256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 7/Round 1: 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers v. 1977 Miami Dolphins

 

16. 1977 MIAMI DOLPHINS at 1. 1975 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION PITTSBURGH STEELERS

1. 1975 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION PITTSBURGH STEELERS 

Record: 12-2

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 5th

Def: 2nd

1st AFC Central

d. Colts Div Rnd 28-10

d. Raiders AFC Title 16-10

d. Cowboys Super Bowl 21-17

HC Chuck Noll, DC Bud Carson

Three Rivers Stadium: 40 degrees

Jack Fleming/Myron Cope

Offense

QB Terry Bradshaw (27 La Tech)

RB Rocky Bleier (29 N Dame)

RB Franco Harris (25 Penn St)

WR Lynn Swann (23 USC)

WR John Stallworth (23 Alabama A&M)

TE Larry Brown (26 Kansas)

LT Jon Kolb (28 Ok St)

LG Jim Clack (28 Wake)

C Ray Mansfield (34 Wash)

RG Gerry Mullins (26 USC)

RT Gordon Gravelle (26 BYU)

Defense

LDE LC Greenwood (29 Ark PB) All Pro

LDT Mean Joe Greene (29 N Tex)

RDT Ernie Holmes (27 Tex So.)

RDE Dwight White (26 Tex A&M-Comm)

LLB Jack Ham (27 Penn St) All Pro

MLB Jack Lambert (23 Kent St)

RLB Andy Russell (34 Missouri)

LCB JT Thomas (24 Florida St)

RCB Mel Blount (27 Southern) All Pro

SS Mike Wagner (26 W Illinois)

FS Glen Edwards (28 Florida A&M)

K Roy Gerela (27 N Mex St)

P Bobby Walden (37 UGA)

KR Mike Collier (22 Morg St)

PR Dave Brown (22 Mich)

The top ranked Steelers team in the field is the '75 Super Bowl Champs.  2nd in defense, 5th in offense.  3 All Pros on defense led by 27 year old Mel Blount with his 11 picks.  27 year old Jack Ham and 29 year old LC Greenwood round out that trio.  Lambert's 23, Mean Joe 29, both Pro Bowlers.  On the other side of the ball, Bradshaw is 27, 21 total scores and 9 picks. 11 scores for 25 year old Franco and 23 year old Swann.  Each of the number one seeds in the first 6 regions have advanced.  Gonna be cold in Pittsburgh for that Miami squad.

16. 1977 MIAMI DOLPHINS

Record: 10-4

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 3rd

Def: 5th

2nd AFC East

Did not make playoffs

d. '76 Patriots 38-19

HC Don Shula, OC Howard Schnellenberger DC John Sandusky

Offense

QB Bob Griese (32 Purdue) All Pro

RB Benny Malone (25 Ariz St)

FB Norm Bulach (31 TCU)

WR Nat Moore (26 Florida) All Pro

WR Duriel Harris (23 N Mex St)

TE Andre Tillman (25 TTech)

LT Wayne Moore (32 Lamar)

LG Bob Kuechenberg (30 N Dame)

C Jim Langer (29 S Dak St) All Pro

RG Larry Little (32 Beth Cook)

RT Mike Current (32 Ohio St)

Defense

LDE Vern Den Herder (29 Cent Coll)

NT Bob Baumhower (22 Alabama)

RDE AJ Duhe (23-R LSU)

LOLB Kim Bokamper (23-R S Jose St)

LILB Steve Towle (24 Kansas)

RILB Bob Matheson (33 Duke)

ROLB Larry Gordon (23 Ariz St)

LCB Norris Thomas (23-R So Miss)

RCB Curtis Johnson (29 Toledo)

SS Tim Foley (29 Purdue)

FS Vern Robinson (25-R Grambling)

K Garo Yepremian (33 None)

P Mike Michel (23 Stanford)

KR Gary Davis (23 C Poly San Luis Obisp)

PR Freddie Solomon (24 Tampa)

Winners of the Region 7 Play In Game - the '77 Dolphins missed the playoffs, but they were 3rd in offense and 5th in defense which is a pretty good resume for the Play in Game. Bob Griese is 32, All Pro, 22 scores and 13 picks. Nat Moore's 26, also an All Pro, scored 13 times in a 14 game season. 29 year old Jim Langer is also an All Pro. 5 rookie starters on that fifth best defense in football.  The '75 Dolphins and '82 Dolphins are already into the next round.  

We're off to Three Rivers to see the top seeds in the region in a 1970s showdown.

1st Qtr

Miami at the 20.

1/10 - Benny Malone is stopped at the line.  This sure shapes up as a grind it out 70s style game.

2/10 - Gary Davis gets 4.

3/6 - Bob Griese picks it up - 13 to Nat Moore, Moore scores twice in the play in, he's facing Mel Blount today.  

1/10 - Griese to Davis - breaks a tackle and he's got open field for 19 yards, big Miami gain into Steeler territory.

But the next 3 plays net 5 yards.  After the punt, Steelers at the 11.

3 and out.  Freddie Solomon with the nice return - Miami all the way to the Steeler 38 yard line.

1/10 - Griese goes to Solomon - 10 yards, Miami is at the 28.

But....the next 3 plays net a yard....and then Garo misses the FG and the Steelers take over at the 34.

1/10 - Franco Harris right up the gut, 11 yards.  

1/10 - Frenchy Fuqua gets 7.

2/3 - Rocky Bleier picks it up, Steelers at the Dolphin 44.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Terry Bradshaw's first completion is to Bleier - 14 yards to the 30.  

1/10 - Franco stopped at the line.

2/10 - Bradshaw screen to Franco - he picks his way forward all the way to the Miami 20.  

1/10 - Give to Bleier - he's met at the line by Bob Baumhower -- Fumble -- Fumble --Miami recovers, big play by the Dolphin defense.

1/10 - Griese to Moore, 6 yards out to the Miami 21.  

2/4 - Benny Malone finds a seam, 18 yards - to the 39.

1/10 - Davis gets 7, the quarter ends with Miami at their own 46.

2nd Qtr

Defense in the first quarter - Miami's best drive ends in a missed kick, Steelers ended in a Bleier fumble.  Miami has second and 3 near midfield.

2/3 Norm Bulaich gets a yard and it's third and 2.

3/2 - Bulaich is Thumped at the line by Lambert -- Fumble -- Fumble -- and the Steelers take over.  

3 and out.  

Miami will start at their own 18.  12:35 left in the half.

1/10 - Bulaich nothing.

2/10 - Griese to Duriel Harris for 14.

1/10 - Malone gets 2.

2/8 - Incomplete

3/8 - Griese goes back to Harris - with Moore covered by Blount, you knew you'd see a heavy dose of Duriel Harris and he has 15 and the first down to the 49.

But it stops here, 3 plays go nowhere at all.  Steelers start at the 22.

They get just one play - Bleier fumbles again - Rocky Bleier loses his second fumble of the day - and that's a big, big play, the Dolphins at the Steeler 32....a holding penalty will knock them back 10 however, back to the 42 --- and from then it's 3 and out.  

Steelers at their own 13.  Less than 7 minutes left in a scoreless first half.

1/10 - Noll unafraid to go back to Bleier, he gets 7.

2/3 - Franco loses 2.

3/5 - Bradshaw under heat, but he slips it and gains 14.

1/10 - Franco gets 4.

2/6 - Incomplete

3/6 - Franco picks it up and the Steelers reach midfield.

1/10 - Bleier gets 2.

2/8 - Bleier gets 5 - it's a 3rd and 3 at the 2 minute warning.  

3/3 - Frenchy Fuqua picks it up - Pittsburgh at the Miami 40

1/10 - Bradshaw first completion is to Frank Lewis for four.

2/6 - Bradshaw is running -- Bradshaw is running - Bradshaw scrambles all the way to the Miami 14 yard line.

The drive ends here - Gerela kicks a short FG, with less than a minute left in the half, Steelers are on the scoreboard.

Miami's drive goes nowhere and it's halftime.

Third Qtr

3-0 Steelers, all defense in the first half - Miami still in this one, we could see a 16/1 upset.  

Steelers at the 28.

1/10 - Bleier is stuffed in the backfield for a 5 yard loss.

2/15 - Franco gets 8.

3/7 - Swann's first reception - a dozen yards and the first down.

1/10 - Bleier gets 11 and Pittsburgh's in the Miami side of the field.

But it ends here  and a 5 yard AJ Duhe sack of Bradshaw sends Pittsburgh backward.

Dolphins at the 16.

1/10 - Davis gets 2

2/8 - Griese finds Davis out of the backfield for 11.  

1/10 - Malone is stopped.  

2/10 - Maline gets a yard. 

3/9 - Griese to Moore -- NO - Mel Blount Steps in front of the Pass -- And Mel Blount is Gone!  Blount down the Sideline -- Blount to the House -- TOUCHDOWN STEELERS - Mel Blount 37 yards to the House -- TOUCHDOWN STEELERS -- Blount takes a Griese pick back 37 yards and it's 10-0 Steelers.

Miami at the 29.  A 8 yard Bulaich run will give Miami a first down - but the drive ends at the 40, after the punt, it's Pittsburgh at their own 26.

1/10 - Franco for 4.

2/6 - Franco for 2. 

3/4 - Franco for 7 and the first down.

1/10 - Fuqua busts one -- Frenchy Fuqua 46 yards all the way to the Miami 15.

1/10 - Bradshaw to Randy Grossman - 9 yards.  

2/1 - Franco picks it up as the quarter ends.

4th Qtr

Blount's pick 6 makes it 10-0, Steelers now have a first and goal and are looking to salt this away.

1/goal - Bleier gets right to the goal line

2/goal - Bradshaw sneak -- TOUCHDOWN STEELERS - Pittsburgh goes up 17-0 and it seems really unlikely Miami's making its way back from this.

Miami at the 17.

1/10 - Davis gets 11.  

1/10 - Malone gets a yard.  

2/9 - Davis busts one -- Gary Davis home run - 55 yards all the way to the Steeler 16.

1/10 - Bulaich through the line -- Bulaich breaking tackles -- TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS - In 2 minutes Miami scores its first points of the game and the deficit is cut 17-7 on the 16 yard Bulaich TD run.  

Steelers at the 25.  Under 12 to play.  Can Miami get the quick stop?

The Steelers get 1 first down, Bradshaw to Stallworth, his first catch, 10 yards - but the drive ends around midfield and Miami gets the ball back, 7:33 left, at their own 30 yard line, trailing 17-7.

That last TD drive was all running plays - what does Miami do here?

Miami at the 30.

1/10 - Bulaich gets 3.

2/7 - Incomplete.

3/7 - Griese picks it up.  9 to Nat Moore.  Miami is at their own 42, little more than 6 left, they need 10 pts.  

1/10 - Malone gets 4.

2/6 - Incomplete

3/6 - Incomplete

Shula's going for it - 5 minutes and change left, down 10 - this makes sense.  

4/10 - Incomplete.

Steelers take over on downs and that is probably that.  

The Steelers run on every play, picking up one first down - with 2:26 left, Gerela....misses a FG...Miami regains at the 32.  2:22 to go.  17-7

Sacks by Donnie Shell and Jack Lambert sandwich a 20 yard completion to Duriel Harris - with under a minute left Pittsburgh regains possession on downs - they kill the rest of the clock and it's over.

Final: Steelers 17 Dolphins 7

All defense on this one - the Steel Curtain, riding the Blount Pick 6, takes it and moves on.

Bradshaw: 9 for 20, 90 yds, 1 TD

Griese: 10 for 27, 116 yds, 1 INT

Franco: 22 for 70

Davis: 10 for 87

Swann: 2 for 17

Harris: 3 for 49

Blount: INT/TD

Lambert: 10 tackles/sack

Player of the Game: Mel Blount

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 7/Round 1: Play In Game

'14 Patriots v. '86 Niners 

16. 1976 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at 16. 1977 MIAMI DOLPHINS

16. 1977 MIAMI DOLPHINS

Record: 10-4

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 3rd

Def: 5th

2nd AFC East

Did not make playoffs

HC Don Shula, OC Howard Schnellenberger DC John Sandusky

Rick Weaver/Hank Goldberg

Orange Bowl: 75 degrees

Offense

QB Bob Griese (32 Purdue) All Pro

RB Benny Malone (25)

FB Norm Bulach (31)

WR Nat Moore (26) All Pro

WR Duriel Harris (23)

TE Andre Tillman (25)

LT Wayne Moore (32)

LG Bob Kuechenberg (30)

C Jim Langer (29) All Pro

RG Larry Little (32)

RT Mike Current (32)

Defense

LDE Vern Den Herder (29)

NT Bob Baumhower (22)

RDE AJ Duhe (23-R)

LOLB Kim Bokamper (23-R)

LILB Steve Towle (24)

RILB Bob Matheson (33)

ROLB Larry Gordon (23)

LCB Norris Thomas (23-R)

RCB Curtis Johnson (29)

SS Tim Foley (29)

FS Vern Robinson (25-R)

K Garo Yepremian (33)

P Mike Michel (23)

KR Gary Davis (23)

PR Freddie Solomon (24)

Region 7 Play In Game - the '77 Dolphins missed the playoffs, but they were 3rd in offense and 5th in defense which is a pretty good resume for the Play in Game. Bob Griese is 32, All Pro, 22 scores and 13 picks. Nat Moore's 26, also an All Pro, scored 13 times in a 14 game season. 29 year old Jim Langer is also an All Pro. 5 rookie starters on that fifth best defense in football.  They split their two games with the Patriots. The '75 Dolphins and '82 Dolphins are already into the next round.  

16. 1976 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 

Record: 11-3 

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 2nd

Def: 11th

2nd AFC East

Lost Div Rnd Raiders 24-21

HC: Chuck Fairbanks 

Offense

QB Steve Grogan (23)

RB Andy Johnson (24)

FB Sam Cunningham (26)

WR Darryl Stingley (25)

WR Randy Vataha (28)

TE Russ Francis (23)

LT Leon Gray (25)

LG John Hannah (25) All Pro

C Bill Lenkaitis (30)

RG Sam Adams (28)

RT Bob McKay (29)

Defense

LDE Tony McGee (27)

NT Ray Hamilton (25)

RDE Julius Adams (28)

LOLB Steve Zabel (28)

LILB Steve Nelson (25)

RILB Sam Hunt (25)

ROLB Steve King (25)

LCB Bob Howard (32)

RCB Mike Haynes (23-R)

SS Prentice McCray (25)

FS Tim Fox (23-R)

K John Smith (27)

P Mike Patrick (24)

KR Jess Phillips (29)

PR Mike Haynes (23)

Battle of division rivals in the region 7 play in game. The Pats had the 2nd best offense in 1976, 23 year old Steve Grogan had 30 scores -- 30 TDs, 12 of those rushing.  We just saw Russ Francis as a 49er playing the Patriots -- here he is as a 23 year old Patriot in the Pro Bowl. 25 year old John Hannah is an All Pro.  The defense is not particularly good, but Mike Haynes is a 23 year old rookie with 8 picks and 2 punt returns for scores.  

Another 70s team - the '75 Steelers, is the top seed in the region and waits the winner, lets go to Miami for the kick.  

1st Qtr

Patriots start at the 34.

3 and out.

Dolphins at the 31.

1/10 - Benny Malone blows through the Patriot defense - 50 huge yards on Miami's first play from scrimmage.

1/10 - Bob Griese checks down to Gary Davis, 4 yds.  

2/6 - Give to Malone.  1 yd.  

3/5 - Give to Davis, running left - Davis through the hole - Davis bouncing off a Patriot defender and is into the endzone. TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS it takes just plays for Miami to get into the endzone as the play in game for region 7 is underway.

Patriots at the 27.

1/10 - Steve Grogan's first completion is to Sam Cunningham, he gets 7.

2/3 - Grogan passing again - Darryl Stingley - 15 yards out to the 49.  

1/10 - Cunningham gets 3.

2/7 - Cunningham gets 3.

3/4 - Grogan to Don Calhoun, 7 yard gain at the Pats are at the 38.

1/10 - Grogan over the middle - Picked Off - by Bob Matheson - Matheson down at the 28, Miami turns NE over a little more than halway through the quarter.

Miami gets one first down on a Griese 9 yard pass to Nat Moore, they punt from their own 42.

Pats at the 28.

1/10 - Andy Johnson gets 18.  

1/10 - Johnson stopped at the line.

1/10 - Grogan's flushed - Grogan's across the line - big gain for Grogan, 15 yards for Steve Grogan to the Miami 39.

It stops there - 3 plays net 8 yards and the Patriots miss the 48 yard FG.  

Miami at the 38.

1/10- Gary Davis stacked up.  Offsides makes it 2nd and 5.  

2/5 - Griese hits Nat Moore for 29 yards, the quarter ends.

2nd Qtr

Miami up 7-0, that huge Malone run leading to the Davis score.  And they've got a first down at the Patriot 37.

The next 3 plays net 7 yards -- Yepremian hits the FG and it's 10-0 Fins.  

Patriots at the 31.

1/10 - Bam Cunningham pounds for 11.

1/10 - Johnson loses 2

2/12 - Johnson gains 19 and the Pats are at the 41. 

1/10 - Calhoun gets 5.

2/5 - Calhoun again, breaks one, 28 yards down the sideline and it's a Patruot first and goal at the 8.

But that's all, NE has to kick the short FG and it's 10-3.

Miami at the 36.

1/10 - Malone for 8.

2/2 - Norm Bulaich's first carry, he gets 11 and Miami's in NE territory.

1/10 - Griese dropped by the Steve Nelson sack.

2/18 - Malone loses 1, third and forver.

3/19 - Griese picks it up - a screen to Malone, convoy down the left side for 33 yards and a first down at the 21. 

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Griese - over the middle - Andre Tillman - he fights his way - into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS - 21 yards from Griese to Tillman and it's 17-3 Miami with a little more than 2:30 left in the half.

Patriots at the 28.

1/10 - Grogan short to Cunningham -- and Bam breaks it -- Cunningham open field -- Cunningham rumbles for 43 yards all the way to the Miami 29 at the 2 minute warning.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Cunningham dump off reception, steps out after getting 2.  

3/8 - Grogan tries to squeeze one in -- and it's Picked Off by Norris Thomas -- Miami with their second interception in their own end - Miami takes over with 1:42 left at their own 19.

They get a first down on a 13 yard Malone run - but 3 incomplete pases follow and with just over a minute left, Patriots ball in excellent field position at the Dolphin 49.

1/10 - Grogan to Stingley, 13 yards.  

That's it - the next 3 plays net 6 yards - Smith hits the FG as time expires.

Third Qtr

Miami moving the ball effectively and picking up a couple of turnovers gives them the 17-6 lead.

Miami starts at the 45 after the nice return.  

1/10 - Julius Adams sacks Griese.

2/19 - Incomplete

3/19 - Griese picks up another 3rd and really long - 30 yards to Duriel Harris, Bob Griese tremendous today and the Dolphins are at the 34.

1/10 - Malone gets 7.

2/3 - Malone gets 6.

1/10 - Davis gets 3.

2/7 - Davis gets 11, that's a first and goal.  

1/goal - Incomplete

2/goal - Griese - back of the endzone -- Nat Moore -- TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS - everything working for Miami in the play in game, it's 24-6.  

Pats at the 24.

1/10 - Cunningham gets 4,

2/7 - Cunningham gets 3.

3/3 - Grogan to Stingley, 11 yards to the Pats 42.

1/10 - 7 yards for Johnson.

2/3 - 8 for Cunningham Miami content with giving up some yards on the ground with an 18 pt lead.  

1/10 - Grogan - over the middle -- Picked Off by Matheson - it's Matheson's second interception of the day - Grogan picked off for the 3rd time, Miami is at their own 47.  

1/10 - Bulaich big gain, 18 yards, this is all Miami right now.  

1/10 - Davis gets 1.

2/9 - Bulaich stopped.

3/9 - Grese - going deep - going endzone -- Nat Moore -- TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS - 34 yard ball from Griese to Moore - it is all Miami, it is all Miami - Dolphins cruising 31-6.

Pats at the 38.  

1/10 - Grogan to Cunningham.  14.

1/10 - Grogan to Johnson.  17.  

1/10 - Johnson stacked up, that's the end of the quarter.  Pats at the 31.

4th qtr

Miami's got the easy win today, it's 31-6, only thing left is the final score, 3 Grogan picks today.  2nd and 10 for NE from the Miami 31.

2/10 - Grogan finds Randy Vataha for 22 - that's a first and goal.  

1/goal - Andy Johnson runs into the endzone -- easy score,  TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS NE will fail in an attempt at a 2 pt conversion and it's 31-12 Miami.  

Miami at the 36.

They run the ball right down the field - running on almost every play - a 6 and a half minute drive ending in a 7 yard Norm Bulaich TD run - TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS - halfway through the 4th it's now 38-12 Miami -- just a really impressive performance from the Dolphins, they'll move into the field and go to Pittsburgh to face the 7th overall seed in the tournament, the '75 Steelers.  

Patriots at their own 27.  4 and out, they turn it over on downs, Miami takes over.

They run the ball three times -- and then Yepremian misses a FG.  Little more than 4 minutes left, it's 38-12, Patriots regain at their own 37.

Grogan throwing the ball - hits Ricky Feacher for a 40 yard strike on the second plat and a couple plays later throws to the endzone to Randy Vataha - TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS - a 28 yard pass from Grogan to Vataha -- NE scores in under a minute - it's 38-19.

That's going to be the final -- Miami goes 3 and out and punts - NE has a drive that takes essentially the remainder of the game, but it dies in Dolphin territory - victory formation for Griese and it's over.  

Final: Dolphins 38 Patriots 19

Never a contest, Miami dominates on both sides of the ball and they roll into Region 7.

Griese: 11 for 18, 182 yds, 3 TD

Grogan: 15 for 26, 253 yds, 1 TD, 3 TD

Malone: 13 carries, 98 yds

Johnson: 12 carries, 65 yds, 1 TD

Moore: 4 catches, 70 yds, 2 TD

Vataha: 2 catches, 56 yds, 1 TD

Matheson: 2 INT

Player of the Game: Nat Moore

2022 MLB Draft, Day Two Big Board (1-80)

 1. B.Porter RHP HS (MI) 

2. J.Cannon RHP UGA        

3. M.Moore C HS (CA)          

4. B.Neal C HS (FL)                 

5. T.Smith LHP HS (SC)     

6. P.Kling CF HS (PA)           

7. J.Madden RHP JC (FL)            

8. B.Sproat RHP Florida         

9. B.Hubbart LHP Fla St        

10. G.Turley CF HS (AZ)        

11. M.Martin SS HS (NJ)       

12. N.Savino LHP     UVA         

13. J.Zibin RHP HS (SC)         

14. C.Smith 3B PBCentral HS  

15. H.Williams RHP Duke       

16. I.Irish C HS (MI)               

17. J.Noot RHP HS (CA)         

18. C.Staine RHP     UCF                 

19. T.Dombroski LHP Monmouth 

20. J.Taylor CF HS (FL)

21. D.Keegan C Vandy            

22. J.Flores SS HS (TX)            

23. C.Thomas RF Mercer       

24. J.Watters RHP WVA           

25. M.Neville CF HS (NV)   

26. C.Palmquist LHP  Mia   

27. B.Joyce RHP Tenn        

28. J.Lampe CF Ariz St               

29. A.Walters RHP Miami      

30. J.O’Connor RHP HS (VA)    

31. S.Horn RHP HS (GA)         

32. R.Clifford RF HS (NJ)        

33. L.Gold 2B BC                  

34. C.Shores RHP  HS (TX)     

35. K.Milbrandt RHP HS (MO)    

36. S.Ardoin C Tex                

37. Z.Maxwell RHP G Tech      

38. T.Vrieling RHP Gonz 

39. C.Hunter C Va Tech 

40. J.Reimer 3B HS (CA) 

41. M.Kennedy LHP HS (NY)

42. B.Loftin LHP  HS (MS)       

43. B.Brannon C HS (NC)        

44. T.Lipscomb 3B Tenn           

45. C.Paciolla SS HS (CA)        

46. C.Dana RHP HS (NJ)     

47. L.Huesman LHP JS (VA)     

48. N.McLean RHP Ok St       

49. J.Sprinkle SS UCSB 

50. A.Guzman C HS (CT)        

51. D.Baldwin C Missouri St       

52. L.Ramirez RHP L Beach St

53. J.Crooks  C Oklahoma       

54. M.Johnson RHP Duke  

55. C.Pollard SS HS (GA)        

56. G.Rincones RF FAU          

57. N.Mule RHP HS (NJ)         

58. E.Jerzembeck RHP HS (NC)  

59. M.Rajcic RHP UCLA       

60. G.Guidry SS HS (LA)

61. R.Kelly RHP HS (CA) 

62. T.Gonzalez LF G Tech 

63. S.DiChiara 1B Aub  

64. J.Curtis CF HS (TX)           

65. J.Humphries  LHP HS (NC)  

66. E.Petry 3B HS (FL)            

67. H.Dunhurst C Ole Miss    

68. B.Birdsell RHP TTech 

69. W.Kempner RHP Gonz 

70. A.Charles OF HS (CA) 

71. L.Wagner 3B HS (SC) 

72. T.Faltline SS Tex 

73. K.Thomas RHP HS (CA)

74. R.Ritter SS UK 

75. J.Jones C HS (GA) 

76. C.Obermueller LHP HS (IA) 

77. J.Grady CF D Baptist 

78. M.Knorr RHP C Carolina 

79. A.Freeland 3B UCF 

80. M.Wood C Penn St 

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 6/Round 1: 2014 New England Patriots v. 1986 San Francisco 49ers

 '02 Raiders v. '61 Oilers

15. 1986 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at 2. 2014 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

2. 2014 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Record: 12-4

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 4th

Def: 8th

1st AFC East

d. Ravens Div Rnd 35-31

d. Colts AFC Title 45-7

d. Seahawks Super Bowl 28-24

Gillette Stadium: 50 degrees

Bob Socci/Scott Zolak

HC: Bill Belichick OC Josh McDaniels DC Matt Patricia

Offense

QB Tom Brady (37 Michigan)

RB Shane Vereen (25 Cal)

RB Stevan Ridley (25 LSU)

WR Julian Edelman (28 Kent St)

WR Brandon LaFell (28 LSU)

TE Rob Gronkowski (25 Arizona)

LT Nate Solder (26 Colorado)

LG Dan Connolly (32 SE Missouri St)

C Bryan Stork (24-R Florida St)

RG Ryan Wendell (28 Fresno St)

RT Sebastian Vollmer (30 Houston)

Defense

LDE Rob Ninkovich (30 Purdue)

LDT Vince Wilfork (33 Miami)

RDT Chris Jones (24 BGreen)

RDE Chandler Jones (24 Syracuse)

LLB Jamie Collins (25 S Miss)

MLB Jerod Mayo (28 Tenn)

RLB Dont'a Hightower (24 Alabama)

LCB Darrelle Revis (29 Pitt) All Pro

RCB Brandon Browner (30 Ore St)

SS Patrick Chung (27 Ore)

FS Devin McCourty (27 Rutgers)

K Stephen Gostkowski (30 Memphis)

P Ryan Allen (24 La Tech)

KR Danny Amendola (29 TTech)

PR Julian Edelman (28 Kent St)

Belichick v. Walsh closes out region 6, round 1.  Belichick's got the 2nd seed in the Region, the 27th overall seeds in the field, the Super Bowl Champs from 2014. 4th best offense in the league, Brady's 37, 33 scores and 9 picks.  Gronk's 25, All Pro,  12 scores.  The defense is fine, 29 year old Darrelle Revis is a lockdown All Pro corner. The '14 group looks to join the '06 and '07 squads who have advanced already.  

15. 1986 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Record: 10-5-1

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 7th

Def: 3rd

1st NFC West

lost Div Rnd Giants 49-3

HC Bill Walsh, DC George Seifert

Offense

QB Joe Montana (30 N Dame)

RB Joe Cribbs (28 Auburn)

FB Roger Craig (26 Nebraska)

WR Dwight Clark (29 Clemson)

WR Jerry Rice (24 Miss Vall St) All Pro

TE Russ Francis (33 Ore)

LT Bubba Paris (26 Michigan)

LG John Ayers (33 Tex A&M)

C Fred Quillan (30 Ore)

RG Randy Cross (32 UCLA)

RT Keith Fahnhorst (34 Minn)

Defense

LDE Jeff Stover (28 Ore)

NT Michael Carter (26 SMU)

RDE Dwaine Board (30 NC A&T)

LOLB Milt McColl (27 Stanford)

LILB Riki Ellison (26 USC)

RILB Jim Fahnhorst (28 Minn)

ROLB Keena Turner (28 Purdue)

LCB Tim McKyer (23-R UT Arlington)

RCB Don Griffin (22-R Mid Tenn St)

SS Carlton Williamson (28 Pitt)

FS Ronnie Lott (27 USC) All Pro

K Ray Wersching (36 Cal)

P Max Runager (30 S Carol)

KR Derrick Crawford (26 Mem)

PR Don Griffin (22-R Mid Tenn St)

The Walsh/Seifert era dynasty Niners don't have a representative yet into Rnd 2 - this group's seeded 15.  3rd best defense in '86. 27 year old Ronnie Lott is an All Pro. He had 10 picks. 19 combined sacks for 29 year old Jeff Stover, 30 year old Dwaine Board.  The offense is okay - 30 year old Joe Montana played half the season, 8 scores and 9 picks. 24 year old Jerry Rice is, of course, an All Pro, 16 scores, over 1500 yards receiving.

The '86 Niners head to New England to face the '14 Patriots.  Let's go for the kick, let's end Region 6, Rnd 1.

1st qtr

Patriots start at the 24.

1/10 - Stevan Ridley 6 yard gain to open.

2/4 - Tom Brady against Joe Montana here, Brady finds Julian Edelman for 22 and the Pats are in Niners territory.  

1/10 - Brady goes for the home run - 43 yards to Rob Gronkowski - huge shot and he's down at the Niner 5.

But they stop here - the Niner defense stiffens and forces the FG.  3-0

Niners at the 31.

3 and out.  

Patriots great field position at the 40. 3 and out.  

Niners at the 37, little less than 8 left in the qtr.  

1/10 - Roger Craig gets a yard.

2/9 - Joe Cribbs gets a yard.

3/8 - Joe Montana's first completion is to Jerry Rice - 10 and the first down.  Rice v. Revis is the big matchup today.  

1/10 - Montana flushed, picks up a couple yards.

2/8 - Montana dumps off to Craig, picks up 5.

3/3 - Montana finds Rice again - another third down pickup, 15 yards, Niners to the 29.

1/10 - Cribbs for 2

2/8 - Incomplete, another third down.  

3/8 - This time Montana goes to Clark - Dwight's got a 14 yard gain and San Francisco is at the 13.

1/10 - Cribbs for 2.

2/8 - Craig up the middle - Craig's going into the End Zone -- TOUCHDOWN NINERS - Roger Craig 11 yard run and the 49ers go up 7-3.

Patriots at the 32.  

1/10 - Brady to Brandon LaFell, 10 yds. 

1/10 - Shane Vereen gets 2.

2/8 - 2 for Ridley as the qtr ends.

2nd qtr

Offense in the first qtr, long drives for both teams, NE had to settle for a FG and it's 7-3 Niners, NE has a 3rd and 6 at their own 46.

They don't pick it up.  After the punt the Niners take over at the 26.

1/10 - Montana short to Craig, 5 yds.

2/5 - Pitch to Craig - he's got a seam and he's got 16 yards.  Niners near midfield.

1/10 - Cribbs for 3.

2/7 - Craig for 2.  

3/5 - Montana finds Clark - but he's stopped just short of the sticks - it's 4th and a long yard at the Patriot 44 yard line.  

Walsh decides to go for it - alright - that's a modern decision - Niners going to keep their foot on the pedal.

4/1- It's Craig -- he picks his way for 3 yards that is a first down.

But that's it - the drive stalls - after a punt, NE starts at the 16.

1/10 - Vereen on the draw, big play - Vereen is into the secondary, it's 42 yards and a huge first down.  

1/10 - It's an end around to Matthew Slater - he's got 7 yards to the Niner 35.  

2/3 - Vereen gets a yard.  Third and short.  

3/2 - LaGarrette Blount busts his way across the line - Blount into the secondary - Blound cuts to the sideline and Blount will go All The Way into the End Zone -- TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS - just 4 plays, all runs, and the Pats go 84 yards to take the 10-7 lead, less than 6 minutes left in the half.

Niners at the 36.  

3 and out.  

Patriots at the 26.

1/10 - Vereen gets 2.

2/8 - Brady finds Danny Amendola to the 12, Pats at the 40.  

1/10 - Brady to Julian Edelman, that's 9 yards at the 2 min warning.

2/1 - Ridley loses 2 - third and short.  

3/3 - Brady picks it up -- 37 yards to Brandon LaFell, it's a big strike - the Pats are at the Niner 16.

That's it though - the drive stalls and it's another short Gostkowski FG, Pats up 13-7.

Niners start at the 22.  It's a 3 and out.  

Patriots will regain at 44 seconds left after a big Edelman punt return goes all the way to midfield.  

Brady to LaFell - 25 yards - Patriots use their second timeout at the Niner 18.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Edelman gets 7, Patriots last timeout at 20 seconds left.  

3/3 - Incomplete 

The half ends with another short Gostkowski kick - Patriots up 16-7.

3rd Qtr

Pats doing what you'd expect, moving the ball - Niners may be challenged in pushing for a comeback.

Niners at the 29.

1/10 - Craig gets a yard.

2/9 - Joe Cribbs breaks one, 28 yards, Niners into Patriot territory.

1/10 - Craig gets 1.

2/9 - Montana's sacked - Chandler Jones gets him and its third and a bunch.

3/13- Montana picks it up - 16 to Clark and the Niners are at the 25, they go back 5 on the false start.

1/15 - Montana 10 yards to Rice.  Niners at the 20.

2/5 - Tom Rathman's first carry, he gets 2.  

3/3 - Cribbs gets right to the sticks, it's 4th and inches just outside the 15 - Niners down  9- Niners to go for it again.

4/1 - Montana sneak....he's got it.  

1/10 - Craig is stacked up.  

2/10 - Rathman's stacked up.  Third and 10 at the 15.

3/10 - Montana - over the middle -- goal line -- Rice --- TOUCHDOWN NINERS - Joe Montana to Jerry Rice from 15 - the Niners drive 71 yards, taking nearly 8 minutes -- and it's 16-14 Patriots.  

Patriots at the 28.

3 and out.  

Niners at the 30.  They get 1 first down, Montana 20 yards to Clark - but a Rob Ninkovich sack moves San Francisco back and they punt from their own territory.  

Pats at the 18.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Brady to Slater, 16 yards - Pats to the 34.  

1/10 - Ridley is stopped at the line as the quarter ends.

4th Qtr

That long Niner drive brings San Francisco within 2, NE at their own 34, second and 10.

2/10 - LaGarrette Blount gets a yard.  Third and 9.

3/9 - Brady going downfield -- Slater -- all the way to the Niner 43 and a first down.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Ridley gets 1 - another 3rd and 9 for the Pats.

3/9 - Brady to LaFell -- 10 yards and the Patriots are at the 32.  

That's it however -- Gostkowski will hit the 47 yard FG and it's 19-14 Patriots.  

Niners at the 33.  10:31 left in the game.

1/10 - Joe Cribbs with a huge gain -- Cribbs daylight, 46 yards all the way to the NE 21 yard line.  

1/10 - Montana to Russ Francis for 3.  

2/7 - Montana -- End Zone -- Francis ---- TOUCHDOWN NINERS -- TOUCHDOWN NINERS -- Woooo, boy, the 15th seeded Niners have pulled ahead of the 2nd seeded Ptriots -- and when Montana hits Francis again for the 2 point conversion the score is 22-19 San Francisco.  

Patriots at the 22.  8:47 left.  22-19.  Can Brady drive NE down the field?

1/10 - Vereen gets 4.

2/6 - Brady to Edelman -- 19 yards to the 45.  

1/10 - Brady in trouble -- Brady escapes containment, Brady scambles for 9 yards.

2/1 - Ridley gets 4.  First down at the 42.  6 minutes left. 22-19.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete.  Big third down.  

3/10 - Brady to LaFell....it's 11 yards, it's a big first down to the 31. 

1/10 - Give to Ridley, nothing.  there's an offsides on the next play and it's 2nd and 5 at the 26, little less than 4 to go.  

2/5 - Give to Vereen, he gets nothing at all and here's another 3rd down for the Patriots. 

3/5 - Incomplete.

And so the Pats have a 43 yard FG attempt......it is good, Gostkowski ties the score and with just 3 minutes to go it is 22-22.  

Niners at the 33.  

Here we go.  Joe Montana in New England against Bill Belichick. 22-22.  3 minutes left.

1/10 - Montana to Craig, he runs for a dozen, Niners at their own 45.  A FG wins this game.  

1/10 - Incomplete.  

2/10 - Craig gets a couple of yards - we hit the 2 minute warning. Third and 8 at the 47.

3/8 - Montana looking to Rice --- INTERCEPTED BY REVIS -- Darrelle Revis picks off Joe Montana and with just 1:50 left, the Patriots have the ball at the Niner 45 yard line.

1/10 - Montana to Edelman.  7 yards.

2/3 - Incomplete

3/3 - Brady to Amendola -- he just picks it up -- Patriots at the Niner 35 with 1:30 left in the game and the Pats call timeout.  

1/10 - Ridley is stopped at the line.  Patriots letting the clock run --

2/10 -- Brady drops back -- Brady throwing to the endzone -- Edelman -- TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS...TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS...TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS...Julian Edelman catches the 35 yard scoring strike from Tom Brady and the Patriots take the 29-22 lead with a minute left.  Huge turn of events -- the Revis pick leads to the Brady score and it's 29-22.

It's the Niners now.  At the 36.  Minute left.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Incomplete.

4th down.  This is it. 

4/10 -- Montana looking for Rice --- INTERCEPTED BY REVIS -- DARRELLE REVIS WITH ANOTHER INTERCEPTION.

And that will end the game, victory formation for Brady and it is done.

Final: Patriots 29 49ers 22

Darrelle Revis intercepts Joe Montana twice in the final 2 minutes and the Patriots survive a potential 15/2 upset.

Brady: 18 for 30, 304 yds, 1 TD/1 INT

Montana: 15 for 27, 162 yds, 2 TD/2 INT

Vereen: 9 for 52

Cribbs: 11 for 102

Edelman: 7 for 105, 1 TD

Rice: 4 for 52, 1 TD

Revis: 2 INT

Gostkowski: 5 FG

Player of the Game: Darrelle Revis

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 6/Round 1: 2002 Oakland Raiders v. 1961 Houston Oilers

'94 Cowboys v. '52 Rams 

10. 1961 AFL CHAMPION HOUSTON OILERS at 7. 2002 AFC CHAMPION OAKLAND RAIDERS

7. AFC CHAMPION 2002 OAKLAND RAIDERS

Record: 11-5

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 2nd

Def: 6th

d. Jets Div Rnd 30-10

d. Titans AFC Title 41-24

Lost Super Bowl Bucs 48-21

Oakland Coliseum: 60 degrees

Greg Papa/Tom Flores

HC Bill Callhan, OC: Marc Trestman DC Chuck Bresnahan

Offense:

QB Rich Gannon (37 Delaware) All Pro

RB Charlie Garner (30 Tenn)

WR Tim Brown (36 N Dame)

WR Jerry Porter (24 W Virginia)

WR Jerry Rice (40 M Valley St)

TE Doug Jolley (23 BYU)

LT Barry Sims (28 Utah)

LG Mo Collins (26 Florida)

C Barret Robins (29 TCU) All Pro

RG Frank Middleton (28 Arizona)

RT Lincoln Kennedy (31 Wash) All Pro

Defense

LDE DeLawrence Grant (23 Ore St)

LDT Sam Adams (29 Tex A&M)

RDT John Parrella (33 Nebraska)

RDE Tony Bryant (26 Florida St)

LLB Bill Romanowski (36 B College)

MLB Napoleon Harris (23-R Nwestern)

RLB Eric Barton (25 Maryland)

LCB Charles Woodson (26 Mich)

RCB Tory James (29 LSU)

SS Derrick Gibson (23 Florida St)

FS Rod Woodson (37 Purdue) All Pro

K Sebastian Janikowski (24 Florida St)

P Shane Lechler (26 Tex A&M)

KR Marcus Knight (24 Mich)

PR Phillip Buchanon (22 Miami)

The '67 Raiders have advanced; move forward through the LA years and the Raiders are now back in Oakland with the '02 AFC Champs.  2nd best offense in '02, 6th best defense. Rich Gannon is a 37 year old All Pro, 29 scores and 10 picks. 30 year old Charlie Garner scored 11 times. Jerry Rice is 40 years old and caught 92 balls for over 1200 yards.  29 year old Barrett Robins and 31 year old Lincoln Kennedy are both All Pros.  There's an All Pro on defense, 37 year old Rod Woodson had 8 picks.  

10. 1961 AFL CHAMPION HOUSTON OILERS

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 1st

Def: 2nd

d. Chargers AFL Title 10-3

HC: Wally Lemm

Offense

QB George Blanda (34) All Pro

RB Billy Cannon (24) All Pro

RB Charlie Tolar (24)

WR Charley Hennigan (26) All Pro

WR Bill Groman (25) All Pro

WR Bill McLeod (23-r)

LT Al Jamison (24) All Pro

LG Bob Talamini (22)

C Bob Schmidt (25)

RG Hogan Wharton (26)

RT Rich Michael (23)

Defense

LDE Dalva Allen (26)

LDT Orville Trask (27)

RDT Ed Husmann (30)

RDE Don Floyd (23)

LLB Doug Cline (23)

MLB Dennit Morris (25)

RLB Mike Dukes (25)

LCB Tony Banfield (24) All Pro

RCB Mark Johnston (23)

LS Jim Norton (23)

RS Fred Glick (24)

K George Blanda (34)

P Jim Norton (23)

KR/PR Billy Cannon (24)

The 10th seed in Region 6 is the 1961 Oilers; the AFL Champs, best offense, second best defense in the AFL.  5 All Pros on offense. 34 year old George Blanda threw for 36 scores. 22 picks. 24 year old Billy Cannon scored 15 times in a 14 game season.  Both men - future Raiders. 26 year old Charley Hennigan scored 12 times and had over 1700 yards receiving; 25 year old Bill Groman scored 18 times.  24 year old Al Jamison also is first Team All Pro.  On defense, the All Pro is 24 year old Tony Banfield.  He and 23 year old Jim Norton combined for 17 picks.

Two games left in region 6.  Let's go to Oakland.  

1st Qtr

Oilers start at the 17.

They'll get a first down, Blanda hitting Charley Hennigan for an 18 yard gain-but that's all, great punt, Raiders pinned back at their own 16.

1/10 - Rich Gannon is going deep on the game's first place - it's to the Goat - it's to 40 year old Jerry Rice, 49 yards - all the way to the 35.  

1/10 - Gannon dump off to Charlie Garner, he gets 1.

2/9 -Gannon over the middle - Tim Brown - 13 yards, Oakland has come out firing.  

1/0 - Pitch to Garner - one cut and he's got 11 and it's a first and goal.

1/goal - Garner - End Zone - Roland Wiliams - TOUCHDOWN RAIDERS - 10 yards from Gannon to Roland Williams - Oakland just flies down the field for the 7-0 lead.

Billy Cannon busts out the return - all the way to midfield.

3 and out.  

Raiders get it at their own 7.

1/10 - Screen to Tyron Wheatley - he's got blockers - he's got a convoy -- Wheatley is going to go downfield - 56 yards - Oakland does not stop.

The next 3 plays net 4 yards -- and then Janikowski misses a 50 yard FG.

Oilers on their own 40.  3 and out.

Raiders at their own 19.  

1/10 - Gannon going for it again -- deep down the middle of the field - caught by Roland Williams at midfield - two Oiler defenders collide-- AND WILLIAMS IS GONNA GO - ROLAND WILLIAMS IS GONNA MARCH INTO THE END ZONE - TOUCHDOWN RAIDERS - An 81 Yard Bomb from Gannon to Williams and it is 14-0 Oakland.

Oilers at the 35.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Cannon gets 2.

3/8 - Blanda finds Bill Groman, that's a 16 yard gain.

1/10 - Charley Tolar goes for 3. 

2/7 - Blanda picks it up on the last play of the qtr - 15 yards all the way to the Oakland 29.

2nd Raiders

Gannon's come out slinging; Oakland up 14, just going right after the Oilers.  Houston has a first down at the Raider 29.

1/10 - Blanda to Cannon for 9.

2/1 - Tolar is stopped dead. 

3/1 - Blanda looking for the end zone --- Broken up by Charles Woodson and now it's 4th down.

4th and short- but Houston not taking the points - they're going to go for it right now, that's good stuff - let's go.  

4/1 - Cannon picks it up.  Houston at the 18.

1/10 - Tolar gets 2.

2/8 - Tolar busts up the gut - Tolar busts up the gut - Tolar into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN OILERS - Charley Tolar into the endzone --  16 yard TD run and the deficit is cut in half....nope, it's not, Blanda misses the PAT

Oakland at the 20.

3 and out.  Oilers get the quick stop and take over at their own 40.

1/10 - Blanda to Cannon, Cannon making men miss - Cannon's got a 23 yard gain to the 37.

The next 3 plays net 4 yards....and then Blanda misses the 50 yard FG and Oakland regains at their own 40.

Oakland picks up one first down on a Gannon 18 yard shot to Terry Kirby, but again Oakland settles for a FG attemt....and again Janikowski misses it - Janikowski misses his second FG of the half.  

Houston at their own 37, 5:37 left in the half.  Down 14-6.

3 and out, Trace Armstrong getting a sack.  

Oakland ball at their own 33.  2:39 left.

1/10 - Wheatley gets a yard.

2/8 - Garner gets 2 at the 2 minute warning, a false start makes it 3rd and 12.

3/12 - Gannon over the middle to Rice -- Rice runs away from the defense, 19 yard gain for the 40 year old Rice to midfield.

1/10 - Gannon to Garner - Garner's in space, 17 yards and Oakland's at the 33.

That's as far as it goes - the next 3 plays net 5 yards --- this time the Janikowski FG is good and it's 17-6.  Houston will take the ball at the 20 with a minute left in the half - Blanda hits Cannon -- Cannon is Rocked by Bill Romanowski - Romanowski forces the Fumble and 

Oakland will take oer with just under a minute left in the half at the Oiler 33.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Gannon in trouble, scrambles for 4 yards and a timeout.

3/6 - Gannon in trouble again - Gannon across the line - he's got 7 and it out of bounds at the 22 with 30 seconds left.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Gannon to Rice, 17 yards - Rice is taken down at the 5 - Oakland stopping the clock with 13 seconds left.  

1/goal - It's a run - it's Garner -- Charlie Garner is into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN RAIDERS -- Oakland calls a run with 13 seconds left in the half - it pays off and we go to the locker room 24-6.

3rd Qtr

2nd best offense in 2002, the Raiders are just punishing the Oilers.  

Oakland starts at the 29.

1/10 Wheatley gets 1.

2/9 - Charlie Garnet gets 9 and a 5 yard facemask gives Oakland a first down at the 42.

1/10 - Gannon forced to run, gets 2.

2/8 - Gannon to Tim Brown - 5 yards.  3rd and short

3/3 - Gannon again to Brown, 8 yards and the Raiders are again in Oiler territory.

1/10 - Garner gets 8.

2/2 - Kirby gets 6, Oakland picks up another first down at the 35. 

But that's all - a Don Floyd sack backs Oakland up and they punt.  

Oilers at the 11.  3 and out.  

Raiders in great field position at the Oiler 38.  

3 and out - and then Janikowski misses his 3rd FG of the day.  

Oilers at their own 36.

1/10 - Billy Cannon breaks a 29 yard run.  

1/10 - Tolar gets 14 - two big runs and Houston's at the 21.

1/10 - Blanda finds Dave Smith for 16 - Houston getting chunks of yards and have a first and goal.  

1/goal - Tolar for 2

2/goal -- Billy Cannon is into the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN OILERS - and with 2 minutes left in the third it is 24-13 Raiders.

Oakland at the 30.

1/10 - Garner gets a yard.

2/9 - Incomplete

3/9 - Gannon goes back to Brown - 16 more and Oakland's near midfield.

Two plays net a yard and as the qtr ends, Oakland has a 3rd and 9.

4th Qtr

Critical play here for Houston, they trail by 11, Oakland has a 3rd and long - if Houston can get the ball back right now, they have an opening to pull into this game.

Incomplete.  

After the punt, Houston takes over at the 21.  Okay.  Let's see what's what.

1/10 - Smith goes for 13.

1/10 - Smith gets 1

2/9 - Tolar is stopped at the line, 3rd and 9.

3/9 - Blanda picks it up - hits Groman for 15 and the Oilers have a first down at midfield.

But that's as far as it goes and after the Houston punt, it's Oakland at their own 9, little less than 10 minutes left, with a 24-13 lead.

1/10 - Wheatly carries for 13.

1/10 - Gannon finds Doug Jolley for 11.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Gannon screen to Terry Kirby and its a convoy - 37 yards right down the field - Oakland is at the Oiler 30.

The next 3 plays net 5 yards....this time Janikowski's FG is good -- it's 27-13 Oakland with 6:38 to go in the game.  Cannon terrific runback - all the way to the 46.

1/10 - Smith gets 6.

2/4 - Tolar picks it up.

1/10 - Cannon gets a yard.

2/9 - Blanda hits Hennigan for 15 and Houstons at the Raider 28 yard line.  Holding on the next play backs them up 10, little more than 5 left.  

1/20 - Cannon gets 4.

2/16 - Incomplete.  

3/16 - Blanda picks it up - 21 yards to Groman -- Houston has the ball at the Raider 13 yard line.

1/10 - Smith gets 3.

2/7 - Cannon gets 2.

3/5 -- Blanda looks to the endzone-- Hennigan --- TOUCHDOWN OILERS - 8 yard score from Blanda to Charley Hennigan  - and now with 3:45 left to go in the football game the Houston Oilers trail 27-20.  

They kick it deep - Oakland starting back at their own 14.  They need to pick up a couple of first downs.

1/10 - Gannon's throwing - surprise -- it's Garner out of the backfield and he's got a 14 yard gain - big play call there.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Wheatley gets a yard - and it's the 2 minute warning.  

3/9 - Garner gets a yard - Oilers call timeout - Oakland has to punt -- Oilers take possession at their own 35 with a little less than 2 minutes to go.  

Can Blanda drive down for the tie?

1/10 - Blanda dump off to Tolar, gets a yard and he's out of bounds.  

2/9 - Blanda goes downfield -- Groman -- 26 yards - that's a big strike - the Oilers are at the Raider 38 yard line! Oilers second time out.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Blanda finds John White -- 13 yards -- Houston is at the Oakland 25 yard line -- Blanda up to the line quickly and spikes the ball.  28 seconds left in the game.  Oilers 2nd down at the Raider 25.  Down 7 points.  

Woooooooo.  Okay.  

2/10 - Blanda picks it up - Hennigan over the middle for 11 - Houston calls their final timeout of the game at 19 seconds to go at the Raider 14 yard line.  14 yard line.  

1/10 - Blanda drops back - Blanda looks to Groman -- End Zone --- Incomplete.  

11 seconds left.  

2/10 - Blanda drops back.  Blanda -- looks endzone -- Hennigan.....PICKED OFF BY ROD WOODSON!  PICKED OFF BY ROD WOODSON!  WOODSON INTERCEPTION IN THE ENDZONE!  Woodson takes the knee - just a couple seconds left, victory formation for Oakland and it is done.

Final: Raiders 27 Oilers 20

37 year old Rod Woodson picks off Blanda in the endzone to preserve the victory - Oakland will head to round two.

Gannon: 20 for 27, 387 yds, 2 TD

Blanda: 17 for 27, 239 yds, 1 TD/ 1 INT

Garner: 13 carries, 48 yds, 4 catches, 42 yds 1 TD

Cannon: 18 carries, 56 yds, 3 catches, 46 yds, 1 TD

Rice: 6 catches, 95 yds

Williams: 2 catches, 91 yds, 2 TD

Hennigan: 6 catches, 75 yds TD

Player of the Game: Rich Gannon