256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 6/Round 1: 1952 Detroit Lions v. 1982 Miami Dolphins

 '20 Saints v. '64 Bills

12. 1982 AFC CHAMPION MIAMI DOLPHINS at 5. 1952 NFL CHAMPION DETROIT LIONS

5. 1952 NFL CHAMPION DETROIT LIONS 

Record: 9-3

Pythag: 10-2

Off: 2nd

Def: 1st

1st NFL National Div.

d. Rams Div Rnd 31-21

d. Browns NFL Title 17-7

HC Buddy Parker, DC Buster Ramsey

Briggs Stadium: 45 degrees

Van Patrick

Offense

QB Bobby Layne (26 All Pro Texas)

FB Pat Harder (30 Wisc)

RB Jug Girard (25 Wisc)

RB Bob Hoernschemeyer (27 Navy)

WR Cloyce Box (29 W Tex A&M)

WR Leon Hart (24 N Dame)

LT Lou Creekmur (25 All Pro Wm & Mary)

LG Jim Martin (28 N Dame)

C Vince Banonis (31 Det Mercy)

RG Dick Stanfel (25-R S Francisco)

LT Gus Cifelli (26 N Dame)

Defense

LDE Jim Doran (25 Iowa St)

LDT Thurman McGraw (25 All Pro Col St)

MG Les Bingaman (26 Illinois)

RDT John Prchlik (27 Yale)

RDE Blaine Earon (25-R Duke)

LLB Dick Flanagan (26 Ohio St)

RLB LaVern Torgeson (23 Wash St)

LCB Jim David (25-R Col St)

RCB Yale Lary (22-R Tex A&M)

LS Bob Smith (27 Iowa)

RS Jack Christiansen (24 All Pro Col St)

KR Pat Harder (30 Wisc)

P Bob Smith (27 Iowa)

KR/PR Jack Christiansen (24 Col St)

The '54 Lions, the '62 Lions, the '70 Lions have already advanced - the Detroit Lions are really hammering this tournament.  You know, like you'd expect.  Let's go all the way back to '52 for the NFL Champs.  1st in defense.  2nd in offense.  24 year old Jack Christiansen, 25 year old Thurman McGraw both All Pros on defense.  26 year old Bobby Layne is an All Pro, 20 total scores/20 picks. 29 year old Cloyce Box and 25 year old Lou Creekmur are also All Pros, Box scored 15 times.  

12. 1982 AFC CHAMPION MIAMI DOLPHINS

Record: 7-2

Pythag: 7-2

Off: 10th

Def: 2nd

1st AFC East

d. Patriots WC 28-13

d. Chargers Div Rnd 34-13

d. Jets AFC Title 14-0

Lost Super Bowl Redskins 27-17

HC Don Shula, DC Bill Arnsbarger

Offense

QB David Woodley (24 LSU)

RB Tony Nathan (26 Alabama)

FB Andra Franklin (23 Nebraska)

WR Jimmy Cefalo (26 Penn St)

WR Duriel Harris (28 N Mex St)

TE Joe Rose (25 Cal)

LT Jon Giesler (26 Michigan)

LG Bob Kuechenberg (35 N Dame)

C Dwight Stephenson (25 Alabama)

RG Ed Newman (31 Duke)

RT Eric Laasko (26 Tulane)

Defense

LDE Doug Betters (26 Nevada)

NT Bob Baumhower (27 Alabama)

RDE Kim Bokamper (28 S Jose St)

LOLB Bob Brudzinski (27 Ohio St)

LILB AJ Duhe (27 LSU)

RILB Earnest Rohne (29 Henderson)

ROLB Larry Gordon (28 Ariz St)

LCB Don McNeal (24 Alabama)

RCB Gerald Small (26 S Jose St)

SS Glenn Blackwood (25 Tex)

FS Lyle Blackwood (31 TCU)

K Uwe Von Schamann (26 Okla)

P Tom Orosz (23 Ohio St)

KR Fulton Walker (24 W Virginia)

PR Tommy Vigorito (23 UVA)

We haven't seen many Dolphins teams in the tournament; we did see the '75 team advance as 11th seeds.  Here's a 12th seed, the strike shortened AFC Champs from '82 with the 2nd best defense in the league, the Killer Bees front 4 combined for 16.5 sacks in a 9 game season.  24 year old David Woodley is the QB of a mediocre offense that might struggle to move the ball against the best defense from '52. 7 total scores, 8 picks. 23 year old fullback Andra Franklin scored 7 times in 9 games. 

Is a 4th Lions team about to advance?  Let's go to Detroit for the kick.

1st Qtr

Lions at the 17.

Detroit picks up 1 first down, Bobby Layne 10 yards to Bob Hoernschemeyer, but a Bob Brudzinski third down sack ends the drive.  

Dolphins at the 35.  They pick up a first down on a David Woodley 21 yard pass to Nat Moore, but that's all and after the punt, Lions at the 14.

1 first down.  Jug Girard with an 8 yard run.  But another punt and Miami at the 32.

3 and out. Lions at the 35.  

1/10 - Hoernschemeyer gets 2

2/8 - Pat Harder gets 10 and the first.  

2 runs get 5 yards - the quarter ends and it's 3rd and 5 at the Dolphin 48.

2nd Qtr

Just defense in the first qtr - Detroit has a third down and 5...

...they don't pick it up.  

Another punt, Dolphins start at the 12.

3 and out.  Neither team able to do anything at all offensively.  

Lions get the good Jack Christiansen return, they start all the way at the Miami 42.

Layne to Girardi 10 yard completion gives them a first down - but that's all - and Harder will then miss a 39 yard FG and still, we are scoreless.

Miami at the 29.  They'll get a first down, Andra Franklin picks up 11 on the ground - but that's all, this drive is 6 straight runs and a punt.  First FG wins here in Detroit.  

Lions at the 22.  Girard 12 yard run gets them a first.  

But, of course, another punt. Miami takes over at the 33, 3 minutes and change left in a scoreless first half.

1/10 - Tony Nathan gets 5.

2/5 - Franklin picks up 1.

3/4 - Woodley hits Joe Rose, a 12 yard game gets Miami across midfield and its the 2 minute warning. 

1/10 - Franklin gets 4.

2/6 - Incomplete

3/6 - Shula calls a draw - and it works, Tony Nathan busts a 19 yarder all the way to the 26 yard line, the Dolphins call timeout with 90 seconds left.

1/10 - Franklin gets 3 yards.

2/7 - Incomplete.

3/7 - Shula calls the draw again - again it works - Franklin's got the first down -- and Franklin's gonna go - Franklin rumbles 23 yards into the end zone TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS-- and with a minute left in the half the Miami Dolphins go up 7-0. 

Lions at the 17.  

1/10 - Layne to Leon Hart for 8 and a timeout. 

2/2 - Layne in trouble - but he escapes contain, he's got 9 yards and is out of bounds at the 34 with 40 seconds to go in the half.  

1/10 - Layne under pressure again - throws into coverage - Picked Off by Don McNeal - McNeal intercepts Layne - and Miami's gonna get another shot - still 30 seconds left, Miami at the Lions 34 yard line.  

1/10 - Another give to Franklin -  And Franklin Breaks Through the Line -- Andra Franklin through the Defense -- Andra Franklin is Gonna Go Into the Endzone - TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS - Miami scores twice in the last minute of the half to go up 14-0 

Layne has time for a bomb, he completes it - 44 yards to Cloyce Box to end the half

Third Qtr

This sold out Briggs Stadium crowd is stunned - scoreless the first 29 minutes of the half, but two Andra Franklin TD runs sandwich a Don McNeal pick and Miami has a 14-0 lead.

Miami starts at the 35.

One first down on a Nathan 7 yard run - but then a punt, Lions at the 29. They are down 2 scores, they have not moved the ball at all against the second best defense from 1982.

They get a first down, Layne to Hart for 13.  But there's a punt - Miami starts at the 17 and the third quarter is halfway gone.

1/10 - Franklin gets 3.

2/7 - Nathan gets a dozen.  

1/10 - Franklin stopped at the line.

2/10 - Woodley finds Nat Moore, 13 yards to the 45.  

1/10 - Woodley to Nathan for 3.

2/7 - Nathan gets 3

2/4 - Woodley picks it up - 10 yards to Jimmy Cefalo - the Dolphins are at the Lions 39 yard line.

The next 3 plays net 8 yards - Von Schamann then.....misses the 48 yarder and the Lions have kept the game at just the 2 score deficit.  

Time for one play - 19 yard Harder run gets across midfield as the qtr ends.

4th Qtr

Detroit's down 2 scores, but they've got the ball at the Miami 43, 1st down.

1/10 - Hoernschmeyer gets 2.

2/8 - Planned run for Layne, he gets 2.

3/6 - Jug Girard's got it - he's got the first down -- But He's Leveled by AJ Duhe -- Fumble -- Fumble - Fumble - the Dolphins take over at their own 31 - huge play here by the Dolphins defense, up 14 and they have the ball.

3 and out.  

Lions get the good return, first down from their own 48.  

3 and out including a Glenn Blackwood sack.  

Miami gets it back at their own 10 yard line with under 10 minutes to play.

1/10 - Woodley to pass - quick sideline out -- and It's Picked Off by Yale Lary - Lary steps in front of Duriel Harris -- and Lary quickly sprints into the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN LIONS -- Yale Lary with the pick 6 - Yale Lary with the pick 6 and the Lions slice the deficit in half.

Miami ball at the 33.  9 minutes left.  Can the Lions get a quick stop?  Will Shula hesitate to throw the ball after the Woodley pick?

3 and out.  

The Lion fans can smell it now, the momentum shifting their way - and on the punt, Yale Lary, who just took that pick back for the score - comes off the corner to BLOCK THE KICK - Lary blocks the punt and the Lions will take over at the Miami 8 yard line!  Lions at the Dolphins 8 yard line!

But the next 3 plays lose 6 yards, Doug Betters with the third down sack - Detroit settles for the FG and so with 7:25 left, the Dolphins start at their own 32, their lead now down to 14-10.

1/10 - Nathan gets 4.  

2/6 - Woodley find Bruce Hardy for 8, it's a first down.

1/10 - Franklin loses 2.

2/12 - Nathan off of left guard - huge block by Stephenson - and Nathan breaks it - Tony Nathan breaks it -- 39 huge yards when Miami needed 39 huge yards - a false start will take the Fish back 5, so they have first and 15 at the Lions 24, little more than 4 left, up 4.  

1/15 - Franklin is stopped.

2/15 - Incomplete

3/15 - Woodley looking to the endzone -- Jimmy Cefalo - TOUCHDOWN DOLPHINS -- David Woodley 24 yards to Jimmy Cefalo and the Dolphins go up 21-10 with less than 4 minutes remaining!  The 12th seeded Dolphins up 11 on the 5th seeded Lions with less than 4 left.

Lions at the 30.  

4 plays...and they turn it over on downs.  

That's that - Miami with the ball at the Lions 35.  They run 3 plays...and then miss a FG.

So it's Detroit with the ball again at their own 36, but down 2 scores.

Miami in the prevent defense - and for the first time all day the Lions move the ball, the key plays a 17 yard Girard run, a 28 yard Hoernschemeyer run, it ends with a short Layne to Hart TD as the clock expires, the 2 point is no good and that's the final.

Final: Dolphins 21 Lions 16

Yale Lary almost stole this one for a Detroit team that could not move the ball; he followed a pick 6 with a blocked punt -- but David Woodley was able to throw for a score to put it away and the Lions fall to Miami.

Woodley: 10 for 20, 101 yds 1 TD/1 INT

Layne: 8 for 19, 95 yds, 1 TD/1 INT

Franklin: 23 for 88 2 TD

Girard: 9 for 64 

Cefalo: 3 for 37 1 TD

Hart: 3 for 25 1 TD

Lary: 1 TD/1 INT/1 Blocked Punt

Player of the Game: Andra Franklin

2022 MLB Draft Board (150)

 Here's the ranking, 1-150.  

1. D.Jones CF HS(GA)       

2. J.Holliday SS HS (OK)     

3. T.Johnson 2B HS (GA)  

4. E.Green CF HS (FL)       

5. C.Collier 3B JC (FL)        

6. B.Lee 3B Cal Poly         

7. K.Parada C Geo Tech    

8. J.Jung 2B TTech          

9. G.Cross RF Va Tech       

10. Z.Neto SS Campbell     

11. D.Lesko RHP HS (GA)   

12. B.Porter RHP HS (MI)  

13. J.Williams SS HS (TX)   

14. J.Berry RF LSU               

15. D.Susac C Ariz             

16. B.Barriera LHP HS (FL)

17. D.Gilbert CF Tenn          

18. C.Young SS HS (PA)      

19. J.Beck RF Tenn            

20. J.Crawford CF (NV)    

21. C.Prielipp RHP Alabama

22. C.DeLauter RF J Madison 

23. S.Thompson RF Florida  

24. G.Hughes RHP Gonzaga  

25. C.Whisenhunt LHP ECarol  

26. P.Graham SS Oklahoma   

27. J.Melton CF Ore St      

28. T.Toman 3B HS (SC)     

29. R.Snelling LHP HS (NV)   

30. J.Ferriss LHP HS (FL)        

31. B.Tidwell RHP Tenn        

32. JR Ritchie RHP HS (WA)   

33. K.Rocker RHP                   

34. J.Campbell RHP OK St     

35. B.Jones CF Stanford        

36. C.Hjerpe LHP Ore St    

37. N.Schultz LHP HS (IL)  

38. T.Harrington RHP Campbell  

39. D.Beavers RF Cal            

40. D.Rushing C Louisville 

41. J.Miller RHP HS (OH)   

42. W.Ford  RHP HS (FL)      

43. E.Brown SS Coastal C   

44. C.Horton RHP Oklahoma  

45. A.Mazur RHP Iowa            

46. P.Pallette RHP Ark          

47. M.Romero SS HS (CA)    

48. J.Cannon RHP UGA       

49. S.Jones RF Vandy         

50. L.Tanner C Miss St             

51. C.Wallace 3B Arkansas   

52. M.Wagner 3B Clemson 

53. J.Fabian CF Florida       

54. L.Sims RHP Miss St       

55. R.Anthony RF Stoneman Douglas HS  

56. C.Doughty 3B LSU          

57. O.Murphy RHP HS (IL)

58. J.Kasevich SS Ore                

59. H.Bolte CF HS Palo Alto     

60. N.Morabito CF HS (VA)        

61. P.Messick LHP Fla St        

62. J.Bennett LHP Oklahoma 

63. S.Stewart 3B HS (FL)            

64. C.Phillips RHP HS (TX)     

65. D.Thorpe RHP Cal Poly     

67. M.Moore C HS (CA)          

68. R.Crawford LHP UConn   

69.. B.Neal C HS (FL)                 

70. T.Smith LHP HS (SC)     

71. H.Barco LHP Florida         

72. P.Kling CF HS (PA)         

73. J.Cox RHP HS (WA)        

74. J.Madden RHP JC (FL)             

75. J.Misiorowski RHP JC (MO) 

76. B.Sproat RHP Florida           

77. B.Hubbart LHP Fla St        

78. I.Melendez 1B Tex          

79. C.Coffey SS HS (CA)          

80. B.Mautz LHP  SDiego        

81. R.Cermak CF Illinois St    

82. G.Turley CF HS (AZ)        

83. T.Schobel SS Va Tech          

84. M.Martin SS HS (NJ)        

84. N.Savino LHP     UVA         

85. C.Elliott RF Mich        

86. J.Zibin RHP HS (SC)          

87. C.Smith 3B PBCentral HS  

88. T.Locklear 3B VCU            

89. H.Williams RHP Duke        

90. I.Irish C HS (MI)                

91. J.Noot RHP HS (CA)      

92. C.Staine RHP     UCF                

93. T.Dombroski LHP Monmouth 

94. J.Taylor CF HS (FL)

95. D.Keegan C Vandy              

96. J.Flores SS HS (TX)         

97. C.Thomas RF Mercer       

98. J.Watters RHP WVA           

99. M.Neville CF HS (NV)      

100. C.Palmquist LHP  Mia      

101. B.Joyce RHP Tenn            

102. C.Simpson 2B G Tech        

103. J.Lampe CF Ariz St           

104. A.Walters RHP Miami     

105. R.Moore 2B Ark                 

106. J.O’Connor RHP HS (VA)    

107. S.Horn RHP HS (GA)        

108. R.Clifford RF HS (NJ)       

109. L.Gold 2B BC                 

110. C.Shores RHP  HS (TX)    

111. K.Milbrandt RHP HS (MO)   

112. S.Ardoin C Tex                

113. Z.Maxwell RHP G Tech      

114. T.Vrieling RHP Gonz 

115. X.Isaac 1B HS (NC)          

116. C.Hunter C Va Tech

117. J.Reimer 3B HS (CA)

118. M.Kennedy LHP HS (NY) 

119. B.Loftin LHP  HS (MS)        

120. B.Brannon C HS (NC)         

121. T.Lipscomb 3B Tenn          

122. C.Paciolla SS HS (CA)    

123. C.Dana RHP HS (NJ)   

124. L.Huesman LHP JS (VA)    

125. N.McLean RHP Ok St       

126. J.Sprinkle SS UCSB 

127. A.Guzman C HS (CT)        

128. D.Baldwin C Missouri St      

129. L.Ramirez RHP L Beach St 

130. J.Crooks  C Oklahoma        

131. M.Johnson RHP Duke  

132. C.Pollard SS HS (GA)       

133. G.Rincones RF FAU          

134. N.Mule RHP HS (NJ)         

135. E.Jerzembeck RHP HS (NC)  

136. M.Rajcic RHP UCLA       

137. G.Guidry SS HS (LA) 

138. R.Kelly RHP HS (CA) 

139. T.Gonzalez LF G Tech

140. S.DiChiara 1B Aub  

141. J.Curtis CF HS (TX)            

142. J.Humphries  LHP HS (NC) 

143. E.Petry 3B HS (FL)            

144. H.Dunhurst C Ole Miss  

145. B.Birdsell RHP TTech 

146. W.Kempner RHP Gonz

147. A.Charles OF HS (CA)

148. L.Wagner 3B HS (SC) 

149. T.Faltline SS Tex 

150. K.Thomas RHP HS (CA)

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 6/Round 1: 2020 New Orleans Saints v. 1964 Buffalo Bills

'68 Colts v. '83 Niners

9. 1964 AFL CHAMPION BUFFALO BILLS at 8. 2020 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 

8. 2020 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Record: 12-4

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 5th

Def: 5th

1st NFC South

d. Bears WC 21-9

Lost Bucs Div Rnd 30-20

HC Sean Payton OC Pete Carmichael DC Dennis Allen

Superdome

Zach Strief/Deuce McAllister

Offense

QB Drew Brees (41 Purdue)

RB Alvin Kamara (25 Tenn)

WR Emmanuel Sanders (33 SMU)

WR Tre'Quan Smith (24 C Florida)

WR Michael Thomas (27 Ohio St)

TE Jared Cook (33 S Carolina)

LT Terron Armstead (29 Ark PB)

LG Andrus Peat (27 Stanford)

C Erik McCoy (23 Tex A&M)

RG Cesar Ruiz (21-R Mich)

RT Ryan Ramczyk (26 Wisc)

Defense

LDE Cameron Jordan (31 Cal)

LDT David Onyemata (28 Manitoba)

RDT Malcom Brown (26 Tex)

RDE Trey Hendrickson (26 FAU)

LLB Kwon Alexander (26 LSU)

MLB Demario Davis (31 Ark St)

LCB Jackrabbit Jenkins (32 Florida)

RCB Marshon Lattimore (24 Ohio St)

SS Malcolm Jenkins (33 Ohio St)

FS Marcus Williams (24 Utah)

DB Chauncey Gardner Johnson (23 Florida)

K Wil Lutz (26 Geo St)

P Thomas Morstead (34 SMU)

KR/PR Deonte Harris (23 Assumption)

The '19 Saints have advanced, the '17 Saints went down, here's another Brees squad, the 2020 Saints, 5th in both offense and defense. Brees is 41, 26 scores and 6 picks; Alvin Kamara's 25 and kept scoring TDs, 21 total.  The front 4 can get to the QB, 31 year old Cameron Jordan, 26 year old Trey Hendrickson combine for 21 sacks.  

9. 1964 AFL CHAMPION BUFFALO BILLS

Record: 12-2

Pythag 11-3

Off: 1st

Def: 1st

1st AFL East

d. Chargers AFL Title 20-7

HC: Lou Saban

Offense

QB Jack Kemp (29)

RB Bobby Smith (22-R)

RB Cookie Gilchrist (29 All Pro)

WR Elbert Dubenion (31)

WR Glenn Bass (25)

TE Ernie Warlick (32)

LT Stew Barber (25 All Pro)

LG Billy Shaw (26 All Pro)

C Wally Cudzik (32)

RG Al Bemiller (26)

RT Dick Hudson (24)

Defense

LDE Ron McDole (25)

LDT Jim Dunaway (23)

RDT Tom Stesak (28 All Pro)

RDE Tom Day (29)

LLB John Tracey (31)

MLB Harry Jacobs (27)

RLB Mike Stratton (23 All Pro) 

LCB Booker Edgerson (25)

RCB Butch Byrd (25-R)

LS Hagood Clarke (22-R)

RS George Saimes (23All Pro)

K Pete Gogolak (22)

P Paul Maguire (26)

KR Ed Rutkowski (23)

PR Hagood Clarke (22)

The best team in the AFL in 1964 was the Bills; first in offense and defense and they won the title.  We'll see how they compete with a Saints team from 60 years in the future that wasn't nearly as accomplished. 29 year old Jack Kemp had a combined 18 scores, 26 picks.  3 All Pros on offense, 29 year old Cookie Gilchrist, 25 year old Stew Barber.  26 year old Billy Shaw. 3 All Pros on defense, 28 year old Tom Stesak, 23 year old Mike Stratton, 23 year old George Saimes.

We head to the Superdome for the kick.

1st Qtr

Saints start at the 26.

1/10 - Alvin Kamara goes for 4.

2/6 - Drew Brees goes to Kamara, it's 16 yards.

That's it - 3 plays net 4 yards and the Saints punt - it's a good one, Bills start at the 9

The first two plays lose 7 yards - on third and 17 from their own 2 - Marshon Lattimore picks Jack Kemp - and the Saints take over at the 23.  

3 plays net 8 yards.  Nice job by the Bills defense and the short Lutz FG makes it 3-0.

Bills deep in their own end at the 10.  3 and out including a Cameron Jordan sack of Kemp.

Saints start at the Bills 46.

1/10 - Brees to Emmanuel Sanders for 14.

1/10 - Michael Burton for 2

2/8 - Kamara loses a yrd.

3/9- Brees hits Jared Cook, 17 yards and the Saints reach the 14 yard line.

And that's it - 3 plays net 3 yards, a second short FG and its 6-0.

Bills at the 19.

1/10 - Cookie Gilchrist for 1.

2/9 - Kemp finds Ernie Warlick - big play, 29 yards.  

1/10 - Gilchrist for 1

2/9 - Gilchrist for 2

3/7 - Kemp picks it up - 7 yards Elbert Dubenion, Bills at the Saints 41 as the qtr ends.

2nd qtr

Saints defense dominating so far, but they just have 6 points to show for it and the Bills now have a 1st at the NO 41.

1/10 - Bobby Smith gets a yard.

2/9 - Cookie Gilchrist busts for 20 -- Bills now at the NO Saints 20 yard line.  

That's it - like the Saints, the Bills drive ends here - Gogolak makes it 6-3.

Great runback for Deonte Harris, Saints at the Bills 41.

1/10 - Alvin Kamara is stopped at the line.

2/10 - Brees finds Cook for 21, Saints at the Buffalo 20.

1/10 - Brees to Latavius Murray, 16 yards and the Saints have a first and goal at the 4 yard line.

1/goal - Murray loses 1

2/goal - Kamara gets 2.

3/goal - Murray gets to the goal line.

Payton doesn't hesitate - he's going for it.  4th and a couple feet.  

4/goal - give to Kamara -- and he is Drilled by Tom Stesak - it's a goal line stand for the Buffalo Bills - they take over at the 1 yard line.

They get a first down on a Bobby Smith 17 yard run, but that's it - and a really excellent punt drives the Saints back to their 39.

3 and out.  Bills at their own 20.

3 and out.  Saints at their own 49.

3 and out - Bills will run the ball a couple times and go to the locker room.

3rd Qtr

Big goal line stand for the Bills and they trail 6-3 as we head back out for the second half.  Defense really standing up here in the first half.  

Bills will start at their own 26.

1/10 - Bobby Smith goes for 13.  

1/10 - Cookie Gilchrist for 5.

2/5 - Gilchrist for 2.  

3/3 - Smith picks it up, Bills come out running here and they're into Saint territory. 

1/10 - Kemp throwing - finds Gilchrist for 17 - the Bills are driving right down the field, at the 32 yard line.

But that's it - the next 3 plays lose 5 yards, Saban decides to punt - it's a touchback and New Orleans will start at the 20.

They get a first down on a 14 yard Kamara run, but that's all.  

Bills start at the 33.

1/10 - Kemp throws - Dubenion for 10.  

1/10 - Gilchrist gets 4

2/6 - Kemp scrambling - breaks contain - Kemp is across midfield - Kemp all the way down to the Saints 38 yars line.  Bills again moving the ball.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Incomplete

3/10 - Kemp picks it up - Glenn Bass for a big 25 yard gain - the Bills are at the Saints 13 yard line.  

That's it.  3 plays net 3 yards.  The short FG ties the score at 6.

Saints at the 36.

2 runs net 5 yards as the quarter ends.

4th Qtr

A real defensive struggle here in New Orleans - all tied up at 6. Saints now have third and 5 at the 41.

They don't pick it up - Hagood Clarke has a terrific runback - Bills start at the NO 48.

The Bills get 1 first down, Dubenion 7 yard end around the big play - but they're left with a 49 yard Gogolak FG attempt.....

....it's good.  Bills take the 9-6 lead.  Saints will start at the 23 with a little over 10 minutes to go.

1/10 - Kamara for 3.

2/7 - Dwayne Washington's first carry of the day, 9 yards to the 35.  

1/10 - Michael Burton goes for 11 - Saints at the 46, about 8:30 left.  9-6 Bills.  

1/10 - Murray for 2.  

2/8 - Kamara for 1 - would you have ever expected the Saints to run 5 straight times in the middle of the field?

3/7 - Brees finds Michael Thomas - that's his first catch of the game - and it's 13 yards, it's a first down - under 7 minutes left and the Saints are at the 38.

1/10 - Murray for 2.

2/8 - Incomplete.  Another third and long, maybe FG range from here but it would be a long one.  

3/8 - Brees finds Sanders - it's a huge first down all the way to the 24 yard line - and now the Saints are in FG range at the 24.  

That's as far as it goes - 3 plays net 9 yards -- at a little over 3 minutes left, Payton takes the points, short Lutz FG.  9-9.  The Bills will take over at their own 24, there are 3 minutes left in the game.  

3 and out.  Saints defense just stones the Bills here - and with a minute to go in the game, the Saints have good field position after a good return by Clarke, they are at the 41 yard line.

So, 9-9, Saints just need a FG and they have all 3 timeouts with a minute to go.

1/10 - A give to Latavius Murray -- and he busts one.  Latavius Murray finds a seam - Murray romps all the way down to the Bill 3 yard line.  Murray with a monster 56 yard run - the Saints crowd explodes - the Saints are going to win this game.

1/goal - Play action - Brees finds a wide open Sanders in the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN SAINTS - the only TD of the day - Murray with a 56 yard gainer, the easy Brees TD score - and now with less than 30 seconds left the Bills get the ball back at the 24 yard line, 16-9 Saints.

The Bills don't go anywhere, a Trey Hendrickson sack ends the game.  

Final: Saints 16 Bills 9

Tight, tight, tight all the way - one big play, the Murray 56 yard run - and the Saints advance to round 2.

Brees: 12 for 17, 120 yds, 1 TD

Kemp: 7 for 20, 116 yds 1 INT

Murray: 10 for 75

Gilchrist 17 for 43

Sanders: 4 for 29, 1 TD

Bass: 2 for 41

Lutz: 4 FG

Player of the Game: Latavius Murray

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 6/Round 1: 1968 Baltimore Colts v. 1983 San Francisco 49ers

 '81 Eagles v. '83 Niners

16. 1983 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS at 1. 1968 NFL CHAMPION BALTIMORE COLTS

1. 1968 NFL CHAMPION BALTIMORE COLTS

Record: 13-1

Pythag: 13-1

Off: 2nd

Def: 1st

1st NFL Coastal Division

d. Vikes Div Rnd 24-14

d. Browns NFL Title 34-0

Lost Super Bowl Jets 16-7

HC: Don Shula

Memorial Stadium: 50 degrees

Chuck Thompson

Offense

QB Earl Morrall (34 All Pro)

RB Jerry Hill (29)

RB Tom Matte (29)

WR Willie Richardson (29)

WR Jimmy Orr (33)

TE John Mackey (27 All Pro)

LT Bob Vogel (27)

LG Glenn Ressler (25)

C Bill Curry (26)

RG Dan Sullivan (29)

RT Sam Ball (24)

Defense

LDE Bubba Smith (23 Michigan St)

LDT Billy Ray Smith (33)

RDT Fred Miller (28)

RDE Ordell Braase (36)

LLB Mike Curtis (25 All Pro)

MLB Dennis Gaubatz (28)

RLB Don Shinnick (33)

LCB Bobby Boyd (31 All Pro)

RCB Lenny Lyles (32)

LS Jerry Logan (27)

RS Rick Volk (23)

K Lou Michaels (33)

P David Lee (25)

KR Preston Pearson (23)

PR Timmy Brown (31)

The '59 and '67 Colts both lost, the '76 Colts have advanced - here's the best Colts team of all time, Shula's 1968 NFL Champs that lost to Namath's Jets. 2nd in offense.  1st in defense. 31 year old Bobby Boyd had 8 picks; he and 25 year old Mike Curtis were All Pros on defense. Offensively, Earl Morrall was an All Pro at 34 27 total scores and 11 picks (35 year old Unitas is on the bench) 27 year old John Mackey was also an All Pro, 10 scores for 29 year old Tom Matte.

16. 1983 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 

Record: 10-6

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 4th

Def: 4th

1st NFC West

d. Lions Div Rnd 24-23

Lost NFC Title Redskins 24-21

d. '81 Eagles 34-23

HC Bill Walsh DC George Seifert

Offense

QB Joe Montana (27 N Dame)

RB Wendell Tyler (28 UCLA)

FB Roger Craig (23-R Nebraska)

WR Dwight Clark (26 Clemson)

WR Freddie Solomon (30 Tampa)

TE Russ Francis (30 Oregon)

LT Bubba Paris (23-R Mich)

LG John Ayers (30 Tex A&M)

C Fred Quillan (27 Oregon)

RG Randy Cross (29 UCLA)

RT Keith Fahnhorst (31 Minn)

Defense

LDE Lawrence Pillars (31 Alcorn St)

NT Pete Kugler (24 Penn St)

RDE Dwaine Board (27 NC A&T)

LOLB Willie Harper (33 Nebraska)

LILB Riki Ellison (23-R USC)

RILB Hacksaw Reynolds (36 Tenn)

ROLB Keena Turner (25 Purdue)

LCB Ronnie Lott (24 USC)

RCB Eric Wright (24 Missouri)

SS Carlton Williamson (25 Pitt)

FS Dwight Hicks (27 Mich)

K Ray Wersching (33 Cal)

P Tom Orosz (24 Ohio St)

KR/PR Dana McLemore (23 Hawaii)

The Niners won the play in game, knocking off the '81 Eagles and now head to Baltimore to face the 6th overall seeds. The '81 Niners lost in round 1 in Region 5, jump forward 2 years and there's this team, 4th in both offense and defense.  Montana's 27, 28 total scores and a dozen picks.  A dozen scores for the rookie, Roger Craig.  Big year for 27 year old Dwaine Board, 13 sacks.  The 24 year old corners, Ronnie Lott and Eric Wright, combined for 11 picks.  

All 5 top seeds have moved on, but we've seen some second seeds fall, can Walsh and Montana knock off these Colts?  Let's go to Baltimore for the kick.

1st Qtr

Colts start at the 30.

3 and out.  Niners at their own 35.

3 and out.  Bubba Smith with the sack of Montana.  Colts at the 27.

1/10 - Terry Cole picks up 9.

2/1 - Tom Matte busts one for 36, big, big gainer, Colts at the 28.

1/10 - Cole is stacked up.

2/10 - Earl Morrall's first completed pass is to Jerry Hill, 8 yards.

3/2 - Matte just picks it up and Baltimore's at the 17.

1/10 - Cole for 4.

2/6 - Jerry Hill on the draw play - he forces his way to the goal - and the Colts take the lead - TOUCHDOWN COLTS - 13 yard run for Hill gives Baltimore the lead.  Niner ball at their own 23. 6:36 left in the first. 

1/10 - Roger Craig loses 1.

2/11 - Joe Montana's first completion of the day is to Wendell Tyler, 12 yards and the first down.  

1/10 - Montana to Craig for 2.

2/8 - Montana to Dwight Clark, 18 yards and the Niners cross midfield.

But that's all.  3 plays net 5 yards and it's a punt.  It works out- San Francisco downs it at the Baltimore 4 yard line.

3 plays net 7 yards and it's 4th and 3 at the 11 as the quarter ends.

2nd Qtr

The top defense from '68 showing why so far, Baltimore up 7-0, about to punt from the 11.

Niners will start at the Colt 46.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Craig is stopped at the line

3/10 - Montana to Freddy Solomon -- 17 yards down to the 29. 

1/10 - Craig gets 5.

2/5 - Tyler for 3.

3/2 - Incomplete - Montana had Earl Cooper, but he got lit up by Mike Curtis and couldn't hold on, it's 4th and 21 at the 21.

And Walsh decides to go for it - okay, big spot here - you have to like the decision, 4th and 2, on the road, 16th seed has to take some shots.  

4/2 - Give to Wendell Tyler -- and he is shut down.  Stopped dead, Niners will lose a yard, and the Colts take over on downs.  Big, big stop for the Colts.

1/10 - Tom Matte stopped.

2/10 - Cole for 1.

3/9 - Earl Morral finds Ray Perkins, 18 yards and a first down at the Baltimore 43.

1/10 - Cole gains 7

2/3 - Hill gets 6 - that is another first down, Colts at the Niner 42.

1/10 - Hill gets 4.

2/6 - Jimmy Orr catches a 10 yard ball from Morrall, Baltimore at the Niner 28.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Tom Matte for 8, Colts at the 20.

3/2 - Morrall finds Orr - 10 more yards and the Colts have 1st and goal.

1/goal - Incomplete

2/goal - Morrall looking for Jimmy Orr - Ronnie Lott snags the ball away from him - it is an Interception - Lott runs the ball out to the 10, the Niners turn the Colts away at the goal.  3:42 left in the half.

1/10 - Craig gets 2

2/8 - Montana goes deep - Freddy Solomon for 43 - a big strike for Montana as we near the 2 minute warning.

1/10 - Tyler gers 11 yards, Niners at the Colt 34.

1/10 - Montana to Russ Francis for 8.

2/2 - Tyler goes for 15 yards - the Niners down to the 11 yard line with 90 seconds left in the half.

1/10 - Billy Ray Smith sacks Montana - the Niners will also go backward on the next 2 plays, Ray Wersching kicks the short FG and as we go to the locker room it's 7-3 Baltimore.

3rd Qtr

Defense standing tall - the Niners were top 4 in both offense and defense, the Colts top 2 - and it's the defense that has held firm; Colts with a couple of big sacks, Niners have forced a couple of big turnovers.  

Niners start at the 32.

1/10 - Wendell Tyler was Player of the Game in the Play in Round - he busts out a 17 yarder to the 49 - holding on the next call will make it 1st and 20.

1/20 - Craig for 8, another 5 yard penalty makes is 2nd and 17.

2/17 - Walsh dials up a flea flicker -- and Montana finds a wide open Wendell Tyler down the sideline - Tyler will go 52 huge yards all the way to the Colts 6 yard line - the Niners all the way down to the Baltimore 6 on the huge, huge pass to Tyler.

1/goal - Montana - over the middle - Craig - Craig at the goal - Craig ---- into the endzone ---TOUCHDOWN NINERS - San Francisco, seeded 16th, has taken a 10-7 lead on the top seeded Colts.

Colts at the 35.  

1/10 - Tom Matte gets 5.

2/5 - Cole gets 2.

3/3 - Morrall to Matte for 7 yards and the Colts are near midfield.

1/10 - Matte for 2.

2/8 - Hill goes for 17 - Colts moving down the field.  

The next 3 plays net 2 yards -- Lou Michaels....misses....a 47 yard FG and San Francisco takes over, up 10-7, 7 minutes left in the third quarter.

On the 3rd play - Bobby Boyd Intercepts Montana and the Colts regain possession at their own 45.  Big play, big play - Baltimore gets the ball back.

3 and out.  The Niner defense forcing the punt - Niners take over at the 17.

They get a first down, Wendell Tyler gains 11 yards on a couple of runs - but thats it - and when we start the 4th qtr the Colts will take over at their own 33.  Down 10-7.

4th Qtr

A 52 yard Montana to Tyler pass set up the Niners go ahead score - Baltimore missed a FG that could have tied this up.  Colts now at their own 31.  Will the 6th overall seed be the first top seed to fall?

1/10 - Matte gets 2

2/8 - Morall to Cole for 5.

3/3 - Morall picks it up - 14 yards, Colts now near midfield.

1/10 - Hill gets 4

2/6 - Matte gets 4 - another 3rd down, Colts at the Niner 40.  

3/2 - Hill just..just picks it up.  

1/10 - Matte gets 1 - Shula really going run heavy here in the 4th qtr.  

2/9 - Cole gets 7 - Colts at the Niner 29 and have another 3rd and short. 

3/1 - Hill gets 14 yards - just run after run after run --- Colts at the 15 with 9 minutes left in the game.  Niners by 3.

But that's it - the next 3 plays lose 4 yards - Michaels with the 36 yard FG....and it's Blocked!  Blocked!  Carlton Williamson Blocks the Michaels FG - and with just 7 minutes to go the 49ers regain possession at their own 26 yard line leading by 3.  Whooooo, boy.  

1/10 - Craig for 3.

2/7 - Craig for 1

3/6 - Montana picks it up - 15 yards to Clark - Niners reach their own 45, only 5 minutes left, Niners are 5 minutes away from the huge upset.  

1/10 - Craig for 3.

2/7 - Tyler for 4.

3/3 - Montana picks it up again - 11 yards to Tyler - the Niners are at the 37 yard line with under 3 minutes to play!  

1/10 - Craig gets 3

2/7 - Bill Ring gets a carry, stopped at the line. 2 minute warning.

3/7 - Tyler carries, gets 1.  

Colts timeout.

So - the Niners have a 4th and 6 at the 33.  Could attempt the FG - it's 50 yards, to go up 6 - but if you miss it thats really good Colts field position.  

Could punt - hard to keep it outside of the endzone.  

Or - you go for it.  

And that's what Walsh decides to do.  4th and 6.  Here it is - convert here and the upset happens, the 16th seeded Niners up 3 with under 2 to play.

4th/6 -- Bubba Smith sacks Montana again - a huge 6 yard loss and the Colts take over at their own 40 with 1:48 left in the ballgame.  10-7 San Francisco.

1/10 - Quiet game for John Mackey -- but Morrall hits him here - a huge 36 yard strike all the way down to the Niner 24 yard line.  Whooo, boy.  Colts stop the clock.

1/10 - Morrall to Mackey again, 8 yards, out of bounds - Colts are at the Niner 16.

2/2 - Morrall - over the middle -- Willie Richardson - TOUCHDOWN COLTS - TOUCHDOWN COLTS - TOUCHDOWN COLTS -- Pandemonium in Baltimore, Morrall 16 yards to Richardson the Colts take the 13-10 lead with a little over a minute left.  

Niners at the 28. 1:11 left.

1/10-Montana to Tyler for 15 - Niners stop the clock at the 43.  

1/10 -Montana to Craig - 14 yards - the Niners are across midfield, Criag gets out of bounds.  

1/10 - Montana to Clark- 13 yards - Niners are at the Colts 30 yard line - Niners might be in FG range right now, they stop the clock with 38 seconds left.  

1/10 - Montana to Craig over the middle -- he is hit by Mike Curtis - the ball drops incom...no - No - No -- it's called a Fumble!  Oh man - the referee rules that Roger Craig has caught that pass - and then fumbled on the hit by Mike Curtis - the Niners protest vociferously - the Niners were in FG range to force OT -- but now - but now this game is over.

And it is - a kneeldown by Morrall and the Colts - somehow - escape.

Final: Colts 13 Niners 10

The Niners had the ball and the lead in Colt territory with under 2 minutes to play -- but Baltimore survives, a Bubba Smith sack, a Mike Curtis forced fumble - and in between Earl Morral to Willie Richardson and the Colts live to see another day.

Morrall: 14 for 17, 172, 1 TD/1 INT

Montana: 17 for 20, 240 yds 2 TD/1 INT

Matte: 15 for 78

Tyler: 12 carries for 60, 4 catches for 90.

Mackey: 3 for 57

Clark: 5 for 59

Bubba Smith: 2 sacks

Player of the Game: Earl Morrall

256 Team NFL Tournament: Region 6: Play In Game

 '68 Raiders v. '95 Chiefs

16. 1981 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES at 16. 1983 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

16. 1983 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 

Record: 10-6

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 4th

Def: 4th

1st NFC West

d. Lions Div Rnd 24-23

Lost NFC Title Redskins 24-21

HC Bill Walsh DC George Seifert

Don Klein/Don Heinrich 

Candlestick Park: 60 degrees

Offense

QB Joe Montana (27)

RB Wendell Tyler (28)

FB Roger Craig (23-R)

WR Dwight Clark (26)

WR Freddie Solomon (30)

TE Russ Francis (30)

LT Bubba Paris (23-R)

LG John Ayers (30)

C Fred Quillan (27)

RG Randy Cross (29)

RT Keith Fahnhorst (31)

Defense

LDE Lawrence Pillars (31)

NT Pete Kugler (24)

RDE Dwaine Board (27)

LOLB Willie Harper (33)

LILB Riki Ellison (23-R)

RILB Hacksaw Reynolds (36)

ROLB Keena Turner (25)

LCB Ronnie Lott (24)

RCB Eric Wright (24)

SS Carlton Williamson (25)

FS Dwight Hicks (27)

K Ray Wersching (33)

P Tom Orosz (24)

KR/PR Dana McLemore (23)

Play In Game for Region 6 - winner will be the 16th seed and head to Baltimore to play the 6th overall seed in the tournament, the 1968 Baltimore Colts. The '81 Niners lost in round 1 in Region 5, jump forward 2 years and there's this team, 4th in both offense and defense.  Montana's 27, 28 total scores and a dozen picks.  A dozen scores for the rookie, Roger Craig.  Big year for 27 year old Dwaine Board, 13 sacks.  The 24 year old corners, Ronnie Lott and Eric Wright, combined for 11 picks.  

16. 1981 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Record: 10-6

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 5th

Def: 1st

2nd NFC East

Lost WC Giants 27-21

HC Dick Vermeil DC Marion Campbell

Offense

QB Ron Jaworski (30)

RB Wilbert Montgomery (27)

FB Hubie Oliver (24-R)

WR Harold Carmichael (32)

WR Charlie Smith (31)

TE Keith Krepfle (29)

LT Stan Walters (33)

LG Steve Kenney (26)

C Guy Morriss (30)

RG Ron Baker (27)

RT Jerry Sisemore (30)

Defense

LDE Dennis Harrison (25)

NT Charlie Johnson (29) All Pro

RDE Carl Hairston (29)

LOLB John Bunting (31)

LILB Al Chesley (24)

RILB Frank LeMaster (29)

ROLB Jerry Robinson (25)

LCB Roynell Young (24)

RCB Herm Edwards (27)

SS Randy Logan (30)

FS Brenard Wilson (26)

K Tony Franklin (25)

P Max Runager (25)

KR/PR Wally Henry (27)

Dick Vermeil brings his Eagles to Candlestick to face his good friend Bill Walsh; the Eagles are sneaky, with the best defense in 1981 and the #5 offense, that's a lot of firepower to be relegated to the Play in Game.  The only first Team All Pro in the game is 29 year old Charlie Johnson, he's one of 4 Pro Bowlers from that Eagle defense. Jaws is 30, 23 scores and 20 picks, big year for 27 year old Wilbert Montgomery, who had nearly 2000 total yards from scrimmage.  32 year old Harold Carmichael had over a thousand yards receiving.  

Winners head to Baltimore to face the '68 Colts - lets go the Stick for the kick.

1st Qtr

Niners start at the 25.

1/10 - Roger Craig starts off, 2 yards.

2/8 - Craig again for 1.  

3/7 - Joe Montana's first pass is to Wendell Tyler out of the backfield, 14 yards.

1/10 - Montana to Dwight Clark - a dozen yards and the Niners cross midfield.

1/10 - Incomplete

2/10 - Montana goes downfield - 34 yards to Russ Francis - and the Niners are at the Eagle 12.

1/10 - Tyler gets 2.

2/8 - Montana throwing to the end zone -- Intercepted by Frank LeMaster - LeMaster steps in front of Francis to pick the ball off at the Eagle goal line!  Big play by the Eagle defense to stop the Niner drive.

Eagles will start at their own 1 yard line.

1/10 - 6 yard run for Wilbert Montgomery and an extra 5 yards on a face mask call.  

1/10 - Hubie Oliver goes for 5.

2/5 - Incomplete

3/5 - Montgomery may have had the best season for any player on either offense, he gets a dozen more and its a first down.

1/10 - Oliver for 2.

2/8 - Jaws in trouble, scrambles, able to get 4.

3/4 - Jaws finds Rodney Parker for 19 - Eagles have crossed midfield.

1/10 - Montgomery for 3.

2/7 - Oliver is just short of the sticks, Eagles with another third down.

3/1 - Jaworski sneak.  Picks it up.  Eagles at the 35.

1/10 - Montgomery for 12. Eagles then back up 10 on a holding call.

And that's it - 3 plays get nothing - leaving Philly with a 50 yard FG....

No good.

And so the Eagle drive ends with nothing, after an offsides call the Niners are starting at their own 45.  

Craig gets 2.

Montana to Clark for 10.

That ends the quarter.

2nd Qtr

Two long drives, but no points.  Montana throws a pick at the goal line, the Franklin misses a FG and it's scoreless.  

Niners first down at the Eagle 43.

1/10 - Big gain for Craig, 25 yards.  

1/10 - Montana in trouble, able to get back to the line.

2/10 - Give to Tyler -- Wendell busts it -- Wendell Tyler running to daylight -- TOUCHDOWN 49ERS - Wendell Tyler 18 yards into the end zone and the Niners score first.

Eagles good return, starting all the way up at their 43.

1/10 - Montomgery for 1

2/9 Jaws goes downfield to Harold Carmichael - 23 yards and the first down.

1/10 - Montgomery gets 8 and the Eagles are at the 25.

2/2 - Montgomery for 3.

But that's it - the Eagles net 7 on the next 3 plays, short Tony Franklin FG makes it 7-3.

Niners at the 29.  8:30 left in the half.

1/10 - Craig gets 4

2/6 - Incomplete

3/6 - Tyler again with the big gain, 25 yards and the first down.

1/10 - Montana to Craig for 9.

2/1 - Tyler picks it up, Niners at the Eagle 28.

But that's it - 4 yards on the next 3 plays - Ray Wersching hits the 41 yard FG and it's 10-3 with 3 minutes left. 

Eagles at the 33.  3 and out.  

Niners at the 35.

They get a first down on a Montana 16 yard pass to Clark.  

But that's it - and after a bad punt, the Eagles take over at their own 35 with 90 seconds left.

1/10 - Jaworski to Perry Harringston for 7.

2/3 - Jaworski to Charlie Smith for a dozen, Eagles stopping the clock with a minute left at the Niner 46.

1/10 - Jaworski going for the home run -- deep to Smith --- Big Strike -- Smith walks into the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN EAGLES - in less than a minute, Philly goes 65 yards, that's a 46 yard strike from Jaws to Charlie Smith and this game is all tied up.  

Niner ball at their own 23, 40 seconds.  

1/10 - Motnana to Solomon for 11, timeout.  

1/10 - Montana to Tyler, 6 yards and he's out of bounds, 22 seconds left.  Niners at their own 40.

2/4 - Incomplete

3/4 - Montana going deep down the middle -- Freddie Solomon -- He's Got Him!  Solomon between two defenders -- and Solomon's Gonna Go!  Freddie Solomon's Gonna Go -- 60 yard scoring strike from Montana to Solomon -- TOUCHDOWN 49ERS -- Montana hits Solomon with a 60 yard strike as we head to the locker rooms.

Third Qtr

The teams exchange scores in the last minute, Niners up 17-10 at the half.  Two high level defenses, but it's the offenses who come up big here in the first half.

Eagles start at the 27.

1/10 - Montgomery gets 1

2/9 - Montgomery again, this time for 22 all the way to midfield

1/10 - Big strip sack by Dwaine Board - he's into the backfield, ripping the ball from Jaworski and the Niners take over at the Eagle 46.  Big play - Niner ball.

1/10 - Give to Tyler for 11.  Niners at the 35.

1/10 - Montana screen pass to Earl Cooper -- Niner caravan down the field - Cross/Fahnhorst leading the way - Cooper all the way to the 5 yard line and San Francisco has a first and goal.

1/goal - Montana to Craig out of the backfield - Craig muscles his way into the endzone -- TOUCHDOWN 49ERS -- it was 10-10 with less than a minute left in the half, but now it's 24-10, first the big strike to Solomon, then the Board strip sack - and now Roger Craig is into the end zone and it's 24-10.

Eagles at the 18.  

3 and out.  Niner defense starting to dominate now and after the big Dana McLemore return San Francisco will take over at the Eagle 30. 

3 plays gain 7 yards - Wersching hits the FG and the Niners take the big 27-10 lead.

Eagles at the 36.

3 and out - the San Francisco defense has dialed it up in the third quarter.  Niners at the 39.

1/10 - Montana to Tyler for 16, the Niners cross midfield.

1/10 - Craig gets 4.

2/6- Montana downfield to Solomon again - 28 yards - the Niners just chewing up Philly right now. First down at the 13.

1/10 - 10 for Tyler and a first and goal.

2 run plays get the Niners just a foot away and the quarter ends.

3rd Qtr

San Francisco is maybe about to put this out of reach, it's 27-10, Niners really now clicking on all cylinders, 3rd and goal at the 1 foot line.  

3/goal - Wendell Tyler is into the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN 49ERS - it's now 34-10, San Francisco cruising.  

Eagles at the 19.

They get two first downs, the big plays a 13 yard Jaws to Oliver pass, an 8 yard Jaws to Smith pass, Niners in the prevent defense - but the Eagles do decide to punt at 4th and 16 on their side of the field.  Niners at their own 17.  10 minutes left.  Only thing left to decide is the final score.

3 and out, Niners running the ball.  

Not a great punt, Niners struggling today punting the football, Eagles at the Niner 43.

1/10 - Jaws to Carmichael for 26.

1/10 - Jaws to Carmichael for 10 - just like that the Eagles have a first and goal.  

But they're shut down - 4 plays get just 2 yards - the Niner defense again stiffens and with less than 7 minutes left, San Francisco takes over at their own 5.

3 and out, again, Niners just running the ball - another shaky punt, Eagles at the Niner 34, after an incomplete pass - Jaworski catches a streaking Carmichael down the sideline - Carmichael is into the endzone TOUCHDOWN EAGLES - the 2 pt conversion fails, there's less than 4:30 left and it is 34-16.

Niners at their own 25.  3 and out - Niners running the ball on every play.

Eagles take over at their own 43, little more than 2 minutes to go.  

In 1 minute, they're into the endzone again - Jaworski with a 13 yarder to Spagnola, 13 to Montgomery, 23 to Carmichael and a short TD pass to Rodney Parker, with a minute left the Niner lead is cut to 34-23, the onside kick fails - the Niners are able to run out the rest of the clock and the game is over.

Final: 49ers 34 Eagles 23

Not as close as the final score, San Francisco takes their foot off the pedal in the 4th on both sides of the ball, Eagles with a couple of garbage time scores, Niners move into the field, claiming the 16th spot in region 6.

Montana: 17 for 25, 263 yards 2 TD/1 INT

Jaworski: 16 for 28, 253 yds 3 TD

Tyler: 16 for 80, 2 TD

Montgomery: 19 for 87

Solomon: 3 for 99, TD

Carmichael: 5 for 116, TD

Player of the Game: Wendell Tyler