256 Team NFL Tournament - Region 2/Round 1: 1997 Denver Broncos v. 2009 Indianapolis Colts

'68 Chiefs v. '82 Jets 

14. 2009 AFC CHAMPION INDIANAPOLIS COLTS at 3. 1997 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION BRONCOS

3. 1997 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION DENVER BRONCOS

Record: 12-4

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 1st

Def: 6th

2nd AFC West

d. Jags WC 42-17

d. Chiefs Div Rnd 14-10

d. Steelers AFC Title 24-21

d. Packers 31-24 Super Bowl 

HC: Mike Shanahan, OC: Gary Kubiak, DC: Greg Robinson

Mile High Stadium 45 degrees

Dave Logan

Offense:

QB John Elway (37 Stanford)

RB Terrell Davis (25 UGA) All Pro

FB Howard Griffith (30 Illinois)

WR Ed McCaffrey (29 Stanford)

WR Rod Smith (27 Mo Southern) 

TE Shannon Sharpe (29 Sav St)

LT Gary Zimmerman (36 Oregon)

LG Mark Schlereth (31 Idaho)

C Tom Nalen (26 B College)

RG Brian Habib (33 Wash)

RT Tony Jones (31 W Carolina)

Defense

LDE Neil Smith (31 Nebraska)

LDT Keith Traylor (28 C Okla)

RDT Michael Dean Perry (32 Clemson)

RDE Alfred Williams (29 Colorado)

LLB Bill Romanowsi (31 B College)

MLB Allen Aldridge (25 Houston)

RLB John Mobley (24 Kutztown) All Pro

LCB Ray Crockett (30 Baylor)

RCB Darrien Gordon (27 Stanford)

SS Tyrone Braxton (33 N Dakota St)

FS Steve Atwater (31 Arkansas)

K Jason Elam (27 Hawaii)

P Tom Rouen (29 Colorado)

KR Vaughn Hebron (27 Va Tech)

PR Darrien Gordon (27 Stanford)

The third SB Champion to compete is the '97 Broncos; they look to keep the train rolling, as both the '02 Bucs and '85 Bears safely advanced.  Mike Shanahan's Broncos bring the best offense from 1997 into the field. John Elway is 37 - 27 scores, 11 picks.  He'll be handing the ball off to the All Pro, 25 year old Terrell Davis, who ran for 1700+ yards with 15 scores.  Shannon Sharpe is 29 and he's an All Pro, with 72 receptions.  The defense is fine, 6th best in '97, 24 year old LB John Mobley is an All Pro; 31 year old Neil Smith/29 year old Alfred Williams combined for 17 sacks.

14. 2009 AFC CHAMPION INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Record: 14-2

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 7th

Def: 8th

1st AFC South

d. Ravens Div Rnd 20-3

d. Jets AFC Title 30-17

Lost Super Bowl 31-17 Saints

HC: Jim Caldwell, OC: Tom Moore, DC: Larry Coyer

Offense

QB Peyton Manning (33 Tenn) All Pro

RB Joseph Addai (26 LSU)

WR Pierrce Garcon (23 Mt Union)

WR Reggie Wayne (31 Miami) 

TE Dallas Clark (30 Iowa) All Pro

TE Gijon Robinson (25 Mo West St)

LT Charlie Johnson (25 Ok St)

LG Ryan Lilja (28 Kan St)

C Jeff Saturday (34 UNC)

RG Kyle DeVan (24-R Ore St)

RT Ryan Diem (30 No Ill)

Defense

LDE Robert Mathis (28 Ala A&M)

LDT Daniel Muir (26 Kent)

RDT Antonio Johnson (25 Miss St)

RDE Dwight Freeney (25 Syracuse) All Pro

LLB Tyjuan Hagler (28 Cincinnati)

MLB Gary Brackett (29 Rutgers)

RLB Clint Session (25 Pitt)

LCB Kelvin Hayden (26 Illinois)

RCB Jerraud Powers (22-R Auburn)

SS Melvin Bullitt (25  Tex A&M)

RS Antoine Bethea (25 Howard)

K Matt Stover (41 La Tech)

P Pat McAfee (22 W Va-R)

KR Chad Simpson (24 Morg St)

PR TJ Rushing (26 Stanford)

Pretty heavy disparity between the Colts record, 14-2  and the record they deserved to have, 11-4; those 7th and 8th place ranks in offense/defense would have meant they didn't qualify for the tournament at all if not for the AFC Championship. It's our first look at Peyton Manning, and he's headed to his future town, Denver, to face his future boss, Elway.  Manning's 33, All Pro, 33 scores and 16 picks.  31 year old Reggie Wayne and 30 year old Dallas Clark each caught a hundred balls for 10 scores. 29 year old All Pro Dwight Freeney and 28 year old Robert Mathis combined for 23 sacks.  

Manning vs Elway.  The '09 Colts head to Denver to face the Super Bowl Champion Broncos.  Let's go to Mile High for the kick.

First Quarter

Denver starts at the 31.

1/10 - John Elway opens with a dump off to his fullback Howard Griffith for 7.

2/3 - Terrell Davis busts for 10

1/10 - Elway is picked off by Antione Bethea!  3rd play of the game - Antoine Bethea intercepts Elway and the Colts take over at the Bronco 34.  

1/10 - Joseph Addai goes for 7.

2/3 - Payton Manning's first pass is a 6 yard first down for Pierrce Garcon.  

1/10 - 4 for Adai

2/6 - Incomplete and then an offsides call makes it 3rd and 1.

3/1 - Manning finds his third TE, Tom Santi, for 11 yards, all the way to the 1 yard line.

1/goal - Play action - Dallas Clark wide open in the back of the end zone TOUCHDOWN COLTS - Elway pick quickly leads to a Manning score; Denver gets the ball back at the 31, 10:14.

1/10 - 2 yard loss for Terrell Davis.

2/12 - Davis is stacked up and it's a 3rd and long.

3/12 - Elway hits Rod Smith for 17 yards.  A holding call then backs Denver 10.

3 plays net 4 yards and the Broncos punt.  Colts at their own 36.  6:44

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Manning short to Addai for 3.

3/7 - Manning hits the big strike - Reggie Wayne over the middle for 57 yards!  Wayne's in his 9th season out of Miami, made the Pro Bowl this year and he catches the big deep shot from Manning down to the 2.

1/goal - Manning hits Dallas Clark again -- TOUCHDOWN COLTS - less than 7 minutes into the game and Peyton Manning has 2 scores to Dallas Clark and man, oh man, the '97 Champs are going to be fighting uphill today.  

Broncos at the 27.  4:54.  3 and out.  

Colts at the 23.  2:46.  3 and out.  

Broncos get a big return, Darrien Gordon returns to punt to the Colts 36 with 1:47 left in the quarter.  

1/10 - Davis is stopped at the line.

2/10 - Elway hits Shannon Sharpe for 8.  

3/2 - Davis goes for 10 - there'a a first down, and Denver is at the Colts 18 as the qtr ends.

Second Qtr

Manning v. Elway is all Manning so far; Denver now driving, first down at the Colts 18, 14-0 Indy.

1/10 - Vaughn Hebron goes for 8 and an incidental facemask gives Denver the first and goal at the 5.

1/goal - 3 for Davis

2/goal - QB draw for Elway - he is stopped dead at the goal line.

3/goal - Howard Griffith powers his way home TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS - Denver takes advantage of the field postion off the Gordon punt return and slices the deficit in half.  

Colts to start at the 30.  12:45.  

1/10 - Donald Brown gets a carry and goes for 14.  

1/10 - Manning to Addai for 14 - Colts really moving at will against this Bronco defense. 

1/10 - A dozen for Brown - look at the Colts, at the Bronco 30.

1/10 - Joseph Addai breaks one - daylight - Joseph Addai is going to go all the way - TOUCHDOWN COLTS - Indy takes 4 plays to go 70 yards; they've hung 21 on the Super Bowl Champion Broncos in Denver and we still have 10 minutes left in the half.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Terrell Davis for 11.

1/10 - Elway rolls out - and he throws deep over the middle to Sharpe - Shannon Sharpe with the big 40 yard pass reception - we got one today - Elway is down two scores and he connects with the 40 yard bomb.  

1/10- Elway to Rod Smith for 11 and the Broncos have 1st and goal at the 7.

1/goal - Elway rifles the ball into tight coverage in the endzone - snagged by Sharpe -- TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS  - the Broncos come right back - 5 plays, 69 yards, it's 21-14 Colts and we have a wild round one game here at Mile High.  

Colts at the 18.  8 minutes left in the half.

1/10 - Brown gains 1

2/9 - Addai gains 1

3/8 - Manning hits Reggie Wayne for 13.

1/10 - Pitch to Addai - he is Rocked- by John Mobley -- Fumble -- Denver recovers at the Colt 34 with 5:58 left - this huge crowd is in it now - they saw their team go down by 14 in the first 5 minutes but now trail by just 7 with the ball in Indy territory. 

1/10 - David gets 4 and an offsides will add 5

2/1- 4 for David.  First down at the 21.  4:39.

The next 3 plays gain 5 yards and Jason Elam kicks a 35 yard FG to make it a 21-17 game.  Colts start at the 31, 2:23 left.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Manning to Wayne for 9 at the 2 min warning.

3/1 - Addai picks up the yard.  Timeout.  

1/10 - Manning finds Austin Collie, a rookie from BYU - for a 22 yard gain to the Denver 37, the Colts are moving again.  1:48.

1/10 - Brown stopped at the line.  

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Manning is picked by Ray Crockett!  Crockett returns to the Denver 46 - Denver forces their second turnover of the day - this time a Manning interception.  Denver trails by 4 but are near midfield with 1:18 left.  

1/10 - Dwight Freeney levels Elway with the sack and a loss of 4.  Timeout.

2/14 - Elway to Davis for 6, he's out of bounds, 3rd and 8 for Denver at their own 48.

3/8 - And Elway is picked off again by Bethea!  Antoine Bethea's second interception of the day - Colts neare midfield with 44 seconds left, the teams trading interceptions.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Manning hits Wayne for 23, Colts at the 29 and they stop the clock.  23 seconds

1/10 - Manning hits Garcon for 9.  10 seconds and a timeout.  

2/10 - Incomplete.  Just seconds left.  Jim Caldwell calls for the kick - it's good.  Halftime.  24-17 Colts

Third Qtr

Turnovers and big plays - a wild game here in Denver and the 14th seeded Colts lead by a score.

Colts at the 23.

1/10 - Brown for 7.

2/3 - Manning to Clark, who has 2 TD catches on the day, for 9.  

1/10 - Manning to Addai for 7.

2/3 - Incommplete

3/3 - Addai gets 4, it's a first down to midfield.  

3 incomplete passes later the Colts are punting - it's a good one, Denver will be starting at their own 9.  

1/10 - Elway strikes - a 51 yard bomb to Rod Smith - it jolts this crowd alive - Smith all way to the Colt 40 yard line!

3 plays later, including a big Dwight Freeney sack, his second sack, the Broncos are punting - and oit's a great return - TJ Rushing out to the 49 where the Colts take over with 10:26 left in the third.  Up 7.

1/10 - Addai gets 1

2/9 - Addai gets 3

3/6 - Manning to Collie for 6- just does get enough after the measurement for the first down.  

The next 3 plays net 6 yards - Matt Stover hits a 52 yard FG and the Colt lead is again double digits, they have led this one the whole way.  

Denver starts at the 30.  7:28 left.

1/10 - Davis for 4.

2/6 - Davis for 7. 

The next 3 plays net 5 yards.  The crowd getting anxious now, the Super Bowl Champs down 10 and we're nearing the end of the quarter.  Colts start at the 24, 3:47.

3 and out.  Great return on the punt again by Darrien Gordon into Colt territory, Denver ball at the Indy 45, 2:48.

1/10 - Elway finds the second TE, Dwayne Carswell, for 4 and an offsides call gets 5 more.

2/1 - Incomplete

3/1 - Davis picks it up, 8 yards.  Denver's at the 28.  

1/10 - Elway to Davis - 8 yards.  

2/2 - Howard Griffith up the middle, one cut -- and Griffith's going to go!  Griffith stomps 20 yards into the end zone for his second TD of the game TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS Howard Griffith did not score a TD in the 1997 regular season, he has 2 today in the first round of the tournament and the Broncos have cut the deficit to 27-24.  

Colts start at the 28, Addai picks up a yard and that ends the quarter.

Fourth Quarter

Possible great finish ahead, Colts have led the whole way, Denver's as close as they've gotten, down a FG.  Indy ball at their own 29, second and 1.  Can they pull off the 14/3 upset?

2/9 - Addai for one.  

3/8 - Manning hits Austin Collie for a dozen - Indy converts and are out at the 42.  

1/10 - Brown gets 3

2/7 - Addai gets 1

3/6 - Brown gets 7 - that's another big 3rd down conversion for the Colts, they cross midfield with 11:46 to go.  

1/10 -Addai for 1.

2/9 - Chad Simpson, the second year back from Morgan St, is the 4th Colt to get a carry today, he gets 3.

3/6 - Draw play to Simpson - Simpson's going to pick up the first down - AND MORE -- CHAD SIMPSON IS GOING TO GO ALL THE WAY!  Chad Simpson with a 43 yard touchdown run - Chad Simpson goes 43 yards and the Colts are going to take a 10 point lead with just 10 minutes to go!  The 14th seeded Colts are 10 minutes from knocking off the 1997 Super Bowl Champion Broncos TOUCHDOWN COLTS 

Broncos at the 20.  10:10 left.  34-24 Colts

1/10 - Elway forced to run.  Gets 3.

2/7 - Elway hits Carswell over the middle, Carswell breaks a tackle, Carswell 28 yards out to the Colt 49 yard line.  Big play for Denver.

1/10 - Davis for 5.

2/5 - Davis for 1.

3/4 - Big play here.  7:26 left.  Broncos down 10.  Elway hits Ed McCaffrey for an 11 yard pickup and the first down to the Colt 32.  

1/10 - Hebron for 4.  

2/6 - Elway throwing to the endzone -- Shannon Sharpe at the goal line - caught - takes a shot - holds on -- TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS -- Elway with the 28 yard strike to Sharpe and the Broncos cut the deficit to 34-31.  

Here's that man - Chad Simpson - he just had a 43 yard TD run and he takes the kick back all the way to the Colt 48.  That might be a backbreaker - Colt ball at their own 48, 5:48 left, Colt lead is 3.  

But the Colts go 3 and out including a Neil Smith sack of Manning.  

McAfee's punt is a winner - pinning Denver back at their own 6.  4:12 left.  

Can Denver drive down and kick a game tying FG to force OT here?

Here comes Elway.  

1/10 - Elway is sacked on first down by Robert Mathis all the way back to his goal line, just  inches from a safety.  

2/15 - Elway in trouble in the end zone, Elway forced to tuck the ball and run and he gets just out of the end zone.  Third and 15 from as close to the end zone as you can get.  3:24 left  Broncos down 3.

3/15 - Elway finds Terrell Davis - he's near the sticks -- measurement....

Broncos first down.  Elway hits Davis for the 15 yard first down.  2:41 left.  Denver needs a FG to force OT.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Davis run, he gets 7 at the 2 minute warning.  Another 3rd down.  

3/3 - Elway finds Ed McCaffrey over the middle - stretches forward for the first down.  Denver is at their own 29 yard line.  1:55 left.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Elway finds Shannon Sharpe on the sidelines - turns upfield for 14 yards and a first down at the Broncos own 43.  1:40.  

1/10 - Davis.  15 big yards - Broncos call Timeout at 1:33, Denver is at the Colt 42- one more first down would at least give Elam a shot at tying this game.  

1/10  Incomplete.  And a false start backs Denver 5.  

2/15 - Oh, oh, oh - Elway hits McCaffrey on the sideline, gets both feet in - it's a 28 yard pass and the Broncos are in FG range now, Denver's at the Colts 19 yard line - 1:18 left - Elway - Elway - 37 year old John Elway, are we seeing it happen?  

1/10 - Elway to Sharpe over the middle - Sharpe is dragged down all the way at the 1 yard line!  18 yards to Shannon Sharpe!  The Broncos are down to the Indy 1 yard line!  57 seconds left and a first and goal.

1/goal - Incomplete

2/goal - Elway rolling right - throwing left - ---- Byron Chamberlain in the end zone

 --- TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS.....TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS.....TOUCHDOWN BRONCOS.....John Elway drives 99 yards in 14 plays -- a 99 yard drive and Denver takes its first lead of the day.  The Colts have just 41 seconds left, down 38-34 and they start at their own 31.

1/10 Manning to Reggie Wayne.  12 yards.  Out of bounds.  36 seconds.  

1/10 - Manning to Dallas Clark.  12 yards - timeout.  28 seconds left and the Colts are at the Bronco 45 yard line - is it Manning?  Is Manning driving down to win this football game?

1/10 - Incomplete.

2/10 - Manning is brought down by Alfred Williams - a huge sack, 8 yard loss, the Colts call time out back at their own 47, just 17 seconds left now.  Huge play by Alfred Williams

3/16 - Incomplete.

4th down.  9 seconds left.  Colts at their own 47.  They trail by 4.  Peyton Manning's last stand.

Incomplete.  

It's done.  Elway takes a knee and it's over.  The Denver Broncos win the best game of the tournament to date.  

Final: Broncos 38 Colts 34

In the signature game of the tournament, 37 year old John Elway takes the '97 Broncos 99 yards in the 4th qtr to beat Peyton Manning and the '09 Broncos and they advance to the 2nd rnd.

Elway: 21 for 32, 326 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT

Manning: 19 for 38, 225 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Davis: 20 carries, 91 yards, 4 catches 29 yds

Griffith: 2 TDs

Addai: 15 carries, 55 yds, 3 catches, 24 yds

Sharpe: 6 catches, 115 yds, 2TD

Wayne: 5 catches, 116 yds

Clark: 2 TD

Bethea: 2 INT

Freeney: 2 sacks

Player of the Game - JOHN ELWAY

256 Team NFL Tournament - Region 2/Round 1: 1968 Kansas City Chiefs v. 1982 New York Jets

'15 Seahawks v. '77 Rams 

13. 1982 NEW YORK JETS at 4. 1968 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

4. 1968 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Record: 12-2

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 4th

Def: 1st

1st AFL West

Lost Div Rnd Raiders 41-6

HC: Hank Stram

Municipal Stadium 60 degrees

Tom Hedrick

Offense

QB Len Dawson (33 Purdue) 

RB Mike Garrett (24 USC)

FB Robert Holmes (23-R Southern)

WR Gloster Richardson (26 Jack St)

WR Frank Pitts (25 Southern)

TE Fred Arbanas (29 Mich St)

LT Jim Tyrer (29 Ohio St) All Pro

LG Ed Budde (28 Mich St)

C EJ Holub (30 T Tech)

RG Mo Moorman (23-R Tex A&M)

RT Dave Hill (27 Auburn)

Defense

LDE Jerry Mays (29 SMU)

LDT Ed Lothamer (26 Mich St)

RDT Buck Buchanan (29 Grambling) All Pro

RDE Aaron Brown (25 Minnesota)

LLB Bobby Bell (28 Minnesota) All Pro

MLB Willie Lanier (23 Morgan St) All Pro

RLB Jim Lynch (23 N Dame)

LCB Emmitt Thomas (25 Bishop)

RCB Willie Mitchell (28 Tenn St)

LS Jim Kearney (25 Prairie View)

RS Johnny Robinson (30 LSU) All Pro

K Jan Stenerud (26 Mont St) 

P Jerrel Wilson (27 So Miss)

KR/PR Noland Smith (25 Tenn St)

The '15 Seahawks await the winner of this 4/13 matchup; the '68 Chiefs had the top defense in the AFL; 4 All Pros - 29 year old Buck Buchanan, 28 year old Bobby Bell, 23 year old Willie Lanier and the 30 year old Johnny Robinson. The offense is middling; Lenny Dawson threw for 17 scores, 9 picks. The 29 year old LT Jim Tyrer is an All Pro. 

13. 1982 NEW YORK JETS

Record: 6-3

Pythag: 6-3

Off: 3rd

Def: 10th

2nd AFC East

d. Bengals WC 44-17

d. Raiders Div Rnd 17-14

Lost AFC Title Dolphins 14-0

HC W.Michaels, OC: J.Walton, DC: J.Gardi

Offense

QB Richard Todd (29 Alabama)

RB Freeman McNeil (23 UCLA) All Pro

FB Mike Augustyniak (26 Purdue)

WR Johnny Lam Jones (24 Texas)

WR Wesley Walker (27 Cal)

TE Jerome Barkum (32 Jack St)

LT Chris Ward (27 Ohio St)

LG Stan Waldemore (27 Nebraska)

C Joe Fields (29 Widener) All Pro

RG Dan Alexander (27 LSU)

RT Marvin Powell (27 USC) All Pro

Defense

LDE Mark Gastineau (26 E Central) All Pro

LDT Abdul Salaam (29 Kent)

RDT Marty Lyons (25 Alabama)

RDE Kenny Neil (23 Iowa St)

LLB Greg Buttle (28 Penn St)

MLB Stan Blinka (25 S Houston)

RLB Lance Mehl (24 Penn St)

LCB Bobby Jackson (26 Florida St)

RCB Jerry Holmes (25 W Virginia)

SS Ken Schroy (30 Maryland)

FS Darrol Ray (24 Oklahoma)

K Pat Leahy (31 St Louis)

P Chuck Ramsey (30 Wake)

KR/PR Bruce Harper (27 Kutztown)

Strike shortened Jets team made the tournament on the strength of the 3rd best offense in '82; 29 year old Richard Todd threw for 14 scores and 8 picks. Freeman McNeil's 23 and an All Pro, he averaged over 5 yards a carry. Joe Fields is a 29 year old center, also an All Pro.  Middling defense led by Mark Gastineau, 26 year old All Pro with 6 sacks.  

The '15 Seahawks will either be headed to 1968 Kansas City or staying at home to host the '82 Jets.  Let's go to Kansas City for the kick.

First Quarter

The Jets start this one off at the 36.

3 and out.  

Chiefs get the punt and will start at the 39 - two plays gain six yards and then Lenny Dawson is intercepted by Bobby Jackson.  The Jets take over in Chiefs territory at the 47.

And again, go 3 and out.  This looked like a tough matchup on paper for the New York offense and that's what we're seeing so far.  Chiefs at the 16.  10:06

1/10 - The rookie Robert Holmes gets his first carry, stopped at the line.

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Dawson's first completed pass is to Mike Garrett - he gets a dozen.  

1/10 - A yard for Holmes

2/9 - Otis Taylor is the 3rd receiver - he catches one for a 22 yard gain, Chiefs across midfield. 

1/10 - Incomplete  A holding call backs KC up 10.

2/20 - Incomplete

3/20 - Dawson deep strike to Taylor - 40 yards, Chiefs down to the 19.  

1/10 - Holmes for 2

2/8 - Incomplete

3/8 - Dawson finds Frank Pitts in the corner of the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS nice strike by the veteran Dawson to give KC the led.  Jets will start at the 39, 5:10.

1/10 - The fullback, Augustyniak gets a carry.  2 yds.

2/8 - Freeman McNeil for 1.  Jets need a big day from McNeil to compete today.

3/7 - Richard Todd's first complete pass of the day is the Wes Walker - 14 yards to the KC 44.

1/10 - Yard for Augustyniak.  

2/9 - Incomplete

3/9 - Todd hits Walker again, he's out at the 32.  First down Jets.  

3 plays get 2 yards - Pat Leahy hits a 47 yarder and it's 7-3.  Chiefs start at the 28, Holmes gets 2 and the quarter ends.  

Second Quarter

A 4/13 is not anticipated as inherently a close game and that's what the matchup looked like headed in - Jets picked up a couple of late first downs and that gave them a FG, so it's still a game through 1.  Chiefs at their own 30, second and 8.

2 plays net 6 yards and the Chiefs are punting. Jets open at the 35.

1/10 - Bruce Harper is a tiny scatback, he scats his way back for a 6 yard gain.

2/4 - Then Harper scoots for  9 and an incidental facemask adds 5 - look at this  - the Jets are at the Chiefs 45.

The next 3 plays gain a yard.  Punt.  Good one.  Chiefs at the 8, 10:35.

1/10 - End around for Pitts for 13 yards.  

1/10 - Holmes for 1.

2/9 - Holmes for 9 - Chiefs up to the 31.  

The next 3 plays gain 2 yards.  Punt.  Jets to start at the 34.  6:56.

On first down, Augustyniak gains 2.  On second down, Emmitt Thomas picks off Todd and the Chiefs start at the Jet 48.  

1/10 - Holmes for 3.

2/7 - Incomplete

3/7 - Dawson hits Gloster Richardson for 19 - Chiefs at the Jet 32, false start goes back 5.

1/15 - Incomplete

2/15 - Holmes for 3.

3/12 - Dawson to Pitts for 14 - Chiefs now at the Jets 20.

3 incomplete passes later and Jan Stenerud is kicking a 37 yard FG.  Dawson takes a big, big shot from Gastineau on third down.  10-3 Chiefs

Jets open at the 23.  2:16.  

1/10 - Todd needs to shake off that pick - Jets really not finding any offense against the best defense in the AFL in 1968. Todd finds Lam Jones for 14, that's a first down at the 37 at the 2 minute mark.

1/10 - Freeman McNeil gets 16 - Jets near midfield.

1/10 - Todd to Wesley Walker for 9, Jets rolling now - they stop the clock at the KC 38, 1:47 left in the half.  A false start backs them up 5.

2/6 - McNeil gets 3 yards, 3rd and short.  

3/3 - Incomplete

Jets are at the KC 40; this is one of those, "if it were 2022, the analytics chart says go for it" - Walt Michaels does not have that chart in 1982, Jets punt.  

Jacky Lee, 29 year old backup QB, comes on for the injured Dawson.  Chiefs at their own 27, 1:14 left.  10-3.

1/10 - Mike Garrett for 7.  

2/3 - Incomplete.

3/3 - Holmes finds his way for 3 and the first.   1 minute left.

1/10 - Lee completes a pass to Garrett for 9, out of bounds.  

2/1 - Incomplete. 

3/1 - Lee hits Richardson for the first -- but he's stripped by Greg Buttle - and the Jets reover the ball at their own 41.  38 seconds left.

1/10 - Augustyniak gets 11 yards and NY stops the clock.

1/10 - McNeil for 5 and another timeout.  25 seconds left.  

2/5 - Incomplete

3/5 - Buck Buchanan levels Todd.  The Jets punt will end the half.

Third Quarter

As expected, the Chiefs defense is the story here; Jets struggling to move the ball - but it's only 10-3 and Lenny Dawson is questionable to return.  

Chiefs start at the 18 - it's still Lee in for Dawson and the Chiefs are 3 and out.

Jets at their own 40.  They go 3 and out.  Chiefs will start at their own 39.  Lee still on the field.  

1/10 - Holmes for 4

2/6 - Wendell Hayes gets a carrry.  2 yards

3/4 - Mike Garrett goes for 12.  Chiefs to the Jets 43.

1/10 - Holmes - 19 yards, nice gainer for Holmes, all the way to the 29.

1/10 - Chiefs running the ball on every play - Garrett gets 6.

2/4 - Bert Coan gets a carry, 2 yards.  

3/2 - Lee gets sacked by Gastineau - Chiefs kick the 38 yarder -- and KC now leads 13-3.

Jets will open at their own 5 when a holding call takes them backward on the return.

1/10 - Augustyniak for 5.

2/5 - Todd finds Lam Jones for 11.  

The next 3 plays gain a total of 4 yards.  Chiefs open at their own 44.  Lee still in at QB.

3 and out.  Jets ball at their own 26.  2:02 left in the quarter.

1/10 - Todd is brutalized by Buck Buchanan, his second sack - loss of 8.

2/18 - Yikes - Todd again, pounded to the turf by the Big Cat, Ernie Ladd, loss of 7.

3/25 - Todd hurls the ball down the sideline -- Caught by Walker - Walker gets both feet in bounds with a 30 yard pickup - Richard Todd just a great pass to Wesley Walker- -- great catch by Walker at the Jet 41 as the clock expires.

4th Quarter

Just no offense in the third quarter, Dawson is out of the game and Lee has completed 1 pass - whatever the Chiefs are doing they are doing on the ground.  Jets down 10, end the quarter on a big play - they have a first down at their own 41.

1/10 - McNeill loses a yard.

2/11 - Incomplete

3/11 - Todd is just under real heat, tremendous heat on every play, he is able to complete a desperate ball to Jerome Barkum for 16.  Jets at the KC 44.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Buck Buchanan's 3rd sack levels Todd, it's a hat trick for Buchanan and a huge 10 yard loss.  

After the punt, KC takes over at their own 25, up 10, 11:48 left.  

1/10 - Holmes busts one - 64 yards right between Tyrer and Budde- big blast all the way to the Jet 11 yard line and that might be the knockout.  

1/10 - Garrett gets 5.

2/5 - Pitch to Garrett and he is into the endzone for a TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS 6 yard run for Mike Garrett - Chiefs go up by 17 and it's hard to see the path for the Jets from here.

Jets will start at the 31.

1/10 - Todd to McNeil for 3.

2/7 - Bobby Bell sacks Todd, really tough day for Todd physically.

3/13 - Todd flings it out to Barkum - another big play - 29 yards over the middle, Richard Todd showing just tremendous toughness today under a real onslaught from the Chiefs.  The Jets then gain 5 on an offsides and are at the KC 38.  

1/10 - McNeil 3 yard run

2/7 - Incomplete

3/7 5 yard pass to McNeil

4/2 - Todd is decked on the blitz by Bell - fumble -- Chiefs will recover at their own 45 - that's a half dozen KC sacks on the day, Bell with 2, Buchanan with 3.  Todd helped off the field.

Hey, it's Lenny Dawson - 20-3, back on the field.  

1/10 - Garrett gets 1

2/9  Dawson goes play action, finds Pitts for 7.

3/2 - Mike Garrett busts a 40 yard run.  Chiefs running game plus defense has throttled New York today.  

Chiefs have first and goal at the 7 - 3 runs into the line and a Stenerud FG.  It's 23-3; Jets get a great Bruce Harper run back to midfield - but on the second play, Todd is picked off by Johnny Robinson - 6 sacks and 2 picks today for this Chiefs defense.  KC at their own 47 with 3:28 left and it's just a matter of getting to the gun now.

3 and out.  Jets take over at the 30.  1:49 left.  

Pat Ryan is the new QB for the Jets - 3 throws 3 incompletions and on 4th down hits Walker for 13.

That's it - 4 more plays yield 4 yards, the Chiefs take over on downs and run it out.

Final: CHIEFS 23 JETS 3

The KC defense was the best unit on paper and the best unit on the field; they really dominate here, the Chiefs running attack carries them offensively and they march into round 2.

Dawson: 7 for 16, 131 yards, 1 TD/1 INT

Todd: 9 for 23, 133 2 INT

Holmes: 18 carries, 110 yards

Garrett: 16 carries, 87 yards, 1 TD

McNeil: 16 carries, 31 yds

Pitts: 3 catches, 38 yds, 1 TD

Walker: 5 catches 77 yds

Buchanan - 3 sacks

Bell - sacks

Player of the Game - BUCK BUCHANAN

That's the upper half of Region 2 - the winners:

1985 Bears

2007 Chargers

2015 Seahawks

1968 Chiefs

256 Team NFL Tournament - Region 2/Round 1: 2015 Seattle Seahawks v. 1977 Los Angeles Rams

'19 Niners v. '07 Chargers 

5. 2015 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 

Record: 10-6

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 4th

Def: 1st

2nd NFC West

d. Vikings WC 10-9

Lost Div Rnd Panthers 31-24

HC: Pete Carroll: OC: Darrell Bevell, DC: Kris Richard

Century Link Field 50 degrees

Steve Raible/Warren Moon

Offense

QB Russell Wilson (27 NC St)

RB Thomas Rawls (22-R C Michigan)

WR Doug Baldwin (27 Stanford)

WR Jermaine Kearse (25 Washington)

WR Tyler Lockett (23-R Kansas St) All Pro

TE Jimmy Graham (29 Miami)

LT Russell Okung (27 Ok St)

LG Justin Britt (24 Missouri)

C Patrick Lewis (24 Tex A&M)

RG JR Sweezy (26 NC St)

RT Garry Gilliam (25 Penn St)

Defense

LDE Michael Bennett (30 Tex A&M)

LDT Ahtyba Rubin (29 Iowa St)

RDT Brandon Mebane (30 Cal)

RDE Cliff Avril (29 Purdue)

LLB Bruce Irvin (28 W Virginia)

MLB Bobby Wagner (25 Utah St)

RLB KJ Wright (26 Miss St)

LCB Richard Sherman (27 Stanford)

RCB Cary Williams (31 Washburn)

SS Kam Chancellor (27 Va Tech)

FS Earl Thomas (26 Texas)

K Stephen Hauschka (30 NC St)

P Jon Ryan (34 Regina)

KR/PR Tyler Lockett (23 Kansas St)

Region 2 continues with the '15 Seahawks who had the best defense in the league.  30 year old Michael Bennett/29 year old Cliff Avril combined for 19 sacks. The offense is #4; Russell Wilson's 27, threw for 34 scores and 8 picks. 27 year old Doug Baldwin caught 14 scores; 23 year old rookie Tyler Lockett was All Pro, he returned two kicks for scores.

12. 1977 LOS ANGELES RAMS

Record: 10-4

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 4th

Def: 2nd

1st NFC West

Lost Vikings Div Rnd 14-7

HC: Chuck Knox OC: Ray Prochaska DC Ray Malavasi

Offense

QB Pat Haden (24 USC)

RB Lawrence McCutcheon (27 Col St)

FB John Capelletti (25 Penn St)

WR Harold Jackson (31 Jack St)

WR Billy Waddy (23-R Colorado)

TE Terry Nelson (26 Ark PB)

LT Doug France (24 Ohio St)

LG Tom Mack (34 Michigan)

C Rich Saul (29 Mich St)

RG Dennis Harrah (24 Miami)

RT Jeff Williams (32 R Island)

Defense

LDE Jack Youngblood (27 Florida)

LDT Larry Brooks (27 Va St.)

RDT Cody Jones (26 S Jose St)

RDE Fred Dryer (31 S Diego St)

LLB Bob Brudzinski (22-R Ohio St)

MLB Jim Youngblood (27 Tenn Tech)

RLB Isiah Robertson (28 Southern)

LCB Pat Thomas (23 Tex A&M)

RCB Monte Jackson (24 S Diego St)

SS Dave Elmendorf (28 Tex A&M)

FS Bill Simpson (26 Mich St)

K Rafael Septien (24 Louisiana)

P Glen Walker (25 USC)

KR Wendell Tyler (22 UCLA)

PR Billy Waddy (23 Colorado)

Good matchup here in the 5/12 game, both squads 10-4, both losers in the division round, both top 5 in offense and defense.  Rams had the #2 defense in 1977 led by a 27 year old Jack Youngblood  #4 offense, Pat Haden's 24, 11 scores, 6 picks - and backing him up is a broken down legend, 34 year old Joe Namath. 27 year old Lawrence McCutcheon ran for 1238 yards, the Rams are going to look to run the ball on the best defense from 2015.  Chuck Knox trying to beat the Seahawks.

Let's head to Seattle for the 5/12 kickoff for Region 2.

First quarter

The Seahawks will open at the 25.

1/10 - Thomas Rawls, the rookie back, gets the first carry and goes for a yard, an offsides call adds five more.

2/4 - Rawls picks it up with a 4 yard gain.

1/10 - Marshawn Lynch played in just 7 games, so he didn't get the start here, but he comes on and busts a 32 yard run all the way to the LA 33.  

1/10 - Russell Wilson's first pass is to Jimmy Graham for 18 to the Ram 15.

1/10 - Lynch loses 2.

2/12 - Wilson to Graham again, gain of 8.  

3/4 - Rawls picks up another first down, 7 yards, all the way to the Rams 2 for a first and goal.

1/goal - Wilson play action, Lynch diving over the top without the ball - but Jack Youngblood sniffs it out, he's in the backfield, sacking Wilson for a loss of 4.  

2/goal - Lynch gets a yard.  

3/goal - Lynch again, again just a yard and the Seahawks kick the chip shot.  Good stand by the Rams and it's 3-0 Seattle.  Rams will start their first possession at the 25, 8:03 left.

1/10 - Lawrence McCutcheon gets a yard.  Rams likely to look to run the ball today.

2/9 - McCutcheon is stacked up.  

3/9 - Pat Hadens first pass is complete to Harold Jackson, it's 11 yards and a first down.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - McCutcheon goes for a dozen, Rams out near midfield.

1/10 - Haden finds Billy Waddy, it's a 16 yard gain and the Rams are at the Seattle 35.  

1/10 - Haden to his TE, Terry Nelson, 9 yards.

2/1 - McCutcheon gets 4 - Rams moving down the field - Rams to the 22 with 3:17 left. 

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Incomplete.  Seattle holds - Rafael Septien ties the game with a 39 yard FG.  Seattle to get the ball at their own 40 after the nice Lockett return.  2:46.

1/10 - Bryce Brown gets a carry.  1 yard.  

2/9 - He gets another carry, stopped at the line.  

3/9 - Wilson finds Rawls out of the backfield, breaks a tackle and goes for 14.

1/10 - Larry Brooks is in the backfield to sack Wilson, 2 yard loss as the quarter ends.

Second Qtr

Both teams moving the ball well in the first quarter, both defenses standing up to force FGs.  Seattle with a second and 12 at the LA 47.

2/12 - Rawls gets 4.  

3/8 - Wilson goes short to Jermaine Kearse, it's 4 yards, Pete Carroll's going conservative, Seattle punts - Rams will open at the 13, 13:26.

1/10 - Haden to McCutcheon, 2 yard.

2/8 - Haden to Jackson for 8 and the first.  

1/10 - McCutcheon busts one - running behind Tom Mack, getting into open field -- 51 yards down to the Seahawk 26.  Big play.

1/10 - John Cappelletti gets a carry, 3 yards.

2/7 - Cappelletti again, this time for 15 - and that gives LA a first and goal.  

1/goal - Incomplete

2/goal - Cappelletti stopped at the line.

3/goal - McCutcheon gets 3 yards - really conservative call by Chuck Knox, Rams 5 yards short - they kick the chip shot and go ahead 6-3 in this battle of FGs.  Seattle will start at the 28, 8:25 left.

1/10 - Lynch gets 9.

2/1 - Rawls for 4 and the first.

1/10 - Lynch loses 3.

2/13 - Wilson finds Doug Baldwin for an 11 yard pickup and it's third and short.

3/2 - Bryce Brown slips through a hole and busts out a 20 yd gain.  Seahawks now at the Ram 31.  4:51 left.

1/10 - Lynch for 1.

2/9 - Brown for 3. 

3/6 - Incomplete -- Seattle for the game tying FG --- and it's no good -- Hauschka misses the 44 yarder and Rams take over at the 34, 2:56 left, holding onto the 6-3 lead.

And they go 3 and out.  

Seattle ball at the 31, 1:26 left.  

1/10 - Wilson forced to run, gets 1.  Timeout.

2/9 - Wilson to Baldwin for 20 - Seahawks out near midfield, under a minute to go.

1/10 - Wilson to Baldwin again, 9 yards and a timeout.  

2/1 - Incomplete

3/1 - Lynch picks it up, 2 yards to the Giant 37, 37 seconds left.  

1/10 - Wilson to Kearse for 3 at the sideline. 

2/7 - Wilson's flushed - able to get out of bounds back at the line of scrimmage.  

3/7 - 12 yard pass from Wilson to Jimmy Graham - he's out of bounds - it's a first down for Seattle at the 22 with 22 seconds to go.  

3 straight incomplete passes later, Hauschka is kicking the game tying FG at the gun.

Third Quarter

Battle of FG continues; these are two top 5 offenses and defenses; it's the defenses that are winning today.  6-6.  LA starts at the 28.

1/10 - Haden to Billy Waddy for 16.

3 straight incomplete passes follow, the Rams are punting.  Michael Bennett gave Haden a huge shot on third down. Seahawks to start at the 25.

3 and out including a Fred Dryer sack.  Rams will start at their own 42, 11:22 left.

And the QB....is Broadway Joe Namath.  34 year old Namath makes his way to the field.  Haden being checked out on the sideline.

1/10 - McCutcheon run.  Nothing.  Seahawks really stacking the line.

2/10 - McCutcheon run.  Nothing.  

3/10 - Namath goes over the middle to John Cappelletti - Capelletti breaks a tackle and that's a dozen yards and a first down at the Seattle 46.

But that's it - 3 runs get 9 yards - and at the Seattle 37 yard line with a 4th and run - Knox decides he's punting.  Frustratingly conservative.  

Good kick.  Seattle to start at their own 5.  8:05.

1/10 - Rawls for 3.

2/7 - Rawls for 1

3/6 - Wilson finds Marshawn, he goes for 13, Seattle out at the 22.

1/10 - Wilson to Baldwin for 13 more.  

That's it - 3 straight incomplete passes and the Rams get the ball back after a punt - and Billy Waddy has a big return --- Waddy takes it back to the Seattle 22 - Rams in business with 3:55 left in the third.  

Haden returns to the field.  

1/10 - Cappelletti pounds away for 18 - Rams have a first and goal.  

1/goal - Cappelletti gets to the goal line - he is just short of the end zone.

2/goal - McCutcheon is met head on at the line by Brandon Mebane and stopped dead.  

3/goal - Play fake - Haden looking to squeeze the ball in to Jimmy Nelson --- broken up by Earl Thomas.  

4th and inches.  6-6.  Knox decides to go for it.  

It's a Haden sneak.  There's a measurement......

...He's Short!  Short!  The Seahawk defense with the tremendous goal line stand and Seattle will take possession just outside their own goal line.  1:40 left.

1/10 - Rawls gets 2

2/8 - Incomplete

3/8 - Wilson dropping back - huge pressure - he finds Kearse - 14 yard gain. first down at the 17.

A Lynch run gets back to the line as the quarter ends.  

4th Quarter

Tied at 6 after the Seattle goal line stand; 2nd and ten for Seattle at their own 17.

Two runs gain 5 yards.  LA gets good field possession after the punt at the Seattle 47.

1/10 - Haden to Harld Jackson for 10.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - McCutcheon gets 1

3/9 - McCutcheon gets 1.

The Rams have 4th and 8 at the 35.  

And Knox decides to go for it.  So - they could punt - they could try the long FG -- instead, right after the failed 4th and inches at the goal line - it's a 4th and 8.  

4/8 - Haden to Jackson gets 13 yards and the first down.  The Rams are at the 22, 10:31 left.  6-6.

The next 3 plays gain 1 yard.  Rafael Septien hits a 38 yard FG.  9-6 Rams.  Seattle will get the ball at the 22, 8:58 left.  

1/10 - Lynch for 11.  

1/10 - Lynch for 1

2/9 - Rawls breaks one - goes for 35 yards all the way to the LA 31 yard line.  

1/10 - Lynch for 3

2/7 - Lynch for 2

3/5 - Wilson in trouble, but he escapes contain, he's near the sticks -- just short.  

So - Carroll has a call to make, 4th and inches at the 22, under 5 to play, down a FG.

He kicks.  Hauschka makes the 39 yard FG and we are all tied at 9.

The Rams to take over at their own 24, 4:50 left.  

3 and out.  

Seattle regains at the 35.  3:16 left. 

1/10 - Wilson to Lynch for 4.  

2/6 - Lynch is stopped at the line at the two minute warning. 

3/6 - Wilson finds Rawls for 10 - Seahawks are near midfield and call timeout.  

And that's it - a Jack Youngblood sack will move them backwards, they kick it back to LA to the 21 with 64 seconds left.  

3 and out - the punt is the last play of regulation.  

Overtime

We go to sudden death.  9-9.  Someone is going to advance.  Someone is going home.  

Rams win the toss.  They will start at the 30.  Namath is back out on the field.  

No magic though.  3 and out.  Seattle at their own 43 after the nice return by Lockett.

1/10 - Wilson finds Baldwin for a 14 yard gain.  Seattle to the Rams 43.  

But that's it - and when Larry Brooks sacks Wilson on third down - it pushes Seattle back into their own territory -- a tremendous punt by Ryan is downed at the LA 2 yard line which is where the Rams take over with 10:52 to go.

3 and out.  

Rams punt again to Lockett -- another really good return - Lockett brings it back to the LA 20 and that's where Seattle takes over with 9:24 left.  

1/10 - Rawls is shut down at the line.  

2/10 - Lynch gets 3 to the 17.

3/7 - Lynch loses a yard.  

Haushchka lines up for an attempt at a 34 yard game winning FG......

IT'S GOOD!  IT'S GOOD!  Stephen Hauschka with the GW 34 yard FG in OT and the Seattle Seahawks defeat the LA Rams 12-9 to advance in the tournament!

Final: Seahawks 12 Rams 9 (OT)

The first OT final in the tournament ends a 7 FG game; Seattle advancing.

Wilson: 18-27 170 yds

Haden: 9-23 92 yards

Rawls: 13 carries, 68 yds

McCutcheon: 20 carries, 94 yds

Baldwin: 6 catches, 65 yds

Jackson: 4 catches, 42 yds

Wagner: 13 tackles

Ja Youngblood/Brooks : 2 sacks

Hauschka: 4 FG

Player of the Game: STEVEN HAUSCHKA

256 Team NFL Tournament - Region 2/Round 1: 2019 San Francisco 49ers v. 2007 San Diego Chargers

 '85 Bears v. '61 Giants

9. 2007 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS at 8. 2019 NFC CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

8. 2019 NFC CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Record: 13-3

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 2nd

Def: 8th

1st NFC West

d. Vikings Div Rnd 27-10

d. Packers NFC Title 37-20

Lost Super Bowl Chiefs 31-20

HC: Kyle Shanahan, DC: Robert Saleh

Levi's Stadium: 65 degrees

Greg Papa/Tim Ryan

Offense

QB Jimmy Garoppolo (28 E Illinois)

RB Tevin Coleman (26 Indiana)

FB Kyle Juszczyk (28 Harvard) 

WR Deebo Samuel (23-R S Carolina)

WR Emmanuel Sanders (32 SMU)

TE George Kittle (26 Iowa) All Pro

LT Justin Skule (23-R Vandy)

LG Laken Tomlinson (27 Duke)

C Weston Richburg (28 Colo St)

RG Michael Person (31 Mont St)

RT Mike McGlinchey (24 N Dame)

Defense

LDE Nick Bosa (22-R Ohio St)

LDT DJ Jones (24 Ole Miss)

RDT DeForest Buckner (25 Oregon)

RDE Arik Armstead (26 Oregon)

LLB Kwon Alexander (25 LSU)

MLB Fred Warner (23 BYU)

RLB Dre Greenlaw (22-R Arkansas)

LCB Richard Sherman (31 Stanford)

RCB Emmanuel Moseley (23 Tenn)

SS Jaquiski Tartt (27 Samford)

FS Jimmie Ward (28 Ohio St)

K Robbie Gould (37 Penn St)

P Mitch Wishnowsky (27 Utah)

KR/PR Richie James (24 Mid Tenn St)

The '85 Bears await the winner of this 8/9 matchup; here are the '19 NFC Champion Niners, second best offense in the league, Garoppolo's 28, threw for 27 scores and 13 picks. One All Pro on the team, it's 26 year old George Kittle who caught 85 balls.  On defense, 26 year old Arik Armstead and the 22 year old rookie Joey Bosa combined for 19 sacks.  

9. 2007 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Record: 11-5

Pythag: 11-5

1st AFC West

Off: 5th

Def: 5th

d. Titans WC 17-6

d. Colts Div Rnd 28-24

Lost AFC Title Patriots 21-12

HC: Norv Turner, OC Clarence Shelmon, DC Ted Cottrell

Offense

QB Philip Rivers (26 NC St)

RB LaDainian Tomlinson (28 TCU) All Pro

FB Lorenzo Neal (37 Fresno St) All Pro

WR Vincent Jackson (24 No Colorado)

TE Antonio Gates (27 Kent)

TE Brandon Manumaleuna (27 Arizona)

LT Marcus McNeil (24 Auburn)

LG Kris Dielman (26 Indiana)

C Nick Hardwick (26 Purdue)

RG Mike Goff (31 Iowa)

RT Shane Olivea (26 Ohio St)

Defense

LDE Igor Olshansky (25 Oregon)

NT Jamal Williams (31 Oklahoma St)

RDE Luis Castillo (24 Nwestern)

LOLB Shaun Phillips (26 Purdue)

LILB Stephen Cooper (28 Maine)

RILB Matt Wilhelm (28 Ohio St)

ROLB Shawn Merriman (23 Maryland)

LCB Quentin Jammer (28 Texas)

RCB Drayton Florence (24 Tuskegee)

SS Clinton Hart (30 Cen Florida CC)

FS Marlon McCree (30 Kentucky)

K Nate Kaeding (25 Iowa)

P Matt Scifres (27 W. Illinois)

KR/PR Darren Sproles (24 Kansas St)

The '07 Chargers were top 5 in offense and defense, losing in the AFC Title game to that Patriots team that is the top overall seed in the tournament.  Rivers is 26, threw for 21 scores and 15 picks. Both backs are All Pros, Lorenzo Neal, the fullback, is 37 and Tomlinson's right in his prime, 28 years old, ran for over 1400 yards.  On defense, Lights Out Merriman is 23, Shaun Phillips, 26, they combined for 21 sacks.

Evenly matched game, as you'd expect for an 8/9 matchup.  Let's head to Levi's Stadium to see who will lead to Round 2 to face the '85 Bears.

First Quarter

Chargers will open with the ball at the 28.

1/10 - LaDainian Tomlinson will probably see his name called a lot today, he opens with a 14 yard run.

1/10 - 3 for Tomlinson

2/7 - Michael Turner carries for 1.

3/6 - Phil Rivers finds Antonio Gates for an 8 yr gain to the Niner 46.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Tomlinson is hit at the line and brought down.

3/10 - 3 yard run for Rivers on a scramble and the Chargers punt.

Niners at their own 11.  10:37.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Tevin Coleman sweep loses 4 yards.

3/14 - Jimmy Garoppolo's first completion is 18 yards to George Kittle and the first down.

The next 3 plays are incomplete passes and the Chargers start at their own 48, 7:31.

3 and out.  Niners to start at the 15.  5:52.

1/10 - Coleman gets a yard.

2/9 - Garoppolo goes to Ross Dwelley for a big gainer, 34 yards to midfield.

1/10 - Coleman loses 3.

2/13 Raheem Mostert gets 3 back.

3/10 - Shanahan tries the draw to Juszczyk, he gets 8, Niners should make the modern decision here on 4th and 2 and go for it - they don't - Chargers to start at their own 28.  2:12.

1/10 - Tomlinson loses 1.

2/11 - Tomlinson goes for 15.  

1/10 - Turner loses 1

2/9 - Rivers finds Vincent Jackson for 10 - taking the Chargers to the Niner 47 as the quarter expires.

2nd Quarter

Defense first to start the game, mostly played on the Niner side of the field.  Chargers 1/10 around midfield.  Scoreless.

3 and out.  Another punt, goes to the Niner 16.

3 and out.  Another punt, goes to the Charger 42.

1/10 - Rivers to Tomlinson for 5.

2/5 - Rivers to Gates - big gainer, 21 yards down to the Niner 32.  

1/10 - Tomlinson breaks one, heads off right tackle, into the secondary and he is gone - LaDainian Tomlinson goes for a 32 yard TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS, LT scores the game's first points; the Niners will take over at the 16 with 9:28 left.

1/10 - Garoppolo finds Deebo Samuel for 5.

2/5 - George Kittle in motion takes an inside handoff and goes for 5.  A false start takes the Niners back 5.

1/15 - Garoppolo goes to Coleman over the middle - And Coleman breaks into the open field - Coleman's got daylight - Coleman is going to rumble all the way down to the Chargers 8 yard line!  71 yards to Tevin Coleman, huge gainer for the Niners who have first and goal.

1/goal - Garoppolo is forced to run, gets a yard.

2/goal - incomplete

3/goal - Garoppolo finds Kittle at the goal line - he muscles his way in TOUCHDOWN 49ERS - Garoppolo to Kittle for a 7 yard score to tie the game at 7.  Chargers will take over at the 24, 5:33 left.

1/10 - Tomlinson carrying the rock, 11 more.

1/10 - Tomlinson - 8 more.  

2/2 - Michael Turner for a dozen; Chargers at the Niner 45.  

1/10 - Rivers to Gates for 10 - first quarter was defensive minded but both squads rolling on offense now.  

1/10-  7 for Tomlinson.

2/3 - Incomplete, that's the 2 minute warning, Chargers at the Niner 33 on this 3rd down. 

3/3 - Incomplete - Long FG attempt by Kaeding....is no good, and that gives the Niners the ball at their own 40, 1:48 left.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Garoppolo finds Juice for 14, Niners call timeout at 1:36 left at the Charger 46 

1/10 - Garoppolo over the middle to Deebo - and Samuel breaks into the secondary - Deebo Samuel outruns the Charger secondary - Deebo's gonna go -- TOUCHDOWN 49ERS - less than 30 seconds ago the Chargers were lining up for a FG and now the Niners take the 14-7 lead on the 46 yard TD pass from Garoppolo to Deebo Samuel and the Levis Stadium crowd loves it.  

1/10 - Chargers at the 32, 1:28 left.   Tomlinson gets 2 yards.  

2/8 - Rivers finds Vincent Jackson for 15, he gets 15 and is out of bounds at the 49. 70 seconds left in the half.

1/10 - Give to Tomlinson - he bounces outside -- And He Is Going to Go!  LaDainian Tomlinson rumbles down the right sideline for a 51 yard TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS both teams scoring on big TD plays in the last 2 minutes of the half and it is 14-14 and we have a wild one here in Region 2.

The Niners start at the 34.  3 and out.  

The Chargers start at the 24.  29 seconds.  

1/10 - Rivers to Tomlinson for 7.  Out of bounds.  

2/3 - Incomplete

3/3 - Rivers to Tomlinson, he gets 5 and is out of bounds, Chargers first down at their 36.

That's as far as it goes, Arik Armstead gets a sack and K'Waun Williams ends the half with a pick.

Third Qtr

Scoreless first quarter, 28 points in the second quarter.  14-14.  

Niners open at the 22.  

3 and out.  Chargers to start at their 46.

1/10 - 1 for Tomlinson and then an offsides.

2/4 - Incomplete.

3/4 - Tomlinson picks it up, 5 yards.

1/10 Incomplete

2/10 - Tomlinson for 1.

3/9 - Rivers picks it up - hits Jackson for 22, Chargers all the way to the Niner 20 with 11:09 left. 

1/10 - Tomlinson - Tomlinson - Tomlinson does it again, just explodes for a 20 yard score; TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS the 49ers just can't stop LaDainian Tomlinson.  21-14.

Niners at the 18.  10:56.

3 and out.  

Chargers at the 39.  9:09 left.  

3 and out.  Niners at the 12.  7:37 left.  

1/10 Coleman gets 1.

2/9 - Incomplete

3/9 - Draw to Juice.  13 yards and the first.  

1/10 - Garoppolo finds Emmanuel Sanders, 15 yards to their own 41.  5:29.

1/10 - Lights Out Merriman with the sack, loss of 6.

2/16 - Incomplete

3/16 - Incomplete

After the punt, the Chargers start at the 28.  3:44.

3 and out.  

Niners at the 25 - after an incomplete pass Raheem Mostert is leveled head on by Jamal Williams, fumble - the Chargers are at the Niner 30 with 2 minutes left in the third.  Three plays get nothing at all and Nate Kaeding hits a 47 yard FG.  Chargers 24 Niners 14. The Niners will start at their own 15 with 57 seconds left --- on the first play Antonio Cromartie picks off a deep ball, the Chargers get the ball back at the Niner 41.  

Niners turn it over on their last two possessions.  Chargers up 10 with the ball.  

1/10 - Rivers to Gates for 16.  A holding call takes them back 10.  

1/20 - Tomlinson gets 8 as the quarter ends.  

4th Quarter

2nd and 12 for the Chargers at the 27, 24-14, this one is nearly out of reach.  

2/12 - Turner goes for 1.

3/11 - Rivers hits Gates, 16 - and that's a first and goal for the Chargers and some Niner fans are headed to the exits.  

1/goal - 2 for Tomlinson to the 8

2/goal - incomplete

3/goal - Rivers hits Craig Davis, the rookie from LSU in the end zone TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS it's 31-14 and this one has turned into a blowout.  Just 12:42 left when the Niners take over at the 17.

1/10 - Garoppolo to Kittle for 7.

2/3 - Mostert gets 13.

1/10 - Mostert for 5.

2/5 - Breida stopped at the line.  

3/5 - Mostert for 9 and a first down.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Garoppolo to Kittle, 27 yards to the Charger 22, 8:37 left.  

1/10 - Coleman gets 3.  

2/7 - Deebo runs for 2.  

3/5 - Incomplete.

4/5-Incomplete -- And that's a wrap, Chargers regain possesion at their own 17, they go 3 and out.

Niners ball at their own 41.  6:16 left.  

1/10 - Garoppolo sacked by Shaun Phillips, loss of 5.

2/15 - Mostert run, 31 yards, clearly a white flag play.  Niners at the Charger 32 but they won't get closer, there's another sack by Merriman, the Niners will turn it over on downs.  

The Chargers then go 3 and out.  Niner ball at their own 25, 2:29 left.  They'll pick up one first down, Garoppolo will get intercepted again, this time by Clinton Hart and the Chargers will tun out the clock.

Final: CHARGERS 31 49ERS 14

Impressive performance by the Chargers, they go into Levis and really pound the Niners to win the 9/8 matchup.  They'll need every bit of this the next time we see them in Round 2 when they meet the top seeded '85 Bears.  Tomlinson with the monster game.

Rivers: 15-30 152 yards 1 TD 1 Int

Garoppolo 17-38 267 yds 2 TD 2 Int

Tomlinson: 22 carries, 186 yards, 3 TD, 3 catches 17 yds

Mostert: 7 carries, 60 yards

Gates: 6 catches, 75 yards

Kittle: 6 catches, 68 yds

Merriman 2 sacks

Player of the Game -  LaDAINIAN TOMLINSON

2022 NBA Finals Prediction

 

Warriors.

So, here's what we're working with.

1. I'm a Warriors fan and stoked about the matchup; in years where a Giants pennant was a possibility, I always hoped for a Yankees matchup; 'cause fun, you know?  If you're going to play in a World Series, you might as well play the New York Yankees.  This is that; this Warriors group is one of the great teams in NBA history, there hasnt been/won't be another Warriors squad in my lifetime approaching this team's success - this is NBA Finals #6, let's go play the By God Boston Celtics.  

2. Boston winning the East does not surprise me; in this space, that's who I picked at the outset of the playoffs.  They had a better regular season than did the Warriors; they're younger, they have some length and athleticism, and this Boston group has given the Warriors trouble.  Of the options on the board, this is probsbly the worst matchup for the Warriors; probably you should pick Boston.

3. But I ain't.  Warriors in 7.