256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 8/Round 1: 1955 Cleveland Browns v. 1950 LA Rams

 

14. 1950 LOS ANGELES RAMS at 3. 1955 NFL CHAMPION CLEVELAND BROWNS

3. 1955 NFL CHAMPION CLEVELAND BROWNS

Record: 9-2-1

Pythag: 9-3

Off: 1st

Def: 1st

1st NFL East

d. Rams NFL Title 38-14

HC Paul Brown 

Bill McColgan/Jim Graner

Municipal Stadium: 45 degrees

Offense

QB Otto Graham All Pro 34 Nwestern

FB Ed Modzelewski 26 Maryland

RB Curley Morrison 29 Ohio St

WR Ray Renfro 26 N Texas

WR Pete Brewster25 Purdue

WR Dante Lavelli 32 Ohio St

LT Lou Groza All Pro 31 Ohio St 

LG Abe Gibron 30 Purdue

C Frank Gatski All Pro 36 Auburn

RG Harold Bradley 26 Iowa

RT Mike McCormack 25 Kansas

Defense

LDE Carlton Massey 25 Texas

LDT John Kissell 32 B College

MG Bob Gain 26 UK

RDT Dan Colo 30 Brown

RDE Len Ford 29 Michigan

LLB Chuck Noll 23 Dayton

RLB Walt Michaels 26 Wash&Lee

LDH Warren Lahr 32 Case Western

RDH Don Paul 29 Wash St

LS Ken Konz 27 LSU

RS Johnny Petitbon 24 N Dame

K Lou Groza All Pro 34 Ohio St

P Horrace Gillom 34 Nevada

KR Bob Smith 22 Nebraska

PR Don Paul 29 Wash St

The '53 Browns have advanced, move forward two years, this is the best seed a Cleveland team has had so far, 3rd in the region.  The Browns had both the top offense and defense in '55 and beat the Rams in the NFL Championship.  Otto Graham is 34, All Pro, 21 scores and 8 picks.  31 year old Lou Groza and 36 year old Frank Gatski were both All Pros on the line.  On defense, 23 year old Chuck Noll had 5 picks.  

14. 1950 LOS ANGELES RAMS

Record: 9-3

Pythag: 9-3

Off: 1st

Def: 9th

1st NFL National

d. Bears Div Rnd 24-14

Lost Browns NFL Title 30-28

HC: Joe Stydahar

Offense

QB Norm Van Brocklin 24 Oregon

FB Dick Hoerner 28 Iowa

RB Glenn Davis-R 26 Army

RB Tommy Kalamanir 24 Nevada

WR Tom Fears All Pro 28 UCLA

WR Crazy Legs Hirsch 27 Michigan

LT Dick Huffman 27 Tenn

LG Jack Finlay 29 UCLA

C Fred Naumetz 28 B College

RG Dave Stephenson 25 W Virginia

RT Bob Reinhard 30 Cal

Defense

LDE Larry Brink 27 Illinois

MG Stan West 24 Oklahoma

RDE Jack Zilly 29 N Dame

DE Bill Smyth 28 Penn St

LLB Tank Younger 22 Grambling

MLB Don Paul 25 UCLA

LB Vic Vasicek 24 Texas

RDH George Sims 23 Baylor

DB Tom Keane 24 W Virginia

LS Jerry Williams 27 Wash St

RS Woodley Lewis 25 Oregon 

K/P Bob Waterfield  30 UCLA

KR/PR Vitamin Smith 27 Ab Christian

The Rams lost to Cleveland in the NFL Title game in 1950, but they had the best offense in the league. 24 year old Norm Van Brocklin had 19 scores, 14 picks. 11 scores for 28 year old Dick Hoerner. 28 year old Tom Fears had over 1100 yards receiving.  The defense is not good, 25 year old rookie Woodley Lewis had a dozen picks.

The bottom half of the region begins in Cleveland, let's go out for the kick.

1st Qtr

Bob Smith nice return - Browns start at the 40.

1/10 - Ed Modzelewski opens with a 6 yard carry - Browns are gonna run the ball today.

2/4 - Otto Graham scrambling - he picks up the first.

1/10 - Curley Morrison gets 1.

2/9 - Morrison picks it up and the Browns are at the 38.

1/10 - Graham is dropped for a big loss, Don Paul gets him

2/17 - Incomplete

3/17 - Graham's first pass attempt - Dante Lavelli - 26 yards to the 19 yard line.

1/10 - Morrison gets 14 and the Browns have a first and goal.

1/goal - Ray Renfro gets 1.

2/goal - Morrison - drives up the middle -- into the end zone -  TOUCHDOWN BROWNS - in 10 plays the Browns take the opening kick and take the 7-0 lead.

Rams start at the 27.

1/10 - Glenn Davis gets 2.

2/8 - Dick Hoerner is stopped at the line.

3/8 - Norm Van Brocklin's first pass of the day is an 11 yard completion to Crazy Legs Hirsch. 

1/10 - Hoerner gets a dozen and the Rams are across midfield.

That's it - Rams will punt.

Browns will take over at the 16.

They get a first down - Graham 17 yards to Modzelewski - but that's all - the Browns will punt and LA starts at the 35.

1/10 - Davis gets 4.

2/6 - Van Brocklin goes 14 to Tom Fears - Rams cross midfield.

1/10 - Davis is stopped at the line, the qtr ends.

2nd Qtr: Browns 7 Rams 0

Cleveland took the opening drive down and scored, that's it - Rams have 2nd and 10 at the Browns 47.

2/10 - NVB to Crazy Legs Hirsch, he gets a dozen to the 35. 

1/10 - NVB to Tom Fears - 15 more to the 20.

It ends there - Bob Waterfield FG makes it 7-3.

Browns start at the 18.

1/10 - Modzelewski gets 3.

2/7 - Morrison gets 7.

1/10 - The Browns just staying on the ground - Morrison busts one -- Morrison all the way to the 31 yard line.  

1/10-  Modzelewski gets 4.

2/6 - Graham hits Pete Brewster, 19 yards all the way to the Ram 8 yard line.  

1/goal - Johnny Petitbon gets 1.

2/goal - Graham floats one into the endzone -- Brewster -- TOUCHDOWN BROWNS - 82 yard Cleveland drive, the Browns offense really rolling today, it's 14-3.

Vitamin Smith with the strong return - he gets to his own 47.

Rams get one first down - Van Brocklin 13 yards to Hoerner.  

But that's all. Browns to open at their own 6 yard line after the punt.  

3 and out. 

Rams all the way to the Brown 36 to start after the Smith return - Rams in good shape --- but on the first play of the drive -- the Van Brocklin pass is Picked Off by Chuck Noll - the Browns are at their own 30 yard line.

3 and out.

After the punt - the Rams start at their own 40.  

3 and out.  Browns to start at their own 25, a little more than a minute left in the half - 14-3 lead.

The Browns get yardage on 3 big plays - two 20+ runs by Morrison and a 21 yard Brewster reception - the half ends with Groza missing a FG.

Third Qtr: Browns 14 Rams 3

The Browns beat the Rams in title games in both '55 and '50 - this is a 3/14 game - it's no surprise that Cleveland's been in command today.

LA starts at the 30.

3 and out.

Browns at the 26.  2 first downs on 10+ yard rund by Modzelewski and Morrison, but the drive ends around midfield.

Rams start at their 15 - Bob Waterfield comes on, Rams looking for a spark.

They don't get it.  3 and out.

Browns at the 43.  3 and out.

Rams at the 12 - NVB back in the game - they get two first downs on a 10+ Davis run and a 13 yard reception for Fears - but they punt.  

Browns start at the 25, two runs get nothing and we change sides for the last time

4th Qtr: Browns 14 Rams 3

The game bogs down in the third, neither side able to establish much offense, Browns still with an 11 point lead, which looks nearly insurmoutable, it's 3rd and 10 for Cleveland at their own 25.

They don't pick it up.  Rams start at the 39.  They go 3 and out.  

Browns at their own 18.  They go 3 and out.  

Rams at the Brown 46 - down by 11, less than 13 minutes to go - they really need to capitalize.

3 and out.   

Browns at the 30.  

On the first play - Otto Graham is Picked Off - by Crazy Legs Hirsch -- Hirsch is down at the LA 42, there's 11 minutes left, Rams with the turnover.

1/10 - Hoerner gets 28, Rams are now at the Brown 30.

1/10 - Davis gets 11 -- LA reaches the Cleveland 19.  

1/10 - Kalamnir for 4.

2/6 - Van Brocklin finds Fears over the middle -- he is all the way to the 3 yard line -- and with a little more than 8 minutes to go in the game, still down 14-3 - the Rams have a first and goal.  They've got to find their way into the End Zone.

They don't - 3 plays go absolutely nowhere -- the Browns defense just refusing to relent.

Short FG.  It's 14-6, little more than 6 to go.  

Browns start at the 24.  

3 and out.  Rams get it back at their own 35, 4:39 left. Down 8 - gotta be a TD/2 point conversion now.  

1/10 - David gets 10.

1/10 - Hoerner loses 2 yards.

2/12 - Incomplete

3/12 - Vitamin Smith gets 9 yards - and now it's 4th and 3 for LA at the Cleveland 48, they use their first time out with just under 3 minutes to go.  

4/3 - Give to Smith...and he.....just does pick it up.  Rams at the 45, clock running.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - NVB looking downfield -- NVB throwing to a streaking Tom Fears -- Caught -- Fears is going to go...all the way to the 8 yard line!  Tom Fears out of bounds atthe Cleveland 8 yard line -- it is the 2 minute warning -- the Rams, down 8 - have a first and goal.  Big strike from NVB to Fears.  1st and goal.  1st and goal -- Rams 1st and goal at the 8.

1/goal- NVB short to Fears -- Fears will get 4 yards -- 2nd and goal - Rams use their second timeout.  

2/goal -- NVB -- EndZone -- Fears ---- knocked down by Lahr.  

3rd and goal.  --- NVB --- Endzone --- Hirsch --- TOUCHDOWN RAMS -- TOUCHDOWN RAMS -- TOUCHDOWN RAMS -- Van Brocklin hits Crazy Legs Hirsch with the 4 yard TD pass with 90 seconds left -- it's 14-12, Rams lining up for the 2 pt conversion -- can they tie this game?

It's a give to Hoerner - Hoerner getting to the goal -- He Is Stopped Cold By Chuck Noll -- Noll - Noll meets Hoerner head on at the goal line - driving him back - and that will end the game - Cleveland's able to kill the rest of the clock and the Browns advance.

Final: Browns 14 Rams 12

1950s ground game here, both offenses really bogged down in much of the second half - the Rams score late, had a chance to tie with the 2 pt conversion, but a Chuck Noll goal line stop saves the game.

Graham: 7 for 17, 113 yds, 1 TD/1 INT

NVB: 11 for 27, 148 yds, 1 TD/1 INT

Morrison: 15 carries, 133 yds, 1 TD

Davis: 12 carries, 42 yds

Brewster: 3 catches, 47 yds, 1 TD

Fears: 5 catches, 91 yds

Player of the Game: Chuck Noll

Midway, 2022 MLB Season. All Star Rosters/Projected Standings

AL 

East

1. NYY 106

2.  Bos 88-WC1

3. Tor 87-WC2

3. TB 86-WC3

4. Balt

Cent

1. Minn 88

2. CWS 82

2. Cle 81

3. Det

4. KC

West

1. Hou 102

2. Sea 83

3. Tex

4. LAA

5. Oak

NL

East

1. NYM 95

2. Atl 93-WC1

3. Phil 87-WC3

4. Mia - 81

5. Wash

Cen

1. Mil 90

2. StL 86

3. Chi

4. Pit

5. Cin

West

1. LAD-100

2. SD-90-WC2

3. SF 81

4. Ari

5. Col

32 man rosters, 20 position players, 9 SP, 3 RP each team has a rep.

AL

Starters

C Kirk Tor

1B Arraez Min

2B Gimenez Cle

SS Bogaerts Bos

3B Ramirez Cle

LF Hays Balt

CF Judge NY

RF Tucker Hou

DH Alvarez Hou

SP McClanahan TB

Bench

C Heim Tex

1B Abreu CWS

1B Guerrero Tor

2B Altuve Hou

SS Pena Hou

3B Devers Bos

3B LeMahieu NY

OF Rodriguez Sea

OF Trout LAA

OF Buxton Min

OF Ward LAA

Pitching Staff

 A.Manoah Tor 

 J.Verlander Hou 

 S.Ohtani LAA - MVP

 M.Perez Tex

 D.Cease CWS 

 G.Cole NYY 

 P.Blackburn Oak 

 N.Cortes NYY 

          

 C.Holmes NYY

 S.Barlow KC

 M.Fulmer Det

   

NL

Starters

C Contreras Chi

1B Goldschmidt StL--MVP

2B Edman StL

SS Swanson Atl

3B Arenado StL

LF Happ Chi

CF Nimmo NYM

RF Betts LAD

DH Harper Phi

P Alcantara Mia

Bench

C Smith LAD

C Realmuto Phi

1B Bell Wash

1B Freeman LAD

1B Cron Col

2B McNeil NYM

SS Hoener Chi

3B Machado SD

OF Soto Wash

OF Marte NYM

OF Profar SD

Pitchers    

C.Burnes  Mil

M.Fried Atl   

A.Nola Phi

T.Gonsolin LAD

C.Rodon  SFG

Z.Wheeler  Phi

L.Castillo Cin

M.Kelly Ari

   

 J.Hader Mil

 E.Diaz NYM

 D.Bednar Pit

       

      

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