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51 Super Bowls in 51 Days – Super Bowl XIX

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The Super Bowl is just 33 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 33 years ago to honor this not that significant occasion!

Palo Alto’s Stanford Stadium hosted Super Bowl XIX on January 20, 1985. The game pitted the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers against the Miami Dolphins of the American Football Conference. 1984 was an epic season for the NFL by any standard. Washington’s Art Monk broke the receptions record. Eric Dickerson of the Rams broke the single-season rushing record. Dan Marino seemed to break every passing record imaginable. And, the 49ers came three points away from a perfect season.

San Francisco 49ers 33 Years Ago

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Where the Dolphins were a great passing team and nothing else, San Francisco was a great passing team and everything else. The 49ers were 2nd in points scored and 1st in points allowed. There is no better recipe for success in any sport than that statistic. They were led, of course, by their fabulous quarterback, Joe Montana. Montana was almost the perfect football player. He was accurate. He was a solid scrambler. Montana could hit the deep ball. He was cerebral. He was a joy to watch perform.

Coach Walsh surrounded his terrific QB with a solid running game. Wendell Tyler rushed for over 1200 yards averaging 5 yards per carry. Roger Craig was an innovation at halfback. He would substitute for Tyler on third downs. The Roger Craig-type is on every team in the NFL in 2017. But, he was the first of his kind and one of the best.

San Francisco’s defensive backfield has ridiculous skills at every spot. Ronnie Lott was arguably the best safety ever to play in the NFL. They had a super front line and solid linebackers. This was truly a team without weakness; one of the ten best teams in NFL history. They completed the 1984 regular season with a then-record 15 victories. In the playoffs, they were workmanlike in defeating the upstart Giants and Bears, 21-10 and 23-0 respectively.

Miami Dolphins 33 Years Ago

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There was nothing workmanlike about Miami’s 1984 regular season. Their offense was way ahead of its time and, frankly, Marino was the best quarterback we had ever seen up to that point. His receivers were the uber-talented Mark Duper and Mark Clayton. They combined for 144 catches for 2700 yards! Clayton score a then-record 18 times. These numbers don’t sound extraordinary by today’s standards. But, by 1984 standards, they were off the charts. Marino, Clayton and Duper played together for about a decade, but 1984 was their climax.

In the playoffs, Miami got revenge on the Seahawks for their 1983 upset. In the championship game, Miami only had to face 9-7 Pittsburgh. The Steelers had shocked 13-3 Denver in the divisional round, a foreshadow of things to come for John Elway in the 80’s. Pittsburgh was no match for Miami’s powerful offense, losing 45-28.

Marino Shut Down

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The Super Bowl started off in competitive fashion. Miami took a 10-7 lead late in the first quarter on a short TD pass from Marino on the roll to tight end Dan Johnson. However, the Niners responded with a three-touchdown explosion. Meanwhile, Miami went three-and-out an astonishing three times. The score was 28-10 late in the first half. The Dolphins got two late field goals to move within 12 points at the break and nobody felt the game was over at that point.

But, Miami came out of the break with more three-and-outs. Marino also threw two red zone picks. Hence, the Dolphins did not score in the second half. Craig, on the other hand, scored three times in the game himself for the Niners! And, San Francisco won the Super Bowl, 38-16.

The Niners have the reputation for being the team of the ’80s. However, they did not reach the Super Bowl again until 1988. But, they won it that season and in 1989. Miami’s Super Bowl XIX appearance was its fifth and last. They have suffered through three decades of mediocrity since then.

Tomorrow, we’ll talk about the phenomenal 1985 Chicago Bears!

 

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_Bills

 

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51 Super Bowls in 51 Days – Super Bowl XVIII

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The Super Bowl is just 34 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 34 years ago to honor this not that significant occasion!

Tampa Bay hosted Super Bowl XVIII on January 22, 1984. The game pitted the defending World Champion Washington Redskins against the Los Angeles Raiders of the AFC. There was little doubt throughout the season that these were the two best teams in football. For during the regular season, they staged a classic confrontation. The Skins won at home 37-35 thanks to a fantastic comeback.

Washington Redskins 34 Years Ago

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Washington had one of the best regular seasons in league history. On offense, they broke the single-season points record. They finished 14-2. Incredibly, their only losses on the season came on Monday Night Football to Dallas (31-30) and to Green Bay (48-47). They got into the Super Bowl by destroying the Rams, 51-7 and edging the 49ers.

The NFC championship game between Washington and San Francisco is sometimes referred to as “The Forgotten Classic.” The Skins got off to a 21-0 lead. But, Joe Montana and Mike Wilson led the Niners to a comeback. Redskins’ kicker Mark Mosely had a terrible day. However, with the game on the line, he converted a 25-yarder to clinch the victory. The Redskins were back in the Super Bowl, ready to defend their title.

Los Angeles Raiders 34 Years Ago

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The Raiders were playing in their second season in Los Angeles. When they were in Oakland, they won two Super Bowls including one in 1980. In 1981, Al Davis drafted Howie Long out of Villanova. In 1982, he selected Marcus Allen from USC. Could he have drafted any better? Long and Allen were huge contributors on the 1983 team. Additionally, veteran tight end Todd Christiansen led the NFL in receptions. The Raiders had veteran-talent all over the field. Lyle Alzado, Rod Martin, Bill Pickel, Ted Hendricks, Mike Haynes, Mike Davis, Lester Hayes, Matt Millen, Cliff Branch, Jim Plunkett, Kenny King, Greg Pruitt, Ray Guy, Chris Bahr etc. There is little wonder how Tom Flores’ team won 23 of their first 29 games in Los Angeles with that group.

They had one Achilles heel in 1983. They struggled against Curt Warner and the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle swept the series, scoring 72 points in the process. After crushing the Steelers in the divisional round, LA would have their opportunity to beat Seattle in the AFC championship game. And, they did just that. Marcus had over 200 yards from scrimmage including an excellent TD reception to put the game away. On defense, the Raiders recorded 5 interceptions. They were dominant. Hence, LA was back in the big dance.

Super Raiders

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The high expectations set forth for this contest never materialized. The Raiders were overwhelmingly better…at everything. In the first half, the Raiders scored touchdowns on special teams, offense and defense. Perhaps the pivotal play of the game occurred with seconds to go in the second quarter. The Skins went back to a play that worked in the teams’ first meeting; a screen pass to little Joe Washington. LA knew it was coming. Linebacker Jack Squirek stole the pass and waltzed in from the five for a 21-3 halftime lead.

With the score 28-9 late in the third, Allen scored a 74-yard TD. It was this game’s signature play. In fact, the NFL Network considered it the greatest run in NFL history! Surely, it was spectacular in that Allen started one way, reversed field, and dashed into the darkness. As Riggins’ run was in Super Bowl XVII, this was an iconic play from Super Bowls past.

The Raiders won the ball game, 38-9. They would not represent Los Angeles in the Super Bowl ever again. The Redskins would be back in four short years. 1987 was another strike-shortened season that ended in another World Championship for the Redskins.

Tomorrow, we’ll talk about the great offense of the 1984 Dolphins and the great 18-1 team from San Francisco.

 

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_Bills

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51 Super Bowls in 51 Days – Super Bowl XVII

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The Super Bowl is just 35 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 35 years ago to honor this not that significant occasion!

Pasadena’s Rose Bowl hosted Super Bowl XVII on January 30, 1983. The game pitted the NFC champion Washington Redskins against the Miami Dolphins of the American Football Conference. This was a rematch of Super Bowl VII; the only other time the Skins had been to the big game up till that point and when Miami completed their undefeated season. A strike had marred the 1982 season. The NFL cancelled seven games in all. Also, this Super Bowl was the first to be played one week after the championship games.

Washington Redskins 35 Years Ago

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Joe Gibbs’ Redskins showed vast improvement from the 1981 season. They were one of the most fun teams in NFL history. They had the “Diesel, ” Johns Riggins. Their offensive line was nicknamed “the hogs” and their small-ish wide receivers were dubbed “the smurfs.” Their defense was solid as well. They ran a bend but don’t break scheme focused on punishing pass catchers and rushing the passer.

In 1982, Washington finished a league-best 8-1 record. Their only loss was at home to the hated Cowboys. In 1982, the NFL decided to have a 16-team playoff tournament. Washington was the top seed in the NFC and faced off against Detroit. They pummeled the Lions causing 8 turnovers. Alvin Garrett scored three times on receptions from Joe Theismann.

One week later, they had a much more difficult game against the Vikings. But, once they led 21-7, they just handed the ball to Riggins. Riggins carried the ball 37 times for 185 yards. Neither team scored in the second half, but Washington’s “hogs” were the MVP of this game.

In the NFC championship game, the Redskins knocked Dallas QB Danny White out of the game. Then, they knocked the Cowboys out of the playoffs. The key play of this game occurred late in the fourth quarter. With the Skins leading 24-17, Dallas had their opportunity. But, back up QB Gary Hogeboom attempted to set up a screen. Dexter Manley ran at him like a bull and deflected the pass into the air for Darryl Grant to pick off and rumble home. RFK Stadium literally shook. Washington was off to the Super Bowl.

Miami Dolphins 35 Years Ago

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The Dolphins were not as consistent as the Skins during the regular season, but played three solid playoff games. 35 years go, Coach Shula’s Dolphins were the #1 defense in the NFL. And they were thankful for that because they had the 19th-ranked offense, one of the worst offenses to ever participate in a Super Bowl. Their quarterbacking situation revolved around two guys, the late David Woodley and Don Strock. They were sometimes referred to as “Woodstrock” due to Strock finishing so many games that Woodley started. Their defense, though, was awesome.

There were so many players on Miami’s defense with last names starting with the letter “B,” they were referred to as the “Killer Bees.” Add to all that talent #77 stud linebacker A.J. Duhe and longtime defensive mastermind, Bill Arnsparger, and Miami was a formidable foe. In the first round, Miami outclassed New England, 28-13. The Dolphins got revenge on San Diego by dominating them 34-13 in the second round.

In the AFC Championship game, the Dolphins and Jets played in the mud of the Orange Bowl. Duhe intercepted Richard Todd including a pick sick to put the game on ice. Miami won 14-0.

Big Play Dolphins

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The Dolphins did not wait long to score in the Super Bowl. In a game where they totaled 176 yards, they got 76 of those on their 5th play from scrimmage. Woodley found Jimmy Cefalo for their lone big offensive play of the game and a 7-0 lead. The teams exchanged time-consuming field goals drives. Therefore, Miami led 10-3 when the game got very interesting just before the half.

First, Theismann threw a fade to tiny Alvin Garrett to tie the score. Next, Fulton Walker returned the ensuing kickoff. It was first KO return in Super Bowl history as the late-great Walker needed one block and was free. Finally, the Skins drove down the botched an attempt to get a field goal off before the end of the half as they failed to get out-of-bounds with the clock running.

Diesel Dash

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In the second half, Washington got that kick to make the score, 17-13. By now, Miami’s offense was putrid. They went 4 for 17 in their passing game ON THE DAY! Their defense battled to stay ahead and very nearly, pick sixed their way to victory. A diving Theismann saved the day on a batted ball.

In the fourth quarter, one of the iconic Super Bowl moments occurred. On a fourth and one from the 43, Riggins to his left, plowed over DB Don McNeal, and raced down the far sidelines for a go-ahead TD. Washington added one more score late by Charlie Brown and the Redskins had their first World Championship!

Washington got back to the Super Bowl three more times, winning two of those under Coach Gibbs. Miami got back two years later. They no longer had a good defense. But, they had a terrific young quarterback out of Pitt named Dan Marino. They lost Super Bowl XIX to the Niners. Unfortunately, they have yet to return.

 

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_Bills

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51 Super Bowls in 51 Days – Super Bowl XV

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The Super Bowl is just 37 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 37 years ago to honor this not that significant occasion! 

Louisiana’s Superdome hosted Super Bowl XV on January 25, 1981. The game pitted the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles against the Oakland Raiders of the American Football Conference. The game was played amid the backdrop of the more serious world events. That week, US hostages were released from Iranian control adding to the emotional nature of the game. 

Philadelphia Eagles 37 Years Ago

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For Eagles’ fans, winning the NFC championship was a culmination of Dick Vermeil’s culture change. Philadelphia had long been home to a losing football team. But, Vermeil instituted a winning attitude from the day he arrived from UCLA. 

They were not an overnight success. In 1978, they chocked in a Wild Card loss at Atlanta. In 1979, they lost as a road favorite in Tampa. But, in 1980, they were the NFC’s best from day one. Their offense centered around three Pro Bowlers. Wilbert Montgomery was a sensational, young running back, the team’s best player. At quarterback, Ron Jaworski was rugged and had a rocket for an arm. They also had a giant. Veteran wide receiver Harold Carmichael was virtually uncoverable at 6’8”.  

The 1980 Eagles had the #1 defense in points allowed and #2 in yards allowed. They did not play a bad game on that side of the ball all season. Nose tackle Charlie Johnson was the best of a very experienced bunch. 

In the divisional round of the playoffs, the Eagles came out very flat. The youthful Vikings pounced on their mistakes and took a shocking 14-0 lead. However, Philadelphia got down to business in the second half. They won going away, 31-16. 

In the NFC championship game, Philadelphia hosted Dallas in ice-cold Veterans Stadium. One minute into the game, Montgomery scored on a burst through the middle. He wasn’t even touched on the play that gave Philly a 7-0 lead. The Eagles’ defense punished Danny White and ‘dem Boys. The win sent Philadelphia to their first Super Bowl appearance. 

Oakland Raiders 37 Years Ago

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The 1980 season saw a changing of the guard in the AFC. The usually formidable and two-time defending World Champion Pittsburgh Steelers had a down season. Thus, the conference was wide open. It was so tight that each of the five playoff teams finished with identical 11-5 records.  

The Bills won the AFC East behind a great defense. The Chargers had a historically good offense. The Browns were known as the “Cardiac Kids” for their amazing comebacks. Yet, the two best overall teams in the AFC in 1980 probably played in the Wild Card game.  

It was Houston with ex-Raider Ken Stabler at quarterback at Oakland. The Raiders had a tumultuous 1980 season under Tom Flores. Their starting QB was former-Oiler Dan Pastorini. But, Pastorini broke his leg in week 5. Who was next on the depth chart? Ten-year veteran Jim Plunkett. Plunkett proceeded to put together a season Cinderella would have been proud of.  

On defense, the Raiders had a cornerback named Lester Hayes. Hayes’ 1980 season is arguably the best-ever by a defensive back in NFL history. Counting the playoffs, the Raiders played in 20 games in 1980. Hayes recorded an insane 18 interceptions for 318 yards! What a performance! 

Cinderella Story

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In the Wild Card game against Houston, Hayes intercepted his former teammate Stabler and scored. Oakland won, 27-7. The win sent them to Cleveland. In one of the coldest games in NFL history, the players look like they are just trying to survive the elements. The Raiders led 14-12 late in the game. The Browns were in field goal range, but kicker Don Cockcroft was having a miserable day, so they took a shot at the end zone. Safety Mike Davis stepped in front of Brian Sipe’s pass and Oakland advanced. 

They would play at San Diego for the AFC title. The Chargers beat the Bills on a TD pass with two minutes left in their divisional round game and were slight favorites to defeat Oakland. The Chargers moved the ball all game against the Raiders. But, the Raiders took the ball away three times on defense and made huge plays on offense. Oakland jumped out to a 28-7 lead and hung on to win 34-27 sending Al Davis’ club to their third Super Bowl. 

Just Win Baby

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The Super Bowl itself was a letdown. Vermeil and his Eagles played tight and nervous, completely opposite to their performance in the NFC championship game. The Raiders were cool, calm and collected. Plunkett was masterful dissecting the Eagles’ top-ranked defense. On the other hand, Jaworski was late on his reads. At other times, he misread the defense entirely. Raiders’ linebacker Rod Martin picked him off three times on the day. 

The games’ most exciting play occurred late in the first quarter with Oakland already ahead, 14-0. Plunkett was under some pressure. Halfback Kenny King snuck behind Eagles’ DB Herm Edwards and Plunkett lofted a gorgeous pass down the far sideline. King took it in stride and was off to the races for the longest TD in Super Bowl history to that point – 80 yards. 

The second half was an anti-climactic borefest. The Raiders sealed the deal with a Cliff Branch score and two field goals. The final was 27-10, but could have been much worse. 

Philly would not get back to the Super Bowl for 24 years. The Raiders would be back three years later and win again. By that time, Al Davis moved his ball club to Los Angeles. Their next Super Bowl as the Oakland Raiders came after the 2002 season. 

Tomorrow, we’ll discuss the Super Bowl from 36 years and the birth of a different dynasty from the Bay area!

 

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_Bills

51 Super Bowls in 51 Days – Super Bowl XVI

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The Super Bowl is just 36 days away. Let’s look at the Super Bowl from 36 years ago to honor this not that significant occasion!

Super Bowl XVI was played in the Pontiac Silverdome on January 24, 1982. The game pitted the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers against the Cincinnati Bengals of the American Football Conference.

San Francisco 49ers 36 Years Ago

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The 1981 49ers experienced a decade of mediocrity. Alas, a QB from Notre Dame came upon a white horse. His name was Joe Montana and he was about to rewrite the San Francisco and NFL history books. Bill Walsh, a Paul Brown disciple ironically from his Bengals’ days, served as 49ers head coach. His offensive scheme featured short passing plays mixed with runs by unheralded backs.

The 49ers’ best offensive weapon was wide receiver Dwight Clark. He possessed great hands and ran great routes.

On defense, the Niners were excellent in the defensive backfield. However, they were very young. They started three rookies every game of the season. Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson were good from week one. Lott was special. Dwight Hicks was in his third season. He finished the year with 239 interception-return yards and was invited to the Pro Bowl.

San Francisco added Jack Reynolds and Fred Dean to bolster their run defense and pass rush. And it worked. In fact, the ’81 49ers finished 2nd in the league in defense and just 13th in team offense. So, their dynasty began like most of the greatest in NFL history after all. Defense wins championships.

The Catch

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Phil Huber

They finished the 1981 season with 15 wins in their last 16 games. Atlanta and Philadelphia were suppose to be the best teams in the NFC. But, the Falcons never got off the ground and the Eagles slumped down the stretch and lost in the wild card game. In the end, the Niners and Cowboys were the leaps and bounds the two best teams in the conference.

The Niners beat the Giants and the Cowboys walloped the Buccaneers to set up the game of the season in the NFC. The teams went back and forth in an instant classic. The 49ers controlled the tempo of the game. But, whether it was nerves or whatever, they were mistake-prone. They turned over the ball an incredible 6 times.

Still, they only trailed 27-21 with five minutes left. They moved the ball slowly, but surely. They mostly relied on the running of veteran Lenvil Elliott and the catching of Dwight Clark. Indeed, it was a spectacular catch by Clark which is known as “the catch” that propelled the Niners into the Super Bowl. When Montana threw the pass, it looked as if he was throwing it away. But, Clark outjumped Everson Walls and scored. Dallas’ QB Danny White fumbled on the final series and the 49ers were Super Bowl-bound.

Cincinnati Bengals 36 Years Ago

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The Bengals were surprisingly the best team in the AFC in 1981. They proved that with a 40-17 thrashing at San Diego. Their only loss during the last two months of the season came at home to the 49ers.

Three-time World champion Forrest Gregg was the Head Coach of the 1981 Bengals. Their defense was average, finishing 12th. However, their offense was excellent. League MVP and longtime Bengals’ starter Ken Anderson had a brilliant season. Rookie wide receiver Cris Collinsworth and fullback Pete Johnson also made the Pro Bowl.

In the playoffs, Cincinnati outlasted Buffalo 28-21. Next up, the high-powered San Diego Chargers. The Chargers defeated Miami in overtime in an epic. San Diego went from that hot, humid victory in Miami to Cincinnati to play in one of the coldest games ever recorded.

The Chargers were once again no match for the Bengals, losing 27-7. Cincinnati with their brand-new stripes were on to their first Super Bowl.

Joe Cool

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The Bengals got the first break when the Niners fumbled the opening kickoff. But, Anderson gave it right back with a red zone pick by Hicks. San Francisco took their opening drive to the one-yard line. Subsequently, Montana dove in for the first score.

The Bengals consistently moved the ball. But, they turned it over 4 times. For one, Collinsworth committed a critical red zone fumble. The Niners took advantage of these miscues, scoring 10 points in the second quarter. They squibbed a last-second kickoff at the end of the half. Sure enough, the Bengals fumbled again. San Francisco added one more field goal and the score was 20-0 at the break.

The Bengals did not fold. They scored the next 14 points around a superb 49ers’ goal-line stand. However, Joe Cool sealed the deal with a FG drive that put the game in hand. And the Niners intercepted Anderson again in the closing minutes.

Thus, the 49ers won their first of five Super Bowls over the next 14 seasons. The Bengals would rebuild and be back seven years later. Unfortunately for them, Cincy lost Super Bowl XXIII…to Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers.

 

Brandon Fazzolari is a Super Bowl expert…@spot_Bills