All Time NFL Tournament, Region 5

 Region 4

 1. 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers             15-2              Super Bowl Champions

 2. 2010 New England Patriots        14-3              AFC East Champs

 3. 1971 Dallas Cowboys                  14-3              Super Bowl Champions

 4. 1953 Cleveland Browns               11-2              NFL East Champs

 5. 2024 Philadelphia Eagles            18-3              Super Bowl Champions

 6. 1958 Baltimore Colts                   10-3             NFL Champions

 7. 1998 Atlanta Falcons                   16-3              NFC Champs

 8. 1965 Chicago Bears                     9-5                3rd NFL West

 9. 2008 Baltimore Ravens               13-6              2nd AFC North

 10. 1985 San Francisco 49ers         10-7              2nd NFC West

 11. 1974 Washington Redskins       10-5              2nd NFC East

 12. 1970 Los Angeles Rams             9-4-1            2nd NFC West

 13. 2014 Green Bay Packers           13-5              NFC North Champs

 14. 1965 Buffalo Bills                      11-3-1           AFL Champions

 15. 2009 New York Jets                    11-8             2nd AFC East

 16. 1951 New York Giants               9-2-1            2nd NFL American

 Round 1

 1. '75 STEELERS 13  16. '51 GIANTS  3

 -The Steel Curtain just broke Charlie Conerly in half, he went 3-22, 39 yards and 2 picks (Mel Blount, Donnie Shell) he was sacked five times (Jack Ham, Steve Furness, Ernie Holmes and 2 for Dwight White). The only TD a 64 yard Terry Bradshaw to Frank Lewis hookup.  

9. '08 RAVENS 20     8. '65 BEARS 7

-Chicago scored on the first drive of the game and Baltimore responded with 20 unanswered; the Ravens defense was the story here, 26 year old Terrell Suggs had a dozen tackles and two sacks, 33 year old Ray Lewis had a dozen tackles, a sack and forced a fumble. 

5. '24 EAGLES 27   12. '70 RAMS  6

-Easy win for the most recent Super Bowl Champs, it was 27-3 at halftime; 3 TDs from 27 year old Saquon Barkley, he had 254 yards from scrimmage.  11 tackles and a sack for Zack Baun.  

4. '53 BROWNS  33     13. '14 PACKERS  27

-Fun one in Cleveland, the 4th seeds  moving through. The Pack had a 14-3 first quarter lead on TD runs by Eddie Lacy and James Starks; 32 year old Otto Graham hit 30 year old Dante Lavelli 

for a second qtr Cleveland score, the Browns cut the deficit to 17-13. Graham hit Lavelli again late in the third to give Cleveland its first lead 23-20.  31 year old Aaron Rodgers led the Pack on a 5 minute TD drive to open the 4th, ending in an 8 yard scoring toss to Randall Cobb. 4 minutes later 33 year old Marion Motley pounded into the end zone, the Browns regained the lead and wouldn't give it back. 4 FGs for Lou Groza

6. '58 COLTS 20  11. '74 REDSKINS 13

-The favorites continue to move forward in Region 5, nearly the opposite result from Region 4. This one ended with a game winning drive from 25 year old Johnny Unitas. Baltimore took possession at their own 47 with under 6 minutes to play in a tie game. 4 minutes later, Unitas hits 25 year old Lenny Moore for a 15 yard score to make it 20-13. Washington was unable to move the ball and the Colts advance. 135 yards from scrimmage and 2 TDs for Moore. 

3. '71 COWBOYS 16  14. '65 BILLS 3

-The Cowboys shut Buffalo down pretty thoroughly, Jack Kemp going 11-27 with 3 picks, 2 from 32 year old Herb Adderley. 27 year old Jethro Pugh had 2 sacks. The only TD a 21 yard by 24 year old Duane Thomas.  

10. '85 49ERS  20   7. '98 FALCONS 6

-The San Francisco defense stifles the Falcons here, holding them to 9 first downs. 26 year old Ronnie Lott had an interception and forced a fumble, 27 year old Keena Turner had 2 sacks. 22-31 and a score for 29 year old Joe Montana

2. '10 PATRIOTS 19   15. '09 JETS  10

-Danny Woodhead alert, he's playing for both teams.  The '10 Patriots had the top offense in football, went 14-2 and then lost in the first round to the Jets, they get some redemption here. Woodhead played a significant role, his 3rd quarter TD run for New England tied the score at 10 - 3 Shayne Graham 4th Qtr FGs gave us the final.

Round 2

1975 Steelers v. 2008 Ravens

1953 Browns v. 2024 Eagles

1971 Cowboys v. 1958 Colts

2010 Patriots v. 1985 49ers

'08 RAVENS  13    '75 STEELERS  6

-The top seed in the region is gone; the only TDs were both scored in the first qtr (23 year old Joe Flacco to 34 year old Derrick Mason from 12 and a 51 yard score from Terry Bradshaw to Lynn Swann). Baltimore led 7-6 at the half after a scoreless second quarter and then hit FGs in both the third and fourth quarters for the final score.  Just 8 first downs for the Steelers.  Bradshaw was brutal, 8-25 with 3 picks (Ray Lewis, Chris McAllister, Ed Reed). 

'53 BROWNS  28   '24  EAGLES  21

-It'll be the old Browns against the former Browns in the top half of the Regional Semis for Region 5, Cleveland sprinted out to a 17-0 lead, two first qtr TD passes from 32 year old Otto Graham to 23 year old Pete Brewster.  It was 20-10 Browns after a 50 yard Lou Groza FG with 11 minutes to play.  And thats when Saquon Barkley took over - 3 plays into the Eagles next drive, Barkley broke a 50 yard TD run to cut the deficit to 20-14.  The Eagles force a punt - and with 6 minutes left in the game, Philly takes over at their own 21.  26 yard Jalen Hurts drives the Eagles down to the Browns 14 yard line in 13 plays - on play 14, he finds Barkley - Barkley finds the end zone and after the extra point the Eagles led 21-20 with 71 seconds left.  Cleveland took over at their own 20, with 14 seconds left, Graham hits 24 year old Ray Renfro for the game winning TD, pandemonium in Cleveland and Browns fans will get what they want - a date with the team that the Browns would become, the Baltimore Ravens.

'71 COWBOYS 23   '58 COLTS  20

-A game winner with the clock showing :00.  13-13 headed to the 4th qtr the Colts had a second qtr Alan Ameche TD run, the Cowboys a 3rd qtr Calvin Hill TD run.  With 4 and a half minutes left, 29 year old Roger Staubach hit 29 year old Bullet Bob Hayes with a 31 yard strike to make it 20-13. Johnny Unitas then drove the Colts down the field, leading to another Ameche TD run, tying the game with under a minute left.  A draw play by Walt Garrison on second down of the Cowboy drive turned into a 30 yard hitter - and at the gun, Mike Clark hits a 37 yard FG to win the game.  

'10 PATRIOTS 23   '85 49ERS 14

-Danny Woodhead scored two second quarter TDs and the Patriots move to the Region 5 semifinal. 190 yards from scrimmage for Wendell Tyler in the loss for San Francisco. Devin McCourty intercepts Joe Montana 3 times.

Regional Semi

1953 Browns v. 2008 Ravens

2010 Patriots v. 1971 Cowboys

'08 RAVENS 13  '53 BROWNS 6

-The 2008 Ravens reach the Region 5 Finals.  The only TD is the longest scoring play of the tournament so far, a 93 yard Joe Flacco to Mark Clayton score.  Just 16 complete passes from both teams combined in this defensive struggle. 2 sack game for Ray Lewis.  

'10 PATRIOTS 27  '71 COWBOYS 20

-Once again, the regional champion will come from the 21st century as the second seeded Patriots advance to the final.  Tight one here; 33 year old Tom Brady got it going early with a 71 yard first quarter bomb to Wes Welker, Dallas scored 2 second qtr TDs to take a 14-13 halftime lead, a 50 yard Roger Staubach to Mike Ditka strike and a short Walt Garrison run. The teams exchanged tds in the third qtr, Brady to Welker again, this time from 40 yards and Staubach 14 yards to Bob Hayes.  It was 20-20 until deep into the 4th qtr, when, with just a minute and a half to play, Brady finds Fred Taylor out of the backfield for a short TD pass - the Cowboys reached the Patriots 33 in the final moments of the game - but Patrick Chung intercepted Staubach and the Patriots advance.  

REGION 5 FINAL

2. 2010 PATRIOTS v. 9. 2008 RAVENS

-the Patriots look to become the first organization with 2 entrants into the Sweet 16, the '07 team won Region 1.  New England had the number one offense, number 8 defense in 2010, going 14-2 and getting upset in the divisional round by the Jets. Bill Belichick is the head coach - Brady/Logan Mankins and Jerod Mayo are the All Pros. This is Joe Flacco's rookie year with the Ravens, its also John Harbaugh's first year as HC.  The Ravens are 11th in offense, 3rd in defense, Ray Lewis/Ed Reed and Le'Ron McCain are the All pros, Baltimore finished second in the AFC North and lost to the Steelers in the AFC Title game. 

We're going back to Foxborough - time for the Region 5 Final.

'08 RAVENS 16  '10 PATRIOTS 3

-The 9th Seeds won region 4 and it happens again in region 5 - the '08 Ravens riding their defense all the way to the Sweet 16 where they will meet the eventual region 12 winner.  Just one TD in the game, a short Flacco pass to Ray Rice. Baltimore holds New England to 9 first downs, they had a whopping 15 minute time of possession advantage. 119 yards rushing for Le'Ron McClain, Joe Flacco wins this despite only 8 completed passes.  2 sacks for Terrell Suggs.  

1/4 Down. New 2025 MLB Projections

 AL East

 1. NYY              89

 2. Boston           83

 3. Toronto          81

 4. TB                 

 5. Balt               

 AL Central

 1. Detroit            89 

 2. Minn              85-WC

 3. KC                  83

 3. Cleve              83

 5. CWS              

 AL West

 1. Sea               89

 2. Hou              84-WC

 3. Tex               83

 4. Sac               

 5. LAA             

NL East

1. NYM          92

2. Phil            91-WC

3. Atlanta        91-WC

4. Wash     

5. Miami    

NL Central

1. Chi                91

2. StL                81

3. Mil     

4. Cin 

5. Pitt 

NL West 

1. LAD              100

2. Ari                  89

2. SD                  89

4. SFG               86

5. Colo 

Here are my All-Star Starters through 1/4 of the 2025 season:

C

AL   C.Raleigh               Sea    

NL   W.Contreras           Mil

1B   

AL   J.Aranda                TB

NL   P.Alsono                NYM

2B   

AL  J.Chisholm            NYY

NL   B.Donovan           StL

SS

AL   B.Witt                  KC

NL   G.Perdomo           Ari

3B    

AL   A.Bregman           Bos

NL   M.Chapman         SF

LF

AL   S.Kwan                 Cle

NL   J.Wood                 Wash

CF

AL   B.Buxton             Min

NL   PC Armstrong      ChiC

RF

AL   A.Judge              NYY-MVP

NL   F.Tatis                SD-MVP

DH

AL   R.Devers             Bos

NL   S.Ohtani              LAD

P

AL  H.Brown             Hou

NL  L.Webb               SF

       

All Time NFL Tournament - Region 4

 Region 3

1. 1966 Green Bay Packers            14-2              Super Bowl Champions

2. 1968 Oakland Raiders                13-3             AFC West Champs

3. 1986 New York Giants                17-2             Super Bowl Champions

4. 1954 Cleveland Browns              10-3             NFL Champions

5. 1967 Baltimore Colts                   11-1-2         NFL Coastal Champs

6. 1994 Dallas Cowboys                  13-5             NFL East Champs

7. 2003 New England Patriots        17-2            Super Bowl Champions

8. 2019 San Francisco 49ers           15-4             NFC Champions

9. 2018 New Orleans Saints            14-4            NFC South Champs

10. 1976 Los Angeles Rams             11-4-1         NFC West Champs

11. 2006 Baltimore Ravens              13-4            AFC North Champs

12. 1982 New York Jets                    8-4              2nd AFC East

13. 1974 Miami Dolphins                 11-4            AFC East Champs

14. 2012 Green Bay Packers            12-6            NFC North Champs

15. 1995 Kansas City Chiefs            13-4            AFC West Champs

16. 1942 Washington Redskins        11-1            NFL Champions

Round 1

16. 1942 REDSKINS 12    1. 1966 PACKERS 0

-As was the case in Region 3, Region 4 opens with a stunner, the 16th seeded Redskins knock off the top seeded Packers.  Bart Starr was stuffed by that Skins defense, just 7 completions on the day. 26 year old Andy Farkas scored the game's only TD and intercepted Bart Starr late to seal the contest.

9. 2018 SAINTS 32          8. 2019 49ERS  29

-Overtime game in the 8/9; 39 year old Drew Brees threw 2 TD passes to 25 year old Michael Thomas in the second quarter - those scores surrounded an 83 yard TD from 28 year old Jimmy Garoppolo to 23 year old Deebo Samuel. Through 2 quarters, San Francisco led 23-21, and when Chase McLaughlin kicked his 4th FG of the day, San Francisco led 26-21 with less than 4 minutes to play.  Brees led the Saints down the field - on 4th and goal at the 6 with a little over a minute to play, Brees hit Michael Thomas for another score - and when Mark Ingram ran in the 2 pt conversion, the Saints had a 29-26 lead with a minute and change left.  At the gun - McLaughlin's 51 yard FG send the game into OT.  In overtime, the big play, AJ Klein leveling Raheem Mostert, forcing a fumble in Niners territory and 3 plays later a Will Lutz FG sent the Niners home.  Big days for both QBs, Brees threw 4 TD passes and Garoppolo threw for 382 yards, the current high mark in the tournament.

12. 1982 JETS  20   5. 1967 COLTS 17

-3 games, 3 upsets.  5 minutes left in the game, Colts up 17-13, 29 year old Richard Todd drove the Jets down to the Colt 13. and on 3rd and 7 with a little more than a minute left, Todd found Johnny Lam Jones with what would be the game winning TD.  Bobby Jackson intercepted Johnny Unitas to end the game.  Todd overcomes 2 picks to lead the Jets in the come from behind win.

4. 1954 BROWNS 10  13. 1974 DOLPHINS 9

-Midway through the 4th qtr the Dolphins led 9-3, Cleveland at their own 8 yard line.  33 year old Otto Graham drives to the Miami 16 at the two minute warning - 4th and 13 - Horace Gillam caught 5 balls this season, but he comes up with the clutch 13 yard gain to pick up the first down. On the next play, Graham finds Dub Jones in the end zone and the Browns survive 10-9.  Graham threw 3 interceptions but the Browns overcome that and advance.

11. 2006 RAVENS  21  6.  1994 COWBOYS 13

-Back to the upsets in Region 4, the 11th seeded Ravens advancing. Baltimore led 18-3 at halftime, 3 FGs, a short TD run by 27 year old Jamal Lewis and a safety by 28 year old Ed Reed.  It was 21-6 until an Emmitt Smith TD with 4 minutes to play, Dallas never regained possession.  Just a dozen first downs for Dallas, Baltimore held the ball for 35 minutes in this one.

3. 1986 GIANTS 17  14. 2012 PACKERS 15

-Raul Allegre hit a 30 yard FG at the gun to move the Super Bowl Champion Giants into round 2. Green Bay led 10-7 through 3 quarters, with 8 minutes to play a short Maurice Carthon TD gave New York the 14-10 lead. The Giants still held that lead with 4 minutes to play when they regained possession deep in their own territory; BJ Raji met Carthon in the backfield for a safety to make it 14-12, as important - the Packers got the ball back in great field position at the Giants 39 after a nice return by Randall Cobb - with 90 seconds left, a Mason Crosby FG gave the Packers a 15-14 lead.  The Giants started at their own 33, Phil Simms hit crucial completions to Mark Bavaro and Joe Morris and with no time left on the clock, Allegre hit that game winner. 129 yards rushing for 26 year old Joe Morris.  Only 106 yards passing for Aaron Rodgers on the day.

7. 2003 PATRIOTS 16     10. 1976 RAMS 6

-Back to back wins by the remaining Super Bowl Champs in the region. LA led 6-3 at the end of the first quarter but never scored again, gaining only 8 first downs all day.  Patriots defense stifled LA, Pat Haden going 5-17 for 59 yards.  9 tackles and a sack for Tedy Bruschi.  

15. 1995 CHIEFS  37      2. 1968 RAIDERS 10

-Region 4 round one ends the way it started, with a massive upset, the second seed Raiders head home in a blowout loss.  Oakland scored first and then just got blitzed, Marcus Allen is 35 and always loved to torture the Raiders, it happened again here, he had over 200 yards from scrimmage and 2 scores.  2 sacks for 28 year old Derrick Thomas

Round 2

2018 Saints v. 1942 Redskins

1954 Browns v. 1982 Jets

1986 Giants v. 2006 Ravens

2003 Patriots v. 1995 Chiefs

2018 SAINTS 26  1942 REDSKINS  0

-The magic that led the Skins to the huge round one upset was not present in round 2 and the Saints move to the regional semifinal.  124 yards receiving with a TD for 32 year old Michael Thomas, 2 picks for Marshon Lattimore, 4 Will Lutz FGs.

1954 BROWNS 24  1982 JETS  10

-Cleveland had a 24-0 lead through 3 quarters, 33 year old Otto Graham with 2 scoring tosses to 31 year old Dante Lavelli.  Richard Todd hit Wesley Walker with 2 4th quarter scores, but it was too little, too late.  140 yards receiving for Lavelli.

2006 RAVENS 16  1986 GIANTS  10

-13-10 Ravens through three quarters, the first big 4th qtr play a Chris McAlister interception of Phil Simms that snuffed a Giants mid quarter drive.  Following the third Matt Stover FG the Giants had a last gasp - they reached the Ravens 39 yard line, but a Trevor Price sack ended the game and sends the Ravens into round 2. 

2003 PATRIOTS 10  1995 CHIEFS  7

-The last Super Bowl Champion standing in region 4 survives to the semi-final.  All the points were scored in the first half, 26 year old Tom Brady hitting JJ Stokes for a 10 yard first quarter TD that was quickly matched by a Steve Bono to Willie Davis 21 yard score. Adam Vinatieri broke the tie in the second quarter...and that was the last score of the game. The teams exchanged punts throughout the second half - and when Ty Law intercepted Steve Bono with under 2 minutes to play the game was over.  2 sacks for Willie McGinest.  

Regional Semi Finals

1954 Browns v. 2018 Saints

2003 Patriots v. 2006 Ravens

'18 SAINTS 27  '54 BROWNS 24

-The 9th seed in the region reaches the regional final.  Saints take this in OT.  New Orleans scored two 3rd Qtr TDs (39 year old Drew Brees short TD pass to Ben Watson, short Mark Ingram TD run) to take a 24-14 lead, Cleveland tied it up in the 4th (46 yard Lou Groza FG and a short Mo Bassett TD run).  Multiple OT punts, with 8 minutes left, the Saints drove from their 33 to the Cleveland 15, and Will Lutz ended the game with the 42 yard FG.  117 yards rushing and the score for 29 year old Ingram.  Brees was 24-30 for 210 yards.  

'06 RAVENS 13  '03 PATRIOTS 10

-And the Saints will be facing the 11th seeds after an OT win by the Ravens.  Both teams scored second quarter TDs (33 year old Steve McNair 15 yards to Derrick Mason, 26 year old Tom Brady 10 yards to Daniel Graham). After both teams hit FGs in the second half, Baltimore got the ball to begin OT and never game it back, Matt Stover's 36 yard FG sending the Ravens to the regional final. Baltimore overcomes 3 McNair picks and they head to the region 4 final.

REGION 4 FINAL

9. 2018 SAINTS  v.  11. 2006 RAVENS

-4 out of 4 for the 21st century in winning the regions regardless of who wins this one.  Sean Peyton coaches the Saints, Drew Brees is 39 years old and still completed nearly 75% of his passes. The Saints went 13-3, won the NFC South, reached the NFC Title game where they lost to the Rams. New Orleans was 3rd in offense, 14th in defense. Michael Thomas is the team's only first team All Pro, in this tournament, the Saints beat the '19 Niners in Overtime, then shut out the '42 Skins, in the regional semi, the Saints won their second OT game, beating the '54 Browns.  

-The '06 Ravens also won their division and also went 13-3, but they scored just 6 points in a divisional round loss to the Colts.  Brian Billick coached these Ravens, Steve McNair is 33, Baltimore had the top defense in football and was 12th in offense. Adalius Thomas and Ed Reed were the All Pros, Reed, Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis all Hall of Famers.  

Off we head to the Superdome for the Region 4 Final.

2018 SAINTS 24    2006 RAVENS 21

-The Saints win their 3rd OT game in the tournament and take Region 4.  The Saints had a 21-6 lead through 3 quarters, touchdown runs by Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram - and a TD pass from Brees to Ben Watson.  McNair stormed back in the 4th quarter with 2 TD passes to Mark Clayton, the second one a 19 yarder at the gun after a 79 yard 2 minute drive that made it 21-19, McNair then hit Derrick Mason for the 2 point conversion to send the game into OT.  After a Saints punt, McNair again drove the Ravens, at the Saints 24 yard line Jamal Lewis appeared to have a breakaway for a score, but he was stripped from behind in a massive play by Marshawn Lattimore.  The Saints took possession at their 20 with 3 minutes left in OT, Brees hit the rookie Keith Kirkwood for a 38 yard gain and it led to a chip shot Will Lutz FG to give New Orleans the regional title.  A great McNair game goes unrewarded, 24-32, 365 yards and the 2 scores. 

All Time NFL Tournament - Region 3

 Region 2 (what is this?  thats found in the region 1 post)

Region 3

1. 1991 Washington Redskins          17-2        Super Bowl Champions

2. 2010 Green Bay Packers              14-6        Super Bowl Champions

3. 1997 Denver Broncos                   16-4        Super Bowl Champions

4. 2014 Seattle Seahawks                  14-5       NFC Champs

5. 1967 Los Angeles Rams                11-2-2    NFC Coastal Champs

6. 2017 New England Patriots          15-4       AFC Champs

7. 2012 San Francisco 49ers             13-5-1    NFC Champs

8. 2004 Pittsburgh Steelers               16-2       AFC North Champs

9. 2020 New Orleans Saints              13-5       NFC South Champs

10. 1964 Buffalo Bills                        13-2        AFL Champions

11. 1986 Chicago Bears                     14-3       NFC Central Champs

12. 1982 Miami Dolphins                  10-3       AFC Champs

13. 1953 Philadelphia Eagles            7-4-1     2nd NFL East

14. 2018 Kansas City Chiefs             13-5       AFC West Champs

15. 1981 Dallas Cowboys                  13-5       NFC East Champs

16. 1946 Cleveland Browns               13-2      AAFC Champions

16. 1946 BROWNS 13  1. 1991 REDSKINS 7

-WOW.  The region's top seed, the third overall seed in the tournament, the '91 Skins are knocked off by a Browns team from the mid 40s. 3 Mark Rypien interceptions cost Washington here, 2 from Tom Colella and one from Otto Graham, who was also responsible for the game's only TD, a 9 yard 3rd qtr pass to Dante Lavelli.  The Browns also sacked Rypien 4 times, Washington just unable to get much going offensively.

8. 2004 STEELERS 16  9. 2020 SAINTS 13

-With 3 minutes left in a 13-13 game the Steelers gook over at their own 13. The Steelers drove down to the Saint 30, the two big plays 22 year old rookie Ben Roethlisberger to 28 year old Hines Ward third down conversions.  At the gun, Jeff Reed hit his 3rd FG of the game to send the Steelers into a round 2 matchup with those '46 Browns.  A sack and a pick for Joey Porter.  

5. 1967 RAMS 21     12. 1982 DOLPHINS  16

-Miami had a 9-0 lead late in the first half on 3 Uwe Von Schamann FGs, and when Andra Franklin scored on a short run with 11 minutes left, they were up 16-7.  27 year old Roman Gabriel then led LA on a 17 play, 75 yard TD drive that ended with a 13 yard scoring toss to Bernie Casey.  That cut the deficit to 16-14. LA forced a 3 and out and got the ball back around midfield with just over 2 minutes to play.  With 30 seconds left, Gabriel connected with Billy Truax in the endzone for the game winning score.  

4. 2014 SEAHAWKS 34  13. 1953 EAGLES  6

-Seattle led 21-0 at the half on the strength of two TDs by 28 year old Marshawn Lynch and they round out the top half of the region 3 second round field.  Lynch finished 3 with scores - the Eagles only managed 5 first downs on the day. 4 sacks and 2 picks for the Seahawk defense. 

11. 1986 BEARS  17   6.  2017 PATRIOTS 16

-The '85 Bears did not make it through Region 2, but in Region 3, the '86 Bears are moving onto the second round.  129 yards rushing for 33 year old Walter Payton.  2 Sacks for Dave Duerson, the Bear defense holding Tom Brady to a 12-22, 163 yard day.  

3. 1997 BRONCOS 45   14. 2018 CHIEFS 27

-A thumping by the Super Bowl Champion '97 Broncos, they score 3 second quarter TDs, take a 31-9 halftime lead and cruise home.  220 yards from scrimmage and 4 scores for 25 year old Terrell Davis, thats the tournament's best performance to this point. 37 year old John Elway bests Patrick Mahomes, going 20-25, 240 yards and 2 scores. 

7. 2012 49ERS  23        10. 1964  BILLS    10

-Easy one for San Francisco, 25 year old Colin Kaepernick threw first half TD passes to Michael Crabtree and Bruce Miller and the Niners held a 20-3 lead through 3 quarters.  Only a dozen 49er first downs, their defense dominated this one; 24 year old NaVorro Bowman had a sack and 13 tackles. They also intercepted Jack Kemp three times.  

2. 2010 PACKERS  24    15. 1981 COWBOYS

-We nearly lost the second seed in the region; Dallas broke a 17-17 tie at the two minute warning with a short Rafael Septien FG, and 30 seconds later 27 year old Aaron Rodgers hit a streaking Greg Jennings for a 70 yard score.  The Packers win this despite losing the time of possession battle by 10 minutes. 180 yards receiving and 2 scores for Jennings. Tony Dorsett rushed for 120 with 2 scores. Clay Matthews had 3 sacks.

SECOND ROUND

2004 Steelers v. 1946 Browns

2014 Seahawks v. 1967 Rams

1997 Broncos v. 1986 Bears

2010 Packers v. 2012 49ers

1946 BROWNS 14   2004 STEELERS 10

-Dont mess with the'46 Browns. the 16th seeds in the region are headed to the region 3 semi finals. All the TDs were scored on first half runs (Bettis for the Steelers, SD Jones and Don Greenwood for Cleveland) the Browns 14-7 halftime lead held until a Steeler FG in the middle of the 4th.  Lou Groza missed a late FG giving the Steelers the ball with just under 2 minutes to play at their own 37 - they got down to the Browns 31, first down with 21 seconds left and no timeouts - two end zone shots fell incomplete and improbably, the Browns won again.  2 sacks for Bill Willis, 2 interceptions for Tom Colella, the Browns defense once again too tough for a more modern squad.

2014 SEAHAWKS 21  1967 RAMS 7

-Next up for the '46 Browns will be the '14 Seahawks; the game was tight through 3 quarters, 13-10 Seattle, 26 year old Russell Wilson led the Seahawks on an 83 yard TD drive that cut the heart out of the 4th qtr, culminated by his scoring on a 2 yard run and then a successful 2 point conversion led to the final score.  113 yards rushing for 28 year old Marshawn Lynch.  

1986 BEARS 20    1997 BRONCOS 17

-The 11th seeded '86 Bears bounce the Super Bowl Champion Broncos. 24 year old Mike Tomczak got the start here, replacing Jim McMahon who started in round 1; Tomczak threw for scores in both the first (4 yards to Willie Gault) and third quarters (5 yards to Emery Moorehead) and with 10 minutes left in the game the Bears led 20-3.  37 year old John Elway had been bottled up all day, but now, he drove the Broncos 60 yards in 4 minutes and hit Shannon Sharpe with a 12 yard TD pass to make it 20-10.  2 minutes later, Denver had the ball back at their own 12; it took just 2 minutes to travel the 88 yards, Terrell Davis with a short TD run at the 2 minute warning to make it 20-17.  Denver never got the ball back.  146 yards rushing for 33 year old Walter Payton, 2 Richard Dent sacks.  

2012 49ERS 20    2010 PACKERS 10

-None of the Super Bowl Champions make the Region 3 Semis as the '10 Packers are gone. San Francisco sprinted out to a fast 17-0 lead, 29 year old Frank Gore with a 20 yard first qtr TD run and 25 year old Michael Crabtree took an early second quarter reverse 65 yards to the house. Green Bay never threatened and the 49ers head to the region 3 semi.  Only 8 completions for Colin Kaepernick, this Niner team relying on its defense, intercepting Aaron Rodgers twice.  

REGION 3 SEMI FINAL

2014 Seahawks v. 1946 Browns

2012 49ers v. 1986 Bears

'14 SEAHAWKS 20  '46 BROWNS  0

-The glass slipper falls off; terrible day for Lou Groza, missing 4 FGs, 100 yards rushing for Marshawn Lynch; Kam Chancellor has 9 tackles and an interception and Seattle heads to the Region 3 Final.

'86 BEARS 19     '12 49ERS 10

-The 49ers took a 10-3 lead into the 4th quarter, a 56 yard strike from Colin Kaepernick to Delanie Walker to end the first quarter providing the game's TD.  Chicago scored 16 unanswered in the 4th to head to the Region 3 final and a short TD run from Thomas Sanders and a 4 yard TD pass from Jim McMahon, in relief of Mike Tomczak, to Emery Moorehead.  Just 9 first downs for San Francisco, 145 yards rushing for Walter Payton. 

REGIONAL FINAL

4. 2014 SEATTLE SEAHAWKS  v. 11. 1986 CHICAGO BEARS

-Two teams who won Super Bowls the year before. Pete Carroll leads the Seahawks, 3 members of the defense (Bobby Wagner, Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor) named first team All Pros.  26 year old Russell Wilson and 28 year old Marshawn Lynch carry the offensive burden.  Seattle went 12-4, winning the NFC West; they defeated the Packers to win the NFC Title and suffered a devastating late game Super Bowl loss to New England, 28-24.  In the tournament they defeated the '53 Eagles, '67 Rams and '46 Browns. 

-The '85 Bears are one of the great teams of all time, this is the year after that - Buddy Ryan is gone, Mike Ditka remains the head coach; 3 first team All Pros, Jimbo Covert, Mike Singletary and Wilber Marshall - Walter Payton is now 33, still the leader of the offense, the QB spot is in flux, Jim McMahon got hurt midway through the season and Mike Tomczak finished up - neither was the QB in the Bears first round ouster in the playoffs, that was Doug Flutie.  Payton, Covert, Singletary Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael, Richard Dent are all in the Hall of Fame.

Lets head to Seattle for the Region 3 Final.

'14 SEAHAWKS  16   '86 BEARS 7

-Seattle wins Region 3, they move to the Sweet 16 to face the winner of Region 14.  Its the Seattle defense that stepped up here, McMahon held to 99 yards passing.  Earl Thomas had both a sack and a pick; Marshawn Lynch ran for over a hundred yards and 3 Stephen Hauschka FGs were all the scoring Seattle needed. Seattle shut out the Bears in the second half.

All Time NFL Tournament-Region 2

 Region 1

 The 2007 Patriots held serve, winning Region 1 and advancing to the Sweet 16.  Here's Region 2. I explain what we're doing here in the Region 1 post.  

 1. 1985 Chicago Bears               18-1           Super Bowl Champions

 2. 1970 Minnesota Vikings        12-3          NFC Central Champs

 3. 2016 New England Patriots   17-2          Super Bowl Champions

 4. 2023 Baltimore Ravens          14-5          AFC North Champs

 5. 1984 Miami Dolphins             16-3          AFC Champs

 6. 2005 Denver Broncos             14-4          AFC West Champs

 7. 2006 Indianapolis Colts         16-4          Super Bowl Champions

 8. 2015 Arizona Cardinals        14-4           NFC West Champs

 9. 2021 Buffalo Bills                   12-7          AFC East Champs

 10. 1964 Green Bay Packers     8-5-1         2nd NFL West

 11. 2022 San Francisco 49ers    15-5          NFC West Champs

 12. 2002 Philadelphia Eagles    13-5          NFC East Champs

 13. 1967 Kansas City Chiefs     9-5            2nd NFL West

 14. 1953 Detroit Lions               11-2           NFL Champions

 15. 1950 Los Angeles Rams       10-4          National Div Champs

 16. 1948 Cleveland Browns       15-0          AAFC Champions

 Region 2

 1. 1985 CHICAGO BEARS  19    16. 1948 CLEVELAND BROWNS 10

 -The number two overall seed in the tournament is safely through to the second round. 4 Kevin Butler FGs set the pace offensively.  25 year old Richard Dent had two sacks for Chicago. 

 8. 2015 ARIZONA CARDINALS 27    9. 2021 BUFFALO BILLS  24

 -Down 24-19 with 2:28 left at their own 14, 36 year old Carson Palmer led the Cards on a game winning TD drive that included a 14 yard completion to John Brown on a 4th and 9.  With seconds left, 30 year old Chris Johnson ran one in from the 4 and then added a successful run for a 2 pt conversion to provide the final total.  Zack Moss scored twice for the Bills, Chandler Catanzaro had 4 field goals. Jerraud Powers took back a Josh Allen pass for a pick 6 in the second quarter.  The Cards also had 4 sacks, including 2 by Calais Campbell who had 15 tackles on the day, currently the high total in the tournament.  

 12. 2002 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES  31  5. 1984 MIAMI DOLPHINS  24

 -First upset in the region as the 12th seeded Eagles overcome a 14-7 halftime deficit to advance. 32 year old Dorsey Levens ran for 2 scores, including a 75 yard TD run that tied the game in the third quarter. Mark Clayton caught 7 balls for 102 yards and a score for Miami. 

 4. 2023 BALTIMORE RAVENS 30    13. 1967 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 21

-Baltimore was never really threatened here; 17-0 at the half, 24-7 after 3. 26 year old Lamar Jackson only completed 9 passes in what was a run heavy Ravens approach.  23 year old Mike Garrett scored twice and rushed for over a hundred yards for the losing Chiefs.  3 FGs for Justin Tucker.

11. 2022 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 24   6. 2005 DENVER BRONCOS 7

-The bottom half of the region opens with an upset, the 11th seeded Niners knocking off the 6th seeded Broncos. San Francisco led 17-0 at the half, Ray Ray McCloud taking back a punt 72 yards for a second quarter score.  Touchdown runs for both Christian McCaffrey and Eli Mitchell for the Niners.  

 3. 2016 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 27  14. 1953 DETROIT LIONS 13

-The second of 3 Super Bowl Champions in Region 2 wins their round one game, 30 year old LeGarrette Blount with 2 TDs and a buck thirty on the ground.  New England had a 24-6 lead early in the 4th quarter and cruised on home.  

 10. 1964 GREEN BAY PACKERS 42  7. 2006 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 21

- The first look at one of Lombardi's Packers squads in the tournament and they absolutely blow the doors off the Super Bowl Champion Colts.  313 yards rushing for the Pack, 29 year old Jim Taylor had 141 yards rushing and 2 scores and 29 year old Paul Hornung had 130 yards, 2 scores and added a half dozen extra points.  30 year old Peyton Manning was effective, 20-29, 262 yards and 3 scores, but the Colts never got closer than that final 21 point margin at any point in the second half.  

 2. 1970 MINNESOTA VIKINGS 27   15. 1950 LOS ANGELES RAMS 7  

-The bottom half of region 2 closes with a win for the second seeded Vikings; this one was tight through 3 quarters, Minnesota leading 10-7, but in the first five minutes of the 4th, Clint Jones scored on an 11 yard run, 25 year old Alan Page strip sacked Norm Van Brocklin, and then Gary Cuozzo hit Gene Washington with a 21 yard scoring pass and the Vikes were onto the second round.

Round 2

1985 Bears v. 2015 Cardinals

2023 Ravens v. 2002 Eagles

2016 Patriots v. 2022 49ers

1970 Vikings v. 1964 Packers

1985 BEARS 42   2015 CARDINALS  17

-Overwhelming win for the second overall seed in the field; 32 year old Walter Payton had first quarter TD runs of 51 and 29 yards, he'd add a third score in the 4th quarter and this one was a laugher. 156 yards on the ground for Payton with those 3 scores. Matt Suhey added two rushing TDs for the Bears. 2 more sacks for Richard Dent.

2023 RAVENS 23  2002 EAGLES 22

-Thrilling comeback for the region's 4th seed; the Ravens trailed 19-9 heading to the 4th quarter, 26 year old Donovan McNabb both ran for and threw a TD in the first half; after a TD run by their own 26 year old QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore trailed 22-16, getting the football at their own 48 with under 5 minutes to play; Jackson led the Ravens to a game winning drive that included a Zay Flowers reception on a 4th and 7. Justice Hill capped the drive with what turned out to be the final score, a long David Akers FG attempt at the gun fell short and the Eagles go home.  

2022 49ERS 26  2016 PATRIOTS 24

-The region's 11th seed knocks off a Super Bowl Champion in a game that was certainly personal for a couple of 49ers; the backup QB for this Patriots team was 25 year old Jimmy Garoppolo; 6 years later he earns the start for the opposing Niners.  Kyle Shanahan is the 49ers head coach, but rewind 6 years and he was the offensive coordinator for the Falcons team that allowed an unprecedent Super Bowl comeback by this Patriots team.  In this one, Jeff Wilson scored TDs in both the 1st and 2nd quarters for San Francisco, but the Patriots had a 17-14 halftime lead when 39 year old Tom Brady hit Martellus Bennett with a late second quarter score.  Two Robbie Gould FGs gave San Francisco a 20-17 mid 4th quarter lead. The Niners forced a Brady 3 and out and it was Garappolo who found the end zone with a 21 yard toss to 29 year old George Kittle, the Pats got an end of game score but without time to do anything else and San Francisco reaches the regional semi finals.

1964 PACKERS 17  1970 VIKINGS 10

-Round 2 ends with another double digit seed advancing. Defensive struggle most of the way, it was 3-0 Minnesota in the middle of the third quarter when 26 year old Elijah Pitts took a punt back 71 yards for the first TD of the game.  Minnesota regained the lead early in the 4th qtr on a 10 yard scoring pass from Gary Cuozzo to Gene Washington.  30 year old Bart Starr then led the Packers on a six minute scoring drive that ended with a Jim Taylor 1 yard plunge and it was Packers 14-10 with 6 minutes to play.  Lionel Aldridge would recover a Bill Brown fumble on the next Vikings drive to set up a late Paul Hornung FG.  Green Bay wins despite having less than 150 yards total offense on the day.  

Regional Semi Finals

'85 Bears v '23 Ravens

'64 Packers v. '22 49ers

'23 RAVENS 15  '85 BEARS  14

-A legitimate shocker, the top seed in the region, the second overall seed in the tournament - bounced here in the Region 2 semi.  Baltimore only had 13 first downs on the day and didn't get in the end zone, all its scoring consisting of 5 Justin Tucker FGs.  The Bears had a 14-9 lead after 3 quarters, its two TDs coming on Walter Payton runs.  Baltimore opened the 4th with an 87 yard drive, the big play a 60 yard Keaton Mitchell run.  Tucker's 4th FG ended that drive and cut the Bears lead to 14-12 with 10 minutes left.  The teams exchanged punts, Baltimore getting the ball back at midfield after a nice Tylan Wallace punt return. Just under 4 minutes to play, down 2.  A third down conversion on a Jackson pass to Justice Hill set the Ravens up at the Chicago 33, just ahead of the 2 minute warning.  Jackson hit Rashod Bateman for a big play, a 21 yard gain to the 12.  Baltimore attempted to set Tucker up for the game winner, but Otis Wilson met Jackson in the backfield during a handoff and it resulted in a 7 yard loss.  4th down at the Bear 19, seconds left on the clock - Tucker drilled his fifth FG of the day and the 2023 Ravens had eliminated the '85 Bears.  Chicago had 7 sacks, held Jackson to under a hundred yards passing in the loss.

'22 49ers 20    '64 Packers 10

-Two ultramodern double digit seeds reach the Region 2 Finals.  The Pack had a 10-6 lead through 3 quarters, the only TD a third quarter Bart Starr to Jim Taylor 6 yard pass.  The Niners drove 66 yards in the first five minutes of the 4th to take the lead, Christian McCaffrey busting up the middle for a 26 yard score.  The Pack was unable to move passed midfield, the Niners taking over at their own 13 midway through the 4th and Garoppolo led them on a 12 play drive that ate up most of the remainder of the clock and was capped by a short Elijah Mitchell TD run. Very efficient Garoppolo game, 17-21, 198 yards.  

REGION 2 FINAL

4. 2023 RAVENS v 11. '22 49ERS

-The Region 1 Final pitted the two top seeds and the top seed won - thats not the case here.  The 4th seeded Ravens hosting the 11th seeded Niners.  These teams essentially played each other, in 2023 the Ravens beat the Niners 33-19. John Harbaugh coaching the Ravens, Kyle Shanahan the Niners - 26 year old Lamar Jackson was the MVP in 2023, one of 3 first team All Pros for the Ravens. Baltimore was 4th in offense, first in defense, they went 13-4, won the AFC North, lost the AFC Championship to the eventual Super Bowl Champion Chiefs.  31 year old Jimmy Garoppolo started the majority of the season for San Francisco, after his injury, rookie last pick in the draft Brock Purdy took over; either could take the snaps in this tournament, but the selection so far has been the veteran.  Four first team All pros for the Niners, they went 13-4, won the NFC West, lost the NFC Title to the Eagles.  

Time for the Region 2 Final, from M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

2022 49ERS 31  2023 RAVENS 23

-The 11th seeded 49ers are the Region 2 Champions and will head to the Sweet 16 to play the winner of Region 15. This was never really a close game, first half rushing TDs from Jeff Wilson and Jordan Mason helped give San Francisco a 17-6 halftime lead and two short TD passed from Garoppolo to Brandon Aiyuk cemented the game in the second half.  The Ravens scored with 3 minutes to go on a Lamar Jackson TD to Zay Flowers to cut the deficit to 8 - and then forced a 49ers 3 and out to get a last shot at it - but it was too little, too late and the Niners are moving on. 159 yards from scrimmage for Christian McCaffrey,