256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 5/Round 1: 2014 Denver Broncos v. 1975 Los Angeles Rams

'62 Packers v. '72 Raiders

 

9. 1975 LOS ANGELES RAMS at 8. 2014 DENVER BRONCOS

8. 2014 DENVER BRONCOS 

Record: 12-4

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 2nd

Def: 16th

Lost Div Rnd Colts 24-13

HC: John Fox, OC Adam Gase, DC Jack del Rio

Sports Authority Field: 60 degrees

Dave Logan/Ed McCaffrey

Offense

QB Peyton Manning (38 Tennessee)

RB CJ Anderson (23 Cal)

WR Demaryius Thomas (27 G Tech)

WR Emmanuel Sanders (27 SMU)

WR Wes Welker (33 TTech)

TE Julius Thomas (26 Port St)

LT Ryan Clady (28 Boise)

LG Orlando Franklin (27 Miami)

C Manuel Ramirez (31 T Tech)

RG Louis Vasquez (27 T Tech)

RT Chris Clark (29 So Miss)

Defense

DE Malik Jackson (24 Tenn)

NT Terrance Knighton (28 Temple)

DE Derek Wolfe (24 Cincinnati)

LB Von Miller (25 Tex A&M)

LB Brandon Marshall (25 Nevada)

LB DeMarcus Ware (32 Troy)

CB Chris Harris (25 Kansas)

CB Aqib Talib (28 Kansas)

CB Brandon Roby (22 Ohio St)

SS TJ Ward (28 Oregon)

FS Rahim Moore (24 UCLA)

K Brandon McManus (23 Temple)

P Britton Colquitt (29 Tenn)

KR Omar Bolden (26 Ariz St)

PR Isaiah Burse (23 Fresno St)

The 2015 Broncos advanced in Region 4 - back up a year and here's the 8th seed in Region 5.  It's the inverse of next year's team, with the second best offense in football, it's 38 year old Peyton Manning's last year being Peyton Manning.  39 scores.  15 picks. Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas are both 27, both with over a hundred catches. Mediocre defense. Von Miller's 25, DeMarcus Ware is 32 and they combined for 26 sacks. 

9. 1975 LOS ANGELES RAMS 

Record: 12-2

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 11th

Def: 1st

d. Cards Div Rnd 35-23

lost Cowboys NFC Title 37-7

HC: Chuck Knox, OC Ken Meyer DC Ray Malavasi

Offense

QB James Harris (28 Grambling)

RB Jim Bertelsen (25 Texas)

RB Lawrence McCutcheon (25 Col St)

WR Harold Jackson (29 Jack St)

WR Ron Jessie (27 Kansas)

TE Bob Klein (28 USC)

LT Charlie Cowan (37 Highlands)

LG Tom Mack (32 Michigan)

C Rich Saul (27 Mich St)

RG Joe Scibelli (36 AIU)

RT John Williams (30 Minn)

Defense

LDE Jack Youngblood (25 Florida) All Pro

LDT Larry Brooks (25 Virginia St)

RDT Merlin Olsen (35 Utah St)

RDE Fred Dryer (29 S Diego St)

LLB Ken Geddes (29 Nebraska)

MLB Hacksaw Reynolds (28 Tenn)

RLB Isiah Robertson (26 Southern)

LCB Eddie McMillan (24 Florida St)

RCB Monte Jackson (22-R S Diego St)

SS Dave Elmendorf (26 Tex A&M)

FS Bill Simpson (24 Mich St)

K Tom Dempsey (28 Palomar)

P Duane Carrell (26 Florida St)

KR Willie McGee (25 Alcorn St)

PR Rob Scribner (24 UCLA)

It's the Denver offense against the top defense in 1975.  The '77 Rams have already been eliminated; this team really needs a huge defensive effort to avoid that fate. 25 year old Jack Youngblood is the only All Pro. 35 year old Merlin Olsen and 28 year old Hacksaw Reynolds are among the other 4 Pro Bowlers on defense. The Rams are unlikely to get a ton of offense, James Harris is 28, 15 total scores, 15 total picks. 3 Pro Bowlers on offense including the future Hall of Famer, 32 year old Tom Mack

Rams defense v. Broncos offense - 1975 vs 2014 - let's go to Denver for the kick.

1st Qtr

Denver starts at the 25.

1/10 - CJ Anderson gets the first carry, 1 yard.

1/9 - Anderson for 2

3/7 - Peyton Mannings first pass is caught - Emmanuel Sanders - Sanders runs for 17 and the first.

1/10 - Manning to Wes Welker over the middle, Welker catches the ball in space and picks up 27 all the way to the Rams 28.

1/10 - Ronnie Hillman stopped at the line.

2/10 - Manning to Anderson out of the backfield, Anderson rumbling for 16.

1/10 - Manning laces a ball in traffic to Sanders - TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS - and that was easy money - 75 yards in just a little over 4 minutes - the Rams defense just no match at all for the modern Broncos passing attack.

Rams at the 21.

1/10 - It's Lawrence McCutcheon, he gets 5

2/5 - McCutcheon again, a yard.

3/4 - Jim Burtelsen carries - he gets 11 - the Rams run the ball, that's what they do - even against a quick strike Broncos offense.  

The next 3 plays net 4 yards.  Denver regains at the 30.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Anderson gets 3

3/7 - Manning finds Montee Ball - Ball makes his way for 13.

1/5 - After a penalty, CJ Anderson runs for a dozen, Broncos at the Rams 37.

But that's it - 3 plays net a yard - John Fox decides to play it very safe and punt - Rams at the 17.  Fox maybe did them a favor there.

1/10 - McCutcheon gets 1

2/9 - McCutcheon is stopped at the line

3/9 - James Harris completes his first pass of the game, 24 yards downfield to Ron Jessie.

1/15 - After a penalty, Bertelsen gets 8.

2/7 - Cullen Bryant gets 6 - third and 1 for LA at the Denver 49.

3/1 - McCutcheon is met in the backfield and loses a yard - big stop for the Denver defense as the quarter ends.

2nd Qtr

Denver took the opening drive right down the field against the best defense from '75, that's where we stand now - Rams have 4th and 2 at midfield - Chuck Knox maybe does Denver a favor - plays it conservative and punts.  Broncos at the 19.

They get a first down on an Anderson 12 yard run - but Jack Youngblood sacks Manning and Denver's punting.  Rams at their own 28.  

They get a first down on a James Harris 17 yard scramble - but that's as far as it goes, the punt is to the Denver 16.

They get a first down, Manning to Demaryius Thomas for 23, but a Fred Dryer sack ends the drive, another punt.  Rams start at their own 28, 4:34 left in the half, still 7-0 Denver.

3 and out.  Denver at their own 39.  2:23.

1/10 - Hillman gets 3

2/7 - Manning goes downfield - it's Thomas - 33 yards, Denver stops the clock at 1:50 at the Rams 25.

1/10 - Anderson is stuffed

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Manning hits Thomas again - 18 yards and it's a first and goal.

1/goal - Hillman scoots into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS - 61 yards in 1:16, Denver goes up 14 nothing.  

The Rams get a first down on a Cullen Bryant 20 yard run, but wind up punting - Denver gets a 43 yard Manning to Thomas pass that ends the half.  

Third Qtr

The half started as it began, with an easy Broncos TD drive - the Rams offense just hasn't been able to muster anything today and given Denver's ability to put points on the board, this game looked like it might be a tough sled for LA - and here we are.

Rams start at the 37.  Down 14-0.

1/10 - McCutcheon loses 2.

2/12 - Bertelsen goes for a dozen.  First down.

1/10 - Bertelsen gets 4.  

2/6 - McCutcheon gers 1.

3/5 - Harris's first pass of the quarter to Ron Jessie - its 6 yards and the first down, Rams in Broncos territory at the 42.  

The next 3 plays net 8 yards - decision time for Knox on 4th and short - down 2 scores - he decides a long Tom Dempsey FG...51 yards....it is good and the Rams are on the board.

Denver starts at the 38, they get a first down on a Manning to Thomas 14 yard gain - but thats all and they punt.  Great punt, altitude helps, Rams take over at their own 9 - can they put a drive together.  

On 2nd and 9 - Cullen Bryant runs for 15 yards.  

On 2nd and 7 - a strip sack from DeMarcus Ware -- Ware recovers at the Rams 25 - and thats the big blow - Ware sacks Harris, forces a fumble, recovers it - and now the Broncos have a first down at the LA 25.

On 3rd and 7 - Manning strikes - hitting Sanders over the middle - he runs untouched into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS - that feels like the dagger - Manning 22 yard pass to Sanders, it's 21-3, LA will get the ball back at the 19, 3:23 left in the third.

1/10 - Bertelsen for 7

2/3 - McCutcheon stopped.

3/3 - Harris just doesn't have the ability to bring this team back through the air at 21-3, he finds Bob Klein for 6 and the first down.  

1/10 - McCutcheon gets 4

2/6 - Harold Jackson gets his first catch of the day - 14 yards and the first, Rams at midfield as the quarter ends.

4th Qtr

The Ware strip sack of Harris looks like the dagger, 3 plays later Manning hit Sanders for the score, it's 21-3 Broncos.  Rams have first down at midfield.  

And that's as far as it goes.  

Broncos take over at the 11 after what looks like a white flag punt.  

They get to the middle of the field - three Manning passes - 16 to Sanders, 16 to Thomas, 13 to Anderson - on 3 straight plays get 3 first downs - but the drive ends around midfield and the Rams regain at their own 8, 7:42 left.

The first 3 plays of the drive lose 6 yards, Von Miller getting a sack.

On 4th and 16 from their own 2, Harris hits McCutcheon for 18 and the first down.

Von Miller gets another sack - but it's followed by Harris finding Jackson for 35 to get to the middle of the field.  

3 first downs are coming - Harris to Jessie for 10, Harris to Klein for 10, Harris to Jessie for 15, to get the Rams down to the Bronco 16 with 4:30 left in the game.  Two plays later Harris hits Bertelsen in the endzone - TOUCHDOWN RAMS - it's a hollow victory, but the Rams cut the deficit to 21-10.

The Rams try the onside kick.  The Broncos recover.  3 run plays lead to a 3 and out.

Rams get the ball back at the 2 minute warning at their own 16.  

2 plays later Chris Harris picks off James Harris - nearly takes it to the house - Denver runs the ball 3 times, LA using all their timeouts - Denver kicks the FG with 19 seconds left and that's the final score.

Final: Broncos 24 Rams 10

This one never really in doubt - the Broncos moved the ball when they needed to and stopped the Rams when they needed to - Denver moves to round two to face the top seeded '62 Packers.

Manning: 16 for 24, 312 yds, 2 TD

Harris: 13 for 29, 169 yds 1 TD/1 INT

Hillman: 14 carries, 30 yds, 1 TD

Bryant: 8 carries, 48 yds

Sanders: 5 catches, 96 yds, 2 TD

Thomas: 4 catches, 110 yds

Jessie: 4 catches, 55 yds

Miller: 2 sacks

Player of the Game: Peyton Manning

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 5/Round 1: 1962 Green Bay Packers v. 1972 Oakland Raiders

 Play in game

16. 1972 OAKLAND RAIDERS at. 1. 1962 NFL CHAMPION GREEN BAY PACKERS

1. 1962 NFL CHAMPION GREEN BAY PACKERS

Pythag: 13-1

Off: 1st

Def: 1st

d. Giants NFL Title 16-7

HC Vince Lombardi, DC Phil Bengston

Lambeau Field: 50 degrees

Ray Scott/Tony Canadeo

Offense

QB Bart Starr (28 )

RB Paul Hornung (27)

FB Jim Taylor (27) All Pro

WR Boyd Dowler (25)

WR Max McGee (30)

TE Ron Kramer (27) All Pro

LT Bob Skoronski (28)

LG Fuzzy Thurston (29)

C Jim Ringo (31) All Pro

RG Jerry Kramer (26) All Pro

RT Forrest Gregg (29) All Pro

Defense

LDE Willie Davis (28) All Pro

LDT Dave Hanner (32)

RDT Henry Jordan (27) All Pro

RDE Bill Quinlan (30)

LLB Dan Currie (27)

MLB Ray Nitschke (28)

RLB Bill Forester (30) All Pro

LCB Herb Adderley (23) All Pro

RCB Jesse Whittenton (28)

LS Hank Gremminger (29)

RS Willie Wood (26)

K Jerry Kramer (26)

P Boyd Dowler (25)

KR Herb Adderley (23)

PR Willie Wood (26)

The 5th overall seed in the tournament is our first Lombardi team; the '62 Pack was 1st in offense and defense. Bart Starr is 28, 13 scores and 9 picks. There are 5 All Pros on the offense - 27 year old Jim Taylor who rushed for over 1400 yards and scores 19 times; 27 year old Ron Kramer with 7 scores and 3 OLinemen, 31 year old Jim Ringo, 26 year old Jerry Kramer, 29 year old Forrest Gregg. And then 5 more on defense - 28 year old Willie Davis/27 year old Henry Jordan on the DLine. 27 year old Dan Currie and 30 year old Bill Forester in the LB corps and 23 year old corner Herb Adderley, with 7 picks.  The Packers are ready to smash some mouths.

16. 1972 OAKLAND RAIDERS

Record: 10-3-1

Pythag: 10-4

Off: 3rd

Def: 8th

1st AFC West

Lost Div Rnd Steelers 13-7

d. 1991 Saints 37-23

HC: John Madden

Offense

QB Daryle Lamonica (31 N Dame) 

RB Charlie Smith (26 Utah)

FB Marv Hubbard (26 Colgate)

WR Fred Biletnikoff (29 Florida St) All Pro

WR Mike Siani (22-R Villanova)

TE Raymond Chester (24 Morg St)

LT Art Shell (26 ME Shore)

LG Gene Upshaw (27 Tex A&M Kings)

C Jim Otto (34 Miami)

RG George Buehler (25 Stanford)

RT Bob Brown (31 Nebraska)

Defense

LDE Tony Cline (24 Miami)

LDT Otis Sistrunk (26-R Mars)

RDT Art Thoms (26 Syracuse)

RDE Horace Jones (23 Louisville)

LLB Phil Villapiano (23 B Green)

MLB Dan Conners (31 Miami)

RLB Gerald Irons (25 ME Shore)

LCB Nemiah Wilson (29 Grambling)

RCB Willie Brown (32 Grambling)

SS George Atkinson (25 M Brown)

FS Jack Tatum (24 Ohio St)

K George Blanda (45 Kentucky)

P Jerry DePoyster (26 Wyoming)

KR Clarence Davis (23 USC)

PR Cliff Branch (24 Colorado)

The '74 Raiders got boatraced by the '16 Falcons in Region 3 - back up 2 years and here's the '72 team, with the 3rd best offense in football; they ran all over the '91 Saints in the play in round, over 300 yards gained on the ground.  The Mad Bomber is 31, 18 scores and a dozen picks. 26 year old Marv Hubbard ran for over a thousand yards. 29 year old Fred Biletnikoff is All Pro and, of course, the OL is stacked with Pro Bowlers. One Pro-Bowler on the okay/good enough defense, it's Willie Brown, 32, with 4 picks.  

Let's go to Lambeau and watch a bunch of Hall of Famers.  Region 5 is underway.

1st Qtr

Packers start at the 31.

1/10 - Jim Taylor starts us off with 2 yards.

2/8 - Taylor again, 6 more.  

3/2 - Paul Hornung picks it up.  1st down at the 43.

1/10 - It's Taylor -- and he is Leveled - by Phil Villapiano coming off the edge - Fumble - the Raiders recover!  Jim Taylor fumbles on the 4th play of the game and Oakland is at the Packer 45.  

1/10 - Marv Hubbard was Player of the Game in the play in round - he goes for 10 here.

1/10 - 5 more for Hubbard.  

2/5 - Charlie Smith pounding away - 27 yards -- the Raider offensive line had its way with the '91 Saints - and look here, first and goal.

1/goal - Clarence Davis is in the endzone - TOUCHDOWN RAIDERS - less than 5 minutes in, a fumble and 4 Oakland runs gives the Raiders the 7-0 lead.

Packers at the 25, first and 15.

1/15 - Taylor stacked up.

2/15 - The first pass of the game - Bart Starr to Tom Moore - 15 yards and the first.

1/10 - Hornung for 4.

2/6 - Taylor loses 3 yards and it's third and 9

3/9 - Starr picks it up - 19 yards to Lew Carpenter - that takes the Pack to the Oakland 40.

The next 3 plays net a yard - and Lombardi punts it away.  

Raiders at the 16.  

1/10 - Hubbard for 1

2/9 -Darryl Lamonica's first pass, it's to Mike Siani for 10.

1/10 - Smith for 6.

2/4 - Hubbard loses 1.

3/5 - Lamonica again - to Fred Biletnikoff for a dozen to the Raider 44.

The next 3 plays net 3 yards - time expires before the punt.

2nd Qtr

Oakland forced an early fumble and capitalized, it's 7-0 - Oakland punts it away, Pack to start at the 25.  

3 and out.  The Raider defense standing up here in Lambeau.

Raiders at the 28.  3 and out - they go back 10 yards on the big Willie Davis sack.

Packers starting at midfield.  

3 and out - super impressive performance from the Raider defense - they have totally shut the Packers down today.  

Oakland at the 12.  8:56.

1/10 - Hubbard for 15.

1/10 - Hubbard for 11.  

1/10 - Smith for 2

2/8 - Smith goes for 20 - Raiders cross midfield -

1/10 - Hubbard for 13 - the Raider offensive line creating holes that the Packer OL hasn't found at all.  

The next 3 plays gain 6 yards -- Blanda kicks the 38 yd FG and it's 10-0 Oakland.  Packers to start at the 37.  3:35.

1/10 - Jim Taylor breaks one - Kramer and Gregg clear the road and Taylor busts out a 58 yard run all the way to the Oakland 5 yard line.

And then the Raiders stop them.  The next 3 plays gain a yard, there's a Phil Villapiano sack - Lombardi chooses the chip shot and it's 10-3.

The Raiders start at their own 22.  1:42 left. 

3 and out - Willie Wood comes in on a safety blitz for the sack.  

Packers take over with 57 seconds left at their own 47.  

1/10 - Starr to Jim Taylor, 10 yards and out of bounds.

1/10 - Starr to Boyd Dowler down the field - 20 yards - the Pack use their second timeout, 25 seconds left. 

1/10 - Incomplete.  Pack at the 22

2/10 - Incomplete -- that's it - Lombardi's not waiting another down.  39 year old Jerry Kramer FG is good -- we're gonna go into the locker room.  Raiders 10 Packers 6

3rd Qtr

The Packers were getting shut out with less than 2 minutes left in the half, but they add 2 FGs and cut the deficit to 10-6.

Raiders at the 30 to open the 3rd qtr.

1/10 - Charlie Smith loses a yard.

2/11 - Clarence Davis gets 12, first down.  

1/10 - Smith stopped at the line.

2/10 - Hubbard for 2

3/8 - Lamonica one of his few passes - it's to Hubbard - he goes for 11 and the Raiders have a first.

1/10 - Charlie Smith for 14- Oakland is at the GB 32.

The next 3 plays gain 6 yards ------ and then Blanda misses a 43 yard FG.  

Oakland continues to have success on the ground - but they come up empty and the Pack takes over.

They get a first down, Starr to Max McGee for 8 the big play - but the drive ends around midfield, Oakland gets it back at the 27, 6:25 left in the third, leading 10-6.

3 and out.  

Packers at the 30.  

1/10 - Taylor stopped at the line

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Starr goes to Jim Taylor -- he rumbles for 24 and the Packers are at the Oakland 44.

1/10 - Jim Taylor breaks one -- 44 yards right up the gut - Ringo/Kramer clearing the way - Taylor is gonna go - Taylor goes all the way into the end zone - TOUCHDOWN PACKERS - Jim Taylor goes 44 yards for the Packers first TD of the day and GB takes its first lead.

Raiders at the 15.  

1/10 - Lamonica throwing - Biletnikoff for 9.

2/1 - Clarence Davis goes around left end -- outstanding Shell block -- and Davis is running!  Clarence Davis is running!  Clarence Davis 63 yards all the way to the Packer 13 yard line!  Davis to the Packer 13 yard line!  

1/10 - Hubbard goes for  9 - it's the last play of the third quarter.

4th Qtr

Jim Taylor's 44 yard run gives the Pack the 13-10 lead, the Raiders have a 2nd and 1 at the GB 4 after the huge Clarence Davis run.

2/1 Incomplete

3/1- Charlie Smith is into the endzone - TOUCHDOWN RAIDERS - and Oakland regains the lead -- the 16th seeded Raiders have the 17-13 lead on the top seeds in Region 5, 17-13.  The Raiders are up 17-13 on the top seeded Packers, 14:42 left with GB at the 47 after the big Herb Adderley return.

3 and out.  The Oakland defense standing up and the Raiders get the ball back at the 17.  12:38 to go.  Can they run some clock?

3 and out.  The Packer defense keeps them alive.  Henry Jordan gets a third down sack, Raiders punting from deep in their own end - it's a short kick and GB will take possession at the Oakland 30 yard line.  11:02.  

1/10 - Tom Moore gets 5.  

2/5 - Jim Taylor gets 9 and the Pack is at the Oakland 16.

1/10 - Moore stopped at the line.

2/10 - Moore gets a yard.  Well, here we are with this play.  Third and 9 at the Oakland 15 --- Green Bay down 4, 8:25 to go.

3/9 - Starr to pass - we expected a run filled game and we got one - Starr to pass - over the middle to Max McGee.....it's caught....McGee has the first down....McGee all the way to the 2 yard line!  Starr finds Max McGee for the huge 3rd down reception and the Packers have first and goal.  

1/goal - Hornung plunges into the end zone. TOUCHDOWN PACKERS. Green Bay regains the lead - the Green Bay Packers go up 20-17 and the Raiders will start at the 34 with 7:32 left.

Now its Lamonica and the Raiders.  Can they put a drive together?

1/10 - Charlie Smith goes for 3.

2/7 - Incomplete.  Oakland with the third down.  

3/7 - Lamonica to pass - he goes to Hubbard out of the backfield -- Hubbard for 13 yards and the Oakland first down at midfield.  

The next 3 plays net 2 yards.  Punt.  Packers at the 19.  

They get a first down on a Jim Taylor 12 yard run.  But that's it - and with 1:52 to go Oakland gets one more shot, at their own 26.  They need a FG to force OT.

1/10 - Lamonica goes downfield.  Big shot.  Raymond Chester.  32 yards!  Huge play for the Raiders - they stop the clock at 1:38 at the Packer 42 yard line!

The next 3 plays gain one yard.  The Packer defense refusing to yield.

Madden sends Blanda out.  In the play in game, Blanda hit a 55 yard FG.

This one would be 58.  Just a tick over a minute to go.  Raiders are either going to tie this game here or lose it.

Here's Blanda's kick....it's up......

Wide Left.  

Blanda misses the 58 yard FG - the Pack regains possession, they pick up a first down on a Taylor 12 yard run and that is the end of the game.

Final: Packers 20 Raiders 17

All 5 top seeds have won, but we've seen some really close contests with the '07 Patriots and '85 Bears - this was that, the Raiders gave every inch of it today, but fell at the end.

Starr: 7 for 13, 109 yds

Lamonica: 6 for 18, 87 yds

Taylor: 20 carries, 158 yds, 1 TD

Hubbard: 15 carries, 86 yds

Davis: 6 carries, 84 yds 1 TD

Smith: 14 carries, 80 yds 1 TD

McGee: 2 receptions, 21 yds

Biletnikoff: 2 receptions, 21 yds

Player of the Game: Jim Taylor

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 5: Play In Game

'10 Packers v. '76 Colts 

16. 1972 OAKLAND RAIDERS at 16. 1991 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

16. 1991 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Record 11-5

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 8th

Def: 1st

1st NFC West

Lost WC Falcons 27-20

HC: Jim Mora OC Carl Smith DC Steve Sidwell 

Superdome

Larry Matson/Archie Manning

Offense

QB Bobby Hebert (31 NW St)

RB Gill Fenerty (28 H Cross)

WR Quinn Early (26 Iowa)

WR Eric Martin (30 LSU)

TE Hoby Brenner (32 USC)

TE John Tice (31 Maryland)

LT Richard Cooper (27 Tenn)

LG Jim Dombrowski (28 UVA)

C Joel Hilgenberg (29 Iowa)

RG Chris Port (24-R Duke)

RT Stan Brock (33 Colorado)

Defense

LDE Wayne Martin (26 Arkansas)

NT Jim Wilks (33 S Diego St)

RDE Frank Warren (32 Auburn)

LOLB Rickey Jackson (33 Pitt)

LILB Sam Mills (32 Montclair St)

RILB Vaughan Johnson (29 NC St)

ROLB Pat Swilling (27 Geo T) All Pro

LCB Vince Buck (23 Cen St)

RCB Toi Cook (27 Stanford)

SS Brett Maxie (29 Tex So)

FS Gene Atkins (27 Florida A&M)

K Morten Andersen (31 Mich St)

P Tommy Barnhardt (28 UNC)

KR Gene Atkins (27 Florida A&M)

PR Vince Buck (23 Cen St)

The '92 Saints won the Play In Game in Region 4 - back up a year and here's the '91 Saints; they come in with the best defense in the league, which is a lot to bring to a Play In Game.  3 LB made the Pro Bowl (and the one who didn't is 33 year old future Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson who had 11.5 sacks. Pat Swilling's 27, All Pro, 17 sacks. Offensively, 31 year old Bobby Hebert gets the start, 9 scores and 8 picks. 

16. 1972 OAKLAND RAIDERS

Record: 10-3-1

Pythag: 10-4

Off: 3rd

Def: 8th

1st AFC West

Lost Div Rnd Steelers 13-7

HC: John Madden

Offense

QB Daryle Lamonica (31) 

RB Charlie Smith (26)

FB Marv Hubbard (26)

WR Fred Biletnikoff (29) All Pro

WR Mike Siani (22-R)

TE Raymond Chester (24)

LT Art Shell (26)

LG Gene Upshaw (27)

C Jim Otto (34)

RG George Buehler (25)

RT Bob Brown (31)

Defense

LDE Tony Cline (24)

LDT Otis Sistrunk (26-R)

RDT Art Thoms (26)

RDE Horace Jones (23)

LLB Phil Villapiano ((23)

MLB Dan Conners (31)

RLB Gerald Irons (25)

LCB Nemiah Wilson (29)

RCB Willie Brown (32)

SS George Atkinson (25)

FS Jack Tatum (24)

K George Blanda (45)

P Jerry DePoyster (26)

KR Clarence Davis (23)

PR Cliff Branch (24)

The '74 Raiders got boatraced by the '16 Falcons in Region 3 - back up 2 years and here's the '72 team, with the 3rd best offense in football (it's Oakland's offense v the Saints defense in this one) The Mad Bomber is 31, 18 scores and a dozen picks. 26 year old Marv Hubbard ran for over a thousand yards. 29 year old Fred Biletnikoff is All Pro and, of course, the OL is stacked with Pro Bowlers (Raiders OL v. Saints LB to put a finer point on the matchup). One Pro-Bowler on the okay/good enough defense, it's Willie Brown, 32, with 4 picks.  

Raiders v. Saints - winner to move into the Region 5 field to face the top seeded 1962 Packers.  Let's go to the Superdome

1st Qtr

Saints to start way out at the 48, big Gene Atkins return on the opening kick.

1/10 - Hebert to Gill Fenerty for 3 - brought down by a vicious George Atkinson facemask, Fenerty's head violently twisted - it's 15 more and the Saints are at the Raider 34.  

1/10 - Fred McAfee in for Fenerty now - stopped at the line.

2/10 - McAfee for 3.

3/7 - Bobby Hebert finds Quinn Early - it's 10 yds to the 21.  

1/10 - Hebert scrambles for 5.

2/5 - Hebert to Eric Martin - 14 yards and the Saints are at the Oakland 2

1/goal - McAfee is into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN SAINTS - 52 yard drive in first 5 minutes of the game - it's the Saints offense who gets this going early.  Fred McAfee into the endzone.

Oakland at the 31.

1/10 - It's Charlie Smith with the first carry, Raiders likely to try to move on the ground today

2/2 - Smith picks it up.

1/10 - Hubbard gets a yard

2/9 - Incomplete

1/10 - Daryle Lamonica's first pass is to a screen to Hubbard - he gets behind Shell and Upshaw and rumbles for 21 to the Saints 37.

1/10 - Smith up the gut for 18.  

1/10 - Sweep left to Hubbard - Shell and Upshaw leading the way -- to the end zone --- TOUCHDOWN RAIDERS - it takes Oakland less than 4 minutes to tie this up.  Marv Hubbard with the 19 yard run.

Saints at the 23.

3 and out.  

Raiders at the 33.  They get one first down on a 13 yard Lamonica/Biletnikoff connection, but also punt.  

Saints at the 16 - another 3 and out but the qtr ends before the punt.

2nd Qtr

Each team went down and scores on their opening drive - that's where it stands now, after the punt, Oakland to start at the 38.

3 and out.  Saints at the 40, good runback by Vince Buck. 

1/10 - McAfee has been on since Fenerty's injury on the first play, he goes for 24 here and the Saints are at the Raider 36.  

1/10 - Hebert to Floyd Turner for 16 - Saints at the 20.  

1/10 - Fenerty's back to the approval of the home crowd, he gets 6

2/4 - Fenerty again - he gets 8 and it is a first and goal for the Saints.

3 plays net 3 yards - chip shot for Morten Andersen makes it 10-7.

Raider ball at the 35.  7:39.

1/10 - Marv Hubbard running the ball behind that left side - 37 yards to the Saints 28.

1/10 - Lamonica is brought down by Frank Warren, 5 yard loss.  

2/15 - Hubbard gets the 5 back.  

3/10 - Lamonica to Smith - just short of the sticks.  4th and a foot.

Madden decides to go for it - it's Clarence Davis on the carry - he gets 4 and picks it up.

The next 3 plays net 4 yards - Blanda hits the short FG and again, we are tied.  

Saints ball at the 37.

3 and out.

Raiders get it back at the 31.  2:19.  

They'll get a first down, Lamonica to Smith for 9 and a 9 yard Smith run - but the Raiders punt.

Saints at the 29 - 3 and out.

Oakland has 52 seconds left when they get the ball back at the 30.

Lamonica picks up 22, 10 to Biletnikoff, 12 to Chester.  Oakland uses its final timeout at 18 seconds at the Saints 48. 

Lamonica gets 10 more - passing to Hubbard to the Saints 38, he's out of bounds at 10 seconds left.  

Raiders maybe outside of Blanda's range here. Madden decides to take a shot - Lamonica to the end zone......incomplete, still 1 second left.

Blanda.  55 yards.......it's Good!  George Blanda hits a 55 yard FG as we head to the locker room.  13-10

Third Qtr

Close, as you'd expect from the play in game - 2 2nd qtr Blanda FGs, including a bomb, maybe (I'd bet yes) the longest FG of his career, he's 45 in 1972, 55 yards, give Oakland the 13-10 lead.  Raiders to open at the 26.

3 and out.

Saints at the 40, good field position on the Buck return.  They get a first down, Hebert to Early for 8 yards the biggest play - but they punt around midfield.  Raiders at the 19.

1/10 - Marv Hubbard for 1

2/9 - Charlie Smith for 7.  Third and short.

3/2 - Smith picks it up.  Raiders at the 32.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Lamonica to Mike Siani - 17 yards and the Raiders are near midfield.  

1/10 - Hubbard for 4.

2/6 - Clarence Davis for 12 - Raiders at the 35.

1/10 - Charlie Smith sweep - running behind Shell and Upshaw -- Shell and Upshaw just clearing the road -- 35 yards --- straight to the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN RAIDERS - Oakland up 10 points now - the Raider OL really coming up big today against this excellent Saints defense.  

Saints at the 17.  5:18.

3 and out.  Oakland great field position at their own 46.  They get a first down on a Charlie Smith 17 yard run - but Rickey Jackson gets a sack that backs Oakland up and they wind up punting.  Touchback

On the next play - McAfee is met in the backfield by Sistrunk -- he forces the fumble and Oakland recovers at the Saints 20.  Biggest play of the day - Raiders deep in the Saints end with a 10 point lead.  

Hubbard runs for a yard and we head to the 4th qtr.

4th Qtr

Oakland's OL, 3 men all in the Pro Bowl, all headed to the Hall of Fame, starting to dominate now - Oakland up 10, 2nd and 9 at the Saints 19 after the McAfee fumble.

On the first play of the quarter, Charlie Smith bursts to the 5 and the Raiders have first and goal.

On the second play Hubbard gets to the 2.

On the third play, Clarence Davis goes in -- Oakland is up 27-10 and this one is done.  

Saints will start at their own 15.

1/10 - Fenerty gets a yard, Saints then go back 5 on a penalty.

2/14 - McAfee gets 17 - Saints gonna have a long road trying to come back.

1/10 - Hillard stopped at the line.

2/10 - Fenerty stopped at the line

3/10 - Hebert to Eric Martin, 14 yards - Saints are at the 43.  

1/10 - McAfee gets 4.

2/6 - Fenerty gets 4.

3/2 - Hebert going deep - Hebert looking to hit a homer -- Picked Off - by Willie Brown - Brown Intercepts Hebert and that will be that - Raiders at their own 20, 9 minute left, up 17.

3 runs and a punt.  Buck gets the big return - back to the Raider 36.

4 Saints plays lose a total of 4 yards.  Raiders regain possession, just a matter now of finishing up.  6 minutes left.  Oakland at their own 40.  

1/10 - Smith gains 5

2/5 - Hubbard busts one -- Hubbard busts one for 46 yards ---Hubbard all the way to the New Orleans 9 yard line.  

1/goal - Davis loses 1

2/goal - Hubbard is into the endzone -- easy money today for the Raiders - TOUCHDOWN RAIDERS - this '72 Raider OL will be heading to Lambeau to face Lombardi and the top seed in the region.  34-10

Saints at the 35.  4 minutes left.  

On the first play, Hebert hits that homer - to Floyd Turner - 65 yard TD strike - big shot for the Saints - they'll miss the 2 pt conversion and it's 34-16. TOUCHDOWN SAINTS

Raiders ball with 3:30 left.  34-16.

On the first play - Marv Hubbard breaks a 62 yard run -- Oakland hasn't thrown the ball all quarter - the Saints are playing the run and still they are getting gashed. 

3 plays lose 5 yards.  Blanda kicks the short FG and with a minute left it's 37-16.

Garbage time.  

Saints at their own 20.  They pass their way down the field - 13 to Early, 5 to Turner, 12 to Turner - there's a 38 yard draw play for McAfee - on the last play of the game Hebert throws a 10 yd TD pass to Eric Martin, the XP ends the game. TOUCHDOWN SAINTS

Final: Raiders 37 Saints 23

Game was not this close; Saints get 2 TDs in the last 4 minutes, this game was a blowout, the Raider running game just dominating.  313 yards on the ground for Oakland

Lamonica: 11 for 22, 109 yds

Hebert: 14 for 28, 191 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT

Hubbard: 19 carries, 194 yards,  2 TD

Smith: 15 carries, 100 yds, 1 TD

McAfee: 13 carries, 93 yds 1 TD

Biletnikoff: 3 catches, 29 yds

Martin: 5 catches, 45 yds 1 TD

Turner: 4 catches, 98 yds  1TD

Blanda: 3 FGs

Player of the Game: Marv Hubbard

June 2022 Athlete of the Month

 

Steph Curry. Runners-up: Rafael Nadal, Jocelyn Nix, Cale Makar

The year's half over.  Here's the current nominees for Athlete of the Year.

January-Cooper Kupp

February-Aaron Donald

March-Aliyah Boston

April-Auston Matthews

May-Connor McDavid 

June - Steph Curry

If you're asking "hey, Jividen, you're a Warriors fan - how is it that during this Warriors dynasty that you've never selected a Warrior as Athlete of the Year and is there any chance you might rectify that" - well, Night, Night 2022.

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 4/Round 1: 2010 Green Bay Packers v. 1976 Baltimore Colts

 

'76 Vikings v. '15 Broncos

15. 1976 BALTIMORE COLTS at 2. 2010 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION GREEN BAY PACKERS

 2. 2010 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION GREEN BAY PACKERS

Record: 10-6

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 10th

Def: 2nd

2nd NFC North

d. Eagles WC 21-16

d. Falcons Div Rnd 48-21

d. Bears NFC Title 21-14

d. Steelers Super Bowl 31-25

HC Mike McCarthy, OC Joe Philbin DC Dom Capers

Wayne Larrivee/Larry McCarren

Lambeau Field: 40 degrees

Offense

QB Aaron Rodgers (27 Cal)

RB Brandon Jackson (25 Nebraska)

FB John Kuhn (28 Shippensberg)

WR Donald Driver (35 Alcorn St)

WR Greg Jennings (27 W Michigan)

TE Jermichael Finley (23 Texas)

LT Chad Clifton (34 Tenn)

LG Daryn Colledge (28 Boise)

C Scott Wells (29 Tenn)

RG Josh Sitton (24 C Florida)

RT Bryan Bulaga (21-R Iowa)

Defense

LDE Ryan Pickett (31 Ohio St)

NT BJ Raji (24 B College)

RDE Cullen Jenkins (29 C Michigan)

LOLB Clay Matthews (24 USC) All Pro

LILB AJ Hawk (26 Ohio St)

RILB Desmond Bishop (26 Cal)

ROLB Frank Zombo (23-R C Mich)

LCB Charles Woodson (34 Michigan)

RCB Tramon Williams (27 LA Tech)

SS Charlie Prepah (27 Alabama)

FS Nick Collins (27 Beth-Cook)

K Mason Crosby (26 Colorado)

P Tim Masthay (23 Kentucky)

KR Jordy Nelson (25 Kansas St)

PR Tramon Williams (27 La Tech)

Aaron Rodgers Super Bowl Champion Packers are the 2nd seed in Region 4 and it's because of the 2nd ranked defense in 2010.  The lone All Pro is 24 year old Clay Matthews with 13.5 sacks; 34 year old Charles Woodson made the Pro Bowl.  The offense is just okay, Rodgers is 27, 32 scores total and 11 picks.  He throws it to 27 year old Greg Jennings, 12 TDs.  

15. 1976 BALTIMORE COLTS

Record: 11-3

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 1st

Def: 13th

1st AFC East

Lost Steelers Div Rnd 40-14

HC Ted Marchibroda, DC Maxie Baughan 

Offense

QB Bert Jones (25 LSU) All Pro

RB Lydell Mitchell (27 Penn St)

FB Roosevelt Leaks (23 Texas)

WR Roger Carr (24 La Tech)

WR Glenn Doughty (25 Michigan)

TE Raymond Chester (28 Morg St)

LT Dave Taylor (27 Catawba)

LG Robert Pratt (25 UNC)

C Ken Mendenhall (28 Oklahoma)

RG Elmer Collett (28 S Francisco St)

RT George Kunz (29 N Dame)

Defense

LDE Fred Cook (24 S Miss)

LDT Mike Barnes (26 Miami)

RDT Joe Ehrmann (27 Syracuse)

RDE John Dutton (25 Nebraska) All Pro

LLB Derrel Luce (24 Baylor)

MLB Jim Cheyunski (31 Nebraska)

RLB Stan White (27 Ohio St)

LCB Lloyd Mumphord (30 Tex So)

RCB Nelson Munsey (28 Wyoming)

SS Bruce Laird (26 American Int)

FS Jackie Wallace (25 Arizona)

K Toni Linhart (34 Austria Tech)

P David Lee (33 La Tech)

KR/PR Howard Stevens (26 Louisville)

Baltimore's a 15th seed, but they're the team in this game with a top ranking, the Colts had the best offense in '76.  26 total TDs for 25 year old All Pro Bert Jones, 9 picks.  Lydell Mitchell is 27, had a combined 1750+ yards.  24 year old Roger Carr had 11 TDs. The Colts are the inverse of the Packers, the defense is just adequate, they've got an All Pro, 25 year old John Dutton. 

Colts offense vs. Packers defense. Let's go to Lambeau for the kick

1st Qtr

Packers start at the 31. 

3 and out.  Colts at the 35.  

3 and out.  Packers at the 25. 

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Aaron Rodgers picks up the game's first first down - 24 yards to Greg Jennings.

And on the next play Quinn Johnson, getting his first carry, fumbles.  

Colts recover at their own 47.  

3 and out.  Packers at the 26.

1/10 - Brandon Jackson goes for 11.

1/10 - Rodgers to John Kuhn for 6.

2/4 - Rodgers to Jennings - 13 yards and the Pack crosses midfield.

That's it - drive dies here.  Colts take over after the punt at the 14.

And go 3 and out - the best offense from 1976 can't produce a single first quarter first down against the second best defense from 2010.  

Pack at their own 45, Kuhn gets a yard and we switch sides,

2nd Qtr

Defense only in the first qtr.  Neither side able to move the ball at all.

Pack w/2nd and 9 at the 46.

They lose 5 yards on the next 2 plays and punt.  

Colts at the 39, Howard Stevens with a nice return.  

1/10 - Lydell Mitchell for 5

2/5 - Lydell Mitchell for 5 and the first down.  

1/10 - Roosevelt Leaks stacked up at the line.

2/10 - Don McCauley carries for a yard. 

3/9 - Bert Jones finds Roger Carr for a big 26 yard pickup.  Colts at the 24.

1/10 - Mitchell for 11

1/10 - Leaks for 6 to the Packer 7

2/4 - Mitchell for 5 - Colts now with a first and goal at the 2.

1/goal - Mitchell is into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN COLTS - With just 1 passing play the Colts go 61 yards in 6 minutes and score the game's first point.

Packers at the 23.  7:57

3 and out.  Colts to start at their own 42.  Good field position.  5:35 left in the half.

1/10 - McCauley for 2

2/8 - Ron Lee goes for 3.  

3/5 - Jones goes to Glenn Doughty for 7 yards.  Holding on the next play takes the Pack back 10.  

1/20 - Mitchell for 1

2/19 - Leaks for 4

3/16 - Bert Jones is really limiting his pass attempts, 1976 style, but he finds Lydell Mitchell for 17 here - first down for the Colts all the way to the Packer 34.  2 minute warning.  

The next 3 plays lose 8 yards when Clay Matthews sacks Jones. Colts punt - it rolls into the endzone for a touchback - the Pack has less than a minute, Rodgers will complete a 13 yard pass to Andrew Quarless, but get sacked by Stan White and it ends the half.  

Third Qtr

Defensive struggle - Colts top offense vs the Packers top defense, it's GB that's getting the better of that matchup - but on the other side the Packers offense just totally shut down, and it's Baltimore with the 7-0 lead.

Colts start at the 34.

3 and out.

Packers at the 39.  3 and out.

Colts at the 22.  3 and out -- we are full on getting a defensive battle in this 2/15 game.

Pack get good field position at their own 45.  9:29 left in the third.

1/10 - James Starks for 6

2/4 - Starks for 11 - Pack at the 38 and offsides gives them 5 more.

1/5 - Brandon Jackson runs for 20 - Packers getting yardage on the ground, all the way to the 13.

1/10 - Rodgers to Jennings for 7.

2/3 - Starks for 1

3/2 - Starks for 1

Pack just short of the 1st down, 4th and 1 at the 4. Down 7.  5:41 left in the third.

McCarthy decides to go for it.  It's a give to Ryan Grant -- he's  -- into the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN PACKERS -- Mike McCarthy decides to go for it on 4th and 1, not only does Grant pick it up - he's into the end zone and we are all tied up at 7, 5 minutes left - Colt ball at the 35.

1/10 - Mitchell for 2

2/8 - Mitchell goes for 13 - Colts at midfield

1/10 - Leaks for 3

2/7 - Jones finds Roger Carr - 20 yard pickup and the Colts are at the Pack 27.

1/10 - McCauley for 1

2/9 - Incomplete

3/9 - Jones finds Glenn Doughty for 14 - the Colts reach the Green Bay 12 yard line.

A McCauley run goes nowhere and the quarter ends

4th qtr

7-7 in this defensive battle, we've already seed the 3rd seed in region 4 fall, the second seed is getting all it wants here today.  Colts have a 2nd and 10 at the Packer 12.

And Lydell Mitchell goes off right tackle - and scoots his way into the end zone for the TOUCHDOWN COLTS - Baltimore takes the 14-7 lead-  the 15th seeds in Region 4 in Green Bay with a 7 point lead on the 2010 Super Bowl Champs.

Pack at the 38.  Nice runback by Jordy Nelson.  

1/10 - Rodgers to Jermichael Finley - 18 yards and the Packers are in Colts territory.

1/10 - Jackson for 3

2/7 - Rodgers to Kuhn for 7 yards - Packers with a first down at the Colts 34.

But that's it - the next 3 plays net 1 yard.....and then Crosby misses a 52 yard FG....the Packers come away with nothing and with 11:14 left Baltimore has possession at their own 42.

1/10 - Mitchell for 2.

2/8 - Jones to Roger Carr for 17 - that's a big play here, Colts up 7 picking up the first down to the Packer 39.  

1/10 - Leaks for 2

2/8 - Jones finds Ray Chester for 17 - hoooo, boy, are we about to see a 15 knock off a 2?  Exciting - Bert Jones to Ray Chester, the Baltimore Colts are at the Packer 20 yard line with 8:33 to go.  The 1976 Baltimore Colts are up 7 with a first down.

The next 3 plays lose 3 yards - Linhart......hits....the 40 yard FG and with under 7 minutes to go its 17-7.  

1/10 - Rodgers is buried by John Dutton, it's a 9 yard loss.

2/19 - Incomplete

3/19 - Incomplete

This is it, right?  4th and 19.  5:48 left.  17-7 Colts.

Rodgers picks it up.  Hits Finley for 20 yards and the Pack is at the 42.

1/10 - Rodgers to Jennings for 12 and the Pack crosses midfield.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Rodgers to Jackson for 8 - Pack stopping the clock at 4:36.

3/2 - Incomplete.

And it's another 4th down.  Packers need 2 scores.

4/2 - Rodgers finds Donald Driver for the big strike - 26 yards, Geen Bay stays alive at the 12.

The next 3 plays lose 4 yards, Stan White comes through with his 2nd sack - McCarthy takes the 3 points and with 3:30 left it's 17-10 Colts.

Packers kick it deep. Colts take over at the 21.  Pack needs a quick stop.  3:26 left.

1/10 McCauley gets 6.  Clock ticking.  

2/4 - Jones a quick pass over the middle to Carr - that's 9 and a first, the Packers did not expect that call in that spot - they call time, but that might be the dagger.  

1/10 - Mitchell goes for 13 - we're at the two minute warning and the Colts are at their own 49. 

1/10 - Mitchell goes for 15 and that might be that - the Packers use their second timeout, Lydell Mitchell gains 28 yards on the last 2 plays, there's 1:53 left and the Colts are at the 36.

1/10 - Leaks is stopped at the line, that's the last GB timeout.  

2/8 - Mitchell runs into the line.  Tick, tick, tick, tick.

3/7 - Mitchell gets 7 - he's going to be short - but stays in bounds, Colts will stop the clock themselves before the delay of game - as they're lining up for the 44 yard FG....

...Linhart hits it - and that will do it - Rodgers will have time for a couple of passes - but it ends here.

Final: Colts 20 Packers 10

Chaos at the bottom half of Region 4.  Two Super Bowl Champs, the 3rd seeded '16 Patriots and the 2nd seed '10 Packers both get bounced in the two biggest upsets of the tournament to date.

Jones: 10 for 16, 146 yds

Rodgers: 13 for 22, 168 yds

Mitchell: 23 carries, 112 yds, 2 TDs

Jackson: 9 carries, 44 yds

Carr: 4 receptions, 72 yds

Jennings: 4 receptions, 56 yds

White: 2 sacks

Player of the Game: Lydell Mitchell

So that finishes Region 4, we are 1/4 of the way through Rnd 1.  Here are the Rnd 2 matchups for Region 4

'91 Redskins v. '16 Falcons

'78 Steelers v. '21 Rams

'70 Lions v. '07 Cowboys

'15 Broncos v. '76 Colts

Region 4 Rnd 1 MVP - Matt Ryan

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 4/Round 1: 1976 Minnesota Vikings v. 2015 Denver Broncos

'70 Lions v. '21 Chiefs 

10. 2015 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION DENVER BRONCOS at 7. 1976 NFC CHAMPION MINNESOTA VIKINGS

7. 1976 NFC CHAMPION MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Record: 11-2-1

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 9th

Def: 2nd

1st NFC Central

d. Skins Div Rnd 35-20

d. Rams NFC Title 24-13

Lost Super Bowl Raiders 32-14

HC: Bud Grant, OC Jerry Burns, DC Neill Armstrong

Metropolitan Stadium: 40 degrees

Joe McConnell

Offense

QB Fran Tarkenton (36 UGA)

RB Chuck Foreman (26 Miami)

FB Brent McClanahan (25 Ariz St)

WR Ahmad Rashad (27 Oregon)

WR Sammy White (22-R Grambling)

TE Stu Voigt (28 Wisc)

LT Steve Riley (24 USC)

LG Charles Goodrum (26 Florida A&M)

C Mick Tingelhoff (36 Nebraska)

RG Ed White (29 Cal)

RT Ron Yary (30 USC) All Pro

Defense

LDE Carl Eller (34 Minn)

LDT Doug Southerland (28 Wisc-Sup)

RDT Alan Page (31 N Dame)

RDE Jim Marshall (39 Ohio St)

LLB Matt Blair (26 Iowa St)

MLB Jeff Siemon (26 Stanford)

RLB Wally Hilgenberg (34 Iowa)

LCB Nate Wright (29 S Diego St)

RCB Nate Allen (28 Tex So)

SS Jeff Wright (27 Minn)

FS Paul Krause (34 Iowa)

K Fred Cox (38 Pitt)

P Neil Clabo (24 Tenn)

KR/PR Leonard Willis (23 Ohio St)

2 games left for Region 1/Round 1, the NFC Champion Vikes are the 7th seed on the strength of the second best defense from '76.  The PPE are aging but Page, at 31 is still a Pro Bowler.  29 year old Nate Wright had 7 picks. On offense, Tarkenton's 36, 18 total scores, 8 picks, 26 year old Chuck Foreman had 14 scores.  The 22 year old rookie Sammy White had 22 scores.  The 30 yr old RT Ron Yary was an All Pro. 

10. 2015 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION DENVER BRONCOS

Record: 12-4

Pythag: 10-6

Off: 19th

Def: 4th

1st AFC West

d. Steelers Div Rnd 23-16

d. Patriots AFC Title 20-18

d. Panthers Super Bowl 24-10

HC: Gary Kubiak, OC: Rick Dennison DC Wade Phillips

Offense

QB Peyton Manning (39 Tenn)

RB Ronnie Hillman (24)

WR Emmanuel Sanders (28)

WR Demaryius Thomas (28)

TE Owen Daniels (33)

TE Virgil Green (27)

LT Ryan Harris (30)

LG Evan Mathis (34)

C Matt Paradis (26)

RG Louis Vasquez (28)

RT Michael Schofield (25)

Defense

LDE Derek Wolfe (25)

NT Sylvester Williams (27)

RDE Malik Jackson (25)

LOLB Von Miller (26) All Pro

LILB Brandon Marshall (26)

RILB Danny Trevathan (26)

ROLB DeMarcus Ware (33)

LCB Aqib Talib (29)

RCB Chris Harris (26)

SS TJ Ward (29)

FS Darian Stewart (27)

K Brandon McManus (24)

P Britton Colquitt (30)

KR Omar Bolden (27)

PR Emmanuel Sanders (28)

The 2015 Super Bowl Champion Broncos are the 10th seeds in the region; 4th best defense in football - we've got a likely defensive battle in this one.  26 year old All Pro Von Miller and 33 year old DeMarcus Ware combined for 17.5 sacks. The offense is bad, Peyton Manning is 39, 9 scores and 17 picks, it's maybe the worst QB performance in the tournament. 28 year old Demaryius Thomas caught 105 balls.  

2nd best defense in '76 against the 4th best from '15 - let's head to Minnesota for the kick.

1st Qtr

Vikes start deep in their own end, at the 6.

Brent McClanahan goes for 13 on the first play - the next 3 net 9 yards and the Vikes kick.

Denver at their own 47.  

It's a pitch to CJ Anderson --- and he busts one -- CJ Anderson goes 53 yards all the way to the house -- TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS -- we came for a defensive battle but CJ Anderson breaks a 53 yard TD run on Denver's first play of the game.  7-0.

Vikes at the 28.  3 and out.

Broncos at the 37.

1/10 - Peyton Manning goes to Owen Daniels for 7.

-Two running plays gain 2 yards and Denver had 4th and 1 at their own 45.

And Kubiak decides to go for it. Alright - modern football decision - early 4th down and short go for the 2015 Broncos.

They pick if up - Ronnie Hillman gains a yard.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Manning to Demaryius Thomas for a yard.

3/9 - Manning to Emmanuel Sanders - 19 yard pick up - that's a first down all the way to the Viking 33.

1/10 - CJ Anderson goes for 19 - and Denver has a first down at the 11.

1/10 - Manning out of the backfield to Ronnie Hillman - breaks a tackle - Hillman - is Going to the End Zone -- TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS -- this maligned Broncos offense puts up 14 quick, quick points against the 2nd best defense from 1976 - and the game is barely underway and it's 14-0.

Vikes at the 32.

1/10 - Chuck Foreman goes for 5.

2/5 - Fran Tarkenton finds Sammy White, it's 9 yards and the first down and a face mask call tacks on 15.

1/10 - Chuck Foreman for 9 - Vikes at the 30.  

2/1 - McClanahan loses a yard.

3/2 - Von Miller busts through the line and drops Tarkenton - it's a 10 yard loss - Vikes stuck having to punt - touchback.

Just one play, Manning to Hillman for 3 and we move to the second qtr.

2nd Qtr

Denver comes into Minnesota, a low scoring game anticipated, and they score twice in the first qtr.  Denver's got a 2nd and 3 and their own 23.

Alan Page sacks Manning - Denver will punt.

Vikings at their own 45.

1/10 - McClanahan for 2.

2/8 - Foreman for 2.

3/6 - Tarkenton hits Bob Grim - 23 yards - all the way to the Denver 32.  

3 plays net 8 yards -- and then Fred Cox misses a 41 yard FG.  

Denver with the ball back at their own 31.  9:08 left.

They get a first down on a Hillman 10 yard run, but that's as far as it goes.  

Vikes at the 11.  6:46.  

1/10 - Foreman loses a yard.

2/11 - Tarkenton hits Sammy White for 17.  

1/10 - Foreman stacked up.

2/10 - Robert Miller gets a carry, it's 13 - Vikes out to the 40.

3 plays net 7 and it's a punt at the 2 minute warning.  

Broncos at the 27.

On the first play - Nate Allen steps in front of Sanders on the sidelne -- Picks Off - Peyton Manning -- and he runs untouched All the Way to the House TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS - Nate Allen takes a Peyton Manning pick 35 yards to the end zone -- and the Vikes slice the deficit in half.

Broncos at the 16.

1/10 - Manning to Daniels for 4.

2/6 - Manning to Hillman for 4 and a timeout.  

3/2 - Manning finds Sanders for 9, first down at the 33.

That's it - a Carl Eller sack essentially ends the half - there's a punt and a Tarkenton incompletion and we go to the locker room.

3rd Qtr

Second qtr is more of what we expected, all defense, with a Nate Allen pick 6 cutting Denver's lead to 14-7.

Broncos start at the 17.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Hillman gets 1

3/9 - Manning goes to Daniels for 17 - first down.

1/10 - Anderson for 13

1/10 - Anderson for 1

2/9 - Anderson is stacked up and Denver has another 3rd and 9.

3/9 - Again, Manning picks it up - Sanders for 16, Denver is at the Viking 40.

1/10 - Anderson for 7

2/3 - Incomplete

3/3 - Another third down - again, a pick up - Manning finding Vernon Davis for 7 yards and Denver is at the 26.

The next 3 plays net 2 yards - McManus hits the FG - Denver takes half the third quarter and extends its lead to 17-7.

Vikes start at the 25.

1/10 - Robert Miller stopped at the line.

2/10 - Miller gets a dozen.  

1/10 - McClanahan gets 2

2/8 - McClanahan loses 4 - third and a bunch.

3/12- Tarkenton hits Sammy White - 15 yards - Vikes are at midfield.

Next 3 plays net 5 yards and they kick back to Denver.  

Broncos at the 10.  2:53.  Up 17-7.

1/10 - Manning to Vernon Davis - VD has 23 yards, a penalty then knocks them back 5.

1/15 - Ronnie Hillman busts one - 49 yards -- Hillman all the way to the Viking 23 and now this crowd has to be super anxious - their Vikes haven't moved the ball - Denver's up 10, first down at the Minnesota 23 yard line.

The next 3 plays net 9 yards - as the quarter ends - Denver will have a 4th and 1 at the Viking 14.

4th Qtr -

Minnesota's only score today is the pick 6, that leaves Denver up 10 with a 4th and 1.  

They decide to kick.  It's good - and so the Vikes are now down 20-7.

Minnesota at their own 21.

1/10 - Foreman gets nothing.

2/10 - Tarkenton to McClanahan, 14 yards.

1/10 - Foreman loses 4.  

2/14 - Tarkenton finds Stu Voigt - 22 yards and the Vikes are across midfield.  

1/10 - Foreman for 12.  Vikes at the Denver 35.

The next 3 plays lose 3 yards - Minnesota has a 4th and 13 at the 38, down 20-7.

Bud Grant decides to punt.  And the Broncos have a touchback and that's just a rough 1976 decision.  

Denver gets a first down on a Hillman 8 yard run - but they're punting it back.  Vikes ball at their own 34, down 13, 7:08 to go.

1/10 - Foreman loses 3

2/13 - Miller gains 8.

3/5 - Tarkenton hits the home run - 53 yards to White -- the biggest Viking play of the day and they've got a first and goal.  

3 plays later, including a Von Miller sack - Minnesota's got a 4th and goal 

They go for it.  Tarkenton hits Ahmad Rashad with an 11 yard strike -- TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS - and now it's 20-14 Broncos.  

Broncos at the 30.  Can Minnesota get a quick stop?  4:17 left.

1/10 - Manning to Thomas for 10.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Manning to Thomas for a dozen.

1/10 - Manning to Thomas for 25 -- Kubiak decides to keep throwing here and Manning makes it count - Denver's all the way down to the 23 at the 2 minute warning.  

3 running plays later the Vikes are burning timeouts and Ronnie Hillman plunges into the endzone TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS - a 2 pt conversion makes it 28-14 with just a minute to go - Minnesota doesn't really go anywhere, the game ending on a third Von Miller sack.

Final: Broncos 28 Vikings 14

The 10th seeded Super Bowl Champion Broncos come into Minnesota and they handle the Vikes on both sides of the ball.  

Manning: 16 for 130, 165 yds, 1 TD/1 INT

Tarkenton: 13 for 27, 208 1 TD

Anderson: 11 carries, 109 yds, 1 TD

Hillman: 13 carries, 93 yds, 2 TD

Miller: 5 carries, 41 yds

Sanders: 4 catches, 50 yds

White: 4 catches, 94 yds

Miller: 3 sacks

Player of the Game: Von Miller

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 4/Round 1: 1970 Detroit Lions v. 2021 Kansas City Chiefs

'16 Patriots v. '07 Cowboys 

11. 2021 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at 6. DETROIT LIONS

6. 1970 DETROIT LIONS 

Record: 10-4

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 2nd

Def: 2nd

2nd NFC Central

Lost Div Rnd Cowboys 5-0

HC: Joe Schmidt, OC Bill McPeak, DC Jim David

Tiger Stadium: 40 degrees

Van Patrick

Offense

QB Bill Munson (29 Utah St)

RB Mel Farr (26 UCLA)

FB Altie Taylor (23 Utah St)

WR Earl McCulloch (24 USC)

WR Larry Walton (23 Ariz St)

TE Charlie Sanders (24 Minn) All Pro

LT Roger Shoals (32 Maryland)

LG Chuck Walton (29 Iowa St)

C Ed Flanagan (26 Purdue)

RG Frank Gallagher (27 UNC)

RT Rocky Freitas (25 Oregon St)

Defense

LDE Jim Mitchell (22-R Virginia St)

LDT Alex Karras (35 Iowa)

RDT Jerry Rush (28 Mich St)

RDE Larry Hand (30 App St)

LLB Paul Naumoff (25 Tenn)

MLB Mike Lucci (31 Tenn)

RLB Wayne Walker (34 Idaho)

LCB Lem Barney (25 Jack St)

RCB Dick LeBeau (33 Ohio St)

SS Mike Weger (25 B Green)

FS Wayne Rasmussen (28 S Dakota St)

K Errol Mann (29 N Dakota)

P Herman Weaver (22 Tenn)

KR Bobby Williams (28 C Oklahoma)

PR Lem Barney (25 Jack St)

Three games left in Region 4, all pitting a team from the 70s against a 21st century club.  50 years separate these two teams.  Detroit was 2nd in both offense and defense in 1970, inauspicious postseason effort sticks them in a 6th seed.  Detroit is likely to use 2 QBs, 29 year old Bill Munson and 24 year old Greg Landry; Munson threw for 10 scores, 7 picks.  The 24 year old TE Charlie Sanders is an All Pro and 26 year old Mel Farr scored 11 times.  On defense, the corners, 25 year old Lem Barney, 33 year old Dick LeBeau combined for 16 picks.  

11. 2021 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Record: 12-5

Pythag: 11-6

Off: 4th

Def: 8th

1st 

d. Steelers WC 42-21

d. Bills Div Rnd 42-36

Lost Bengals AFC Title 27-24

HC Andy Reid OC Eric Bieniemy DC Steve Spagnuolo

Offense

QB Patrick Mahomes (26 TTech)

RB Darrel Williams (26 LSU)

WR Tyreek Hill (27 W Alabama)

WR DeMarcus Robinson (27 Florida)

WR Mecole Hardman (23 UGA)

TE Travis Kelce (32 Cincinnati)

T Orlando Brown (25 Oklahoma)

G Trey Smith (22 Tennessee)

C Creed Humphrey (22 Oklahoma)

G Joe Thuney (29 NC St)

T Lucas Niang (23 TCU)

Defense

DE Frank Clark (28 Michigan)

DT Jarran Reed (29 Alabama)

DT Chris Jones (27 Miss St)

DE Michael Danna (24 Mich)

LB Nick Bolton (21 Missouri)

LB Anthony Hitchens (29 Iowa)

CB L'Jarius Sneed (24 La Tech)

CB Charvarius Ward (25 Mid Tenn St)

SS Tyrone Mathieu (29 LSU)

FS Juan Thornhill (26 UVA)

DB Daniel Sorensen (31 BYU)

K Harrison Butker (26 Geo T)

P Tommy Townsend (25 Florida)

KR Byron Pringle (28 Kansas St) 

PR Mecole Hardman (23 UGA)

The 2021 Chiefs just slide into the tournament with that 4th ranked offense; they weren't as good in 2021 as the Lions were in 1970, which is why we're headed to Detroit for this game - but the 50 years separating them and the ultramodern Mahomes attack might be too much.  Mahomes is 26, had 39 total scores and 13 picks.  He throws it to Tyreek Hill, 27, 111 receptions and Travis Kelce, 32 with 92 catches. The defense is just okay, 27 year old Chris Jones leads the way with his 9 sacks.

The ultramodern Chiefs head to Detroit to face the number 2 offense and defense from 1970.  Lets go to the kick.

1st Qtr

Chiefs start at the 34.

On the first play - Patrick Mahomes hits Clyde Edwards Helaire on a wheel route - he's got blocking - and he goes 66 yards down the sideline - to the house -- TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS - the very first play of the game - the 2021 Chiefs go 66 yards to the house and that's how this one gets started.  7-0

Lions at the 3.

1/10 - Mel Farr gets the first carry and goes for 10.

1/10 - Farr gets 1 and an offsides increases that 5.

2/4 - Altie Taylor picks it up.

1/10 - Taylor for 1.

2/9 - Farr for 3.  3rd and 6 at the Chiefs 43.  

3/6 - Bill Munson's first pass attempt of the game -he hits Earl McCullouch - it's 17 yards and the Chiefs are at the 26. 

1/10 - Farr for 1.

2/9 - Taylor for 2.  Another 3rd down.

3/7 - Munson picks it up - 22 yards to Larry Walton - he gets all the way down near the goal.

2 plays later - Mel Farr is into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN LIONS and halfway through the first quarter we are all even at 7.

Chiefs at the 19.

1/10 - A give to Edwards-Helaire.  3 yards.

2/7 - Darrel Williams goes for 18, Chiefs at the 40.

1/10 - Mahomes fires over the middle to Travis Kelce, it's 18 and the Chiefs are in Lions territory.

1/10 - 13 for Williams to the 29.

1/10 - Williams loses 2

2/12 - Edwards-Helaire gets 2.

3/11 - Mahomes picks it up - 14 yards to Tyreek Hill and the Chiefs are at the 16.

The next 3 plays lose a yard, Alex Karras getting a sack on Mahomes - Butker kicks the FG and it's 10-7.

Lions at the 39, they get two four yard runs as the qtr ends.

2nd Qtr

Number 4 offense from 2021, number 2 offense from 1970 - the first qtr was up and down the field, Lions have a 3rd and 2 near midfield, trailing 10-7.

1/10 - Taylor busts one -- 47 yards off left tackle - all the way to the KC 10.

1/goal - Farr for 8.

2/goal - Munson hits Charlie Sanders in the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN LIONS - Detroit goes in front 14-10, back and forth these two offenses go - we may get a shootout here at Tigers Stadium.  

Chiefs at the 20.  They'll get a first down on an Edwards-Helaire 9 yard run - but they need to punt, Lions starting at the 28, 10:52 left.  

1/10 - Taylor for 1

2/9 - Farr loses 3 - nice play by Chris Jones - 3rd and long -

3/12 - Munson picks it up -- 13 yards to Taylor, Lions at the 39, Lions have yet to be stopped, two drives, two scores.  

1/10 - Farr for 11.  

1/10 - Taylor gets 1

2/9 - Bill Triplett gets a carry - 22 yards - Triplett and the Lions get to the 27 yard line, an offsides moves KC up 5 yards - but 2 incompletions make it 3rd and 5 at the 22.

3/5 -Munson to Taylor - he's stopped right at the sticks - Lions with 4th and inches at the 18.

Up 4 - Joe Schmidt, the Lions legendary LB now HC -- decides to for it.

4/1 - It's a pass - they fake a Farr dive - McCullouch is open for a big gain - all the way to the Chiefs 4 yard line -- Huge, Huge Gutsy Call by Schmidt - not only do the Lions go for it on 4th down they call a pass play.

On the next play - Munson hits Farr in the endzone --- TOUCHDOWN LIONS - Detroit has had three possessions and scores 3 times - the Chiefs with no answers against this Lions offense.  21-10 Detroit.

Chiefs at the 24.  3:56.

1/10 - Mahomes to Kelce for 2.

2/8 - Incomplete

3/8 - Mahomes to Mecole Hardman for 9 yards and the first.  

1/10 - Mahomes back to Kelce, 7 yards and a 2 minute warning.  

2/3 - Mahomes goes to Hill - Chiefs moving the ball through the air - 9 yards and across midfield.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Mahomes going over the top - it's Hardman - 30 yards to the Lions 19 and the Chiefs are stopping the clock with 90 seconds left.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Mahomes finds Hill - 12 yard gain - first down - Chiefs stop the clock again with a little over a minute left, first and goal.  

On the second play - Edwards-Helaire is into the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS - Mahomes drives right down the field, 76 yards in less than 3 minutes and cuts the deficit to 21-17.

Lions start back at their 11 - they go 3 and out, KC using their last timeout - a big sack by Chris Jones puts Detroit deep, deep in the shadow of their own goal when they punt.

The Chiefs get the ball back with just a few seconds left at the Lions 35 - Butker comes on and kicks a 52 yard FG -- KC scores 10 points in the last minute of the first half and it's 21-20.

Third Qtr

Tremendous first half, Lions rolling three times right down the field for scores, Chiefs scoring on the first play of the half and then twice more in the last minute.  21-20 Detroit.

Lions start at the 26.

Mel Farr takes the opening play 56 yards -- all the way to the Chiefs 18 yard line.  Detroit busts out a 56 yard run to open the third quarter.

After going back 5 - Munson goes to Taylor for 21.

On the next play - Taylor is into the endzone.  TOUCHDOWN LIONS  - we are less than 2 minutes into the half -0 Detroit now up 28-20.

Chiefs at the 34.  On the second play - Mahomes is Picked Off by Dick LeBeau - LeBeau picks off Mahomes and Detroit starts at the Lions 32.  

3 and out - they lise 6 yards on a Frank Clark sack.  Lions punt - Chiefs at the 18.

So, the pick doesn't haunt the Chiefs - they get the ball back, down 8.

3 and out.  

Lions at the 40.  

On the first play - Munson goes vertical - we thought we might see both Munson and Landry today - but Munson just keeps rolling along -- 50 yards to Sanders - a real home run shot by Munson all the way to the Chiefs 10 yard line.

On the next play - Munson to Larry Walton -- TOUCHDOWN LIONS - Detroit has been both methodical and explosive - the Lions offense just torrential - and they lead the Chiefs 35-20-, KC ball at the 29, 6:54 left in the third.

1/10 - Mahomes to Blake Bell - 13 yards.

1/10 - Mahomes 10 yards to Hill.  Chiefs across midfield.  

1/10 - Edwards-Helaire for 3.

2/7 - Edwards-Helaire for 4.

3/3 - Williams loses a yard.  4th and 4 at the 41.  Reid's going for it.

4/4 - Mahomes is flushed - he runs - he's going to get 8 yards and pick up the first down to the Lions 33.

1/10 - Derrick Gore gets a carry and goes for 13 - first down for the Chiefs at the 20.

1/10 - Edwards-Helaire for 14.

1/goal - Mahomes finds Kelce - TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS - the Chiefs cut the deficit to 8 as the quarter ends.

4th Qtr

Region 4 has been fun, that last second Rams win, the 14/3 upset - we got one here, Lions up 35-27 as we start the 4th qtr.  Lions at the 27.

1/10 - Taylor for 1.

2/9 - Taylor for 6

3/3 - Triplett for 8, first down.

1/10 - Farr gets 2

2/8 - Incomplete, another 3rd down

3/8 - It's a give to Taylor, he breaks it - Taylor goes 28 yards all the way to the Chiefs 8 and now with 11:25 left, Lions up 8 and driving again, all running plays on the drive. 

1/10 - Farr gets 5

2/5 - Steve Owens, the rookie from Oklahoma, gets his first carry, it's a yard.

3/4 - Triplett gets close to the sticks - but is just short.

So - 4th and inches - Lions up 8, do you go for it - do you kick the 36 yard FG --

Schmidt decides to kick --- and Mann misses it.

Huge - Huge - Huge spot there.  The Lions go conservative - and then miss the kick.

Chiefs take over at their own 26.  9:29.  35-27  Lions.

1/10 - Mahomes is sacked by Wayne Walker.

2/14 - Mahomes going downfield -- Mahomes going downfield -- it's Hardman - 55 yards!  Mahomes with the monster shot - 55 yards to Hardman and the Chiefs are at the Lions 23.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Gore for 7

3/3 - Williams picks it up - Chiefs at the Lions 13, 7 minutes left.

1/10- Edwards-Helaire gets 1.

2/9 - Mahomes rolling out - Mahomes firing to the endzone - Darrel Williams  - TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS!!  TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS!!  

Kansas City down 35-33 -- and they're going for 2.  

It's a planned run for Mahomes -- he stretches ---- MAHOMES IS IN - WE ARE TIED AT 35!!!!!

Lions ball at their own 14.  5:42.  35-35.  Super fun.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Munson to Taylor for 7.  Lions with 3rd down.

3/3 - Taylor gets 7 and the first.  Lions at the 29.

1/10 - Farr gets 2

2/8 - Munson finds Chuck Hughes -- 20 yards and a first down!  This 1970 Detroit crowd roars its approval - Lions across midfield.  3 minutes left in the game. 

1/10 - Munson downfield - Larry Walton -- 24 yards - Lions at the 25!

1/10 - Taylor gets 4 and we're at the 2 minute warning. 

2/6 - Pitch to Mel Farr -- and he breaks it -- Mel Farr is going to go!  TOUCHDOWN LIONS - Detroit drives 85 yards and takes a 42-35 lead on the 21 yard Farr TD run.  

Chiefs at the 28.  1:47 left. Can Mahomes bring them down the field?

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Mahomes to Williams, 7 yards.

3/3 - Incomplete and now it's 4th and 3.  Here we go.  

4/3 - Mahomes to Williams -- he's got it.  5 yards.  Chiefs at the 40 and they stop the clock with a minute to go.  

1/10 - Mahomes to Bell - a dozen yards and he's out of bounds across midfield.

1/10 - Huge Alex Karras sack - Chiefs lose 8 yards and half to stop the clock.  

2/18 - Mahomes to Hill, 10 yards - out of bounds, KC at the Detroit 46 with 30 seconds to go.  3rd and 8.

3/8 - Incomplete

So - here it is - 23 seconds left.  4th and 8 at the Lions 46.  Chiefs down 8, they have one timeout left.

Mahomes drops back - Mahomes has time -- Mahomes looking downfield for Hardman - Mahomes throws ---

----knocked down by Lem Barney and it's done.  It is done.  

Victory formation for Munson  and the game has ended.

Final: Lions 42 Chiefs 35

Terrific shootout here in 1970 Detroit, it's the Lions who score last - Munson over Mahomes and Detroit moves on to face the '07 Cowboys.

Munson: 13 for 16, 207 yards, 3 TD

Mahomes: 20 for 33, 309 yds, 3 TD/1 INT

Farr: 16 carries, 134 yds, 3 TD

Taylor: 15 carries, 97 yards, 4 catches, 45 yds, 1 TD

Edwards Helaire 11 carries, 43 yds, 1 catch, 66 yds, 2 TD

Walton: 3 catches, 56 yds 1 TD

Hardman: 3 catches, 94 yds

Karras: 2 sacks

Player of the Game: Mel Farr