1988 Cincinatti Bengals @ 2000 Baltimore Ravens

One of the greatest teams to have never won a superbowl takes on one of the greatest defenses that did win the big game, it's the 88 Bengals taking on the 00 Ravens.

The 1988 Bengals had one of the biggest "Worst to first" seasons ever. Boomer Esiason had feuded with Sam Wyche throughout the 87 season, but when they got past their issues in 88 Boomer shone, throwing for 3,572 yards, 28 TDs, and only 14 picks earning him a MVP award. His top target was Eddie Brown, who caught 54 receptions for 1,274 and 9 TDs. Also notable were Time Mcgee and Rodney Holman, combining for another 1,213 yards and 9 TDs. Then you James Brooks gaining a over 1,200 all purpose yards and 14 total TDs and an o-line anchored by Anthony Munoz. Arguably the face of the Bengals during this time was Icky Woods, a rookie sensation at fullback who ran for over 1,000 yards and 15 TDs, so you saw him doing his signature Icky Shuffle dance quite a bit. The less said about that horrid TD dance, the better.

So, the defense was... average. The D-line of Tim Krumrie, Jim Skow, David Grant, and Jason Buck made up the bulk of the teams 41 total sacks, and helped their defensive backs Eric Thomas and David Fulcher get 12 total interceptions. Safety Lewis Billups also had 4 of his own. The defense was arguably the fault of them losing Super Bowl XXIII that year, allowing a game winning drive by Joe Montana's 49ers to happen and giving the Niners the win, 20-16.

The team they are going up against did win on the big stage because of their defense however. I'm sorry, but this Raven's offense is one of the worst ever, atleast, passing wise, but in the interest of fairness, they did have QB issues. Tony Banks and Trent Dilfer were the teams top 2 QBs, who threw for a combined 3,080 yards 20 TDs and 19 INTs. Their top targets were veteren TE Shannon Sharpe (810 yards, 5 TDs) and wideout Quadry Ismail (655 yards, 4 TDs). Luckily the rushing attack was very good with Jamal Lewis rushing for 1,364 yards and 6 rushing TDs, with Priest Holmes adding 588 rushing yards.

This Ravens defense was the one that got the, "Defense wins championships" trend that was going around in the earlier part of the 2000s started. Led by linebacker Ray Lewis (138 tackles, 3 sacks) his fellow linebackers Peter Boulware (7 sacks) and Jamie Sharpner (5 forced fumbles) were simply amazing. The DBs, led by safety Rod Woodson, had 17 combined interceptions, due in large part to a defensive line led by Rob Burnett (10.5 sacks) constantly harrasing the QB. Greatest defense ever, it very well may be.

Prediction: Honestly, I'm going to have to guess on this one, but the question really comes down to "Can anyone do the Icky Shuffle on this defense?" and the answer is no. Sorry Woods, but the Ravens are going to win this one 21-7. A little tight, but never really any doubt about who will win.

Game Summary:

We begin this one with just under 5 minutes to go in the 1st quarter. Tony Banks throws a beautiful pass to Shannon Sharpe for a 28 yard TD allowing Shannon to do some trash talking for cameras on the sidelines and putting the Ravens up 7-0. In the 2nd quarter, with about 8 minutes left, Tony Banks throws an interception to David Fulcher that sets up Cincy on Baltimore's 25 yard line. The Bengals can't take advantage, however, and have to kick a 41 yard field goal, which Jim "Security" Breech is able to make, making the score 7-3. Just a few plays later, a huge 37 yard run by Jamal Lewis sets up a 43 yard field goal by Matt Stover, and it's good, sending the Ravnes ahead 10-3. Then, with just over a minute left to go in the half, Tony Banks throws yet another interception, giving the Bengals  a chance to tie this thing up. Boomer responds by throwing a pick of his own to Duane Starks, giving the Ravens the ball yet again. Ray Lewis then bustes off a huge FIFTY YARD RUN, setting up a 30 yard field goal to end the half, which is right don the middle. Score at the half, the Ravens are leading, 13-3.

After the Bengals fizzle out to being the 2nd half, the Ravens can't get very far, but do drive enough to set up a 50 yard FG by Matt Stover, which he makes to make the score 16-3. Tony Banks, with over a minute left a minute left to play in the 3rd, throws a bomb to Brandon Stokley who then makes a couple guys missing, earning himself a 50 yard TD catch. Batlimore is starting to run away with it, 23-3. Then, to kick of the 4th, a punt sets up Batlimore on the Bengal's 42 yard line, and the Ravens are able to take advantage, driving down the field in 9 plays and Banks throwing yet another TD pass to Barndon Stokley, making it 30-3. The Ravens try a field goal attempt a bit later, but it's no good, not that matters. Final score: Ravens 30, Bengals 3.

2012 Houston Texans @ 1984 San Francisco 49ers

The NFL's youngest franchise takes on the best team of one of the most storied franchies in NFL history. It's the 2012 Texans vs the 1984 Niners.

It should be noted that I want all 32 teams represented, and that the Houston Texans, because of the fact they haven't had many great teams, is definatly the hardest to pick from. It came down to the 2012 and 2011 teams and ultimately I just thought that the '12 team was just an improved version of the '11 team.

So, the 2012 Texans team was led by Matt Schaub, who threw for a little over 4000 passing yards and had 22 passing TDs to 12 interceptions. His two primary targets were Andre Johnson (1598 yards, 4 TDs) and TE Owen Daniels (716 yards, 4 TDs) while running the ball was the dynamic Arian Foster who rushed 15 TDs and  1,424 rushing yards. The offense was a big reason why the Texans were able to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in that year's Wildcard round.

The Defense was led by rookie JJ Watt, who raked in 20.5 sacks with 81 tackles, Glover Quin who had 84 tackles. Their run D was in the top 10 of the NFL, while their passing defense was Ok. Of note is Kareem Jackson, who led the team with 4 picks.

The 1984 Niners were the first team to win 15 games in NFL history and had, arguably of course, perhaps the greatest offense in NFL history. Joe Montana led the team, throwing for 3,630 passing yards with 28 TDs and 10 Ints. The only real issue was that he didn't have a number one target yet (Rice would get their the following year) but he did find three key targets, his wideouts Freddie Solomon and Dwight Clark combining for 1,617 yards and 16 TDs and running back Roger Craig who raked in 675 yards and rushed for another 649 yards with 7 TDs. Their top running back is the now oft-forgotten Wendell Tyler who had 1,262 rushing yards and 7 TDs.

Though the defense sported the best secondary period, in my opinion, with all 4 starting DBs (Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, Carlton Williamson, and Dwight Hicks) chosen for the Pro Bowl. The linebacking core was so so, led by Keena Turner (2 sacks, 4 picks) but the front four was very sold, led by Dwaine Board (10 sacks).

Prediction: Though I think the Texans defense is more dominant here, I just can't see that weak secondary getting anything done against the Niners here. Niners will pass all over them and will win 35-6.

Game Summary:

We go eventless until about 6 minutes left in the 1st quarter. Matt "Cotton" Schuab, wanting to show that the Texans MIGHT be able to do it, throws a 25 yard pass to Owen Daniels that gets them into the redzone and sets up a 6 yard pass to the same a few plays later. Texans GO UP 7-0! Towards the end of the 1st, however, the Niners get a huge punt return that puts them on thier own 48. The Niners drive down into the red zone, but the Texans hold them. The Niners settle for the FG to make it 7-3 in the 2nd. With their first possesion in the 2nd, a 13 yard pass to Justin Forsett and a 10 yard run by Ben Tate set up a 51 yard FG by Shayne Graham, and he makes it, making it 10-3. Then, just before the end of the half, Matt Schuab throws a pass that is picked off by Ronnie Lott. Joe Montana, "Joe Cool, tries to take advantage, BUT IS PICKED OFF BY JONATHON JOSEPH!!! to end the half. The Niners are still down, 10-6.

We pick up in the 4th after a scoreless 3rd, The Niners once again get into the red zone and cannot get the TD, but Ray Wersching comes out and kicks a 23 yard field goal. The Niners are still down, 7-6. TJ Graham then misses a 50 yard FG attempt, giving the Niners the ball back. Joe Montana proceeds to throw two big passes to Clark (15 and 20 yards) setting up for Wendell Tyler to get into the end zone off a 1 yard run, Niners go up 13-10. The Texans get the ball back with under 2 minutes left, but Matt Schuab manages to get the Texans into the redzone and a 19 yard field goal attempt by Shayne Graham ties it up. We are heading into OT, 13-13.

The Texans take the first possesion of OT and can't get past their own 42. Gary Kubiak, having gone insane, sends Shayne Graham out their for the 59 yarder. No wind. No nothing to help... AND IT GOES IN!!!!!! THE TEXANS PULL OFF THE UPSET 16-13!!!! MY GOD! WHAT JUST HAPPENED!?!?!?!?

o_o; We have our first upset, ladies and gents.

1998 Atlanta Falcons @ 1996 Green Bay Packers

Two explosive special teams and offenses face off as the 98 Falcons battle the 96 Packers.

I usually don't feel the need to cover this, however, the special teams for both of these teams were simply top knotch. On the Falcons side of things you got rookie wide out Tim Dwight who amassed 1,236 return yards and a touchdown returning punts and kicks. On the other side you have late bloomer Desmond Howard, who after not doing very much in his 4 year NFL career suddenly set the record for punt return yards in a single season with a little over 875, and another 460 on kickoffs, and lets not forget his 99 yarder to cap off SBXXXI . I won't be saying this often, but these two special teams you HAVE to take into account.

Atlanta's offense was led by Pro Bowl QB Chris Chandler, who threw for over 3000 yards and had 25 TDs to 12 picks. Tony Martin and Terance Mathis were the top two targets for Chandler, combining for 17 of those TDs. Though those numbers are respectable, the team revolved around the master of the Dirty Bird, Jamal Anderson. Over 2000 total yards, and 17 total TDs, Jamal was simply a beast in 96.

Their Defense was superb at stopping the run, only giving up a little more the 1200 rushing yards, and only gave up 5009 total yards. Lester Archambeau and Chuck Smith combined for 18.5 sacks, and weren't too bad at stuffing the run as well. Even if the QB did get the pass off, they ran the risk of Ray Buchanan (7 picks) or Eugene Robinson (4 picks) taking the ball out the sky.

The Packers QB is not afraid to risk throwing picks, however,as they got gun slinger 2 time MVP Brett Favre at the helm. He threw for 3,899 yards and though he did throw 13 picks, his 39 TDs more then made up for it. His favorite target, Antonio Freeman, who had 933 yards recieving and 9 TDs, and Don Beebe is also one to watch, having put up 1,009 total offensive yards, and Keith Jackson caught 10 TDs. The running game was  rather mediocre with top rusher Edgar Bennet having rushed for almost 900 yards, but the passing attack more then made up for it.

Their D was led by Reggie White, who was still producing even though he had been in the NFL for a long while at that point, raking in 8.5 sacks. DB Leroy Butler also raked in 5 picks, while his fellow DB Eugene Robinson (Huh, I feel like I've heard that name before...) had 6.

Prediction: I feel like this one will go to the Falcons. The Pack has no rushing attack, and the Falcons can force picks. Therefore, the Packers will become one dimensional allowing the Falcons to roll over them for a 14-35 victory. I know, crazy, but I just can't see the Packers D keeping Jamal out of the endzone.

Game Recap:

We start this recap with about 9 minutes left in the first quarter, Chris Chandler back to pass on his own 2 yard line but he gets leveled by Wayne Simmons AND IT'S A FUMBLE! Green Bay falls on it and goes up first, 7-0.  Later on, with about a minute left in the 1st, Jamal Anderson bustes off a huge 40 yard run, getting his team down to the 18. The Falcons can't capitalize on it, and have to settle for a Morten Anderson FG to tighten things up 7-3. Brett Favre then drives the team for 6 minutes (heading into the 2nd) and a Dorsey Levens 13 yard run sets up a good FG by Chris Jacke to make it 10-3.  A little later, however, Edgar Bennet fumbles the football and Atlanta scoops it up. Then, a 29 yard pass to Tony Martin and a 28 yard run by Bob Christian set up another Morten Anderson FG., Falcs still down, 10-6. With time dwindling down, two big passes to Antonio Freeman (16 and 19 yards respectivly) sets up a 2 yard TD run by Levens. Score at the half, Packers: 17 Falcons: 6.

To start off the second half, Jamal Anderson bustes off a 47 yard rush for a TD and starts doing the Dirty Bird, Falcons coming back 17-13. Favre drives down the field 6 minutes again and sets up another Chris Jacke FG to make that lead a bit more cozy, now 20-13. After a scoreless rest of the 3rd, the Pack kick off the 4th with a 17 yard Edgar Bennett TD run to make it 27-13. After an Atlanta 3 and out, Farve then leads the Packers on a 5 minute drive that ends with a 9 yard TD pass to Mark Chumra to get them up 34-13. The 4th quarter butchering is finally ended when, after a failed 4th down attempt by the Falcons, William Henderson picks up a 20 yard gain for a TD. Packers win this one big, 41-13.

2009 New Orleans Saints @ 1972 Miami Dolphins

The undefeated record is on the line as the 09 Saints, the team that captured the heart of America, take on the only undefeated team in NFL history, the 72 Dolphins.

The 09 Saints were led into the Superbowl just 4 years after Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans by their quarterback Drew Brees. Drew put on one of the best perfermances by a QB ever, completing a little over 70% of his passes for 4,338 yards, 34 TDs and just 11 picks. While his top target was Marquest Colston who had 70 catches and 9 TDs, he loved to spread the ball around to other targets like Devry Henderson, Robert Meachem, and Jeremy Shocky. The ground trifecta of Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell, and Reggie Bush combined for a total of 1837 rushing yards and 16 TDs, which definatly help take the pressure off the passing game, and allowed them to win 13 team straight games, before dropping their last 3.

The D was also solid, being the 4th ranked overall defence in the NFL, led by Will Smith (13 sacks), Jonathan Vilma (87 tackles) and Darran Sharper (9 picks). It could be argued that the defence was what won the Saints the big game against the Colts at Super Bowl XLIV, as they were able to effectivly keep the Colts out of the endzone despite giving up 432 yards of total offence.

The 72 Dolphins were a young team who were led into the big game by Earl Morrall who did very good subbing in for an injured Bob Griese. However, at Superbowl VII, they swapped Griese back in. Just to be completly honest though... it didn't matter who the QB was. The running back trifecta of Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick, and "Mercury" Morris (best nickname ever, in my opinion) combined for almost 3000 rushing yards, and the first team to have two RBs (Csonka and Morris) to rush for over 1000.

Miami's Defence was known as the "No Name Defence", referencing the fact that Cowboys coach Tom Landry could not remember a name of any member of the Fins' D heading into SBVII. Their leader was the only starter on the team over the age of 30, 32 year old Nick Buoniconti, though the biggest innovater on the team was defensive coridinator Bill Arnsparger who invented the "53" defence due to the fact that the Dolphins only had 4 healthy D-linemen at the start of the season. They were the number 1 D in the league that year, so I'd say it worked. They were able to overcome "Garo's Gaffe" to win SBVII 14-7.

Prediction: Call me crazy, but I think the 09 Saints will do it. I think their offence is just as good as the 72 Fins (better passing game, good enough runners to keep up) if their D can keep Miami's runners in check, they'll get the W. 28-21.

Game Summary:

On the 2nd possesion of the game, the Miami Dolphins are able to get it into the endzone after two 16 yard rushes (Csonka and Kiick) set up for a Morral pass to Paul Warfield, giving the Dolphins the first points of the game 7-0. Then towards the end of the 1st, Morrall leads a nearly 6 minute drive that ends with a 12 yard screen pass to Paul "Holy" Warfield, sending the Fins up 14-zip. Drew Brees finally answers back 4 minutes later with a huge 34 yard pass to Devry Henderson to tighten the game up, 14-7. Then, right after the two minute warning, Drew Brees INTERCEPTION thrown to Jake Scott that allows the Fins to drive 31 yards downfield 5 plays later as Morrall hits Otto Stowe for a 3 yard score. Score at the half: Fins 21, Saints 7.

Drew Brees's first possession of the 2nd is a doozy, a TEN MINUTE drive down field, highlighted by 3 big passes to Colston, Meachem, and Shocky in that order and then capped off with a final pass to Henderson, Saints still in it, 21-14. Bob Griese then comes in for a little while, BOOM, 31 yard pass to Howard Tilley, BANg, 26 yards to Marv Fleming, and this sets up a 1 yard rush by Mercury Morris to put the Dolphins up 28-14. After the Saints fizzle out, 3 and out style, the Dolphins get a huge 34 yard Larry Csonka run to the endzone to solidfy things, 35-14. The icing on the cake comes when, with a little under 3 minutes left, Paul Warfield catches another pass in the endzone to make it 42-14. Though that likely put the game out of reach, another interception by Drew Brees (this time to Lloyd Mumphord) sets up a Garo Yepremin FG to finally end things, 45-14.

2008 Arizona Cardinals @ 1992 Dallas Cowboys

The 08 Cards made a miracle underdog run to give the Cards their only Superbowl appearance in franchise history. Now, they take on one of the most dominant teams of the 90s in the 92 Cowboys.

After years of having disappeared from the league, Kurt Warner emerged out of no where in 2007 recording 27 TDs and a pretty good QB rating, and then took his team to the SB a year later. Throwing for more 4,583 yards and 30 TDs to just 14 picks, he gave 3 of his wideouts (Larry Fitzgearld, Anquan Boldin, and Steve Breston) 1000 yard years. The backfield had veteren running Edgerrin James and young up and comer Tim Hightower, but the running attack was pretty average.

The defence, on the other hand... Meh. Though it did have some notables such as Darnell Dockett rookie sensation Dominique Rogers-Cromartie, it was the 28th ranked D in the NFL. It did, however, force 12 turnovers in 3 games in the postseason and added one more in their heartbreaking loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in SBXLIII.

The 92 Boys, by contrast, were pretty big favorites in their Superbowl. This is no surprise considering that Troy Aikman had the best season of his career up to that point, throwing for over 3000 and 23 TDs to only 14 picks. He also had great wideouts led by Michael Irvin (1,396 recieving yards; 7 touchdowns) and a in his prime Emmitt Smith (1,713 rushing yards; 18 touchdowns) so needless to say the offence was great.

The D was possibly even better, ranking atop the league and making Dallas fans remember the "Doomsday Defence" that Tom Landry had coached up. Jimmy Johnson had coached up one hell of a D himself, AND NOT ONE MADE THE PRO BOWL! Wow, just, just wow. Anyway, the D-Line anchored by Jim Jeffcoat (10.5 sacks) a linebacking core led by Ken Norton and a solid secondary, Dallas high powered team defeated the Bills in their 3rd straight Superbowl Loss, 52-17, arguably the most dominate performance ever seen in the Superbowl.

Prediction: No way the Cards win. Dallas is WAY too good for them. Dallas rolls 35-3.

Game summary:

Early on in the 1st quarter Emmitt Smith burstes out a 27 yard run to the right to pick up the first points of the game, Dallas up 7-0. Then early on in the 2nd quarter, Troy Aikman caps off a near 8 minute drive with a TD pass to Daryl Johnston. Then with a about a minute left in the 1st half, a 24 yard strike to "Chicken" Alfredo Roberts and an 18 yard strike to Jay Novacek allow Troy to get another TD pass to Alvin Harper, to get Dallas up 21-nothing heading into Halftime.

Dallas's first possession in the 2nd half almost proved to be a disaster as Emmit Smith nearly loses the ball after an 11 yard run. However, Dallas is able to keep it and sets up a Lin Elliot 30 yard field goal. The Cards, finally showing life after 2 strikes to Anquan Boldin (20 and 8 yards respectivly) allow for a Neil Rackers 47 yard field goal to begin the 4th. However, it wouldn't last and Lin Elliot would kick two more FGs to cap off a 30-3 Dallas victory.

(32) 2002 Tampa Bay Bucs @ 1985 Chicago Bears

A clash of two of the greatest Ds to ever gather on a Football field, the first game in this bracket is the 2002 Superbowl Champion Tampa Bay Bucs, and the 1985 Superbowl Champion Chicago Bears.

The 02 Bucs offense was actually pretty underrated in my opinion. Brad Johnson raked in 22 TDs to 6 picks and their rushing attack of Michael Pittman and Mike Alscot was something to be feared, rushing for a over 1200 rushing yards and 6 TDs (combined). The recieving corps led by Keenan McCardell and Keyshawn Johnson also helped out raking in 11 TDs and well over 1700 yards recieving.

That coupled with the most dominant defense since, well, the 1985 Chicago Bears (leading the league in almost ever major defensive category) allowed the Bucs to soundly defeat the Oakland Raiders, 48-21. The D was lead by Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber, Simeon Rice, and Warren Sapp.

The 1985 Bears, meanwhile, were running and gunning to the Superbowl. One might even say they were "shuffling" hahaha... sorrry.

Though Jim McMahon had an average year (though he threw for over 3000, he had 17 TDs to 16 picks) the offesne more then made up for it with the legs of Walter Peyton. 11 total TDs, and well over 1500 rushing yards, this was one of his best years. The leading reciever, who rarely even gets mentioned now that I think about it, was kick returning wide out Wille Gault, who had two total TDs on the year and 1281 total yards.

Running the 46 Defense, the 85 Bears D was just vicious. It was the most vicious single season Defense seen in a long time and would reamain that way for even longer.  Led by "Samurai" Mike Singletary, this defense would POUND everything, shutting out the Dallas Cowboys offense at one point (first time in 15 years) and would destroy the New England Patriots in the Superbowl, 46-10.

Prediction- I've just gotta go with the Chi-Town Bears here. I think their D is slightly better and the rushing attack, though only comprised of a solo back, is better. The Bucs passing attack will give them a chance, but ultimately it just won't be enough; 14-10, as I expect this game to be tight.

Game Summery:

After a scoreless first quarter, a 21 yard pass from Jim McMahon to Dennis McKinnon sets up a 39 yard field goal, the Bears go up 3-0. Towards the end of the 2nd, Brad Johnson drives his men downfield, but runs out of time after getting to the 2 yard line!

In the 3rd quarter, a 15 yard run by Walter Peyton as well as a 20 yard pass from McMahon to Willie Gault set up a 40 yard field goal, good by Kevin Butler; Bears up 6-0. Jim McMahon would then drive to set up a 37 yard field goal to make it 9-0 to close out the 3rd.

The fourth remains unexciting until Willie Gault (I'm assuming, Whatif doesn't record returns very well...) makes  a huge punt return, going from his own 25 to Tampa's 20. This sets up a, you guessed it, 36 yard field goal good from Butler. Butler would get one more field goal to make the final talley 15-0.

2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers	1985 Chicago Bears
	First Downs	9	12
	- Rushing	4	4
	- Passing	5	8
	- Penalty	0	0
	3rd Down Eff	5/18	7/19
	4th Down Eff	1/3	0/1
	Rushes-Yards	24-89	39-95
	Avg Rush	3.7	2.4
	Comp-Att-Int	13-34-0	13-25-0
	Passing Yards	100	130
	Sacks-Yards	3-20	2-13
	Fumbles-Lost	1-0	0-0
	Punts-Avg	9-41.4	6-42.2
	KR-Avg	6-19.5	1-30.0
	PR-Avg	6-17.7	9-16.6
	Penalties-Yard	4-35	3-20
	Time of Possession	22:30	37:30

The Goal

A popular debate in sports is "which team is the greatest ever?" my goal is to figure that out.

Starting with the NFL, I will set up a bracket that I believe will best determine which team is the best ever, and do a tournament. I will reveal the basis of my bracket AFTER the first tournament; This way, if you want to find out, you'll keep coming. ;)

I will be using Whatifsports simulator, as I believe that is both the best and simplest way to do these simulations. I will post a game summery, as well as a preview of the match up. That's all for right now.