256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 6/Round 1: 1986 New York Giants v. 1971 Minnesota Vikings

 '53 Browns v. '21 Patriots

14. 1971 MINNESOTA VIKINGS at 3. 1986 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS

3. 1986 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS

Record: 14-2

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 8th

Def: 2nd

1st NFC East

d. Niners Div Rnd 49-3

d. Redskins NFC Title 17-0

d. Broncos Super Bowl 39-20

HC Bill Parcells OC Ron Erhardt DC Bill Belichick

Jim Gordon/Dick Lynch

Giants Stadium: 45 degrees

Offense:

QB Phil Simms (31 Morehead)

RB Joe Morris (26 Syracuse) All Pro

FB Maurice Carthon (25 Ark St)

WR Bobby Johnson (25 Kansas)

WR Stacy Robinson (24 N Dak St)

TE Mark Bavaro (23 N Dame) All Pro

LT Brad Benson (31 Penn St)

LG Billy Ard (27 Wake)

C Bart Oates (28 BYU)

RG Chris Godfrey (28 Mich)

RT Karl Nelson (26 Iowa St)

Defense

LDE George Martin (33 Ore)

NT Jim Burt (27 Miami)

RDE Leonard Marshall (25 LSU)

LOLB Carl Banks (24 Mich St)

LILB Gary Reasons (24 NW St)

RILB Harry Carson (33 S Carol St)

ROLB Lawrence Taylor (27 UNC) All Pro

LCB Mark Collins (22-R C-St Fullerton)

RCB Perry Williams (25 NC St)

SS Kenny Hill (28 Yale)

FS Terry Kinard (27 Clemson)

K Raul Allegre (27 Texas)

P Sean Landeta (24 Towson) All Pro

KR/PR Phil McConkey (29 Navy)

Bottom half of Region 6 starts with the third seed, the '86 Super Bowl Champs with the 2nd best defense in the league, LT is 27, All Pro, he and 25 year old Leonard Marshall combined for 32.5 sacks.  The offense is okay, Phil Simms is 31, 22 total scores, 22 picks. 26 year old Joe Morris was an All Pro, 15 scores and over 1500 rushing. 23 year old Mark Bavaro and 24 year old Sean Landeta also earned first team All Pro status. Giants looking to advance their first team into Rnd 2.

14. 1971 MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Record: 11-3

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 18th

Def: 1st

1st NFC Central

Lost Div Rnd Cowboys 20-12

HC Bud Grant OC Jerry Burns DC Neill Armstrong

Offense

QB Gary Cuozzo (30 UVA)

RB Clint Jones (26 Mich St)

FB Dave Osborn (28 N Dakota)

WR Bob Grim (26 Ore St)

WR Gene Washington (27 Mich St)

TE Stu Voigt (23 Wisc)

LT Grady Alderman (33 Det Mercy)

LG Ed White (24 Cal)

C Mick Tingelhoff (31 Nebraska)

RG Milt Sunde (29 Minn)

RT Ron Yary (25 USC) All Pro

Defense

LDE Carl Eller (29 Minn) All Pro

LDT Gary Larsen (31 Concordia-Moorhead)

RDT Alan Page (26 N Dame) All Pro

RDE Jim Marshall (34 Ohio St)

LLB Roy Winston (31 LSU)

MLB Carl Gersbach (24 W Chester)

RLB Wally Hilgenberg (29 Iowa)

LCB Charlie West (25 UTEP)

RCB Ed Sharockman (32 Pitt)

SS Karl Kassulke (30 Drake)

FS Paul Krause (29 Iowa)

K Fred Cox (33 Pitt)

P Bob Lee (25 Pacific)

KR/PR Charlie West (25 UTEP)

The Vikes are on the wrong end of this 3/14 matchup; the '70 Vikes have already advanced.  Strong defense, of course, best in the league and we are really likely to get a defensive battle from Giants Stadium today.  Carl Eller's 29, Alan Page 26, both All Pros from the People Eaters.  We might see multiple QBs today, Gary Cuozzo will start, 30 years old, 6 scores and 8 picks. 25 year old Ron Yary is an All Pro.

We go to the Meadowlands for the kick.

1st Qtr

Giants start at the 37.

1/10 - Phil Simms going downfield on the first play of the game - 24 yards to Mark Bavaro - big strike.  

But that's all - 3 plays net 2 yards and the Giants punt.  

Vikes at the 9.

1/10 - Clint Jones loses 5.

2/15 - Jones loses 2 more and it's 3rd and 17 at the 2.

3/17 - Gary Cuozzo picks it up - 19 yards to Al Denson - Vikes out to the 21.

1/10 - Give to Dave Osborn -- he is met with a Thump by Harry Carson -- Fumble -- the Giants take over at the Viking 27.  

1/10 - Simms finds Stacy Robinson for 16.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Joe Morris takes a pitch right - through the line -- scoots all the way to the endzone TOUCHDOWN GIANTS - Harry Carson forces a quick fumble, Joe Morris is into the endzone and the Giants go up 7-0.

Vikes at the 18.

1/10 - Jones loses 4 more - the Giants really dominating the line of scrimmage.

2/14 - Jones for 2

3/12 - Cuozzo again with a long third down conversion, 17 yards to Bob Grim.

But that's it - nothing on the next 3 plays and after the punt the Giants take over at their own 40.

1/10 - Simms starts each drive so far by throwing it downfield - this one to Phil McConkey for 17.

1/10 - Simms keeps firing - 18 to Bobby Johnson - Giants at the 28.

1/10 - Simms to Bavaro, short.  3 yards.

2/7 - Morris gets 1.

3/6 Simms to Morris in the flat, Morris makes a mad miss - Joe Morris for a dozen to the Viking 15 yard line.

The drive stalls - short FG for Raul Allegre makes it 10-0.

Vikes start at the 19 - one play before the quarter ends, Cuoozo to Grim for 20 yards.

2nd Qtr

Giants have it all going on both sides of the ball in the first qtr - the passing game especially effective.  Vikes at their own 39, first down.

1/10 - Osborn stopped at the line.

2/10 - Oscar Reed for 2.

3/8 - Cuozzo hits Gene Washington for 28, Vikes doing a good job picking up third and longs through big air strikes.  

The next 3 plays net 3 yards - Fred Cox hits the 45 yard FG and it's 10-3.

Giants at the 37.

1/10 - Morris gets 4.

2/6 - Incomplete

3/6 - Morris again, he gets 10 and the Giants are across midfield.

That's all - NYG gets 7 more but then punts.  Vikes at the 14.  

The Vikes lose 6 yards on the drive, LT getting the third down sack.  Vikes have to punt from their 8.  

NY starts from the Minnesota 38.  5:34 left.  

3 and out - Allegre hits the 49 yard FG and it's 13-3 NY.  Viking defense doing a nice job in the 2nd.

Vikes at the 31.

3 plays lose 8 yards. A second LT sack.  And the Giants will be starting at their own 39, right after the 2 minute warning.

1/10 - Morris gets 4, goes out of bounds.  

2/6 - Simms finds Stacy Robinson for 9 yards, the Giants cross midfield.

1/10 - Simms over the middle to Bavaro -- Intercepted by Paul Krause -- Krause is down at the Viking 48 - Vikes take over with a minute left.

1/10 - Cuozzo sacked again, Leonard Marshall gets him, Vikes stop clock.

2/14 - Cuozzo goes deep - huge strike - 41 yards to Voigt - he's out of bounds at the Giants 15 yard line, big play.

And that's all - the next 3 plays lose 5 yards, Leonard Marshall gets his second sack - and then Fred Cox misses the FG as the half ends.

Third Qtr

Giants up 13-3, seems unlikely the Vikes can move the ball enough against the Giants defense to make up much more than this deficit.

Vikes start at the 30.

And after 3 downs, they're at the 24, losing 6 yards on the Carl Banks sack.  That's 5 sacks and a fumble.  

Giants start at the Viking 46.  

3 and out.  Minnesota defense keeping them in the game.  

Vikes at the 14.

They get a couple first downs, 11 yard Cuozzo to Voigt, 9 yard Osborn run - but Banks gets his second sack and the Vikes punt from their own 33.

Giants at the 38.

1/10 - Gary Larsen gets Minnesota's first sack, 7 yards.

2/17 - Morris for 2

3/15 - Simms hits McConkey over the middle - 27 yards to the Viking 40.  They go back 5 on a false start.

1/15 - Maurice Carthon gets a yard.

2/14 - 6 for Morris.

3/8- Simms picks it up - 10 yards to Bavaro and the Giants are at the 28.

1/10 - Simms to Morris for 11 - Giants at the Viking 17.

The drive stalls there - another Allegre FG makes it 16-3.

Vikes at the 19.

1/10 - Jones gets 18 - the next two plays net 4 yards as the qtr ends.

4th Qtr

6 Giants sacks, the Vikings just can't move the ball, they trail 16-3, with a 3rd and 6 from their own 41.

3/6 - Cuozzo picks it up - 16 to Washington to the 43.

1/10 - Cuozzo 11 to Osborn and the Vikes have their best drive of the day, they're at the Giants 32.

1/10 - Cint Jones off tackle right- following Ron Yary -- Jones breaks it outside -- and Jones Is Gonna Go!  Clint Jones is gonna go!  32 yards into the End Zone - TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS - Clint Jones is into the endzone and now the Giants lead is cut to 6.  

Giants ball at the 24.  They get a first down - Simms to Bavaro for 17.  

But thats it - they punt from midfield - the Vikes regain at the 12, 9:34 remaining.

3 and out. Giants don't allow the Vikes anything here and after the punt the Giants take over just inside Viking territory.

They get a first down on  a12 yard pass to Bavaro - the drive ends at the Viking 25 - Raul Allegre comes on -- 42 yard FG here would maybe put this one out of reach...

.....and it's good.

Allegre right down the middle and it's 19-10.  Vikes get a good return though - they are at their own 41, 4:32 left.  They need two scores.

4 plays net zero yards.  

And that should be that.  The Vikes scored that TD with 9 and a half left but don't have a first down on two drives subsequent, Giants regain at the Viking 39.

3 and out.  After the punt the Vikes take over at the 19.  2:13 left.  

4 plays lose 9 yards, Harry Carson getting New York's 7th sack. Giants regain at the Viking 7 yard line with 1:40 left.  

The Giants run the ball into the line - burning all the Vikes timeouts - at 38 seconds left Allegre kicks the short FG and it's 22-10.

Vikes will through a couple of incomplete passes and the game is over.  

Final: Giants 22 Vikes 10

Minnesota had the one drive to start the quarter, getting within a score - but 7 sacks and a forced fumble by the Giants defense was the story in this one. 

Simms: 14 for 23, 184 yds, 1 INT

Cuozzo: 12 for 24, 110

Morris: 22 for 61, 1 TD

Jones: 15 for 47, 1 TD

Bavaro: 5 catches, 60 yds

Voigt: 2 catches, 50 yds

Allegre: 5 FGs

Taylor/Carson/Banks: 2 sacks

Player of the Game: Raul Allegre

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 6/Round 1: 1953 Cleveland Browns v. 2021 New England Patriots

'52 Lions v. '82 Dolphins 

13. 2021 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS at 4. 1953 CLEVELAND BROWNS

4. 1953 CLEVELAND BROWNS

Record: 11-1

Pythag: 10-2

Off: 4th

Def: 1st

1st NFL East

Lost NFL Title Lions 17-16

HC: Paul Brown

Municipal Stadium: 45 degrees

Offense

QB Otto Graham (32 All Pro)

RB Chick Jagade (27)

RB Ken Carpenter (27)

RB Dub Jones (29)

WR Pete Brewster (23)

WR Dante Lavelli (30) 

LT Lou Groza (29 All Pro)

LG Abe Gibron (28)

C Frank Gatski (34 All Pro)

RG Chuck Noll (21-R)

RT John Sandusky (28)

Defense

LDE Doug Atkins (23-R)

LDT Don Colo (28)

MG Bill Willis (32 All Pro)

RDT Derrell Palmer (31)

RDE Len Ford (27 All Pro)

LLB Walt Michaels (24)

RLB Tommy Thompson (26 All Pro)

LCB Warren Lahr (30)

RCB Tommy James (30)

LS Ken Gorgal (24)

RS Ken Konz (25)

K Lou Groza (29)

P Horace Gillom (32)

KR Ken Carpenter (27)

PR Billy Reynolds (22)

Let's rewind to Region 3: 10th seeded 1960 Browns 50 7th seeded 2003 Patriots 14; back up 7 years and fast forward 18 and there's this game.  The '53 Browns had the top defense in the league with 3 All Pros, 32 year old Bill Willis, 27 year old Len Ford, 26 year old Tommy Thompson.  The offense is just okay - 32 year old Otto Graham is an All Pro, 17 scores, 9 picks. 2 linemen are also All Pros, Lou Groza's 29, Frank Gatski's 34. The Browns are going to run the ball over and over again in this one.

13. 2021 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Record: 10-7

Pythag: 12-5

Off: 6th

Def: 2nd

2nd AFC East

Lost Bills WC 47-17

HC Bill Belichick OC Josh McDaniels 

Offense

QB Mac Jones (23 Alabama)

RB Damien Harris

WR Jakobi Meyers

WR Nelson Agholor 

WR Kendrick Bourne

TE Hunter Henry 

T Isaiah Wynn 

G Shaq Mason

C David Andrews 

G Michael Onwenu

T Trent Brown

Defense

DT Davon Godchaux

DT Christian Barmore

LB Matt Judon

LB Kyle Van Noy

LB Ja'Whaun Bentley

LB Dont'a Hightower

CB JC Jackson

CB Jalen Mills

SS Adrian Phillips

FS Devin McCourty

DB Kyle Duggar

K Nick Folk

P Jake Bailey

KR/PR Gunner Olszewski

The 2007 Patriots are the top overall seed in the tournament; they've advanced, as has the '06 team, the '14 team is still to come in this region - this, of course, is the Belichick team w/o Brady, the first Mac Jones team, with the 2nd best defense in the league. 26 year old JC Jackson had 8 picks, 29 year old Matt Judon had 12.5 sacks. On offense, Jones is 23, in his rookie season, 22 scores and 13 picks. 24 year old Damien Harris ran for 15 scores (note, this is now a 17 game season) 

Let's go to Cleveland for the kick.

1st Qtr

Browns at the 32.

3 and out.

Patriots at the 24.  They get a first down - Mac Jones to Jakobi Meyers for 18.

That's it.  After the punt, Browns at the 19.

1/10 - Ken Carpenter gets a yard.

2/9 - Otto Graham's first completion is to Ray Renfro for 9.  First down.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Graham finds Pete Brewster for 16, Browns at the 45.

1/10 - Chick Jagade for 4.

2/6 - Renfro gets a yard.

3/5 - Graham hits Dub Jones for 14 and the Browns are at the NE 36.

1/10 - Carpenter gets 10. 

1/10 - Jagade for 1

2/9 - Incomplete

3/9 - Graham finds Renfro downfield, he's got 18 yards and the Browns have a first and goal at the 7.

1/goal - Jagade gets 6.  Browns at the doorstep.

2/goal - Play action - Graham finds a wide open Dub Jones - TOUCHDOWN BROWNS - that's a terrific drive, 14 plays, 81 yards - takes 7 and a half minutes - Browns doing Browns things against a team 70 years in their future.  

Patriots will start at the 23.

1/10 - Damien Harris gets a yard.

2/9 - Harris gets a dozen.

1/10 - Jones finds Hunger Henry for a dozen, Patriots near midfield.

1/10 - Jones quick out to Nelson Agholor - he turns upfield - and is Stripped by Warren Lahr - Fumble -- Lahr forces the Agholor fumble and the Browns take over at their own 41.

1/10 - Renfro is stopped at the line and the qtr ends.

2nd Qtr

The Browns take half the quarter to drive and score - then force a turnover; Cleveland's got a second and 9 at their own 41, up 7-0.

2/9 - Graham converts - 16 yards to Pete Brewster, Browns at the 43.

The next 3 plays net 3 yards and the Patriots take over after a touchback.

1/10 Rhamondre Stevenson gets 9.

2/1 - Jones to Harris for 6,

1/10 - Stevenson gets 1.

2/9 - Harris gets 15, Patriots have crossed midfield.

1/10 - Jones finds Brandon Bolden, 13 yards to the 36.

1/10 - Bolden, draw play - Bolden's into the Secondary -- Bolden's Got Open Field -- Bolden is Into the Endzone --- TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS - just one pass attempt on that drive - Belichick staying on the ground, Brandon Bolden rumbling 36 yards for the game tying score.

Cleveland deep in their own territory at the 5.

They get a first down on a Jagade 12 yard run, but that's it - nice return by Gunner Olszewski, Pats start at the 33.  

1/10 - Harris gets 7.

2/3 - Stevenson is just short of the first down

3/1 - Play action - Jones finds Stevenson on the sideline, he's got 16 and the Pats have a first and goal.

1/goal - Harris for 1

2/goal - Jones to Bolden, just 3 - and it's 3rd and goal at the 4.

3/goal - Stevenson blows into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS - back to back scores by New England, almost entirely on the ground Belichick has taken Brown's gameplan and fed it back to him.  

Cleveland really struggling with special teams today - they're again pinned back deep in their own territory at the 9 -- and this time they go 3 and out.

After the punt - the Pats again  are in Cleveland territory, just 90 seconds left in the half - Pats at the 38 -- they only get 4 yards - but Folk hits a 51 yard FG and it's now 17-7.  

And it happens to the Browns again on the kick - they start at the 8 - a combination of penalties, muffs, generally bad special teams play causes the Browns again to start deep in their own end.  

1/10 - Jagade stopped at the line - Pats call timeout, New England might try to get this ball back one more time with a minute left.  

2/10 - Jagade gets 1 and there's the second timeout.

3/10 - Graham looking to pass - Graham's flushed - Graham across the line of scrimmage, he's got 4 yards - but that's the Pats third timeout - and with 30 seconds left, the Patriots get the ball back again, Pats at the Browns 48.

1/10 - Handoff - Damien Harris -- AND HARRIS BUSTS THROUGH THE LINE -- Damien Harris busts through the line and he will - go - all - the - way - TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS - Damien Harris busts through for a 48 yard TD run -- the New England Patriots have scored 24 2nd qtr points - the Browns will just down the ball and go to the locker room after the kick - it is 24-7 Patriots.

3rd Qtr

Just a lightning bolt in the 2nd qtr - 24 straight Patriots points, all on long TD runs, the biggest scoring quarter in the tournament - this Cleveland crowd is stunned. 

Patriots start at the 36.

3 and out.  Browns start at the 31.

1/10 - Ray Renfro carries for 13.

1/10 - Renfro for 16 and the Browns are quickly across midfield.

The next 3 plays net 7 yards - Lou Groza is at the end of his range ---- but he does hit the 50 yard FG and the deficit is 24-10.

Pats start at the 23.

1/10 - Harris loses 1

2/11 - Stevenson stopped at the line.

3/11 - Jones picks is up - 19 to Meyers - the Patriots are at the Browns 41.  

1/10 - Harris goes for 11. 

The next 3 plays net 6 yards - the Patriots punt - the Browns get the ball back at the 18.

1/10 - Jagade stopped at the line.

2/10 - Billy Reynolds gets 13.

1/10 - 2 for Reynolds.

2/8 - Dub Jones gets 11

1/10 - Renfro gets 14 - the Browns, big yardage on the ground.

The next 3 plays lose 2 yards - and so the qtr ends with a 4th and 12 for the Browns near midfield.

4th Qtr

24-10 Pats, Cleveland punting the ball back to them as the qtr starts.  NE will start at their own 6.

1/10 - Jones over the middle to Meyers for 5.

2/5 - Bolden gets a dozen, big first down for the Patriots to get away from their end zone.

But thats it - 3 more plays net 7 yards - after the punt, the Browns start at their own 39.

1/10 - Jagade stopped at the line.

2/10 - Carpenter stopped at the line.

3/10 - Graham finds Dante Lavelli for the first time all day - it's 29 big yards - all the way to the Patriot 32.  

1/10 - Reynolds gets 2.

2/8 - Reynolds gets 11, Browns at the 23.  

1/10 - Jagade for 1

2/9 - Reynolds gets 8 and the Browns are at the 14.  

3/1 - Graham to pass - back corner of the endzone -- Lavelli -- TOUCHDOWN BROWNS - Graham 14 yards to Lavelli and the Browns have cut the deficit to 24-17.

Patriots at their own 32.  6:36 left.  Can the Browns get a quick stop?

They can.  3 and out.  Browns getting the ball back at the 29.  4:21 left.

24-17.  Can Cleveland tie this score?

1/10 - Reynolds for 8.

2/2 - Graham to Horace Gillom for 4 and it's a first down.

1/10 - Carpenter for 1

2/9 - Jagade for 6 and it's a third and 3.  Big play here.

3/3 - Reynolds picks it up, 3 yards - and the Browns are at the Patriot 49 at the 2 minute warning.

1/10 - Reynolds gets 1 - the Browns running on every play of the drive.

2/9 - Graham goes downfield -- it's Lavelli -- Caught -- 22 yards and Cleveland it at the 26 and this stadium is quaking.

1/10 - Graham to Brewster - 15 yards -- that's another 1st down and Cleveland has first down at the 11.

1/10 - Graham over the middle - Brewster -- Brewster at the 3-2-1---- TOUCHDOWN BROWNS - TOUCHDOWN BROWNS - Cleveland has scored 17 straight points and tied this game at 24 - Graham 11 yard TD pass to Brewster to tie this score.

Patriots have some time, 1:15, and the ball at the 22.

They get one first down, Jones to Henry for 9 - but that's it, and with a few seconds left in the game they punt.  Graham hits a 21 yard pass to Lavelli and we end regulation tied at 24.

OT

Cleveland shuts out NE in the second half - scores 17 of their own and we head to Sudden Death 

Browns win the toss.  They start at the 28.

1/10 - Renfro gets 16, Browns at the 44.  

1/10 - Jagade loses 2.

2/12 - Carpenter gets all 12 and the Browns are across midfield - this is sudden death, NE may not get the ball at all if Cleveland can score. 

The next 3 plays net 9 yards and so Cleveland has a 4th and 1 at the 37.  

Big decision here for Brown.  Go for it?  Punt?  

Neither.  He brings out Groza to attempt a 54 yard FG.

Here's Groza...54.....up.......GOOOD!  GOOOOOD!   GOOOOD!   GOOOOD!

Lou Groza with a 54 yard FG and the Cleveland Browns have defeated the New England Patriots and advance to Rnd 2.

Final: Browns 27 Patriots 24

20 unanswered Browns points and the 2021 Pats go home.

Graham: 16 for 24, 212, 3 TD

Jones: 10 for 14, 121

Renfro: 10 carries for 69, 4 catches for 42

Harris: 16 for 106, 1 TD

Lavelli: 4 catches for 86 1TD

Meyers 3 catches for 42

Player of the Game: Lou Groza

Region 6 is halfway done.

1968 Colts

2020 Saints

1982 Dolphins

1953 Browns

Bottom half of the region next - we've got a SB Champ in the next game.

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 6/Round 1: 1952 Detroit Lions v. 1982 Miami Dolphins

 '20 Saints v. '64 Bills

12. 1982 AFC CHAMPION MIAMI DOLPHINS at 5. 1952 NFL CHAMPION DETROIT LIONS

5. 1952 NFL CHAMPION DETROIT LIONS 

Record: 9-3

Pythag: 10-2

Off: 2nd

Def: 1st

1st NFL National Div.

d. Rams Div Rnd 31-21

d. Browns NFL Title 17-7

HC Buddy Parker, DC Buster Ramsey

Briggs Stadium: 45 degrees

Van Patrick

Offense

QB Bobby Layne (26 All Pro Texas)

FB Pat Harder (30 Wisc)

RB Jug Girard (25 Wisc)

RB Bob Hoernschemeyer (27 Navy)

WR Cloyce Box (29 W Tex A&M)

WR Leon Hart (24 N Dame)

LT Lou Creekmur (25 All Pro Wm & Mary)

LG Jim Martin (28 N Dame)

C Vince Banonis (31 Det Mercy)

RG Dick Stanfel (25-R S Francisco)

LT Gus Cifelli (26 N Dame)

Defense

LDE Jim Doran (25 Iowa St)

LDT Thurman McGraw (25 All Pro Col St)

MG Les Bingaman (26 Illinois)

RDT John Prchlik (27 Yale)

RDE Blaine Earon (25-R Duke)

LLB Dick Flanagan (26 Ohio St)

RLB LaVern Torgeson (23 Wash St)

LCB Jim David (25-R Col St)

RCB Yale Lary (22-R Tex A&M)

LS Bob Smith (27 Iowa)

RS Jack Christiansen (24 All Pro Col St)

KR Pat Harder (30 Wisc)

P Bob Smith (27 Iowa)

KR/PR Jack Christiansen (24 Col St)

The '54 Lions, the '62 Lions, the '70 Lions have already advanced - the Detroit Lions are really hammering this tournament.  You know, like you'd expect.  Let's go all the way back to '52 for the NFL Champs.  1st in defense.  2nd in offense.  24 year old Jack Christiansen, 25 year old Thurman McGraw both All Pros on defense.  26 year old Bobby Layne is an All Pro, 20 total scores/20 picks. 29 year old Cloyce Box and 25 year old Lou Creekmur are also All Pros, Box scored 15 times.  

12. 1982 AFC CHAMPION MIAMI DOLPHINS

Record: 7-2

Pythag: 7-2

Off: 10th

Def: 2nd

1st AFC East

d. Patriots WC 28-13

d. Chargers Div Rnd 34-13

d. Jets AFC Title 14-0

Lost Super Bowl Redskins 27-17

HC Don Shula, DC Bill Arnsbarger

Offense

QB David Woodley (24 LSU)

RB Tony Nathan (26 Alabama)

FB Andra Franklin (23 Nebraska)

WR Jimmy Cefalo (26 Penn St)

WR Duriel Harris (28 N Mex St)

TE Joe Rose (25 Cal)

LT Jon Giesler (26 Michigan)

LG Bob Kuechenberg (35 N Dame)

C Dwight Stephenson (25 Alabama)

RG Ed Newman (31 Duke)

RT Eric Laasko (26 Tulane)

Defense

LDE Doug Betters (26 Nevada)

NT Bob Baumhower (27 Alabama)

RDE Kim Bokamper (28 S Jose St)

LOLB Bob Brudzinski (27 Ohio St)

LILB AJ Duhe (27 LSU)

RILB Earnest Rohne (29 Henderson)

ROLB Larry Gordon (28 Ariz St)

LCB Don McNeal (24 Alabama)

RCB Gerald Small (26 S Jose St)

SS Glenn Blackwood (25 Tex)

FS Lyle Blackwood (31 TCU)

K Uwe Von Schamann (26 Okla)

P Tom Orosz (23 Ohio St)

KR Fulton Walker (24 W Virginia)

PR Tommy Vigorito (23 UVA)

We haven't seen many Dolphins teams in the tournament; we did see the '75 team advance as 11th seeds.  Here's a 12th seed, the strike shortened AFC Champs from '82 with the 2nd best defense in the league, the Killer Bees front 4 combined for 16.5 sacks in a 9 game season.  24 year old David Woodley is the QB of a mediocre offense that might struggle to move the ball against the best defense from '52. 7 total scores, 8 picks. 23 year old fullback Andra Franklin scored 7 times in 9 games. 

Is a 4th Lions team about to advance?  Let's go to Detroit for the kick.

1st Qtr

Lions at the 17.

Detroit picks up 1 first down, Bobby Layne 10 yards to Bob Hoernschemeyer, but a Bob Brudzinski third down sack ends the drive.  

Dolphins at the 35.  They pick up a first down on a David Woodley 21 yard pass to Nat Moore, but that's all and after the punt, Lions at the 14.

1 first down.  Jug Girard with an 8 yard run.  But another punt and Miami at the 32.

3 and out. Lions at the 35.  

1/10 - Hoernschemeyer gets 2

2/8 - Pat Harder gets 10 and the first.  

2 runs get 5 yards - the quarter ends and it's 3rd and 5 at the Dolphin 48.

2nd Qtr

Just defense in the first qtr - Detroit has a third down and 5...

...they don't pick it up.  

Another punt, Dolphins start at the 12.

3 and out.  Neither team able to do anything at all offensively.  

Lions get the good Jack Christiansen return, they start all the way at the Miami 42.

Layne to Girardi 10 yard completion gives them a first down - but that's all - and Harder will then miss a 39 yard FG and still, we are scoreless.

Miami at the 29.  They'll get a first down, Andra Franklin picks up 11 on the ground - but that's all, this drive is 6 straight runs and a punt.  First FG wins here in Detroit.  

Lions at the 22.  Girard 12 yard run gets them a first.  

But, of course, another punt. Miami takes over at the 33, 3 minutes and change left in a scoreless first half.

1/10 - Tony Nathan gets 5.

2/5 - Franklin picks up 1.

3/4 - Woodley hits Joe Rose, a 12 yard game gets Miami across midfield and its the 2 minute warning. 

1/10 - Franklin gets 4.

2/6 - Incomplete

3/6 - Shula calls a draw - and it works, Tony Nathan busts a 19 yarder all the way to the 26 yard line, the Dolphins call timeout with 90 seconds left.

1/10 - Franklin gets 3 yards.

2/7 - Incomplete.

3/7 - Shula calls the draw again - again it works - Franklin's got the first down -- and Franklin's gonna go - Franklin rumbles 23 yards into the end zone TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS-- and with a minute left in the half the Miami Dolphins go up 7-0. 

Lions at the 17.  

1/10 - Layne to Leon Hart for 8 and a timeout. 

2/2 - Layne in trouble - but he escapes contain, he's got 9 yards and is out of bounds at the 34 with 40 seconds to go in the half.  

1/10 - Layne under pressure again - throws into coverage - Picked Off by Don McNeal - McNeal intercepts Layne - and Miami's gonna get another shot - still 30 seconds left, Miami at the Lions 34 yard line.  

1/10 - Another give to Franklin -  And Franklin Breaks Through the Line -- Andra Franklin through the Defense -- Andra Franklin is Gonna Go Into the Endzone - TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS - Miami scores twice in the last minute of the half to go up 14-0 

Layne has time for a bomb, he completes it - 44 yards to Cloyce Box to end the half

Third Qtr

This sold out Briggs Stadium crowd is stunned - scoreless the first 29 minutes of the half, but two Andra Franklin TD runs sandwich a Don McNeal pick and Miami has a 14-0 lead.

Miami starts at the 35.

One first down on a Nathan 7 yard run - but then a punt, Lions at the 29. They are down 2 scores, they have not moved the ball at all against the second best defense from 1982.

They get a first down, Layne to Hart for 13.  But there's a punt - Miami starts at the 17 and the third quarter is halfway gone.

1/10 - Franklin gets 3.

2/7 - Nathan gets a dozen.  

1/10 - Franklin stopped at the line.

2/10 - Woodley finds Nat Moore, 13 yards to the 45.  

1/10 - Woodley to Nathan for 3.

2/7 - Nathan gets 3

2/4 - Woodley picks it up - 10 yards to Jimmy Cefalo - the Dolphins are at the Lions 39 yard line.

The next 3 plays net 8 yards - Von Schamann then.....misses the 48 yarder and the Lions have kept the game at just the 2 score deficit.  

Time for one play - 19 yard Harder run gets across midfield as the qtr ends.

4th Qtr

Detroit's down 2 scores, but they've got the ball at the Miami 43, 1st down.

1/10 - Hoernschmeyer gets 2.

2/8 - Planned run for Layne, he gets 2.

3/6 - Jug Girard's got it - he's got the first down -- But He's Leveled by AJ Duhe -- Fumble -- Fumble - Fumble - the Dolphins take over at their own 31 - huge play here by the Dolphins defense, up 14 and they have the ball.

3 and out.  

Lions get the good return, first down from their own 48.  

3 and out including a Glenn Blackwood sack.  

Miami gets it back at their own 10 yard line with under 10 minutes to play.

1/10 - Woodley to pass - quick sideline out -- and It's Picked Off by Yale Lary - Lary steps in front of Duriel Harris -- and Lary quickly sprints into the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN LIONS -- Yale Lary with the pick 6 - Yale Lary with the pick 6 and the Lions slice the deficit in half.

Miami ball at the 33.  9 minutes left.  Can the Lions get a quick stop?  Will Shula hesitate to throw the ball after the Woodley pick?

3 and out.  

The Lion fans can smell it now, the momentum shifting their way - and on the punt, Yale Lary, who just took that pick back for the score - comes off the corner to BLOCK THE KICK - Lary blocks the punt and the Lions will take over at the Miami 8 yard line!  Lions at the Dolphins 8 yard line!

But the next 3 plays lose 6 yards, Doug Betters with the third down sack - Detroit settles for the FG and so with 7:25 left, the Dolphins start at their own 32, their lead now down to 14-10.

1/10 - Nathan gets 4.  

2/6 - Woodley find Bruce Hardy for 8, it's a first down.

1/10 - Franklin loses 2.

2/12 - Nathan off of left guard - huge block by Stephenson - and Nathan breaks it - Tony Nathan breaks it -- 39 huge yards when Miami needed 39 huge yards - a false start will take the Fish back 5, so they have first and 15 at the Lions 24, little more than 4 left, up 4.  

1/15 - Franklin is stopped.

2/15 - Incomplete

3/15 - Woodley looking to the endzone -- Jimmy Cefalo - TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS -- David Woodley 24 yards to Jimmy Cefalo and the Dolphins go up 21-10 with less than 4 minutes remaining!  The 12th seeded Dolphins up 11 on the 5th seeded Lions with less than 4 left.

Lions at the 30.  

4 plays...and they turn it over on downs.  

That's that - Miami with the ball at the Lions 35.  They run 3 plays...and then miss a FG.

So it's Detroit with the ball again at their own 36, but down 2 scores.

Miami in the prevent defense - and for the first time all day the Lions move the ball, the key plays a 17 yard Girard run, a 28 yard Hoernschemeyer run, it ends with a short Layne to Hart TD as the clock expires, the 2 point is no good and that's the final.

Final: Dolphins 21 Lions 16

Yale Lary almost stole this one for a Detroit team that could not move the ball; he followed a pick 6 with a blocked punt -- but David Woodley was able to throw for a score to put it away and the Lions fall to Miami.

Woodley: 10 for 20, 101 yds 1 TD/1 INT

Layne: 8 for 19, 95 yds, 1 TD/1 INT

Franklin: 23 for 88 2 TD

Girard: 9 for 64 

Cefalo: 3 for 37 1 TD

Hart: 3 for 25 1 TD

Lary: 1 TD/1 INT/1 Blocked Punt

Player of the Game: Andra Franklin

2022 MLB Draft Board (150)

 Here's the ranking, 1-150.  

1. D.Jones CF HS(GA)       

2. J.Holliday SS HS (OK)     

3. T.Johnson 2B HS (GA)  

4. E.Green CF HS (FL)       

5. C.Collier 3B JC (FL)        

6. B.Lee 3B Cal Poly         

7. K.Parada C Geo Tech    

8. J.Jung 2B TTech          

9. G.Cross RF Va Tech       

10. Z.Neto SS Campbell     

11. D.Lesko RHP HS (GA)   

12. B.Porter RHP HS (MI)  

13. J.Williams SS HS (TX)   

14. J.Berry RF LSU               

15. D.Susac C Ariz             

16. B.Barriera LHP HS (FL)

17. D.Gilbert CF Tenn          

18. C.Young SS HS (PA)      

19. J.Beck RF Tenn            

20. J.Crawford CF (NV)    

21. C.Prielipp RHP Alabama

22. C.DeLauter RF J Madison 

23. S.Thompson RF Florida  

24. G.Hughes RHP Gonzaga  

25. C.Whisenhunt LHP ECarol  

26. P.Graham SS Oklahoma   

27. J.Melton CF Ore St      

28. T.Toman 3B HS (SC)     

29. R.Snelling LHP HS (NV)   

30. J.Ferriss LHP HS (FL)        

31. B.Tidwell RHP Tenn        

32. JR Ritchie RHP HS (WA)   

33. K.Rocker RHP                   

34. J.Campbell RHP OK St     

35. B.Jones CF Stanford        

36. C.Hjerpe LHP Ore St    

37. N.Schultz LHP HS (IL)  

38. T.Harrington RHP Campbell  

39. D.Beavers RF Cal            

40. D.Rushing C Louisville 

41. J.Miller RHP HS (OH)   

42. W.Ford  RHP HS (FL)      

43. E.Brown SS Coastal C   

44. C.Horton RHP Oklahoma  

45. A.Mazur RHP Iowa            

46. P.Pallette RHP Ark          

47. M.Romero SS HS (CA)    

48. J.Cannon RHP UGA       

49. S.Jones RF Vandy         

50. L.Tanner C Miss St             

51. C.Wallace 3B Arkansas   

52. M.Wagner 3B Clemson 

53. J.Fabian CF Florida       

54. L.Sims RHP Miss St       

55. R.Anthony RF Stoneman Douglas HS  

56. C.Doughty 3B LSU          

57. O.Murphy RHP HS (IL)

58. J.Kasevich SS Ore                

59. H.Bolte CF HS Palo Alto     

60. N.Morabito CF HS (VA)        

61. P.Messick LHP Fla St        

62. J.Bennett LHP Oklahoma 

63. S.Stewart 3B HS (FL)            

64. C.Phillips RHP HS (TX)     

65. D.Thorpe RHP Cal Poly     

67. M.Moore C HS (CA)          

68. R.Crawford LHP UConn   

69.. B.Neal C HS (FL)                 

70. T.Smith LHP HS (SC)     

71. H.Barco LHP Florida         

72. P.Kling CF HS (PA)         

73. J.Cox RHP HS (WA)        

74. J.Madden RHP JC (FL)             

75. J.Misiorowski RHP JC (MO) 

76. B.Sproat RHP Florida           

77. B.Hubbart LHP Fla St        

78. I.Melendez 1B Tex          

79. C.Coffey SS HS (CA)          

80. B.Mautz LHP  SDiego        

81. R.Cermak CF Illinois St    

82. G.Turley CF HS (AZ)        

83. T.Schobel SS Va Tech          

84. M.Martin SS HS (NJ)        

84. N.Savino LHP     UVA         

85. C.Elliott RF Mich        

86. J.Zibin RHP HS (SC)          

87. C.Smith 3B PBCentral HS  

88. T.Locklear 3B VCU            

89. H.Williams RHP Duke        

90. I.Irish C HS (MI)                

91. J.Noot RHP HS (CA)      

92. C.Staine RHP     UCF                

93. T.Dombroski LHP Monmouth 

94. J.Taylor CF HS (FL)

95. D.Keegan C Vandy              

96. J.Flores SS HS (TX)         

97. C.Thomas RF Mercer       

98. J.Watters RHP WVA           

99. M.Neville CF HS (NV)      

100. C.Palmquist LHP  Mia      

101. B.Joyce RHP Tenn            

102. C.Simpson 2B G Tech        

103. J.Lampe CF Ariz St           

104. A.Walters RHP Miami     

105. R.Moore 2B Ark                 

106. J.O’Connor RHP HS (VA)    

107. S.Horn RHP HS (GA)        

108. R.Clifford RF HS (NJ)       

109. L.Gold 2B BC                 

110. C.Shores RHP  HS (TX)    

111. K.Milbrandt RHP HS (MO)   

112. S.Ardoin C Tex                

113. Z.Maxwell RHP G Tech      

114. T.Vrieling RHP Gonz 

115. X.Isaac 1B HS (NC)          

116. C.Hunter C Va Tech

117. J.Reimer 3B HS (CA)

118. M.Kennedy LHP HS (NY) 

119. B.Loftin LHP  HS (MS)        

120. B.Brannon C HS (NC)         

121. T.Lipscomb 3B Tenn          

122. C.Paciolla SS HS (CA)    

123. C.Dana RHP HS (NJ)   

124. L.Huesman LHP JS (VA)    

125. N.McLean RHP Ok St       

126. J.Sprinkle SS UCSB 

127. A.Guzman C HS (CT)        

128. D.Baldwin C Missouri St      

129. L.Ramirez RHP L Beach St 

130. J.Crooks  C Oklahoma        

131. M.Johnson RHP Duke  

132. C.Pollard SS HS (GA)       

133. G.Rincones RF FAU          

134. N.Mule RHP HS (NJ)         

135. E.Jerzembeck RHP HS (NC)  

136. M.Rajcic RHP UCLA       

137. G.Guidry SS HS (LA) 

138. R.Kelly RHP HS (CA) 

139. T.Gonzalez LF G Tech

140. S.DiChiara 1B Aub  

141. J.Curtis CF HS (TX)            

142. J.Humphries  LHP HS (NC) 

143. E.Petry 3B HS (FL)            

144. H.Dunhurst C Ole Miss  

145. B.Birdsell RHP TTech 

146. W.Kempner RHP Gonz

147. A.Charles OF HS (CA)

148. L.Wagner 3B HS (SC) 

149. T.Faltline SS Tex 

150. K.Thomas RHP HS (CA)

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 6/Round 1: 2020 New Orleans Saints v. 1964 Buffalo Bills

'68 Colts v. '83 Niners

9. 1964 AFL CHAMPION BUFFALO BILLS at 8. 2020 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 

8. 2020 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Record: 12-4

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 5th

Def: 5th

1st NFC South

d. Bears WC 21-9

Lost Bucs Div Rnd 30-20

HC Sean Payton OC Pete Carmichael DC Dennis Allen

Superdome

Zach Strief/Deuce McAllister

Offense

QB Drew Brees (41 Purdue)

RB Alvin Kamara (25 Tenn)

WR Emmanuel Sanders (33 SMU)

WR Tre'Quan Smith (24 C Florida)

WR Michael Thomas (27 Ohio St)

TE Jared Cook (33 S Carolina)

LT Terron Armstead (29 Ark PB)

LG Andrus Peat (27 Stanford)

C Erik McCoy (23 Tex A&M)

RG Cesar Ruiz (21-R Mich)

RT Ryan Ramczyk (26 Wisc)

Defense

LDE Cameron Jordan (31 Cal)

LDT David Onyemata (28 Manitoba)

RDT Malcom Brown (26 Tex)

RDE Trey Hendrickson (26 FAU)

LLB Kwon Alexander (26 LSU)

MLB Demario Davis (31 Ark St)

LCB Jackrabbit Jenkins (32 Florida)

RCB Marshon Lattimore (24 Ohio St)

SS Malcolm Jenkins (33 Ohio St)

FS Marcus Williams (24 Utah)

DB Chauncey Gardner Johnson (23 Florida)

K Wil Lutz (26 Geo St)

P Thomas Morstead (34 SMU)

KR/PR Deonte Harris (23 Assumption)

The '19 Saints have advanced, the '17 Saints went down, here's another Brees squad, the 2020 Saints, 5th in both offense and defense. Brees is 41, 26 scores and 6 picks; Alvin Kamara's 25 and kept scoring TDs, 21 total.  The front 4 can get to the QB, 31 year old Cameron Jordan, 26 year old Trey Hendrickson combine for 21 sacks.  

9. 1964 AFL CHAMPION BUFFALO BILLS

Record: 12-2

Pythag 11-3

Off: 1st

Def: 1st

1st AFL East

d. Chargers AFL Title 20-7

HC: Lou Saban

Offense

QB Jack Kemp (29)

RB Bobby Smith (22-R)

RB Cookie Gilchrist (29 All Pro)

WR Elbert Dubenion (31)

WR Glenn Bass (25)

TE Ernie Warlick (32)

LT Stew Barber (25 All Pro)

LG Billy Shaw (26 All Pro)

C Wally Cudzik (32)

RG Al Bemiller (26)

RT Dick Hudson (24)

Defense

LDE Ron McDole (25)

LDT Jim Dunaway (23)

RDT Tom Stesak (28 All Pro)

RDE Tom Day (29)

LLB John Tracey (31)

MLB Harry Jacobs (27)

RLB Mike Stratton (23 All Pro) 

LCB Booker Edgerson (25)

RCB Butch Byrd (25-R)

LS Hagood Clarke (22-R)

RS George Saimes (23All Pro)

K Pete Gogolak (22)

P Paul Maguire (26)

KR Ed Rutkowski (23)

PR Hagood Clarke (22)

The best team in the AFL in 1964 was the Bills; first in offense and defense and they won the title.  We'll see how they compete with a Saints team from 60 years in the future that wasn't nearly as accomplished. 29 year old Jack Kemp had a combined 18 scores, 26 picks.  3 All Pros on offense, 29 year old Cookie Gilchrist, 25 year old Stew Barber.  26 year old Billy Shaw. 3 All Pros on defense, 28 year old Tom Stesak, 23 year old Mike Stratton, 23 year old George Saimes.

We head to the Superdome for the kick.

1st Qtr

Saints start at the 26.

1/10 - Alvin Kamara goes for 4.

2/6 - Drew Brees goes to Kamara, it's 16 yards.

That's it - 3 plays net 4 yards and the Saints punt - it's a good one, Bills start at the 9

The first two plays lose 7 yards - on third and 17 from their own 2 - Marshon Lattimore picks Jack Kemp - and the Saints take over at the 23.  

3 plays net 8 yards.  Nice job by the Bills defense and the short Lutz FG makes it 3-0.

Bills deep in their own end at the 10.  3 and out including a Cameron Jordan sack of Kemp.

Saints start at the Bills 46.

1/10 - Brees to Emmanuel Sanders for 14.

1/10 - Michael Burton for 2

2/8 - Kamara loses a yrd.

3/9- Brees hits Jared Cook, 17 yards and the Saints reach the 14 yard line.

And that's it - 3 plays net 3 yards, a second short FG and its 6-0.

Bills at the 19.

1/10 - Cookie Gilchrist for 1.

2/9 - Kemp finds Ernie Warlick - big play, 29 yards.  

1/10 - Gilchrist for 1

2/9 - Gilchrist for 2

3/7 - Kemp picks it up - 7 yards Elbert Dubenion, Bills at the Saints 41 as the qtr ends.

2nd qtr

Saints defense dominating so far, but they just have 6 points to show for it and the Bills now have a 1st at the NO 41.

1/10 - Bobby Smith gets a yard.

2/9 - Cookie Gilchrist busts for 20 -- Bills now at the NO Saints 20 yard line.  

That's it - like the Saints, the Bills drive ends here - Gogolak makes it 6-3.

Great runback for Deonte Harris, Saints at the Bills 41.

1/10 - Alvin Kamara is stopped at the line.

2/10 - Brees finds Cook for 21, Saints at the Buffalo 20.

1/10 - Brees to Latavius Murray, 16 yards and the Saints have a first and goal at the 4 yard line.

1/goal - Murray loses 1

2/goal - Kamara gets 2.

3/goal - Murray gets to the goal line.

Payton doesn't hesitate - he's going for it.  4th and a couple feet.  

4/goal - give to Kamara -- and he is Drilled by Tom Stesak - it's a goal line stand for the Buffalo Bills - they take over at the 1 yard line.

They get a first down on a Bobby Smith 17 yard run, but that's it - and a really excellent punt drives the Saints back to their 39.

3 and out.  Bills at their own 20.

3 and out.  Saints at their own 49.

3 and out - Bills will run the ball a couple times and go to the locker room.

3rd Qtr

Big goal line stand for the Bills and they trail 6-3 as we head back out for the second half.  Defense really standing up here in the first half.  

Bills will start at their own 26.

1/10 - Bobby Smith goes for 13.  

1/10 - Cookie Gilchrist for 5.

2/5 - Gilchrist for 2.  

3/3 - Smith picks it up, Bills come out running here and they're into Saint territory. 

1/10 - Kemp throwing - finds Gilchrist for 17 - the Bills are driving right down the field, at the 32 yard line.

But that's it - the next 3 plays lose 5 yards, Saban decides to punt - it's a touchback and New Orleans will start at the 20.

They get a first down on a 14 yard Kamara run, but that's all.  

Bills start at the 33.

1/10 - Kemp throws - Dubenion for 10.  

1/10 - Gilchrist gets 4

2/6 - Kemp scrambling - breaks contain - Kemp is across midfield - Kemp all the way down to the Saints 38 yars line.  Bills again moving the ball.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Kemp picks it up - Glenn Bass for a big 25 yard gain - the Bills are at the Saints 13 yard line.  

That's it.  3 plays net 3 yards.  The short FG ties the score at 6.

Saints at the 36.

2 runs net 5 yards as the quarter ends.

4th Qtr

A real defensive struggle here in New Orleans - all tied up at 6. Saints now have third and 5 at the 41.

They don't pick it up - Hagood Clarke has a terrific runback - Bills start at the NO 48.

The Bills get 1 first down, Dubenion 7 yard end around the big play - but they're left with a 49 yard Gogolak FG attempt.....

....it's good.  Bills take the 9-6 lead.  Saints will start at the 23 with a little over 10 minutes to go.

1/10 - Kamara for 3.

2/7 - Dwayne Washington's first carry of the day, 9 yards to the 35.  

1/10 - Michael Burton goes for 11 - Saints at the 46, about 8:30 left.  9-6 Bills.  

1/10 - Murray for 2.  

2/8 - Kamara for 1 - would you have ever expected the Saints to run 5 straight times in the middle of the field?

3/7 - Brees finds Michael Thomas - that's his first catch of the game - and it's 13 yards, it's a first down - under 7 minutes left and the Saints are at the 38.

1/10 - Murray for 2.

2/8 - Incomplete.  Another third and long, maybe FG range from here but it would be a long one.  

3/8 - Brees finds Sanders - it's a huge first down all the way to the 24 yard line - and now the Saints are in FG range at the 24.  

That's as far as it goes - 3 plays net 9 yards -- at a little over 3 minutes left, Payton takes the points, short Lutz FG.  9-9.  The Bills will take over at their own 24, there are 3 minutes left in the game.  

3 and out.  Saints defense just stones the Bills here - and with a minute to go in the game, the Saints have good field position after a good return by Clarke, they are at the 41 yard line.

So, 9-9, Saints just need a FG and they have all 3 timeouts with a minute to go.

1/10 - A give to Latavius Murray -- and he busts one.  Latavius Murray finds a seam - Murray romps all the way down to the Bill 3 yard line.  Murray with a monster 56 yard run - the Saints crowd explodes - the Saints are going to win this game.

1/goal - Play action - Brees finds a wide open Sanders in the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN SAINTS - the only TD of the day - Murray with a 56 yard gainer, the easy Brees TD score - and now with less than 30 seconds left the Bills get the ball back at the 24 yard line, 16-9 Saints.

The Bills don't go anywhere, a Trey Hendrickson sack ends the game.  

Final: Saints 16 Bills 9

Tight, tight, tight all the way - one big play, the Murray 56 yard run - and the Saints advance to round 2.

Brees: 12 for 17, 120 yds, 1 TD

Kemp: 7 for 20, 116 yds 1 INT

Murray: 10 for 75

Gilchrist 17 for 43

Sanders: 4 for 29, 1 TD

Bass: 2 for 41

Lutz: 4 FG

Player of the Game: Latavius Murray