writer
Posted: Sunday, February 7, 2010 6:48 am

Raymond Berry was a record-setting wide receiver for the Baltimore Colts from 1955-67 when he played in the 1958 NFL championship game against the New York Giants, touted as “The Best Game Ever.” TMP/L. Marchesoni

Expect the Indianapolis Colts to win today’s Super Bowl due to quarterback Peyton Manning’s intelligence and the New Orleans Saints’ inability to convert on turnovers in the NFC championship game.

That’s the prediction of one of the National Football League’s most dedicated students of the game, Raymond Berry, 76, of Murfreesboro.

Berry was a record-setting wide receiver for the Baltimore Colts from 1955-67 when he played in the 1958 NFL championship game against the New York Giants, touted as “The Best Game Ever.” He coached the New England Patriots to Super Bowl XX after the 1985 season when the team lost to the Chicago Bears.

He methodically analyzed the Super Bowl teams this week in his sky-lit office lined with photographs of his playing and coaching careers, footballs and fan mail he still receives on an almost-daily basis. He answers each one.

Berry based his prediction on Manning’s ability to penetrate the New York Jets’ defense, the best defense the Colts faced all season. The Colts struggled at first but won the game.

Regarding the Saints, Berry noted the offense couldn’t convert five turnovers into scores against the Minnesota Vikings.

Manning is a smart player, smarter than most quarterbacks, because he studies the game, Berry said. Patriot’s quarterback Tom Brady is in the same category and Saints quarterback Drew Brees “is knocking on the door.”

“The guy has a work ethic,” Berry said of Manning. “He has been blessed with a stable organization.”

And blessed with a stable family background in football with father Archie Manning, a former quarterback for the Saints, who knows the game.

“I can’t say enough about Peyton Manning’s dedication and work ethic,” Berry said.

Berry adopted a quote from American track star Michael Johnson to describe Manning’s commitment to football, “I try to leave nothing to chance.”

Football knowledge
Berry learned the fundamentals of the game and leadership from his father, Mark Raymond Berry, who coached him at Paris High School in Texas.

“Leadership is key in football,” Berry said, explaining it gives the players confidence, skills and a belief in their abilities.

In his book, “The Best Game Ever,” author Mark Bowden noted Berry wore special shoes because one leg was shorter than the other and he struggled with being near-sighted. Berry overcame those obstacles by practicing and studying night and day.

Berry credited his father’s leadership, integrity and belief in his players to win the district championship when the team was picked third.

“Winning that game that day was a mountain top experience,” Berry said with a hint of a smile.

His second greatest moment was winning in overtime the 1958 championship game with the Colts when Berry caught a Johnny Unitas pass on third down to put the team in field goal range to tie the game with seven seconds. In overtime, he caught several more crucial passes before fullback Alan Ameche scored the winning touchdown.

During his 13-year pro career, Berry amassed 9,275 yards with only one fumble.

He didn’t fumble because he learned from past mistakes in college. He believes his two fumbles as a Southern Methodist College player cost his team the Southwest Conference Championship by one-half game.

“That’s a high price to pay for not knowing a fundamental,” Berry said as disappointment crossed his face.

While preparing to play for the Colts, Berry vowed not to fumble again and repeatedly practiced his technique.

He demonstrated with his large hands how the fingers form a web around the football. He gripped the ball into his rib cage and clamped it with his elbow and forearm for protection.

“That’s why I never fumbled,” Berry said simply. “It was automatic. It was automatic.”

When he began coaching, he told the fumbles story to his team.

“We were not going to donate the ball to our opponents,” Berry ordered the Patriots, adding he made every player carry the ball with his technique.

Berry incorporated his father’s leadership skills in coaching the Patriots.

“It was almost laughable because it was so simple,” Berry said.

Every day, players drilled on falling on the ball and recovering it. In his second year as the Patriots coach in 1985, the team entered the playoffs as the wild card. During the three playoff games, his players recovered at least three fumbles in each game and scored touchdowns off the turnovers.

“Mastering one simple fundamental — there’s no question in my mind — put us in the Super Bowl,” Berry said.

Berry coached until 1992 when he served as the Denver Broncos quarterback coach.

He and his wife, Sally, moved to Murfreesboro several years ago where his daughter and son-in-law own Marina’s restaurant downtown.

But he hasn’t retired from football. Berry is now marketing a two-disc DVD entitled, “Raymond Berry Receiving Fundamentals” outlining his routes in escaping defenders and 18 catching drills. Peyton Manning was gracious enough to do the introduction.

The 88-minute DVD may be ordered at www.raymondberry.com.

Berry plans to watch the Super Bowl with his son Mark, whose family is visiting from Lima, Peru, where they are missionaries. Berry will probably relive some memories but he’s humble about his skills.

“I have been highly privileged,” Berry said.

Lisa Marchesoni may be reached at 869-0814 or at lmarchesoni@murfreesboropost.com.