9. 2007 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at 1. 1985 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION CHICAGO BEARS
1. 1985 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION CHICAGO BEARS
Record: 15-1
Pythag: 14-2
Off: 2nd
Def: 1st
1st NFC North
d. Giants Div Rnd 21-0
d. Rams NFC Title 24-0
d. Patriots Super Bowl 46-10
d. '61 Giants 9-3 (Richard Dent - PotG)
HC: Mike Ditka, OC: Ed Hughes, DC: Buddy Ryan
Soldier Field 45 degrees
Wayne Larrivee/Dick Butkus/Jim Hart
Offense
QB Jim McMahon (26 BYU) 15 td/ 11 int 56.9% 7.6 y/a 184 y/g 82.6 3 td rush
RB Walter Payton (31 Jackson St) All Pro 1551 yds 4.8 y/a 49 catch, 483 yds 9.9 y/rec 11 TD
FB Matt Suhey (27 Penn St) 471 yds 4.1 y/c 33 rec 295 yds 8.9 y/c 2 TD
WR Willie Gault (25 Tennessee) 33 catch, 704 yds 21.3 y/c 1 TD
WR Dennis McKinnon (24 Florida St) 31 catch, 555 yds 17.9 y/c 7 TD
TE Emery Moorehead (31 Colorado) 35 catch, 481 yds 13.7 y/c 1 TD
LT Jimbo Covert (25 Pitt) All Pro
LG Mark Bortz (24 Iowa)
C Jay Hilgenberg (26 Iowa)
RG Tom Thayer (24-R N Dame)
RT Keith Van Horne (28 USC)
Defense
LDE Dan Hampton (28 Arkansas) 6.5 scks
LDT Steve McMichael (28 Texas) All Pro 8 scks
RDT William Perry (23 - R Clemson) 5 sacks
RDE Richard Dent (25 Tenn St) All Pro 2 int 17 sacks
LLB Otis Wilson (28 Louisville) 3 int 10.5 scks
MLB Mike Singletary (27 Baylor) All Pro int 3 scks
RLB Wilber Marshall (23 Florida) 4 int 6 scks
LCB Mike Richardson (24 Ariz St) 4 int
RCB Leslie Frazier (26 Alcorn St) 6 int
SS Dave Duerson (25 N Dame) 5 int 2 scks
FS Gary Fencik (31 Yale) 5 int
K Kevin Butler (23 UGA)
P Maury Buford (25 TTech)
KR Willie Gault (25 Tennessee) TD
PR Ken Taylor (22 Ore St)
3 All Pros on defense, 28 year old Mongo McMichael, who had 8 sacks; 25 year old Richard Dent with 17 sacks; and the leader of the defense, 27 year old Mike Singletary. Chicago also had the second best offense in '85; Jim McMahon's 26, 15 scores (and 3 on the ground) 11 picks. Two All Pros; the left tackle, 25 year old Jimbo Covert and the legendary 31 year old Walter Payton, who ran for 1551 yards. The Bears are now 19-1 after beating the '61 Giants 9-3, they look to become the first NFL team with 20 wins here.
9. 2007 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
Record: 11-5
Pythag: 11-5
1st AFC West
Off: 5th
Def: 5th
d. Titans WC 17-6
d. Colts Div Rnd 28-24
Lost AFC Title Patriots 21-12
d. '19 49ers 31-14 (LaDainian Tomlinson - PotG)
HC: Norv Turner, OC Clarence Shelmon, DC Ted Cottrell
Offense
QB Philip Rivers (26 NC St) 21 TD/15 int 60.2% 6.9 y/a 197 y/g 82.4
RB LaDainian Tomlinson (28 TCU) All Pro 1474 yds 4.7 y/c 60 catch, 475 yds 7.9 y/c 18 TD (+1 passing)
FB Lorenzo Neal (37 Fresno St) All Pro 32 yds 2.5 y/a 8 catch, 23 yds 2.9 y/c TD
WR Vincent Jackson (24 No Colorado) 41 catch, 623 yds 15.2 y/c 3 TD
WR Chris Chambers (29 Wisc) 35 catch, 555 yds 15.9 y/c 4 TD
TE Antonio Gates (27 Kent) 75 catch 984 yds 13.1 y/c 9 TD
LT Marcus McNeil (24 Auburn)
LG Kris Dielman (26 Indiana)
C Nick Hardwick (26 Purdue)
RG Mike Goff (31 Iowa)
RT Shane Olivea (26 Ohio St)
Defense
LDE Igor Olshansky (25 Oregon) int 3.5 scks
NT Jamal Williams (31 Oklahoma St)
RDE Luis Castillo (24 Nwestern) 2.5 sack
LOLB Shaun Phillips (26 Purdue) 2 int 8.5 sacks
LILB Stephen Cooper (28 Maine) 2 int 2 sacks
RILB Matt Wilhelm (28 Ohio St) 3 int sack
ROLB Shawn Merriman (23 Maryland) 12.5 sacks
LCB Quentin Jammer (28 Texas) int
RCB Antonio Cromartie (23 Fla St) 10 int
SS Clinton Hart (30 Cen Florida CC) 5 int sack
FS Marlon McCree (30 Kentucky) 3 int
K Nate Kaeding (25 Iowa)
P Matt Scifres (27 W. Illinois)
KR/PR Darren Sproles (24 Kansas St) 2 TD
The '07 Chargers were top 5 in offense and defense, losing in the AFC Title game. Rivers is 26, threw for 21 scores and 15 picks. Both backs are All Pros, Lorenzo Neal, the fullback, is 37 and Tomlinson's right in his prime, 28 years old, ran for over 1400 yards. On defense, Lights Out Merriman is 23, Shaun Phillips, 26, they combined for 21 sacks. The Chargers rolled through the '19 Niners in round 1, Tomlinson rushing for nearly 200 yards w/ 3 TDs, they will need another all time performance to get past the second overall seeded Bears. Ron Rivera is on both sides of this one, he's a 23 year old backup LB for the Bears -- he's the LB coach for the Chargers.
We're going to a chilly Soldier Field, it's region 2, round 2 - Chicago is favored by 14.
1st Qtr:
Willie Gault takes the kick back to the 42.
1/10 Matt Suhey gets the first carry, two yards.
2/8 - Give to Walter Payton, 1 yd.
3/7 - Jim McMahon goes to Payton out in the flat, Payton makes his way to the first down at the Charger 46.
1/10 - Payton for 1.
2/9 - Suhey's gang tackled in the backfield for a loss of 4.
3/13 - McMahon hits Dennis McKinnon in stride, McKinnon with a step, he's got a first down at the Charger 31.
1/10 - Payton stopped at the line.
2/11 - Payton again stopped at the line.
3/11 - McMahon finds Kenny Margerum for a 14 yard pickup to the 18.
1/10 - McMahon to Margerum again, 7 yards to the 11.
2/3 - McMahon -- End Zone --- PICKED OFF by Antonio Cromartie! Cromartie intercepts McMahon in the end zone, he attempts to run out, tackled at the 2 - it's not a touchback, the Chargers will be starting at the 2. A 7 minute drive ends with an interception.
1/10 - LaDainian Tomlinson fights for 8 yards.
2/2 - Philip Rivers downfield - he finds Vincent Jackson, it's a 24 yard pickup - the Chargers are at their own 33.
That's it - after the punt, the Bears take over at the 28.
3 and out. Chargers at the 35.
3 and out. Bears at the 24.
1/10 - Payton stopped at the line.
2/12 - McMahon -- McMahon going deep -- McMahon to the rookie James Maness -- big play - a 39 yard strike - the Bears are at the Chargers 39 yard line - and the qtr expires.
2nd Qtr: Bears 0 Chargers 0
Chargers are heavy, heavy underdogs so they have to be a little heartened by where they are now; Bears at the 39.
They don't move the ball - Chicago punts - Chargers start at the 12.
1/10- Rivers to Jackson. 4 yards.
2/6 - Rivers to Craig Davis; 11 yards to the 27.
1/10 - Rivers to Tomlinson out of the backfield - Tomlinson with a step -- Tomlinson gets the corner -- LADAINIAN TOMLINSON TURNS THE CORNER -- TOMLINSON TO MIDFIE -- TOMLINSON TO THE 40 -- TOMLINSON OUTRUNNING THE CHICAGO DEFENSE --- TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS -- LaDainian Tomlinson with a remarkable play, outrunning the entire Chicago defense, it's a 73 yard TD play - the Chargers go up 7-0.
Bears at the 34 - on the third play McMahon is PICKED OFF by Clinton Hart -- the Chargers with their second interception -- the Chargers at the Chicago 43 yard line!
3 and out. Bears get the ball back at the 15.
1/10 - Payton for 2.
2/8 - McMahon to McKinnon, 12 yards and a first down, false start then makes it first and 15.
That ends the drive - Lights Out Merriman with a sack - and with 5 and a half minutes left in the half, the Chargers get the ball at the 35.
1/10 - Tomlinson 3 yards.
2/7 - Rivers to Tomlinson, 2 yards.
3/5 - 9 yard Tomlinson run - Tomlinson first down - Tomlinson doing it all for San Diego.
1/10 - Michael Turner powers his way for a 15 yard gain, the Chargers are at the Chicago 36 yard line, a false start then makes it 1st and 15.
1/15 - Tomlinson for 2.
2/13 - Rivers over the mid -- PICKED OFF by Wilber Marshall - Marshall intercepts Rivers -the Bears take over with a little more than 2 left in the half at their own 37.
3 and out including the second Merriman sack - 2 sacks and 2 picks - the Charger defense the story here in the first half against the top seeds in region 2.
Darren Sproles returns the kick out to the San Diego 47, they take over at 1:10 left in the half.
1/10 Tomlinson gets a yard.
2/9 - 6 for Tomlinson, Chargers use their second timeout.
3/3 - Rivers to Turner, a dozen yards to the Bear 34 and a first down.
1/10 - Incomplete
2/10 - Rivers in trouble, dumps to Brandon Manumaleuna, couple yards and he's out of bounds.
3/8 - Rivers -- Rivers to Antonio Gates -- and Gates has a step -- Antonio Gates rumbling -- Antonio Gates dragged down at the 6 yard line! The Chargers use their final time out, 11 seconds left in the half -- first down for the Chargers at the Chicago 6 yard line.
1/goal - Rivers -- End Zone ------- Incomplete
Just 3 seconds left - Kaeding hits the chip shot FG -- and it is halftime.
Third Qtr: Chargers 10 Bears 0
We've got a stunner; the top seed in the region trails 10-0, that huge catch and run by Tomlinson and a couple of big interceptions -- the Chargers are shutting out the vaunted '85 Bears here in round 2. A Stunner.
Darren Sproles continues to give San Diego field position, runs it out to the 45.
1/10 - Incomplete
2/10 - Incomplete
3/10 - Rivers hits Craig Davis again, the rookie has a 17 yard pickup - the Chargers at the Bear 38.
The drive dies here, Mongo McMichael and Dan Hampton with back to back sacks and after the punt, Bears at the 13.
3and out. Chargers to start at the Chicago 48.
On third down - Leslie Frazier - PICKS OFF - Rivers - that's the second Bear INT, Frazier intercepts Rivers and Chicago takes over at their own 39.
3 and out. Chargers get the ball back at the 21.
3 and out. Bears ball at the 32. Nearly halfway through the third.
1/10 - Payton for 4.
2/6 - Incomplete
3/6 - McMahon to Suhey...Suhey dragging Charger defenders along...he will be just short of the first down, 4th and 1 at the Bears own 42.
Ditka's gonna go for it. So - that's where we are - It's 10-0 Chargers, less than 7 to go in the third, Bears with 4th and 1 at their own 42. Huge play here.
4/1 - Give to Payton -- Payton's through - WALTER PAYTON BUSTS THROUGH THE LINE AND HE IS GONE -- WALTER PAYTON IS GONE -- TOUCHDOWN BEARS -- Walter Payton goes 58 yards on a 4th down and Chicago is back in the football game! A huge run here by Payton.
Chargers ball at the 33 - Richard Dent gets an enormous sack - Rivers is shaken up but stays on, the Chargers go 3 and out, losing 8 yards on the drive.
Bears ball at their own 34.
1/10 Suhey for 4.
2/6 - McMahon forced to run, he gets 2.
3/4 - McMahon finds Willie Gault - it's a 13 yard pickup and Chicago crosses midfield.
The drive ends here - Chicago putns, San Diego will start at their own 7.
1/10- Lorenzo Neal gets a rare carry, 11 yard pickup.
The drive ends here - the final play of the qtr is a punt - Bear ball at their own 45.
4th Qtr: Chargers 10 Bears 7
Each team has 2 picks, 2 sacks and a huge, electrifying play from their future Hall of Fame superstar running back. Chicago trails but will start this drive at their own 45.
On the second play - Antonio Cromartie Picks Off McMahon -- that's the second Cromarite INT of the game - the Chargers have the ball at the Chicago 48.
1/10 - Tomlinson 9 yard run.
2/1 - Incomplete
3/1 - Tomlinson picks ot up, Chargers at the 36.
1/10 - incomplete
2/10 - incomplete
3/10 - Otis Wilson hammers Rivers -- FUMBLE -- Otis Wilson with the sack - Rivers can't hang on - the Bears take over at their own 42 yard line!
12 minutes left. Chargers by 3.
1/10 - McMahon to Payton, 10 yards and the Bears cross midfield.
But thats it - the drive ends - and now with 9 and a half minutes to go, the Chargers regain possession at their own 8.
3 and out - Bears to take over again at their own 48, a holding call on the first play makes it 1st and 20.
1/20 - Suhey for 1.
2/19 - McMahon in trouble, scampers out of bounds.
3/17 - McMahon -- goes downfield -- hits a streaking Gault -- Gault to the Charger 28, it's a 31 yard strike from McMahon to Gault - 7 minutes left in the football game, Bears have a first down at the San Diego 28. it is getting cold, bitterly cold here at Soldier Field. Snow falling, wind howling.
The Bears drive ends - Kevin Butler comes on for what sure seems like a very challenging 40 yard FG attempt --- 40 yards in conditions - 5 minutes left - this is a big spot - Bears can tie the game here with the Butler field goal.
Snap. Kick.
GOOOOOOOOD!!!!! Kevin Butler hits a wobbly 40 yard FG in the teeth of the wind and with less than 5 minutes remaining in regulation this game is tied.
Chargers at the 11.
1/10 - Incomplete
2/10 - Tomlinson goes for 10.
1/10 - Tomlinson goes for 12, Chargers first down at the 33, 3 minutes left in a tied game.
1/10 - Tomlinson for 11 - they know it's coming - maybe the greatest defense ever - and still LaDainian Tomlinson just ripping off big gains, the Chargers are at the 44 yard line. 3 minutes left.
1/10 - Incomplete
2/10 - 1 for Tomlinson.
3/9 - Rivers - to Gates --- PICKED OFF - Mike Singletary PICKS OFF - Phil Rivers; it's Chicago's 3rd INT and with less than 2 minutes left, the Bears take over at their own 49. Huge play - 3 picks, a forced fumble, 3 sacks -- and with less than 2 to play the Bears take over at their own 49.
1/10 - McMahon -- looking to pass, but can't find a man and picks up 2.
2/8 - Incomplete
3/8 - McMahon --- can't find a man -- McMahon -- HE'S HIT BY MERRIMAN -- FUMBLE -- FUMBLE -- THE CHARGERS RECOVER! 3 sacks for Merriman - 2 INTs for San Diego - there's 51 seconds left, the Chargers are at their own 46, we are tied at 10. Winner moves to the first region 2 semi-final, loser goes home.
1/10 - Incomplete
2/10 - Tomlinson...Tomlinson busts another 11 yard gain and goes out of bounds -- San Diego at the Chicago 43 yard line with 39 seconds left. Chargers still with 2 timeouts.
1/10 - Rivers...Rivers in trouble, scampers out of bounds, 27 seconds left, Chargers at the 41.
2/8 - Incomplete
3/8 - Rivers...Rivers is SACKED by Otis Wilson -- and that will end regulation, it's the 6th Chicago sack and Wilson's second. 6 sacks, 3 picks for the Chicago defense today and we head to sudden death OT.
OT: Bears 10 Chargers 10
Sudden death, it's now the top overall seeded '07 Patriots got bounced, they never saw the ball in OT. Conditions have really worsened here - snow, wind, frigid cold - there won't be a tie, there must be a winner.
The Chargers win the toss. They take over at the 26.
3 and out.
Bears at the 30.
1/10 - Payton --- And Payton has daylight - Walter Payton 20 yard gain to midfield!
1/10 - McMahon to Suhey, he picks up 5.
2/5 - Payton stopped at the line. Big third down.
3/5 - McMahon out to Payton - Payton busting tackles -- Payton busting tackles -- Walter Payton is all the way to the Charger 26 yard line! 19 yards from McMahon to Payton and now Chicago has a first down at the Charger 26!
1/10 - It's a give to the rookie, Thomas Sanders -- and Sanders busts out a 15 yard pickup! Thomas Sanders, his first carry of the tournament - 15 yards and the Bears are at the San Diego 11 yard line!!!
1/10- Payton for 4.
2/6 - Payton is stopped.
3/6 - Sanders is stopped.
Here comes Butler - 4th down - it's a chip shot, just 24 yards, but in these conditions nothing is certain. If he hits it - it's over.
Snap.
Hold.
Kick.
.....GOOOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!! GOOOOOOODDDDDD!!!!!!!!!! GOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin Butler with the 24 yard field goal and the Chicago Bears survive and advance.
Final: Bears 13 Chargers 10
The Chicago defense won this one, 3 picks and a half dozen sacks, the '85 Bears have played two nail biting games in the tournament and they will move on to host the winners of the next game, the '68 Chiefs v. '15 Seahawks.
McMahon: 15 for 30 218 yds 2 INT
Rivers: 10 for 40 190 yds 3 INT
Payton: 23 carries, 98 yds TD 3 catches 36 yds
Tomlinson: 22 carries, 103 yds, 2 catches, 75 yds TD
McKinnon: 3 catches, 33 yds
Gates: 2 catches, 46 yds
Wilson: 2 sacks, forced fumble
Player of the Game: Otis Wilson
