[Hurkman]

AFC Wild Card Playoffs

Miami Dolphins (10-6) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)
Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami, FL

One year removed from a devestating torn Achilles tendon that cost him most of the 1993 season, Dan Marino had returned to lead the Dolphins to the AFC East title in 1994. The NFL's Comeback Player of the Year passed for almost 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns while guiding the third highest scoring offense in football. The offense was supported by third year running back Bernie Parmalee, who rushed for over 800 yards, as well as former New England Patriot receiver Irving Fryar, who brought in 73 catches for over 1,200 yards. However, the Miami defense was seen as a liability, as they allowed over 20 points per game, placing them in the bottom half of the league. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs looked to piece together one last run at the Super Bowl. Joe Montana was a year older, but age didn't slow him down much, as he finished the year with 3,283 yards and 16 touchdowns. Running backs Kimble Anders and Marcus Allen finished with over 1,200 combined yards and 8 touchdowns, while the Kansas City defense forced the second most turnovers in the NFL.

Dan Marino and the Miami offense came out swinging early in the first half, taking the opening kickoff and moving all the way down the field for a touchdown in just five plays. Bernie Parmalee broke off a 39 yard run, which was followed by a 23 yard pass from Marino to Irving Fryar before Parmalee finished the drive, getting into the end zone on a six yard burst through the middle. Kansas City would respond later in the first quarter, as their running game picked apart the Miami defense. Kimble Anders finished the six play, 73 yard drive with a 32 yard run into the end zone, tying the score. The next Kansas City drive would bring points, thanks to a 27 yard field goal by Lin Elliot that capped a 12 play, 48 yard possession. Miami would answer, however, as the Dolphins used a mix of run and pass to move down the field before the Chiefs were able to hold on defense. Pete Stoyanovich tied the game with a 39 yard field goal, but Kansas City wasn't done yet. With just over three minutes to play in the half, Joe Montana moved the Chiefs downfield with a series of short passes that the Kansas City receivers were able to turn into longer gains. Marcus Allen finished the drive on a 17 yard touchdown reception, and the Chiefs took a 17-10 lead into the half.

Kansas City got the ball coming out of the half, and was stopped cold by the Miami defense. Motivated by their defense, the Dolphins came out on offense and marched back down the field. A 25 yard pass from Dan Marino to Keith Jackson put Miami at midfield, then a Bernie Parmalee run gained another 30 yards. Four plays later, Parmalee tied the game on a five yard touchdown run. Of course, Joe Montana had made a career out of answering scoring drives with one of his own, and he did just that with the Chiefs. Montana threw for 50 yards on the 55 yard drive, which ended with a Lin Elliot 20 yard field goal. This time, it was Marino's turn to answer, and he was able to with an eight play, 79 yard drive that featured him passing the ball right through the heart of the Kansas City defense. A 26 yard pass from Marino to Keith Byars put the Dolphins back on top with just under 12 minutes to play. A stop by the Miami defense gave Marino the ball back, but the Kansas City defense was finally able to make a play, stripping Byars of the football. Derrick Thomas recovered at the Miami 16 yard line, and a third field goal by Elliot cut the lead to just one point.

Now needing to run out the clock, the Dolphins were unable to move the football, as Kansas City stopped them cold on three straight plays. With 3:25 remaining, Joe Montana came back out onto the field, looking to lead the Chiefs to a win. He started with a mix of short passes and runs by Marcus Allen and Kimble Anders, which moved the ball to the Kansas City 45 yard line. Anders was able to bring in a huge catch on fourth down and one to keep the drive alive, only for Willie Davis to fumble the ball away on the very next play. However, as the Dolphins were celebrating, the officials had called Troy Vincent for pass interference, negating the fumble and giving the Chiefs the ball at the Miami 46 yard line. On the very next play, Anders broke a 36 yard run to the ten yard line. Three plays later, Lin Elliot kicked his fourth field goal, putting the Kansas City back on top and silencing the Miami crowd. Dan Marino would get the Dolphins to midfield, but two long passes into the end zone were broken up, ending Miami's season and sending the Chiefs on to the next round.

Final Score: Kansas City-26 Miami-24

Real Life Score: Miami-27 Kansas City-17

Cleveland Browns (11-5) vs. New England Patriots (10-6)
Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, OH

One of the best teams of the 1980s was making its first playoff appearance of the 1990s as the Cleveland Browns had returned from mediocrity. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Vinnie Testaverde had made his way to Cleveland and had started to fill the shoes of Bernie Kosar, passing for over 2,500 yards and 16 touchdowns. The running back tandem of Eric Metcalf and Leroy Hoard compiled over 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns to help balance the offense, while the Cleveland defense gave up the fewest points in the NFL. They would need a solid effort against the Patriots, who featured second year quarterback Drew Bledsoe. The 22 year old led the league in passing yards and averaged almost 300 yards a game for New England. Former San Diego running back Marion Butts led the rushing attack with 703 yards and eight touchdowns, while tight end Ben Coates caught 96 passes for 1,174 yards. The New England defense was in the middle of the road in terms of points and yards allowed, but did lead the NFL in turnovers.

The Browns would turn the ball over on their opening possession, but it was a questionable coaching choice that led to the turnover. Coach Bill Belichick elected to go for a fourth down conversion at the New England 34 yard line, rather than attempt a long field goal. Vinnie Testaverde's pass was broken up, and the Patriots had endured an early test. From there, Drew Bledsoe moved New England into Cleveland territory before having to settle for a 37 yard field goal from Matt Bahr. Neither team would move the ball after that until the start of the second quarter, when a punt return by Eric Metcalf put the Browns inside New England territory to start their possession. Five plays later, Matt Stover nailed a 46 yard field goal, and the game was tied. The next Cleveland possession was a little more conventional, but worked just as well. Leroy Hoard and Eric Metcalf chewed through the middle of the New England defense before a Testaverde to Michael Jackson put the ball at the New England one yard line. Metcalf finished the drive from there, scoring on the next play and giving the Browns the lead. Later in the quarter, Testaverde once again moved Cleveland into New England territory before Stover added a 57 yard field goal as the first half came to a close.

New England came out in the second half needing points, and they wasted little time in chipping away at Cleveland's lead. Ray Crittenden's return of the opening kickoff put the Patriots at the Cleveland 17 yard line, and though New England was unable to score a touchdown, Matt Bahr's 29 yard field goal made the score 13-6 in favor of the Browns. The next New England possession ended the same way, with a 43 yard field goal by Bahr that cut the Cleveland lead to just four points. The New England defense would hold the Browns for the rest of the quarter, and a great punt by Pat O'Neill pinned Cleveland back at their own six yard line as the fourth quarter began. However, the great New England defense that had been so strong in the third quarter vanished in the fourth quarter. The Browns used Eric Metcalf and Leory Hoard to punish the Patriot defenders, as the two backs quickly moved the ball to midfield. A 36 yard run by Hoard put the ball at the New England five yard line, and two plays later, Vinnie Testaverde hit Michael Jackson with a two yard touchdown pass to cap the ten play, 94 yard drive. The next New England drive ended with a Drew Bledsoe interception that the Browns turned into another Matt Stover field goal. The Patriots would get to the Cleveland 16 yard line on their next drive, but there wasn't enough time left for New England as the Browns moved on.

Final Score: Cleveland-23 New England-9

Real Life Score: Cleveland-20 New England-13

AFC Divisional Playoffs

Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (9-7)
Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA

One year ago, it was the Pittsburgh Steelers going into Kansas City as the underdog and pulling off the upset. That win was just the first of four as the Steelers became the first team to win the Super Bowl as a Wild Card team. Now, the Chiefs had made their way to Pittsburgh, where the number one team in the AFC was waiting. Neil O'Donnell had another solid season, passing for almost 2,500 yards and 13 touchdowns, while rookie Bam Morris filled in very well for the departed Leroy Thompson, rushing for 836 yards and seven touchdowns to compliment Barry Foster's 851 yards and 5 touchdowns. The Pittsburgh defense was solid as well, finishing number two in points and yards allowed while forcing 31 turnovers and recording 55 sacks.

As the Pittsburgh fans hoped, the game started out as a defensive slugfest. After a Kansas City punt on their opening possession, the Steelers were able to return the ball to the Chiefs' 33 yard line. However, they couldn't get a first down, and Barry Foster was stopped on a fourth down attempt, giving the ball back to the Chiefs. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, their defense was on top of its game, keeping Joe Montana and the Kansas City offense from even getting started. The Steelers missed another chance on a drive late in the first quarter. Following another solid punt return, Pittsburgh started with the ball at midfield and moved to the Kansas City 28 yard line. However, Gary Anderson pushed the 45 yard field goal attempt to the right, and the game remained scoreless. The next Steeler drive would finally result in points, though. It would be Neil O'Donnell doing most of the damage, threading his passes through the Kansas City secondary for 42 yards on the drive, including a two yard touchdown throw to Barry Foster. From there, the Pittsburgh defense was able to keep the Chiefs under wraps, and the game went to the half with the Steelers on top 7-0.

As the second half began, Kansas City knew that they had to get something going on offense if they even wanted to have a chance. Their first drive was very successful as Joe Montana finally moved them into Pittsburgh territory. However, the Steelers were able to hold on defense, and the Chiefs had to settle for a Lin Elliot field goal. It was up to Pittsburgh to answer back, but they were unable to, as the Kansas City defense kept the Steelers from getting anywhere on offense. Of course, the Pittsburgh defense was doing the same to the Kansas City offense, and the third quarter quickly became the fourth quarter. Finally, with just five and a half minutes left to play, Neil O'Donnell got the Pittsburgh offense moving again with crisp passes to Yancey Thigpen, Eric Green and Charles Johnson. The ten play, 43 yard drive ended with a field goal from Gary Anderson, putting the Steelers up 10-3 with 1:45 to play. Of course, Joe Montana still had one last drive in his body, and he pulled it out right here. Starting at his own 27 yard line, the aging quarterback moved the Chiefs into Pittsburgh territory on two plays. Two plays after that, a pass to Eric Martin put Kansas City at the Pittsburgh three yard line with 45 seconds to play. A false start penalty moved the Chiefs back to the eight yard line, and that was followed by a quick two yard pass to Kimble Anders and a sack by Kevin Greene. One incomplete pass later, and the Chiefs were facing fourth and goal with three seconds to play. Montana dropped back to pass, but the Pittsburgh rush was too much, and he was brought down by Brentson Buckner, ending Kansas City's season and the career of Joe Montana, who would announce his retirement shortly after the game.

Final Score: Pittsburgh-10 Kansas City-3

Real Life Score: Pittsburgh-29 Cleveland-9 (With Kansas City being the #6 seed, they would come play the Steelers, hence the change in games.)

San Diego Chargers (11-5) vs. Cleveland Browns (11-5)
Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, CA

It was a tale of two seasons for the San Diego Chargers. After missing the playoffs in 1993, San Diego came out in 1994 and started the year 6-0. From there though, the Chargers went 5-5 and, save for a one point win against the Chiefs and a three point win against the Steelers, none of their wins came against playoff teams. That being said, San Diego still had a solid season. Stan Humphries recovered from a poor season the year before to throw for 3,200 yards and 17 touchdowns, and second year running back Natrone Means had emerged as an elite player, making the Pro Bowl with 1,350 yards and 12 touchdowns. The San Diego defense was solid as well, allowing 19 points per game while recording 42 sacks and 32 turnovers.

Of course, none of that mattered to the Cleveland Browns, who were able to score just a minute in a half into the game. Frank Stams intercepted Stan Humphries at the San Diego 29 yard line and returned it to the 25. Vinnie Testaverde needed just one play to find Derrick Alexander for the touchdown and the lead. The Chargers were stunned, but proceeded to quickly give the ball back to Cleveland, thanks to a Natrone Means fumble. This time, the San Diego defense was able to keep the Browns off the scoreboard, but they wouldn't be so lucky on the next Cleveland possession. Testaverde moved the Browns into San Diego territory before giving way to Matt Stover, who would kick a 36 yard field goal. The Chargers would finally respond later in the second quarter with a John Carney 26 yard field goal to cap a nine play, 42 yard drive, and they would add a second Carney kick on their next possession. However, San Diego left too much time on the clock for the Browns, and Testaverde moved Cleveland into position for a 49 yard Matt Stover field goal as the first half ended, putting the Browns up 13-6.

San Diego returned the favor of ending a drive in a turnover on Cleveland's first drive of the second half, as Darrien Gordon intercepted Vinnie Testaverde. The Chargers could only get to midfield though before they had to punt the ball back to the Browns. However, Cleveland's offense seemed to stall as San Diego began to focus on stopping the pass more than the run, and the Browns quickly gave the ball back to the Chargers. This time, San Diego was able to move the ball, thanks in large part to a 30 catch by Tony Martin. Once inside the Cleveland 20 yard line, the Charger offense was stopped, and John Carney came out for his third field goal of the game, making the score 13-9. Another quick Cleveland punt would result in a ten play, 43 yard drive for the Chargers. Carney's fourth field goal of the game cut the score to 13-12 in favor of the Browns, and it appeared as if San Diego had all the momentum.

Cleveland would quickly turn the game around on a 31 yard pass from Vinnie Testaverde to Mark Carrier on a third down and 21. From there, the running attack of Leroy Hoard and Eric Metcalf punished the San Diego defense, inching into field goal range for Matt Stover, who nailed his third kick of the game to put the Browns up by four points with just 3:40 to play. San Diego did themselves no favors, as Stan Humphries was intercepted by Antonio Langham on the second play of their possession. However, Stover would miss a 47 yard field goal attempt with just under two minutes to play, giving the Chargers one last chance. Humphries would get San Diego inside Cleveland territory, but three straight incomplete passes after a two yard Natrone Means run sealed the fate of the Chargers on this day. Cleveland was headed to their first AFC Championship game in five years, while the Chargers were left to wonder what could have been.

Final Score: Cleveland-16 San Diego-12

Real Life Score: San Diego-22 Miami-21

AFC Championship Game

Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA

Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) vs. Cleveland Browns (11-5)

A good old fashioned AFC Central showdown was on tap for the AFC Championship. The Pittsburgh Steelers were looking for back to back Super Bowl appearances, while the Cleveland Browns were trying to get to their first Super Bowl in five years. Both teams featured strong defenses, ranking first and second in points allowed, and both used a running back tandem to help balance out a modest passing attack. While Pittsburgh had taken both games against Cleveland in the regular season, both teams knew that the playoffs were another creature altogether, and that whichever team made the fewest mistakes would more than likely head to the Super Bowl.

As expected, both defenses came out ready to play. Neither Cleveland nor Pittsburgh could get anything going on offense early in the first quarter, with each team punting on their opening possession. Following a second Pittsburgh punt, Vinny Testaverde moved the Browns into Steeler territory for the first time. A 17 yard run by Earnest Byner put the ball at the Pittsburgh 26 yard line, but on the next play Testaverde was intercepted by Darren Perry. However, Cleveland would get the ball back just three plays later, as Neil O'Donnell was intercepted by Eric Turner. From there, the Browns would go 14 yards in six plays, and only a goal line stand by the Steelers stopped Cleveland from scoring a touchdown. Instead, Matt Stover nailed a field goal to put the Browns on top. The next Cleveland drive worked out even better, as Leroy Hoard moved the Browns into Pittsburgh territory before Testaverde found Derrick Alexander for a 29 yard completion. A 13 yard pass to Mark Carrier put the Browns at the one yard line, and Testaverde did the rest, calling his own number for a one yard touchdown. Pittsburgh's offense finally woke up on their next drive, as O'Donnell expertly moved the Steelers downfield, finding Charles Johnson for 26 yards, then Yancey Thigpen for 12 more. On third down and 11, O'Donnell hit Eric Green for a 14 yard touchdown pass, putting the Steelers on the board. Neither offense could move the ball for the rest of the first half, and Cleveland took a 10-7 lead into the locker room.

The Browns started with the football in the second half and quickly added to their lead. A 43 yard run by Leroy Hoard on the second play of the half put Cleveland at the Pittsburgh 28 yard line. The Browns would get as close as the Pittsburgh 18 before having to settle for a Matt Stover field goal. The Steelers didn't do themselves any favors on their opening possession of the third quarter, as Barry Foster fumbled the ball back to Cleveland on Pittsburgh's second play. However, the Steelers would hold the Browns out of field goal range, and Cleveland punted the ball back to Pittsburgh. Later in the quarter, the Steelers intercepted Vinnie Testaverde for a second time, but Neil O'Donnell gave the ball back to Cleveland on the next play, throwing his second interception of the game. The Pittsburgh defense came through yet again though, once again keeping the Browns out of field goal range and forcing a punt. The defensive battle carried over into the fourth quarter, where the Steelers woke up again on offense. A mix of short passes by O'Donnell and runs from Barry Foster and Bam Morris seemed to break the Cleveland defense, and with six minutes to play, O'Donnell found Eric Green for a seven yard touchdown. Gary Anderson's extra point put Pittsburgh on top for the first time in the game, but the Browns still had time to work with.

Unfortunately for the Browns, that time was contested by the Pittsburgh defense, and they were not in a giving mood. Cleveland managed to get inside Pittsburgh territory on their next drive, but Vinnie Testaverde was intercepted for the third time, ending the threat. After a Steeler punt, Cleveland had one last chance, but Eric Metcalf fumbled the ball on a poor handoff and the Steelers recovered. As time ran out, Pittsburgh celebrated yet another trip to the Super Bowl, while the Browns came up just one point short.

Final Score: Pittsburgh-14 Cleveland-13

Real Life Score: San Diego-17 Pittsburgh-13