Best. Pro. Team. Ever. (an all-time pro football tournament) - Page 8

Wolfpack · 11-12-2004, 01:05 PM

Game four scores:

Code:

R8-G4
Kansas City Chiefs 2002(19/13/3/10/25/K/-2) at Dallas Cowboys 1998(12/8/5/10/27/K/2)
4:  Dallas Cowboys 1998 goes for two and converts it!
CG:  Dallas Cowboys 1998 converts a  39-yard field goal attempt!
OT:  Dallas Cowboys 1998 scores on a 33-yard touchdown pass!
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   OT   Final
Kansas City Chiefs 2002                       7    7    3    3    0    0     20
Dallas Cowboys 1998                           0    3    6    8    3    6     26
----------
Line:  Dallas Cowboys 1998 -2 (+ 4)
Current Records:
Kansas City Chiefs 2002:  1-3
Dallas Cowboys 1998:  3-1

*Chiefs are all over the Cowboys early on, jumping out to a 14-3 lead by halftime. The Cowboys claw back into it in the second half as the defense keeps the Chiefs out of the end zone while the offense final gets a touchdown in the fourth. They go for two and get it to cut the lead to three at 20-17. Dallas then ties it up to force OT on a 39-yard field goal as time runs out. Dallas gets the ball first in OT and with momentum and a rocking Texas Stadium on their side, proceed to score on a 33-yard touchdown pass to take the game and clinch the series 3-1.

Code:

R8-G4
Green Bay Packers 1962(18/0/7/6/19/M/-3) at Baltimore Ravens 2001(9/7/10/10/15/O/3)
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Green Bay Packers 1962                        7    0    7    7     21
Baltimore Ravens 2001                         0    6    0    0      6
----------
Line:  Green Bay Packers 1962 -4 (+ 11)
Current Records:
Green Bay Packers 1962:  2-2
Baltimore Ravens 2001:  2-2

*The Packers absolutely positively had to have this game and they got it on the strength of strong defense. The Packers went ahead to stay with a first quarter touchdown. The Ravens drew close with a pair of second quarter field goals, but that was it, as the Packers controlled the entire second half and denied the Ravens a golden opportunity to close out the series at home. Green Bay will be a solid favorite in the final game of the series.

Code:

R8-G4
Washington Redskins 1982(11/4/12/8/19/M/2) at Minnesota Vikings 1997(12/12/10/10/20/M/-2)
2:  Washington Redskins 1982 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and failed.
CG:  Washington Redskins 1982 fails to move the ball into field goal range.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Washington Redskins 1982                      7    0   10    3    0     20
Minnesota Vikings 1997                        0   14    7    0    0     21
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1997 -1 (Push)
Current Records:
Washington Redskins 1982:  2-2
Minnesota Vikings 1997:  2-2

*The Vikings spotted the Redskins a touchdown in the first, then scored twice in the second to take a 14-7 halftime lead. The Redskins surged back in front in the third, but Minnesota then got a big touchdown to retake the lead again. In the fourth, Washington could only muster a field goal to cut the lead to 21-20 as the Viking defense put the clamps on and never allowed any other serious threat throughout the tense final quarter. Minnesota gets the win to tie up the series again. Washington will be a field goal favorite in game five.

Code:

R8-G4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/13/O/1) at Minnesota Vikings 1970(15/0/7/6/14/O/-1)
3:  Minnesota Vikings 1970 goes for two and fails.
4:  Minnesota Vikings 1970 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded!
CG:  Minnesota Vikings 1970 scores on a  28-yard touchdown pass!
CG:  Minnesota Vikings 1970 misses the two-point conversion.
CG:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 scores on a  25-yard touchdown pass!
CG:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 converts the PAT.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     7    0    7    7    7     28
Minnesota Vikings 1970                        0    3    6    7    6     22
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1970 -1 (-7) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  3-1
Minnesota Vikings 1970:  1-3

*A relatively quiet first half gives way to great fireworks in the second half, particularly in the late stages of the game. The Bucs fend off every Viking challenge, including a 28-yard TD pass just after the two-minute warning that put the Vikings ahead. Tampa Bay then puts together a brilliant last drive that is unexpectedly capped by a short pass designed to set up a field goal that turns into a touchdown as the receiver jukes, jives, and pinballs his way into the end zone to emphatically end the series with a Tampa Bay win.

Code:

R8-G4
New England Patriots 2003(12/5/15/10/18/N/4) at Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/11/10/32/J/-4)
4:  New England Patriots 2003 goes for two and converts it!
CG:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 converts a  49-yard field goal attempt!
CG:  New England Patriots 2003 fails to move the ball into field goal range.
OT:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 converts a  43-yard field goal attempt!
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   OT   Final
New England Patriots 2003                     7    0   10   11    0    0     28
Minnesota Vikings 1998                        3    3   13    6    3    3     31
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 -14 (-11)
Current Records:
New England Patriots 2003:  2-2
Minnesota Vikings 1998:  2-2

*Early on, the Patriots seem to continue their frustration of the Vikings as they did in game three, holding Minnesota to just a pair of first half field goals. The Vikings finally get things going in the third, but still not an electrifying performance as the Patriots continue to bend and not break while staying with them on the scoreboard. After three, it's 19-17 Minnesota. In the fourth, the Patriots seize the lead on the strength of a touchdown, a two-pointer, and a field goal, while the Vikings go back into their first half slumber, leaving the Patriots up 28-25 with time running out. The Vikings engineer one more drive that gets them into field goal range and the kicker nails his seventh(!) field goal of the day to tie it up. The Patriots decide to kill the clock and go to OT. Bad move, as the Vikings get the ball first and their offense gets in position for another field goal. It's number eight on the day as the Vikings score 31 the hard way and come from behind to beat the Patriots in OT to even the series. Minnesota will be a heavy favorite in game three, but that hasn't meant much in the series so far.

Wolfpack · 11-12-2004, 01:17 PM

Game five scores:

Code:

R8-G5
Baltimore Ravens 2001(9/7/10/10/13/O/3) vs. Green Bay Packers 1962(18/0/7/6/21/M/-3) 
CG:  Green Bay Packers 1962 turns the ball over on downs in their own end of the field.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Baltimore Ravens 2001                         7    7    7    0    0     21
Green Bay Packers 1962                        7    0    7    0    0     14
----------
Line:  Green Bay Packers 1962 -8 (-15) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Baltimore Ravens 2001:  3-2
Green Bay Packers 1962:  2-3

*A hard-fought series decider. The Ravens come ready to play on both sides of the ball as they jump out to the early lead. Green Bay answers to tie it up later in the first, but the Ravens retake the lead again in the second and keep it until halftime. In the third, the Ravens stretch out the lead to 21-7, but the Packers are able to come back and cut it to 21-14. They can get no closer, though, as the Raven defense shuts down the Packers the rest of the way and Baltimore surprisingly knocks out the Packers to move on to the Elite Eight.

Code:

R8-G5
Minnesota Vikings 1997(12/12/10/10/18/N/-3) vs. Washington Redskins 1982(11/4/13/8/21/M/3) 
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Minnesota Vikings 1997                        0    0    0    7      7
Washington Redskins 1982                     14   10    7    7     38
----------
Line:  Washington Redskins 1982 -3 (+ 28)
Current Records:
Minnesota Vikings 1997:  2-3
Washington Redskins 1982:  3-2

*This one got away from the Vikings early as the Redskins smashed through for 31 unanswered points in the first three quarters. The Vikings managed to scratch in the fourth, but the game had long since been lost. The Redskins close the series with a sound whipping and move on.

Code:

R8-G5
Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/10/10/30/J/-5) vs. New England Patriots 2003(12/5/15/10/20/M/5) 
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Minnesota Vikings 1998                       17   17   10   13     57
New England Patriots 2003                     6    7    0    6     19
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 -10 (+ 28)
Current Records:
Minnesota Vikings 1998:  3-2
New England Patriots 2003:  2-3

*It was bound to happen. The Patriots couldn't keep the Vikings bottled up forever, though they certainly tried. But, in this game, the Vikings let out all of the frustration and struggle they've faced over the prior four games and completely annihilated the Patriots, putting it away early and kept pouring it on until the final gun. After this near-miss, the Vikings have to be considered the odds-on favorite to claim the tournament championship.

Wolfpack · 11-12-2004, 01:20 PM

The Elite Eight:
Atlanta Falcons 1998
Baltimore Ravens 2001
Dallas Cowboys 1998
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999
Minnesota Vikings 1998
Pittsburgh Steelers 1975
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002
Washington Redskins 1982

Radii · 11-12-2004, 01:37 PM

Damn, so close for the 97 Vikings(well... the series, not that last game).

JeeberD · 11-12-2004, 01:52 PM

Wow, nobody with multiple teams in the Elite Eight. I wouldn't have expected that to happen.

Go Cowboys!

Wolfpack · 11-12-2004, 02:20 PM

Yeah, things got downright surreal in that second group in the round of 32 when all the wimps just suddenly decided to kick sand in the face of all the beach bullies and got away with it, though some degree of sanity has been restored. It's not the final eight I envisioned, but it'll have to do.

Edit to add: I'd have to say the only two who probably look out of place among these eight are 98 Dallas and and 2001 Baltimore. The other six are fairly believable outcomes given the nature of random-draw knockout tournaments.

Wolfpack · 11-12-2004, 03:15 PM

Pairings for the Elite Eight are posted:

Code:

Minnesota Vikings 1998 (15-1, D)	vs.	Baltimore Ravens 2001 (10-6, WC)
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 (14-2, D)	vs.	Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 (12-2, SB)
Atlanta Falcons 1998 (14-2, C)		vs.	Washington Redskins 1982 (8-1, SB)
Dallas Cowboys 1998 (10-6, D)		vs.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 (12-4, SB)

My picks would be 98 Vikings, 75 Pittsburgh, 98 Atlanta, and 02 Tampa Bay.

Wolfpack · 11-12-2004, 03:35 PM

Onward! First game results for the Elite Eight:

Code:

R9-G1
Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/10/10/30/J/0) at Baltimore Ravens 2001(9/7/10/10/19/M/0)
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Minnesota Vikings 1998                        7   10    0   10     27
Baltimore Ravens 2001                        10    0    0    3     13
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 -11 (+ 3)
Current Records:
Minnesota Vikings 1998:  1-0
Baltimore Ravens 2001:  0-1

*Irresistable force (Vikings) against immovable object (Ravens). Too bad the immovable object doesn't have the offensive firepower. The Ravens give the Vikings fits in the first three quarters, but the inability to produce points catches up in the fourth as the Vikings pull away to claim game one in Baltimore.

Code:

R9-G1
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/10/10/16/N/4) at Pittsburgh Steelers 1975(16/1/6/7/19/M/-4)
4:  Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 goes for two on first TD and converts it!
4:  Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 goes for two on the second TD and fails.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999                    10    0    7    0     17
Pittsburgh Steelers 1975                      6    7    3   14     30
----------
Line:  Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 -3 (+ 10)
Current Records:
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999:  0-1
Pittsburgh Steelers 1975:  1-0

*A great clash in the Steel City as the Jaguars and Steelers go at it. Jacksonville gets ahead early, but by halftime the Steelers move in front. The Jags jump into the lead in the third with a touchdown while the Steelers can only put up a field goal to narrow the gap. But, the fourth quarter is all Steelers, as the Terrible Towels wave them on to two touchdowns that blow open the game and give the Steelers the big game one victory.

Code:

R9-G1
Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/21/M/1) at Washington Redskins 1982(11/4/12/8/18/N/-1)
CG:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 scores on a  52-yard touchdown pass!
CG:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 converts the PAT.
CG:  Washington Redskins 1982 reaches the  28 yard line before turning the ball over on downs.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          3   10    7   14    7     41
Washington Redskins 1982                     10    7    7   10    0     34
----------
Line:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 -3 (+ 4)
Current Records:
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  1-0
Washington Redskins 1982:  0-1

*Redskins and Falcons produce a great scorefest at RFK as both defenses, normally stout, seem to be incapable of stopping the opposing offense. The Redskins have the early edge and fend off Falcon challenges through the first three quarters. In the fourth, Atlanta trades field goal for touchdown and finally catches up. Then the Falcons strike for a big play late to take the lead, but it left a lot of time on the clock. The Skins try to tie it up, but the drive stalls out at the Falcon 28, allowing Atlanta to take game one in Washington.

Code:

R9-G1
Dallas Cowboys 1998(12/8/5/10/11/P/-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/11/10/21/M/6)
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Dallas Cowboys 1998                           7    0    7    7     21
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                    10    7    7   10     34
----------
Line:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -10 (+ 3)
Current Records:
Dallas Cowboys 1998:  0-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  1-0

*The Bucs have had the offense going of late. The defense isn't up to normal levels, but did shut out the Cowboys in the second quarter. Otherwise they did enough to allow the Bucs to assert control over the contest as the game went along. Still, it wasn't sealed until the Bucs managed a fourth quarter touchdown drive that put the game out of reach.

Wolfpack · 11-12-2004, 03:43 PM

Game two:

Code:

R9-G2
Baltimore Ravens 2001(9/7/10/10/15/O/-3) at Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/13/10/34/I/3)
4:  Baltimore Ravens 2001 goes for two and fails.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Baltimore Ravens 2001                         6    7    0    6     19
Minnesota Vikings 1998                       21    7    7   14     49
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 -19 (+ 11)
Current Records:
Baltimore Ravens 2001:  0-2
Minnesota Vikings 1998:  2-0

*Minnesota is nearly unbeatable at home. This game proves no different as they wipe up the floor with the Ravens from the start. The Vikings are one win from advancing to the final four.

Code:

R9-G2
Pittsburgh Steelers 1975(16/1/5/7/15/O/-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/12/10/20/M/7)
CG:  Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 turns the ball over on downs in their own end of the field.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Pittsburgh Steelers 1975                      7    0    3    0    0     10
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999                     0    0    7    7    0     14
----------
Line:  Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 -5 (-1)
Current Records:
Pittsburgh Steelers 1975:  1-1
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999:  1-1

*A tough-as-nails battle at Alltel. The Steelers again go ahead early and the Steel Curtain seems to be doing a number on the Jags as they lead 10-0 midway through the third quarter. But, Jacksonville finally breaks through for a TD to cut the lead to 3 and then gets the home crowd going again with another great drive in the fourth that propels them into the lead. The Pittsburgh offense cannot find the answer and the Jaguars even up the series at one game apiece.

Code:

R9-G2
Washington Redskins 1982(11/4/12/8/14/O/-4) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/16/10/25/K/4)
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Washington Redskins 1982                      3    0    0    0      3
Atlanta Falcons 1998                         14   14   14    7     49
----------
Line:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 -11 (+ 35)
Current Records:
Washington Redskins 1982:  0-2
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  2-0

*For one team it all came together. For the other, it all came apart. With a 49-3 win by Atlanta, it's pretty obvious who was who. Atlanta also stands one game from advancing, but will have to win at RFK in game three.

Code:

R9-G2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/9/10/17/N/4) at Dallas Cowboys 1998(12/8/5/10/15/O/-4)
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     0    7    0    0      7
Dallas Cowboys 1998                           7    3    3    3     16
----------
Line:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -2 (-11) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  1-1
Dallas Cowboys 1998:  1-1

*Did we say that the Bucs offense had been producing? Not this game. Dallas steps ahead early with a TD in the first. Tampa Bay's defense keeps the 'Boys out of the end zone the rest of the contest, but the offense, aside from a second quarter TD, can't get anything on the board. The Cowboys add field goals in each of the last three quarters to put the pressure on the Buc offense to produce. They fail, and Dallas ties up the series.

Wolfpack · 11-12-2004, 03:50 PM

Game three results:

Code:

R9-G3
Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/10/10/30/J/0) at Baltimore Ravens 2001(9/7/10/10/19/M/0)
4:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded!
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Minnesota Vikings 1998                        7    7    7   14     35
Baltimore Ravens 2001                         7    7    0    0     14
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 -11 (+ 10)
Current Records:
Minnesota Vikings 1998:  3-0
Baltimore Ravens 2001:  0-3

*The Ravens were game for a half, but were simply overmatched in the second half. The Vikings complete the sweep and move on to the Final Four.

Code:

R9-G3
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/10/10/16/N/4) at Pittsburgh Steelers 1975(16/1/6/7/19/M/-4)
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999                     7    7    0    7     21
Pittsburgh Steelers 1975                      3    0    0    0      3
----------
Line:  Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 -3 (-21) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999:  2-1
Pittsburgh Steelers 1975:  1-2

*One team's defense dominated the game. Surprisingly, it wasn't the Steel Curtain. The Jaguars defense completely stuffed the Steelers at every opportunity, giving up just a first quarter field goal. Jacksonville, meanwhile, struck for touchdowns in the first and second quarters to build a 14-3 halftime lead. With the Steeler offense rendered impotent, it was more than enough margin to send the crowd at Three Rivers home disappointed. The Jags now stand one game away from knocking out the Steelers and can clinch the series at home in game four.

Code:

R9-G3
Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/21/M/1) at Washington Redskins 1982(11/4/12/8/18/N/-1)
CG:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 reaches the  27 yard line before turning the ball over on downs.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          7    0   10    0    0     17
Washington Redskins 1982                     10    7    7    0    0     24
----------
Line:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 -3 (-10) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  2-1
Washington Redskins 1982:  1-2

*In a big hole, the Redskins responded like the champions they are. They lead after the first quarter and expanded the lead to 10 with a touchdown in the second. The Falcons rallied to tie it in the third, but the Redskins pounded back down the field and took the lead for good with a touchdown drive. The Falcons tried to find the tying score in the fourth, but their last chance fell incomplete in the end zone after reaching the Redskin 27. Washington stays alive for another game, but it'll be in Atlanta.

Code:

R9-G3
Dallas Cowboys 1998(12/8/5/10/11/P/-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/11/10/21/M/6)
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Dallas Cowboys 1998                           3    0    7    0     10
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     0    7    7   10     24
----------
Line:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -10 (+ 4)
Current Records:
Dallas Cowboys 1998:  1-2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  2-1

*A good battle at Raymond James Stadium. The Cowboys drew first blood, but the Bucs seized the lead with a touchdown in the second. An exchange of touchdowns in the third kept the Bucs ahead going to the last. The fourth was totally controlled by Tampa Bay as they put up two scores while the defense shut out the Cowboys, giving Tampa Bay the win and moving them one game from advancing.

Wolfpack · 11-12-2004, 04:04 PM

Game four scores:

Code:

R9-G4
Pittsburgh Steelers 1975(16/1/5/7/15/O/-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/12/10/20/M/7)
CG:  Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 attempts a  56-yard field goal, but it is blocked!
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Pittsburgh Steelers 1975                      0    7    0    7    0     14
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999                     7    0    0   10    0     17
----------
Line:  Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 -5 (-2)
Current Records:
Pittsburgh Steelers 1975:  1-3
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999:  3-1

*The Jaguars go up first with a touchdown, but the Steelers come back in the second to tie it up at 7 at the half. Defenses dominate the third as neither team is able to scratch. In the fourth, the teams trade touchdowns to remain tied, but the Jags step ahead on a field goal. Pittsburgh drives for the tying field goal, but can only get to the Jag 39. The 56-yard attempt is blocked and the crowd at Alltel goes nuts. The Jags have advanced to the Final Four!

Code:

R9-G4
Washington Redskins 1982(11/4/12/8/14/O/-4) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/16/10/25/K/4)
CG:  Washington Redskins 1982 reaches the  32 yard line before turning the ball over on downs.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Washington Redskins 1982                      0    7    0    0    0      7
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          3    3    6    3    0     15
----------
Line:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 -11 (-3)
Current Records:
Washington Redskins 1982:  1-3
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  3-1

*This was won the hard way by Atlanta. The defenses were great for both teams, but Atlanta's was better. They shut down the Skins aside from a second quarter TD. The Falcons never got into the end zone, but they pushed the Redskins to the breaking point numerous times and at least netted field goals out of their drives. Still, the Skins had a chance and drove into Atlanta territory late, but could never really threaten to score a TD that would have given them a chance to tie. The Georgia Dome erupts as the clock ticks to zero as the Falcons move on to the Final Four.

Code:

R9-G4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/9/10/17/N/4) at Dallas Cowboys 1998(12/8/5/10/15/O/-4)
3:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded!
CG:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 scores on a  27-yard touchdown run!
CG:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 converts the PAT.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     0    0    7    3    7     17
Dallas Cowboys 1998                           7    7    0    0    0     14
----------
Line:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -2 (+ 1)
Current Records:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  3-1
Dallas Cowboys 1998:  1-3

*The Cowboys let this one slip away. They had the Bucs on the ropes in the first half, striking for two touchdowns and a 14-0 lead at the half. But, that is all the scoring they would do. The Buc defense came out and asserted itself in the second half, giving the offense a chance to get the Bucs back in the game. Tampa Bay gambles in the third and gets a touchdown to make it 14-7, then a field goal in the fourth to make it 14-10. Finally, a breakdown at the line enables Tampa's running back to bust loose through the secondary and into the end zone from 27 yards out to vault the Bucs into the lead for the first time. There isn't enough time left on the clock for Dallas to even get into field goal range and the Bucs stun the Texas Stadium crowd and celebrate their advance to the Final Four.

JeeberD · 11-12-2004, 04:05 PM

Damn...

Wolfpack · 11-12-2004, 04:06 PM

Sorry, Jeebs. They did have an outstanding run, though. They did what the more vaunted Cowboys teams couldn't and got to the quarterfinals.

Wolfpack · 11-12-2004, 04:07 PM

So, here you have it. The Final Four teams from a field of 1,492:

1998 Atlanta Falcons
1999 Jacksonville Jaguars
1998 Minnesota Vikings
2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SplitPersonality1 · 11-12-2004, 04:11 PM

Wow. I have 3 of the final four.

Unfortunately, my worst nightmare could still come true. Atlanta over Minnesota, one series away from the big one. (shudder)

Wolfpack · 11-12-2004, 04:46 PM

It has a chance to be a contest to the end as the random draw keeps scholes's faint hopes alive by having the Bucs and Falcons in opposite pairings:

Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 (14-2, D)
vs.
Atlanta Falcons 1998 (14-2, C)

Minnesota Vikings 1998 (15-1, D)
vs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 (12-4, SB)

It may very well come down to a 1998 NFC title game rematch between the Vikings and Falcons.

This round and the finals will be best-of-seven series in the NHL-style, that is 2-2-1-1-1 with the last game, of course, being at a neutral site.

sterlingice · 11-13-2004, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeeberD

Come on 'Boys, finish off the Chefs!!!

Great googily moogily.

SI

Wolfpack · 11-15-2004, 02:22 PM

It is time to begin the Final Four!

Game one:

Code:

Semis-G1
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/10/10/19/M/-3) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/23/L/3)
CG:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 converts a  31-yard field goal attempt!
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999                     3    7    7    7    0     24
Atlanta Falcons 1998                         10    0    0   14    3     27
----------
Line:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 -4 (-1)
Current Records:
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999:  0-1
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  1-0

*A great contest at the Georgia Dome to open the series. The Falcons took the early lead, but the Jags came back to tie it up at the half and then took the lead in the third. In the fourth, the teams traded touchdowns and then Atlanta tied it up with their second touchdown of the quarter. In the late going, the Falcons put together a drive that netted them the game winning 31-yard field goal. Atlanta goes ahead in the series 1-0.

Code:

Semis-G1
Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/8/10/24/L/0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/21/M/0)
3:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and failed.
CG:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 scores on a  23-yard touchdown pass!
CG:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 converts the PAT.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Minnesota Vikings 1998                        3   14    0    7    0     24
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     3    7    0   14    7     31
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 -3 (-10) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Minnesota Vikings 1998:  0-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  1-0

*The Bucs beat the Vikings...with offense? The defense kept them in it in the first half as the teams traded field goals, then touchdowns, which left the Vikings ahead 17-10 and seemingly ready to blow it open. But, nothing happened in the third as neither team scored, a victory for the Bucs. In the fourth, it was the Bucs delivering the big touchdown plays that saw them finally tie it up at 24 and get the crowd at Raymond James rocking. Finally, the Bucs struck for the go-ahead touchdown from 23 yards out and the Bucs had completed a surprising rally to beat the Vikings 31-24 to win game one.

Wolfpack · 11-15-2004, 02:29 PM

Game two results:

Code:

Semis-G2
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/10/10/19/M/-3) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/23/L/3)
3:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and failed.
CG:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 attempts a  30-yard field goal, but it is blocked!
OT:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 converts a  40-yard field goal attempt!
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   OT   Final
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999                     7    6    7    0    0    0     20
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          3   10    0    7    0    3     23
----------
Line:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 -4 (-1)
Current Records:
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999:  0-2
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  2-0

*This one is shaping up to be a great series if the Jags can get back into it in the next two games at home. The teams battle to a 13-13 halftime tie, then the Jags again take a third quarter lead with a touchdown. Deja vu all over again, as the Falcons come back to tie it in the fourth. Atlanta had a short field goal to tie it at the end of regulation, but it was blocked and the game went to OT. In OT, the Falcons got the ball first and never gave it up, driving for the winning 40-yard field goal to complete the two-game sweep at home. The series now shifts to Jacksonville for the next two games and the Jags will need both of them to keep their chances alive.

Code:

Semis-G2
Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/8/10/24/L/0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/21/M/0)
CG:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 reaches the  25 yard line before turning the ball over on downs.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Minnesota Vikings 1998                        3    6    7    0    0     16
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     3    7    7    3    0     20
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 -3 (-7) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Minnesota Vikings 1998:  0-2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  2-0

*The Bucs are bringing their 'A' game against the vaunted Vikings offense. Once again, the Vikings can't get an explosion of points, not even a touchdown in the first half, and the Vikings trail 10-9 at halftime. The Vikings finally seize the lead with a touchdown in the third, but the Bucs have the answer to retake the lead. In the fourth, the Bucs dominate on defense and the Vikings are not able to score. Tampa Bay nets a field goal to stretch the lead out a little and make Minnesota need a TD to win. They push it close, reaching the Buc 25, but no further and the Bucs have come up with an absolutely essential two games to none lead on Minnesota as the series shifts to the Metrodome. If the Bucs can steal one there, they have a chance to clinch the series in Tampa in game five. But, it's a pretty tall order.

Wolfpack · 11-15-2004, 02:31 PM

Game three:

Code:

Semis-G3
Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/19/M/1) at Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/11/10/23/L/-1)
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          0    0    7    7     14
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999                    10    7    7   10     34
----------
Line:  Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 -4 (+ 16)
Current Records:
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  2-1
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999:  1-2

*The Jags return to the friendly confines of Alltel Stadium and find it much more to their liking, as they batter the Falcons for 17 unanswered points in the first half, setting the tone for the game. The Falcons try to come back in the second half, but the Jags have all the answers and roll to the victory to cut Atlanta's series lead to 2-1.

Code:

Semis-G3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/17/N/-2) at Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/10/10/28/K/2)
3:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 goes for two and fails.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     3    0    6    0      9
Minnesota Vikings 1998                       14    7    3   13     37
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 -11 (+ 17)
Current Records:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  2-1
Minnesota Vikings 1998:  1-2

*In similar fashion, the Metrodome crowd gives the Vikings a huge lift as they take apart the Tampa Bay defense in the first half to lead 21-3 at the break. The Bucs are only able to score on a pair of field goals in the second half, pitifully short of what's needed as the Vikings crush the Bucs to make the series 2-1.

Wolfpack · 11-15-2004, 02:37 PM

Game four:

Code:

Semis-G4
Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/19/M/1) at Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/11/10/23/L/-1)
4:  Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 goes for two and converts it!
CG:  Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 attempts a  48-yard field goal, but it is blocked!
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          7    7    7    7    0     28
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999                     7    7    0   11    0     25
----------
Line:  Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 -4 (-7) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  3-1
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999:  1-3

*The teams trade blows during the first half, leaving the game tied at 14 at halftime. In the third, the Falcons apply the pressure with a big touchdown drive. The Jags get a field goal early in the fourth to cut it to 21-17, but the Falcons stretch the lead with another big touchdown. The Jags then strike back for a touchdown and then get the two-pointer to cut the lead to three and giving the home crowd hope. That hope is cruelly taken away at the end, though, as the Falcons break through and block a 48-yard field goal attempt that would have tied it up and forced OT. The Jags are now one game from elimination and have to go to Atlanta and win game five to stay alive.

Code:

Semis-G4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/17/N/-2) at Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/10/10/28/K/2)
4:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and failed.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     3    0    0    7     10
Minnesota Vikings 1998                        0   17    7    7     31
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 -11 (+ 10)
Current Records:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  2-2
Minnesota Vikings 1998:  2-2

*The Bucs give Minnesota fits early as the Vikings are unable to scratch in the first quarter and find themselves down a field goal. But, it all changes in the second as Minnesota explodes for 17 straight points to surge to a 17-3 halftime lead. They extend it to 24-3 with a touchdown in the third, effectively sealing the game as the Bucs don't have the offensive firepower to keep up. The series is tied up at two games each and Tampa now needs to have their home field advantage come through again in game five. They don't want to have to come back to the Metrodome facing elimination.

Wolfpack · 11-15-2004, 02:47 PM

Game five:

Code:

Semis-G5
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/10/10/19/M/-3) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/23/L/3)
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999                     0    7    7    7     21
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          0    7    0    0      7
----------
Line:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 -4 (-18) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999:  2-3
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  3-2

*The Falcons come home to the Georgia Dome with a chance to close out the Jags and take the series in five games. The teams are again in an even match through the first thirty minutes, tied up 7-7 at half. The Jags once again go ahead on a touchdown in the third quarter, but this time Atlanta doesn't have an answer. Jacksonville tacks on an insurance touchdown in the fourth and the Jaguars have gotten the job done. They go into Atlanta and steal game five from the Falcons, returning the series to Jacksonville for game six.

Code:

Semis-G5
Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/8/10/24/L/0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/21/M/0)
2:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded!
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Minnesota Vikings 1998                        0    7    0    0      7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                    10    0    7    0     17
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 -3 (-13) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Minnesota Vikings 1998:  2-3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  3-2

*The pressure is palpable at Raymond James Stadium. Everyone in the building knows the Bucs need to win here, knowing how easily the Vikings whipped them in both games in Minneapolis. Only thing is the Bucs don't seem to feel that pressure. They pounce on the Vikings to go up 10-0 as the defense continues its mysterious control over Minnesota at home. The Vikings cut into the lead with a touchdown in the second, but that is all the Tampa Bay defense will allow. The Bucs rebuild the 10-point lead with a touchdown in the third and then the defense does the rest, never allowing the Vikings to sniff the end zone or even get a field goal. Tampa Bay has put Minnesota on the brink of elimination, but they must go to the Metrodome to close it out. It's looking like this series will go the distance.

Wolfpack · 11-15-2004, 03:02 PM

Game six:

Code:

Semis-G6
Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/19/M/1) at Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/11/10/23/L/-1)
4:  Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 goes for two on first TD and fails.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          7    0    7    7     21
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999                    20    7    0   13     40
----------
Line:  Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 -4 (+ 15)
Current Records:
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  3-3
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999:  3-3

*The Jags smell an opportunity to get the series tied up at home and they don't give it up. They hop on the Falcons and put them down early, 20-7 after the first quarter. They extend it to 27-7 by halftime and are never seriously threatened in the second half as Atlanta is unable to effectively cut into the Jaguar lead. Jacksonville has tied the series up at three games apiece with the neutral site game to determine who goes on to the final. It will be a complete toss up who will win it.

Code:

Semis-G6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/17/N/-2) at Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/10/10/28/K/2)
3:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 goes for two and converts it!
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     3    6   11   10     30
Minnesota Vikings 1998                        0   10   10    0     20
----------
Line:  Minnesota Vikings 1998 -11 (-21) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  4-2
Minnesota Vikings 1998:  2-4

*After getting thrashed in both prior games in Minneapolis, the expectation that game six would produce another Viking win and a neutral site game to decide the series. As in game four, the Vikings start slowly, leaving the Bucs ahead 3-0. This time around, though, the Bucs battle to stay in it as Minnesota is only able to take the lead on a late field goal to make the score 10-9 at the half. In the third, the Vikings extend it to 17-9, but the Bucs hit for a touchdown and then makes the gamble for a two-point conversion pay off to tie the game at 17. The Metrodome crowd is getting antsy all of the sudden as the Bucs don't roll over. The teams exchange field goals to make it 20-all going to the final quarter. As expected, one team dominates the final quarter. Unexpectedly, however, it is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers doing the dominating. The offense churns out a touchdown and a field goal. Meanwhile, the defense is absolutely on fire, shutting the Vikings completely down. As the clock ticks to zero, the home crowd files out quietly in disbelief, while the few Bucs fans in attendance and the Tampa Bay sideline erupts onto the field. The Buccaneers have done the improbable and beaten the Vikings in Minneapolis to win the best-of-seven series 4-2 and advance to the final. Could it be that there's a curse on the Vikings? It's unbelievable that the same team that was once denied a ticket to the Super Bowl by a home loss in the NFC final should find itself at an equivalent point in the tournament and then lose at home to yet another team considered inferior and be eliminated one step short of the final. Eerie.

SplitPersonality1 · 11-15-2004, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SplitPersonality1

Unfortunately, my worst nightmare could still come true. Atlanta over Minnesota, one series away from the big one. (shudder)

Not exactly right, but........{sigh}

I hate football.

Wolfpack · 11-15-2004, 03:08 PM

Game seven:

Code:

Semis-G7
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/10/10/21/M/-2) vs. Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/21/M/2) 
CG:  Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 turns the ball over on downs in their own end of the field.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999                     0   10    0    0    0     10
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          0    7   10    0    0     17
----------
Line:  Pick 'em
Current Records:
Jacksonville Jaguars 1999:  3-4
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  4-3

*A fitting end to a great series. The teams battle through a scoreless first, then Jacksonville gets ahead with a touchdown in the second. The Falcons come back to tie it up, but the Jags nail a field goal just before halftime to take a 10-7 lead at the break. In the third, the Falcons tie it up, then take the lead on a beautiful, time-guzzling touchdown drive. The Falcons defense then makes it stand up the rest of the way as the Jaguars are never able to get into position to score and Atlanta claims the other berth in the Finals with the 17-10 victory. They will go up against an unexpected opponent. Rather than their star-crossed NFC Championship opponents, the 1998 Vikings, they get the 2002 Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Defenses will be the focal point and the points will be at a premium.

Wolfpack · 11-15-2004, 03:10 PM

Sorry, SP. If it's any consolation to you, the Tampa Bay win did guarantee your victory in the pick 'em tournament.

I myself was pretty flabbergasted when I saw the outcome of the game six between the Vikings and Bucs.

Warhammer · 11-15-2004, 03:49 PM

The way this thing has played out is just crazy. The 98 Falcons? Who da thunk?

Wolfpack · 11-15-2004, 04:06 PM

It's the nature of the beast in a tournament format. Probably the truest method to finding the best team is to have every team in the database play everybody else once (1,491 games) and see who has the best record. Then again, there wouldn't be quite so much drama and unexpected twists. I'm still stunned a bit by what happened in the round of 64 with most of the remaining legendary teams getting bounced.

Wolfpack · 11-15-2004, 04:22 PM

So, we have come at last to the final pairing:

1998 Atlanta Falcons (14-2, NFC Champions)
vs.
2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-4, Super Bowl XXXVII Champions)

A look back at how they reached this point:
1998 Atlanta
Rd. 1: swept 1980 Cleveland Browns 2-0
Rd. 2: swept 1999 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-0
Rd. 3: swept 1993 New England Patriots 2-0
Rd. 4: defeated 2000 Baltimore Ravens 2-1
Rd. 5: swept 1989 Minnesota Vikings 2-0
Rd. 6: swept 1975 Miami Dolphins 2-0
Rd. 7: defeated 2000 St. Louis Rams 2-1
Sweet Sixteen: swept 1999 Oakland Raiders 3-0
Elite Eight: defeated 1982 Washington Redskins 3-1
Final Four: defeated 1999 Jacksonville Jaguars 4-3

2002 Tampa Bay
Rd. 1: bye
Rd. 2: swept 1999 Baltimore Ravens 2-0
Rd. 3: swept 1966 Los Angeles Rams 2-0
Rd. 4: defeated 2000 New York Jets 2-1
Rd. 5: swept 1999 Green Bay Packers 2-0
Rd. 6: swept 1992 New Orleans Saints 2-0
Rd. 7: swept 2001 Denver Broncos 2-0
Sweet Sixteen: defeated 1970 Minnesota Vikings 3-1
Elite Eight: defeated 1998 Dallas Cowboys 3-1
Final Four: defeated 1998 Minnesota Vikings 4-2

Who has the edge?
The Falcons have better scoring ability on offense than the Bucs, but the Tampa Bay defense is superior to the Falcons. Normalization is not a factor as both teams are from the same era. In the end, home field will provide the edge to one team or the other. If the series goes seven games, it will be a total toss-up on a neutral field. I expect if any team wins a game on the road in the first six, it will give the series to that team. If it goes to that toss-up game seven, my pick is the Falcons because they have a better chance of winning the close games. The Bucs did very well in 2002, but their offense kept them from winning some games, while Atlanta won all the tough games and exceeded expectations, including winning the stunner in the NFC title game that year in OT at Minnesota.

My prediction: Atlanta in six.

Wolfpack · 11-15-2004, 04:38 PM

Here we go!

GAME ONE from Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida:
*The Buccaneers come out blazing hot to start the ball game. On both their possessions in the first quarter, the Tampa Bay offense consumes time, breaks down the Falcons and punches in for touchdowns to conclude each possession. The Falcons, meanwhile, struggle. They are unable to put up any points on the board. Tampa Bay leads 14-0 after the 1st quarter

*The Bucs conclude a drive early in the second with a field goal to stretch the lead to 17-0 and Raymond James is rocking. Atlanta's offense finally comes to life on the next drive, though, as they pound their way downfield and finally bust into the end zone to cut the lead to 17-7. The Falcon defense also gets it together, forcing a three-and-out that gets the ball back to the offense. The Falcons again drive into Tampa Bay territory, but this time, the Bucs stiffen up and Atlanta settles for a field goal to make it 17-10. The Bucs, however, are able to answer with a great drive that sees them going into the end zone to stretch their lead once again. As the gun sounds for halftime, the Bucs are again comfortably in front. Tampa Bay leads 24-10 after the second quarter.

*In the third quarter, the Bucs continue to crank up the defense, hitting any Falcon they see with a football. The result is that Atlanta's offense again disappears. Meanwhile the Bucs go about putting the game out of reach. They break through the Atlanta defense on their first drive of the half for a touchdown and then pour salt on the wound with a field goal later in the quarter and the game is all but over. Tampa Bay leads 34-10 after the third quarter.

*In the fourth, the Bucs seem to relax a bit. Maybe too much. The Falcons, perhaps too late, get the offense going again, getting through the Tampa Bay defense for a touchdown to make it 34-16. Down by three possessions, they go for the two-pointer. The attempt fails and they are down 18. Tampa Bay's offense, meanwhile, starts trying to kill the clock, which it does, but it's not anything that will get them points. The Falcons get the ball back and again work it through the looser Buc defense for another touchdown and it's now 34-22. Again they go for two to cut the lead to 10, but once again they cannot convert. Then Tampa Bay consumes a large amount of time on the next drive, though they don't get any points out of it. Atlanta gets the ball back with very little time left. They hurry it up, but near midfield, they misfire on three straight passes and turn it over on downs. The Bucs are able to kneel down and kill the clock to claim the series opener. Tampa Bay wins game one 34-22, leads series 1-0.

Code:

Finals-G1
Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/16/N/3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/9/10/20/M/-3)
4:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded!
4:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 goes for two on the first TD and fails.
4:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 goes for two on the second TD and fails.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          0   10    0   12     22
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                    14   10   10    0     34
----------
Line:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -4 (+ 8)
Current Records:
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  0-1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  1-0

Warhammer · 11-15-2004, 04:42 PM

Go Bucs! Do the Dirty Bird on them Dead Birds!

Wolfpack · 11-15-2004, 04:49 PM

GAME TWO from Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida:
*Defense is the name of the game early (as it will be throughout) as both defenses are out in force in the opening quarter. Neither offense can generate much of anything and punts are going back and forth the entire quarter. The game is tied 0-0 after the first quarter.

*In the early second quarter, the Falcons get the offense together for the first time and march down the field, getting into the end zone for the first score of the game. After that, the defenses reassert themselves, resulting in a couple more punts. Tampa Bay takes possession in the final few minutes before halftime and execute a great drive that sees them into the end zone just inside the two minute warning to tie the game at seven. Atlanta's last drive fails to net them any points. The game is tied 7-7 at halftime.

*The third quarter resembles the first. Not much offense and the punters are getting a great workout. The game is tied 7-7 after the third quarter.

*The Bucs get the ball early on in the fourth and proceed to march down the field as the Falcons defense seems to struggle stopping the Tampa Bay offense. The drive ends up getting into the end zone and the Raymond James crowd roars loud with the Bucs up 14-7 nearly halfway into the quarter. The remainder of the game is filled with tension as the Bucs defense continues to keep the Falcons in check. Atlanta gets the ball with one last shot with two minutes to go. They do progress some ways down the field, but Tampa Bay is yielding yards grudgingly. Finally, the Falcons are down to a hail mary from the Tampa Bay 45 with just seconds left. The ball is heaved towards the end zone where it is...batted down by the Bucs! Tampa Bay wins game two 14-7, leads series 2-0.

Code:

Finals-G2
Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/16/N/3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/9/10/20/M/-3)
CG:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 reaches the  45 yard line before turning the ball over on downs.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          0    7    0    0    0      7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     0    7    0    7    0     14
----------
Line:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -4 (+ 3)
Current Records:
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  0-2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  2-0

Wolfpack · 11-16-2004, 10:57 AM

GAME THREE from the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia:
*The scene shifts to Atlanta where the Falcons need to defend their home turf to stay in the series. The opening quarter features both offenses consuming time with solid drives. The Bucs get it first and pound it into the end zone first near the halfway point to go up 7-0. The Falcons respond on the next drive by doing the same thing, jamming it down the throat of the Buc defense. They, too, get it into the end zone and the game is tied at 7 with a couple of minutes left in the first to conclude the scoring. The game is tied 7-7 after the first quarter.

*Tampa Bay resumes their drive from the end of the first quarter and once again the Bucs are able to crack the Falcons defense and get into the end zone to move ahead 14-7. The Falcons are not long in responding this time as the ensuing kickoff return gives them great field position near midfield. However, the Buccaneer defense yields yards grudgingly this time and the Falcons are only able to settle for a fairly long field goal to cut it to 14-10. The Bucs are unable to do much with the ball the next time they get it and punt it back to Atlanta. This time, the Falcons grind at the Tampa Bay defense, chewing up clock and chewing up yards. They finally get into the end zone on a touchdown run with just under five minutes left in the half and the Georgia Dome is rocking with the Falcons now up 17-14. After that, the defenses re-assert themselves and no one threatens to score before halftime. Atlanta leads 17-14 at halftime.

*Atlanta gets another great kick return to start the second half, but again it is squandered as the Tampa Bay defense makes the key stops and once again the Falcons are reduced to a field goal, stretching the lead to 20-14. However, the Falcons defense is proving every bit as stingy as the Buccaneers and forces Tampa Bay to punt on the ensuing possession. Atlanta gets the ball back and another solid drive gets them into Tampa Bay territory. Once again, though, the Bucs stiffen up with their backs to the wall and the Falcons again put up a field goal on the board, now leading 23-14 halfway into the quarter. After that, nobody's getting anything done on offense and punts are going back and forth the rest of the time. Atlanta leads 23-14 after the third quarter.

*The defenses continue to hold sway throughout the fourth quarter and that works to the Falcons' advantage. Tampa Bay finally gets a drive going late, but it bogs down deep in Atlanta territory. They settle for a field goal with about three minutes left to cut the lead to 23-17. They elect to kick away and hope the defense can get the ball back. Through the use of time outs and the two-minute warning, they are able to do it. Out of timeouts and now in their own end of the field, the Buccaneers try to get together their last chance drive. They get it out to midfield, but time has run out. The ball rests on the Atlanta 47 with time for a Hail Mary left. The QB drops back, rolls out, and heaves it...a cluster of players gathers in the end zone...knocked away! Incomplete in the end zone and the Falcons hold on! Atlanta wins game three 23-17, trail the series 1-2.

Code:

Finals-G3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/16/N/-5) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/20/M/5)
CG:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 reaches the  47 yard line before turning the ball over on downs.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     7    7    0    3    0     17
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          7   10    6    0    0     23
----------
Line:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 -4 (+ 2)
Current Records:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  2-1
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  1-2

Wolfpack · 11-16-2004, 11:15 AM

GAME FOUR from the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
*The Falcons got back into the series with the game three win. They'll need to keep it up in game four.

*Tampa Bay starts with the ball first, but are unable to cross midfield and punt. The Falcons get the ball and embark on a time-consuming drive that gets them all the way inside the Tampa Bay 10, but they can't punch it in and settle for a chip shot field goal to lead 3-0. On the ensuing Tampa Bay drive, disaster strikes the Bucs as the RB is stripped of the football and it bounces around behind him. The Falcons safety scoops up the ball and runs the relatively short distance to the end zone and suddenly it's 10-0 Atlanta, just over halfway into the quarter. The teams trade punts, leaving the Bucs with the ball. Tampa Bay finally gets a good drive going of their own and they punch it into the end zone with a few minutes left in the first to cut the lead to 10-7. On the ensuing kickoff, the returner is smacked hard and coughs up the ball. The Bucs pounce on it and have great field position. But, they go three-and-out, sending on the kicker, who boots it through as the quarter closes to tie it up at 10. The game is tied 10-10 after the first quarter.

*The Falcons get the ball at the start of the second quarter and procede to rapidly move down the field and then bust into the end zone to retake the lead 17-10. Defenses once again get control of the game and the teams trade punts back and forth. Atlanta ends up with the ball and once again pound on the Bucs defense in a time-consuming drive that sees them break into the end zone to make it 24-10 near the end of the half. Atlanta leads 24-10 at halftime.

*The Buccaneer defense is tiring, but the offense is unable to generate anything against the Falcons to help them out. Fortunately, Tampa Bay has enough in the tank to keep Atlanta's offense from generating anything throughout the third quarter. Finally, near the end of the quarter, the Buccaneers get the offense moving and march down the field. They don't go away empty-handed, capping the drive with a great fade route touchdown pass to cut the lead to 24-17, the only score of the third quarter. Atlanta leads 24-17 after the third quarter.

*The ensuing Atlanta possession carries over to the fourth quarter as they move down the field and reach the goal line. It's fourth and goal at the one. The Falcons have a sure three points, but they have a chance to perhaps deliver the knockout punch if they can score the TD. They go for it and the RB hammers his way in, sending the Georgia Dome crowd into a frenzy as the Falcons build the lead to 31-17. The score seems to take the fight out of the Bucs as they go three-and-out. The Falcons take over and consume some valuable clock. Then, the coup de grace, a spectacular run straight up the gut from just across midfield by the RB as he storms into the end zone to make it 38-17 and puts the game out of reach with just half the quarter left. After that, it's just the Bucs feebly trying to get anything going and usually failing and the Falcons getting the ball and sitting on it to kill the clock and win the game. Atlanta wins game four 38-17, series is tied 2-2.

Code:

Finals-G4
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/16/N/-5) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/20/M/5)
4:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded!
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                    10    0    7    0     17
Atlanta Falcons 1998                         10   14    0   14     38
----------
Line:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 -4 (+ 17)
Current Records:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  2-2
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  2-2

Wolfpack · 11-16-2004, 12:59 PM

GAME FIVE at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
*The series is knotted at two. Can Tampa Bay continue the perfect record for home teams in the series or can the Falcons steal one, push the Bucs to the brink of defeat and finish them off in Atlanta?

*The game starts pretty quietly as both teams resume pounding their offenses against the opposing defense, but to very little effect. Punts sail back and forth through the sky until finally the Bucs get a drive going near the end of the first quarter. They push the ball into Falcon territory and then finally bust into the end zone with just a handful of ticks left on the clock in the first quarter. Tampa Bay leads 7-0 after the first quarter.

*The Falcons are not long in responding as they put together a solid drive with running and passing, but it stalls out in field goal range. The kicker comes on and knocks it throug to cut it to 7-3. Atlanta then forces a turnover on the next Bucs possession but once again are foiled by the Tampa Bay defense and settle for a second field goal in as many red zone possessions. After that brief bit of excitement, the game returns to a relatively quiet, tense state as neither offense commits mistakes, but can't break the opposing defense to score. The Bucs are able to hold the lead through the remainder of the half. Tampa Bay leads 7-6 at halftime.

*The Falcons get the ball to open the second half and they make good use of it, slicing and dicing the Tampa Bay defense with surprising ease and then plowing into the end zone to take the lead. The Falcons take the gamble and go for two and convert it and suddenly Atlanta is ahead 14-7. Tampa Bay cannot find the answer on offense, but for the rest of the quarter, the defense keeps the Buccaneers in the game by shutting down the Falcons. Atlanta leads 14-7 after the third quarter.

*The teams continue to struggle back and forth into the fourth until the Falcons suddenly crack the Tampa Bay defense for a long touchdown pass and suddenly it's 21-7 halfway through the fourth. Tampa Bay is up against the wall now. They respond with a well-executed drive that pushes them into the red zone, but fourth down comes up. With time running out, they go for it. The Falcons hold on fourth down and take over. The crowd begins to slowly file out of the stadium with under four minutes left, their team now at the edge of the abyss. The Falcons proceed to chew up the remaining clock and walk off the field with a huge win that leaves them one game from claiming the tournament title with game six in Atlanta. Atlanta wins game five 21-7, leads series 3-2.

Code:

Finals-G5
Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/16/N/3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/9/10/20/M/-3)
3:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 goes for two and converts it!
4:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and failed.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          0    6    8    7     21
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     7    0    0    0      7
----------
Line:  Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -4 (-18) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  3-2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  2-3

Wolfpack · 11-16-2004, 01:28 PM

GAME SIX from the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia:
*The Bucs took a big hit with the home loss in game five. Can they recover and force a game seven at a neutral site or will Atlanta win four straight games to clinch the series and claim the title in front of their fans?

*The offenses dominate this one early. First, the Bucs roll off a quick touchdown drive to start the game. Then Atlanta takes advantage of a great kick return on the ensuing kickoff to go for a home run play on the first play from scrimmage and before four minutes have passed, it's 7-7. The defenses get a handle on the situation and an exchange of punts follows. The Bucs then put together a nice drive, but it stalls out just outside the red zone. The kicker comes on and boots it through to make it 10-7. Atlanta responds with a good drive of their own that ultimately gets their kicker out to boot through a tying field goal. As the exciting first quarter comes to a close, it's tied up. The game is tied 10-10 after the first quarter.

*The Bucs turn it over on the ensuing possession, giving the Falcons great field position. The Tampa Bay defense rises up, though, and keeps Atlanta out of the end zone. The kicker trots back on to boot another field goal and Atlanta takes the lead. The teams then each suffer short drives that result in punts, leaving the Bucs with the ball with a little less than 7 minutes left. The Bucs then march down the field and bust into the end zone to retake the lead with about three minutes left in the half. The Falcons are unable to move the ball out of their own end of the field and punt away. The Bucs go ahead and kill the clock to take the lead into halftime. Tampa Bay leads 14-10 at halftime.

*The teams come out for the second half and in the early going in the third quarter, it's all defense as neither offense can cross midfield, let alone get into scoring position. The Falcons finally get a drive going over the middle part of the quarter and they cap it with a touchdown run up the gut from inside the five yard line to move ahead 17-14. The Georgia Dome crowd gets into it, sensing they have a chance to win it. But, the Buccaneers come up with the drive of the night. With the crowd deafening, the Bucs are able to convert clutch third down after third down and before long, they've gotten into the end zone. The deafening roar is now a deafening silence. The Atlanta offense goes three-and-out on the next possession. As the quarter comes to a close, the Bucs have the ball and are driving. Tampa Bay leads 24-20 after the third quarter.

*The fourth quarter begins and the Bucs continue to drive on into Atlanta territory. They continue to break down the Atlanta defense and then smash into the end zone to make the lead 31-20 with 13 minutes left. Do the Falcons have an answer? Yes, they do. With precision and speed, the Falcons execute a great two-minute offense that catches the Bucs off-guard. They get a pass interference on a bomb pass into the end zone that puts them at the one. The Bucs make a brilliant goal line stand, though. It reaches fourth down and the Falcons go for it. They finally burst through and the crowd is back into it with the Falcons down 31-27 with under ten minutes left. The Bucs get the ball and then proceed to eat up the clock as the Falcons are unable to stop them at critical points on the drive. Down below seven minutes, below five minutes the clock goes. Finally, the Falcons are able to stop the drive in the shadow of their goalpost. Tampa Bay sends on the kicker who boots it through to make it 34-27 with four minutes left. Atlanta now tries to get the tying score. They work their way downfield. The two-minute warning comes and goes. Ultimately, they find themselves facing a fourth down at the 28, trying to get a first down to keep the drive alive. But, the QB is sacked for a loss and the ball is turned over on downs. The home crowd begins to leave dejectedly as the Tampa Bay offense comes on, takes a couple of knees, runs out the clock, and wins the game. Tampa Bay wins game six 34-27, series tied 3-3.

Code:

Finals-G6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/16/N/-5) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/20/M/5)
4:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded!
CG:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 reaches the  28 yard line before turning the ball over on downs.
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   CG   Final
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                    10    7    7   10    0     34
Atlanta Falcons 1998                         10    3    7    7    0     27
----------
Line:  Atlanta Falcons 1998 -4 (-11) *UPSET*
Current Records:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  3-3
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  3-3

-------------------
So, it has come down to this, a single game to determine the final outcome of the whole tournament. A neutral site game seven where no team is the clear favorite. One...more...game.

Radii · 11-16-2004, 02:01 PM

Go Tampa. A Tampa Bay team named best of all time is really scary, but an Atlanta Falcons team named best of all time is just mind boggling.

Wolfpack · 11-16-2004, 02:25 PM

Well, it is a "team" competition, not a "franchise" competition. I would think if I did a tournament of the 32 NFL franchises where all the numbers of every team were averaged for each franchise, I would think the Bucs and Falcons would be toast in the first two rounds.

True, the matchup doesn't have glamour or glitz, but it is what came out of this thing after killing off 1490 other teams. It is entirely plausible that I could re-run the affair a number of times and come up with different finalists for each one. Such is life in a tournament format.

Wolfpack · 11-16-2004, 03:36 PM

It is time...

GAME SEVEN from Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey:
*A neutral site for the final game of the best-of-seven series was needed. Why not in the vicinity of the biggest city in America with all the media that comes with it? The Bucs have a chance to rally from 3-2 down to win the series. Can they do it? The Falcons have to find a way to come back from a crushing loss at home when they could have locked up the series and the championship in front of their fans. Can they do it?

Let's get it on!

*Early on it is evident that the offenses on both sides are struggling with a bit of jitters...passes are overthrown, blocks are missed, running backs are getting too creative trying to run the ball. As a result, the defenses are just pounding anybody with a football in his hand. No resemblance to games four or six in Atlanta where both teams combined for 20 points in the first quarter. The punters are getting a good workout, though. Fifteen minutes of offensive futility leaves the game pretty much where it was at the opening kickoff. The game is tied 0-0 after the first quarter.

*Atlanta had the ball to finish the first quarter and their drive resumes into the second quarter, where they finally crack the Tampa Bay defensive wall and move into Buccaneer territory. A play-action pass finds a streaking WR over the middle and he outruns everyone to the end zone and just like that, Atlanta has the lead, 7-0. The Buccaneers bounce back almost immediately as they get a great kickoff return that sets them up inside Falcon territory. Tampa Bay pushes further downfield, but the drive stalls out outside the red zone and the kicker comes on and boots the field goal to put Tampa Bay on the board, trailing 7-3 halfway through the second quarter. After that, the defenses re-assert themselves and keep the offenses in check the remainder of the half. Atlanta leads 7-3 at halftime.

*The third quarter resembles the first in defensive intensity and offensive inability to battle it. Turnovers occur. Punts occur. Scoring doesn't occur. As a result, the final game of this series will be won by who can crack the opposing defense in the final quarter. Atlanta leads 7-3 after the third quarter.

*In the fourth and final quarter, defenses continues to control the game until the Falcons finally get a drive going that penetrates deep into Tampa Bay territory, but the Buccaneer defense doesn't fold, standing up the Falcons and forcing them to attempt a field goal. The kick is converted and Atlanta now has a touchdown lead with seven minutes remaining. The Bucs are still totally ineffectual on offense, though, and punt on a three-and-out. Atlanta again mounts a strong drive that chews clock and gets into Tampa Bay territory. With their backs to the wall, the Bucs rise up and force a fourth down. Atlanta goes for another field goal and converts it to make it 13-3 just outside the two minute warning. The Buccaneer offense cannot find a way to get downfield and eventually turns it over on downs. Atlanta regains possession, runs out the clock, and wins the game, the series, and the tournament! The Falcons rush onto the field as the clock reads ":00" and there is bedlam in north Georgia. The 1998 Atlanta Falcons have claimed the title of "Best Pro Team Ever" by surviving 11 grueling rounds of football, going 28-9 over the 37 games they played, beating three Super Bowl champions in the process.

Astonishing, ain't it?

Code:

Finals-G7
Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/18/N/4) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/18/N/-4) at East Rutherford NJ
TEAM                                         1Q   2Q   3Q   4Q   Final
Atlanta Falcons 1998                          0    7    0    6     13
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002                     0    3    0    0      3
----------
Line:  Pick 'em
Current Records:
Atlanta Falcons 1998:  4-3
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002:  3-4

Wolfpack · 11-16-2004, 03:50 PM

This thread started April 27, 2004. It ends nearly seven months later on November 16, 2004. My daughter could barely crawl back then. Now's she's almost walking and will be a year old on Saturday.

Through it all, this tournament had (back of the envelope calculation) about 3700 games played, whittling a field of 1492 to 1024 to 512 to 256 to 128 to 64 to 32 to 8 to 4 to 2 to 1, the 1998 Atlanta Falcons. Not the team I had envisioned winning it when I started out those many months ago, but it is who survived every challenge they faced through all 11 rounds, including winning the final two series they played 4-3.

I want to thank everyone for following along with me as I undertook this wonderful waste of time and energy. The pithy (or is that pissy?) commentary between Jeeber and sterlingice as well as others who have shared their thoughts and opinions over time have made it more fun. I would hate to have done this without somebody saying something and making me feel like I was doing all this in a vacuum. Time was I could do it because I didn't think others shared these sorts of whims of interest, but this place shows me there's a whole lot of people with a screw loose like me.

At any rate, I'm done. The first sports project I ever finished. (At least one that had an endpoint...dynasties such as TCY or FBCB or FOF never actually have an endpoint until you run out of steam talking about them...) I'm going to have to decide what to do next. If I were to tackle this thing again, I'd probably make it single-elim, seeded. Everybody wants to have it done "pound-for-pound" style with no consideration for eras factored in, so that would likely be the case. I won't do it probably until after the 2004 season is done and those teams are added to the pile. I may also get wacky and add WFL, XFL, NFL-E, and WLAF teams to the mix, just to broaden the field more. A single-elim tournament should move a heck of a lot faster than this one did (it's one-third the length of this one in terms of number of games).

Thanks for reading, everybody!

JeeberD · 11-16-2004, 04:35 PM

Thanks for your hard work, Wolfpack. So when's the next one?

SplitPersonality1 · 11-16-2004, 04:39 PM

Great job Wolfpack. Maybe next time, my Vikes will finally win it all.

Wolfpack · 11-16-2004, 04:57 PM

Thanks, guys.

Next one won't be for a while, Jeebs.

As for the Vikes, what can I say? They were practically unstoppable until the last few rounds when they finally ran into teams who could slow them down. I was amazed the Bucs did them in, though. That offense is so freakishly good. Then again, the Bucs defense is pretty much the equalizer.

Actually, in a single-elim, they may be more vulnerable since they would have to be great every single game. If this were single-elim, they would have been beaten by the Patriots two rounds earlier.

At any rate, I probably won't be jumping into anything shortly since I'll be gone next week, going home for Thanksgiving. I'll probably figure something out, though.

Radii · 11-16-2004, 05:24 PM

Thanks for being so persistant with this one and always coming back to it until it was finished. This has been great to follow along with over the past months

Chas in Cinti · 11-16-2004, 06:05 PM

I didnt read every post, but I certainly followed from the beginning. Great dynasty and I look forward to your next one. It takes a lot of wherewithall to start something that so many people will follow, and stick with it even when you get sidetracked. Thanks for your contributions and I look forward to your next endeavor.

Regards.
Chas

sterlingice · 11-16-2004, 07:02 PM

Great job, Wolfpack! I know I'd be thrilled if you did this again. What program did you run these in, might I ask?

I figure I'll throw a couple of things out there to think about:
* I really would like to see no normalization at least among NFL teams
* If you use other leagues like XFL, throw some in there because I don't think anyone wants to see the LA Xtreme or Barcelona Dragons beating the 1985 Bears
* If you wanted to throw a little more realism in there, you could go to http://www.pro-football-reference.com/ and whenever you say something like "and the 1997 Vikings just ran out the clock" you could go see Robert Smith was their leading rusher and instead say "and so Robert Smith salted away the game with his 4th quarter rushing".
* Single elimination is good but I liked the longer series towards the end for the teams that earned the right to make it into the "tourney" of final teams.

Any idea which leagues you're kicking around? If you have data going back to the AFL before the merger that's a nice inclusion. The USFL sounds like a pretty good idea. Some of the more off the beaten path ones, I'd be curious to see how well they fare but pitting XFL teams against NFL teams seems like they should lose badly while NFL teams from 1960 seem like they should fare well against NFL teams from 2000- just a weird bias, I guess.

SI

RealDeal · 11-16-2004, 07:33 PM

Yeah the biggest thing I would like to see is no normalization between NFL teams. Basically the 10th best team from 1995 starts out with an inherent advantage over the best team of 1973 and that kind of defeats the point of an all-time tourney.

Wolfpack · 11-16-2004, 09:06 PM

Thanks again everyone. I do appreciate all the kind words. Definitely makes me more likely to do this sort of thing again.

Addressing some points made by SI:
*I do want to kill off the normalization for NFL teams, or at least flatten it out more. My concern with doing away with it entirely is if there are other leagues involved, where do you normalize them? For instance, the Browns from 1949 and the Browns from 1950 weren't that different, but one played in the AAFC while the other played in the NFL. The 1950 Browns even won the title their first year in the league. Is it fair to say that the AAFC should be nearly equal to the NFL in that respect? Same goes for the AFL, at least after 1965. In the same vein, how do these leagues compare to one another? Sure, the XFL sucked, but how does it compare to the WFL or the AFL?

*Appreciate the tip on the site. I've been looking for a replacement to nflarchives.com, which seems to have bitten the dust. At any rate, it's a bit hard to be specific about players since the game does such broad strokes with scoring by quarters, one of its drawbacks. There is a drive-by-drive component but that would be more time-consuming and it still lacks the details of the who, though the timeline of the game would be more detailed. (I was just using a RNG to determine when scoring occurred in the final)

*That is a valid point about turning things into series towards the end of the run. I'll have to think about it. Doing it single-elim the whole way lends itself to more drama but does so at the expense of fairness.

*

Dutch · 12-02-2004, 09:27 PM

A great Dyansty!

But I have a hard time believing the 1998 Falcons could take one game from the 2002 Buccaneers, much less 4....in a span of 7 games. No way.

Wolfpack · 12-02-2004, 10:50 PM

Wish I could say differently, but that's what these sorts of projects do. They really don't "settle" the issue, since it's impossible to accurately depict how a Falcons team that possessed a battering ram in Jamal Anderson would fare against that incredible Tampa Bay defense, especially a simple game such as this one, which strictly depends on scoring offense and scoring defense to determine the quality of a team (this would still be a problem to a lesser extent on a more detailed simulator as the statistics for a given year would support--with some exceptions, of course--the scoring offense and scoring defense of a team). Since the teams never really met, of course, there is no way to truly prove or disprove what you or I or anyone else thinks. That's what makes these little what-if projects interesting. They are "what-if", rather than "were".

Besides, the 1998 Falcons beat the 1998 Vikings, probably the best offensive team in league history, so they do have some credentials. (Not to mention the fact that the Bucs also turned the trick against the same team in the tournament, so I don't think it would be as far-fetched to have Atlanta win as you do.)

Thanks for sharing the thoughts, though. Makes me feel like more than a few people were paying attention, though only a few were actually vocalizing anything.

11-12-2004, 01:05 PM	#351
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Game four scores: Code: R8-G4 Kansas City Chiefs 2002(19/13/3/10/25/K/-2) at Dallas Cowboys 1998(12/8/5/10/27/K/2) 4: Dallas Cowboys 1998 goes for two and converts it! CG: Dallas Cowboys 1998 converts a 39-yard field goal attempt! OT: Dallas Cowboys 1998 scores on a 33-yard touchdown pass! TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG OT Final Kansas City Chiefs 2002 7 7 3 3 0 0 20 Dallas Cowboys 1998 0 3 6 8 3 6 26 ---------- Line: Dallas Cowboys 1998 -2 (+ 4) Current Records: Kansas City Chiefs 2002: 1-3 Dallas Cowboys 1998: 3-1 Chiefs are all over the Cowboys early on, jumping out to a 14-3 lead by halftime. The Cowboys claw back into it in the second half as the defense keeps the Chiefs out of the end zone while the offense final gets a touchdown in the fourth. They go for two and get it to cut the lead to three at 20-17. Dallas then ties it up to force OT on a 39-yard field goal as time runs out. Dallas gets the ball first in OT and with momentum and a rocking Texas Stadium on their side, proceed to score on a 33-yard touchdown pass to take the game and clinch the series 3-1. Code: R8-G4 Green Bay Packers 1962(18/0/7/6/19/M/-3) at Baltimore Ravens 2001(9/7/10/10/15/O/3) TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Green Bay Packers 1962 7 0 7 7 21 Baltimore Ravens 2001 0 6 0 0 6 ---------- Line: Green Bay Packers 1962 -4 (+ 11) Current Records: Green Bay Packers 1962: 2-2 Baltimore Ravens 2001: 2-2 The Packers absolutely positively had to have this game and they got it on the strength of strong defense. The Packers went ahead to stay with a first quarter touchdown. The Ravens drew close with a pair of second quarter field goals, but that was it, as the Packers controlled the entire second half and denied the Ravens a golden opportunity to close out the series at home. Green Bay will be a solid favorite in the final game of the series. Code: R8-G4 Washington Redskins 1982(11/4/12/8/19/M/2) at Minnesota Vikings 1997(12/12/10/10/20/M/-2) 2: Washington Redskins 1982 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and failed. CG: Washington Redskins 1982 fails to move the ball into field goal range. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Washington Redskins 1982 7 0 10 3 0 20 Minnesota Vikings 1997 0 14 7 0 0 21 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1997 -1 (Push) Current Records: Washington Redskins 1982: 2-2 Minnesota Vikings 1997: 2-2 The Vikings spotted the Redskins a touchdown in the first, then scored twice in the second to take a 14-7 halftime lead. The Redskins surged back in front in the third, but Minnesota then got a big touchdown to retake the lead again. In the fourth, Washington could only muster a field goal to cut the lead to 21-20 as the Viking defense put the clamps on and never allowed any other serious threat throughout the tense final quarter. Minnesota gets the win to tie up the series again. Washington will be a field goal favorite in game five. Code: R8-G4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/13/O/1) at Minnesota Vikings 1970(15/0/7/6/14/O/-1) 3: Minnesota Vikings 1970 goes for two and fails. 4: Minnesota Vikings 1970 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded! CG: Minnesota Vikings 1970 scores on a 28-yard touchdown pass! CG: Minnesota Vikings 1970 misses the two-point conversion. CG: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 scores on a 25-yard touchdown pass! CG: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 converts the PAT. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 7 0 7 7 7 28 Minnesota Vikings 1970 0 3 6 7 6 22 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1970 -1 (-7) UPSET* Current Records: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 3-1 Minnesota Vikings 1970: 1-3 A relatively quiet first half gives way to great fireworks in the second half, particularly in the late stages of the game. The Bucs fend off every Viking challenge, including a 28-yard TD pass just after the two-minute warning that put the Vikings ahead. Tampa Bay then puts together a brilliant last drive that is unexpectedly capped by a short pass designed to set up a field goal that turns into a touchdown as the receiver jukes, jives, and pinballs his way into the end zone to emphatically end the series with a Tampa Bay win. Code: R8-G4 New England Patriots 2003(12/5/15/10/18/N/4) at Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/11/10/32/J/-4) 4: New England Patriots 2003 goes for two and converts it! CG: Minnesota Vikings 1998 converts a 49-yard field goal attempt! CG: New England Patriots 2003 fails to move the ball into field goal range. OT: Minnesota Vikings 1998 converts a 43-yard field goal attempt! TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG OT Final New England Patriots 2003 7 0 10 11 0 0 28 Minnesota Vikings 1998 3 3 13 6 3 3 31 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1998 -14 (-11) Current Records: New England Patriots 2003: 2-2 Minnesota Vikings 1998: 2-2 Early on, the Patriots seem to continue their frustration of the Vikings as they did in game three, holding Minnesota to just a pair of first half field goals. The Vikings finally get things going in the third, but still not an electrifying performance as the Patriots continue to bend and not break while staying with them on the scoreboard. After three, it's 19-17 Minnesota. In the fourth, the Patriots seize the lead on the strength of a touchdown, a two-pointer, and a field goal, while the Vikings go back into their first half slumber, leaving the Patriots up 28-25 with time running out. The Vikings engineer one more drive that gets them into field goal range and the kicker nails his seventh(!) field goal of the day to tie it up. The Patriots decide to kill the clock and go to OT. Bad move, as the Vikings get the ball first and their offense gets in position for another field goal. It's number eight on the day as the Vikings score 31 the hard way and come from behind to beat the Patriots in OT to even the series. Minnesota will be a heavy favorite in game three, but that hasn't meant much in the series so far.

11-12-2004, 01:17 PM	#352
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Game five scores: Code: R8-G5 Baltimore Ravens 2001(9/7/10/10/13/O/3) vs. Green Bay Packers 1962(18/0/7/6/21/M/-3) CG: Green Bay Packers 1962 turns the ball over on downs in their own end of the field. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Baltimore Ravens 2001 7 7 7 0 0 21 Green Bay Packers 1962 7 0 7 0 0 14 ---------- Line: Green Bay Packers 1962 -8 (-15) UPSET Current Records: Baltimore Ravens 2001: 3-2 Green Bay Packers 1962: 2-3 A hard-fought series decider. The Ravens come ready to play on both sides of the ball as they jump out to the early lead. Green Bay answers to tie it up later in the first, but the Ravens retake the lead again in the second and keep it until halftime. In the third, the Ravens stretch out the lead to 21-7, but the Packers are able to come back and cut it to 21-14. They can get no closer, though, as the Raven defense shuts down the Packers the rest of the way and Baltimore surprisingly knocks out the Packers to move on to the Elite Eight. Code: R8-G5 Minnesota Vikings 1997(12/12/10/10/18/N/-3) vs. Washington Redskins 1982(11/4/13/8/21/M/3) TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Minnesota Vikings 1997 0 0 0 7 7 Washington Redskins 1982 14 10 7 7 38 ---------- Line: Washington Redskins 1982 -3 (+ 28) Current Records: Minnesota Vikings 1997: 2-3 Washington Redskins 1982: 3-2* This one got away from the Vikings early as the Redskins smashed through for 31 unanswered points in the first three quarters. The Vikings managed to scratch in the fourth, but the game had long since been lost. The Redskins close the series with a sound whipping and move on. Code: R8-G5 Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/10/10/30/J/-5) vs. New England Patriots 2003(12/5/15/10/20/M/5) TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Minnesota Vikings 1998 17 17 10 13 57 New England Patriots 2003 6 7 0 6 19 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1998 -10 (+ 28) Current Records: Minnesota Vikings 1998: 3-2* New England Patriots 2003: 2-3 *It was bound to happen. The Patriots couldn't keep the Vikings bottled up forever, though they certainly tried. But, in this game, the Vikings let out all of the frustration and struggle they've faced over the prior four games and completely annihilated the Patriots, putting it away early and kept pouring it on until the final gun. After this near-miss, the Vikings have to be considered the odds-on favorite to claim the tournament championship.

11-12-2004, 01:52 PM	#355
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Wow, nobody with multiple teams in the Elite Eight. I wouldn't have expected that to happen. Go Cowboys! __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

11-12-2004, 02:20 PM	#356
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Yeah, things got downright surreal in that second group in the round of 32 when all the wimps just suddenly decided to kick sand in the face of all the beach bullies and got away with it, though some degree of sanity has been restored. It's not the final eight I envisioned, but it'll have to do. Edit to add: I'd have to say the only two who probably look out of place among these eight are 98 Dallas and and 2001 Baltimore. The other six are fairly believable outcomes given the nature of random-draw knockout tournaments. Last edited by Wolfpack : 11-12-2004 at 02:24 PM.

11-12-2004, 03:35 PM	#358
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Onward! First game results for the Elite Eight: Code: R9-G1 Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/10/10/30/J/0) at Baltimore Ravens 2001(9/7/10/10/19/M/0) TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Minnesota Vikings 1998 7 10 0 10 27 Baltimore Ravens 2001 10 0 0 3 13 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1998 -11 (+ 3) Current Records: Minnesota Vikings 1998: 1-0 Baltimore Ravens 2001: 0-1 Irresistable force (Vikings) against immovable object (Ravens). Too bad the immovable object doesn't have the offensive firepower. The Ravens give the Vikings fits in the first three quarters, but the inability to produce points catches up in the fourth as the Vikings pull away to claim game one in Baltimore. Code: R9-G1 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/10/10/16/N/4) at Pittsburgh Steelers 1975(16/1/6/7/19/M/-4) 4: Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 goes for two on first TD and converts it! 4: Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 goes for two on the second TD and fails. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 10 0 7 0 17 Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 6 7 3 14 30 ---------- Line: Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 -3 (+ 10) Current Records: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999: 0-1 Pittsburgh Steelers 1975: 1-0 A great clash in the Steel City as the Jaguars and Steelers go at it. Jacksonville gets ahead early, but by halftime the Steelers move in front. The Jags jump into the lead in the third with a touchdown while the Steelers can only put up a field goal to narrow the gap. But, the fourth quarter is all Steelers, as the Terrible Towels wave them on to two touchdowns that blow open the game and give the Steelers the big game one victory. Code: R9-G1 Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/21/M/1) at Washington Redskins 1982(11/4/12/8/18/N/-1) CG: Atlanta Falcons 1998 scores on a 52-yard touchdown pass! CG: Atlanta Falcons 1998 converts the PAT. CG: Washington Redskins 1982 reaches the 28 yard line before turning the ball over on downs. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Atlanta Falcons 1998 3 10 7 14 7 41 Washington Redskins 1982 10 7 7 10 0 34 ---------- Line: Atlanta Falcons 1998 -3 (+ 4) Current Records: Atlanta Falcons 1998: 1-0 Washington Redskins 1982: 0-1 Redskins and Falcons produce a great scorefest at RFK as both defenses, normally stout, seem to be incapable of stopping the opposing offense. The Redskins have the early edge and fend off Falcon challenges through the first three quarters. In the fourth, Atlanta trades field goal for touchdown and finally catches up. Then the Falcons strike for a big play late to take the lead, but it left a lot of time on the clock. The Skins try to tie it up, but the drive stalls out at the Falcon 28, allowing Atlanta to take game one in Washington. Code: R9-G1 Dallas Cowboys 1998(12/8/5/10/11/P/-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/11/10/21/M/6) TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Dallas Cowboys 1998 7 0 7 7 21 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 10 7 7 10 34 ---------- Line: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -10 (+ 3) Current Records: Dallas Cowboys 1998: 0-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 1-0 The Bucs have had the offense going of late. The defense isn't up to normal levels, but did shut out the Cowboys in the second quarter. Otherwise they did enough to allow the Bucs to assert control over the contest as the game went along. Still, it wasn't sealed until the Bucs managed a fourth quarter touchdown drive that put the game out of reach.

11-12-2004, 01:20 PM	#353
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	The Elite Eight: Atlanta Falcons 1998 Baltimore Ravens 2001 Dallas Cowboys 1998 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 Minnesota Vikings 1998 Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 Washington Redskins 1982

11-12-2004, 01:37 PM	#354
Radii Head Coach Join Date: Jul 2001	Damn, so close for the 97 Vikings(well... the series, not that last game).

11-12-2004, 03:43 PM	#359
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Game two: Code: R9-G2 Baltimore Ravens 2001(9/7/10/10/15/O/-3) at Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/13/10/34/I/3) 4: Baltimore Ravens 2001 goes for two and fails. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Baltimore Ravens 2001 6 7 0 6 19 Minnesota Vikings 1998 21 7 7 14 49 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1998 -19 (+ 11) Current Records: Baltimore Ravens 2001: 0-2 Minnesota Vikings 1998: 2-0 Minnesota is nearly unbeatable at home. This game proves no different as they wipe up the floor with the Ravens from the start. The Vikings are one win from advancing to the final four. Code: R9-G2 Pittsburgh Steelers 1975(16/1/5/7/15/O/-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/12/10/20/M/7) CG: Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 turns the ball over on downs in their own end of the field. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 7 0 3 0 0 10 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 0 0 7 7 0 14 ---------- Line: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 -5 (-1) Current Records: Pittsburgh Steelers 1975: 1-1 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999: 1-1 A tough-as-nails battle at Alltel. The Steelers again go ahead early and the Steel Curtain seems to be doing a number on the Jags as they lead 10-0 midway through the third quarter. But, Jacksonville finally breaks through for a TD to cut the lead to 3 and then gets the home crowd going again with another great drive in the fourth that propels them into the lead. The Pittsburgh offense cannot find the answer and the Jaguars even up the series at one game apiece. Code: R9-G2 Washington Redskins 1982(11/4/12/8/14/O/-4) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/16/10/25/K/4) TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Washington Redskins 1982 3 0 0 0 3 Atlanta Falcons 1998 14 14 14 7 49 ---------- Line: Atlanta Falcons 1998 -11 (+ 35) Current Records: Washington Redskins 1982: 0-2 Atlanta Falcons 1998: 2-0 For one team it all came together. For the other, it all came apart. With a 49-3 win by Atlanta, it's pretty obvious who was who. Atlanta also stands one game from advancing, but will have to win at RFK in game three. Code: R9-G2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/9/10/17/N/4) at Dallas Cowboys 1998(12/8/5/10/15/O/-4) TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 0 7 0 0 7 Dallas Cowboys 1998 7 3 3 3 16 ---------- Line: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -2 (-11) UPSET* Current Records: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 1-1 Dallas Cowboys 1998: 1-1 *Did we say that the Bucs offense had been producing? Not this game. Dallas steps ahead early with a TD in the first. Tampa Bay's defense keeps the 'Boys out of the end zone the rest of the contest, but the offense, aside from a second quarter TD, can't get anything on the board. The Cowboys add field goals in each of the last three quarters to put the pressure on the Buc offense to produce. They fail, and Dallas ties up the series.

11-12-2004, 03:50 PM	#360
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Game three results: Code: R9-G3 Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/10/10/30/J/0) at Baltimore Ravens 2001(9/7/10/10/19/M/0) 4: Minnesota Vikings 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded! TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Minnesota Vikings 1998 7 7 7 14 35 Baltimore Ravens 2001 7 7 0 0 14 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1998 -11 (+ 10) Current Records: Minnesota Vikings 1998: 3-0 Baltimore Ravens 2001: 0-3 The Ravens were game for a half, but were simply overmatched in the second half. The Vikings complete the sweep and move on to the Final Four. Code: R9-G3 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/10/10/16/N/4) at Pittsburgh Steelers 1975(16/1/6/7/19/M/-4) TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 7 7 0 7 21 Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 3 0 0 0 3 ---------- Line: Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 -3 (-21) UPSET* Current Records: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999: 2-1 Pittsburgh Steelers 1975: 1-2 One team's defense dominated the game. Surprisingly, it wasn't the Steel Curtain. The Jaguars defense completely stuffed the Steelers at every opportunity, giving up just a first quarter field goal. Jacksonville, meanwhile, struck for touchdowns in the first and second quarters to build a 14-3 halftime lead. With the Steeler offense rendered impotent, it was more than enough margin to send the crowd at Three Rivers home disappointed. The Jags now stand one game away from knocking out the Steelers and can clinch the series at home in game four. Code: R9-G3 Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/21/M/1) at Washington Redskins 1982(11/4/12/8/18/N/-1) CG: Atlanta Falcons 1998 reaches the 27 yard line before turning the ball over on downs. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Atlanta Falcons 1998 7 0 10 0 0 17 Washington Redskins 1982 10 7 7 0 0 24 ---------- Line: Atlanta Falcons 1998 -3 (-10) UPSET* Current Records: Atlanta Falcons 1998: 2-1 Washington Redskins 1982: 1-2 In a big hole, the Redskins responded like the champions they are. They lead after the first quarter and expanded the lead to 10 with a touchdown in the second. The Falcons rallied to tie it in the third, but the Redskins pounded back down the field and took the lead for good with a touchdown drive. The Falcons tried to find the tying score in the fourth, but their last chance fell incomplete in the end zone after reaching the Redskin 27. Washington stays alive for another game, but it'll be in Atlanta. Code: R9-G3 Dallas Cowboys 1998(12/8/5/10/11/P/-6) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/11/10/21/M/6) TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Dallas Cowboys 1998 3 0 7 0 10 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 0 7 7 10 24 ---------- Line: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -10 (+ 4) Current Records: Dallas Cowboys 1998: 1-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 2-1 A good battle at Raymond James Stadium. The Cowboys drew first blood, but the Bucs seized the lead with a touchdown in the second. An exchange of touchdowns in the third kept the Bucs ahead going to the last. The fourth was totally controlled by Tampa Bay as they put up two scores while the defense shut out the Cowboys, giving Tampa Bay the win and moving them one game from advancing.

11-12-2004, 04:04 PM	#361
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Game four scores: Code: R9-G4 Pittsburgh Steelers 1975(16/1/5/7/15/O/-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/12/10/20/M/7) CG: Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 attempts a 56-yard field goal, but it is blocked! TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Pittsburgh Steelers 1975 0 7 0 7 0 14 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 7 0 0 10 0 17 ---------- Line: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 -5 (-2) Current Records: Pittsburgh Steelers 1975: 1-3 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999: 3-1 The Jaguars go up first with a touchdown, but the Steelers come back in the second to tie it up at 7 at the half. Defenses dominate the third as neither team is able to scratch. In the fourth, the teams trade touchdowns to remain tied, but the Jags step ahead on a field goal. Pittsburgh drives for the tying field goal, but can only get to the Jag 39. The 56-yard attempt is blocked and the crowd at Alltel goes nuts. The Jags have advanced to the Final Four! Code: R9-G4 Washington Redskins 1982(11/4/12/8/14/O/-4) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/16/10/25/K/4) CG: Washington Redskins 1982 reaches the 32 yard line before turning the ball over on downs. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Washington Redskins 1982 0 7 0 0 0 7 Atlanta Falcons 1998 3 3 6 3 0 15 ---------- Line: Atlanta Falcons 1998 -11 (-3) Current Records: Washington Redskins 1982: 1-3 Atlanta Falcons 1998: 3-1* This was won the hard way by Atlanta. The defenses were great for both teams, but Atlanta's was better. They shut down the Skins aside from a second quarter TD. The Falcons never got into the end zone, but they pushed the Redskins to the breaking point numerous times and at least netted field goals out of their drives. Still, the Skins had a chance and drove into Atlanta territory late, but could never really threaten to score a TD that would have given them a chance to tie. The Georgia Dome erupts as the clock ticks to zero as the Falcons move on to the Final Four. Code: R9-G4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/9/10/17/N/4) at Dallas Cowboys 1998(12/8/5/10/15/O/-4) 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded! CG: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 scores on a 27-yard touchdown run! CG: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 converts the PAT. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 0 0 7 3 7 17 Dallas Cowboys 1998 7 7 0 0 0 14 ---------- Line: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -2 (+ 1) Current Records: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 3-1* Dallas Cowboys 1998: 1-3 The Cowboys let this one slip away. They had the Bucs on the ropes in the first half, striking for two touchdowns and a 14-0 lead at the half. But, that is all the scoring they would do. The Buc defense came out and asserted itself in the second half, giving the offense a chance to get the Bucs back in the game. Tampa Bay gambles in the third and gets a touchdown to make it 14-7, then a field goal in the fourth to make it 14-10. Finally, a breakdown at the line enables Tampa's running back to bust loose through the secondary and into the end zone from 27 yards out to vault the Bucs into the lead for the first time. There isn't enough time left on the clock for Dallas to even get into field goal range and the Bucs stun the Texas Stadium crowd and celebrate their advance to the Final Four. Last edited by Wolfpack : 11-12-2004 at 04:04 PM.*

11-12-2004, 04:05 PM	#362
JeeberD General Manager Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: The Town of Flower Mound	Damn... __________________ UTEP Miners!!! I solemnly swear to never cheer for TO

11-12-2004, 04:06 PM	#363
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Sorry, Jeebs. They did have an outstanding run, though. They did what the more vaunted Cowboys teams couldn't and got to the quarterfinals.

11-12-2004, 04:07 PM	#364
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	So, here you have it. The Final Four teams from a field of 1,492: 1998 Atlanta Falcons 1999 Jacksonville Jaguars 1998 Minnesota Vikings 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

11-12-2004, 04:11 PM	#365
SplitPersonality1 College Benchwarmer Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Grafton, WI	Wow. I have 3 of the final four. Unfortunately, my worst nightmare could still come true. Atlanta over Minnesota, one series away from the big one. (shudder) Last edited by SplitPersonality1 : 11-12-2004 at 04:11 PM.

11-12-2004, 04:46 PM	#366
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	It has a chance to be a contest to the end as the random draw keeps scholes's faint hopes alive by having the Bucs and Falcons in opposite pairings: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 (14-2, D) vs. Atlanta Falcons 1998 (14-2, C) Minnesota Vikings 1998 (15-1, D) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 (12-4, SB) It may very well come down to a 1998 NFC title game rematch between the Vikings and Falcons. This round and the finals will be best-of-seven series in the NHL-style, that is 2-2-1-1-1 with the last game, of course, being at a neutral site. Last edited by Wolfpack : 11-12-2004 at 05:01 PM.

11-15-2004, 02:22 PM	#368
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	It is time to begin the Final Four! Game one: Code: Semis-G1 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/10/10/19/M/-3) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/23/L/3) CG: Atlanta Falcons 1998 converts a 31-yard field goal attempt! TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 3 7 7 7 0 24 Atlanta Falcons 1998 10 0 0 14 3 27 ---------- Line: Atlanta Falcons 1998 -4 (-1) Current Records: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999: 0-1 Atlanta Falcons 1998: 1-0 A great contest at the Georgia Dome to open the series. The Falcons took the early lead, but the Jags came back to tie it up at the half and then took the lead in the third. In the fourth, the teams traded touchdowns and then Atlanta tied it up with their second touchdown of the quarter. In the late going, the Falcons put together a drive that netted them the game winning 31-yard field goal. Atlanta goes ahead in the series 1-0. Code: Semis-G1 Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/8/10/24/L/0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/21/M/0) 3: Minnesota Vikings 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and failed. CG: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 scores on a 23-yard touchdown pass! CG: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 converts the PAT. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Minnesota Vikings 1998 3 14 0 7 0 24 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 3 7 0 14 7 31 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1998 -3 (-10) UPSET* Current Records: Minnesota Vikings 1998: 0-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 1-0 *The Bucs beat the Vikings...with offense? The defense kept them in it in the first half as the teams traded field goals, then touchdowns, which left the Vikings ahead 17-10 and seemingly ready to blow it open. But, nothing happened in the third as neither team scored, a victory for the Bucs. In the fourth, it was the Bucs delivering the big touchdown plays that saw them finally tie it up at 24 and get the crowd at Raymond James rocking. Finally, the Bucs struck for the go-ahead touchdown from 23 yards out and the Bucs had completed a surprising rally to beat the Vikings 31-24 to win game one.

11-15-2004, 02:29 PM	#369
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Game two results: Code: Semis-G2 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/10/10/19/M/-3) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/23/L/3) 3: Atlanta Falcons 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and failed. CG: Atlanta Falcons 1998 attempts a 30-yard field goal, but it is blocked! OT: Atlanta Falcons 1998 converts a 40-yard field goal attempt! TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG OT Final Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 7 6 7 0 0 0 20 Atlanta Falcons 1998 3 10 0 7 0 3 23 ---------- Line: Atlanta Falcons 1998 -4 (-1) Current Records: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999: 0-2 Atlanta Falcons 1998: 2-0 This one is shaping up to be a great series if the Jags can get back into it in the next two games at home. The teams battle to a 13-13 halftime tie, then the Jags again take a third quarter lead with a touchdown. Deja vu all over again, as the Falcons come back to tie it in the fourth. Atlanta had a short field goal to tie it at the end of regulation, but it was blocked and the game went to OT. In OT, the Falcons got the ball first and never gave it up, driving for the winning 40-yard field goal to complete the two-game sweep at home. The series now shifts to Jacksonville for the next two games and the Jags will need both of them to keep their chances alive. Code: Semis-G2 Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/8/10/24/L/0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/21/M/0) CG: Minnesota Vikings 1998 reaches the 25 yard line before turning the ball over on downs. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Minnesota Vikings 1998 3 6 7 0 0 16 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 3 7 7 3 0 20 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1998 -3 (-7) UPSET* Current Records: Minnesota Vikings 1998: 0-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 2-0 *The Bucs are bringing their 'A' game against the vaunted Vikings offense. Once again, the Vikings can't get an explosion of points, not even a touchdown in the first half, and the Vikings trail 10-9 at halftime. The Vikings finally seize the lead with a touchdown in the third, but the Bucs have the answer to retake the lead. In the fourth, the Bucs dominate on defense and the Vikings are not able to score. Tampa Bay nets a field goal to stretch the lead out a little and make Minnesota need a TD to win. They push it close, reaching the Buc 25, but no further and the Bucs have come up with an absolutely essential two games to none lead on Minnesota as the series shifts to the Metrodome. If the Bucs can steal one there, they have a chance to clinch the series in Tampa in game five. But, it's a pretty tall order.

11-15-2004, 02:31 PM	#370
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Game three: Code: Semis-G3 Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/19/M/1) at Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/11/10/23/L/-1) TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Atlanta Falcons 1998 0 0 7 7 14 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 10 7 7 10 34 ---------- Line: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 -4 (+ 16) Current Records: Atlanta Falcons 1998: 2-1 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999: 1-2 The Jags return to the friendly confines of Alltel Stadium and find it much more to their liking, as they batter the Falcons for 17 unanswered points in the first half, setting the tone for the game. The Falcons try to come back in the second half, but the Jags have all the answers and roll to the victory to cut Atlanta's series lead to 2-1. Code: Semis-G3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/17/N/-2) at Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/10/10/28/K/2) 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 goes for two and fails. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 3 0 6 0 9 Minnesota Vikings 1998 14 7 3 13 37 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1998 -11 (+ 17) Current Records: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 2-1 Minnesota Vikings 1998: 1-2 In similar fashion, the Metrodome crowd gives the Vikings a huge lift as they take apart the Tampa Bay defense in the first half to lead 21-3 at the break. The Bucs are only able to score on a pair of field goals in the second half, pitifully short of what's needed as the Vikings crush the Bucs to make the series 2-1.

11-15-2004, 02:37 PM	#371
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Game four: Code: Semis-G4 Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/19/M/1) at Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/11/10/23/L/-1) 4: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 goes for two and converts it! CG: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 attempts a 48-yard field goal, but it is blocked! TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Atlanta Falcons 1998 7 7 7 7 0 28 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 7 7 0 11 0 25 ---------- Line: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 -4 (-7) UPSET Current Records: Atlanta Falcons 1998: 3-1 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999: 1-3 The teams trade blows during the first half, leaving the game tied at 14 at halftime. In the third, the Falcons apply the pressure with a big touchdown drive. The Jags get a field goal early in the fourth to cut it to 21-17, but the Falcons stretch the lead with another big touchdown. The Jags then strike back for a touchdown and then get the two-pointer to cut the lead to three and giving the home crowd hope. That hope is cruelly taken away at the end, though, as the Falcons break through and block a 48-yard field goal attempt that would have tied it up and forced OT. The Jags are now one game from elimination and have to go to Atlanta and win game five to stay alive. Code: Semis-G4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/17/N/-2) at Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/10/10/28/K/2) 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and failed. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 3 0 0 7 10 Minnesota Vikings 1998 0 17 7 7 31 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1998 -11 (+ 10) Current Records: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 2-2 Minnesota Vikings 1998: 2-2 The Bucs give Minnesota fits early as the Vikings are unable to scratch in the first quarter and find themselves down a field goal. But, it all changes in the second as Minnesota explodes for 17 straight points to surge to a 17-3 halftime lead. They extend it to 24-3 with a touchdown in the third, effectively sealing the game as the Bucs don't have the offensive firepower to keep up. The series is tied up at two games each and Tampa now needs to have their home field advantage come through again in game five. They don't want to have to come back to the Metrodome facing elimination. Last edited by Wolfpack : 11-15-2004 at 02:37 PM.

11-15-2004, 02:47 PM	#372
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Game five: Code: Semis-G5 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/10/10/19/M/-3) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/23/L/3) TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 0 7 7 7 21 Atlanta Falcons 1998 0 7 0 0 7 ---------- Line: Atlanta Falcons 1998 -4 (-18) UPSET Current Records: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999: 2-3 Atlanta Falcons 1998: 3-2 The Falcons come home to the Georgia Dome with a chance to close out the Jags and take the series in five games. The teams are again in an even match through the first thirty minutes, tied up 7-7 at half. The Jags once again go ahead on a touchdown in the third quarter, but this time Atlanta doesn't have an answer. Jacksonville tacks on an insurance touchdown in the fourth and the Jaguars have gotten the job done. They go into Atlanta and steal game five from the Falcons, returning the series to Jacksonville for game six. Code: Semis-G5 Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/8/10/24/L/0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/21/M/0) 2: Minnesota Vikings 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded! TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Minnesota Vikings 1998 0 7 0 0 7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 10 0 7 0 17 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1998 -3 (-13) UPSET* Current Records: Minnesota Vikings 1998: 2-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 3-2 *The pressure is palpable at Raymond James Stadium. Everyone in the building knows the Bucs need to win here, knowing how easily the Vikings whipped them in both games in Minneapolis. Only thing is the Bucs don't seem to feel that pressure. They pounce on the Vikings to go up 10-0 as the defense continues its mysterious control over Minnesota at home. The Vikings cut into the lead with a touchdown in the second, but that is all the Tampa Bay defense will allow. The Bucs rebuild the 10-point lead with a touchdown in the third and then the defense does the rest, never allowing the Vikings to sniff the end zone or even get a field goal. Tampa Bay has put Minnesota on the brink of elimination, but they must go to the Metrodome to close it out. It's looking like this series will go the distance.

11-15-2004, 03:02 PM	#373
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Game six: Code: Semis-G6 Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/19/M/1) at Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/11/10/23/L/-1) 4: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 goes for two on first TD and fails. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Atlanta Falcons 1998 7 0 7 7 21 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 20 7 0 13 40 ---------- Line: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 -4 (+ 15) Current Records: Atlanta Falcons 1998: 3-3 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999: 3-3 The Jags smell an opportunity to get the series tied up at home and they don't give it up. They hop on the Falcons and put them down early, 20-7 after the first quarter. They extend it to 27-7 by halftime and are never seriously threatened in the second half as Atlanta is unable to effectively cut into the Jaguar lead. Jacksonville has tied the series up at three games apiece with the neutral site game to determine who goes on to the final. It will be a complete toss up who will win it. Code: Semis-G6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/17/N/-2) at Minnesota Vikings 1998(25/8/10/10/28/K/2) 3: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 goes for two and converts it! TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 3 6 11 10 30 Minnesota Vikings 1998 0 10 10 0 20 ---------- Line: Minnesota Vikings 1998 -11 (-21) UPSET* Current Records: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 4-2 Minnesota Vikings 1998: 2-4 *After getting thrashed in both prior games in Minneapolis, the expectation that game six would produce another Viking win and a neutral site game to decide the series. As in game four, the Vikings start slowly, leaving the Bucs ahead 3-0. This time around, though, the Bucs battle to stay in it as Minnesota is only able to take the lead on a late field goal to make the score 10-9 at the half. In the third, the Vikings extend it to 17-9, but the Bucs hit for a touchdown and then makes the gamble for a two-point conversion pay off to tie the game at 17. The Metrodome crowd is getting antsy all of the sudden as the Bucs don't roll over. The teams exchange field goals to make it 20-all going to the final quarter. As expected, one team dominates the final quarter. Unexpectedly, however, it is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers doing the dominating. The offense churns out a touchdown and a field goal. Meanwhile, the defense is absolutely on fire, shutting the Vikings completely down. As the clock ticks to zero, the home crowd files out quietly in disbelief, while the few Bucs fans in attendance and the Tampa Bay sideline erupts onto the field. The Buccaneers have done the improbable and beaten the Vikings in Minneapolis to win the best-of-seven series 4-2 and advance to the final. Could it be that there's a curse on the Vikings? It's unbelievable that the same team that was once denied a ticket to the Super Bowl by a home loss in the NFC final should find itself at an equivalent point in the tournament and then lose at home to yet another team considered inferior and be eliminated one step short of the final. Eerie.

11-15-2004, 03:08 PM	#375
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Game seven: Code: Semis-G7 Jacksonville Jaguars 1999(14/4/10/10/21/M/-2) vs. Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/21/M/2) CG: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 turns the ball over on downs in their own end of the field. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Jacksonville Jaguars 1999 0 10 0 0 0 10 Atlanta Falcons 1998 0 7 10 0 0 17 ---------- Line: Pick 'em Current Records: Jacksonville Jaguars 1999: 3-4 Atlanta Falcons 1998: 4-3 *A fitting end to a great series. The teams battle through a scoreless first, then Jacksonville gets ahead with a touchdown in the second. The Falcons come back to tie it up, but the Jags nail a field goal just before halftime to take a 10-7 lead at the break. In the third, the Falcons tie it up, then take the lead on a beautiful, time-guzzling touchdown drive. The Falcons defense then makes it stand up the rest of the way as the Jaguars are never able to get into position to score and Atlanta claims the other berth in the Finals with the 17-10 victory. They will go up against an unexpected opponent. Rather than their star-crossed NFC Championship opponents, the 1998 Vikings, they get the 2002 Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Defenses will be the focal point and the points will be at a premium.

11-15-2004, 03:10 PM	#376
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Sorry, SP. If it's any consolation to you, the Tampa Bay win did guarantee your victory in the pick 'em tournament. I myself was pretty flabbergasted when I saw the outcome of the game six between the Vikings and Bucs.

11-15-2004, 03:49 PM	#377
Warhammer Pro Starter Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dayton, OH	The way this thing has played out is just crazy. The 98 Falcons? Who da thunk?

11-15-2004, 04:06 PM	#378
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	It's the nature of the beast in a tournament format. Probably the truest method to finding the best team is to have every team in the database play everybody else once (1,491 games) and see who has the best record. Then again, there wouldn't be quite so much drama and unexpected twists. I'm still stunned a bit by what happened in the round of 64 with most of the remaining legendary teams getting bounced. Last edited by Wolfpack : 11-15-2004 at 04:25 PM.

11-15-2004, 04:22 PM	#379
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	So, we have come at last to the final pairing: 1998 Atlanta Falcons (14-2, NFC Champions) vs. 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-4, Super Bowl XXXVII Champions) A look back at how they reached this point: 1998 Atlanta Rd. 1: swept 1980 Cleveland Browns 2-0 Rd. 2: swept 1999 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2-0 Rd. 3: swept 1993 New England Patriots 2-0 Rd. 4: defeated 2000 Baltimore Ravens 2-1 Rd. 5: swept 1989 Minnesota Vikings 2-0 Rd. 6: swept 1975 Miami Dolphins 2-0 Rd. 7: defeated 2000 St. Louis Rams 2-1 Sweet Sixteen: swept 1999 Oakland Raiders 3-0 Elite Eight: defeated 1982 Washington Redskins 3-1 Final Four: defeated 1999 Jacksonville Jaguars 4-3 2002 Tampa Bay Rd. 1: bye Rd. 2: swept 1999 Baltimore Ravens 2-0 Rd. 3: swept 1966 Los Angeles Rams 2-0 Rd. 4: defeated 2000 New York Jets 2-1 Rd. 5: swept 1999 Green Bay Packers 2-0 Rd. 6: swept 1992 New Orleans Saints 2-0 Rd. 7: swept 2001 Denver Broncos 2-0 Sweet Sixteen: defeated 1970 Minnesota Vikings 3-1 Elite Eight: defeated 1998 Dallas Cowboys 3-1 Final Four: defeated 1998 Minnesota Vikings 4-2 Who has the edge? The Falcons have better scoring ability on offense than the Bucs, but the Tampa Bay defense is superior to the Falcons. Normalization is not a factor as both teams are from the same era. In the end, home field will provide the edge to one team or the other. If the series goes seven games, it will be a total toss-up on a neutral field. I expect if any team wins a game on the road in the first six, it will give the series to that team. If it goes to that toss-up game seven, my pick is the Falcons because they have a better chance of winning the close games. The Bucs did very well in 2002, but their offense kept them from winning some games, while Atlanta won all the tough games and exceeded expectations, including winning the stunner in the NFC title game that year in OT at Minnesota. My prediction: Atlanta in six.

11-15-2004, 04:38 PM	#380
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Here we go! GAME ONE from Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida: The Buccaneers come out blazing hot to start the ball game. On both their possessions in the first quarter, the Tampa Bay offense consumes time, breaks down the Falcons and punches in for touchdowns to conclude each possession. The Falcons, meanwhile, struggle. They are unable to put up any points on the board. Tampa Bay leads 14-0 after the 1st quarter* The Bucs conclude a drive early in the second with a field goal to stretch the lead to 17-0 and Raymond James is rocking. Atlanta's offense finally comes to life on the next drive, though, as they pound their way downfield and finally bust into the end zone to cut the lead to 17-7. The Falcon defense also gets it together, forcing a three-and-out that gets the ball back to the offense. The Falcons again drive into Tampa Bay territory, but this time, the Bucs stiffen up and Atlanta settles for a field goal to make it 17-10. The Bucs, however, are able to answer with a great drive that sees them going into the end zone to stretch their lead once again. As the gun sounds for halftime, the Bucs are again comfortably in front. Tampa Bay leads 24-10 after the second quarter.* In the third quarter, the Bucs continue to crank up the defense, hitting any Falcon they see with a football. The result is that Atlanta's offense again disappears. Meanwhile the Bucs go about putting the game out of reach. They break through the Atlanta defense on their first drive of the half for a touchdown and then pour salt on the wound with a field goal later in the quarter and the game is all but over. Tampa Bay leads 34-10 after the third quarter.* In the fourth, the Bucs seem to relax a bit. Maybe too much. The Falcons, perhaps too late, get the offense going again, getting through the Tampa Bay defense for a touchdown to make it 34-16. Down by three possessions, they go for the two-pointer. The attempt fails and they are down 18. Tampa Bay's offense, meanwhile, starts trying to kill the clock, which it does, but it's not anything that will get them points. The Falcons get the ball back and again work it through the looser Buc defense for another touchdown and it's now 34-22. Again they go for two to cut the lead to 10, but once again they cannot convert. Then Tampa Bay consumes a large amount of time on the next drive, though they don't get any points out of it. Atlanta gets the ball back with very little time left. They hurry it up, but near midfield, they misfire on three straight passes and turn it over on downs. The Bucs are able to kneel down and kill the clock to claim the series opener. Tampa Bay wins game one 34-22, leads series 1-0.* Code: Finals-G1 Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/16/N/3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/9/10/20/M/-3) 4: Atlanta Falcons 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded! 4: Atlanta Falcons 1998 goes for two on the first TD and fails. 4: Atlanta Falcons 1998 goes for two on the second TD and fails. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Atlanta Falcons 1998 0 10 0 12 22 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 14 10 10 0 34 ---------- Line: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -4 (+ 8) Current Records: Atlanta Falcons 1998: 0-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 1-0 Last edited by Wolfpack : 11-15-2004 at 04:38 PM.

11-15-2004, 04:42 PM	#381
Warhammer Pro Starter Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dayton, OH	Go Bucs! Do the Dirty Bird on them Dead Birds!

11-15-2004, 04:49 PM	#382
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	GAME TWO from Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida: Defense is the name of the game early (as it will be throughout) as both defenses are out in force in the opening quarter. Neither offense can generate much of anything and punts are going back and forth the entire quarter. The game is tied 0-0 after the first quarter.* In the early second quarter, the Falcons get the offense together for the first time and march down the field, getting into the end zone for the first score of the game. After that, the defenses reassert themselves, resulting in a couple more punts. Tampa Bay takes possession in the final few minutes before halftime and execute a great drive that sees them into the end zone just inside the two minute warning to tie the game at seven. Atlanta's last drive fails to net them any points. The game is tied 7-7 at halftime.* The third quarter resembles the first. Not much offense and the punters are getting a great workout. The game is tied 7-7 after the third quarter.* The Bucs get the ball early on in the fourth and proceed to march down the field as the Falcons defense seems to struggle stopping the Tampa Bay offense. The drive ends up getting into the end zone and the Raymond James crowd roars loud with the Bucs up 14-7 nearly halfway into the quarter. The remainder of the game is filled with tension as the Bucs defense continues to keep the Falcons in check. Atlanta gets the ball with one last shot with two minutes to go. They do progress some ways down the field, but Tampa Bay is yielding yards grudgingly. Finally, the Falcons are down to a hail mary from the Tampa Bay 45 with just seconds left. The ball is heaved towards the end zone where it is...batted down by the Bucs! Tampa Bay wins game two 14-7, leads series 2-0.* Code: Finals-G2 Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/16/N/3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/9/10/20/M/-3) CG: Atlanta Falcons 1998 reaches the 45 yard line before turning the ball over on downs. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Atlanta Falcons 1998 0 7 0 0 0 7 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 0 7 0 7 0 14 ---------- Line: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -4 (+ 3) Current Records: Atlanta Falcons 1998: 0-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 2-0

11-16-2004, 10:57 AM	#383
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	GAME THREE from the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia: The scene shifts to Atlanta where the Falcons need to defend their home turf to stay in the series. The opening quarter features both offenses consuming time with solid drives. The Bucs get it first and pound it into the end zone first near the halfway point to go up 7-0. The Falcons respond on the next drive by doing the same thing, jamming it down the throat of the Buc defense. They, too, get it into the end zone and the game is tied at 7 with a couple of minutes left in the first to conclude the scoring. The game is tied 7-7 after the first quarter.* Tampa Bay resumes their drive from the end of the first quarter and once again the Bucs are able to crack the Falcons defense and get into the end zone to move ahead 14-7. The Falcons are not long in responding this time as the ensuing kickoff return gives them great field position near midfield. However, the Buccaneer defense yields yards grudgingly this time and the Falcons are only able to settle for a fairly long field goal to cut it to 14-10. The Bucs are unable to do much with the ball the next time they get it and punt it back to Atlanta. This time, the Falcons grind at the Tampa Bay defense, chewing up clock and chewing up yards. They finally get into the end zone on a touchdown run with just under five minutes left in the half and the Georgia Dome is rocking with the Falcons now up 17-14. After that, the defenses re-assert themselves and no one threatens to score before halftime. Atlanta leads 17-14 at halftime.* Atlanta gets another great kick return to start the second half, but again it is squandered as the Tampa Bay defense makes the key stops and once again the Falcons are reduced to a field goal, stretching the lead to 20-14. However, the Falcons defense is proving every bit as stingy as the Buccaneers and forces Tampa Bay to punt on the ensuing possession. Atlanta gets the ball back and another solid drive gets them into Tampa Bay territory. Once again, though, the Bucs stiffen up with their backs to the wall and the Falcons again put up a field goal on the board, now leading 23-14 halfway into the quarter. After that, nobody's getting anything done on offense and punts are going back and forth the rest of the time. Atlanta leads 23-14 after the third quarter.* The defenses continue to hold sway throughout the fourth quarter and that works to the Falcons' advantage. Tampa Bay finally gets a drive going late, but it bogs down deep in Atlanta territory. They settle for a field goal with about three minutes left to cut the lead to 23-17. They elect to kick away and hope the defense can get the ball back. Through the use of time outs and the two-minute warning, they are able to do it. Out of timeouts and now in their own end of the field, the Buccaneers try to get together their last chance drive. They get it out to midfield, but time has run out. The ball rests on the Atlanta 47 with time for a Hail Mary left. The QB drops back, rolls out, and heaves it...a cluster of players gathers in the end zone...knocked away! Incomplete in the end zone and the Falcons hold on! Atlanta wins game three 23-17, trail the series 1-2.* Code: Finals-G3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/16/N/-5) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/20/M/5) CG: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 reaches the 47 yard line before turning the ball over on downs. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 7 7 0 3 0 17 Atlanta Falcons 1998 7 10 6 0 0 23 ---------- Line: Atlanta Falcons 1998 -4 (+ 2) Current Records: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 2-1 Atlanta Falcons 1998: 1-2 Last edited by Wolfpack : 11-16-2004 at 11:16 AM.

11-16-2004, 11:15 AM	#384
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	GAME FOUR from the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia The Falcons got back into the series with the game three win. They'll need to keep it up in game four. Tampa Bay starts with the ball first, but are unable to cross midfield and punt. The Falcons get the ball and embark on a time-consuming drive that gets them all the way inside the Tampa Bay 10, but they can't punch it in and settle for a chip shot field goal to lead 3-0. On the ensuing Tampa Bay drive, disaster strikes the Bucs as the RB is stripped of the football and it bounces around behind him. The Falcons safety scoops up the ball and runs the relatively short distance to the end zone and suddenly it's 10-0 Atlanta, just over halfway into the quarter. The teams trade punts, leaving the Bucs with the ball. Tampa Bay finally gets a good drive going of their own and they punch it into the end zone with a few minutes left in the first to cut the lead to 10-7. On the ensuing kickoff, the returner is smacked hard and coughs up the ball. The Bucs pounce on it and have great field position. But, they go three-and-out, sending on the kicker, who boots it through as the quarter closes to tie it up at 10. The game is tied 10-10 after the first quarter. The Falcons get the ball at the start of the second quarter and procede to rapidly move down the field and then bust into the end zone to retake the lead 17-10. Defenses once again get control of the game and the teams trade punts back and forth. Atlanta ends up with the ball and once again pound on the Bucs defense in a time-consuming drive that sees them break into the end zone to make it 24-10 near the end of the half. Atlanta leads 24-10 at halftime.* The Buccaneer defense is tiring, but the offense is unable to generate anything against the Falcons to help them out. Fortunately, Tampa Bay has enough in the tank to keep Atlanta's offense from generating anything throughout the third quarter. Finally, near the end of the quarter, the Buccaneers get the offense moving and march down the field. They don't go away empty-handed, capping the drive with a great fade route touchdown pass to cut the lead to 24-17, the only score of the third quarter. Atlanta leads 24-17 after the third quarter.* The ensuing Atlanta possession carries over to the fourth quarter as they move down the field and reach the goal line. It's fourth and goal at the one. The Falcons have a sure three points, but they have a chance to perhaps deliver the knockout punch if they can score the TD. They go for it and the RB hammers his way in, sending the Georgia Dome crowd into a frenzy as the Falcons build the lead to 31-17. The score seems to take the fight out of the Bucs as they go three-and-out. The Falcons take over and consume some valuable clock. Then, the coup de grace, a spectacular run straight up the gut from just across midfield by the RB as he storms into the end zone to make it 38-17 and puts the game out of reach with just half the quarter left. After that, it's just the Bucs feebly trying to get anything going and usually failing and the Falcons getting the ball and sitting on it to kill the clock and win the game. Atlanta wins game four 38-17, series is tied 2-2.* Code: Finals-G4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/16/N/-5) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/20/M/5) 4: Atlanta Falcons 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded! TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 10 0 7 0 17 Atlanta Falcons 1998 10 14 0 14 38 ---------- Line: Atlanta Falcons 1998 -4 (+ 17) Current Records: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 2-2 Atlanta Falcons 1998: 2-2 Last edited by Wolfpack : 11-16-2004 at 11:16 AM.

11-16-2004, 12:59 PM	#385
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	GAME FIVE at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida The series is knotted at two. Can Tampa Bay continue the perfect record for home teams in the series or can the Falcons steal one, push the Bucs to the brink of defeat and finish them off in Atlanta? The game starts pretty quietly as both teams resume pounding their offenses against the opposing defense, but to very little effect. Punts sail back and forth through the sky until finally the Bucs get a drive going near the end of the first quarter. They push the ball into Falcon territory and then finally bust into the end zone with just a handful of ticks left on the clock in the first quarter. Tampa Bay leads 7-0 after the first quarter. The Falcons are not long in responding as they put together a solid drive with running and passing, but it stalls out in field goal range. The kicker comes on and knocks it throug to cut it to 7-3. Atlanta then forces a turnover on the next Bucs possession but once again are foiled by the Tampa Bay defense and settle for a second field goal in as many red zone possessions. After that brief bit of excitement, the game returns to a relatively quiet, tense state as neither offense commits mistakes, but can't break the opposing defense to score. The Bucs are able to hold the lead through the remainder of the half. Tampa Bay leads 7-6 at halftime.* The Falcons get the ball to open the second half and they make good use of it, slicing and dicing the Tampa Bay defense with surprising ease and then plowing into the end zone to take the lead. The Falcons take the gamble and go for two and convert it and suddenly Atlanta is ahead 14-7. Tampa Bay cannot find the answer on offense, but for the rest of the quarter, the defense keeps the Buccaneers in the game by shutting down the Falcons. Atlanta leads 14-7 after the third quarter.* The teams continue to struggle back and forth into the fourth until the Falcons suddenly crack the Tampa Bay defense for a long touchdown pass and suddenly it's 21-7 halfway through the fourth. Tampa Bay is up against the wall now. They respond with a well-executed drive that pushes them into the red zone, but fourth down comes up. With time running out, they go for it. The Falcons hold on fourth down and take over. The crowd begins to slowly file out of the stadium with under four minutes left, their team now at the edge of the abyss. The Falcons proceed to chew up the remaining clock and walk off the field with a huge win that leaves them one game from claiming the tournament title with game six in Atlanta. Atlanta wins game five 21-7, leads series 3-2.* Code: Finals-G5 Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/12/10/16/N/3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/9/10/20/M/-3) 3: Atlanta Falcons 1998 goes for two and converts it! 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and failed. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q Final Atlanta Falcons 1998 0 6 8 7 21 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 7 0 0 0 7 ---------- Line: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 -4 (-18) UPSET Current Records: Atlanta Falcons 1998: 3-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 2-3 Last edited by Wolfpack : 11-16-2004 at 01:00 PM.

11-16-2004, 01:28 PM	#386
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	GAME SIX from the Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia: The Bucs took a big hit with the home loss in game five. Can they recover and force a game seven at a neutral site or will Atlanta win four straight games to clinch the series and claim the title in front of their fans? The offenses dominate this one early. First, the Bucs roll off a quick touchdown drive to start the game. Then Atlanta takes advantage of a great kick return on the ensuing kickoff to go for a home run play on the first play from scrimmage and before four minutes have passed, it's 7-7. The defenses get a handle on the situation and an exchange of punts follows. The Bucs then put together a nice drive, but it stalls out just outside the red zone. The kicker comes on and boots it through to make it 10-7. Atlanta responds with a good drive of their own that ultimately gets their kicker out to boot through a tying field goal. As the exciting first quarter comes to a close, it's tied up. The game is tied 10-10 after the first quarter. The Bucs turn it over on the ensuing possession, giving the Falcons great field position. The Tampa Bay defense rises up, though, and keeps Atlanta out of the end zone. The kicker trots back on to boot another field goal and Atlanta takes the lead. The teams then each suffer short drives that result in punts, leaving the Bucs with the ball with a little less than 7 minutes left. The Bucs then march down the field and bust into the end zone to retake the lead with about three minutes left in the half. The Falcons are unable to move the ball out of their own end of the field and punt away. The Bucs go ahead and kill the clock to take the lead into halftime. Tampa Bay leads 14-10 at halftime.* The teams come out for the second half and in the early going in the third quarter, it's all defense as neither offense can cross midfield, let alone get into scoring position. The Falcons finally get a drive going over the middle part of the quarter and they cap it with a touchdown run up the gut from inside the five yard line to move ahead 17-14. The Georgia Dome crowd gets into it, sensing they have a chance to win it. But, the Buccaneers come up with the drive of the night. With the crowd deafening, the Bucs are able to convert clutch third down after third down and before long, they've gotten into the end zone. The deafening roar is now a deafening silence. The Atlanta offense goes three-and-out on the next possession. As the quarter comes to a close, the Bucs have the ball and are driving. Tampa Bay leads 24-20 after the third quarter.* The fourth quarter begins and the Bucs continue to drive on into Atlanta territory. They continue to break down the Atlanta defense and then smash into the end zone to make the lead 31-20 with 13 minutes left. Do the Falcons have an answer? Yes, they do. With precision and speed, the Falcons execute a great two-minute offense that catches the Bucs off-guard. They get a pass interference on a bomb pass into the end zone that puts them at the one. The Bucs make a brilliant goal line stand, though. It reaches fourth down and the Falcons go for it. They finally burst through and the crowd is back into it with the Falcons down 31-27 with under ten minutes left. The Bucs get the ball and then proceed to eat up the clock as the Falcons are unable to stop them at critical points on the drive. Down below seven minutes, below five minutes the clock goes. Finally, the Falcons are able to stop the drive in the shadow of their goalpost. Tampa Bay sends on the kicker who boots it through to make it 34-27 with four minutes left. Atlanta now tries to get the tying score. They work their way downfield. The two-minute warning comes and goes. Ultimately, they find themselves facing a fourth down at the 28, trying to get a first down to keep the drive alive. But, the QB is sacked for a loss and the ball is turned over on downs. The home crowd begins to leave dejectedly as the Tampa Bay offense comes on, takes a couple of knees, runs out the clock, and wins the game. Tampa Bay wins game six 34-27, series tied 3-3.* Code: Finals-G6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002(11/1/8/10/16/N/-5) at Atlanta Falcons 1998(17/7/13/10/20/M/5) 4: Atlanta Falcons 1998 attempted to convert a field goal into a touchdown and succeeded! CG: Atlanta Falcons 1998 reaches the 28 yard line before turning the ball over on downs. TEAM 1Q 2Q 3Q 4Q CG Final Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002 10 7 7 10 0 34 Atlanta Falcons 1998 10 3 7 7 0 27 ---------- Line: Atlanta Falcons 1998 -4 (-11) UPSET Current Records: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2002: 3-3 Atlanta Falcons 1998: 3-3 ------------------- So, it has come down to this, a single game to determine the final outcome of the whole tournament. A neutral site game seven where no team is the clear favorite. One...more...game. Last edited by Wolfpack : 11-16-2004 at 01:28 PM.

11-16-2004, 02:01 PM	#387
Radii Head Coach Join Date: Jul 2001	Go Tampa. A Tampa Bay team named best of all time is really scary, but an Atlanta Falcons team named best of all time is just mind boggling.

11-16-2004, 02:25 PM	#388
Wolfpack Pro Rookie Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Raleigh, NC	Well, it is a "team" competition, not a "franchise" competition. I would think if I did a tournament of the 32 NFL franchises where all the numbers of every team were averaged for each franchise, I would think the Bucs and Falcons would be toast in the first two rounds. True, the matchup doesn't have glamour or glitz, but it is what came out of this thing after killing off 1490 other teams. It is entirely plausible that I could re-run the affair a number of times and come up with different finalists for each one. Such is life in a tournament format.