256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 7/Round 1: 2018 New Orleans Saints v. 1996 San Francisco 49ers

'68 Jets v. '65 Bears 

12. 1996 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at 5. 2018 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

5. 2018 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 

Record: 13-3

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 3rd

Def: 14th

1st NFC South

d. Eagles Div Rnd 20-14

lost NFC Title Rams 26-23

HC: Sean Payton OC: Pete Carmichael DC: Dennis Allen

Superdome

Zach Strief/Deuce McAllister

Offense

QB Drew Brees (39 Purdue) 

RB Alvin Kamara (23 Tenn)

FB Zach Line (28 SMU)

WR Tre'Quan Smith (22-R C Florida)

WR Michael Thomas (25 All Pro Ohio St)

TE Josh Hill (28 Idaho St)

LT Terron Armstead (27 Ark PB)

LG Andrus Peat (25 Stanford)

C Max Unger (32 Oregon)

RG Larry Warford (27 Kentucky)

RT Ryan Ramczyk (24 Wisc)

Defense

LDE Cameron Jordan (29 Cal)

LDT Sheldon Rankins (24 Louisville)

RDT Tyeler Davison (26 Fresno St)

RDE Alex Okafor (27 Texas)

LLB Demario Davis (29 Ark St)

MLB PJ Williams (25 Florida St)

RLB AJ Klein (27 Iowa St)

LCB Eli Apple (23 Ohio St)

RCB Marshon Lattimore (22 Ohio St)

SS Kurt Coleman (30 Ohio St)

FS Marcus Williams (22 Uta)

K Will Lutz (24 Georgia St)

P Thomas Morstead (32 SMU)

KR Taysom Hill (28 BYU)

PR Alvin Kamara (23 Tenn)

Another Payton/Brees saints squad; the 5th seeds in Region 7 are the 2018 Saints. The '19 and '20 teams have both already advanced to Round 2.  This group has a better seed than both.  The offense is third in football.  Brees is 39 and what that means in ultra modern NFL numbers is 36 total scores and 5 picks.  The jump in passing offense in the concussion era is remarkable.  Alvin Kamara is 23 and had 18 scores.  The team's All Pro is Michael Thomas, 25, caught 125 balls for 1400 yards.  4 members of the OL made the Pro Bowl.  The defense is not providing a lot, 29 year old Cameron Jordan had a dozen sacks.

12. 1996 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Record: 12-5

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 3rd

Def: 4th

2nd NFC West

d. Eagles WC 14-0

lost Packers Div Rnd 35-14

HC George Seifert OC Marc Trestman DC Pete Carroll

Offense

QB Steve Young (35 BYU)

RB Terry Kirby (26 UVA)

FB William Floyd (24 Florida St)

WR Terrell Owens (23-R UT Chat)

WR Jerry Rice (34 All Pro Miss Vall St)

TE Brent Jones (33 S Clara)

LT Steve Wallace (32 Auburn)

LG Ray Brown (34 Ark St)

C Jesse Sapolu (35 Hawaii)

RG Chris Dalman (26 Stanford)

RT Harris Barton (32 UNC)

Defense

LDE Roy Barker (27 UNC)

LDT Bryant Young (24 All Pro N Dame)

RDT Dana Stubblefield (26 Kansas)

RDE Chris Doleman (35 Pitt)

LLB Lee Woodall (27 W Chester)

MLB Ken Norton (30 UCLA)

RLB Gary Plummer (36 Cal)

LCB Tyronne Drakeford (25 Va Tech)

RCB Marquez Pope (26 Fresno St)

SS Tim McDonald (31 USC)

FS Merton Hanks (28 Iowa)

K Jeff Wilkins (24 Youngstown St)

P Tommy Thompson (24 Oregon)

KR/PR Dexter Carter (29 Florida St)

Possible upset alert; the Niners are the 12th seeds in the region, but were top 4 in both offense and defense in 1996.  Steve Young's 35, 18 scores and 6 picks, the All Pro on offense is, of course, Jerry Rice, 34, 108 catches, 1250 yards.   The defense is led by 24 year old All Pro Bryant Young - he, 35 year old Chris Doleman - 27 year old Roy Barker combined for 35 sacks. 

We should have a good one from the Superdome - let's go out for the kick.

1st Qtr

Niners start at the 36.

3 and out.

Saints at the 26.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Alvin Kamara busts a giant run -- 56 yards -- Kamara going around the right end for a home run -- Kamara cutting back over the middle -- Kamara the 40, the 30 - the 20 -- Kamara is Caught Fron Behind By Marquez Pope and Stripped -- Kamara is Stripped -- the 49ers recover!  Alvin Kamara with the home run - 56 yards -- but Marquez Pope catches him from behind, strips him - and San Francisco recovers at their own 13 yard line.  

1/10 - Steve Young to Jerry Rice, 4 yards.

2/6 - Young gets ripped to the turf by Cameron Jordan.

3/12 - Young finds Brent Jones over the middle, 21 yards and the first down.  

1/10 - Terry Kirby for 1.

2/9 - Young gets sacked again - Sheldon Rankins just pounds Young into the turf and it is third down and a ton.

3/16 - Draw to Kirby -- and Kirby's into the secondary -- Terry Kirby blows into the secondary -- 48 yards all the way to the Saints 26 yard line.

That's it.  3 more plays net 5 yards -- Wilkins hits the 38 yard FG and it's 3-0.

Saints start at the 29.

1/10 - Kamara for 1.

2/9 - Zach Line, the FB, gets a carry.  2 yards.

3/7 - Drew Brees first pass is caught by the former 49er Ted Ginn, Ginn gets a dozen.

1/10 - Kamara gets 1.

2/9 - Line is Blown Up by Bryant Young -- Fumble -- Fumble -- the Niners have recovered their second fumble of the quarter!  Two fumble recoveries in the first quarter.

Niners at the Saints 43.  

1/10 - Young to Kirby out in the flat, 9 yards.

2/1- Terry Kirby picks it up.

1/10 - Kirby gets 6 more.

2/4 - Young crossing route to Rice -- Rice breaks a tackle - Rice open field -- Rice dragged down at the Saints 7 yard line.  First and goal.

1/goal - Give to Tommy Vardell, he gets 2.

2/goal - Vardell again, he gets right to the goal line -- Vardell inches short, Niners will have third and goal as we flip ends.

2nd Qtr Niners 3 Saints 0

2 Fumble recoveries for San Francisco, they have third and goal as the qtr begins.

3/goal - Derek Lovill is stopped dead - right at the line - and the Niners have 4th and goal inside the Saints 1 yard line.

4/goal - Young attempts a sneak -- he is met head on by Sheldon Rankins -- he is....Short...Short...a Goal Line stand by the Saints and New Orleans takes over just inches from their own goal line.

3 and out.  

Niners start at midfield

1/10 - Young to Kirby, 8 yards.

2/2 - William Floyd's first carry, he gets 5.

1/10 - Kirby for 2

2/8 - Vardell gets 2

3/6 - Young scrambling -- Young's across the line - Young's got the first down - Young is Hit by AJ Klein -- Fumble -- Fumble -- and now the Saints have recovered a fumble - turnover heavy first half here in New Orleans.  

Saints at their own 26.  They go back 5 on a false start.

1/15 - Kamara gets 2

2/13 - Brees finds Michael Thomas, his first catch, 6 yards

3/7 - Brees goes to Taysom Hill -- Hill has 9 and the first down.

1/10 - Mark Ingram's first carry is for 6.

2/4 - Brees goes back to Thomas - 8 yards and a first down across midfield.

That's all - 3 plays net 3 yards.  Saints punt.  

Niners at their own 17.  

1/10 - Give to Vardell -- and he's Stripped by Rankins -- Sheldon Rankins forces the Fumble --the Saints recover - the Saints recover at the Niner 22 yard line.  

Both teams have lost 2 fumbles, Niners still up 3-0.  

1/10 - Brees to Tre'Quan Smith for 9.

2/1 - Incomplete

3/1 - Ingram gets 7 and it's a first and goal at the 6 yard line.  

The next 3 plays lose 3 yards including a Bryant Young sack - Lutz with the short FG -- it is 3-3, the Niners will start at their own 19, just a tick ahead of the 2 minute warning.

1/10 - Young rolling out - he's been under fire all day -- he finds Rice downfield, 27 yards and the first down.  

1/10 - Young - planned run -- Young cuts upfield -- Young's got 18 all the way to the Saints 36 yard line and out of bounds.  

1/10 - Young in trouble, Young running again - Young's got 7 yards.  Timeout.

2/3 - Young, quick out to Rice -- Rice breaks a tackle - Rice out of bounds with the 13 yard gain and the Niners are at the 16 yard line.

But the drive ends there and with less than a minute left, Wilkins makes it 6-3.

Saints at the 32.  46 seconds left.  

1/10 - Brees to Thomas for 9.  Timeout.

2/1 - Incomplete

3/1 - Brees to Thomas at the sideline, gets the feet in and then is out of bounds across midfield, 29 seconds left.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Brees to Kamara, it's a bail out, 2 yards and out of bounds. 

3/8 - Brees over the middle - Ginn - Ginn's got the first down at the Niner 33 - Saints stop the clock at 2 seconds left - Lutz hits the 50 yarder at the gun and we are tied at 6

3rd Qtr  Niners 6 Saints 6

Evenly matched on every score - turnovers, defensive stops, old QB throwing to All Pro receivers - this is more of an 8/9 game than a 5/12 game.  Nothing but FGs so far.

Taysom Hill terrific return and the Saints start at their own 41.

3 and out.  

Niners at the 14.

1/10 - Floyd is stopped at the line, holding on the next play is half the distance, Niners way back at their own 7.

2/17 - Kirby for 2.  Third and forver.

3/15 - Young to Brent Jones, 18 yards, Niners at the 27 - and there's a face mask 15 tacked on - that's a huge play, Niners at their own 42.

1/10 - Terry Kirby breaks his second big run -- 47 yards -- Kirby all the way to the NO 13 yard line -- Niners first down at the 13.

But again - the drive stalls.  Again, a FG. 9-6.

Hill with another big return - Saints all the way out to their own 42.

1/10 - Ingram for 2

2/8 - Brees to Smith for 3.

3/5 - Ingram busts up the gut, 21 yards to the Niner 32 yard line.

But that's all - Bryant Young picks up his second sack -- Lutz hits a 51 yard FG and now it's 9-9.

Dexter Carter now matches Hill, he takes the kick back to the Saint 49 yard line - these two teams just mirror images of each other.  

1/10 - Kirby gets 1.

2/9 - Young to Ri --- No -- Picked Off by Marshon Lattimore -- Lattimore steps in front of Rice -- he is down at the Saints 45 yard line - the Saints force a third Niner turnover.  

3 and out.  Nice stop by the Niner defense.  

Niners at their own 11.  

1/10 - Gadget play - a reverse for Jerry Rice - Rice runs for 18 yards and the first.

1/10 - Kirby gets a dozen.

1/10 - Young finds William Floyd for 10 -- that's 3 straight first downs on 3 plays and the Niners near midfield as we hit the 4th qtr.

4th Qtr: Niners 9 Saints 9

Battle of FG continue, Niners have a first down at their own 49.

1/10 Young to Popson for 11 - that's 4 plays, 4 first downs on the drive.  

1/10 Young to Kirby for 10 -- 5 plays, 5 first downs.  Niners at the 28.

And it ends there.  Wilkins kicks another FG and it is 12-9.  

Saints at the 28.

1/10 - Gadget play - mirror images -- Ted Ginn on the end around -- and he breaks it -- 67 huge huge yards -- Ginn will go all the way to the 49er 5 yard line -- Ted Ginn with the biggest play of the game, a 67 yard run - and the Saints have a first and goal at the 5 yard line.

But again...it ends here, Bryant Young with his third sack of the day.  Again, Lutz with the FG and with a little more than 9 minutes left in regulation it is 12-12.

Niners at the 27.

1/10 - Kirby runs for 10.

1/10 - Floyd for 2.

2/8 - Loville for 1.  Third down. 

3/7 - Young looking downfield -- Young looking for the home run -- Big Shot -- Young Finding the rookie, Terrell Owens -- 51 yards downfield -- it's TO's first catch of the day at the very best possible time -- 51 yards and the Niners now have a first and goal with 6:27 to go in the game.

1/goal - Kirby stacked up

2/goal - It's a planned Young run -- Young gets to the Saint 5 yard line and it's third and goal.

3/goal - Give to Kirby - HE'S STRIPPPED BY CAMERON JORDAN -- FUMBLE -- AND THE SAINTS RECOVER!!  The 4th Niner turnover is a crusher - Kirby fumbles at the Saint 4 yard linec -- Saints recover - the Saints take over at their own 4 yard line with under 5 left in a tie game.

3 and out.  The Niner defense again standing up, it's a very quick change of possession, Niners forcing the punt from the end zone -- and they will start in Saints territory at the 41, 3:25 left in the game.

1/10 - Young goes to Terry Kirby -- Kirby in open field - Kirby 23 yards to the Saints 18 yard line.

1/10 - Kirby stopped for nothing - we are at the 2 minute warning.  It's 12-12, Niners are in FG range. 

2/10 - Young gets sacked - Jordan's second sack of the game - the Niners forced to stop the clock as Young is shaken up -- it's third and 15 for San Francisco at the Saint 23, 1:47 left.

3/15 - Young to pass - Niners not running the ball here -- Young to pass -- he finds Tommy Vardell on the sideline -- Vardell breaks a tackle -- Vardell has a first down at the 12 yard line!  Young picks up the first down -- 1:23 left in the game and the Niners are at the 12 yard line.

1/10 - Floyd runs into the line, Saints call time -- Niners now looking to kick this FG with as little time on the clock as possible.  

2/10 - Play action -- Young to throw -- Young to the Endzone -- Rice -- TOUCHDOWN NINERS -- Gutsy play call here -- Niners sold they were trying to run out the clock - instead - Young finds Rice in the endzone -- the Niners are into the endzone --- but that means NO will get the ball back with a chance to tie it up -- 19-12 Niners, under a minute left.  

Saints at the 35.

1/10 - Brees going downfield -- Keith Kirkwood -- 26 yards!  Brees goes 26 to Kirkwood - Saints stop the clock at the Niner 39 with 44 seconds left.  Ohhhh, boy.  

1/10 - Brees dump off to Kamara for 2.  Out of bounds.  

2/8 - Incomplete.  30 seconds left and it is 3rd and 8.

3/8 - Brees to Kirkwood - at the stick -- there's a measurement -- and he got it -- Saints are at the Niner 29, 21 seconds to go in the game.

1/10 - Brees to Kamara - 8 yards, Saints timeout.  Saints at the Niner 21 yard line, 13 seconds to go.  That's the Saints final timeout - so this is probably it.

Saints are down 19-12.  At the 49er 21 yard line.  13 seconds left and out of timeouts.  They maybe can get two plays, but it would be risky.

2/2 - Brees dropping back -- Brees is looking to the end zone -- 

 BREES IS SACKED BY CHRIS DOLEMAN -- the veteran Doleman sacks Drew Brees to end the game!  Chris Doleman sacks Drew Brees to end the game and the San Francisco 49ers go to New Orleans and knock off the Saints.

Final: 49ers 19 Saints 12

Niners win the defensive battle, they overcome 4 turnovers, get two of their own, plus 4 sacks, 3 from Bryant Young and a game ender by Chris Doleman. Niners defense holds that NO ultramodern offense to 10 first downs.

Young: 17 for 22, 260 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 6 carries 30 yds

Brees: 14 for 27, 121 yds

Kirby, 14 carries, 137 yds, 4 catches, 50 yds

Kamara: 13 carries, 82 yds

Rice: 6 catches, 79 yds, 1 TD

Thomas: 5 catches, 39 yds

Young: 3 sacks

Jordan: sack, forced fumble

Wilkins: 4 FG

Lutz: 4 FG

Player of the Game: Bryant Young

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 7/Round 1: 1968 New York Jets v. 1965 Chicago Bears

'75 Steelers v. '77 Dolphins 

9. 1965 CHICAGO BEARS at 8. 1968 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK JETS

8. 1968 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK JETS

Record: 11-3

Pythag: 10-4

Off: 2nd

Def: 4th

1st AFL East

d. Raiders AFL Title 27-23

d. Colts Super Bowl 16-7

HC: Weeb Ewbank OC: Clive Rush

Shea Stadium: 45 degrees

Merle Harmon/Sam DeLuca

Offense

QB Joe Namath (25 Alabama) All Pro

RB Emerson Boozer (25)

RB Matt Snell (27 Ohio St)

WR Don Maynard (33 M Eastern Shore)

WR George Sauer (25 Texas) All Pro

TE Pete Lammons (25 Texas)

LT Winston Hill (27 Tex So)

LG Randy Rasmussen (23 Neb-Kearney)

C John Schmitt (26 Hofstra)

RG Dave Herman (27 Mich St)

RT Sam Walton (25-R Tex A&M Comm)

Defense

LDE Gerry Philbin (27 Buffalo) All pro

LDT Paul Rochester (30 Mich St)

RDT John Elliott (24 Texas)

RDE Verlon Biggs (25 Jack St)

LLB Ralph Baker (26 Penn St)

MLB Al Atkinson (25 Nova)

RLB Larry Grantham (30 Ole Miss)

LCB Johnny Sample (32 ME Shore)

RCB Randy Beverly (24 Col St)

LS Jim Hudson (25 Texas)

RS Cornell Gordon (27 NC A&T)

K Jim Turner (27 Utah St)

P Curley Johnson (33 Houston)

KR/PR Earl Christy (25 ME Shore)

The 8th seed in Region 7 is the most famous Jets team of all time, it's Joe Willie Namath and the Super Bowl Champion 1968 team.  2nd in the AFL in offense, 4th in defense (10 team league, so this team is carried by the offense). Namath's 25, All Pro, 17 total scores and 17 picks.  Emerson Boozer and George Sauer are also All Pros at 25.  Sauer had over 1100 yards receiving.  33 year old Don Maynard scored 10 times.  27 year old Gerry Philbin is an All Pro on the other side of the ball; 32 year old Johnny Sample had 7 picks. There isn't a Jets team which has advanced yet and they won't get many shots; they want to make this one count.

9. 1965 CHICAGO BEARS

Record: 9-5

Pythag: 10-4

Off: 2nd

Def: 2nd

3rd NFL West

No playoffs

HC: George Halas DC George Allen

Offense

QB Randy Bukich (35 USC)

RB Gale Sayers (22-R)

RB Ronnie Bull (25)

WR Johnny Morris (30)

WR Jim Jones (24-R)

TE Mike Ditka (26)

LT Herman Lee (34)

LG Mike Rabold (28)

C Mike Pyle (26)

RG Jim Cadile (25)

RT Bob Wetoska (28)

Defense

LDE Dick Evey (24)

LDT Bob Kilcullen (29)

RDT Earl Leggett (32)

RDE Doug Atkins (35)

LLB Joe Fortunato (35) All Pro

MLB Dick Butkus (23-R) All pro

RLB Larry Morris (32)

LCB Bennie McRae (26)

RCB Dave Whitsell (29)

LS Richie Petitbon (27)

RS Rosey Taylor (28)

K Roger LeClerc (29)

P Bobby Joe Green (29)

KR/PR Gale Sayers (22) All Pro

We follow up a battle of the 70s with a battle of the 60s, the '65 Bears didn't make the playoffs but were second in both offense and defense in '65.  35 year old Randy Bukich accounted for 23 scores with 9 picks; he hands the ball to the 22 year old rookie, Gale Sayers -- this is a 14 game season, Sayers had 22 TDs.  He ran for them, caught them, returned kicks for them. On the either side of the ball, another All Pro rookie, 23 year old Dick Butkus w/5 picks and 7 fumble recoveries. 35 year old Joe Fortunato plays next to him and is also an All pro.  

Let's go to Shea for the kick.

1st Qtr

Jets to start at the 27.

3 and out.

Bears at the 38.  

1/10 - Gale Sayers, expect to see a heavy dose of Gale Sayers - he gets the ball - Jets are ready, stopped at the line.

2/10 - Ronnie Bull gets the ball - he gets 8 yards.  Third and 2.

3/2 - Sayers....is going to be just short, right at the sticks, Bears near midfield with a 4th and inches.

And Halas says go for it.  Okay - Halas going for it on 4th down on the first drive of the game.  Fun.

4/1 - Bull picks it up. Across midfield to the 49.  All running plays.  

1/10 - 5 for Sayers.

2/5 - 4 for Sayers.

3/1 - Bull picks it up.  Bears to the 37.

1/10 - Andy Livingston gets a carry, that's 8 runs to start the game for Chicago.  Stopped at the line.

2/10 - Sayers gets 2, 9 straight runs.  

3/8 - Rudy Bukich's first pass.  Incomplete.

So now it's 4th and 8 from the 35...Halas is gonna go for it again -- too far to FG, too close to punt -- that's tough, Jets can just play the pass - can Burkich pick it up?

4/8 - Incomplete.

Jets regain on downs.    After a false start, 1st/15 at the 30.

1/15 - Matt Snell gets 2.

2/13 - Snell stacked up.

3/13 - It's the first completion of the day - Joe Namath to Bake Turner - it's 20 yards and the Jets cross midfield. 

1/10- Emerson Boozer for 5. Offsides on the next play is a first down.

1/10 - Boozer stopped.

2/10 - Snell stopped.

3/10 - Namath hits Pete Lammons - the TE is all the way to the 26 for the first down.

1/10 - Boozer gets 2.

2/8 - Snell busts one -- all the way to the Bears 5 yard line for the first and goal.

It stops there - on the last play of the qtr is the short Turner FG.  3-0

2nd Qtr: Jets 3 Bears 0

If you thought there was some running in that last game - almost entirely all runs, the Bears don't have a completed pass.  Jets FG on the last play of the qtr, here's the kickoff.

Bears start at the 22.

1/10 - Livingston carry.  3 yards.

2/7 - Bukich's first completion is to Sayers in the flat - Sayers makes people miss all the way for 16. 

1/10 - Bull gets 2.

2/8 - Doug Atkins pounds Bukich into the turf for the sack.

3/15 - Bears pick it up - Bukich to Dick Gordon - 20 yards and they are in NY territory.

But that's all - 3 plays net 3 yards.  Punt.  

Jets at their own 12, first and 15 after a penalty.

1/15 - Snell gets 3.

2/12 - Boozer gets 1.

3/11 - Namath finds George Sauer -- 19 yards - big gainer to the 35.  

1/10 - Snell for 2.

2/8 - Bill Mathis loses 2.

3/10 - Namath hits Bake Turner again - 27 more -- Jets at the Chicago 39 with 6 left in the half, still leading 3-0.  

1/10 - Namath to Lammons, 10 yards to the 29.

1/10 - Snell for 2.

2/8 - Incomplete

3/8 - Namath converts his third third down of the drive - Don Maynard for 15 and the Jets are at the Bears 12.

The drive stalls.  Another short kick.  6-0.  

Bears at the 31.  Little more than 2 minutes left in the half.

1/10 - Sayers for 5.

2/5 - Livingston for 11 at the 2 minute warning.  

1/10 - Sayers for 4.

2/6 - Incomplete

3/6 - Bukich picks it up.  10 to Bull to the Jet 39.  

1/10 - Bukich to Johnny Morris, 6 yards.

2/4 - Bukich -- going deep -- deep strike -- Morris -- TOUCHDOWN BEARS -- With a minute left in the half, Halas dials up the big shot -- Bukich hits Johnny Morris for the 33 yard score and the Bears take the 7-6 lead.

Jets start at the 18.  They'll connect on a big play - Namath 40 yards to Maynard - but can't get beyond that and a punt ends the half. 

Third Qtr Bears 7 Jets 6

Jets have largely been the better side, but the Bears held them to FG while hitting a big play just before the half to take the lead.

Bears start at the 20.

1/10 - Bull is stopped.

2/11 - Sayers gets 5.

3/6 - It's Mike Ditka's first reception, 9 and the first.  

1/10 - Sayers gets 2, illegal motion on the next play backs them up 5.

2/13 - Bukich finds Morris -- Morris scored at the end of the half and it's 15 here, Bears at their own 43.

But that's it - 3 plays net 2 yards.  Earl Christy with the nice return - and the Jets take over at their own 46.

1/10 - Snell gets 13.

1/10 - Namath to Boozer for 3.

2/7 - Namath to Sauer for 13 and the Jets are at the Bear 25.

1/10 - Boozer stopped.

2/10 - Boozer gets 4.

3/6 - Namath over the mid -- Picked off By Butkus -- Butkus Intercepts Namath deep in his own end -- Butkus down at the 13 -- huge stop by Chicago - big play by the rookie Butkus -- Bears regain possession.

3 and out.  

Jets start at their own 49.

3 and out.

Bears start at their own 25.  

1/10 - Sayers for 5.

2/5 - Bull for 9.

1/10 - Sayers for 1.

2/9 - Last play of the quarter, Bukich to Jim Jones, 19 yards -- Chicago is across midfield, with the 7-6 lead as we head to the 4th.

4th Qtr: Bears 7 Jets 6

The Butkus pick is the big play of the quarter, Bears still with that 7-6 lead and now they have a first down at the Jets 41.  

1/10 - Livingston for 5.

2/5 - Bukich to Joe Arnett, 5 and the first.

1/10 - Sayers for 2

2/8 - Incomplete

3/8- Bukich to Morris...he's close to the sticks....measurement.....First Down.  This NY crowd now starting to get nervous - they're down a point, Bears are at the NY 21 yard line with a first down.

But that's all.  3 plays net 2 yards.  And then LeClerc......missses the short FG and the Jets regain possession.

3 and out.  The Jets don't have a first down since that Butkus pick.  

Bears at the 35.

3 and out.  

Jets at the 18.  6:37 to go.  Down 7-6.

3 and out.  The Bear defense has just gone into full lockdown mode and now the Bears regain -- and in good field position at their own 42.  4:26 left.  Ball and the lead.  

1/10 - Livingston for 13.  There's a false start on the next play.

1/15 - Jon Arnett for 5.  

2/10 - Sayers for 1.

3/9 - Bukich goes downfield -- Gordon - Big Home Run -- 35 yards -- Halas doesn't run the ball on third down - he takes the shot and Bukich hits it -- 35 huge yards and just before the 2 minute mark it is 1st and goal for the Bears, already up 1. Big, big, big play.

1/goal - Sayers gets 2.  2 min warning.  

2/goal - Bull gets 3. Jets have to stop the clock.  Bears at the Jets 3.  So, 3rd and goal at the 3 yard line.  Here it is.  

3/goal - Give to Arnett -- Bears push -- push -- Arnett is Going Into the End Zone -- TOUCHDOWN BEARS -- Arnett follows the Bears line into the end zone - there's less than 2 minutes left in the game and it's an 8 point Chicago lead, 14-6.

Jets deep in their own end at the 15.1:45 left.  Down 14-6.  The Jets do not have a 4th quarter first down. Can Namath find enough magic to get a score - get a 2 pt conversion - and force OT?

1/10 - Draw play.  Bill Mathis.  9 yards and out of bounds.  

2/1 - Namath looking deep.  Home run shot.  Sauer.  Caught!  36 yards, Namath to Sauer -- Jets using their second time out at the Bear 40 yard line with 1:21 left in the half, Jets have 1 timeout remaining.

1/10 - Namath to Snell - Snell in open field -- Snell heading to the sideline - Snell has a 16 yard pickup and it out of bounds at the Bear 24 yard line with a little over a minute remaining.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Namath.  Maynard -- First down - 12 yard pickup -- Jets use their final timeout at the Chicago 12 yard line!  40 seconds remain in the football game.  Jets at the Bear 12, trailing 14-6.

This Shea Stadium crowd is so tense - so tense -- willing Namath to find these last 12 yards.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Namath - End Zone -- Maynard TOUCHDOWN JETS....TOUCHDOWN JETS....TOUCHDOWN JETS.... Namath to Maynard, 12 yards and it is 14-12.

Jets line up for the 2 point coversion, only 19 seconds left in the football game.  

Namath going play action - fake to Snell - Namath looking end zone -- Namath firing -- Sauer --- CAUGHT!  CAUGHT!  CAUGHT! Joe Namath to George Sauer -- it is 14-14, it is 14-14.

The Bears will get a big catch, Bukich to Jones for 33 and stop the clock at around midfield - but a Gerry Philbin sack ends regulation.  

OT: Jets 14 Bears 14

Namath drives the Jets 85 yards in less than 2 minutes, then converts the 2 pt play, and we head to sudden death - remember, it is sudden death rules - first score wins.

Bears win the toss.  They start at their own 38.  Nice Sayers return.

3 and out.  

Jets start at their own 35.  

1/10 - Snell for 3.

2/7 - Big sack -- Joe Fortunato levels Namath, it's an 8 yard loss and it is third and 15.

3/15 -- Namath - scrambling - finds Lammons -- Caught -- Lammons has a first down -- Lammons with a 25 yard gain and the Jets are in Chicago territory - Jim Turner starts warming up the leg.  Shea Stadium is quaking.  

1/10- Give to Snell.  He Breaks it -- Matt Snell up the middle  -- Snell goes 27 yards and the Jets are at the 18!  The Jets are at the Bear 18!  First Down!

1/10 - Give to Boozer - Boozer --- Boozer breaks a tackle - EMERSON BOOZER'S GONNA SCORE!  TOUCHDOWN JETS!  TOUCHDOWN JETS!  TOUCHDOWN JETS!

18 yard Emerson Boozer run to the endzone and the NY Jets defeat the Chicago Bears 20-14!

Final: Jets 20 Bears 14

Chicago had an 8 point lead with less than 2 minutes remaining and the Jets at their own 15 yard line -- Namath did it - the Jets drove down and scored, then got the 2 point conversion - the defense forces the 3 and out in OT and then the Jets just mow their way into the endzone - Emerson Boozer caps it off and NY will head to Pittsburgh in rnd 2 to face the '75 Steelers.

Namath: 16 for 27, 261 yds, 1 TD/1 INT

Bukich: 13 for 22, 218 yds, 1 TD

Snell: 15 carries, 79 yds

Sayers: 19 carries, 47 yds

Maynard: 4 catches, 78 yds, 1 TD

Morris: 4 catches, 62 yds 1 TD

Player of the Game: Joe Namath

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

 

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

1. 1975 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION PITTSBURGH STEELERS 

Record: 12-2

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 5th

Def: 2nd

1st AFC Central

d. Colts Div Rnd 28-10

d. Raiders AFC Title 16-10

d. Cowboys Super Bowl 21-17

HC Chuck Noll, DC Bud Carson

Three Rivers Stadium: 40 degrees

Jack Fleming/Myron Cope

Offense

QB Terry Bradshaw (27 La Tech)

RB Rocky Bleier (29 N Dame)

RB Franco Harris (25 Penn St)

WR Lynn Swann (23 USC)

WR John Stallworth (23 Alabama A&M)

TE Larry Brown (26 Kansas)

LT Jon Kolb (28 Ok St)

LG Jim Clack (28 Wake)

C Ray Mansfield (34 Wash)

RG Gerry Mullins (26 USC)

RT Gordon Gravelle (26 BYU)

Defense

LDE LC Greenwood (29 Ark PB) All Pro

LDT Mean Joe Greene (29 N Tex)

RDT Ernie Holmes (27 Tex So.)

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

LLB Jack Ham (27 Penn St) All Pro

MLB Jack Lambert (23 Kent St)

RLB Andy Russell (34 Missouri)

LCB JT Thomas (24 Florida St)

RCB Mel Blount (27 Southern) All Pro

SS Mike Wagner (26 W Illinois)

FS Glen Edwards (28 Florida A&M)

K Roy Gerela (27 N Mex St)

P Bobby Walden (37 UGA)

KR Mike Collier (22 Morg St)

PR Dave Brown (22 Mich)

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

16. 1977 MIAMI DOLPHINS

Record: 10-4

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 3rd

Def: 5th

2nd AFC East

Did not make playoffs

d. '76 Patriots 38-19

HC Don Shula, OC Howard Schnellenberger DC John Sandusky

Offense

QB Bob Griese (32 Purdue) All Pro

RB Benny Malone (25 Ariz St)

FB Norm Bulach (31 TCU)

WR Nat Moore (26 Florida) All Pro

WR Duriel Harris (23 N Mex St)

TE Andre Tillman (25 TTech)

LT Wayne Moore (32 Lamar)

LG Bob Kuechenberg (30 N Dame)

C Jim Langer (29 S Dak St) All Pro

RG Larry Little (32 Beth Cook)

RT Mike Current (32 Ohio St)

Defense

LDE Vern Den Herder (29 Cent Coll)

NT Bob Baumhower (22 Alabama)

RDE AJ Duhe (23-R LSU)

LOLB Kim Bokamper (23-R S Jose St)

LILB Steve Towle (24 Kansas)

RILB Bob Matheson (33 Duke)

ROLB Larry Gordon (23 Ariz St)

LCB Norris Thomas (23-R So Miss)

RCB Curtis Johnson (29 Toledo)

SS Tim Foley (29 Purdue)

FS Vern Robinson (25-R Grambling)

K Garo Yepremian (33 None)

P Mike Michel (23 Stanford)

KR Gary Davis (23 C Poly San Luis Obisp)

PR Freddie Solomon (24 Tampa)

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

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

1st Qtr

Miami at the 20.

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

2/10 - Gary Davis gets 4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1/10 - Frenchy Fuqua gets 7.

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

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

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

1/10 - Franco stopped at the line.

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

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

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

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

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

2nd Qtr

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

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

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

3 and out.  

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

1/10 - Bulaich nothing.

2/10 - Griese to Duriel Harris for 14.

1/10 - Malone gets 2.

2/8 - Incomplete

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

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

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

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

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

2/3 - Franco loses 2.

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

1/10 - Franco gets 4.

2/6 - Incomplete

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

1/10 - Bleier gets 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Third Qtr

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

Steelers at the 28.

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

2/15 - Franco gets 8.

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

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

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

Dolphins at the 16.

1/10 - Davis gets 2

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

1/10 - Malone is stopped.  

2/10 - Maline gets a yard. 

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

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

1/10 - Franco for 4.

2/6 - Franco for 2. 

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

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

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

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

4th Qtr

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

1/goal - Bleier gets right to the goal line

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

Miami at the 17.

1/10 - Davis gets 11.  

1/10 - Malone gets a yard.  

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

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

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

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

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

Miami at the 30.

1/10 - Bulaich gets 3.

2/7 - Incomplete.

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

1/10 - Malone gets 4.

2/6 - Incomplete

3/6 - Incomplete

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

4/10 - Incomplete.

Steelers take over on downs and that is probably that.  

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

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

Final: Steelers 17 Dolphins 7

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

Bradshaw: 9 for 20, 90 yds, 1 TD

Griese: 10 for 27, 116 yds, 1 INT

Franco: 22 for 70

Davis: 10 for 87

Swann: 2 for 17

Harris: 3 for 49

Blount: INT/TD

Lambert: 10 tackles/sack

Player of the Game: Mel Blount

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

'14 Patriots v. '86 Niners 

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

16. 1977 MIAMI DOLPHINS

Record: 10-4

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 3rd

Def: 5th

2nd AFC East

Did not make playoffs

HC Don Shula, OC Howard Schnellenberger DC John Sandusky

Rick Weaver/Hank Goldberg

Orange Bowl: 75 degrees

Offense

QB Bob Griese (32 Purdue) All Pro

RB Benny Malone (25)

FB Norm Bulach (31)

WR Nat Moore (26) All Pro

WR Duriel Harris (23)

TE Andre Tillman (25)

LT Wayne Moore (32)

LG Bob Kuechenberg (30)

C Jim Langer (29) All Pro

RG Larry Little (32)

RT Mike Current (32)

Defense

LDE Vern Den Herder (29)

NT Bob Baumhower (22)

RDE AJ Duhe (23-R)

LOLB Kim Bokamper (23-R)

LILB Steve Towle (24)

RILB Bob Matheson (33)

ROLB Larry Gordon (23)

LCB Norris Thomas (23-R)

RCB Curtis Johnson (29)

SS Tim Foley (29)

FS Vern Robinson (25-R)

K Garo Yepremian (33)

P Mike Michel (23)

KR Gary Davis (23)

PR Freddie Solomon (24)

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

16. 1976 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 

Record: 11-3 

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 2nd

Def: 11th

2nd AFC East

Lost Div Rnd Raiders 24-21

HC: Chuck Fairbanks 

Offense

QB Steve Grogan (23)

RB Andy Johnson (24)

FB Sam Cunningham (26)

WR Darryl Stingley (25)

WR Randy Vataha (28)

TE Russ Francis (23)

LT Leon Gray (25)

LG John Hannah (25) All Pro

C Bill Lenkaitis (30)

RG Sam Adams (28)

RT Bob McKay (29)

Defense

LDE Tony McGee (27)

NT Ray Hamilton (25)

RDE Julius Adams (28)

LOLB Steve Zabel (28)

LILB Steve Nelson (25)

RILB Sam Hunt (25)

ROLB Steve King (25)

LCB Bob Howard (32)

RCB Mike Haynes (23-R)

SS Prentice McCray (25)

FS Tim Fox (23-R)

K John Smith (27)

P Mike Patrick (24)

KR Jess Phillips (29)

PR Mike Haynes (23)

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

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

1st Qtr

Patriots start at the 34.

3 and out.

Dolphins at the 31.

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

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

2/6 - Give to Malone.  1 yd.  

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

Patriots at the 27.

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

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

1/10 - Cunningham gets 3.

2/7 - Cunningham gets 3.

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

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

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

Pats at the 28.

1/10 - Andy Johnson gets 18.  

1/10 - Johnson stopped at the line.

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

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

Miami at the 38.

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

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

2nd Qtr

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

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

Patriots at the 31.

1/10 - Bam Cunningham pounds for 11.

1/10 - Johnson loses 2

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

1/10 - Calhoun gets 5.

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

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

Miami at the 36.

1/10 - Malone for 8.

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

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

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

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

1/10 - Incomplete

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

Patriots at the 28.

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

1/10 - Incomplete

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

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

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

1/10 - Grogan to Stingley, 13 yards.  

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

Third Qtr

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

Miami starts at the 45 after the nice return.  

1/10 - Julius Adams sacks Griese.

2/19 - Incomplete

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

1/10 - Malone gets 7.

2/3 - Malone gets 6.

1/10 - Davis gets 3.

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

1/goal - Incomplete

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

Pats at the 24.

1/10 - Cunningham gets 4,

2/7 - Cunningham gets 3.

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

1/10 - 7 yards for Johnson.

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

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

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

1/10 - Davis gets 1.

2/9 - Bulaich stopped.

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

Pats at the 38.  

1/10 - Grogan to Cunningham.  14.

1/10 - Grogan to Johnson.  17.  

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

4th qtr

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

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

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

Miami at the 36.

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

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

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

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

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

Final: Dolphins 38 Patriots 19

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

Griese: 11 for 18, 182 yds, 3 TD

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

Malone: 13 carries, 98 yds

Johnson: 12 carries, 65 yds, 1 TD

Moore: 4 catches, 70 yds, 2 TD

Vataha: 2 catches, 56 yds, 1 TD

Matheson: 2 INT

Player of the Game: Nat Moore

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

 1. B.Porter RHP HS (MI) 

2. J.Cannon RHP UGA        

3. M.Moore C HS (CA)          

4. B.Neal C HS (FL)                 

5. T.Smith LHP HS (SC)     

6. P.Kling CF HS (PA)           

7. J.Madden RHP JC (FL)            

8. B.Sproat RHP Florida         

9. B.Hubbart LHP Fla St        

10. G.Turley CF HS (AZ)        

11. M.Martin SS HS (NJ)       

12. N.Savino LHP     UVA         

13. J.Zibin RHP HS (SC)         

14. C.Smith 3B PBCentral HS  

15. H.Williams RHP Duke       

16. I.Irish C HS (MI)               

17. J.Noot RHP HS (CA)         

18. C.Staine RHP     UCF                 

19. T.Dombroski LHP Monmouth 

20. J.Taylor CF HS (FL)

21. D.Keegan C Vandy            

22. J.Flores SS HS (TX)            

23. C.Thomas RF Mercer       

24. J.Watters RHP WVA           

25. M.Neville CF HS (NV)   

26. C.Palmquist LHP  Mia   

27. B.Joyce RHP Tenn        

28. J.Lampe CF Ariz St               

29. A.Walters RHP Miami      

30. J.O’Connor RHP HS (VA)    

31. S.Horn RHP HS (GA)         

32. R.Clifford RF HS (NJ)        

33. L.Gold 2B BC                  

34. C.Shores RHP  HS (TX)     

35. K.Milbrandt RHP HS (MO)    

36. S.Ardoin C Tex                

37. Z.Maxwell RHP G Tech      

38. T.Vrieling RHP Gonz 

39. C.Hunter C Va Tech 

40. J.Reimer 3B HS (CA) 

41. M.Kennedy LHP HS (NY)

42. B.Loftin LHP  HS (MS)       

43. B.Brannon C HS (NC)        

44. T.Lipscomb 3B Tenn           

45. C.Paciolla SS HS (CA)        

46. C.Dana RHP HS (NJ)     

47. L.Huesman LHP JS (VA)     

48. N.McLean RHP Ok St       

49. J.Sprinkle SS UCSB 

50. A.Guzman C HS (CT)        

51. D.Baldwin C Missouri St       

52. L.Ramirez RHP L Beach St

53. J.Crooks  C Oklahoma       

54. M.Johnson RHP Duke  

55. C.Pollard SS HS (GA)        

56. G.Rincones RF FAU          

57. N.Mule RHP HS (NJ)         

58. E.Jerzembeck RHP HS (NC)  

59. M.Rajcic RHP UCLA       

60. G.Guidry SS HS (LA)

61. R.Kelly RHP HS (CA) 

62. T.Gonzalez LF G Tech 

63. S.DiChiara 1B Aub  

64. J.Curtis CF HS (TX)           

65. J.Humphries  LHP HS (NC)  

66. E.Petry 3B HS (FL)            

67. H.Dunhurst C Ole Miss    

68. B.Birdsell RHP TTech 

69. W.Kempner RHP Gonz 

70. A.Charles OF HS (CA) 

71. L.Wagner 3B HS (SC) 

72. T.Faltline SS Tex 

73. K.Thomas RHP HS (CA)

74. R.Ritter SS UK 

75. J.Jones C HS (GA) 

76. C.Obermueller LHP HS (IA) 

77. J.Grady CF D Baptist 

78. M.Knorr RHP C Carolina 

79. A.Freeland 3B UCF 

80. M.Wood C Penn St