Friday, September 1, 2006
Ultimate Super Bowl Tournament Round 2
We’re down to 32 teams vying for a spot in the Sweet 16...not that anyone cares, judging by the reaction thus far...
1994 49ERS (13-3) vs. 1972 Dolphins (14-0): It’s too bad this game is in the second round because this is a clash of two heavyweights. The undefeated Dolphins against one of the all-time great offenses and a defense headlined by pro bowlers like Deion Sanders, Bryant Young, Dana Stubblefield, Tim McDonald and Merton Hanks. Here’s my thinking on the 72 Dolphins. They were an outstanding team but just because they were undefeated doesn’t mean they are the greatest of all time. The bottom line is they beat just 2 out of 14 teams that had winning records that year...and those two teams were 8-6 and neither one made the playoffs. They also won close playoff games against the Browns, Steelers and Redskins so it’s not like they obliterated teams. None the less, they were great. They ranked No. 1 in offense and defense. The running game was sensational with Larry Czonka and Mercury Morris both topping 1,000 yards and Jim Kiick adding 500 more. The offensive line could overpower teams and the defense was stingy to say the least. The 94 Niners too were outstanding in all facets. After a 3-2 start they won 14 of their last 15 games. Had their last regular-season game meant something they would have won that too, but instead rested their starters for the postseason. Their offense was a machine, topping 31 points in eight of their last nine games.
OUTCOME: This game would be a classic but I’ll take the Dolphins offensive line to wear down the Niners up front and keep Steve Young off the field long enough to escape. Dolphins 23, 49ERS 20.
2002 Buccaneers (12-4) vs. 1978 Steelers (14-2): We discussed the 2002 Bucs in the first-round matchups so we’ll analyze the Steelers here a bit. Some say, and I agree, that this was the best Steelers team. They defeated nine teams by 11 or more points. They lost just two games by 10 combined points and steamrolled the Broncos and Oilers in the AFC playoffs before edging defending world champion Dallas in a great Super Bowl XIII. The offense ranked fifth while the Steel Curtain defense was first and held six teams to single digits. Ten players went to the Pro Bowl and Terry Bradshaw threw 28 touchdown passes. Franco Harris again turned in a 1,000-yard season while receiver Lynn Swann and John Stallworth caught 20 touchdowns. With the Steel Curtain still dominating and the offense as powerful as ever, this team was one of the ages.
OUTCOME: There’s just too much Steeler power for the underdog Bucs in this one. Steelers 28, Buccaneers 13.
1969 Chiefs (11-3) vs. 1986 Giants (14-2): We looked at the Chiefs in their first :round win over the 2001 Patriots and they looked very tough to beat with so much talent on both sides of the ball. The Giants, though, are a formidable foe who ended their year on a 12-game winning streak. They also blitzed through the playoffs outscoring the 49ERS and Redskins, 66-3 before rallying past Denver 39-20 in Super Bowl XXI. Ironically, the Giants made a trademark of winning close, come-from-behind wins throughout the season, stunning the Niners and the Vikings on the road, while edging Denver in overtime during the regular season. In fact, eight of their regular season wins were by seven points or fewer. Led by league MVP Lawrence Taylor, the defense could stifle teams and finished second in the league. The offense too was dangerous with Joe Morris rushing for 1,516 yards and 14 touchdowns. Phil Simms had a great super bowl but actually struggled in the regular season, throwing 21 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. The receivers left something to be desired but tight end Mark Bavaro was a monster and had 1,001 yards.
OUTCOME: Boy, this is another tough one. I think the two teams mirror each other in a lot of ways with efficient offenses and nasty defenses. I like the Chiefs offense a bit more so I’ll take them in a low-scoring game. Chiefs 14, Giants 13.
1995 Cowboys (12-4) vs. 1980 Raiders (11-5): Again, we analyzed the Cowboys in the first round and saw how powerful they were so let’s look at the Raiders. Oakland shocked the world, becoming the first wild card team to win a super bowl while overcoming a 2-3 start. The upset the Browns and Chargers on the road to get to the super bowl then routed the favored Eagles, 27-10 in Super Bowl XV. This team was not a dominant force, ranking seventh in offense and 10th in defense, but they played their best when it mattered the most. The offense took off after quarterback Jim Plunkett replaced injured starter Dan Pastorini and threw 18 touchdowns. Mark VanEeghen and Kenny King formed a solid backfield tandem, combining for over 1,500 yards while Cliff Brinch and Bob Chandler caught 17 touchdowns. The defense improved as the year went on but did allow seven teams to score 20 or more points.
OUTCOME: The Raiders Cinderella story ends here as they run up against a team too talented for them to overcome. Cowboys 35, Raiders 17.
1981 49ERS (13-3) vs. 2004 Patriots (14-2): After looking at the Niners in the first round let’s look at the Patriots. This was the best Patriots team to win a super bowl and its winning streak reached an NFL record 20 games during this season. The defense was ravaged by injuries and yet completely shut down the Colts and quarterback Peyton Manning who had 49 touchown passes, holding them to a measley three points in the divisional playoffs. The Patriots then avenged a loss at Pittsburgh, hammering the Steelers before edging the Eagles in the super bowl. The offense ranked No. 4 and the defense ranked No. 2 and the team never missed a beat despite many injuries on both sides of the ball. Running back Corey Dillon added a new dimension to the Patriots offense, rushing for 1,635 yards and 12 touchdowns. That made the offense nearly impossible to stop with legend in training Tom Brady throwing for 3,692 yards and 28 touchdowns. That unit topped 20 points in 18 of their 19 games. The offensive line was underrated but solid as was the receiving corps. Add in coach Bill Belichick who established himself as a genius once again and this was one of the best teams to come along in a while.
OUTCOME: Joe Montana keeps it close, but the Niners can’t keep up with the Patriots who pull away in the second half. Patriots 27, 49ERS 17.
1973 Dolphins (12-2) vs. 2005 Steelers (11-5): We discussed the 73 Dolphins wrecking crew in the first round so we’ll focus on the Steelers here. Pittsburgh looked like it might miss the playoffs when it lost three straight games and fell to 7-5. But the Steelers won their last four games, then won four straight playoff games to win the super bowl as a wild card. Along the way they beat Peyton Manning’s Colts who everybody seemed to think was a lock to win the super bowl, the favored Broncos and the Seahawks. Those three teams combined went 40-8 during the season. A solid offensive line cleared the way for Willie Parker who rushed for over 1,200 yards while Hines Ward anchored a solid receiving trio that included Antwaan Randle El and Cedrick Wilson. Ben Roethlisberger was injured for a good portion of the regular season but was rock solid in the AFC playoffs. The defense also struggled at times during the regular season but was outstanding in the playoffs, holding the Colts, Broncos and Seahawks all under 20 points.
OUTCOME: The Steelers were a great Cinderealla story but the clock strikes midnight here. This Dolphins team was strong in all facets and would grind down the Steelers. Dolphins 24, Steelers 10.
1971 Cowboys (11-3) vs. 1999 Rams (13-3): We looked at Dallas in the first round so now let’s look at the Rams who were the story of the year after finishing 4-12. Kurt Warner became one of the all-time great Cinderella stories after replacing injured starter Trent Green in the preseason. Warner went from grocery store stock boy to league MVP, throwing for 41 touchdowns and 4,153 yards. Warner was one of the many great players who made this one of the all-time great offenses. The Rams lit up just about every team they played, scoring 526 points and topping 30 points in 12 of 16 regular-season games. Running back Marshall Faulk showed why he was one of the great running backs of this generation, rushing for 1,381 yards while also catching 87 passes for 1,048 yards. Receivers Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt and Az Hakim all had over 600 yards. But what people forget about this team is they had a good defense this year as well that ranked fourth in the league. That unit also held the Buccaneers and Titans to 22 points in the NFC championship and Super Bowl and forced numerous turnovers throughout the season, intercepting 29 passes.
OUTCOME: The Rams are just too quick for the Cowboys who find themselves in a track meet where they can’t catch up. Rams 34, Cowboys 21.
1983 Raiders (12-4) vs. 1993 Cowboys (12-4): We looked at the Raiders in the first round so let’s turn our attention to the Cowboys who won their second straight super bowl after overcoming an 0-2 start when Emmitt Smith was holding out. Had he not held out this team likely goes 14-2. This may have been the best of the three Dallas teams to win super bowls in the 90s as the offense and defense both ranked second. Eleven players went to the Pro Bowl, including three offensive linemen. The o-line was brilliant and frequently overpowered teams, while opening big holes for Smith and giving Troy Aikman plenty of time to hit talented targets like Michael Irvin, Alvin Harper and tight end Jay Novaeck. Fullback Daryl Johnston also was one of the best blocking backs in the league and had a lot to do with Smith rushing for 1,486 yards in 14 games. The defense also could shut down opponents, holding nine teams to 14 or fewer points. Charles Haley was one of the league’s best pass rushers while Ken Norton led a solid linebacking core.
OUTCOME: Too much Cowboys talent here for a good Raiders team to contend with. Cowboys 30, Raiders 17.
1985 Bears (15-1) vs. 1998 Broncos (14-2): This is a great game and it’s too bad they are meeting in the second round. Both teams made runs at perfect seasons with both starting 12-0 and 13-0. The Broncos repeated as champions in John Elway’s last season and were strong in all areas. With a stout offensive line in front of him, Terrell Davis topped 2,000 yards rushing and was virtually unstoppable all season. Elway threw for 22 touchdowns despite missing some time and the offense scored 501 points, topping 30 points 10 times. The defense did allow 301 points but still was solid with Steve Atwater and Bill Romanowski going to the Pro Bowl. But this team was about offense. Defenses had a hard time keying on Davis with Shannon Sharpe, Ed McCaffrey and Rod Smith as receivers. But if anybody can stop this offense it’s the 85 Bears who some feel might be the best defensive team ever. The Bears allowed just 198 points and sent six players to the Pro Bowl on defense. Their pass rush, with guys like Richard Dent, Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael was outstanding, their linebackers, like Mike Singletary and Otis Wilson were amazing and their secondary with guys like Dave Duerson and Gary Fencik was solid. The Bears shut out the Cowboys and Rams in the playoffs before allowing just 10 points to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Counting the playoffs they shut out four teams and held nine to single digits. Oh, they could score points too, putting up 456 that year. Walter Payton rushed for 1,551 yards while Jim McMahon threw 15 touchdowns. Willie Gault could stretch defense and the offensive line was tough to move.
OUTCOME: This would be a great game but the Bears find a way to slow the Broncos enough to win it late. Bears 17, Broncos 10.
1992 Cowboys (13-3) vs. 1966 Packers (12-2): We kind of discussed Dallas when talking about the 93 Cowboys who basically were the same team just a little bit better so we’ll focus on the Packers who lost two games by just four combined points. This Packers team was dominant, finishing fourth in offense and first in defense. The team was littered with Hall of Famers on both sides of the ball. Bart Starr was outstanding at quarterback, throwing just three interceptions in 251 attempts. Running backs Jim Taylor and Elijah Pitts combined for more than 1,700 yards of offense and Carroll Dale averaged 23.2 yards per catch. The defense held six of 14 regular-season opponents to single digits and the Packers routed the Chiefs in the first Super Bowl. This team was solid top to bottom and coached by one of the greatest, if not the greatest, in Vince Lombardi.
OUTCOME: Packers power overcomes Cowboy talent as Lombardi inspires his team to a late-win ala the Ice Bowl. Packers 30, Cowboys 28.
1991 Redskins (14-2) vs. 1974 Steelers (10-3-1): We looked at a facsimile of the Steelers when talking about the 75 Steelers in the first round so we focus on the Redskins here who blitzed their way to the title in a surprisingly weak NFC that year when some of the best teams like 49ERS and Eagles just missed the playoffs, meaning the Redskins beat the average Falcons and Lions en route to the super bowl. Still, this was a great team that finished first in offense and second in defense. Quarterback Mark Rypien had the year of his life, winning MVP honors after throwing for 3,564 yards and 28 touchdowns. Ernest Byner topped 1,000 yards while Ricky Ervins topped 600. Gary Clark and Art Monk both had 1,000 receiving yards and the offensive line allowed less than 10 sacks so this offense was tough to stop. The defense also did damage led by guys like Charles Mann and Darrell Green. Everything clicked for Washington this season but they soon fell apart as they got old quick and after a 9-7 1992 wild card season did not return to the playoffs until 1999.
OUTCOME: It’s tough to pick against the Redskins here, but I can see the Steel Curtain fighting through the Hogs, flustering Rypien and making life miserable for him. Steelers 16, Redskins 7.
1968 Jets (11-3) vs. 1982 Redskins (8-1): The Redskins get another shot here against Joe Namath and the Jets who shocked the heavily favored Colts in Super Bowl III. Looking back it’s surprising the Jets were so lightly regarded since they finished second in offense and fourth in defense. Namath threw for over 3,000 yards although he had more interceptions than touchdowns. Matt Snell and Emerson Boozer made a nice one-two running back tandem while Don Maynard and George Sauer both topped 1,000 receiving yards which was unheard of in 1968. The defense included four pro bowlers and dominated the Colts in the Super Bowl after a 27-23 AFL title win over the Raiders. The Redskins surprised many after finishing 8-8 but they were outstanding in this strike-shortened season. The defense finished first although the offense was just 12th. Still, they had their way with two straight playoff opponents before fighting off stern challenges from the Cowboys and Dolphins in the NFC title game and the super bowl. Although John Riggins could pound defenses with his hard-nosed running behind the Hogs, it was quarterback Joe Theismann who put up the better numbers. In just nine games, he threw for 2,033 yards and 13 touchdowns. The defense allowed just two teams to reach 20 points, including playoff games.
OUTCOME: Namath guarantees a win, but the Redskins do their talking on the field and wear down the Jets late. Redskins 20, Jets 16.
1976 Raiders (13-1) vs. 2003 Patriots (14-2): We talked about the 2004 Patriots who are somewhat similar to the 2003 Patriots minus Corey Dillon. That, though, is a huge difference, making the 2004 team stronger. The Patriots, though, overcame a variety of injuries and won their last 15 games after starting 2-2, seemingly finding new ways to win every week for a stretch. Ironically, the Raiders only loss in 1976 was to the Patriots. They also almost lost to them in the playoffs but eked out a three-point win before throttling the two-time defending champion Steelers and the Vikings in the AFC championship and Super Bowl. The offense lit up the scoreboard with Ken Stabler throwing for 27 touchdowns and Mark VanEeghen rushing for more than 1,000 while Clarence Davis topped 500 yards. The offensive line dominated teams and was anchored by Gene Upshaw and Art Shell who manhandled the Vikings in the Super Bowl. Cliff Branch had over 1,000 yards receiving and caught 12 touchdowns and was the league’s best deep man at the time. The defense was tough but susceptible as it allowed 20 or more points five times, including 48 in a loss to the Patriots. This, though, was probably the best of the three Raiders super bowl winners.
OUTCOME: Brady leads a game-scoring touchdown drive in the final minute but the Raiders win in overtime. Raiders 23, Patriots 20.
1989 49ERS (14-2) vs. 1996 Packers (13-3): This was likely the best 49ERS team and that is saying something considering the talent of their 94 and 84 teams. The Niners destroyed the Vikings, Rams and Broncos in the playoffs, outscoring them 126-26 while sealing every game by halftime. The halftime scores of those games were 27-3, 21-3 and 27-3. Joe Montana had his best year, setting what was then a record for passing efficency while throwing for 3,521 yards and 26 touchdowns against just eight interceptions. Jerry Rice and John Taylor formed the league’s best receiving duo as both topped 1,000 yards and combined for 27 touchdowns. Fullback Tom Rathman was the best in the league that year and caught 73 passes while helping Roger Craig rush for more than 1,000 yards. Brent Jones also emerged as a weapon at tight end that year.The Niners scored 452 points and the defense ranked second in the league. Ronnie Lott spearheaded the defense while players like Pierce Holt, Charles Haley and Kevin Fagan created a fierce pass rush. Don Griffin, Daryl Pollard and Tim McKyer were not household names but they made it tough to throw against the Niners and helped the team intercept 21 passes. The Niners lost two games by just five points and one was on a last-second field goal. The Packers overcame a mid-season two-game losing streak to win their last eight games. They fended off a tough challenge from the Patriots to win their first super bowl since 1967. Brett Favre showed why he was the best in the game at that time, throwing for 3,899 yards and 39 touchdowns. No receiver or running back topped 1,000 yards but Edgar Bennett and Dorsey Levens ran well while Antonio Freeman emerged as Favre’s go-to receiver. Reggie White could overpower offensive linemen while Leroy Butler spearheaded a good secondary.
OUTCOME: The Packers were solid but the Niners are just too strong and too deep for them here. 49ERS 34, Packers 17.
1984 49ERS (15-1) vs. 1990 Giants (13-3): The 84 Niners were the first team to win 15 games and came within a last-second Gary Anderson field goal of going undefeated. The Niners overwhelmed opponents, finishing second in offense and first in defense while scoring 475 points. While noted for their offense, the defense was dominant, allowing just 26 points in three playoff wins and shutting out the Bears 23-0 in the NFC championship. The Dolphins were supposed to have an unstoppable offense but the Niners held them to 16 points and just one touchdown in a 38-16 super bowl rout. Montana threw for 3,630 yards and 28 touchdowns while Wendell Tyler ran for 1,262 yards. Roger Craig became a threat at fullback, running and receiving for more than 600 yards each while scoring 10 touchdowns. Dwight Clark and Freddie Solomon combined for over 1,500 yards and caught 16 touchdowns while the offensive line sent three players to the Pro Bowl. The 90 Giants were a tough as nails defensive team that allowed just 211 points but finished only 15th in offense. The defense stymied the two-time defending champion Niners and high-powered Bills in the NFC Championship and super bowl, winning close games, 15-13 and 20-19. Jeff Hostetler replaced injured quarterback Phil Simms late in the season and was steady in the playoffs, while running back Otis Anderson rushed for 784 yards and 11 touchdowns.
OUTCOME: The Giants defense was outstanding but the Niners offensive line would hold them in check and the Giants offense would be unable to keep pace late in the game. 49ERS 28, Giants 14.
1970 Colts (11-2-1) vs. 1997 Broncos (12-4): This Broncos team had to go the wild card route after a late-season two-game losing streak but while not as dominant as the 98 team was very similar in capability as that team making it a tough team to beat. This was the last hurrah for the Colts who just two years later would stumble to a losing record. This was not a dominant team but it found ways to win as evidenced by its 16-13 super bowl win over the Cowboys. Johnny Unitas and Earl Morrall combined for 27 touchdown passes while but the running game left something to be desired as no back topped 450 yards. The defense was solid but did allow 44 points in a loss to the Chiefs.
OUTCOME: The Colts don’t have enough juice to hold off Elway, Davis, Sharpe Inc. They would need to score a lot of points to win and that won’t happen. Broncos 31, Colts 17.
Sweet 16 Pairings
1972 Dolphins vs. 1978 Steelers
1969 Chiefs vs. 1995 Cowboys
2004 Patriots vs. 1973 Dolphins
1999 Rams vs.1993 Cowboys
1985 Bears vs. 1966 Packers
1974 Steelers vs. 1982 Redskins
1976 Raiders vs. 1989 49ERS
1984 49ERS vs. 1997 Broncos
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