256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 5/Round 1: 1968 Oakland Raiders v. 1995 Kansas City Chiefs

 '62 Lions v. '06 Ravens

2. 1968 OAKLAND RAIDERS

Record: 12-2 

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 1st

Def: 2nd

1st AFL West

d. Chiefs Div Rnd 41-6

Lost AFL Title Jets 27-23

HC John Rauch

Oakland Coliseum: 55 degrees

Bill King/Scotty Sterling

Offense:

QB Daryle Lamonica (27 N Dame)

RB Pete Banaszak (24 Miami)

FB Hewritt Dixon (28 Florida A&M) All Pro

WR Fred Biletnikoff (25 Florida St)

WR Warren Wells (26 Tex So)

TE Billy Cannon (31 LSU)

LT Bob Svihus (25 USC)

LG Gene Upshaw (23 Tex A&M Kings) All Pro

C Jim Otto (30 Miami) All Pro

RG Jim Harvey (25 Ole Miss)

RT Harry Schuh (26 Memphis)

Defense

LDE Ike Lassiter (28 St Augustines)

LDT Dan Birdwell (28 Houston) All Pro

RDT Carleton Oats (26 Florida A&M)

RDE Ben Davidson (28 Wash)

LLB Chip Oliver (24-R USC)

MLB Dan Conners (27 Miami)

RLB Gus Otto (25 Missouri)

LCB Kent McCloughan (28 Nebraska)

RCB Willie Brown (28 Grambling) All Pro

LS Rodger Bird (25 Kentucky)

RS Dave Grayson (29 Oregon) All Pro

K George Blanda (41 Kentucky)

P Mike Elscheid (28 U Iowa)

KR/PR George Atkinson (21 M Brown)

The '67 Raiders have advanced, here's the '68 team - second seed in Region 5, number 1 in offense, number 2 in defense in the AFL in 1968. Lamonica is 27, 26 total scores and 15 picks. A dozen scores by 26 year old Warren Wells - and 3 All Pros on offense: 28 year old Hewritt Dixon, 23 year old Gene Upshaw, 30 year old Jim Otto.  On defense, 29 year old Dave Grayson had 10 picks, he's an All Pro, as is 28 year old Willie Brown, 28 year old Dan Birdwell. The '62 Lions await the winner of this one, if it's Oakland, it's an all 60s battle in rnd 2.  

15. 1995 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Record: 13-3

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 12th

Def: 1st

1st AFC West

Lost Div Rnd Colts 10-7

HC Marty Schottenheimer OC Paul Hackett DC Gunther Cunningham

Offense

QB Steve Bono (33)

RB Marcus Allen (35)

FB Kimble Anders (29)

WR Willie Davis (28)

WR Lake Dawson (23)

TE Keith Cash (26)

LT John Alt (33)

LG Dave Szott (28)

C Tim Grunhard (27)

RG Will Shields (24)

RT Ricky Siglar (29)

Defense

LDE Neil Smith (29)

LDT Joe Phillips (32)

RDT Dan Saleaumua (31)

RDE Vaughn Booker (27)

LLB George Jamison (33)

MLB Tracy Simien (28)

RLB Derrick Thomas (28)

LCB Dale Carter (26)

RCB James Hasty (30)

SS Brian Washington (30)

FS Mark Collins (31)

K Lin Elliott (27)

P Louie Aguiar (29)

KR/PR Tamarik Vanover (21)

Ton of Raiders here; Marcus Allen in the backfield - on the coaching staff, Shell (also an Oakland backup) Cunningham.  Also on that Chiefs staff are Herm Edwards and Mike McCarthy. KC is in the tournament because of the best defense in 1995.  29 year old Neil Smith, 28 year old Derrick Thomas combined for 20 sacks. Just an okay offense, which may struggle against the Raider defense.  Steve Bono is 33, 26 total scores, 10 picks. 

Last game of Round 1, Region 5.  Let's go to Oakland for the kick.  

1st Qtr

Chiefs start at the 34.

1/10 - Marcus Allen gets the opening carry.  2 yards.

2/8 - Incomplete

3/8 - Steve Bono goes vertical - a full on bomb - 60 yards to Keith Cash - a strike to the Raider 4 yard line.  Huge play.

It doesn't go further than that-three plays lose a yard.  FG makes it 3-0.

Oakland ball at the 38.  On the second play - Dale Carter picks Lamonica - Chiefs at the Oakland 48.

3 and out including the Dan Birdwell sack.  

So the turnover doesn't hurt and Oakland has the ball back at the 24.

3 and out.  Chiefs ball in great field position at midfield.

1/10 - Allen for 2

2/8 - Allen busts one, 28 yards - Marcus Allen all the way to the Raider 20.

1/10 - Kimble Anders gets a carry.  6.

2/4 - Greg Hill gets a cary, 4 yards and it is a first and goal at the 10.

But again, that's it - the Raider defense stiffens and again forces the short FG.  6-0.

Raiders at the 27.

1/10 - Daryle Lamonica finds Fred Biletnikoff for 13 and Oakland has its first first down.

1/10 - Hewritt Dixon loses 2.  

2/12 - Lamonica throws to Pete Banaszak - he busts out for 19 and the Raiders are at the 43. 

1/10 - Last play of the quarter, Lamonica to Billy Cannon for 4.

2nd Qtr

Chiefs totally dominate the quarter, but held to 2 short FG. Oakland at the KC 39, 2nd and 6.

They don't pick it up.  Punt.  Chiefs at the 7.

3 and out.  Raiders get the great return from George Atkinson and start at the KC 23.

1/10 - Banaszak gets 8.

2/2 - Dixon is stopped.

3/2 - Banaszak picks it up, first down at the 12.

But Oakland is stopped and they need to settle for the short FG.  6-3

Chiefs at the 38.

1/10 - Hill is stopped

2/10 - Hill again, he gets 22 and the Chiefs are at the Oakland 40.

1/10 - Allen for 9.

2/1 - Incomplete

3/1- Derrick Walker from Steve Bono - it's 9 yards and the Chiefs are at the 22.

And thats it.  The 4th FG of the day makes it 9-3.  

Raiders at the 28.

They get a first down - Dixon goes for 17 - but thats all, punt.

Chiefs at the 12.  3 and out.

Raiders at their own 45.  Less than a minute.  

1/10 - Neil Smith sacks Lamonica. 

2/16 - Lamonica to Dixon, just a couple.

3/14 - Lamonica downfield to Biletnikoff, he goes for 31 yards and with 20 seconds left Oaland is at the 28.

1/10 - Lamonica running for his life, escapes contain and gets to the 19 yard line. 

2/1 - Incomplete

3/1 - Dixon picks up the first down, there's a timeout - short Blanda FG.....is no good.

Halftime.

3rd Qtr

9-3 Chiefs at the half, 4 short made FGs and a short missed one as well, defenses winning the battle.  

Oakland ball.  36.

1/10 - Lamonica comes out firing.  10 to Dixon.

1/10 - 13 to Dixon.  Raiders at the KC 41.

But that's it - 3 plays net 2 and it's a punt.

Chiefs at the 21. They'll get a first down on a 14 yard Anders run, but that's all.

Raiders take over at their own 40.  

3 and out.  

Chiefs at the 29. Defense again, ruling the day.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Dump off from Bono to Allen - Marcus picks his way forward for 12 and the first.

1/10 - Allen for 1

2/9 - Bono to Cash for 10. 

1/10 - Hill is swarmed in the backfield for a loss of 4.

2/14 - Allen is swarmed in the backfield, but the veteran escapes and picks up 17 yards all the way to the Raider 35 yard line and the big first down.

It ends there -- Elliott hits his 4th FG and it's now 12-3 KC.  Raiders at the 35.

2 plays - Dixon gets 4, Charlie Smith 13, and the qtr ends

4th qtr

Oakland largely stymied by this Chiefs defense - the 15th seeds up 9 as we reach the 4th qtr. 

Raiders have a first down at the KC 48.

3 plays net 1 yard - the Chiefs defense continues to dominate.  

Chiefs ball at the 12.  Raiders need a quick stop.

1/10 - Allen gets 2.

2/8 - Incomplete

3/8 - Bono finds Danan Hughes for 15 yards - big play and the chains move.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10- Another big play - Bono to Webster Slaughter, it's 20 yards to midfield - Chiefs keep moving.

1/10 - Hill gets 14 yards - Chiefs moving the ball now, to the 37 yard line.

1/10 - Allen gets 1

2/9 - Incomplete

3/9 - Bono to Slaughter again - 13 yards - the 2nd seeds in Region 5 are in trouble here, KC now at the 23.  

1/10 - Bono scrambling, gets a couple

2/8 - Hughes stopped.

3/8 - Bono picks up his third third on the drive, a dozen to Davis and it's first and goal at the 9 yard line.  

1/goal - Allen is stopped

2/goal - Bono to Slaughter, he's stopped....just outside the goal line.

3/goal - Play action - Bono has an open Walker in the endzone -- dropped  Dropped pass in the end zone and its 4th and  1, under 5:30 left, Chiefs up 9.

Marty's going to go for it - Marty going for the kill shot.  

4/goal - It's Marcus - the dive over the top....TOUCHDOWN CHIEFS - Marcus Allen plunges over the top - it is 19-3 Chiefs and that should be that - it would take 2 TDs, 2 2 pt conversions in the last 5 minutes, the 15th seeded Chiefs are about to knock off the 2nd seeded Raiders.

Oakland ball at the 29.

1/10  Charlie Smith gets 3.

2/7 - Lamonica to Biletnikoff for 12.

1/10 - Dixon gets 2.

2/8 - Lamonica to Bill Miller for the first down near midfield.

1/10 - Lamonica goes to Banaszak for 4, a holding call on the next play makes it 2nd and 16.

2/16 - Incomplete

3/16 - Lamonica finds Bitletnikoff at the sticks, Raiders at the 33, little more than 3:30 left.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Lamonica to Miller for 15.

1/10 - Dixon loses 1.

2/11 - Lamonica to Wells , just shy of the sticks at the Chiefs 9.  

3/1 - Banaszak picks it up at the 2 minute warning, first and goal at the Chiefs 5.

4 straight incomplete passes later KC has the ball - they are able to pick up a first down on an Allen 11 yard run and wrap it up.

Final: Chiefs 19 Raiders 3

Not close - the 15th seeded Chiefs come into Oakland and easily handle the second seeded Raiders to claim the final round 2 spot for Region 5.  

Bono: 12 for 26, 171 yds

Lamonica: 14 for 25, 151 yds, 1 INT

Allen: 16 for 77, 1 TD

Dixon: 17 for 35

Slaughter: 3 for 41

Biletnikoff: 5 for 73

Elliott: 4 FGs

Player of the Game: Neil Smith

When we return:

'62 Packers v. '14 Broncos

'00 Titans v. '08 Eagles

'71 Cowboys v. '04 Colts

'62 Lions v. '95 Chiefs

Round 1 MVP: Eddie George

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 5/Round 1: 1962 Detroit Lions v. 2006 Baltimore Ravens

 

'04 Colts v. '81 Niners

10. 2006 BALTIMORE RAVENS at 7. 1962 DETROIT LIONS

7. 1962 DETROIT LIONS 

Record: 11-3

Pythag: 11-3

2nd NFL West

Off: 5th

Def: 2nd

Did not make playoffs

HC: George Wilson, DC Don Shula

Tiger Stadium: 45 degrees

Russ Thomas/Bob Reynolds

Offense

QB Milt Plum (27 Penn St)

RB Dan Lewis (26 Wisc)

FB Nick Pietrosante (25 N Dame)

WR Pat Studstill (24 Houston)

WR Gail Cogdill (25 Wash St)

TE Jim Gibbons (26 Iowa)

LT John Gonzaga (29 None)

LG Harley Sewell (31 Texas)

C Bob Whitlow (26 Ariz)

RG John Gordy (27 Tenn)

RT Dan LaRose (23 Missouri)

Defense

LDE Darris McCord (29 Tenn)

LDT Alex Karras (27 Iowa)

RDT Roger Brown (25 All Pro ME Shore)

RDE Sam Williams (31 Mich St)

LLB Carl Brettschneider (31 Iowa St)

MLB Joe Schmidt (30 All Pro Pitt)

RLB Wayne Walker (26 Idaho)

LCB Night Train Lane (34 All Pro West Neb CC)

RCB Dick LeBeau (25 Ohio St)

LS Gary Lowe (28 Mich St)

RS Yale Lary (32 All Pro Tex A&M)

K Wayne Walker (26 Idaho)

P Yale Lary (32 Tex A&M)

KR/PR Pat Studstill (24 Houston)

In the first 4 rounds the '54 Lions and the '70 Lions have already moved on, split the difference and you get this '62 team.  Don Shula is the DC and he's got the 2nd ranked unit in the league with 4 All Pros, 25 year old Roger Brown, 30 year old Joe Schmidt, 34 year old Night Train lane and 32 year old Yale Lary.  The offense isn't special, Milt Plum is 27, 16 total scores and 20 picks. They really may struggle against the top defense from '06.  

10. 2006 BALTIMORE RAVENS

Record: 13-3

Pythag: 13-3

Off: 12th

Def: 1st

1st NFC North

lost Div Rnd Colts 15-6

HC Brian Billick OC Jim Fassel DC Rex Ryan 

Offense

QB Steve McNair (33)

RB Jamal Lewis (27)

FB Ovie Mughelli (26)

WR Mark Clayton (24)

WR Derrick Mason (32)

TE Todd Heap (26)

LT Jonathan Ogden (32)

LG Jason Brown (23)

C Mike Flynn (23)

RG Keydrick Vincent (28)

RT Tony Pashos (26)

Defense

LDE Trevor Price (31)

LDT Kelly Gregg (30)

RDT Haloti Ngata (22-R)

RDE Terrell Suggs (24) 

LLB Adalius Thomas (29 All Pro)

MLB Ray Lewis (31)

RLB Ray Scott (26)

LCB Chris McAllister (29)

RCB Samari Rolle (30)

SS Dawan Landry (24-R)

FS Ed Reed (28 All Pro)

K Matt Stover (38)

P Sam Koch (24)

KR/PR BJ Sams (26)

The '19 Ravens have advanced, back up 13 years and you get the best defense from 2006; real defensive battle expected in Detroit today.  29 year old Adalius Thomas is an All Pro, he and 26 year old Bart Scott combined for 20 sacks and the guy who plays between them is pretty good too. Ed Reed's 28 and he also was All Pro.  Like Detroit, the offense is just serviceable, Air McNair is 33, 17 total scores and a dozen picks.  27 year old Jamal Lewis rushed for 1100 yards and 31 year old Jonathan Ogden will plow the way forward from LT.  

Off we go to Tiger Stadium for the kick.

1st Qtr

Lions start at the 35

1/10 - Dan Lewis runs the ball - the Lions will look to run the ball today, can they do it against this Ravens defense?  He gets 3.

2/7 - Lewis busts one - Dan Lewis, running left - bursts for 47 yards - just a huge run to start this game all the way to the Ravens 15 yard line.  

The next 3 plays net 6 yards - chip shot FG and it's 3-0 Detroit.

Ravens at the 36.

3 and out.  

Lions at the 34.  

3 and out.  Not a surprise, defensive battle expected in this one.

Ravens at the 34.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Jamal Lewis picks up 2

3/8 - Steve McNair's first completion is to Derrick Mason for 11 and the first.

1/10 - Nothing for Lewis.

2/10 - McNair to Todd Heap for 7 and the Ravens cross midfield.

3/3 - McNair goes back to Heap - he is at the sticks for the first down.  

1/10 - Nothing for Lewis.

2/10 - Back to Lewis, this time he powers for 13 and the first to the 29.

1/10 - McNair to Daniel Wilcox - 13 yards and it's a first down at the 16 yard line.

And that's it.  3 plays net 6 yards - Ravens chip shot ties it up.

Lions at the 39, time for a 1 yard Tom Watkins run and we switch sides.

2nd qtr

What you'd expect - lot of running, each team with a long drive ending in a FG, Lions 2nd and 9 at their own 40.

The next 3 plays lose 3 yards.  Punt.

Ravens at the 27,

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - McNair back to Heap - 10 more and the first.

1/10 - Lewis gets a yard, holding on the next play makes it 2nd and 19.

2/19 - Lewis gets 7.

3/12 - McNair big play - he finds Mark Clayton on the broken play - 32 yards - the Ravens are at the Detroit 33.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - The FB Ovie Mughelli gets 1

3/9 - McNair with another big third down conversion - he hits Musa Smith coming out of the backfield, Smith bullies his way for a dozen yards and it is a first and goal at the 3 yard line.

1/goal - Lewis gets a yard.

2/goal - Incomplete

3/goal - great play by Night Train Lane - Mason had it in his hands - Lane able to knock it away.  Interesting call by Billick to pass on both 2nd and 3rd from the 2 yard line.

And here's another interesting call -- Baltimore going for it.  

4th and goal at the 2.  

McNair rolling out - McNair looking to the endzone -- firing to Heap -- Knocked Down by Yale Lary and the Lions have held!  Detroit stops the Ravens on a first and goal from the 3 and Detroit takes over.

1/10 - Nick Pietrosante gets 5.

2/5 - Lewis for 5 and the first.  

1/10 - Pietrosante gets 2

2/8 - Tom Watkins loses 2

3/10 - Milt Plum hasn't completed many - but he finds Pietrosante and he forces his way for a 15 yard gain and the Lions are at their own 27.

That's it - 3 plays net 2 yards and the Lions give it back at the 2 minute warning. Ravens in good field position at their own 47.  

3 and out.

Good return by Pat Studstill, the Lions are at their own 44.  1:17 left.  

1/10 - Pietrosante gets 1

2/9 - Plum to Cogdill for 17, Lions at the 38.

1/10 - Incomplete

2.10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Plum picks it up, Pietrosante with the 10 yard catch and we are under a minute left, Lions at the Ravens 28.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Plum hits Pat Studstill - that's 19 yards and a big play - with 30 seconds left the Lions have a first and goal to go at the 9 yard line.

But that's it - Detroit will move back 7 yards on the Bart Scott sack - and on the final play of the half - Wayne Walker misses a 33 yard FG and so we head to the locker room still tied at 3-3

3rd Qtr

The 2nd best defense from '62 fighting the best defense from '06 to a standstill.  3-3.

Ravens start at the 15.

3 and out.

Pat Studstill the second year flanker from Houston, fields the punt at his own 37....And He Breaks It - Pat Studstill Breaks the Return -- 63 Yards All the Way to the House TOUCHDOWN LIONS - Tiger Stadium is quaking, Studstill returns the Koch punt 63 yards and the Lions score the game's first TD.

Ravens at the 26.

They get a first down on a McNair 18 yard pass to Heap - but it stops there and Baltimore must punt again.  Lions at the 26.

On the second play - Ray Lewis meets Dan Lewis with a twack at the line of scrimmage -- Fumble --- and Baltimore is now in great field position at the Lions 26 yard line.

They gain 2 yards in 3 plays - the Lions defense just stifling today - Stover FG cuts the deficit to 10-6.

Lions at the 23.  They get a first down, Plum to Studstill for 8 being the big play.

But the drive ends there and Baltimore starts at their own 30.  4:33 left in the third.  Down 10-6.

3 and out - the big play a Joe Schmidt sack of McNair.  

Lions start at the 42.  

3 and out.  Ravens get the ball at their own 16 - time for one play, Jamal Lewis 17 yard carry - and we head to the 4th Qtr.

4th Qtr

Detroit takes a punt back for a score - Baltimore forces a fumble deep in the Lions end - that earns them a FG and it's 10-6 Detroit.  Ravens have first down at their own 33.

The next 3 plays gain 6 yards.  

Pat Studstill takes the punt at the Lions 18....AND HE BREAKS IT -- STUDSTILL BREAKS IT -- STUDSTILL IS GOING TO GO ALL THE WAY AGAIN -- PAT STUDSTILL GOES 82 YARDS TOUCHDOWN LIONS Pat Studstill returns his second punt all the way to the house and the Lions go up 17-7.  2 punt returns for scores and it's now 17-6. 

Ravens at the 35.

3 and out.  

Lions at the 24.  

3 and out.  

Ravens at the 33.  They need 2 scores, they have to find a way to move the ball on this Lions defense.

They can't.  3 and out.  Lions have the ball at their own 28, 8:20 left, up 17-6.

1/10 - Lewis goes for 28 yards, Lions across midfield and this crowd can feel it now.  

1/10 - Plum hits Gibbons for 11, Lions at the Baltimore 33.

The next 3 playts lose 5 yards.  Punt.

Ravens at their own 6.  5:12 left.  Down 2 scores.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - McNair finds Mughelli for 6 and an offsides then gives Baltimore a first down.

1/10 - McNair to Heap, 9 yards. 

2/1 - Incomplete

3/1 - McNair to Mason for 6, first down at their own 32.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - McNair to Clayton - 16 yards and it's a first down at the 48.

1/10 - Incomplete

2.10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Incomplete

Ravens have no choice, 4th and 10, under 4 minutes left, they need 2 scores.

Incomplete.

That will probably be that.  Lions take possession.  

3 and out.  Ravens regain at their own 21, just over 2 minutes left.

3 straight incomplete passes.  The Lions just throttling Baltimore today.  

Lions ball at the Baltimore 21.  Under 2 to go.

They run it into the line 3 times, Baltimore uses all its timeouts.

FG with under a minute to go misses.  

Ravens final play is Joe Schmidt's second sack of the game and it's over.

Final: Lions 17 Ravens 6

Detroit with just 9 first downs today, neither team able to establish any offense, really exactly as anticipated - the difference being two punt returns for TDs by Pat Studstill and the Lions have moved their 3rd team to round 2.  

Plum: 7 for 16, 84 yds

McNair: 16 for 45, 170 yds

DLewis: 11 carries, 86 yds

J.Lewis 21 carries, 65 yds

Cogdill 2 catches, 21 yds

Heap: 5 catches, 48 yds

Studstill: 2 PR TD

Schmidt: 2 sacks

Player of the Game: Pat Studstill

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 5/Round 1: 2004 Indianapolis Colts v. 1981 San Francisco 49ers

'71 Cowboys v. '17 Saints 

11. 1981 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at 6. 2004 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

6. 2004 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 

Record: 12-4

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 1st

Def: 19th 

1st AFC South

d. Broncos WC 49-24

lost Patriots Div Rnd 20-3

HC: Tony Dungy OC Tom Moore DC Ron Meeks

RCA Dome

Bob Lamey/Mark Herrmann/Ted Marchibroda

Offense

QB Peyton Manning (28 Tennessee) All Pro

RB Edgerrin James (26 Miami)

WR Marvin Harrison (32 Syracuse)

WR Reggie Wayne (26 Miami)

TE Dallas Clark (25 Iowa)

TE Marcus Pollard (32 Bradley)

LT Tarik Glenn (28 Cal)

LG Rick DeMulling (27 Idaho)

C Jeff Saturday (29 UNC)

RG Jake Scott (23-R Idaho)

RT Ryan Diem (25 N Illinois)

Defense

LDE Raheem Brock (26 Temple)

LDT Montae Reagor (27 TTech)

RDT Josh Williams (28 Michigan)

RDE Dwight Freeney (24 All Pro Syracuse)

LLB David Thornton (26 UNC)

MLB Rob Morris (29 BYU)

RLB Cato June (25 Michigan)

LCB Nick Harper (30 F Vall St)

RCB Jason David (22-R Wash St)

SS Mike Doss (23 Ohio St)

FS Idrees Bashir (26 Memphis)

K Mike Vanderjagt (34 WVA)

P Hunter Smith (27 N Dame)

KR Dominic Rhodes (25 MWestern St)

PR Troy Walters (28 Stanford)

We've seen the Baltimore Colts advance to Rnd 2, we've seen Denver Bronco Peyton Manning advance to Rnd 2 - but prime Peyton has yet to move on. The '04 Colts are seeded 6th in Region 5 based on the best offense in football.  Manning is 28, All Pro, 49 scores and 10 picks. 26 year old Edge ran for over 1500 yards.  32 year old Marvin Harrison and 26 year old Reggie Wayne combined for 27 scores.  The defense is not much, but they do have an All Pro, 24 year old Dwight Freeney with 16 sacks. 

11. 1981 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 

Record: 13-3

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 7th

Def: 2nd

1st NFC West

d. Giants Div Rnd 38-24

d. Cowboys NFC Title 28-27

d. Bengals Super Bowl 26-21

HC Bill Walsh DC Chuck Studley

Offense

QB Joe Montana (25 N Dame)

RB Ricky Patton (27)

FB Earl Cooper (24)

WR Dwight Clark (24 Clemson)

WR Freddie Solomon (28 Tampa)

TE Charle Young (30)

LT Dan Audick (27)

LG John Ayers (28)

C Fred Quillan (25)

RG Randy Cross (27)

RT Keith Fahnhorst (29)

Defense

LDE Fred Dean (29) All Pro

NT Archie Reese (25)

RDE Dwaine Board (25)

LOLB Willie Harper (31)

LILB Dan Bunz (26)

RILB Hacksaw Reynolds (34)

ROLB Keena Turner (23)

LCB Ronnie Lott (22-R USC) All Pro

RCB Eric Wright (22)

SS Carlton Williamson (23-R)

FS Dwight Hicks (25)

K Ray Wersching (31)

P Jim Miller (24)

KR Amos Lawrence (23)

PR Freddie Solomon (29)

Joe Montana v. Peyton Manning here in Rnd 1; we've seen a Harbaugh 49ers team advance; this is the first Bill Walsh team in the tournament.  It's the defense ranked 2nd in this 1981 Super Bowl Championship season, 29 year old Fred Dean had a dozen sacks and is an All Pro; the other All Pro is 22 year old rookie Ronnie Lott, he and 25 year old Dwight Hicks combined for 16 picks.  The offense is just okay; Montana is 25, 21 total scores and 12 picks. 24 year old Dwight Clark caught 85 balls.  

The '71 Cowboys sit home in Dallas, they'll await a visit from the winners here.  Let's go to Indianapolis for the kick.  

1st Qtr

The Colts get the nice Dom Rhodes return and start at their own 40.

1/10 - Edgerrin James goes for 11.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Edge again - 19 yards - Colts big yards on the ground to start this one.

1/10 - Dominic Rhodes stacked up.

2/10 - Edge gets 1.  Third and long.

3/9 - Peyton Manning's first completion - 25 yards downfield to Brandon Stokley and he is out of bounds at the 4.  First and goal.

1/goal - Edge pounds it home TOUCHDOWN COLTS - too easy for Indy, 60 yards in 8 plays and it's 7-0.

Niners at the 26.

1/10 - Joe Montana's first pass of the day - it's to Earl Cooper running out of the backfield, he's got open field for 15.

1/10 - Ricky Patton goes for 4

2/6 - Patton again, 2 more and it's 3rd down. 

3/4 - Montana finds Dwight Clark on the sideline, 10 yards across midfield.  

1/10- Another first down - Montana to Charle Young for 10, Niners at the 33.

1/10 - Cooper for 1

2/9 - Montana finds Freddie Solomon, he's in space over the middle, he's got 11.

1/10 - Monanta to a wide open Earl Cooper on the sideline -- 16 yards and it's the Niners who have 1st and goal.  

But they can't convert - the Colts stiffen and hold San Francisco to a FG.  7-3.

Colts at the 31.

1/10 - Rhodes bursts for 14 - Colts getting some real holes on the ground early on.  

1/10 - James Mungro carries for 7.

2/3 - Edge gets 4 and the first.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Manning finds Marvin Harrison for the first time today - great matchup with these Niner corners against Harrison/Wayne, 15 yards to the 29.

1/10 - Rhodes gets 3 as the qtr ends.

2nd qtr

Offense dominates the first, the Colts drive down and score - the Niners drive down but settle for 3 and here are the Colts again, in Niner territory at the 26, 2nd and 7.

2/7 - Edge is stopped.  Third down.

3/7 - Big sack - Hacksaw Reynolds busts through the line and drives Manning to the turf.  It's 4th and 17 now at the 36; Colts decide not to try the 53 yard FG - instead they will go for it.

4/17 - Incomplete

Niners get the ball on downs.  

1/10 - Montana scrambling, he's able to get 3.

2/7 - Montana to Clark - Dwight just short of the sticks.  

3/1 - Play action - Montana finds Young for 10 yards and the Niners again are across midfield.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Montan to Eason Ramson - 10 more yards.  

1/10 - Patton for 1

2/9 - Incomplete.  3rd and long.

3/9 - Montana picks it up -20 yards downfield to Clark, Dwight's down at the 16.

But again - the Colts defense turns the Niners away - another short FG makes it 7-6. On third down, Dwight Freeney levels Montana - Joe has to be helped from the field - Montana taken to the locker room - huge moment here, as Montana appears to be done for the remainder of the half.

Colts at the 25.  Less than 9 min left in the half.

1/10 - Manning to Stokley for 10.

1/10 - Rhodes running - 10 more.  

But that's it - 3 straight incomplete passes leads to the game's first punt.  Niners at the 18, 6:49 left, down 1.  

1/10 - It's backup QB Guy Benjamin on for Montana.  Niners, understandably, come out running.  Earl Cooper with a big run, 17

1/10 - Screen pass - Benjamin to Cooper - and Cooper gets blocks -- Cooper is going to run for 40 yards on the screen pass - Earl Cooper having a big first half.  

1/10 - Patton gets 1

2/9 - Cooper loses 3, third and long.

3/12 - Benjamin has to thrown downfield - he does -- it's Solomon -- 22 yards and the first down - first and goal at the Colts 5 yard line!  Guy Benjamin to Freddy Solomon for 22.

1/goal - Earl Cooper is into the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN NINERS -- With Montana knocked out of the game - Guy Benjamin takes the Niners downfield, 82 yards in just 6 plays and it's 13-7.

Colts at the 27.

1/10 - Manning to Edge, 6 yards.

2/4 - Edge gets 6 and the Colts are at the 39, under 2 minutes now.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Manning to Stokley - 11 more yards and the Colts are at midfield.

1/10 - Manning to Harrison over the middle - Intercepted by Lott - Ronnie Lott steps in front of Marvin Harrison - Niners take over at their own 37 with a little more than a minute left and a 13-7 lead.

And here comes Montana.  Joe Montana coming back out onto the field - Montana comes out of the locker room and he is back on the field.  

1/10 - Play action - Montana downfield to Solomon - Caught - 18 yards and the Niners are across midfield.  Timeout.  

1/10 - Montana quick out to Clark for 9.  

2/1 - Paul Hofer gets a carry and goes for 11 yards to the Colts 25.  Niners second timeout with less than a minute to go.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Montana finds Solomon - open field - Freddy sprinting across the middle - Solomon cuts back - Solomon is alll the way at the Colt 2 yard line with 41 seconds to go in the half!  Niners use their final timeout - Niners at the Colts 2 with 41 seconds left in the half!

1/goal - Earl Cooper is into the endzone - TOUCHDOWN NINERS - In less than a minute the Niners score, Earl Cooper with an enormous first half - he's got 2 scores and the Niners are up 20-7.

Colts at the 28.  30 seconds left.  

1/10 - Manning to Rhodes - it's an easy 14 yards, Colts timeout.

1/10 - Manning dumpoff to Edge, he gets 6 and is out of bounds at the 48.  

2/4 - Manning going over the top -- Manning to Harrison -- He's Got Him -- Marvin Harrison with a Step on the Niners defense and he is gone -- TOUCHDOWN COLTS - Peyton Manning hits a home run, there is just 6 seconds left - the Colts set this place on fire - Peyton Manning 52 yards to Harrison and it will be 20-14 at the half.

Third Qtr

Wild first half, the Niners score on every possession, 2 TDs, 2 FG, Montana is knocked out, Guy Benjamin leads a scoring drive - Montana comes back and gives the Niners a 2 score lead with 30 seconds left - but Manning hits a 52 yarder to Harrison just before the end of the half and it's 20-14 49ers

Niners at the 32.  

1/10 - Montana is on, passing whatever concussion protocol he had to go through in a 2004 environment.  Ricky Patton opens with a 6 yard run.

2/4 - Paul Hofer picks it up.

1/10 - Niners running again.  Patton gets 1.

2/9 - Montana short to Clark, he's got 6.  Third down.  

3/3-  Patton picks it up and the Niners are across midfield.  

1/10 - Earl Cooper for 1

2/9 - Monanta finding Clark again, 7 yards.  Third and a foot at the 37.  

3/1- It's Hofer - Paul Hofer gets 13 yards and the Niners have the first down.  

1/10 - Patton gets 4

2/6 - Hofer picks it up again, Niners really controlling with the ground game now.

1/10 - Hofer loses 1

2/11 - Montana finds Solmon - he tip toes on the sideline, just short of the first down at the 5.

3/1 - It's Hofer...and he is into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN NINERS - 10 runs and just 3 passes on that drive -- the 49ers take over 8 minutes to start the half and go up 27-14.  Terrific balanced game plan by these 49ers today.  

Colts at the 33.

3 and out.  The first 3 and out of the day, the Niners have not been stopped all day, they have a 13 point lead and now they start at their own 29.

1/10 - Montana to Young for 9.  Defensive holding on the next play gives the Niners first down at the 43.  

1/10 - Patton loses 3.

2/13 - Cooper gets 6 - Walsh running the ball a lot here, maybe to run clock, keep the ball from Manning, maybe to now put too much pressure on Montana who was knocked out of the game for a series in the first half.  

3/7 - Montana picks it up - 7 to Patton, the clock keeps ticking, Niners at the Colts 44.

But that's it - and for the first time today it's a Jim Miller punt.  

Colts at the 15 - they get one play, Manning to Reggie Wayne for 8 - and we head to the 4th.

4th qtr

Niners in control - up 27-24; Colts at their own 23, 2nd and 2.

2/2 - Edge gets 6.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - incomplete

3/10 - Manning hits Marvin Harrison, great one handed grab and he's got 17 and the first down.

1/10 - Edge gets 4

2/6 - Mungro gets 10 and it's a first at the Niner 40.  

1/10 - Rhodes is stuffed.

2/10 - Edge gets 3.  3rd and 7.  Getting late for the Colts if they don't convert here.  

3/7 - They convert here - Manning finds Reggie Wayne, over his shoulder, just a great catch, 27 yards and it's a first and goal.  Such a great pass and catch in that spot. 

1/goal - Edge gets 5

2/goal - Manning finds Dominic Rhodes in the flat -- he dives to the pylon --- TOUCHDOWN COLTS - 12 plays, 85 yards - the Colts have cut the deficit to 27-21, just 9 minutes to go so they are going to need a stop now.  

Niners at the 27.

1/10 - Patton gets 2

2/8 - Big sack, Colts first of the day, Robert Mathis dropping Montana, and its 3rd and 14.

3/14 - Montana to Clark right at the sticks - just perfect pitch and catch - when Joe's needed a pick up, he's gone to Dwight all day.  First down Niners at the 37.  7 minutes left.  Niners by 6.

1/10 - Cooper loses 1

2/11 - Bill Ring gets his first carry, he gets the yard back - Another third and long, Niners trying to run a little clock.  

3/10 - Montana to Ricky Patton, he fights his way forward -- and another first down for the Niners, another pickup on third and long and the Niners are near midfield with 5 minutes left in the game and a 6 point lead.  

1/10 - Montana over the middle to Cooper -- 10 yards and another first down.

But that's where it ends.  

The next 3 plays lose 3 yards, Dwight Freeney with the huge sack on third down and so near midfield the Niners punt with under 3 minutes left.  

Colts at the 24.  2:44.  27-21.  Here comes Peyton Manning.  

1/10 - Manning to Edge for 14.  

1/10 - Manning to Harrison for 21 - that's 35 yards, bang, bang and the Colts are at the Niner 41.

1/10 - Edge gets a yard.  2 minute warning.  Colts have all 3 timeouts.  Down 6.

2/9-Manning finds Reggie Wayne, it's 11 yards and he is out of bounds at the San Francisco 29.  

Whooooo, boy.  Peyton Manning, driving down against the '81 Niners.  

1/10 - Manning to Wayne again, 17 yards -- first down, timeout Colts at 1:40 to go.

1/10 - Fred Dean with the huge sack - 8 yard loss - Colts stop the clock again and now are back at the 20, 2nd and 18, 1:31 left.  

1/18 - Manning, shotgun - Manning - End Zone -- Manning - Reggie Wayne --     TOUCHDOWN COLTS -- Peyton Manning to Reggie Wayne - TOUCHDOWN COLTS - and after the XP Indianapolis has taken the 28-27 lead, it took just 90 seconds to go 76 yards, the Colts take the lead.  

But - that means Montana has more than a minute, 3 timeouts.  And just needs a FG.

Niners at the 30.  1:07.  

1/10 - Montana to Hofer out of the backfield, he makes a man miss and is out of bounds with a 14 yard gain to the 44.  

1/10 - Handoff - Walsh looking to cross the Colts up, it doesn't work, Patton gets 2 and it's a timeout, Niners at their own 46.  

2/8 - Montana in trouble.  Montana throws to Charle Young on the sideline, it's a 3 yard gain and it's 3rd and 5.  

3/5 - Montana in trouble - huge pressure from the Colts - Montana breaks contain - Montana trying to run for the first down - Montana gets 2 yards and it's 4th and 3 and another timeout, 30 seconds left, Niners have a 4th and 3 at the Colt 49 yard line, trailing by 1 - they can't try the kick from here, at least they need 10 more yards.  So - here we go.

4/3 - Blitz - massive pressure - Montana under massive pressure - again he's running - Montana looking for the sticks - Montana stretching out --as he is tackled.  

Measurement.  Niners are right at the sticks with 20 seconds left, clock stopping for the measurment, Niners right at the 46, this call could go either way.  

Here come the chains.  

And......

......he's short.

Huge explosion from this Colts crowd - Niner bench is furious - that's a tough spot - really could have gone either way - just as close as it could be - but it's short - the Colts take over on downs - victory formation and the Indianapolis Colts escape

Final: Colts 28 Niners 27

Peyton Manning with 2 4th qtr TD passes including a game winning drive, the Niners end the game on the Colts side of the field, just 10 yards from a realistic shot at the FG; the first of 5 Niner SB Champs to compete in the tournament goes home.  

Manning: 17 for 27, 273 yds 3 TD/1 INT

Montana: 23 for 35, 255 yds

Edge: 17 carries, 81 yds

Cooper, 9 carries, 26 yds, 4 catches, 81 yds, 2 TD

Harrison: 5 catches, 105 yds, 1 TD

Wayne: 5 catches, 83 yds 1 TD

Solomon: 5 catches, 84 yds

Player of the Game: Peyton Manning

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 5/Round 1: 1971 Dallas Cowboys v. 2017 New Orleans Saints

 '67 Colts v. '08 Eagles

14. 2017 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS at 3. 1971 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION DALLAS COWBOYS

3. 1971 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION DALLAS COWBOYS 

Record: 11-3

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 1st

Def: 7th

1st NFC East

d. Vikes Div Rnd 20-12

d. Niners NFC Title 14-3

d. Dolphins Super Bowl 24-3

HC: Tom Landry OC: Jim Myers

Texas Stadium: 55 degrees

Bill Mercer/Verne Lundquist

Offense
QB Roger Staubach (29 Navy)

RB Duane Thomas (24 W Tex A&M)

FB Walt Garrison (27 Oklahoma St)

WR Lance Alworth (31 Arkansas)

WR Bob Hayes (29 Florida A&M)

TE Mike Ditka (32 Pitt)

LT Ralph Neely (28 Oklahoma)

LG John Niland (27 Iowa) All Pro

C Dave Manders (30 Mich St)

RG Blaine Nye (25 Stanford)

RT Rayfield Wright (26 F Vall St) All Pro

Defense

LDE Larry Cole (25 Hawaii)

LDT Jethro Pugh (27 Eliz City St)

RDT Bob Lilly (32 TCU) All Pro

RDE George Andrie (31 Marquette)

LLB Dave Edwards (32 Auburn)

MLB Lee Roy Jordan (30 Alabama)

RLB Chuck Howley (35 W Virginia)

LCB Herb Adderley (32 Mich St)

RCB Mel Renfro (30 Oregon)

SS Cornell Green (31 Utah St)

FS Cliff Harris (23 Baptist)

K Mike Clark (31 Tex A&M)

P Ron Widby (26 Tenn)

KR/PR Cliff Harris (23 Ouachita Baptist)

Bottom half of region 5 starts in Dallas with the third seed in the region, the 1971 Super Bowl Champion. Best offense in football, Staubach's 29. 17 total scores, just 4 picks.  Big names on the offense, 24 year old Duane Thomas who scored 13 times, Bullet Bob Hayes is 29, he scored 8 times and 31 year old Lance Alworth is on the other side. 2 All Pros on the line, 27 year old John Niland, 26 year old Rayfield Wright. The defense is just okay, but it's got an All Pro, 32 year old Bob Lilly, 32 year old corner Herb Adderley is headed to the HoF, he had 6 picks.  Dallas is going to run the football.  

14. 2017 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Record: 11-5 1st NFC South

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 4th

Def: 10th

d. Panthers 31-26 

lost Vikes Div Rnd 29-24

HC Sean Payton OC Pete Carmichael DC Dennis Allen

Offense

QB Drew Brees (38)

RB Mark Ingram (28)

WR Ted Ginn (32)

WR Michael Thomas (24)

WR Willie Snead (25)

TE Coby Fleener (29)

LT Terron Armstead (26)

LG Andrus Peat (24)

C Max Unger (31)

RG Larry Warford (26) 

RT Ryan Ramczyk (23-R)

Defense

LDE Cameron Jordan (28) All Pro

LDT Sheldon Rankins (23)

RDT Tyeler Davison (25)

RDE Alex Okafor (26)

LLB Craig Robertson (29)

MLB Manti Te'o  (26)

RLB AJ Klein (26)

LCB Ken Crawley (24)

RCB Marshon Lattimore (21-R)

SS Kenny Vaccaro (26)

FS Marcus Williams (21-R)

K Will Lutz (23)

P Thomas Morstead (31)

KR Alvin Kamara (22)

PR Ted Ginn (32)

The 14th seed in region 5 is the '17 Saints, they'll look to keep the upset run alive in region 5, the 12th and 13th seeds having advanced.  The Saints are seeded 14th, making the tournament because of their 4th ranked offense. Drew Brees is 38, 25 total scores and 8 picks. The backs, 28 year old Mark Ingram and 22 year old Alvin Kamara combined for 25 scores. 24 year old Michael Thomas caught 104 balls. The defense is just okay - this is a battle of offenses, run dominated '71 Cowboys v. the modern pass game from the '17 Saints.  28 year old Cameron Jordan was an All Pro with 13 sacks. 

The '78 Cowboys and '19 Saints have already advanced, one of these two teams will join them.  Let's go to Texas Stadium.

1st Qtr

Dallas starts at the 23.

3 and out.  Saints at their own 49, good field position after the Ted Ginn return.

1/10 - Drew Brees to Alvin Kamara for 16 - Dallas may struggle against this 2017 offensive attack.

1/10 - Mark Ingram for 4. 

2/6 - Mark Ingram for 2.

3/4 - Brees finds Michael Thomas all the way to the Cowboy 12.

The next 3 plays get nothing - short FG makes it 3-0.

Cowboys at their own 35.  

1/10 Duane Thomas takes a pitch, one cut - and he is upfield -- Duane Thomas just explodes into the secondary, it's a 46 yard run all the way to the Saints 19.

1/10 - Walt Garrison gets 4. 

2/6 - Roger Staubach completes his first pass - its to Lance Alworth, 6 and the first.

1/goal - Garrison powers his way home -- TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS

65 yard TD drive for the Cowboys, 4 plays, that big Thomas run getting it going.  

Saints at the 30.  

1/10 - Here comes Brees.  12 to Thomas.

1/10 - Brees. 8 to Ginn.

2/2 - Ingram gets 1.  Third and very short. 

3/1 - Brees goes deep middle to Fleener - 27 yards all the way to the Cowboy 22.

The next 3 plays net 7 yards - it's another Lutz FG, Cowboys 7 Saints 6.

Dallas at the 32.  

1/10 - Thomas gets 2

2/8 - Screen to Garrison gets 11.  

1/10 - Thomas gets 2.

2/8 - Sheldon Rankins sacks Staubach - it'll be third and long when we start the 2nd

2nd Qtr

7-6 Dallas - 3rd seed in Region 5 trying to avoid the fate of the 4th and 5th seeds. A false start makes it Dallas 3rd and 18 at their own 37.

3/18 - Staubach picks it up - 19 yards to Alworth - the best offense in 1971 now on the move.

Except the next 3 plays stall out and after the punt, Saints at the 11.

3 and out.  Dallas in good field position at the NO 46.

1/10 - Garrison stacked up.

2/10 - Garrison again, this time Walt gets 15 and the Cowboys are at the Saints 31.

1/10 - Thomas gets 1

2/9 - Calvin Hill gets his first carry, 7 yards.  

3/2 - Hill picks it up, 5 yards and Dallas is at the Saints 18,

1/10 - Staubach looking to the endzone - in the corner for Alworth - Picked Off - Picked Off - Marshon Lattimore Intercepts Staubach in the end zone - runs it out the 14 - big play for the Saints.  The rookie Lattimore intercepting Staubach.

3 and out.  Dallas will take over at their own 48.  4:46 left.  Still 7-6.

1/10 - Garrison gets 2

2/8 - Calvin Hill again, he gets to to Saints 38.

1/10 - Thomas gets 8.

2/2 - Incomplete

3/2 - Hill picks it up at the 2 minute warning, Cowboys at the 28.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Staubach gets blown up by Cam Jordan - a 7 yard loss and the Cowboys have a 4th and 17 at the 35.

Long FG attempt, 52 yards -------and it's no good.  

Another Cowboy drive that dies in Saints territory - still 1:37 left, Saints with all 3 timeouts at their own 35.

1/10 - Brees finds Fleener over the middle - 39 yards - Fleener is tearing up the Cowboy deep middle, Saints are stopping the clock with 1:21 left at the 26.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Brees finds Thomas - crossing route -- Thomas has the first down and gets out of bounds at the Cowboy11.  Still 59 seconds left.  

1/10 - Draw to Kamara - he's stopped at the line and the Saints stop the clock.  

2/10 - Brees to Kamara in the flat, Kamara is stopped at the 3 - Saints call their final timeout with 42 seconds left and a third and 2.

3/2 - Brees in the shotgun - Brees fires quickly over the middle - Ted Ginn --  TOUCHDOWN SAINTS - The Saints are into the endzone just before the half - Touchdown Saints - Brees 3 yards to Ginn and it's 13-7 NO; 32 seconds left, Dallas at their own 35.

1/10 - Staubach to Thomas, 11 yards and Dallas stops the clock.  

1/10 - Staubach to Ditka - 9 yards - and another Cowboy timeout, 10 seconds left, Dallas at the Saints 45 yard line.  

2/1 - Staubach's in trouble - Staubach keeping the play alive - Staubach - this will be the last play of the half - throwing it up for grabs in the endzone --- CAUGHT!  CAUGHT!  CAUGHT! Billy Truax catches the Staubach Hail Mary on the last play of the first half - Staubach 45 yards to Truax on the last play of the first half -- TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS - and we go to the half, Dallas leading 14-13.

 Third Qtr

The Saints and Cowboys each score in the last minute of the half, Staubach hits the hail mary and Dallas is up a point.  We got a good one - the 14th seeded Saints trying to get the upset.  

Saints big Kamara runback, they start at the 42.

1/10 - Reverse to open the half, Ted Ginn, gets 3.  

2/7 - Brees to Kamara out of the backfield for 10.  

1/10 - Brees going to Ginn - 18 yards on the sideline and the Saints are at the Cowboy 27.

1/10 - Ingram for 1

2/9 - Brees in trouble - has to settle for Kamara and 2 yards and it's 3rd and 7.

3/7 - Brees picks it up - 7 yards to Thomas, he stretches the ball and picks it up and the Saints are at the Dallas 17 yard line.  

The next 3 plays net 4 yards - another short Lutz FG, the Saints regain the lead 16-14.

Cowboys at the 31.

3 and out.  Saints at the 30.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Brees to Ginn, just 3 yards.  

3/7 - Brees goes downfield to Brandon Coleman - 24 yards -- the Saints are moving again - into Dallas territory at the 43.

But the next 3 plays net a yard.  Punt. Dallas starts at the 12.  

3 plays go nowhere - the quarter ends before the punt.

4th Qtr

All defense in the qtr - the Saints scored the go ahead FG on the first drive and that was that, just no offense at all for the Cowboys, they don't get a first down.  Dallas will be punting from deep in their own end.

After the punt, the Saints start at their own 45, solid Dallas punt to get the ball across midfield

1/10 - Give to Kamara, nice run - Kamara goes for 16 yards and the Saints are at the Cowboy 39 yard line.

The next 3 plays lose 4 yards, Bob Lilly getting a sack.  Punt.  

Dallas at the 19.  Punt.  Dallas does not have a first down in the second half.  

Saints at the 37.

1/10 - Give to Ingram - Lilly busts through the line and buries him....it's a Fumble..Fumble...Dallas has the ball!  Dallas has the ball!  Lily got a sack on the last Saints offensive play - and now forces an Ingram fumble - just huge, huge - the Cowboys take possession at the Saints 26 yard line, it's 16-14 New Orleans with a little more than 10 minutes to go.  

1/10 - Staubach to Alworth - 16 and the first - Dallas has a first and goal  

1/goal - Garrison gets 2.

2/goal - Incomplete.  So, third and goal at the 8.  

3/goal - Staubach throws the fade -- to Richardson --- TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS - great over the shoulder endzone grab by Gloster Richardson -- Dallas takes the 21-16 lead.  

Saints at the 30.  8:38 left.  21-16 Cowboys.

3 and out.  Dallas at the 30.  7:06 left.

3 and out.  Saints get a good Ted Ginn return, Saints are at the Cowboy 46 yard line with 4:59 to go, Dallas 21-16.

1/10 - Brees gets sacked by Lilly - two sacks and a forced fumble in the 4th quarter, Bob Lilly taking over.  

2/15 - Draw to Kamara for 5.  Big third and 10.  

3/10 - Brees gets it - Michael Thomas gliding all the way to the Dallas 30 yard line, huge spot - under 3 minutes to go and now the Saints might be in FG range.  

1/10 - incomplete

2/10 - give to Ingram -- Ingram breaks it!  Ingram breaks it -- Mark Ingram is Going to Go....TOUCHDOWN SAINTS...TOUCHDOWN SAINTS....TOUCHDOWN STAINTS...30 yard run for Mark Ingram and the New Orleans Saints take a 22-21 lead!

The Saints try to 2 pt conversion - it's another give to Ingram -- but he's stopped short.

So -- it's Dallas ball at the 27.  2:31 left.  Saints 22 Cowboys 21.  Here we go.  

1/10 - It's a handoff to start, Duane Thomas, he gets 8.  2 minute warning.

2/2 - Staubach finds Bob Hayes - 17 yards on the sideline, Dallas is into Saints territory.

1/10 - Staubach again - he finds Ditka, 8 yards to the 40.  

2/2 - Big Cam Jordan sack - it's his second sack of the day and Dallas calls timeout on 3rd and 8.  Big play here.  Big play.  Dallas is not in FG range at the Saints 46 yard line so they need to pick it up with 1:29 left.  

3/8 - Incomplete

So here it is.  4th and 8 for Staubach.  Saints 46 yard line.  It would be a 63 yard FG from here for Mike Clark and that's just too much. 

Dallas goes for it.

4/8 - Staubach surveying the field - going through a progression - Staubach has to run - Staubach has to run -- Staubach taking a huge shot --- Staubach picks up the first down!  It's a 10 yard Roger Staubach run on 4th and 8 - Dallas stops the clock here with 1:19 to go in the game, first down at the Saints 36 yard line - huge run by Staubach.  Wow.  

1/10 - Staubach to Alworth over the middle - big catch by the veteran - Dallas stops the clock for the last time, little more than a minute left in the game, Dallas at the Saints 21 yard line.  

1/10 - Thomas gets a carry, gets a yard, Saints stop the clock.  Dallas at the Saints 20.

2/9 - Incomplete.  51 seconds left.  

3/9 - Staubach dropping back -- Staubach looking for the endzone -- Staubach firing --- 

Incomplete.  

Clark coming out - 37 yard attempt - Dallas trying to take the lead with under a minute to play.

Clark....the kick.....

It's good.

Mike Clark hits the 37 yard FG with 47 seconds to go - Dallas takes the 24-22 lead - huge roar from this Texas Stadium crowd.  

Saints at the 29 with 40 seconds left.  They have 2 timeouts.  It's Brees now - can he move the Saints down for this FG?

1/10 - Brees downfield -- it's Ted Ginn -- Ginn is able to to get out of bounds at midfield - Ohhhhh, man.  Ohhhhh, man.  Brees to Ginn to midfield.  30 seconds to go.  

1/10 - Brees to Ingram in the flat - breaks a tackle and he's out of bounds at the 41.  

2/1 - Ingram running play - he picks it up and the Saints are stopping the clock, Saints at the Dallas 38 yard line, 14 seconds left. 

1/10 - Brees looking to get a little closer - looks for Thomas on the sideline -- PICKED OFF BY MEL RENFRO!  MEL RENFRO INTERCEPTS DREW BREES - Renfro down the sideline - Renfro heads -- inbounds -- Renfro takes a knee -- that is going to do it -- that is going to do it -- Mel Renfro Intercepts Drew Brees - the Saints don't get a chance at the game winning kick -- It Is Over!

Final: Cowboys 24 Saints 22

Excellent 4th qtr - Lilly's forced fumble, Staubach on 4th and 8 - then the Renfro pick -it took all of it and Dallas moves on.

Staubach: 14 for 25, 185 yds, 2 TD/1 INT

Brees: 20 for 33, 257 yds 1 TD/1 INT

Thomas: 16 carries, 79 yds

Ingram: 16 carries, 47 yds, 1 TD

Alworth: 4 catches, 56 yds

Ginn: 5 catches, 53 yds 1 TD

Lilly: 2 sacks, forced fumble

Jordan: 2 sacks

Player of the Game: Bob Lilly

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 5/Round 1: 1967 Baltimore Colts v. 2008 Philadelphia Eagles

2021 Bills v. 2000 Titans 

13. 2008 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at 4. 1967 BALTIMORE COLTS

4. 1967 BALTIMORE COLTS

Record: 11-1-2

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 2nd

Def: 2nd

1st NFC Coastal

Did not make playoffs

HC: Don Shula

Memorial Stadium: 50 degrees

Chuck Thompson

Offense

QB Johnny Unitas (34 Louisville) All Pro

RB Tom Matte (28 Ohio St)

RB Tony Lorick (26 Ariz St)

WR Willie Richardson (28 Jack St) All Pro

WR Ray Berry (34 SMU)

TE John Mackey (26 Syracuse)

LT Bob Vogel (26 Ohio St)

LG Glenn Ressler (24 Penn St)

C Dick Szymanski (35 N Dame)

RG Dan Sullivan (28 B College)

RT Sam Ball (23 Kentucky)

Defense

LDE Roy Hilton (24 Jack St)

LDT Fred Miller (27 LSU)

RDT Billy Ray Smith (32 Arkansas)

RDE Ordell Braase (35 S Dakota)

LLB Ron Porter (22-R Idaho)

MLB Dennis Gaubatz (27 LSU)

RLB Don Shinnick (32 UCLA)

LCB Bobby Boyd (30 Oklahoma)

RCB Lenny Lyles (31 Louisville)

LS Jerry Logan (26 W Tex A&M)

RS Rich Volk (22-R Michigan)

K Lou Michaels (32 Kentucky)

P David Lee (24 La Tech)

KR Lenny Moore (34 Penn St)

PR Alvin Haymond (25 Southern)

The '59 Colts were seeded 5th in Region 4 and got upset - fast forward 8 years and here's a young Don Shula with the '67 squad, seeded 4th in Region 5 with the number 2 offense and defense in 1967. Unitas is 34, All Pro, 20 scores and 16 picks.  He's got two All Pro pass catchers, 28 year old Willie Richardson, 26 year old John Mackey. No All Pros on defense, the starting secondary combined for 21 picks.  

13. 2008 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Record: 9-6-1

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 6th

Def: 4th

2nd NFC East

d. Vikes WC 26-14

d. Giants Div Rnd 23-11

Lost Cards NFC Title 32-25

HC: Andy Reid, OC: Marty Mornhinweg DC Jim Johnson

Offense

QB Donovan McNabb (32)

RB Brian Westbrook (29)

WR Kevin Curtis (30)

WR DeSean Jackson (22-R)

TE Brent Celek (23)

TE LJ Smith (28)

LT Tra Thomas (34)

LG Todd Herremans (26)

C Jamaal Jackson (28)

RG Max Jean Gilles (25)

RT Jon Runyan (35)

Defense

LDE Juqua Parker (30)

LDT Mike Patterson (25)

RDT Brodrick Bunkley (25)

RDE Trent Cole (26)

LLB Chris Gocong (25)

MLB Stewart Bradley (25)

RLB Omar Gaither (24)

LCB Asante Samuel (27)

RCB Sheldon Brown (29)

SS Quintin Mikell (28)

FS Brian Dawkins (35)

K David Akers (34)

P Saverio Rocca (35)

KR Quintin Demps (23)

PR DeSean Jackson (22-R)

Our first look at one of the McNabb/Reid Eagles teams; this group was 6th in offense/4th in defense in '08; that defensive rank slides the Eagles into the tournament, as they lost in the NFC Title game.  No All Pros, the two Pro Bowlers are both in the secondary, 27 year old Asante Samue/35 year old Brian Dawkins. 26 year old Trent Cole had 9 sacks. McNabb's 32, 25 total TDs and 11 picks. 29 year old Brian Westbrook scored 14 times. 

Could of balanced clubs separated by 4 decades hooking up in this 4/13 matchup - winner to face the 2000 Titans in Rnd 2.  Lets go to Baltimore.

1st Qtr

The Colts start at their own 39.  Nice return by the veteran Lenny Moore.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Unitas passing again, 3 yards to John Mackey.

3/7 - The third straight pass - Shula and Unitas coming out passing - Unitas finds the veteran Ray Berry downfield, 19 yards and the first down.  

1/10 - Tom Matte carries for 13 - Colts now at the 26.

1/10 - Matte is stacked up.  

2/10 - Unitas finds the rookie from Alabama, Ray Perkins, 19 big yards and a first and goal.

1/goal - Tom Matte goes off tackle left, running behind Vogel - and into the endzone - TOUCHDOWN COLTS - easy money for the home team to start this one, Baltimore goes 61 yards in less than 5 minutes on the opening drive.

Eagles at the 17.

1/10 - Brian Westbrook for 2.

2/8 - McNabb rolling out - hitting Westbrook out of the backfield for 7.

3/1 - Westbrook picks it up.

1/10 - Correll Buckhalter stopped at the line

2/10 - Westbrook stopped at the line

3/10 -McNabb picks is up - hitting Kevin Curtis for 14 yards, Eagles at their own 41.

1/10 - McNabb to DeSean Jackson for 4

2/6 - Buckhalter for 2

3/4 - Westbrook busts one, squeezing through a hole on the left side and blasting through the Colt defense 31 yards down to the 22. 

1/10 - Lorenzo Booker for 1.

2/9 - McNabb goes to Buckhalter out of the backfield - Buckhalter has the first down - Buckhalter is Stripped by Rick Volk - Fumble - Volk strips Buckhalter all the way down at the Colts 9 yard line and Baltimore takes over.

Big play by the Colts rookie safety, Volk forces the Buckhalter fumble and Baltimore has the ball.

3 and out.  Great punt - great punt - great punt - David Lee hits a real shot and the Eagles will start at their own 35.  

1/10 - Westbrook gets 4

2/6 - Buckhalter gets 6 as the quarter ends

2nd Qtr

Baltimore took the opening drive right down the field and then forced a fumble deep in their own end, they lead 7-0.  Eagles have 1/10 at their own 45.  

1/10- McNabb to Brent Celek for 9.

2/1 - Lorenzo Booker gets 5.  Eagles at the Colts 41.

1/10 - Westbrook loses 1

2/11 - Incomplete

3/11 - McNabb finds Hank Baskett - he gets 9 - it's 4th and 2 - Reid decides....to kick.

Akers hits the 50 yard FG and its 7-3.

Colts at their own 28.  3 and out.  

Eagles at the 38.  

1/10 - Westbrook for 2

2/8 - McNabb finds LJ Smith for 10 and the Eagles are at midfield.

1/10 - Westbrook for 1

2/9 - Buckhalter gets 7.

3/2 - Wetbrook picks it up and the Eagles reach the Colts 40.  

The next 3 plays net 2 yards -- and the Eagles punt it away.

Colts at the 12.

1/10 - Matte for 1

2/9 - Unitas finds Tony Lorick for 11.

1/10 - Matte for 7

2/3 - Lorick for 2

3/1 - Jerry Hill picks it up.  

The next 3 plays net 9 yards. The Colts punt if back at the 2 minute warning.

Eagles at the 21.  

1/10 - McNabb to Westbrook for 4.

2/6 - McNabb to Jackson, 7 yards and the first.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - McNabb finds Jackson for 14, Eagles reach the 46, they call their second timeout, 45 seconds left. 

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - McNabb buying time - McNabb finds Curtis for 13 yards - the Eagles have a first down at the Colts 41 and use their final timeout.  28 seconds left.  

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - McNabb hits Westbrook - 10 yards and the first down, McNabb has to hustle to the line to spike the ball, 10 seconds left.  Eagles at the 36 - maybe time for one play to get a little closer for the FG.

McNabb in trouble - McNabb keeping the play alive - the clock ticks down - McNabb is throwing to the End Zone --- TOUCHDOWN EAGLES -- TOUCHDOWN EAGLES - McNabb to Kevin Curtis - 36 yards at the gun - TOUCHDOWN EAGLES - and Philly goes into the locker room up 10-7

Third Quarter

Defense domianting, the Colts haven't done much at all since the opening drive, the Eagles trailed 7-3 until McNabb hit Curtis with a 36 yard strike on the last play of the half. The 5th seeds in the region just fell - here are the 4th seeds, down at the half 10-7

Eagles at the 29.

3 and out.  Colts at the 22.

1/10 - Unitas to Matte for 11.

1/10 - Lorick gets 1.

2/9 - Unitas to Mackey - 15 yards and the Coltd are near midfield.

But that's it and Baltimore punts.  Eagles at the 8.

3 and out.  Colts come out hot on defense, they get the ball back at their own 49.

1/10 - Lorick loses 1

2/11 - Incomplete.

3/11 - Unitas comes through - 21 to Matte - big third down conversion and the Colts are at the 31.  

1/10 - Lorick loses one and a holding call on the next play makes it 2nd and 21.  

2/21 - Lorick gets 3.  Third and a ton.

2/18 - Unitas strikes through the heart of the Eagle defense - Willie Richardson for 26 yards - thats two massive third down conversions for the Colts on the drive and Baltimore is at the 13 yard line.  

1/10 -- Matte running left --  Matte running hard -- Tom Matte is into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN COLTS -- Great Unitas drive, he had to pick up two 3rd and longs - Matte caps it off with the 13 yard TD run and Baltimore regains the lead 14-10.  

Eagle ball at the 35.  3:36 left.

3 and out.  The Colts haven't allowed a first down in the third quarter - Colts will get the ball back at the 23.

3 and out - the quarter ends before the punt, Trent Cole sacking Unitas.

4th Qtr

Colts defense doesn't allow a first down in the qtr, Baltimore regains the lead - Colts punt to start the 4th qtr - Eagles will start in good field position at their own 46.

1/10 - Westbrook loses 2

2/12 - McNabb hits Curtis for 14 - Eagles into Baltimore territory.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - McNabb to Smith, short.  Just 2 yards.  

3/8 - McNabb picks it up - hits Jackson for 11 -- the Eagles are at the Baltimore 29 yard line.

And that's all.  3 straight incompletions later, Akers is kicking a 46 yard FG...it is good - and so the Colts lead is cut to 14-13.  

Baltimore will start at the 18.  11:31 left.  Up 1.

3 and out.  Eagles haven't allowed a first down since that last Colts score, Eagles will take over in really good field position, at the Baltimore 48 yard line.  9:21 left.  Down 1.

1/10 Westbrook for 1

2/9 - Westbroom for 2.  And its a third down.

3/7 - McNabb to Westbrook - he extends and just....just reaches the sticks - big measurement goes Philly's way - Eagles have the first down at the Baltimore 38 yard line, 7:27 left, down 1.

1/10 - McNabb to Celek for 7.

2/3 - McNabb to Smith for 10 -- that's another first down - the Eagles are in field goal range now at the Colts 21 yard line - under 6 minutes left.  Eagles down 1, but in field goal range and they've got first down.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - McNabb looking for DeShean Jackson on the sideline --- INTERCEPTED by Bobby Boyd!  Intercepted by Bobby Boyd!  Boyd runs all the way to the Eagle 31 yard line before he's caught by Jackson.  Colts have the ball at the Eagle 31, just 5:35 left to go - huge, huge, huge play by this Colts defense.

1/10 - Matte goes for 2

2/8 - Loirick is stopped at the line.

3/8 - Unitas picks it up - hits Richardson for 9 - and that's a big one, clock moving, chains moving, Colts with the lead in FG range.  

The next 3 plays net 6 yards - at the two minute warning Michaels hits the 31 yard FG and so the Colts lead grows to 17-13.  Eagles take possession at their own 34 yard line at 1:52.

Up to McNabb here - FG won't help the Eagles, they need to go 66 yards in the next 2 minutes.  Eagles do have all 3 timeouts.

1/10 - McNabb to Buckhalter out of the backfield -- he's got a first down and is out of bounds at the 47.  Nice 13 yard pickup.  

1/10 - Gadget play - flea flicker -- give the Buckhalter -- back to McNabb - McNabb throws DOWN THE SIDELINE TO A WIDE OPEN WESTBROOK!  WESTBROOK IS GONNA GO!  WESTBROOK IS GONNA GO!  TOUCHDOWN EAGLES! TOUCHDOWN EAGLES!  Donovan McNabb hits Brian Westbrook on a 53 yard flea flickeer and the Eagles take a 20-17 lead with just 90 seconds to go!  Hoooooooooo, boy.  

The 13th seeded Eagles lead by a FG - Colts will start at the 27 - they do have all 3 timeouts.

1/10 - Unitas to pass - Mackey over the middle - ten yards and a first down.  Colts let the clock keep ticking, Unitas at the line 

1/10 - Incomplete.

Little over a minute left.  Colts at their own 37.  

2/10 - Unitas to Matte - it's 11 yards and another first down.  Matte gets out of bounds.  

1/10 - A handoff - it's to Lenny Moore - it's Moore's first carry of the game - he goes for 9 yards and Shula stops the clock here - 48 seconds left, Colts at the Eagle 43.  They need a FG to force OT.  

2/1 - Unitas to Perkins - 13 more yards and another first down and another timeout - Colts at the 30 - that might be FG range right now.  34 seconds left in the game.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - They try a run - but Matte is stacked up - and the Colts spend their final timeout - the run call does not trip up the Eagles - and now there's just 17 seconds left in the ballgame.  Big, big, big third down - Colts now out of timeouts.  Only 17 seconds left.

3/10 - Incomplete.

Lou Michaels out for the attempt at the 47 yard game tying FG to send this into OT.

Kick is up......

.....No good.

And it's over.

Final: Eagles 20 Colts 17

Huge celebration on the field for the visiting Eagles - Michaels is a defensive lineman by trade, kicking for this '67 Colts team - that's a long kick for him and he couldn't convert -- the Colts tournament ends on their home field.

McNabb: 23 for 37, 272 yds 2 TD 1 INT

Unitas: 14 for 21 168 yds

Westbrook: 16 carries, 60 yds, 6 catches, 86 yds 1 TD

Matte: 13 carries, 53 yds, 3 catches, 43 yds 2 TD

Player of the Game: Donovan McNabb

Top half of the region is in the book:

1962 Packers

2014 Broncos

2000 Titans

2008 Eagles