OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

Hurkman · 01-12-2009, 03:59 PM

NFC Wild Card Playoffs

New Orleans Saints (12-3) vs. Minnesota Vikings (8-7)
The Superdome, New Orleans, LA

For the first time in team history, the New Orleans Saints were playing football past the regular season. Twenty years of frustration had been erased by the best season in team history. Quarterback Bobby Hebert passed for over 2,100 yards and 15 touchdowns, and Pro Bowl running back Rueben Mays rushed for almost 1,000 yards. The real strength of the Saints was their hungry defense, led by an excellent linebacking corps, New Orleans had a turnover ratio of +20, leading the league. Opposing them would be the Minnesota Vikings, back in the playoffs once again. Tommy Kramer had a resurgent year in 1986, but a pinched nerve in his neck had given him problems for most of the season, and the result was career backup Wade Wilson would be behind center against the Saints. Minnesota's main weapons were receiver Anthony Carter on offense and young Chris Doleman on the defense.

It didn't take long for the Saints to get used to playoff football. Their first two possessions resulted in touchdowns, first with Bobby Hebert's three yard pass to Dwight Beverly, then a second Hebert pass, this one to Rueben Mayes from six yards out. The New Orleans defense also lived up to their billing, forcing the Vikings to punt on their first two possessions, then keeping them deep enough for Chuck Nelson to miss a 45 yard field goal on the next Viking drive. New Orleans responded with a Morten Andersen 40 yard field goal, and though Minnesota was finally able to get on the board on their next drive with a Nelson field goal, the Saints took a 17-3 lead into the half.

The Vikings knew that they would have to make a defensive play to get back into the game, and midway through the third quarter, they got that play. Hebert was intercepted by John Harris deep in New Orleans territory. The Saints' defense came through again though, and Minnesota was forced to settle for another Nelson field goal. The Vikings got another stop on defense, and on their next possession, Darrin Nelson broke through the New Orleans defense, running for a 54 yard touchdown that put Minnesota back into the game. However, Chuck Nelson slipped on the extra point, and the score remained 17-12.

From there, New Orleans took the game back over. Hebert threw his third touchdown of the game on the next drive, this one a 26 yard strike to Stacey Dawsey. Wade Wilson was intercepted on the first play of the next Viking possession, and the Saints found the end zone again on a Rueben Mays three yard run, putting the final nail in Minnesota's coffin and giving the Saints their first ever playoff win.

Final Score: New Orleans-31 Minnesota-12

Real Life Score: Minnesota-44 New Orleans-10

NFC Divisional Playoffs

San Francisco 49ers (13-2) vs. Washington Redskins (11-4)
Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA

In what was becoming a familiar sight, the San Francisco 49ers were once again in the NFC playoffs. Despite the strike cutting short their season, Joe Montana passed for over 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns, while wide receiver Jerry Rice caught 65 passes for 1,078 yards and an NFL record 22 touchdowns, in 12 games. The 49er defense was solid as well, allowing just 17 points per game thanks to players like Ronnie Lott and Charles Haley. Meanwhile, the Washington Redskins were starting to find themselves at home in the playoffs as well. The Redskins had quarterback issues all season, and despite only starting two games during the regular season, former Tampa Bay quarterback Doug Williams was named the starter for the playoffs by head coach Joe Gibbs. While running back George Rogers' stats were well down from the year before, Gary Clark managed over 1,000 receiving yards, and the Washington defense was anchored by two Pro Bowlers and All-Pro Barry Wilburn, who led the NFL with nine interceptions.

Though the Washington defense was starting to become known league-wide, it was the high powered San Francisco offense that made itself known in the first half. The 49ers struck first with a Ray Wersching field goal, only for the Redskins to run the ball right through their defense, courtesy of a Lionel Vital 37 yard touchdown run. The next San Francisco drive ended with a second Wersching field goal, and on his first pass attempt of the game, Doug Williams was intercepted by Tory Nixon at the Washington 16 yard line. Three plays later, Joe Montana found Dwight Clark for a three yard touchdown and a 13-7 lead. Williams would be picked off by Ronnie Lott on the next Washington drive, and this time Roger Craig did the damage on a 44 yard touchdown run. Wersching missed the extra point, however, and the score was 19-7. After the Washington defense finally settled in, the Redskins were able to put together one more scoring drive late in the half. Williams used a mix of runs and passes to get inside the San Francisco ten yard line, then Kelvin Bryant ended the drive with a one yard touchdown run, cutting the 49er lead to 19-14 as the half ended.

Both defenses continued their improved play in the third quarter, with neither team being able to do much on offense. Only a good punt return by San Francisco got the 49ers going again, and even then they had to settle for a Wersching field goal, making their lead eight points. The Redskins would answer at the start of the fourth quarter with a field goal by Ali Haji-Sheikh, cutting the lead to five, but that would be as close as they would get. The next Washington drive ended with a failed fourth down conversion attempt, and their final drive was stopped with the third San Francisco interception of the game, this one by Don Griffin. For the fifth time in seven seasons, the 49ers would be in the NFC Championship.

Final Score: San Francisco-22 Washington-17

Real Life Score: Minnesota-36 San Francisco-24
(Again, a switch from real life. Since New Orleans won, the 49ers couldn't play them. The Saints went to Chicago, and the Redskins came to San Fran.)

Chicago Bears (11-4) vs. New Orleans Saints (12-3)
Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

For the fourth straight season, the Chicago Bears entered the playoffs as the kings of the NFC Central. Jim McMahon was back under center at quarterback, and while Walter Payton looked to be at the end of a Hall of Fame career, he still managed to rush for 533 yards and four touchdowns while splitting carries with Neal Anderson. Of course, the Chicago defense was still one of the most feared in the NFL, recording 69 sacks and giving up just 282 points for the season. Bobby Hebert and the rest of the New Orleans Saints would have to be on the top of their game to knock off one of the best teams in the NFL.

It didn't take long for a defense to make itself known. However, it was the New Orleans defense, as Reggie Sutton intercepted McMahon on the second play of the game. While the Saints had to settle for a Morten Andersen field goal on their possession, they had taken an important early lead. The New Orleans defense continued to dominate, holding the Bears at bay, and forcing a second Chicago interception, this one by Van Jakes, early in the second quarter. Once again, they could not advance the ball very far, but it was close enough for a second Andersen field goal and a 6-0 lead. The Saints took advantage of a good return on their next drive and were finally able to find the end zone on a seven play drive. Rueben Mayes finished the drive with a two yard run, and New Orleans would add a third Andersen field goal to go up 16-0 late in the second quarter. Chicago would finally get on the board, but not in the way they would have liked. The first solid Chicago drive ended with a Ron Morris fumble at the goal line. New Orleans recovered, and while the Bears forced a safety and then were able to get a Kevin Butler field goal as the first half ended, it was still better than giving up a touchdown.

It wouldn't get any better for the Bears in the second half. Butler missed a field goal on Chicago's first drive, and the Saints were able to answer with Andersen's fourth field goal of the game. The Bears couldn't get started on offense, and their next drive ended with another McMahon interception. This time, Reggie Sutton took the ball 57 yards for a touchdown, effectively ending the game early in the fourth quarter. The Saints controlled the clock for most of the fourth quarter, with Rueben Mayes finishing the game with 118 yards on 21 carries as he battered the Chicago defense for much of the second half. Walter Payton announced his retirement following the game, and while the Bears were left to wonder what would happen without Payton in the backfield, the Saints were headed to their first ever NFC Championship.

Final Score: New Orleans-26 Chicago-5

Real Life Score: Washington-21 Chicago-17

NFC Championship Game

Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA

San Francisco 49ers (13-2) vs. New Orleans Saints (12-3)

The two best teams in the NFC clashed for the third time during the 1987 season with a shot in the Super Bowl at stake. The 49ers and Saints had split their regular season matchups, with each team winning on the road by two points. The loss to the Saints was the last loss of San Francisco's season, with Joe Montana and Jerry Rice leading the 49ers to six straight wins to close out the year. Both teams knew each other inside and out, setting the stage for a very entertaining NFC Championship game.

The 49ers certainly showed their experience from the word go, with Roger Craig gaining 57 yards on a pass from Montana on the first play of the game. The Saints survived the opening shot, and forced San Francisco to settle for a Ray Wersching field goal. The 49ers would strike again on their next drive, though they would again have to settle for a Wersching field goal and a slim 6-0 lead. The Saints would counter with a 15 play, 78 yard drive that took up parts of the first and second quarters and ended with a Rueben Mayes one yard touchdown run on fourth and goal to go, putting New Orleans on top. A good kickoff return gave San Francisco good field position, and it took just five plays for the 49ers to answer with a Montana touchdown pass to Mike Wilson. However, Wersching's extra point was no good, only giving San Francisco a 13-7 lead. The Saints would respond, with Hebert guiding them downfield for a Morten Andersen field goal, then the New Orleans defense made a play as Van Jakes intercepted Montana and returned it 22 yards for the touchdown. San Francisco ended the crazy first half with another Wersching field goal, and New Orleans was up 17-15 at the half.

Unfortunately for the Saints, mistakes would cost them in the second half. They went three and out on their first possession of the half, and San Francisco marched downfield for the go ahead field goal. Hebert guided New Orleans into San Francisco territory on their next drive, but was sacked and lost the football at the 35 yard line. While the 49ers wouldn't score, the Saints couldn't get anything started on offense either. The next time they were able to get into San Francisco territory, Hebert was intercepted at the 49er 27 yard line. This time, Montana finished the drive, hitting Mike Wilson with a 35 yard touchdown pass. The next San Francisco drive finished off the Saints, as the 49ers went 83 yards in 11 plays, including a 49 yard run by Roger Craig on third down and 16 from his own six yard line. Craig finished the drive with a two yard touchdown run, putting the stamp on an impressive performance by the 49ers. For the third time in four years, the 49ers were headed to the Super Bowl.

Final Score: San Francisco-32 New Orleans-17

Real Life Score: Washington-17 Minnesota-10 (In Washington)

01-12-2009, 03:59 PM	#129
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 762	1987 NFC Playoffs: How Long Have You Been a Black Quarterback? NFC Wild Card Playoffs New Orleans Saints (12-3) vs. Minnesota Vikings (8-7) The Superdome, New Orleans, LA For the first time in team history, the New Orleans Saints were playing football past the regular season. Twenty years of frustration had been erased by the best season in team history. Quarterback Bobby Hebert passed for over 2,100 yards and 15 touchdowns, and Pro Bowl running back Rueben Mays rushed for almost 1,000 yards. The real strength of the Saints was their hungry defense, led by an excellent linebacking corps, New Orleans had a turnover ratio of +20, leading the league. Opposing them would be the Minnesota Vikings, back in the playoffs once again. Tommy Kramer had a resurgent year in 1986, but a pinched nerve in his neck had given him problems for most of the season, and the result was career backup Wade Wilson would be behind center against the Saints. Minnesota's main weapons were receiver Anthony Carter on offense and young Chris Doleman on the defense. It didn't take long for the Saints to get used to playoff football. Their first two possessions resulted in touchdowns, first with Bobby Hebert's three yard pass to Dwight Beverly, then a second Hebert pass, this one to Rueben Mayes from six yards out. The New Orleans defense also lived up to their billing, forcing the Vikings to punt on their first two possessions, then keeping them deep enough for Chuck Nelson to miss a 45 yard field goal on the next Viking drive. New Orleans responded with a Morten Andersen 40 yard field goal, and though Minnesota was finally able to get on the board on their next drive with a Nelson field goal, the Saints took a 17-3 lead into the half. The Vikings knew that they would have to make a defensive play to get back into the game, and midway through the third quarter, they got that play. Hebert was intercepted by John Harris deep in New Orleans territory. The Saints' defense came through again though, and Minnesota was forced to settle for another Nelson field goal. The Vikings got another stop on defense, and on their next possession, Darrin Nelson broke through the New Orleans defense, running for a 54 yard touchdown that put Minnesota back into the game. However, Chuck Nelson slipped on the extra point, and the score remained 17-12. From there, New Orleans took the game back over. Hebert threw his third touchdown of the game on the next drive, this one a 26 yard strike to Stacey Dawsey. Wade Wilson was intercepted on the first play of the next Viking possession, and the Saints found the end zone again on a Rueben Mays three yard run, putting the final nail in Minnesota's coffin and giving the Saints their first ever playoff win. Final Score: New Orleans-31 Minnesota-12 Real Life Score: Minnesota-44 New Orleans-10 NFC Divisional Playoffs San Francisco 49ers (13-2) vs. Washington Redskins (11-4) Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA In what was becoming a familiar sight, the San Francisco 49ers were once again in the NFC playoffs. Despite the strike cutting short their season, Joe Montana passed for over 3,000 yards and 31 touchdowns, while wide receiver Jerry Rice caught 65 passes for 1,078 yards and an NFL record 22 touchdowns, in 12 games. The 49er defense was solid as well, allowing just 17 points per game thanks to players like Ronnie Lott and Charles Haley. Meanwhile, the Washington Redskins were starting to find themselves at home in the playoffs as well. The Redskins had quarterback issues all season, and despite only starting two games during the regular season, former Tampa Bay quarterback Doug Williams was named the starter for the playoffs by head coach Joe Gibbs. While running back George Rogers' stats were well down from the year before, Gary Clark managed over 1,000 receiving yards, and the Washington defense was anchored by two Pro Bowlers and All-Pro Barry Wilburn, who led the NFL with nine interceptions. Though the Washington defense was starting to become known league-wide, it was the high powered San Francisco offense that made itself known in the first half. The 49ers struck first with a Ray Wersching field goal, only for the Redskins to run the ball right through their defense, courtesy of a Lionel Vital 37 yard touchdown run. The next San Francisco drive ended with a second Wersching field goal, and on his first pass attempt of the game, Doug Williams was intercepted by Tory Nixon at the Washington 16 yard line. Three plays later, Joe Montana found Dwight Clark for a three yard touchdown and a 13-7 lead. Williams would be picked off by Ronnie Lott on the next Washington drive, and this time Roger Craig did the damage on a 44 yard touchdown run. Wersching missed the extra point, however, and the score was 19-7. After the Washington defense finally settled in, the Redskins were able to put together one more scoring drive late in the half. Williams used a mix of runs and passes to get inside the San Francisco ten yard line, then Kelvin Bryant ended the drive with a one yard touchdown run, cutting the 49er lead to 19-14 as the half ended. Both defenses continued their improved play in the third quarter, with neither team being able to do much on offense. Only a good punt return by San Francisco got the 49ers going again, and even then they had to settle for a Wersching field goal, making their lead eight points. The Redskins would answer at the start of the fourth quarter with a field goal by Ali Haji-Sheikh, cutting the lead to five, but that would be as close as they would get. The next Washington drive ended with a failed fourth down conversion attempt, and their final drive was stopped with the third San Francisco interception of the game, this one by Don Griffin. For the fifth time in seven seasons, the 49ers would be in the NFC Championship. Final Score: San Francisco-22 Washington-17 Real Life Score: Minnesota-36 San Francisco-24 (Again, a switch from real life. Since New Orleans won, the 49ers couldn't play them. The Saints went to Chicago, and the Redskins came to San Fran.) Chicago Bears (11-4) vs. New Orleans Saints (12-3) Soldier Field, Chicago, IL For the fourth straight season, the Chicago Bears entered the playoffs as the kings of the NFC Central. Jim McMahon was back under center at quarterback, and while Walter Payton looked to be at the end of a Hall of Fame career, he still managed to rush for 533 yards and four touchdowns while splitting carries with Neal Anderson. Of course, the Chicago defense was still one of the most feared in the NFL, recording 69 sacks and giving up just 282 points for the season. Bobby Hebert and the rest of the New Orleans Saints would have to be on the top of their game to knock off one of the best teams in the NFL. It didn't take long for a defense to make itself known. However, it was the New Orleans defense, as Reggie Sutton intercepted McMahon on the second play of the game. While the Saints had to settle for a Morten Andersen field goal on their possession, they had taken an important early lead. The New Orleans defense continued to dominate, holding the Bears at bay, and forcing a second Chicago interception, this one by Van Jakes, early in the second quarter. Once again, they could not advance the ball very far, but it was close enough for a second Andersen field goal and a 6-0 lead. The Saints took advantage of a good return on their next drive and were finally able to find the end zone on a seven play drive. Rueben Mayes finished the drive with a two yard run, and New Orleans would add a third Andersen field goal to go up 16-0 late in the second quarter. Chicago would finally get on the board, but not in the way they would have liked. The first solid Chicago drive ended with a Ron Morris fumble at the goal line. New Orleans recovered, and while the Bears forced a safety and then were able to get a Kevin Butler field goal as the first half ended, it was still better than giving up a touchdown. It wouldn't get any better for the Bears in the second half. Butler missed a field goal on Chicago's first drive, and the Saints were able to answer with Andersen's fourth field goal of the game. The Bears couldn't get started on offense, and their next drive ended with another McMahon interception. This time, Reggie Sutton took the ball 57 yards for a touchdown, effectively ending the game early in the fourth quarter. The Saints controlled the clock for most of the fourth quarter, with Rueben Mayes finishing the game with 118 yards on 21 carries as he battered the Chicago defense for much of the second half. Walter Payton announced his retirement following the game, and while the Bears were left to wonder what would happen without Payton in the backfield, the Saints were headed to their first ever NFC Championship. Final Score: New Orleans-26 Chicago-5 Real Life Score: Washington-21 Chicago-17 NFC Championship Game Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA San Francisco 49ers (13-2) vs. New Orleans Saints (12-3) The two best teams in the NFC clashed for the third time during the 1987 season with a shot in the Super Bowl at stake. The 49ers and Saints had split their regular season matchups, with each team winning on the road by two points. The loss to the Saints was the last loss of San Francisco's season, with Joe Montana and Jerry Rice leading the 49ers to six straight wins to close out the year. Both teams knew each other inside and out, setting the stage for a very entertaining NFC Championship game. The 49ers certainly showed their experience from the word go, with Roger Craig gaining 57 yards on a pass from Montana on the first play of the game. The Saints survived the opening shot, and forced San Francisco to settle for a Ray Wersching field goal. The 49ers would strike again on their next drive, though they would again have to settle for a Wersching field goal and a slim 6-0 lead. The Saints would counter with a 15 play, 78 yard drive that took up parts of the first and second quarters and ended with a Rueben Mayes one yard touchdown run on fourth and goal to go, putting New Orleans on top. A good kickoff return gave San Francisco good field position, and it took just five plays for the 49ers to answer with a Montana touchdown pass to Mike Wilson. However, Wersching's extra point was no good, only giving San Francisco a 13-7 lead. The Saints would respond, with Hebert guiding them downfield for a Morten Andersen field goal, then the New Orleans defense made a play as Van Jakes intercepted Montana and returned it 22 yards for the touchdown. San Francisco ended the crazy first half with another Wersching field goal, and New Orleans was up 17-15 at the half. Unfortunately for the Saints, mistakes would cost them in the second half. They went three and out on their first possession of the half, and San Francisco marched downfield for the go ahead field goal. Hebert guided New Orleans into San Francisco territory on their next drive, but was sacked and lost the football at the 35 yard line. While the 49ers wouldn't score, the Saints couldn't get anything started on offense either. The next time they were able to get into San Francisco territory, Hebert was intercepted at the 49er 27 yard line. This time, Montana finished the drive, hitting Mike Wilson with a 35 yard touchdown pass. The next San Francisco drive finished off the Saints, as the 49ers went 83 yards in 11 plays, including a 49 yard run by Roger Craig on third down and 16 from his own six yard line. Craig finished the drive with a two yard touchdown run, putting the stamp on an impressive performance by the 49ers. For the third time in four years, the 49ers were headed to the Super Bowl. Final Score: San Francisco-32 New Orleans-17 Real Life Score: Washington-17 Minnesota-10 (In Washington)