256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 4 Play In Game: 1956 Detroit Lions v. 1992 New Orleans Saints

'70 Vikings v. '13 Panthers

 

16. 1992 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at 16. 1956 DETROIT LIONS

1956 DETROIT LIONS

Record: 9-3

Pythag: 9-3

Off: 2nd

Def: 3rd

2nd NFL West

Did not make playoffs

HC: Buddy Parker, OC George Wilson

Briggs Stadium: 40 degrees

Offense

QB Bobby Layne (30 All Pro)

FB Leon Hart

RB Hopalong Cassady (22-R)

RB Gene Gedman (24)

WR Dorne Dibble (27)

WR Dave Middleton (23)

LT Lou Creekmur (29 All Pro)

LG Harley Sewell (25)

C Charlie Ane (25)

RG Jim Salsbury (24)

RT Ollie Spencer (25)

Defense

LDE Darris McCord (23)

LDT Ray Krouse (29)

MG Joe Schmidt (24) All Pro

RDT Bob Miller (27)

RDE Gil Mains (27)

LLB Sonny Gandee (27)

RLB Bob Long (22)

LDH Jim David (29)

RDH Carl Karilvacz (26)

LS Jack Christiansen (28 All Pro)

RS Yale Lary (26 All Pro)

K Bobby Layne (30)

P Yale Lary (26)

KR Hopalong Cassidy (22)

PR Yale Lary (26)

The '54 Lions have already advanced; fast forward two years and it's another Bobby Layne team. 2nd in the NFL on offense, third on defense, but missed the playoffs and are relegated to this Play In Game. Layne's 30, All Pro, 14 total scores and 17 picks (1956 was a long time ago); also first team All Pro is the LT, 29 year old Lou Creekmur.  3 All Pros on defense - 24 year old Joe Schmidt and both safeties, 26 year old Yale Lary and 28 year old Jack Christiansen, both of whom had 8 picks. 

1992 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Record: 12-4

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 10th

Def: 1st

2nd NFC West

lost WC Eagles 36-20

HC: Jim Mora, OC Carl Smith DC Steve Sidwell 

Offense

QB Bobby Hebert (32)

RB Vaughn Dunbar (24-R)

FB Ironhead Heyward (26)

WR Quinn Early (27)

WR Eric Martin (31)

TE Hoby Brenner (33)

LT Richard Cooper (28)

LG JIm Dombrowski (29)

C Joel Hilgenberg (30)

RG Derek Kennard (30)

RT Stan Brock (34)

Defense

LDE Wayne Martin (27)

NT Jim Wilks (34)

RDE Frank Warren (33)

LOLB Rickey Jackson (34)

LILB Sam Mills (33)

RILB Vaughan Johnson (30)

ROLB Pat Swilling (28 All Pro)

LCB Toi Cook (28)

RCB Reggie Jones (23)

SS Brett Maxie (30)

FS Gene Atkins (28)

K Morten Anderson (32)

P Tommy Barnhardt (29)

KR Fred McAfee (24)

PR Pat Newman (24)

The best defense from 1992 was in New Orleans led by the linebacker quartet that all made the Pro Bowl.  28 year old Pat Swilling was All Pro, with 10.5 sacks; 34 year old Rickey Jackson had 13.5 and on the line, Wayne Martin's 27, and had 15.5 sacks. The offense is just okay, Bobby Hebert is 32, 19 scores and 16 picks.  

Sure looks like a defensive battle here; particularly given that the Lions won the coin flip so we are playing in cold weather Detroit.  Winner advances into Region 4 to face the 4th overall seed in the tournament, the '91 Redskins.

Let's go to Briggs for the kick.

1st Qtr

Lions to open up at the 33.

3 and out.  Saints at their own 31.  

1/10 - Vaughan Dunbar stopped at the line.  

2/10 - Ironhead Heyward for 3.

3/7 - Bobby Hebert big play - a 31 yard strike to Eric Martin - all the way to the Lions 35 yard line.

1/10 - Dalton Hilliard is nailed at the line of scrimmage by Joe Schmidt - Fumble - the Lions recover - the Lions take over at their own 34 yard line.

1/10 - Bobby Layne to Dorne Dibble for 21.  Lions across midfield.

1/10 - Gene Gedman goes for 16 and the Lions are at the Saints 29.

The next 3 plays gain 3 yards - Bobby Layne also kicks for these Lions, he hits a 43 yard FG and not quite halfway through the first qtr, the Lions are up 3-0

Saints at the 39.  8:39.  

1/10 - Hebert to Dunbar for 13 and the Saints are across midfield.  

1/10 - Hebert goes to Torrance Small for 4.

2/6 - Dunbar for 5, gets to the sticks.  

3/1 - Hebert to Quinn Early for 13 yards - and the Saints are at the 26, Saints moving the ball against this Lions team early on.  

1/10 - Hebert to Martin for a dozen - the Saints are now at the 11.  

1/10 - Dunbar loses 1.

2/11 - Hebert finds Ironhead Heyward out of the backfield -- he bowls his way into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN SAINTS - Ironhead Heyward with a 12 yard TD score fro Bobby Hebert and the Saints take the lead.  

Lions at the 30, 3:30.  Saints 7-3

3 and out.  Saints at their own 34.  1:45.

3 and out.  Lions at their own 25.  Time for one play, a 1 yard Hopalong Cassady run and it's the 2nd qtr.

2nd Qtr

The Saints solidly moved the ball here, a fumble keeps this game from maybe being a little further out, as it stands, Saints 7-3.  2nd and 9 at their own 26.

2/9 - Layne finds Dave Middleton for 11 and the first down.

1/10 - Layne to Gene Gedman for 7.

2/3 - Layne to Middleton again, 5 yards - Lions near midfield.

1/10 - Hopalong Cassady runs for 10.

1/10 - Cassidy again, 15 yards - Lions able to move the ball now for the first time today.  

The next 3 plays get 7 yards - Layne hits a 36 yard FG and it's 7-6. Saints get a good return from Fred McAfee and they're at their own 41.

3 and out.  Lions defense really stepping up now, Lions at their own 25.  7:58.  Down 1.

1/10 - Cassady for 6.

2/4 - Middleton end around for 7 and a first down.

But that's it - 3 plays net 5 yards - after the punt the Saints are at their own 19.  5:44 left in the half, Saints up 7-6.

1/10 - Dunbar for 9.

2/1 - Joe Schmidt has already forced a fumble - he sacks Hebert here.  

3/5 - Hebert picks it up, 14 to Ike Hilliard and the Saints are at the 37.

1/10 Hebert running for his life, picks up 4.

2/6 - Busted play, Hebert scrambling, keeping the play alive - Hebert looking downfield -- it's a strike to Eric Martin -- and Martin's going to Go!  Eric Martin a 59 yard TD strike from Hebert and the Saints go up 14-6!  TOUCHDOWN SAINTS

Lions at their own 27.  2:26.

1/10 - Gedman gets 1

2/9 - Layne finds Gedman for a dozen, Lions at their own 40, stopping the clock at 1:54.  

But that's it - a Rickey Jackson sack keeps the Lions from another first down, the Saints take over at their own 19, 1:13 to go.

Completions to Small and Early will get a couple of first downs - but with under 25 seconds left Yale Lary intercepts Hebert and that's going to get us to the locker room.

Third Qtr

2 Hebert  TD passes are the margin here; the Saints are on the road, outside, in cold weather, up 14-6 at the half.  

Saints start at the 17.

3 and out.  Lions great field position at the NO 44.  And they've made a QB switch.  Harry Gilmer, in his final season, as it would turn out, is the Detroit backup and Buddy Parker makes a switch here.  Bold move.  

1/10 - Gedman loses 3, caught behind the line by Jackson.  

2/13 - Gilmer finds Jim Doran - it's a 17 yard gain and the Saints are at the 30.  

1/10 - Gedman busts for 11 - Lions at the 19.  

But nothing else, 3 plays lose 2 yards - Layne kicks the FG and it's 14-9 Saints.

Saints at their own 14.  10:46.

1/10 - Dunbar for 13.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Hebert to Hilliard for 13.  Saints at the 40.

1/10 - Dunbar for 9.

2/1 - Incomplete.  Third and short near midfield.  

3/1 - Hebert play fake - rolling out - looking downfield -- finding Quinn Early -- 27 yards and the huge first down.  

1/10 - Incomplete.

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Hebert is looking to the endzone on third and ten -- he finds Eric Martin Again -- TOUCHDOWN SAINTS - Eric Martin  - the veteran from LSU had 5 scores on the season --- he goes for 2 today in the Play In Game.  

Lions ball, now down 21-9, at their own 28.  

They'll get a first down on a Gedman 14 yard run - but a Sam Mills sack stops the drive, Saints get the ball back after the punt at their own 13.  3:45.  

New Orleans hits a big strike - of course it's to Eric Martin - 31 yards - but the drive dies at midfield and the Lions regain with 48 seconds left.  25 yard line

2 plays - both runs by Gedman - gain a total of 24 yards as the qtr ends.

4th Qtr

Saints add another score - it's now 21-9, Lions have first down at the 31.  

On 3rd and 15, Gedman goes for a 41 yard run -- and the next play Leon Hart has a 16 yard run - Detroit's got first and goal at the 9 yard line.  

But they can't move from there - it's another Layne FG and it's 21-12.

Saints at their own 36.  10:38 left.  3 and out.  

Hart has a 9 yard run that gives Detroit a first down.  But that's all - the Lions, needing 3 scores - punt from near midfield - Saints at their own 19, 6:19.

On the second play, Hilliard picks up 12 -- two plays later, Joe Schmidt forces his second fumble of the day, Vaughan Dunbar coughs it up -- and now Detroit is back in business, at the Saints 26 yard line, 4:01 left.

Bobby Layne comes back for Detroit - Lions need some magic here, down 2 scores.  

They go 4 plays and lose 10 yards, Pat Swilling getting a sack on 4th and 10.  

Saints ball at their own 36.  3:28.  They pick up 1 first down on an 11 yard Hilliard run and then punt.

Lions with the ball at their own 16.  1:01 left.  Down 2 scores, reallt no route to winnign the game.  

They get into Saints territory, 14 yard pass to Middleton, 26 yard Cassady run - but the clock is going to run out on them and the Saints move to the second round.

Final: Saints 21 Lions 12

Bobby Hebert comes into Detroit, throws for 3 scores, the Saints advance into the 16th seed for Region 4.

Hebert: 14 for 24, 272 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT

Layne: 10 for 26, 93 yds, 4 FGs

Dunbar: 13 carries, 37 yds

Gedman: 15 carries, 108 yds

Martin: 5 catches, 163 yds, 2 TD

Middleton: 5 catches, 35 yds

Player of the Game: Eric Martin

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 3/Round 1: 1970 Minnesota Vikings v. 2013 Carolina Panthers

'03 Patriots v '60 Browns

 

15. 2013 CAROLINA PANTHERS at. 2. 1970 MINNESOTA VIKINGS

2. 1970 MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Record: 12-2

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 3rd

Def: 1st

1st NFC Central

Lost Div Rnd 49ers 17-14

HC Bud Grant, OC Jerry Burns DC: Bob Hollway

Metropolitan Stadium: 40 degrees

Jim Morse

Offense

QB Gary Cuozzo (29 UVA)

RB Dave Osborn (27 N Dakota)

FB Bill Brown (32 Illinois)

WR Bob Grim (25 Ore St)

WR Gene Washington (26 Mich St)

TE John Beasley (25 Cal)

LT Grady Alderman (32 Detroit Mercy)

LG Jim Vellone (26 USC)

C Mick Tingelhoff (30 Nebraska)

RG Milt Sunde (28 Minnesota)

RT Ron Yary (24 USC)

Defense

LDE Carl Eller (28 Minnesota) All Pro

LDT Gary Larsen (30 Concordia-Moorhead)

RDT Alan Page (25 N Dame) All Pro

RDE Jim Marshall (33 Ohio St)

LLB Roy Winston (30 LSU)

MLB Lonnie Warwick (28 Tenn Tech)

RLB Wally Hilgenberg (28 Iowa)

LCB Bobby Bryant (26 S Carolina)

RCB Ed Sharockman (31 Pitt)

SS Karl Kassulke (29 Drake)

FS Paul Krause (28 Iowa)

K Fred Cox (32 Pitt)

P Tom McNeill (28 SFA)

KR Clint Jones (25 Mich St)

PR Charlie West (24 UTEP)

One more game left in Region 3 - here's the 2nd seed in the Region, the 30th overall seed in the entire tournament, the 1970 Vikings, Purple People Eaters have the best defense in football led by the 2 All Pros, 25 year old Alan Page and 28 year old Carl Eller. 30 year old Gary Larsen and 33 year old Jim Marshall round out the front four - 10 years before, Marshall was a rookie starting with the '60 Browns team and if seeding holds - we will see Marshall vs. Marshall in round 2.  The Viking offense was 3rd in the NFL, really relying on the run game - the QB is 29 year old Gary Cuozzo, there aren't many starters in the tournament with more picks than scores, but Cuozzo had 10 interceptions, 7 TDs.  

15. 2013 CAROLINA PANTHERS

Record: 12-4

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 18th

Def: 2nd

1st NFC South

Lost Div Rnd 49ers 23-10

HC Ron Rivera, OC Mike Shula, DC Sean McDermott

Offense

QB Cam Newton (24 Auburn)

RB Mike Tolbert (28 C Carolina) All Pro

RB DeAngelo Williams (30 Memphis)

WR Brandon LaFell (27 LSU)

WR Steve Smith (34 Utah)

TE Greg Olsen (28 Miami)

LT Jordan Gross (33 Utah)

LG Travelle Wharton (32 S Carolina)

C Ryan Kalil (28 USC) All Pro

RG Nate Chandler (24 UCLA)

RT Byron Bell (24 N Mexico)

Defense

LDE Charles Johnson (27 UGA)

LDT Colin Cole (33 Iowa)

RDT Star Lotulelei (24-R Utah)

RDE Greg Hardy (25 Ole Miss)

LLB Thomas Davis (30 UGA)

MLB Luke Kuechly (22 B College) All Pro

RLB Chase Blackburn (30 Akron)

LCB Captain Munnerlyn (25 S Carolina)

RCB Melvin White (23-R Louisiana)

SS Quintin Mikell (33 Boise)

FS Mike Mitchell (26 Ohio)

K Graham Gano (26 Florida St)

P Brad Nortman (24 Wisc)

KR/PR Ted Ginn (28 Ohio St)

Like the Vikes, the Panthers were first round playoff losers; they also have a top 3 defense, 2nd in the NFL - but the offense is not particularly good and that makes them a 15th seed in the region and indicates we might get a low scoring game.  Cam Newton is 24 with 30 total TDs and 13 scores; two All Pros, the 28 year old FB Mike Tolbert and the 28 year old C Ryan Kalil.  Luke Kuechly is a 22 All Pro on defense, 25 year old Greg Hardy had 15 sacks.

Last Region 3 game - winner to face the 1960 Browns in Rnd 2 - let's head to Minnesota for the kick.

First Qtr

Panthers get the ball first at their own 22. 40 degrees here in Bloomington, we've seen passing games struggle a little when the temperature gets near freezing.  

1/10 - DeAngelo Williams goes for 11 in the game's first carry.

1/10 - Cam Newton's first pass is Intercepted by Paul Krause - Krause picks Newton and takes is to the Panther 20 yard line!  Minnesota picks Newton on his first pass and the Vikes are in business.

1/10 - Bill Brown carries to the Panther 14 - and he is Rocked by Luke Kuechly! Fumble!  The Panthers recover - just 3 plays in and there have been two turnovers.  Carolina moves back 5 on a false start and so have 1st and 15 at their own 9.

1/15 - Newton over the middle to his TE Greg Olsen, 13 yards.

2/2 - Newton crosing route to Brandon LaFell, 18 yards all the way out to the 40.  

That's it - the next 3 plays net 5 yards.  After the punt, Vikes at their own 26.

They go 3 and out.  Panthers to start at their own 30.

1/10 - Williams for 14.  

1/10 - Mike Tolbert for 2.

2/8 - Williams again for 7, Panthers inches from another first.

3/1 - Newton picks it up.  Panthers at the Viking 44.

1/10 - Tolbert for 11 - Nothing but runs on the drive and the Panthers are at the Viking 33. 

The next 3 plays net a yard, Alan Page gets a sack - Graham Gano hits a 49 yard FG and the Vikes will take over at their own 29, 2:44 left in the 1st, leading 3-0.

1/10 - Dave Osborn for 3.

2/7 - Osborn for 1.

3/6 - Gary Cuozzo's first completion is to Gene Washington for 14 yards and the Vikes near midfield.  

The next two plays lose a yard as the quarter ends.

2nd Qtr

Turnovers on 2 of the first 3 plays put the offenses in a hole, but the Panthers work their way to a long FG and lead 3-0.   Vikes have 3rd and 11 at their own 46.  

They don't pick it up.  Punt.  Panthers at their own 20.

1/10 - Williams is stuffed.

2/10 - Jonathan Stewart gets 1.  

3/9 - Newton finds Steve Smith - 14 yards and a first down.  

1/10 - Tolbert gets 1.  

2/9 - Williams is stacked up 

3/9 - Carl Eller blasts Newton -- It's a Strip Sack -- Vikes recover at the Panther 27.

1/10 - Osborn for 3

2/7 - Charles Johnson had 11 sacks in 2013 and gets 1 here, big loss, Vikes have third and very long.  

3/18 - Cuozzo finds John Henderson - it's a big strike- 24 yards, all the way to the 11.

1/10 - Dave Osborn goes off the right tackle - great block by Ron Yary - and Osborn will head to the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS - 11 yard run for Osborn and Minneosta takes the lead 7-3.  Panthers will get the ball at the 30, 8:10 left in the half.

3 and out.  

Vikes at the 32 - they pick up a first down on 3 short runs - they get 3 more short runs, not attempting a pass - but will punt from their own 43.  Panthers will take over at their own 39, 2:49 left, Vikes up 7-3.  

1/10 - DeAngelo Williams goes for 16 yards across midfield.  

That's it - the next 3 plays net 5 yards. the Panthers punt.  Vikes start at their own 12.  1:34 left.

The Vikes run 2 plays - a Greg Hardy sack -- and a Mike Mitchell interception - Mitchell picks off Cuozzo and with a 1:09 left, the Panthers take over at the Minnesota 20.  

3 plays later, they are at the 12.  4th and 2.  

Ron Rivera decides to kick - Gano hits it - and it's 7-6.  

The Panthers had the 2nd best defense in '13, they've forced two turnovers and have a couple of sacks and it is keeping them in the game.  

Vikes start at their own 36.  43 seconds left.  

1/10 - Osborn goes for 11 - Vikes call timeout near midfield.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Brown is stacked up at the line.  

3/10 - Cuozzo to pass - and he is leveled by Greg Hardy -- Strip Sack -- Fumble and the Panthers will take over!  Panthers regain possession at the Viking 39 line, 14 seconds left in the half!  The Panthers have the ball back with 14 seconds left in the half.

Newton throws 1 incomplete pass and then Gano hits a 56 yard FG at the gun - Graham Gano hits 2 FG in the last minute of the half including a 56 yard bomb - and the Panthers have taken the lead 9-7

Third Quarter

2 fumble recoveries, a pick, 3 sacks and a 56 yard FG give Carolina the halftime 9-7 lead.  Are we about to see a 15/2 upset???

Clint Jones takes the kick back for Minnesota to the 45, nice return.  

1/10 - Brown for 3

2/7 - Osborn for 8 and a first down

1/10 - Clint Jones carries, loses 1

2/11 - Can't really blame Bud Grant for staying on the ground here after what happened at the end of the half - Osborn gets a dozen, it's another first down at the Carolina 33.

1/10 - Jones gets 1.  

2/9 - Bill Brown for a dozen yards -- Vikes now at the 20, nothing but running plays on the drive.  

1/10 - Osborn for 6.

2/4 - Brown loses a yard.  

3/5 - Cuozzo to pass - to the end zone -- Gene Washington - TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS - on the only pass of the drive Gary Cuozzo finds Gene Washington in the end zone and Minnesota regains the lead 14-9.

Panthers at the 24.  9:13.

1/10 - Tolbert loses 4, man Alan Page is quick off the ball.  

2/14 - Newton finds Jonathan Stewart - 16 yards and the first down.

3 plays gain 7 yards - it's a punt.  

Vikes at their own 14.  Up 14-9.

1/10 - Osborn for 1

2/9 - Cuozzo hits Henderson for 7.

3/2 - Oscar Reed busts a 10 yarder.  

But that's it - the next 3 plays net 5 yards - Panthers at their own 30, 1:41 left in the third, down 5.

1/10  Incomplete

2/10 - Jonathan Stewart busts one - 30 yards all the way to the Viking 40.

Two runs gain 2 yards as the quarter ends.  

4th Qtr

Vikes almost entirely on the ground in the third quarter looking to avoid sacks/turnovers and it works, they go up 14-9.  Panthers have 3rd and 8 at the Viking 38.

3/8 - It's a planned run for Newton - that fools the Viking defense, it's a dozen yards and a big first down - big call by Rivera and the Panthers have a first down at the Minnesota 26.

1/10 - Tolbert for 3.

2/7 - Stewart for 1.

3/6 - Rivera calls another 3rd down run - its an end around for Ted Ginn - and he picks up 13 big yards - the Panthers drive continues -- Carolina is at the Minnesota 9 yard line.  1st and goal.  Newton hits Steve Smith for what appears to be the go ahead score -- but it comes back on a big holding call.  

1/goal/19 - Williams gets 5

2/goal - Stewart gets 1

3/goal - It looks like the drive ends -- but a defensive holding call is an automatic first down for the Panthers at the 8 yard line.  

1/goal - Williams loses 1

2/goal - Williams loses another yard.  The Viking front four standing up.  Big play, 3rd and goal at the 10.  

3/goal - Alan Page busts through the line and levels Newton - huge sack - Gano hits a 35 yard FG, and with 8:26 left, the Vikes will take over at their own 21, 8:26 left, holding onto the 2 point lead.

3 and out.  

Big stop by the Panthers.  They get the ball back at their own 36 yard line.  6:43 left.  Vikings 14 Panthers 12, can Newton drive down against the best defense from 1970.

1/10-Williams gets 1.

2/9 - Stewart gets 2.

3/7 - Newton finds Steve Smith who stretches for the first down - the Panthers at the 47 yard line, 4:48 to go - remember, Gano hit a 56 yard FG - the Panthers don't need many more first downs to reach FG range.  

1/10 - Tolbert loses 4, that front four so tough.  

2/14 - Incomplete

3/14 - Oh - just a backbreaker - a backbreaker, Cam Newton is Intercepted by Bobby Bryant - Newton's second INT of the day - and the Vikes are at the Panther 49 yard line, up 2, 3:27 left and you have to think Bud Grant is about to try to ice this game on the ground.

1/10 - Osborn for a dozen yards - Vikes now at the Panther 37.  

The next 3 plays, all runs, lose 2 yards, Grant not risking the pass.  Panther ball at their own 19, 1:44 left, they have just 1 timeout remaining.  14-12 Vikings.  

1/10 - Newton to LaFell for 6.  

2/4 - Williams draw gets right to the sticks.  

3/1 - Newton sneak.  Panthers at their own 31.  1:06 left.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Newton finds Steve Smith - 20 yards over the middle!  Panthers at the Viking 49 - they use their last timeout - 43 seconds left.  14-12.

1/10 - Newton to Stewart out of the backfield for 6, out of bounds.

2/4 - Incomplete.

3/4 - Newton - Newton - Newton planned run - Newton is going to be -- just short - at the Viking 40 yard line, stretching to the sideline, getting out of bounds with just 11 seconds left. 

Graham Gano coming out.  He hit a 56 yarder - this would be 57.  

This is it.  Graham Gano lining up for a game winning 57 yard FG attempt.  Do the 15th seeds come into Minnesota and knock the Vikings out of the tournament?

Snap.  Kick......

.....

IT BOUNCES OFF THE CROSSBAR -- NO GOOD --

And that's it - one kneeldown for Cuozzo and the game is over.

Final: Vikings 14 Panthers 12

Graham Gano hit 4 FGs -- but he needed 5 and the Vikings hold on.  Cuozzo completes 5 passes and wins.  Heck of a defensive battle to end region 3, round 1

Cuozzo: 5 for 9, 70 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT

Newton: 12 for 12, 118 yds, 0TD/2 INT

Osborn: 16 carries, 83 yds 1 TD

Williams: 14 carries, 69 yds

Washington: 3 catches, 39 yds, 1 TD

Smith: 5 catches, 57 yds

Page: 2 sacks

Gano: 4 FGs

Player of the Game: Alan Page

That wraps Region 3, Round 1.  When we come back -

1996 Packers v. 1987 Browns

1999 Rams v. 2019 Saints

1978 Cowboys v. 1954 Lions

1970 Vikings v. 1960 Browns

Region 3, Round 1 MVP - Bobby Mitchell

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 3/Round 1: 2003 New England Patriots v. 1960 Cleveland Browns

'54 Lions v. '90 Niners 

7. 1960 CLEVELAND BROWNS at. 10. 2003 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

7. 2003 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Record: 14-2

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 12th

Def: 1st

1st AFC East

d. Titans Div Rnd 17-14

d. Colts AFC Title 24-14

d. Panthers Super Bowl 32-29

HC: Bill Belichick, OC: Charlie Weis, DC Romeo Crennel 

Gillette Stadium

Gil Santos/Gino Cappelletti

Offense

QB Tom Brady (26 Michigan)

RB Kevin Faulk (27 LSU)

WR Deion Branch (24 Louisville)

WR Troy Brown (32 Marshall)

TE Christian Fauria (32 Colorado)

TE Daniel Graham (25 Colorado)

LT Matt Light (25 Purdue)

LG Damien Woody (26 B College)

C Dan Koppen (24-R B College)

RG Joe Andruzzi (28 So Conn St)

RT Tom Ashworth (26 Colorado)

Defense

LDE Bobby Hamilton (32 S Miss)

LDT Ted Washington (35 Louisville)

RDT Richard Seymour (24 UGA) All Pro

RDE Willie McGinest (32 USC)

LLB Roman Phifer (35 UCLA)

MLB Tedy Bruschi (30 Arizona)

RLB Mike Vrabel (28 Ohio St)

LCB Ty Law (29 Mich) All Pro

RCB Tyrone Poole (31 F Valley St)

SS Rodney Harrison (31 W Illinois) All Pro

FS Eugene Wilson (23-R Illinois)

K Adam Viatieri (31 S Dak St)

P Ken Walter (31 Kent St)

KR Bethel Johnson (24 A&M)

PR Troy Brown (32 Marshall)

One Rnd 2 game left to set up in region 3; the 7th seed is the '03 Super Bowl Champion; already the 4th Belichick team to play (2-1) big negative disparity between their actual record (14-2) and the pythag (11-5) so the Pats were maybe a little lucky - best defense in football, but the offense is just middling so they're here in the 7th seed.  3 All Pros on defense, Richard Seymour is 24, he had 8 sacks and in the secondary, Ty Law is 29, Rodney Harrison 31, they combined for 9 picks.  28 year old Mike Vrabel led the team with 9 sacks. On offense 26 year old Tom Brady had 24 combined scores and a dozen picks.  

10. 1960 CLEVELAND BROWNS

Record: 8-3-1

Pythag: 9-3

Off: 1st

Def: 4th

2nd NFL East

Did not make playoffs

HC: Paul Brown

Offense

QB Milt Plum (25 Penn St) 

RB Bobby Mitchell (25 Illinois)

RB Jim Brown (24 Syracuse) All Pro

WR Ray Renfro (31 N Texas)

WR Rich Kreitling (24 Illinois)

WR Gern Nagler (28 S Clara)

LT Dick Schafrath (23 Ohio St)

LG Jim Ray Smith (29 Baylor) All Pro

RG Gene Hickerson (25 Ole Miss)

RT Mike McCormack (30 Kansas)

Defense

LDE Paul Wiggin (26 Stanford)

LDT Bob Gain (31 Kentucky)

RDT Floyd Peters (24 S Francisco St)

RDE Jim Marshall (23-R Ohio St)

LLB Galen Fiss (29 Kansas)

MLB Vince Costello (28 Ohio)

RLB Walt Michaels (31 Wash&Lee)

LCB Bernie Parish (24 Florida)

RCB Jim Shofner (25 TCU)

LS Don Fleming (23-R Florida)

SS Rich Mostardo (22-R Kent St)

K/P Sam Baker (31Ore St)

KR/PR Bobby Mitchell (25 Illinois)

We've seen the '64 Browns lose; back up 4 years and we get our first Paul Brown team.  Best offense in football, 25 year old Milt Plum had 23 combined scores and just 5 picks.  25 year old Bobby Mitchell had a dozen scores running/catching/returning/and even threw for a 13th. 24 year old Jim Brown is an All Pro, 1257 yards rushing in a dozen games.  The 28 year old LG Jim Ray Smith was also an All Pro. The defense is okay, 24 year old corner Bernie Parrish, 25 year old Jim Shofner, 23 year old Don Fleming combined for 19 picks.

Paul Brown v Bill Belichick.  Let's head to Gillette Stadium for the kick.

First qtr

Pats start at the 26.

They'll pick up a first down on a 16 yard pass from Tom Brady to Deion Branch - that's as far as it goes, Jim Marshall picking up a sack. 

Browns at their own 27.

1/10 - Jim Brown gets the carry, 1 yd.  

2/9 - Milt Plum finds Gern Nagler for 10 and the first.

1/10 - Brown for 1

2/9 - Mitchell for 2 - a defensive holding call will give the Browns a first down at their own 46.

1/10 - Mitchell for 1, a pass interference call gives the Browns another first down across midfield.

1/10 - Mitchell gets 2 and a face mask takes on 15 - that's - bang, bang, bang - three first downs on defensive penalties and now Cleveland's at the 32. 

1/10 - 4 for Brown

2/6 - Plum to Feed Murphy for a 20 yard gain, first and goal.  

1/goal - Brown is stopped

2/goal - Plum finds Ray Renfro in the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN BROWNS - Milt Plum 8 yards to Ray Renfro - the Browns are in the endzone - they miss the XP, Patriots get the ball at their own 24, 6:09 left.

3 and out.  

Browns at the 39.  

1/10 - Brown for 1.

2/9 - Brown busts a 32 yarder, all the way to the Pats 28.

1/10 - Bobby Mitchell for 14.

1/10 - Mitchell is stopped.

2/10 - Brown for 1.

3/9 - Plum looking to the end zone - Rich Kreitling is there - TOUCHDOWN BROWNS - Cleveland has scored twice in the last 2 minutes - 2 Milt Plum TD passes and now it's 13-0.

Patriots at the 19.  Two plays get nothing as the quarter ends.

2nd Qtr

Browns having their way early on - a quick 2 score lead on 2 Plum scores.

3rd and 10 for New England at their own 19.  

They get 2 and punt.  

Good starting position, Browns at their own 44.

1/10 - Prentice Gautt gets a carry, goes for 2.

2/8 - And there goes Jimmy Brown - Brown explodes between Hickerson and McCormack, and no one is going to catch him -- TOUCHDOWN BROWNS - Jim Brown goes for 54 - and look what we have here, the Browns are on the road against a Super Bowl Champion from 40+ years in the future and they are all over them.  20-0

Pats at the 37.  3 and out.

Browns at the 23, on the second play, Milt Plum is picked off by Rodney Harrison, the Pats are in business at the Browns 25.

1/10 - Kevin Faulk for 7.

2/3 - Antowain Smith for the first.

1/10 - Brady to Troy Brown for 9.

2/1 - Incomplete

3/1 - Brady to the end zone - Deion Branch -- TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS - it's 20-6, Patriots kick to Bobby Mitchell --

AND HE IS GOING TO GO!  BOBBY MITCHELL IS GOING TO GO!  Mitchell takes the kick 85 yards back for a TOUCHDOWN BROWNS and it's 27-7, Patriots to take over at their own 36, 7:02 left.  

3 and out.

Browns at the 22. 4:51 left.  Already up 27-7.

1/10 - Gautt gets a carry and goes for 37 huge yards across midfield.

1/10 - 14 for Jim Brown to the 27.

1/10 - 6 for Bobby Mitchell.  

2/4 - 6 for Brown and Cleveland is at the 15 at the 2 minute warning.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Plum finds Leon Clarke  -- he forces his way into the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN BROWNS - the Cleveland Browns are just pummeling the '03 Champs - 34-7.

 Wow - an annhiliation; a team from 1960 that didn't make the playoffs goes on the road and is beating the brakes off of the 2003 Super Bowl Champs.  

Patriots at the 28.  1:39. They'll pick up a first down on a 12 yard pass from Brady to Troy Brown, but punt - Browns getting the ball back at their own 45 yard line with just 28 seconds left.

Plum gains 30 yards through the air on completions to Renfro and Clarke and Cleveland gets a FG at the gun - they go into the locker room at the half in front of a stunned New England crowd, 37-7

Third Qtr

This first half is the biggest surprise of the tournament; it's a 7/10 game so it's not that the Patriots were prohibitive favorites, but you could not have anticipated a team from 40+ years prior walking into New England and hanging 37 points on the best defense from 2003. in the first half. 

Browns with the ball at the 23.

1/10 - Brown goes for 11.

1/10 - Bobby Mitchell for 41 - the Patriots with no ability at all to stop this Cleveland ground game today.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Mitchell for 5.

3/5 - Plum finds Nagler for 8 and its a first down at the Patriot 12 yard line.

1/10 - And Jim Brown powers his way home -- TOUCHDOWN BROWNS - 77 yards in less than 3:30 to start the second half and the Cleveland Browns lead 44-7, this stadium is emptying out in a hurry.  

Patriots at the 28, 1st and 20 after a holding call.

1/20 - Brady to Faulk for 8.

2/12 - Incomplete

3/12 - Brady to Branch for 22 - Pats into Browns territory, an offsides gets them to the 37.

1/10 - Brady to Larry Centers for 8.

2/2 - Kevin Faulk for 22 - it's a first and goal.

1/goal - Brady to Kevin Givens - the Patriots are into the end zone TOUCHDOWN PATRIOTS and it's 44-14.

Browns have a 1st and 5 way out at their own 46 after a long return by Mitchell and a penalty; on the third play - Plum throws a short pass to Mitchell out of the backfield - he picks up blockers and outraces the entire Patriots defense TOUCHDOWN BROWNS for a 53 yard TD. - Cleveland scores in less than a minute - they miss the XP but the Browns have scored 

again and with 6:48 still left in the third qtr Cleveland has a 50-14 lead - it is an all time pounding, a pounding by the 1960 Browns.

Patriots will start at their own 27, 3 and out.  

Browns at midfield, another good Mitchell return - The Browns run the ball 7 straight times, picking up a first down - but punting from the Patriot 38.  

Patriots at their own 12, on the second play Kevin Faulk runs for 15 - and that's a first down as the quarter ends.

4th Qtr

What more is there to say?  The 1960 Cleveland Browns have had their way in every phase of the game and lead 50-14 as we go to the 4th qtr.  1st and 10 at the 34.

The next 3 plays lose a dozen yards, Walt Michaels picking up a sack.  Browns take over at their own 44. 

3 runs later and a punt.  It's muffed, Patriots take over near midfield with 12:11 left.

They'll get a first down on a 14 yard pass to Troy Brown - but two sacks later, by Paul Wiggin and Floyd Peters, and the Patriots are back around midfield and punting.

Browns start at their own 40, Plum is now out of the game, replaced by a young Lenny Dawson.  3 and out.  

Patriots start at their own 16.  7:08 left.

They string together a few first downs, Smith gains 25 on the ground on a couple carries, Brady hits first down strikes to Smith, Givens, Bethel Johnson.

But the drive ends with an interception by Bernie Parrish in the endzone - the Browns take over at their own 10, 3:45 left.

That's it - the Patriots never get the ball back, nothing but runs including Bobby Mitchell hitting a home run, a 50 yard gain - the game ends with Dawson in victory formation.

Final: Browns 50 Patriots 14

The biggest statement made in the tournament to date; a non playoff team from 1960 on the road against the 2003 Super Bowl Champion Patriots and the Browns could have picked the score.  This really enlarges the possibilities of outcomes in each game and for the entire tournament.

Plum: 10 for 15, 161 yds, 4 TD/1 INT

Brady: 19 for 30, 203 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT

Brown: 21 carries, 140 yds, 2 TD

Mitchell: 12 carries, 130 yds, 1 catch, 53 yds, 1 TD

Faulk: 13 carries, 54 yds

Renfro: 2 catches, 28 yds, 1 TD

Branch: 4 catches, 52 yds, 1 TD

Player of the Game: Bobby Mitchell

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 3/Round 1: 1954 Detroit Lions v. 1990 San Francisco 49ers

'78 Cowboys v. '89 Broncos 

11. 1990 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at 6. 1954 DETROIT LIONS

6. 1954 DETROIT LIONS

Record: 9-2-1

Pythag: 10-2

Off: 1st

Def: 3rd

1st NFL West

Lost NFL Title Browns 56-10

HC: Buddy Parker, DC Buster Ramsey

Briggs Stadium: 40 degrees

Offense

QB Bobby Layne (28 Texas)

FB Bill Bowman (23-R WM&Mary)

RB Doak Walker (27 SMU) All Pro

RB Bob Hoernschemeyer (29 Navy)

WR Dorne Dibble (25 Mich St)

WR Leon Hart (26 Navy)

LT Lou Creekmur (27 WM&Mary) All Pro

LG Harley Sewell (23 Texas)

C Andy Miketa (25-R UNC)

RG Dick Stanfel (27 USF) All Pro

RT Charlie Ane (23 USC)

Defense

LDE Sonny Gandee (25 Ohio St)  

LDT Gerry Perry (24-R Cal)

MG Les Bingaman (28 Illinois) All Pro

RDT Bob Miller (25 UVA)

RDE Jim Cain (27 Alabama)

LLB Joe Schmidt (22 Pitt) All Pro

RLB LaVern Torgeson (25 Wash St)

LDH Jim David (27 Col St)

RDH Bill Stits (23-R UCLA)

LS Jack Christiansen (26 Col St) All Pro

RS Carl Karillvacz (24 Syracuse)

K Doak Walker (27 SMU)

P Jug Girard (27 Wisc)

KR Jug Girard (27 Wisc)

PR Jack Christiansen (26 Col St)

This is our third 1950s team so far; the first two lost and in not particularly close fashion; this is the first time, however, we've seen a 50s team be the better seed.  Best offense, 3rd best defense in '54. They lost the title game to the Browns, but that's hardly a black mark (the score, on the other hand..). Bobby Layne is 28, 16 total scores and 12 picks starting in 8 games.  Three 27 year olds are All Pros on offense, Doak Walker, Lou Creekmur, Dick Stanfel.  3 more on defense led by the 22 year old rookie LB Joe Schmidt along with 28 year old Les Bingaman and 26 year old Jack Christiansen.  

11. 1990 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Record: 14-2

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 8th

Def: 2nd

1st NFC West

d. Skins Div Rnd 28-10

Lost NFC Title Giants 15-13

HC: George Seifert, OC: Mike Holmgren, DC Bill McPherson

Offense

QB Joe Montana (34 N Dame) All Pro

RB Roger Craig (30 Nebraska)

RB Tom Rathman (28 Nebraska)

WR Jerry Rice (28 Miss Vall St) All Pro

WR John Taylor (28 Del St)

TE Brent Jones (27 S Clara)

LT Bubba Paris (30 Michigan)

LG Guy McIntyre (29 UGA)

C Jesse Sapolo (29 Hawaii)

RG Harris Barton (26 UNC)

RT Steve Wallace (26 Auburn)

Defense

LDE Pierce Holt (28 Angelo St)

NT Michael Carter (30 SMU)

RDE Kevin Fagan (27 Miami)

LOLB Charles Haley (26 J Madison) All Pro

LILB Matt Millen (32 Penn St)

RILB Keith DeLong (23 Tenn)

ROLB Bill Romanowski (24 B College)

LCB Darryl Pollard (26 Weber St)

RCB Don Griffin (26 Mid Tenn St)

SS Chet Brooks (24 A&M)

FS Ronnie Lott (31 USC) All Pro

K Mike Cofer (26 NC St)

P Barry Helton (25 Col)

KR Dexter Carter (23 Florida St)

PR John Taylor (28 Dware)

All the makings of the 11/6 upset here - if the Lions are maybe an overseed as a team from the 50s that didn't win the title - the Niners might be an underseed, they were 14-2, lost in the NFC Title game by 2 points in attempt to win their 3rd consecutive SB.  Bunch of those Packers coaches we saw from 6 years later at the top of the region were on this staff.  The defense leads the way, 2nd in the NFL with 31 year old All Pro Ronnie Lott and 26 year old All Pro Charles Haley with his 16 sacks.  The offense is just okay and maybe that Lions squad can shut them down; 34 year old Joe Montana is an All Pro, 27 combined scores and 16 picks.  Jerry Rice, of course, is also an All Pro, 28 years old, 100 catches and 13 scores.  

'90 Niners head to Detroit to take on the '54 Lions, winner will go to Dallas to face the '78 Cowboys in Rnd 2.  

Let's head to Briggs Stadium for the kick.

1st Qtr

Niners start at the 25.

The Niners pick up a first down on a 22 yard Tom Rathman run, but that's all and punt from around midfield.

Lions at the 28.

1/10 - Bobby Layne finds Leon Hart for 11, one play, first down.

1/10 - Charles Haley is in the backfield with a sack.  

2/13 - Bill Bowman busts out a 10 yd gain.

3/3 - Another first down, 5 yards from Layne to Jug Girard. Lions across midfield.

That's it - Kevin Fagan sack the big play - Lions punt, Niners at the 9.

3 and out.  Lions at the Niners 35 after the good Christiansen return

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Layne to Jim Doran - 10 yards and the first.  

That's it though - nothing the next 3 downs, Doak Walker kicks for this Detroit team - 42 yards and it's 3-0 Detroit.

Niners at the 27.  2 minutes left in the qtr.

1/10 - Roger Craig for 6.

2/4 - Joe Montana finds John Taylor for 10 and the first.  

1/10 - Montana to Craig for 4. 

2/6 - Les Bingaman crashes through the line for a sack and the Niners will have 3rd and long when we move to the second qtr.

2nd Qtr

Defense so far, neither team with a sustained drive - Niners down 3, with third and a dozen and their own 41.  

Incomplete.  Punt.  Lions at their own 31.

3 and out.  Punt.  Niners at their own 29.  

3 and out.  Punt.  Lions at their own 41.  

1/10 - Doak Walker for 19 - down to the Niner 40.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Layne scrambles for 5.

3/5 - Layne finds Dorne Dibble for 16 - first down at the Niner 19 yard line.

And that's it - another Walker kick makes it 6-0.  Niners will start at the 23, 7:45 left.

3 and out including a Joe Schmidt sack - the '54 Lions defense has shown up in the first half.

Lions start at their own 44.  3 and out.  Niners at their own 18, 1:46 left.

On the second play, Montana is Intercepted by Jack Christiansen - he takes it all the way to the Niner one yard line and on the next play Bobby Layne rolls out and hits Jug Girard TOUCHDOWN LIONS - Jack Christansen with the huge pick - nearly taking it to the house - Layne converting the next play and now - now it's Lions 13 Niners 0  - big Kick return from Dexter Carter gets the ball to the Niner 45, 1:10 left in the half.

1/10 - Montana to Brent Jones for 10 into Detroit territory.

1/10 - Montana over the middle to Craig - and Craig's got open field - Craig's running to the goal -- Craig is -- Stripped by Christiansen near the goal line!  Roger Craig seemingly running to the Lion end zone - but he's caught from behind by Christiansen who punches the ball out -- the Lions have recovered at their own 2 yard line!

Detroit makes it to midfield before the half ends, 16 yard run to Bowman and a 23 yard pass to Walker are the big plays - but it doesn't go beyond that - we head to the locker room, 13-0

Third Qtr

Lions were up 6-0 middle second quarter- then two huge plays by Jack Christiansen, a pick that he nearly took back for a score, the Lions cashing in a play later and then stripping Roger Craig as he seemingly was headed for a Niners score - it's 13-0 Detroit, 1950s standing up in this one.

Detroit at their own 26.

1/10 - 2 for Bowman

2/8 - Layne goes for 1

3/7 - Layne finds Leon Hart for 11 and the first down.

1/10 - Hoernschemeyer for 2.

2/8 - Layne to Girard for 7 and now its 3rd and short.

3/1 - Layne to Dibble for 5 - The Lions are across midfield, nearly 5 minutes gone now in the third.

1/10 -  Hoernschemeyer loses 2.

2/12 - Carpenter loses 1.

3/13 - 22 yard pass from Layne to Dibble - the Lions all the way down to the Niner 28 yard line, this could be the back breaking drive.  

1/10 -  Hoernschemeyer catches out of the backfield - is blown up by Matt Millen, Fumble - and the Niners take possession at their own 28 - big play by the Niner defense and it keeps them in the game, 8:40 left in the qtr.

3 and out.  Lions get the ball back at the 28.  They have totally clamped down on the San Francisco offense today, any concern that the 1950s would not be able to compete seems unfounded - it is a wide open tournament, much like baseball.  

The Lions pick up a first down on a Layne 9 yarder to Hart, but they punt just inside Niner territory.  Niners start at their own 8 -

3 and out.  Niners can't do anything at all on offense today.  

Nice Christiansen return, he does it all today - Lions will start at the Niner 26 yard line.

9 yard Doak Walker run.

Carpenter goes for 3 and the first down as the qtr ends.

4th Qtr

How will a team from the 50s stop Montana and Rice?  Just like this and now Detroit's got a first down at the San Francisco 14, up 13-0.

On third and 9 - they go in - Layne finding Dorne Dibble TOUCHDOWN LIONS it's 20-0 and this one is done.  

Really impressive here from the '54 Lions, they kick the Niners around and are rolling to rnd 2.

Niners at the 37.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Craig stopped at the line

3/10 - Craig on the draw, 13 yards for the first down.

1/10 - Montana to Rathman for 4.

2/6 - Montana to Taylor, 16 yards - a first down at the Detroit 30 yard line.  

1/10 - Craig for 2.

2/8 - Montana to Taylor again, a dozen yards and the Niners are at the 19.  

1/10 - Craig is stopped at the line.

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Another pass to Taylor - 15 yards - and San Francisco has a first and goal

1/10 - Montana quick drop, fires over the middle - Mike Sherrard - TOUCHDOWN NINERS - 12 plays, 68 yards, 4:36 - it's 20-7, Detroit ball at the 22, 9:18.

They'll pick up a first down, Layne to Dibble for 8 the biggest gainer - more importantly, Detroit takes nearly 4 minutes off the clock before punting it back to San Francisco - Niners at the 25, 5:36 left.

4 and out.  Detroit takes the ball back on downs - that was probably the last gasp chance to come back - Lions at the Niner 31, they take a couple minutes off the clock and kick the FG, 23-7, Niners getting the ball back at the 26, just after the 2 minute warning.

They'll get a good drive here in garbage time - 20 yards to Jones, 16 to Rice, 15 to Craig - but at the Lions 28, another failed 4th down - Detroit picks up its 3rd sack, LaVern Torgeson making the play.  

Layne in victory formation - and that's the final.

Final Lions 23 49ers 7

Detroit holds the 1990 Niners to just 11 first downs and they roll into round 2 where they will head to Dallas to meet the '78 Cowboys.

Layne: 15 for 26, 148 yds, 2 TD

Montana: 17 for 35, 182 yds, 1 TD/1 Int

Bowman: 14 carries, 55 yds

Craig: 14 carries, 33 yds, 3 catches 57 yds

Dibble: 5 catches, 57 yds, 1 TD

Player of the Game: Jack Christiansen

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 3/Round 1: 1978 Dallas Cowboys v. 1989 Denver Broncos

'99 Rams v. '67 Chiefs 

14. 1989 AFC CHAMPION DENVER BRONCOS at 3. 1978 NFC CHAMPION DALLAS COWBOYS

3. 1978 NFC CHAMPION DALLAS COWBOYS

Record: 12-4

Pythag: 13-3

Off: 1st

Def: 3rd

1st NFC East

d. Falcons Div Rnd 27-20

d. Rams NFC Title 28-0

Lost Steelers Super Bowl 35-31

HC: Tom Landry OC: Dan Reeves, DC: Ernie Stautner

Frank Gleiber/Verne Lunquist/Brad Sham

Texas Stadium 60 degrees

Offense

QB Roger Staubach (36 Navy)

RB Tony Dorsett (24 Pitt)

FB Robert Newhouse (28 Houston)

WR Tony Hill (22 Stanford)

WR Drew Pearson (27 Tulsa)

TE Billy Joe DuPree (28 Mich St)

LT Pat Donovan (25 Stanford)

LG Herbert Scott (25 Va Union)

C John Fitzgerald (30 B College)

RG Tom Rafferty (24 Penn St)

RT Rayfield Wright (33 F Valley St)

Defense

LDE Too Tall Jones (27 Tenn St)

LDT Jethro Pugh (34 Eliz City St)

RDT Randy White (25 Maryland) All Pro

RDE Harvey Martin (28 Tex A&M Comm)

LLB Hollywood Henderson (25 Langston)

MLB Bob Breunig (25 Ariz St)

RLB DD Lewis (33 Miss St)

LCB Benny Barnes (27 Stanford)

RCB Aaron Kyle (24 Wyoming)

SS Charlie Waters (30 Clemson)

FS Cliff Harris (30 Ouachita Baptist) All Pro

K Rafael Septien (25 Louisiana)

P Danny White (26 Ariz St)

KR/PR Butch Johnson (24 UC Riverside)

Let's kick off the bottom half of Region 3 with a battle of conference champions who fell short in the Super Bowl. We saw the '83 Cowboys win the first game of the tournament and then fall to the '07 Pats - back up 5 years and it's really the same core - with Roger Staubach as the trigger man.  Dallas had the top offense in '78, Staubach's 36, 26 total scores and 16 picks. 1700 combined yards from scrimmage for 24 year old Tony Dorsett.  Both Cowboys All Pros are on the third ranked defense, 25 year old Randy White, 30 year old Cliff Harris. 

14. 1989 AFC CHAMPION DENVER BRONCOS

Record: 11-5

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 8th

Def: 1st

1st AFC West

d. Steelers Div Rnd 24-23

d. Browns AFC Title 37-21

Lost Super Bowl 49ers 55-10

HC: Dan Reeves, OC: Chan Gailey, DC: Wade Phillips 

Offense

QB John Elway (29 Stanford)

RB Bobby Humphrey (23-R Alabama)

FB Jeff Alexander (24-R Southern)

WR Mark Jackson (26 Purdue)

WR Vance Johnson (26 Arizona)

TE Clarence Kay (28 UGA)

LT Gerald Perry (25 Southern)

LG Doug Widell (23-R B College)

C Keith Kartz (26 Cal)

RG Jim Juriga (25 Illinois)

RT Ken Lanier (30 Florida St)

Defense

LDE Alphonso Carreker (27 Florida St)

NT Greg Kragen (27 Utah St) 

RDE Andre Townsend (27 Ole Miss)

LOLB Simon Fletcher (27 Houston)

LILB Karl Mecklenberg (29 Minn) All Pro

RILB Rick Dennison (31 Colorado St)

ROLB Michael Brooks (25 LSU)

LCB Tyrone Braxton (25 N Dakota St)

RCB Wymon Henderson (28 UNLV)

SS Dennis Smith (30 USC)

FS Steve Atwater (23-R Arkansas)

K David Treadwell (24 Clemson)

P Mike Horan (30 L Beach St)

KR/PR Ken Bell (25 B College)

Dan Reeves spent his entire playing career in Dallas, he's coaching the Broncos in '89 and with him are Wade Phillips and Chan Gailey who one day will be Cowboy coaches. Denver's here because of the best defense in the league. 29 year old Karl Mecklenberg is the All Pro, 7.5 sacks and 27 year old Simon Fletcher had a dozen. The offense is okay; Elway's 29, 21 total scores and 18 picks.  Couple of teams who run the ball in this 3/14 matchup; lets head to Texas Stadium.

First Qtr

Denver starts at the 31, 1st and 15 after a penalty.

1/15 - Bobby Humphrey stopped at the line.

2/15 - Humphrey again, 7.

3/8 - 5 receivers come out in the package, wild look for these '78 Cowboys - Elway finds Mike Young for 11 and the Broncos are near midfield.

1/10 - Jeff Alexander is the FB, he gets 1.

2/9- Incomplete, another 3rd and long, again, Denver spreads  the field out again with a multi receiver package.  Elway goes deep - Vance Johnson - 47 yards -- all the way to the Cowboy 5 - the '89 Broncos have come out firing away.  

1/goal - Humphrey for 2.

2/goal - incomplete

3/goal - Elway finds Vance Johnson at the goal line - tremendous tackle by Hollywood Henderson to keep him out of the end zone and it's 4th and goal from like 6 inches away.

Reeves is going for it.  Big play.  

4/goal - Humphrey is stacked up at the line of scrimmage - just splattered to the turf by the middle of that Dallas defense and it's Cowboy ball.

3 and out.  Denver in great field position at the Dallas 35, 9:21 left.

1/10 - Humphrey for 4.

2/6 - Elway sideline to Ricky Nattiel, really nice grab out of the air and once again the Broncos are deep in Dallas territory.

The next 3 plays lose 7 yards, Too Tall Jones sacks Elway - David Treadwell hits a GD and Dallas takes over - Butch Johnson tries to run the ball out from deep in the end zone and is slapped down at the 6.  Dallas again starts deep in their own end.  

3 and out.  Denver starts at the Cowboy 42 - the whole quarter played on the Dallas half of the field.  

1/10 - Randy White sacks Elway.  

2/15 - Humphrey for 4. 

3/11 - Humphrey for 9 on the draw - 4th and 2 at the Dallas 34, in 2022, a clear go for it - and Dan Reeves decides to do the same thing.  Denver was stopped on a 4th down already today, 4th and 2 here.

4/2 - And once again - Bobby Humphrey is met by a wall of Cowboy white - stopped cold at the line and again - again, the Broncos turn it over on downs.

3 and out. Dallas has run 9 plays and has yet to get a first down.  

Denver at the 31.  

1/10 - Elway's on the move, he gets 4.

2/6 - Humphrey - nothing.

3/6 - Elway goes downfield - 27 yards to Vance Johnson as the quarter expires.

Second Quarter

Just nothing for the Dallas offense in the first quarter; top offense from '78 totally shut down by the top defense from '89 - Denver only with a FG after failing on two 4th downs.

Denver has 1st down at the Dallas 38, then goes back 10 on a holding call.

1/20 - Elway is picked off by Benny Barnes - Barnes into Denver territory at the 42.

1/10 - Tony Dorsett gets a yard.

2/9 - It's the first Cowboy first down of the day, 11 for Dorsett to the 30.

1/10 - Robert Newhouse for 6.

2/4 - Staubach scrambles for a yard.

3/3 - Staubach to Newhouse out of the backfield - it's 11 yards and Dallas is at the 12.  

That's it - Dallas gets 2 yards in 3 plays - Rafael Septien FG ties it up.  

Denver at the 28. 10:08.  

3 and out.  Dallas at the 40.  8:34.

3 and out.  Denver at the 19.  6:26.  

1/10 - Elway scrambles for 6.

2/4 - Humphrey picks it up.  

And that's it - 3 plays net 3 yards.  Dallas starting at the 37, 2:48.  

3 and out.  Just no offense, none, zero for the Cowboys today.  

Denver at the 27.  1:09.  

Denver gets a first down on a ten yard pass to Vance Johnson - but that's it and the half will end after a punt and two harmless Dallas plays.

Third Qtr

All defense in the first half - Denver had some chances, moved the ball a little bit -but a goal line stand, an interception, and a couple of sacks by the Cowboys keep them in the game.  3-3 as we go back to the second half.  

Dallas opens at their own 14.

1/10 - Staubach going deep on the first play of the half - fly pattern to Tony Hill -- he's got it - breaks a tackle - And He Is Going All The Way TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS - a real bolt of lightning on the very first play of the second half - Staubach throws an 86 yard TD pass and that's more yards that the Cowboys had in the entire first half of play.

Broncos at the 34.  3 and out.

Cowboys at the 25 - they'll get a first down on a Dorsett 19 yard run - but have to punt around midfield.

Broncos at the 7.  They'll pick up a first down on an 11 yard Elway to Mark Jackson pass, but then punt from their own 23.  

Dallas at their own 44.  They'll get a first down when Staubach hits Dorsett for 8 yards, but they'll punt from around midfield.  

Broncos from their own 5.  3 and out - great field position for the Cowboys, at the Bronco 31, 1:11 left in the third.

It takes one play - Robert Newhouse running between Rafferty and Wright - buts through the Bronco defense and goes all the way to the house - TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS - the second 1 play TD drive of the quarter for Dallas, a 31 yard Robert Newhouse TD run.  

Denver gets the ball at the 24 and has time for two plays, a Bobby Humphrey 16 yard run and a Sammy Winder 1 yard run.  That takes us to the 4th.

4th Qtr

Dallas hasn't had anything even remotely approaching a real drive today - but they're up 17-3 with a stifling defense and 2 big third quarter strikes.  Denver at their own 41, 2nd and 9.

They get 1 more yard and punt.  

Dallas at the 24.  

1/10 - Preston Pearson gets a carry.  6 yards.

2/4 - Dorsett gets 1.

3/3 - Staubach finds Drew Pearson over the middle for 19 - he takes a huge shot from Steve Atwater but holds on - spins the ball on the field, makes the first down motion and the Cowboys are in Bronco territory.

But that's it - the next 3 plays get 7 yards, Landry has a 4th and 3 at the Denver 38 but punts.

Denver at the 15.  10:08 left. 17-3 Dallas.

3 and out.  Doomsday just choking the life out of Denver today.  

Dallas starting at the Denver 39.  8:26 left.

1/10 - Preston Pearson gets 2.

2/8 - Newhouse for 1

3/7 - Staubach to Tony Hill for 11 and the first.  

1/10 - Another big Newhouse run, 20 yards and it's first and goal at the Denver 5.

1/goal - Dorsett gets the goal line, just short.

2/goal - Dorsett plows his way home.  TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS it's a 24-3 lead when Dorsett scores, Denver is taking possession at their own 18, only 4:53 left and this one is all done.

4 and out.  Dallas gets it back on downs at the Denver 17 - the Cowboy defense has just wiped Denver off the map today.  

Dallas runs the ball 3 times and kicks the short FG.  27-3.

Denver gets the ball at their own 33, 2:13 left.

3 and out - Staubach's gonna take a couple knees and this game is in the books.

Final: Cowboys 27 Broncos 3

This was a real woodshed game for the Dallas defense, Denver held to 8 first downs (Dallas only had 10, don't let the final score fool you, Dallas did not move the ball today).

Staubach: 7 for 17, 132 yards, 1 TD

Elway: 10 for 26, 142 yards, 1 INT

Newhouse: 12 carries, 79 yards, TD

Humphrey: 21 carries, 50 yds

Hill: 2 catches, 97 yds, TD

Johnson: 5 catches, 94 yds

Player of the Game - Randy White