256 Team NFL Tournament - Region 1/Round 1/ 1977 Denver Broncos v. 2014 Green Bay Packers

'10 Steelers v '15 Chiefs 

12. 2014 GREEN BAY PACKERS AT 5. 1977 AFC CHAMPION DENVER BRONCOS

5. 1977 AFC CHAMPION DENVER BRONCOS

Record: 12-1

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 10th

Def: 3rd

1st AFC West

d. Steelers Div Rnd 34-21

d. Raiders AFC Title: 20-17

Lost Super Bowl Cowboys 27-10

HC: Red Miller, DC: Joe Collier

Mile High Stadium. 45 degrees

Offense

QB Craig Morton (34-Cal)

RB Otis Armstrong (27-Purdue)

FB Jon Keyworth (27-Colorado)

WR Jack Dolbin (29-Wake)

WR Haven Moses (31-S Diego St)

TE Riley Odoms (27-Houston)

LT Andy Maurer (29-Oregon)

LG Tom Glassic (23-UVA)

C Mike Montler (33-Colorado)

RG Paul Howard (27-BYU)

RT Claude Minor (26-S Diego St)

Defense

LDE Barney Chavous (26 S Carolina St)

NT Rubin Carter (25 Miami)

RDE Lyle Alzado (28 Yankton) ALL PRO 

LOLB Bob Swenson (24 Cal)

LILB Joe Rizzo (27 Marines)

RILB Randy Gradishar (25 Ohio St) ALL PRO

ROLB Tom Jackson (26 Louisville) ALL PRO

LCB Louis Wright (24 S Jose St)

RCB Steve Foley (24 Tulane)

SS Bill Thompson (31 Md Eastern Shore) ALL PRO

FS Bernard Jackson (27 Wash St)

PK Jim Turner (36 Utah St)

P Bucky Dilts (24 UGA)

KR/PR Rick Upchurch (Minnesota)

Denver's the 5th seed in Region 1 on the strength of the Orange Crush; 4 All Pros.  Vet QB Craig Morton is 34, he threw for 14 scores; he and Aaron Rodgers both went to Cal.  Denver's unlikely to do much damage on offense.  

12. 2014 GREEN BAY PACKERS

Record 12-4

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 1st

Def: 13th

1st NFC North

d. Cowboys Div Rnd 26-21

Lost Seahawks NFC Title 28-22

HC: Mike McCarthy, OC: Tom Clements DC: Dom Capers

Offense

QB Aaron Rodgers (31) ALL PRO

RB Eddie Lacy (24 Alabama)

WR Davante Adams (22-R Fresno St)

WR Randall Cobb (24 Kentucky)

WR Jordy Nelson (29 Kansas St)

TE Andrew Quarless (26 Penn St)

LT David Bakhtiari (23 Colorado)

LG Josh Sitton (28 Cen Florida) 

C Corey Linsley (23-R Ohio St)

RG TJ Lang (27 E Michigan )

RT Bryan Bulaga (25 Iowa)

Defense

NT Leroy Guion (27 Florida St)

RDE Mike Daniels (25 Iowa)

LOLB Julius Peppers (34 UNC)

LILB AJ Hawk (30 Ohio St)

RILB Sam Barrington (24 S Florida)

ROLB Clay Matthews (28 USC)

LCB Tramon Williams (31 LA Tech)

RCB Sam Shields (27 Miami)

Nick Micah Hyde (24 Iowa) 

SS Morgan Burnett (25 Geo Tech)

FS Ha Ha Clinton Dix (22-R Alabama)

PK Mason Crosby (30 Colorado)

P Tim Masthay (27 Kentucky)

KR DuJuan Harris (26 Troy)

PR Micah Hyde (24 Iowa)

The top offense in 2014 is Green Bay's; Aaron Rodgers is 31, 38 touchdown passes to just 5 picks; Randall Cobb's 24, Jordy Nelson's 29 and both caught nearly a hundred balls with double digit scores. We're going to see how a modern offense matches up against an excellent 1970s defense.

First Quarter

The Packers receive the kick - they open at the 23.

1/10 Eddie Lacy gains a yard.

2/9 Aaron Rodgers is flushed from the pocket, keeps the play alive - and finds James Starks alone on the sideline for a 46 yard pickup, all the way to the Denver 30. 

1/10-Rodgers takes an end zone shot for Jordy Nelson - it's incomplete but a defensive holding call gives the Packers 5 yards and a first down.

1/10-Lacy for 3.

2/7- Incomplete

3/7-Incomplete, Louis Wright stepping in front of Randall Cobb and almost coming away with the INT.  Mason Crosby hits a 39 yard FG and the Pack go up 3-0.

After the kick Denver takes over at the 27 with 12:22 left.

1/10-Craig Morton drops back. Incomplete

2/10- Otis Armstrong carry - 17 yards.  

1/10- Armstrong for 1.

2/9-Jon Keyworth gets a carry and loses 2.

3/11- Julius Peppers rips Morton down with a sack.  A huge 11 yard loss.

After the punt, the Pack take the ball at the 32, 9:14 left.  3-0

1/10-Rodgers to Lacy, 8 yards

2/2 - Incomplete

3/2-Lacy gets 2 and picks up the first down.

1/10-Lacy gets nothing.

2/10-Rodgers scrambles for a five yard gain.

3/5-Starks is stopped at the line.  The Pack has to kick.

Packers punt, Denver will start at their own 18 with 5:34 left.

1/10-11 for Armstrong.

1/10-AJ Hawk forces an Armstrong fumble, but Denver recovers with a 2 yd loss.

2/12-Morton finds Haven Moses, it's a 15 yard gain and a Denver first down at their own 40, 2:49 left in the qtr.

1/10-Clay Matthews sacks Morton, 7 yard loss. 

2/17- Morton hits Rick Upchurch on a fly pattern - Upchurch catches the ball in stride -- and Uphurch is going to go!  Rick Upchurch streaks home -- all the way home -- 67 yards for a BRONCOS TOUCHDOWN Morton to Upchurch for a 67 yard touchdown and the Broncos go out in front 7-3 after the PAT.

Pack will start at the 24 with 1:46 left in the first trailing 7-3 

A false start takes them back 5.  

1/15- Rodgers to Jordy Nelson for 27.  Pack to their own 46.  

1/10-Lacy gets 1.

2/9-Starks gets 7 -- he fumbles, but the Pack recovers - it'll be 3rd and 5 at the Denver 49 when the second qtr begins.

Second Qtr

The Pack have 3rd and 5 at the Bronco 48.  Down 7-3.

3/5 - An end around to Randall Cobb - but the Broncos aren't fooled, just two yards and the Pack will punt. 

Denver will take over after the punt at their own 17, 13:59 left.  

1/10-Keyworth gets 3

2/7 - Armstrong gets 1 that is called back on a Bronco hold.

2/17-Julius Peppers second sack of the game is a loss of 7

3/24 - incomplete.

Big punt return by Micah Hyde - all the way down to the Denver 31 with 12:20 left.

1/10-Lacy for 3.

2/7-incomplete, and then an illegal motion penalty takes the Pack back 5

3/12 - dump off pass to Starks who is lit up by Gradishar at the line of scrimmage - Mason Crosby lines up for a 50 yard FG....it is good...and it's 7-6 Denver

Denver will start at their own 29, 10:44 left.

1/10-Keyworth gets nothing.

2/10-Armstrong loses 2.

3/12 - Morton hits Rob Lytle for 18 - big first down for the Broncos, they're at their own 45 with 8:45 left in the half.

1/10-Armstrong gets 1

2/9-Keyworth gets a dozen - another first down, Denver at the Packer 42. 7:22 left.

1/10-Armstrong gets 2.

2/8-Morton to Keyworth, 13 more yards - Denver moving the ball here they reach the Packer 27. 5:56 left. 

1/10-Armstrong gets seven, an illegal motion call on the next play wipes 5 away.

2/8-Morton finds Haven Moses...in the endzone...TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS - Craig Morton's second TD pass of the game -- Denver misses the XP so the lead is 13-6

Green Bay starts at their own 33, 5:04 left in the half, down 7.

1/10-Rodgers to Nelson, 14.

1/10-Lacy gets 2 and then there's a false start

2/13-Starks gets 3, third and long.

3/10-Rodgers converts, finds Lacy over the middle for a 14 yard pickup.  Pack at the Bronco 39, 2:26 left. 

1/10-Starks gets 2

2/8-Incomplete

3/8-Rodgers converts again, 9 yards to Nelson, he is out of bounds at the Bronco 28 yard line with 1:50 left.  

1/10-Incomplete

2/10-Rodgers finds Randall Cobb for 18 - Packers at the Denver 10 for a first and goal with 1:35 left.

1/10-Rodgers hits Cobb on a fade pattern -- TOUCHDOWN PACKERS Green Bay marches down the field to match the Denver score, they hit the kick and we are tied at 13. 

Denver will start all the way up at their 46 after a terrific return by Upchurch, 1:22 left.

1/10-Morton has to escape the rush, gets 2.  Timeout.

2/8-Morton hits Lytle for 8, first down at the Packer 44, :53 seconds.  

1/10-Morton in trouble again, he shovels a pass to Odoms for a yard and Denver uses their second timeout.  

2/9-Incomplete

3/9-Morton finds Jack Dolbin over the middle for 17 yards - that's a first down, Denver uses their last timeout at 33 seconds at the Packer 26.

1/10-pitch to Keyworth gets a yard, he's out of bounds.

2/9-Morton to Armstrong...he's going to be just short of the first down - clock running - Morton's got to hurry to the line - Morton just spiikes the ball to stop the clock at 6 seconds left in the half.  Jim Turner hits the short FG and we head to the locker room - the Broncos lead 16-13

Third Quarter

Denver starts at their own 36, up 16-13.  

1/10-Lytle for 3.

2/7-Incomplete

3/7-Morton hits Lytle for 15 - the previous generation's Cal QB is matching the Hall of Fame Cal QB shot for shot today.  

1/10-Keyworth gets nothing.

2/10-Lytle gets nothing, another third down.

3/10-Morton hits Rick Upchurch - he caught the big 67 yard bomb in the first quarter and he adds 19 here, the Broncos are at the Packer 27 yard line, 11:25 left.  

1/10-Keyworth gets 3

2/7-Armstrong gets nothing and once again, third down.

3/7-And once again - Morton coverts, hits Armstrong for 10, Denver reaches the Packer 14, Craig Morton giving the Packer defense more than it wants today.  

1/10-Lytle loses 2

2/12-Armstrong gets 8, another third down

3/4-Red Miller dials up a run play this time -- but the Packers are there, Lytle can only get back to the line of scrimmage, Denver's got 4th and 4 at the Packer 8 yard line...they kick the short FG.  19-13 Broncos

Denver takes the first 7:31 of the third for a drive that earns them a FG, after the kick, GB will start at the 10, 7:16 left.

3 and out.  

They kick to Denver.

3 and out including Clay Matthews' second sack of the day.  

The Pack regain possession at their own 18, 3:14 left.  

1/10-Lacy gets 6 and a 15 yard face mask penalty tacks on 15

1/10-3 for Lacy

2/7-5 for Lacy

3/2-Rodgers finds Andrew Quarless, his TE, for 13 yards, that takes the Pack to the Denver 40 with 1:10 left in the third.  Broncos by 6.

1/10-2 for Lacy.

2/8-Incomplete

3/8-Incomplete -- the Packers are at the Bronco 38 with a 4th and 8 down by 6 - McCarthy decides to punt, that's a very non 2022 decision for this 2014 team, it's a touchback.  

Jon Keyworth gets in a five yard run as the clock expires.

Fourth Quarter

 

15 minutes of football left, Denver is up 19-13 and they have the ball, second and 5 at their own 25 yard line.  

2/5-Armstrong for 1.

3/4-Morton again under huge pressure, he's hit by Clinton Dix on the safety blitz as he throws the ball, the pass is incomplete

Punt.  Packers will get the ball at their own 37.  13:34 left.  Down 6.

1/10-Rodgers to Starks - he makes his way for a 24 yard gain.  

1/10-Lacy gets 7

2/3-Lacy gets 10 - Green Bay's at the Denver 22 yard line with 11:26 to play.  

1/10-Lacy gets 1

2/9-Lacy gets 1

3/8-Rodgers converts - hits Quarless for 8 - the Pack is at the Denver 12 with 9:22 to play. 

1/10-Rodgers to Nelson for 4.

2/6-Lyle Alzado breaks through - brings Rodgers down for a huge 7 yard loss - and here we are, 3rd and 13 at the Bronco 15 yard line, 8:07 left, Denver up by 6.

1/10-Rodgers drops back - fires over the middle - into the end zone -- Randall Cobb.....TOUCHDOWN PACKERS!  Rodgers hits Randall Cobb and after the XP the Packers have taken the 20-19 lead.  

After the kick, Denver starts at their own 36.  7:52 left.  

And they go 3 and out.  Mike Daniels gets Green Bay's 5th sack.  

Pack at their own 40, 6:14 left, up a point.

1/10-Lacy gets 15.

1/10-Rodgers scrambles for 4.

2/6-Rodgers to Cobb for 4.  

3/2-Play action - Rodgers to the air - find Cobb for 18 and a first....nope...it comes back on a huge holding call that brings up 3rd and 20 - Rodgers will hit Nelson for 14 but that still leads to a punt and here we go.  

Denver at their own 17.  3:10 left.  Packers 20 Broncos 19.

1/10- Armstrong, nothing.

2/10-Armstrong, nothing. 

3/10-Incomplete

4/10 - 1:53 left, Denver's down one.  They go for it.  

Incomplete.  

The Broncos unable to pick up a first down in the 4th quarter, the Pack takes over at the Denver 17 yard line, they run the ball into the line 3 times, burn all the Bronco time outs, Mason Crosby kicks a chip shot FG to make it 23-19 --- and with 87 seconds to play, Denver will get one last shot from their own 32 yard line.  

1/10- Morton finds Haven Moses for a 34 yard gain!  Denver is at the Packer 34 yard line - Morton spikes the ball with 62 seconds left.

2/10-Incomplete. 

3/10-Incomplete

4/10 - here it is, Denver at the Packer 34 yard line, 47 seconds remaining in the game - down by 4 - 4th and ten.

Morton finds Otis Armstrong on the sideline for a 14 yard gain and a first down!  

Armstrong is out of bounds with 36 seconds left - the Broncos have a first down and Morton comes back to the line.

Morton to the endzone.....incomplete.  

2nd and 10.  30 seconds.  Morton to the endzone....PICKED OFF BY SAM SHIELDS!  SAM SHIELDS INTERCEPTS CRAIG MORTON IN THE END ZONE AND THE GREEN BAY PACKERS ARE GOING TO ADVANCE!!!

Rodgers takes one knee and it is done.

Final: PACKERS 23 BRONCOS 19

We have a 12/5 upset, the '14 Packers come into Mile High and knock off the '77 Broncos.  Each game of the tournament has been very close, but the more modern team has won every game so far.  

Rodgers: 14-23 224 yards, 2 TDs

Morton: 13-25 258 2 TDs 1 Int

Lacy: 18 carries, 63 yds

Armstrong: 14 carries, 49 yds

Nelson: 5 catches, 68 yds

Cobb: 3 catches, 43 yds, 2 TDS

Lytle: 3 catches 41 yds

Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews - 2 sacks

Player of the game - Randall Cobb

256 Team NFL Tournament - Region 1/Round 1/ 2010 Pittsburgh Steelers v. 2015 Kansas City Chiefs

'07 Patriots v '83 Cowboys 

9. 2015 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS at 8. 2010 AFC CHAMPION PITTSBURGH STEELERS

8. 2010 AFC CHAMPION PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Record: 12-4

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 12th

Def: 1st

d. Ravens Div Rnd 31-24

d. Jets AFC Title 24-19

Lost Super Bowl Packers 31-25

HC: Mike Tomlin, OC: Bruce Arians, DC: Dick LeBeau

Heinz Field: 45 degrees

Announcers: Bill Hillgrove/Tunch Ilkin

Offense:

QB Ben Roethlisberger (28)

RB Rashard Mendenhall (23)

WR Mike Wallace (24)

WR Hines Ward (34)

TE Heath Miller (28)

TE Matt Spaeth (27)

LT Jonathan Scott (27)

LG Chris Kemoeatu (27)

C Maurkice Pouncey (21-R)

RG Ramon Foster (24)

RT Flozell Adams (35)

Defense

LDE Evander Hood (23)

NT Casey Hampton (33)

RDE Brett Keisel (32)

LOLB LaMarr Woodley (26)

LILB James Farrior (35)

RILB Lawrence Timmons (24)

ROLB James Harrison (32) ALL PRO

LCB Bryant McFadden (29)

RCB Ike Taylor (30)

SS Troy Polamalu (29) ALL PRO

FS Ryan Clark (31) 

K Jeff Reed (31)

P Daniel Sepulveda (26)

KR Emmanuel Sanders (23)

PR Antonio Brown (22)

Pittsburgh's defense leads them here; top ranked in 2010; Polamalu is 29, James Harrison is 32, both All Pro. Harrison and LaMarr Woodley both had double digit sacks, Polamalu had 7 picks.  The offense is middling; Big Ben is 28, threw for 17 scores. Mendenhall and Wallace each had double digit TDs. 

9. 2015 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Record: 11-5

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 9th

Def: 3rd

d. Texans WC 30-0

Lost Div Rnd Patriots 27-20

HC: Andy Reid, OC: Doug Pedersen, DC: Bob Sutton

Offense

QB Alex Smith (31)

RB Charcandrick West (24)

WR Jeremy Maclin (27)

WR Albert Wilson (23)

TE Demetrius Harris (24)

TE Travis Kelce (26)

LT Eric Fisher (24)

LG Ben Grubbs (31)

C Mitch Morse (23-R)

RG Laurent Duvernay Tardif (24)

RT Jah Reid (27)

LDE Mike Devito (31)

NT Dontario Poe (25)

RDE Jave Howard (27)

LOLB Justin Houston (26)

LILB Derrick Johnson (33)

RILB Josh Mauga (28)

ROLB Tamba Hall (32)

LCB Marcus Peters (22-R)

RCB Sean Smith (28)

SS Ron Parker (28)

FS Eric Berry (27) ALL PRO

PK Cairo Santos (24)

P Dustin Colquitt (33)

KR Knile Davis (24)

PR De'Anthony Thomas (22)

Like the Steelers, the Chiefs lead with defense, third in 2015. 5 Pro Bowlers led by Eric Berry who was an All Pro. Rookie corner Marcus Peters had 8 picks. On offense, Alex Smith is 31, threw for 20 scores.  Should be a good one here - Chiefs go to Pittsburgh, winner to the second round to meet the 2007 Patriots.  

First Quarter

Chiefs receive the kick, they open at the 20.

1/10-Charcandrick West gets the first carry, 3 yds. 

2/9-West again - but the bar is jarred loose on a shot from James Harrison - it's a fumble -- and the Steelers have recovered!  Pittsburgh takes possession on the second play of the game!

Steelers at the KC 30.  14:07 left.

1/10-Chris Redman carry, 2 yds. 

2/8-Ben Roethlisberger's first pass in incomplete. 

3/8-Ben to Emmanuel Sanders - the 23 year old rookie has a 19 yard pickup and the Steelers are down to the Chiefs 9 with 12:40 left.

1/goal-Rashard Mendenhall gains a yard. 

2/goal-Ben looks for Hines Ward in the end zone - broken up by Marcus Peters.  Another 3rd down.

3/goal-Roethlisberger to the end zone - finds Heath Miller -- TOUCHDOWN STEELERS - 8 yard score from Ben to his tight end and after the XP the Steelers go up 7-0. 

Knile Davis receives the kick at the 9 --- and he is going to go -- Knile Davis returns the kick-- 91 yards --- TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS -- 91 yard kick off return for a score and less than 4 minutes in, we've seen two scores in this 8/9 matchup.  7-7

After the kick, the Steelers will start at their 28, 11:20 left.

3 and out.  After a punt, the Chiefs will open at their own 38, 9:47 left.

3 and out including a Lamarr Woodley sack on Alex Smith.  After the punt, the Steelers will take over at their own 43, 7:29 left.

1/10 Tamba Hali drills Big Ben - the ball is loose after the sack --- recovered by the Chiefs - wild first quarter here in Pittsburgh.  KC takes over at the Steeler 36. 7:21 left.

3 and out - Chiefs lose 4 yards on the drive, at 4th and 14 at the 40, Andy Reid decides to punt it away, the Steelers will start at their 11 with 5:41 left. 

1/10-Mendenhall gets 2

2/8-Ben to Miller for 8 and a first.

1/10-Mendenhall gets 2

2/8-Ben to Sanders for 9 and a first - Steelers at their own 32, 3 left in the first.

1/10-Ben to Mike Wallace for 15 - Steelers moving the ball now out near midfield.

1/10-Ben to Hines Ward for 3.  

2/7-Ben to Wallace for 21 -- Steelers moving now, first sustained drive of the game, the Steelers are at the KC 29 with 57 seconds left in the 1st.

1/10-Ben to Redman in the flat, 4 yards.

2/6-Mendenhall gets a yard as the quarter ends.

Second Quarter

Steelers 7 Chiefs 7, Steelers at the KC 24, 3rd and 5.

3/5-Ben to Wallace for 8 and the first down at the 16.

1/10-Redman gains 4.

2/6-Ben finds Hines Ward in the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN STEELERS the XP makes it Steelers 14 Chiefs 7.

After the kick the Chiefs will open at their own 23, 13:18 left.

1/10-Spencer Ware gets a carry, 4 yards.

2/6-Alex Smith's first completion of the day - it's 32 yards to Travis Kelce and the Chiefs reach the Steeler 41.  11:52 left.

1/10-Jamaal Charles gets a carry, he's stacked up at the line.

2/10-Ware for 3.  

3/7-Gadget play - Reid calls a reverse for Albert Wilson but the Steelers snuff it out and he loses two yards, again, the Chiefs are stopped at the Pittsburgh 40, again, a punt.  

Steelers still up 14-7, regain possession at their own 13, 9:47 left.  

1/10-Ben to Antwaan Randle El for 8.

2/2-Incomplete

3/2-Mendenhall picks up the first down and more with a 12 yard gain.  Steelers at thir own 33, 8:22 left.

1/10-Redman loses 2.

2/12-Mendenall gains 1.

3/12-Conservative call by Mike Tomin and the OC Bruce Arians, another run, Mendenhall gets 8 but that means a punt.  

Chiefs take over at their own 35, down 14-7, 6:10 left.

1/10-West gains a yard.

2/9-Charles gains a yard

3/8- Smith finds Kelce - a dozen yards and a first down at their own 49. 4:05 left. 

1/10-Ware gains 2.

2/8-Knile Davis, who ran the kick back for the score, enters, the Chiefs shuffling in multiple backs, he gains 2.  

3/6-Another really conservative call - a run here, West, gets just a yard and again another punt in the middle of the field for KC.

Steelers will get the ball right after the 2 minute warning at their own 21, up 7.

1/10-Ben to Randle El, 12 yards.  Timeout, Pittsburgh.

1/10-Mendenall 2 yards, out of bounds.

2/8-Ben finds Ward - he gets 14 yards, and gets out of bounds, Steelers out to their own 49 with 1:41 left.  

1/10-the Steelers 5th receiver is a 22 year old rookie Antonio Brown - he catches a 20 yard ball and now Pittsburgh's at the KC 31 with 1:15 left.

1/10-Redman for 4.

2/6-Mendenhall for 2. 

3/4-Mendenhall gets the carry -- but can only get back to the line of scrimmage; Jeff Reed kicks a 42 yard FG and w/ :49 seconds left, the Steelers go up 17-7.

Chiefs will go 3 and out.

After a punt, Steelers run the clock out.  Halftime. Steelers 17 Chiefs 7

Chiefs just not showing any ability to move the ball at all against the top defense from 2010; that returned kick is the only way they've sniffed the scoreboard.

Third Quarter

Great return by Emmanuel Sanders to open the third - Steelers will start at their own 45.

1/10 Mewelde Moore gets his first carry, two yards.  

2/8- Moore met at the line for no gain.

3/8-Ben finds Miller, but just 3 yards and the Steelers line up to punt -- 

Fair catch by the Chiefs -- except they are hit for a running into the punter - not the roughing penalty, but still 5 yards and a first down for Pittsburgh at the KC 45.

1/10-Mendenall gets 6

2/4-Moore is stopped at the line

3/4-Ben is flushed from the pocket and brought down for a sack and a 1 yard loss by Justin Houston.  

Chiefs will begin at their own 11.  10:30 left.

1/10-Jamaal Charles busts one - 47 yards right up the gut, the Chiefs are at the Steeler 42.

1/10-Ware gets one.

2/9-Chiefs rotating backs - West takes a pitch 25 yards, huge gains on the ground for KC and they reach Pittsbugh's 16 with 8:23 left.  

1/10-Charles gets 4 - Chiefs then head back 5 yards on a false start.

2/11-Knile Davis stacked up.  

3/11-Alex Smith with just his third completion of the day - Jeremy Maclin for 13 and a big first and goal for the Chiefs at the 4.

1/goal-Charles gets 1

2/goal - Spencer Ware barrels into the end zone - TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS the XP makes it 17-14 Steelers

Pittsburgh opens up at their own 27, 5:36 left in the third, up by 3.

3 and out including Tamba Hali's second sack. 

The Chief are at their own 44, 3:55 left in the third, down 3.

1/10-Smith to Kelce for 12.

1/10-West gets 1

2/9-Smith to Maclin - big play, 29 yards and the Chiefs are down to the Steeler 14 with 1:40 left in the third.

1/10-Charles gets 1

2/9-Davis gets 1.  

3/8- Alex Smith finds Albert Wilson in the corner of the endzone - TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS a huge, huge third down conversion, the PAT gives KC their first lead, 14 straight points for Kansas City.

After the kic, the Steelers will start at their own 32, they have time to run one play, a 4 yard Mendenhall run, before the end of the quarter.

Fourth Quarter

14 third quarter points for Kansas City gives the Chiefs the 21-17 lead.  Steelers at their own 36, second and 4.  One quarter to go.

2/6-Ben finds Mendenhall for 10.

1/10-Incomplete

2/10-Mendenhall gets 2

3/8-Ben picks it up, 10 yards to Wallace, the Steelers are at the KC 42, 12:57 left. 

1/10- Ben to Miller - 25 yards - big, big gain to the KC 17.

1/10-Tamba Hali with his 3rd sack of the day - a hat trick for Hali - 10 yard loss.

2/20-4 for Mendenhall.  

3/16- Derrick Johnson joins the sack party - thats 5 Chiefs sacks on the day - the Steelers have a 4th and 22 at the KC 29 --- Jeff Reed comes on --- It's good from 46 and it is 21-20 Chiefs.

Chiefs will start at their own 19. 9:51 left.

1/10-Smith to West, 7 yards.

2/3-Smith to Kelce - 6 yards.  First down.  

1/10- Casey Hampton pushes his way through the line, gets the sack.  5 yard loss.

2/15-West gets a yard.  Third and long.

3/14 - Smith is hounded by Harrison and has to throw it away and KC will punt.

Steelers are at their own 28.  6:21 left.  Down a point.  

1/10-Redman gets 2.

2/8-Mendenhall gets 1 and its now third and 7, big spot in this game.

3/7-Ben finds Sanders, 9 yard gain out to the Pittsburgh 40 and with 4:29 left the Steelers have a first down.

1/10-Mendenall for 4

2/6-Mendenhall is stopped at the line another third down.

3/6-But this time the pass is incomplete and the Steelers will punt.

Chiefs at their own 29, up a point, 2:59 left.  

3 and out.  Only 30 seconds off the clock, Steelers start at their own 36.

1/10-Mendenhall gets nothing and we hit the 2 minute warning.

2/10- Ben to Wallace - 15 yards and the Steelers call time out at the KC 49 yard line with 1:54 left.  

1/10-Mendenhall stacked up at the line.

2/10-Monster sack on an Eric Berry safety blitz - a 12 yard loss - and now it's 3rd and 22 with 1:22 left.

3/22. Incomplete.  Steelers up against it now.  4th and forever.

4/22 - Incomplete.

KC takes over on downs - they run the ball into the line 3 times, the Steelers burn their remaining time outs - the Chiefs do have to punt and the Steelers get one play from their own 21 - harmlessly incomplete and that is the final.

CHIEFS 21 STEELERS 20

KC goes into Pittsburgh, trails 17-7 at the half - and wins 21-20; it's Kansas City that moves on to Round 2 and will head to New England to face the 2007 Patriots when we finally make our way back around to Region 1.    Kansas City wins despite only 10 first downs.  

Smith: 8-15 125 yards 1 TD

Roethlisberger 21-32 235 yards 2 TD

Charles 11 carries, 52 yards

Mendenhall 22 carries, 56 yards

Kelce 4 catches, 62 yards

Wallace, 5 catches, 69 yards

Knile Davis - KO return TD

Derrick Johnson - 11 tackles, 1 sack

Tamba Hali - 3 sacks

Player of the Game - TAMBA HALI

256 Team NFL Tournament - Region 1/Round 1/2007 Patriots v. 1983 Cowboys

Play in Game 

16. 1983 DALLAS COWBOYS at 1. 2007 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

1. 2007 AFC CHAMPION NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Record: 16-0

Pythagorean Record 14-2

Offense: 1st

Defense: 4th

d. Jags Divisional Rnd 31-20

d. Chargers AFC Title 21-12

Lost Super Bowl Giants 17-14

HC: Bill Belichick, OC: Josh McDaniels, DC Dean Pees

Gillette Stadium, Avg Temp 45 degrees

Announcers: Gil Santos/Gino Cappelletti

Offense:

QB Tom Brady (30) ALL PRO

RB Kevin Faulk (31)

RB Randy Moss (30) ALL PRO

WR Wes Welker (26)

TE Kyle Brady (35)

TE Ben Watson (27)

LT Matt Light (29) ALL PRO

LG Logan Mankins (25)

C Dan Koppen (28)

RG Steve Neal (31)

RT Nick Kaczur (28)

Defense:

LDE Ty Warren (26)

NT Vince Wilfork (26)

RDE Jarvis Green (28)

LOLB Mike Vrabel (32) ALL PRO

LILB Adalius Thomas (30)

RILB Teddy Bruschi (34)

ROLB Rosevelt Colvin (30)

LCB Asante Samuel (26) ALL PRO

RCB Ellis Hobbs (24)

SS Rodney Harrison (35)

FS James Sanders (24)

PK Stephen Gostkowski (23)

P Chris Hanson (31)

KR Ellis Hobbs (24)

PR Wes Welker (26)

1983 DALLAS COWBOYS

Record: 12-4

Pythag Record: 11-5

Offense: 2nd pts/gm

Defense: 20th pts/gm

2nd NFC East

Lost WC Rams 24-17

d. '74 Vikings 26-21

HC: Tom Landry, DC: Ernie Staunter

Offense (Pro Bowl in bold, All Pro designated)

QB Danny White (31)

RB Tony Dorsett (29)

FB Ron Springs (27)

WR Tony Hill (27)

WR Drew Pearson (32)

TE Doug Cosbie (27)

LT Pat Donovan (30) 

LG Herbert Scott (30) 

C Tom Rafferty (29)

RG Kurt Petersen (26)

RT Jim Cooper (28)

Defense

LDE Too Tall Jones (32)

LDT John Dutton (32)

RDT Randy White (30) ALL PRO

RDE Harvey Martin (33)

LLB Mike Hegman (30)

MLB Bob Breunig (30)

RLB Anthony Dickerson (26)

LCB Everson Walls (24) ALL PRO

RCB Dennis Thurman (27)

SS Dexter Clinkscale (25)

FS Michael Downs (24)

PK Rafael Septien (30)

P John Warren (23-Rookie)

The '83 Cowboys won a very exciting Play In Game over the '74 Vikes to open up the tournament and they turn around and head to New England to face the top overall seeded Patriots. 

First Quarter

Dallas kicks.  Patriots start off at their own 27.

1/10-2 yards for Laurence Maroney

2/8-Maroney stacked up at the line

3/8-Tom Brady hits Wes Welker for 10.  First down at the 39. 12:52 left.

1/10-Brady to Randy Moss for 15.  First down at the Cowboys 46. 

1/10-Kevin Faulk goes for 4.

2/6-Maroney sweeps for 17. First down at the 25. 10:46.

1/10-Maroney gets 2.  Illegal motion backs the Pats 5 yds.

2/13-Brady to Welker for 18 yards and another first down. Pats have first and goal at the 10 with 9:28 left in the first.

1/goal-Randy White pounds through the line for a sack and a 6 yd loss.

2/goal-Brady to Moss, 4 yards to the 12.

3/goal- Too Tall Jones drills Brady for a strip sack - it's recovered by the Cowboys!  Two sacks and a fumble recovery and the Cowboys take possession at their own 18, 8:03 left.

1/10-Danny White to Tony Hill for 11.  First down.

1/10-White to Cosbie for 13.  First down. Dallas at their own 42.

1/10-White to Dorsett for 6, Cowboys come out throwing the ball.  

2/4-Ron Springs sweeps left for 6 - that's a first down - and tack on 15 for a personal foul face mask on Rodney Harrison - the Cowboys are down to the New England 31 with 5:39 left in the qtr. 

1/10-Incomplete

2/10- Danny White threw 2 picks in the play in game -- Junior Seau, the 38 year old veteran - steps in front of a ball - that's an interception -- and Seau starts to rumble - Seau has open field - Seau gets a block - and Junior Seau is going to go!  Junior Seau returns the interception 82 yards for a TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS the PAT makes it 7-0, after a penalty on the receiving team on the kickoff, Dallas will start all the way back at their own 2 yard line with 5:04 to go in the qtr.

1/10-White just barely escapes a safety, throws it away.

2/10-Springs gets a yard - but a holding call brings that back.  Dallas in the shadow of their own end zone.

2/11-White finds Tony Hill for 33 yards and a first down.  

1/10-Springs for 8 yards, a 5 yard face mask call gives Dallas a first down at their own 47 with 3:31 left.

1/10-Tony Dorsett takes a pitch 28 yards.  

1/10-Springs for 7.  

2/3- Vince Wilfork pounds through the line for a sack, loss of 4.  

3/7-White picks it up, finds Butch Johnson for 9.  Dallas at the Pats 22 with 1:24 left.

1/10-Drew Pearson didn't catch a ball in the play in game, he gets 6 yards here.

2/4-White 6 yards to Cosbie, that's a first down all the way to the Patriots 1 yard line as the qtr ends.  Dallas has driven 97 yards in 5 minutes.

Second Quarter

Patriots 7 Cowboys 0, Dallas has first and goal at the 1.

1/10 - White finds Tony Hill in the back of the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS, they tie the score 7-7 with the XP, tremendous drive from Dallas, after the kic, the Patriots will start at their own 23 with 14:55 to go.

1/10-Maroney gets 1. 

2/9-Brady finds Donte Stallworth for 11, Patriots to the 35. 

1/10-Faulk gets 1.

2/9-Maroney gets 1

3/8-Brady finds Welker for 10, the Patriots are out to their own 47.  11:20 left.

1/10-Brady hits Faulk in the flat, he breaks a tackle and is brought down after a 15 yd gain. The Cowboys are then hit with an offsides penalty so the Pats have 1st and 5 at the Dallas 33, 10:37 left.

1/5: Faulk goes for 8 and another first.  

1/10-Brady to Moss for 8

2/2-Brady to Welker for  9- Pats have a first and goal at the 8 with 8:25 left.

1/goal at the 8---Brady to Jabar Gaffney, thats a 5 ayrd gain to the 3.

2/goal - Sammy Morris gets the carry, picks up 1.  Third and goal at the 2.

3/goal-Brady finds Morris over the middle in the end zone for the score TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS. 14-7 After the PAT and the kickoff and then an offsides call, the Cowboys have a first and 5 at their own 42 with 6:54 left.

1/5 White cant find a primary, dumps to Dorsett who gets 3.

2/2 White again, again to Dorsett, he's got 15 and a first down at the Patriot 41.  5:31 left

1/10-Springs gets 1

2/9-Incomplete - but there's a defensive holding call and an automatic first down.

1/10-Incomplete

2/10-Dorsett goes for 14, Dallas is at the 21 with 4:03 left.  

1/10-Springs gets 3

2/7-Dorsett stacked up a the line

3/7-Incomplete; 4th and 7 at the 18, Rafael Septien hits the 35 yard FG and the score is Patriots 14 Cowboys 10.  After the kick, the Pats take over at their own 33, 2:28 left.

1/10-6 yards for Maroney, last play before the 2 min warning.

2/4-Morris gets 4.  First down at thr 43, Pats stop the lock at 1:55.

1/10-Morris loses 3 when Randy White stuffs him in the backfield

2/13-Brady to Stallworth for 8.. 

3/5-Incomplete - New England punts it away, Dallas takes over at their own 28 with a minute to go.  

1/10-White to Butch Johnson for 7, he's out of bounds and stops the clock.

2/3-Incomplete

3/3-Incomplete, Dallas ran off just 18 seconds - and now they punt it away - and Welker breaks a good return, Welker returns it back 42 yards all the way to the Cowboy 32, where the Patriots take back over at 34 seconds left. 

1/10-Incomplete

2/10-Brady to Moss for 15; he goes out of bounds at the 17 with 22 seconds left.

1/10-Brady to Faulk for 6 - time out.  16 seconds.

2/4-Belichick calls a run play - Faulk rumbles into the end zone - TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS.  That'll end the half, 21-10 Patriots.

Third Quarter

Patriots 21 Cowboys 10  Dallas starts at their own 34 after the kick.

1/10-Dorsett 3 yds.

2/7-White finds Billy Joe Dupree for 11.  Cowboys at their own 48.

1/10-Dorsett gains 16.  Dallas is at the Patriot 36. 

1/10-Newsome 1 yard.

2/9-Incomplete

3/9-14 yard catch by Drew Pearson; Dallas to the 21 with 11:17 left in the third.

1/10-Dorsett 5 yards

2/5-Springs 1 yard

3/4-Dorsett 3 yards.

Down 11 at the Patriot 15 with a 4th and 1, a modern decision would clearly be to go for it - Landry does not do that, he settles for the Septien 29 yard FG and the score is Patriots 21 

Cowboys 13.

After the kick, New England takes over on their 30 at 9:03 - the Pats go 3 and out, the drive ending on a Bill Bates safely blitz sack.  After the punt it's Cowboy ball on their own 41 at 6:56 left.

1/10-Wilfork stacks up Dorsett.  

2/10-Incomplete

3/10-White finds Tony Hill despite Asante Samuel being draped all over him, it's a 16 yard gain and a declined pass interference call. Dallas is at the New England 43, 5:30 left.

1/10-Springs goes for 14 and the Cowboys are at the 29. 

1/10-Dorsett.  No gain.

2/10-White to Pearson for 8.

3/2-Dorsett runs for 14 - big conversion, the Cowboys have 1st and goal at the 7 with 2:38 left in the qtr.

1/goal-Springs loses 1

2/goal-incomplete

3/goal-Landry calls a screen pass, 'cause it's 1983 - to Butch Johnson - Mike Vrabel isn't fooled and he's stopped at the line of scrimmage, 4th and goal from the 8.  25 yard FG for Septien - and he misses the kick!  Such a brutal result here for Dallas - down 8 late third with first and goal and they come away with nothing.

1/10-Morris gets back to the line.

2/10 - Morris is drilled by Bob Breunig after a gain of 2 --- he fumbles - and the Cowboys recover at the 17!  Dallas misses the chip shot FG - but then force a Sammy Morris fumble and take over at the 17 yard line - Dallas gets one play off before the end of the third, White is flushed from the pocket and is able to pick up a yard and we head to the 4th qtr.

Fourth Quarter

Patriots 21 Cowboys 13, Dallas at the New England 16, second and 9.

2/9-Springs for 4.

3/5-Dorsett for 4.  And here we are again - the Cowboys kicked the FG in this spot, then missed a FG just a few minutes ago on a 4th and goal - again, Landry with the decision to make.  

They're going for it.  

4/1- It's Dorsett - and he's into the end zone with a TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS.  Down 2, they go for the 2 point conversion, it's the give to Springs --- and he's into the end zone and with 13:33 left -- the Dallas Cowboys have tied this game at 21.

After the kick, Patriots start at their 31.

1/10- Brady to Welker for 6.

2/4-Maroney gets 2 and it's a big 3rd and 2 with 12:06 left.

3/2-Brady goes downfield - to Moss - 22 yards and a gutsy first down at the Cowboy 39.

1/10-Morris gets 4

2/6-Brady to Morris over the middle, Morris breaks a tackle and has a 20 yard gain all the way to the Dallas 15 yard line with 9:56 left.

1/10: Brady finds Jabar Gaffney in the end zone - TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS. It takes less than 4 minutes, New England is in the end zone, the kick makes it 28-21, Dallas takes over at their own 15 with 9:45 to go after the kick off.

And they go 3 and out.  New England has the ball again inside Dallas territory at their 44 with 8:09 left after the punt.  

1/10-Maroney for 3.

2/7-Faulk loses a yard.

3/8-Brady again finds Moss, 22 more yards - they get it when they need it and they're at the Cowboy 20.  6:06 left, up by a touchdown.  That might be the dagger.  

1/10-Morris gets 5

2/5-Maroney is stopped at the line

3/5-Morris picks up 2 yards, this time there's no conversion on 3rd down - good stop by the Cowboys, Gostkowski hits a 30 yard FG to extend the lead PATRIOTS 31 COWBOYS 21 after the kick off, Dallas starts at their own 39 with just 4:06 to go and needing 2 scores.

1/10- White to Hill for 22.  Timeout, Dallas at the Patriots 39. 3:57 left.

1/10-Dorsett gets 7

2/3-White to Donley for 13. Cowboys at the 19.  

1/10-White gets flushed from the pocket, is able to scramble out of bounds.

2/6-White finds Doug Donley in the endzone TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS - Dallas scores in under a minute, the XP makes it 31-28 Patriots.  Dallas kicks it deep, New England will take possession at 3:14 at their 26.

1/10-Morris gets 4.

2/6-Incomplete.  That stops the clock at 2:31.  Big play here.

3/6-Morris gets 2 yards - that's going to run the clock down to the 2 minute warning and the Patriots have to punt it away. The Cowboys will take over at their own 38 yard line, 1:51 left to go, down by 3.  

Are we about to see the top overall seed fall in round one?

1/10-Springs gets a yard, goes out of bounds.  

2/9-White to Billy Joe DuPree - Dupree at midfield - DuPree is stripped by Vrabel - Bruschi recovers!  So, so big - Billy Joe DuPree had the first down at midfield, huge plat by Vrabel and Brschi and the Patriots regain possession at their own 47 with 1:36 to go.

1/10-Maroney for 2.  Cowboys timeout. 

2/8-Morris for 5.  Cowboys last timeout.  

3/3-Morris gets to the sticks....there's a measurement...short.  

4th and inches at the Cowboy 46.  

Punt.  

Belichick not risking it, Dallas takes over with just 27 seconds left and no time outs at their own 13.  

Incomplete.  

Jarvis Green sack.  

White to Donley - Dallas tries to lateral the ball multiple times - eventually it ends.

PATRIOTS 31 COWBOYS 28

And that's it - the number one seed in a 256 team tournament had to hang on by the skin of their teeth, but they advance.  Hell of a game from Brady, just 3 incompletions.

Brady: 19-22, 221 yards. 2 TDs

White: 21-33 263 yards 2 TDs/1 Int

Maroney: 13 carries/38 yds

Dorsett: 15 carries/99 yards/1 TD

Moss 6 catches/86 yards

Hill: 5 catches/83 yards 1 TD

Seau INT/TD

Player of the Game - Tom Brady

256 Team NFL Tournament - Region 1/Play In Game

previews 

Up through the regional finals, better seed gets home field, home field for play in games settled by coin flip.  (Having now played a few games, it takes a couple to settle in on a format)

Play In Game:

1977 NFC CHAMPION MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT 1983 DALLAS COWBOYS

1983 DALLAS COWBOYS

Record: 12-4

Pythag Record: 11-5

Offense: 2nd pts/gm

Defense: 20th pts/gm

2nd NFC East

Lost WC Rams 24-17

HC: Tom Landry, DC: Ernie Staunter

Offense (Pro Bowl in bold, All Pro designated)

QB Danny White (31)

RB Tony Dorsett (29)

FB Ron Springs (27)

WR Tony Hill (27)

WR Drew Pearson (32)

TE Doug Cosbie (27)

LT Pat Donovan (30) 

LG Herbert Scott (30) 

C Tom Rafferty (29)

RG Kurt Petersen (26)

RT Jim Cooper (28)

Defense

LDE Too Tall Jones (32)

LDT John Dutton (32)

RDT Randy White (30) ALL PRO

RDE Harvey Martin (33)

LLB Mike Hegman (30)

MLB Bob Breunig (30)

RLB Anthony Dickerson (26)

LCB Everson Walls (24) ALL PRO

RCB Dennis Thurman (27)

SS Dexter Clinkscale (25)

FS Michael Downs (24)

PK Rafael Septien (30)

P John Warren (23-Rookie)

1974 NFC CHAMPION MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Record: 10-4

Pythag Record: 11-3

Off: 5th pts scored/gm

Def: 3rd pts allowed/gm

1st NFC Central

d. Cards 30-14 Division Rnd

d. Rams 14-10 NFC Title

Lost Super Bowl Steelers 16-6

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

Offense (Pro Bowl in bold, All Pro designated)

QB Fran Tarkenton (34)

RB Dave Osborn (31)

FB Chuck Foreman (24)

WR John Gilliam (29) 

WR Jim Lash (23)

TE Stu Voigt (26)

LT Charles Goodrum (24) 

LG Ed White (27)

C Mick Tingelhoff (34)

RG Andy Maurer (26)

RT Ron Yary (28) -- ALL PRO

Defense

LDE Carl Eller (32)

LDT Doug Southerland (26)

RDT Alan Page (29)--ALL PRO

RDE Jim Marshall (37)

LLB Roy Winston (34)

MLB Jeff Siemon (24)

RLB Wally Hilgenberg (32)

LCB Nate Wright (27)

RCB Jackie Wallace (23-Rookie)

SS Jeff Wright (24)

FS Paul Krause (32)

PK Fred Cox (36)

P Mike Eischeid (34)

First Quarter:

Dallas kicks.  Vikes start at their own 34.

1st/10 - Chuck Foreman runs for 2 yds.

2nd/8 - Toss to Foreman, he picks up 5.

3rd/3 - Foreman goes off tackle to the right side for 8 yards and a first down.

1st down.  Vikes at their own 41.  12:47 left in the first.

1st/10 - Too Tall Jones, a Pro Bowler at the age of 32, blasts in for a sack on Tarkenton, who loses 8.  

2nd/18- Foreman draw play, 8 up the middle.

3rd/10- Pitch to Dave Osborn - he gets only a yard and the Vikes punt.  Dallas returns to their 26 where they take over with 10:34 to go in the first.

1st/10 - Dorsett, 1 yard.

2nd/9 - Dorsett, 1 yard.

3rd/8 - Big play - Paul Krause picks off Danny White - returns it to the Dallas 38 yard line and the Vikes will start tthere with 9:01 left in the qtr.

1st/10 - Foreman, 6 yards.

2nd/4 - Tarkenton to Osborn in the flat for four yards and a first down at the Dallas 28.  

1st/10 - Foreman busts one, 24 yards and the Vikings have first and goal at the 4.

1st/goal - Tarkenton rolling right  - firing over the middle to Jim Lash in the back of the endzone - TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS. The kick is good, at 6:45 left in the qtr, Vikes go up 7-0.  Dallas will take over at their own 31.  6:38 left.

1st/10 - Alan Page is the best player on the Vikings; he sacks White for a loss of 6.

2nd/16 - Ron Springs runs for 4.  

3rd/12- Pass in the flat to Dorsett, he gets 5 and the Cowboys punt - Vikes will take over at their own 34 with 4:15 left in the qtr.

1st/10 - Foreman for 3. 

2nd/7 - Osborn for 7 and a first down at their own 44, 2:58 left in the 1st.

1st/10- Broken play, Tarkenton keeps it alive and finds the TE Stu Voigt for 15 - the Vikes are at the Cowboy 41. 2:14 left in the first.

1st/10 - Tarkenton scramble gets 3

2nd/7 - Foreman is buried in the backfield by Randy White for a four yard loss.

3rd/11 - Tarkenton finds John Gilliam on the slideline for a 23 yard gain - the Vikes have a first down at the Cowboy 19, 5 seconds left in the qtr. 

1st/10 - Foreman stopped at the line of scrimmage in the last play of the qtr.

Second Quarter:

Vikes have 2nd and 10 at the Dallas 29.

2nd/10-Osborn picks up 8 yards off tackle left.  

3rd/2 - Tarkenton rolling right - finds Osborn in the back of the end zone - deflected by Everson Walls.  Fred Cox lines up for a 28 yard field goal - and he misses it - the Cowboy defense holds and Dallas takes over at their own 20 with 14:11 left.

3 and out for the Cowboys.  Vikes take over at their own 46 with 12:05 left.

3 and out for the Vikes.  Dallas takes over at their own 25 with 9:52 left. 

1st/10 - Timmy Newsome is on for Dorsett and he breaks a big one, 43 yards down to the Viking 32.  9:02 left.

1st/10 - Here's Dorsett, he picks up 7.

2nd/3 - Ron Springs now with the carry, he's brought down by Carl Eller for a 3 yard loss and its 3rd and 6 at the Viking 28, 7:45 left in the half.

3rd/6 - Dorsett - tough running, 8 yards to the 20.  

1st/10 - Page brings down Newhouse for a 2 yard loss.

2nd/12 - Newhouse again, he picks up 4 yards.  

3rd/8 - Danny White finds Tony Hill crossing over the middle - he breaks a tackle and is headed to the endzone TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS. The kick is good and this game is tied 7-7. Aftet the kick, the Vikes take over at their own 25 with 5:29 left in the half.

Tarkenton hit Gilliam for a 9 yard gain; a play later, Foreman picked up the first down on a 2 yard run.  Vikes at their own 36 with 3:21 left.  On second and 9, John Dutton sacks Tarketon for a 7 yard loss, the Vikes will punt a play later - the 23 year old punt returner out of Hawaii, Gary Allen, returns it back to the Minnesota 33 where Dallas takes over with 1:40 left.

After 2 incomplete passes White finds Doug Cosbie for a 14 yard gain to the 19.  1:23 left.

On second and ten, White hits Hill for four yards - Page comes through with a big sack on third down; Rafael Septien hits a 37 yard FG to give Dallas a 10-7 lead.  After the kick, the Vikes take over at their own 31 with 56 seconds left.  

Foreman took a swing pass and rumbled for 44 yards down the sideline -- but it's called back for holding.  Tarkenton hits Voigt for 6 on first and 20; they run a simple handoff then to Osborn - but Randy White forces a fumble - it's scooped up by DD Lewis and with 35 seconds left in the half, the Cowboys have the ball at the Viking 35.  

A couple of Dorsett runs net 4 yards, White throws an incomplete pass on 3rd/6 - Septien hits a 42 yard FG with 18 seconds left and the Cowboys are going to go into the locker room up 13-7 at the half.

Third Quarter:

After the kick, Dallas opens at their own 29 - on second and 9, Danny White hits a streaking Butch Johnson down the right sideline, he breaks a tackle -- and he is going to go - Butch Johnson all the way to the end zone on the second play of the half - TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS. The kick is good and Dallas goes up 20-7.  

After the kick, Minnesota starts at their own 24, 13:57 left.

1st/10 - Tarkenton to Osborn, 11 yds.

1st/10 - Osborn stopped at the line.

2nd/10 - Foreman breaks a 38 yarder to the Cowboy 27 yard line.  11:56 left in the third.

Dallas offsides.  

1st/5 - incomplete

2nd/5 - Tarkenton to Lash for 11 and a first down at the Dallas 11 with 11:10 left.

1st/10-Foreman 1 yard.

2nd/9 - Tarkenton finds Osborn at the goal line - he surges ahead and is in the endzone TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS.  The kick is good and it's 20-13 Cowboys; after the kick Dallas will start at their own 15 with 10:22 left in the third.

1st/10 - Dorsett 1 yd

2nd/9 - White to Cosbie, 14 yards to the Cowboy 30.  First down.

1st/10 - A 4 yard pass to Dorsett is wiped out by Dallas offensive pass interference 

1/20 - Dorsett loses 4 yards.

2/24 - 10 yard pass to Springs. 

3/14 - incomplete.

The Cowboys punt, a Minnesota holding call on the return takes the ball back 10 yards, at 7:13 left in the third, Vikes take over at their own 25 yard line trailing 20-14.

1/10 - Osborn runs for 18 yards to the Viking 43.  

1/10 - Inc

2/10-Foreman 2 yard un

3/8 - Inc - and the Vikings punt, at 5:32, Dallas regains at their own 27.

1/10-Danny White gains 4 on a busted play.

2/6 - White to Cosbie for 6 and the first down.

1/10-Inc

2/10-Dorsett for 4

3/6 - 7 yards for Ron Springs and another Dallas first.  They're up to their own 48 with 2:52 left in the third.

1/10-Alan Page with his third sack of the game, White loses 6.

2/16 - Dorsett stuffed.

3/16 - Paul Krause comes through with his second interception of the day - the Vikings will take possession at their 43 yard line with 1:17 to go in the third, trailing 20-14.  

1/10 - Big run by Osborn, 31 yards all the way to the Dallas 26.

1/10 - Oscar Reed gains a yard, that's the end of the quarter.  

Fourth Quarter

Vikings ball, 2nd and 9 at the Dallas 25.  Cowboys lead 20-14

2/9-Inc

3/9-Tarkenton to Gilliam for 12 - big, big first down and the Vikes are at the Cowboy 13.

1/10- Foreman gains a yard.

2/9-Tarkenton to Voigt over the middle - he gets to the goal and is stopped just short - Minnesota has first and goal with about a foot to go.

1/10-Play action - Tarkenton rolls out - flips to Foreman in the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS and Minnesota kicks the XP to take a 21-20 lead.  

After the kick, Dallas takes over at their own 22, 12:32 left, down 1

1/10-Dorsett gains 2

2/8-White's flushed, manages to gain a yard.

3/7-White finds Tony Hill for 16, that's a first down and the Cowboys are on their own 41 with 10:29 left.

1/10-Dorsett, 13 yards.  First down at the Vikings 46. 

1/10-Dorsett gains 3.

2/7-White hits Springs, he is out of bounds with a 7 yard gain and a first down at the Vikings 36 yard line with 8:35 to play.

1/10-Dorsett for 1.

2/9-Inc

3/9-Inc.

Well, game decision here for Landry.  Dallas is down by a point at the Viking 35, that's a 52 yard FG attempt.  Or a punt.  Or...they go for it.  Which Dallas decides to do.  Heck of a way to start the tournament.  

4/9 - White finds Tony Hill for 15 - huge, huge first down and with 7:06 left Dallas is at the 20.

1/10-White to Springs for 12.

1st and Goal at the 8.  Marshall stops Springs at the line.  Loss of a yard.

2nd and Goal at the 9.  White to Springs - he gains 6, brought down at the 3.  

3rd and goal, 5:04 left.  The pitch is to Dorsett, Dorsett breaks a tackle in the backfield - and Dorsett is going to score!  TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS!!  The 2 pt conversion is available in the tournament - Dallas fails.  After the kickoff - Minnesota will take over at their own 32 yard line, Dallas 26 Minnesota 21, 4:53 left.  Are we about to see an Alcoa Fantastic Finish?

1/10 - Foreman is stopped at the line.  Minnesota is then backed up 5 on a false start.

2/15 - Foreman for 3.

3/12 - Incomplete.

So, Vikes are up against it.  4th and 12 at their own 30, 3:28 left.  

4/12 - Tarkenton hits Gilliam for 18 and the huge first down.  Minnesota matches Dallas's 4th down conversion and they've got 1st down at their own 48 with 2:39 left.

1/10- Osborn for 4.

2/6-Tarkenton finds Sam McCullum, the rookie from Michigan St, for a 14 yard gain, Minnesota is at the Dallas 34 with 2:03 left, trailing by 5.

1/10-Tarkenton to Lash, 8 yard gain.

2/2 - Tarkenton runs for 4.  That's a first down at the Dallas 22 yard line, 1:52 to go.

1/10-Osborn gets 1.  Vikes call time out.  

2/9 - Incomplete, Walls with the big pass breakup.  

3/9-Takenton is hounded - scrambles - throws - incomplete.

1:37 left.  4th down and 9 at the Cowboy 21. 

4/9 - Tarkenton is under heavy pressure - he's met by both Randy White and Harvey Martin, they crunch him to the turf for an 8 yard loss - and Dallas takes possession at their own 29 yard line with 1:32 left.

1/10 - Dorsett gains a dozen - that will do it, White can kneel down the rest of the way and the Dallas Cowboys win the play in game 

FINAL: COWBOYS 26 VIKINGS 21

White: 12/22 192 yards 2 TD/2 INT

Tarkenton: 16/26 162 yards 3 TD

Dorsett: 18 carries/58 yards/1 TD

Foreman: 16 carries/94 yards

Hill: 4 catches/53 yards/1 TD

Gilliam: 4 catches 62 yards

Krause 2 INT, Page 3 sacks

PLAYER OF THE GAME: RANDY WHITE

256 Team NFL Tournament Preview - Region 16

Region 16 

16 teams to go. Well, 17, with the play in.  Actually 20 - we're going to find homes for the last 3 SB Champs who aren't in the field.

The 16th overall seed...

1. 1976 PITTSBURGH STEELERS v. 16. Play In Winner 1983 MIAMI DOLPHINS/2011 NEW YORK GIANTS

1. 1976 PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pythag: 13-1

Off: 5th

Def: 1st

d. Colts Div Rnd 40-14

lost Raiders AFC Title 24-7

HC Chuck Noll DC Bud Carson

1st TM AP: MLB J.Lambert (24) LLB J.Ham (28) 

16. 1983 MIAMI DOLPHINS 

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 7th

Def: 1st

lost Div Rnd Seahawks 27-20

HC Don Shula DC Bill Arnsparger 

1st TM AP LDE D.Betters (27) NT B.Baumhower (28) 

16. 2011 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS

Pythag: 8-8

Off: 9th

Def: 25th

d. Falcons WC 24-2 

d. Packers Div Rnd 37-20

d. Niners NFC Title 20-17

d. Packers Super Bowl Title 21-17

HC Tom Coughlin OC Kevin Gilbride DC Perry Fewell 

1st TM AP RDE J.Pierre-Paul (22) 

Easy to find a spot for the '11 Giants; it belonged to the '10 Jets, but they didn't reach the floor.  They'll face the best defense from '83, Shula's Dolphins for the right to take on the last number one seed in the field, the '76 Steelers.  

8. 2008 BALTIMORE RAVENS v. 9. 1975 MINNESOTA VIKINGS

8. 2008 BALTIMORE RAVENS 

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 11th

Def: 3rd

d. Dolphins WC 27-9

d. Titans Div Rnd 13-10

lost Steelers AFC Title 23-14

HC John Harbaugh OC Cam Cameron DC Rex Ryan

1st TM AP FB L.McClain (24) FS E.Reed (30) LILB R.Lewis (33) 

9. 1975 MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 3rd

Def: 3rd

lost Div Rnd Cowboys 17-14

HC Bud Grant OC Jerry Burns DC Neill Armstrong

1st TM AP: QB F.Tarkenton (35) RB C.Foreman (25) FS P.Krause (33) RDT A.Page (30)

One more Bud Grant team in the field, the '75 Vikes were 3rd in offense and defense and they go to Baltimore where the '08 Ravens had the third best defense in football.

5. 2005 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS v. 12. 1997 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

5. 2005 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Pythag: 13-3

Off: 2nd

Def: 2nd

lost Div Rnd Steelers 21-18

HC Tony Dungy OC Tom Moore DC Ron Meeks

1st TM AP QB P.Manning (29) FS B.Sanders (24) RDE D.Freeney (25) C J.Saturday (30) 

12. 1997 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 5th

Def: 1st

lost Div Rnd 14-10

HC Marty Schottenheimer OC Paul Hackett DC Gunther Cunningham

1st TM AP None

The last Chiefs team in the field is the '97 squad that had the best defense in football - they go to Indianapolis to face a Colts team that was second in both offense and defense in 2005.

4. 2013 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS v. 13. 1970 DALLAS COWBOYS

4. 2013 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 11th

Def: 3rd

d. Packers WC 23-20

d. Panthers Div Rnd 23-10

lost Seahawks NFC Title 23-17

HC Jim Harbaugh OC Greg Roman DC Vic Fangio

1st TM AP LILB N.Bowman (25) 

13. 1970 NFC CHAMPION DALLAS COWBOYS 

Pythag: 9-5

Off: 10th

Def: 4th

d. Lions Div Rnd 5-0

d. Niners NFC Title 17-10

lost Super Bowl Colts 16-13

1st TM AP RLB C.Howley (34) 

The last Cowboy team to make the field was the 1970 squad with the 4th best defense in football; the third best defense in 2011 was the 49ers, and the Cowboys head to San Francisco here.

3. 1967 GREEN BAY PACKERS v. 14. 2015 PITTSBURGH STEELERS

3. 1967 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION GREEN BAY PACKERS

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 9th

Def: 3rd

d. Rams Div Rnd 28-7

d. Cowboys NFC Title 21-17

d. Raiders Super Bowl 33-14

HC Vince Lombardi DC Phil Bengsten 

1st TM AP RS W.Wood (31) LLB D.Robinson (26) RCB B.Jeter (30) LDE W.Davis (33) RT F.Gregg (34) RG J.Kramer (31) 

14. 2015 PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 4th

Def: 11th

d. Bengals WC 18-16

lost Broncos Div Rnd 23-16

HC Mike Tomlin OC Todd Haley DC Keith Butler

1st TM AP WR A.Brown (27) 

Last Packer team in the field is the winner of Super Bowl 2, the '67 Packers, they host the last Steelers team in the field, the 2015 squad had the 4th best offense.

6. 2009 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS v. 11. 1953 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

6. 2009 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 1st

Def: 20th

d. Cards Div Rnd 45-14

d. Vikings NFC Title 31-28

d. Colts Super Bowl 31-17

HC Sean Payton OC Pete Carmichael DC Gregg Williams

1st TM AP FS D.Sharper (34) 

11. 1953 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pythag: 9-3

Off: 1st

Def: 6th

Did not make playoffs

HC Buck Shaw

1st TM AP RB H.McElhenny (25) FB J.Perry (26) RDT L.Nomellini (29) 

The Saints team that won the Super Bowl is here; they had 2009's best offense - they host the team with 1953s best offense, the Niners.  

7. 1990 BUFFALO BILLS v. 10. 1968 LOS ANGELES RAMS

7. 1990 AFC CHAMPION BUFFALO BILLS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 1st

Def: 6th

d. Dolphins Div Rnd 44-34

d. Raiders AFC Title 51-3

lost Super Bowl Giants 20-19

HC Marv Levy OC Ted Marchibroda DC Walt Corey

1st TM AP: RB T.Thomas (24) RDE B.Smith (27) 

10. 1968 LOS ANGELES RAMS

Pythag: 10-4

Off: 5th

Def: 3rd

Did not make playoffs

HC George Allen 

1st TM AP RS E.Meador (31) RDT M.Olsen (28) LDE D.Jones (30)

The only one of those Bills Super Bowl losing teams in the field is the first one; the '90 squad had the best offense in football. They'll host a Rams team that was top 5 in offense and defense in '68. 

16 SB losers did not make the field:

1975 Cowboys 

1979 Rams 

1986 Broncos 

1988 Bengals 

1991 Bills 

1992 Bills 

1993 Bills 

1994 Chargers 

1995 Steelers 

1996 Patriots 

1999 Titans 

2000 Giants 

2003 Panthers

2004 Eagles

2008 Cards 

2021 Bengals 

One game left.

2. 1989 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS v. 16. Play In Winner: 1984 LOS ANGELES RAIDERS/2007 NEW YORK GIANTS/1970 BALTIMORE COLTS

2. 1989 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pythag: 13-3

Off: 1st

Def: 3rd

d. Vikings Div Rnd 41-13

d. Rams NFC Title 30-3

d. Broncos Super Bowl 55-10

HC George Seifert OC Mike Holmgren DC Bill McPherson

1st TM AP: QB J.Montana (33) WR J.Rice (27) K M.Cofer (25) FS R.Lott (30) 

16. 1984 LOS ANGELES RAIDERS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 9th

Def: 4th

lost Seahawks WC 13-7

HC Tom Flores 

1st TM AP LDE H.Long (24) ROLB R.Martin (30) RCB M.Haynes (31) 

16. 2007 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS

Pythag: 9-7

Off: 14th

Def: 17th

d. Bucs WC 24-14

d. Cowboys Div Rnd 21-17

d. Packers AFC Title 23-20

d. Patriots Super Bowl 17-14

HC Tom Coughlin OC Kevin Gilbride DC Steve Spagnuolo

1st TM AP None

16. 1970 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION BALTIMORE COLTS

Pythag: 10-4

Off: 6th

Def: 7th

d. Bengals Div Rnd 17-0

d. Raiders AFC Title 27-17

d. Cowboys Super Bowl 16-13

HC Don McCafferty OC John Idzik

1st TM AP 

And that's a wrap.

The Colts will meet the Giants in a battle of the last two SB winners yet to be placed in the field; the winner will then play the Raiders in the play in game --- and that winner advances to round one to take on the 17th seed in the tournament, the 1989 Super Bowl Champion 49ers.

Good people, one and all. Time to play the games.