BTE Tournament Elite 8 Results

Here we are.  Down to 8 teams.  The winners will advance out of their regions and into the final 4.  We had 4 good matchups in this round, so let’s take a look at the results:

DETROIT REGIONAL FINAL

(1)   1985 Bears vs. (3) 1975 Steelers

The Bears completely dominated the Steelers in this one.  In a matchup of two of the best defenses in NFL history, Chicago showed why theirs is considered the top one.  Walter Payton accounted for most of the offense for the Bears in a 23-0 shutout. 

23-0 

PHILADELPHIA REGIONAL FINAL

(3)   1996 Packers vs. (9) 1969 Chiefs

The Cinderella team of the tournament, the 9^th seeded 1969 Chiefs, fell a game short of the final 4 here.  The Packers jumped out to a 16-0 lead and led by 23-3 early in the 3^rd quarter, but the Chiefs made a furious comeback attempt to climb within 6 at the 5 minute point in the game.  With under 2 minutes, the Packers sealed it with a FG making it a 2 possession game. 

26-17 

NEW ORLEANS REGIONAL FINAL

(2)   1991 Redskins vs. (4) 2004 Patriots

This was a great matchup between 2 powerhouse title contenders, and it came right down to the final seconds.  The Redskins took a 14-10 lead with around 8 minutes left in the game, but Adam Vinatieri would nail 2 field goals (1 with 5:57 to go and one with 57 seconds left).  Mark Rypien came right back, leading a 5 play 49 yard drive in 50 seconds to set up the game winning field goal attempt.  Chip Lohmiller nailed the 40 yard field goal as time expired, and the Redskins advanced to the final 4.

17-16 

ARIZONA REGIONAL FINAL

(3)   1999 Rams vs. (4) 1998 Vikings

This game played out exactly as we expected, as two of the greatest offenses in NFL history squared off.  The largest lead for either team was 7, as the two offenses kept exchanging points.  Minnesota led 28-21 at the half, and after a surprisingly scoreless 3^rd quarter, led by the same score going into the 4^th.  The Rams took a 31-28 lead with 8:11 to go, but Minnesota came back with a 41 yard TD run to take a 35-31 lead with 3:47.  St. Louis marched right down the field with a 65 yard TD run to take a 38-35 lead, but they left 1:39 on the clock for Minnesota’s offense.  Randall Cunningham led the Vikings down the field to set up a 45 yard FG from Gary Anderson for the tie, and Anderson nailed the kick.  The Rams won the toss in OT and, in a game that it seemed like the last team with the ball would win, that’s exactly how it played out.  A Marshall Faulk 16 yard TD run ended it and sent the Rams to the final 4.

44-38 

We had some fantastic games in this round, and now we’re down to 4 teams.  The final 4!  These games will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium.  Let’s take a look at the updated bracket:

BTE Tournament Sweet 16 Results

We’re down to the sweet 16 now.  After this round, 8 teams will remain for their shot at the title of BTE Tournament Champion.  We have some Cinderella teams remaining, so let’s see what happens in this round:

DETROIT REGION SWEET 16 

(1)   1985 Bears vs. (4) 2001 Rams

The Rams took a 13-3 lead early in the third quarter and tried to hold on.  However, the Bears fought back and took the lead with a Jim McMahon TD pass to Ken Margerum with 28 seconds to go in regulation.

Bears 17, Rams 13 

 

(3)   1975 Steelers vs. (7) 1992 49ers

The Steelers led 13-3 at the half, but the 49ers fought back with 10 unanswered points to tie the game at 13 apiece.  The hero was Roy Gerela of the Steelers, who nailed a 32 yard field goal as time expired.

Steelers 16, 49ers 13 

PHILADELPHIA REGION SWEET 16

(5)   1998 Broncos vs. (9) 1969 Chiefs

The first quarter belonged to the Broncos, as they grabbed a 10-0 lead.  The second quarter to the Chiefs, as they tied the game at 10.  After a scoreless third quarter, a Mike Garrett TD run gave the Chiefs a 17-10 lead with 5:32 left, which would end up being the final score.  The 9^th seeded Chiefs advance to the elite 8 as their improbable run continues.

Chiefs 17, Broncos 10 

 

(2)   1984 49ers vs. (3) 1996 Packers

A matchup of two title contenders didn’t disappoint.  Trailing 24-13, the Packers scored 14 unanswered, including a Brett Favre TD pass to Robert Brooks with 1:15 left in the game. Joe Montana calmly led the 49ers on a 36 yard drive in a minute and 6 seconds to set up a 54 yard field goal, which Ray Wersching nailed as time expired.  This sent the game into overtime.  On the first play of OT, Joe Montana was intercepted, and with good field position the Packers swiftly drove 27 yards for the winning TD. 

Packers 33, 49ers 27

NEW ORLEANS REGION SWEET 16

(1)   1972 Dolphins vs. (4) 2004 Patriots

Tom Brady’s stellar performance knocked out one of the favorites to win the entire tournament.  Brady threw for 303 yards and 2 TDs on 17 of 25 passing.  Down 17-16 with around 5 minutes to play, Brady hit Kevin Faulk for a 49 yard TD pass and the Patriots converted a 2 point play to go up 24-17.  The Patriots defense held, and New England pulled off the upset.

Patriots 24, Dolphins 17 

 

(2)   1991 Redskins vs. (14) 2010 Packers

The Redskins trailed 17-7 in the 2^nd quarter, but from there ran off 23 unanswered points to end the game with a 30-17 win. 

Redskins 30, Packers 17 

ARIZONA REGION SWEET 16

(1)   1989 49ers vs. (4) 1998 Vikings

This matchup of two heavyweights did not disappoint.  The first half belonged to San Francisco, who led 23-13 after 2 quarters.  The Vikings got right back in the game on the opening drive of the 2^nd half, driving 77 yards in under 4 minutes to make the score 23-20.  To start the 4^th quarter, the 49ers added a field goal and led 26-20.  The next drive by the Vikings was a 72 yard TD drive to give them a 27-26 lead, their first lead since the first quarter.  From there, San Francisco could not get anything going offensively as the Minnesota defense clamped down on them, and the Vikings completed the 27-26 upset. 

Vikings 27, 49ers 26 

 

(3)   1999 Rams vs. (15) 2002 Buccaneers

The Bucs surprised everyone in this tournament by advancing to the sweet 16, but they fell just short of the elite 8.  The Rams outrushed the, outpassed them, had 11 more first downs, and controlled the clock in this game.  However, they trailed 14-13 going into the 4^th quarter.  The Rams took the lead 16-14 on a Jeff Wilkins 35 yard FG, and their defense held on for the 16-14 St. Louis win.

Rams 16, Buccaneers 14 

A lot of great games in this round.  The next round should be even better, with only 8 teams remaining.  The winners will advance out of their regions and into the final 4.  Those games will be played at Lucas Oil Stadium.  A lot of intriguing and exciting matchups, would you agree?  Check out the updated bracket:

BTE Tournament Second Round Results

After a great first round, the second round was no disappointment in exciting games and in upsets.  We had a lot of good match ups and this round and many close games.  Here are the results: 

DETROIT REGION SECOND ROUND

(1)   1985 Bears vs. (9) 1984 Dolphins

The Bears vaunted defense limited one of the best offenses the league’s ever seen to 6 points, and Walter Payton rushed for 150 yards and 2 TDs in a 17-6 win.

Bears 17, Dolphins 6

 

(4)   2001 Rams vs. (5) 1992 Cowboys

Emmitt Smith had a tough day, and the Cowboys failed to score in the second half as they suffered an 11 point second round loss.

Rams 24, Cowboys 13 

 

(3)   1975 Steelers vs. (11) 2009 Saints

399 Steeler rushing yards on 43 attempts (9.3 YPC) led to a dominating 40-19 thrashing of the Saints.  

Steelers 40, Saints 19 

 

(2)   1968 Colts vs. (7) 1992 49ers

The Colts thought they had this one in hand leading 37-21 after 3 quarters, but a furious 49er comeback attempt included 2 fourth quarter TDs and a 20 yard field goal to force overtime.  In overtime, Ricky Watters ended it with a 51 yard touchdown run for the Niners to send the Colts packing in a heartbreaking defeat. 

49ers 43, Colts 37 

PHILADELPHIA REGION SECOND ROUND

(1)   1978 Steelers vs. (9) 1969 Chiefs

The Chiefs kept it close the whole way, and took a 27-20 lead with 10:21 left to go in the game.  Their defense held, ending Pittsburgh’s hopes of a title and eliminating the first 1 seed of the tournament. 

Chiefs 27, Steelers 20 

 

(5)   1998 Broncos vs. (13) 1970 Colts

The Colts couldn’t muster up anything more than a field goal, as Johnny Unitas tossed 3 INTs and the Broncos won easily.

Broncos 18, Colts 3 

 

(3)   1996 Packers vs. (11) 1988 49ers

Brett Favre threw for 335 yards and 2 TDs as the Packers took it to Joe Montana and the 49ers. 

Packers 44, 49ers 16 

 

(2)   1984 48ers vs. (7) 1966 Packers

A Wendell Tyler 2 yard TD run for the 49ers with 5:40 to go was the difference in a 17-14 San Francisco win.

49ers 17, Packers 14 

 

NEW ORLEANS REGION SECOND ROUND

(1)   1972 Dolphins vs. (9) 1979 Steelers

Down 14-6, the Dolphins ran off 15 unanswered 2^nd half points to win by a TD and keep their dreams of a championship alive.

Dolphins 21, Steelers 14 

(4)   2004 Patriots vs. (12) 1974 Steelers

Franco Harris ran hard with 219 yards, but it wasn’t enough to beat Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Patriots 32, Steelers 27 

(11) 1990 Bills vs. (14) 2010 Packers

Down 25-20 late in the game, the Packers went 64 yards in 1:27 capped off with an Aaron Rodgers 16 yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings with 9 seconds left in the game. 

Packers 28, Bills 25 

(2)   1991 Redskins vs. (7) 1976 Steelers

The Steelers ran off 14 unanswered points to tie the game at 17 late in the 4^th quarter, but a Chip Lohmiller 46 yard field goal as time expired gave Washington the win by a field goal.

Redskins 20, Steelers 17 

ARIZONA REGION SECOND ROUND

(1)   1989 49ers vs. (9) 1993 Cowboys

The Cowboys were looking prime for the upset after taking a 24-21 lead with 1:16 left, but Joe Montana led the 49ers down into FG position.  With 11 seconds to go, Mike Cofer nailed a clutch 52 yard field goal to send the game to overtime.  After both teams went 3 and out on their opening drives of overtime, the 49ers put together a drive capped off with the winning 42 yard field goal by Mike Cofer.

49ers 27, Cowboys 24 

(4)   1998 Vikings vs. (12) 1990 Giants

Randall Cunningham went over 300 yards, and the Vikings outscored the Giants 13-0 in the 2^nd half giving them the 19 point win.

Vikings 29, Giants 10 

(3)   1999 Rams vs. (6) 1973 Dolphins

Marshall Faulk had over 200 yards of offense, and the Rams defense completely shut down the Miami ground attack holding them to 49 yards on 31 carries in an easy St. Louis win.

Rams 22, Dolphins 7 

(10)                       2006 Colts vs. (15) 2002 Buccaneers

The 15^th seeded Buccaneers continued their Cinderella run as they ran it down the Colts’ throats for 211 yards on 41 carries and controlled the clock in a 23-13 win.

Buccaneers 23, Colts 13 

We’re down the sweet 16 now.  We have some great match ups on the horizon.  Here’s the updated bracket:

 To our readers - What do you think are the best matchups this round?  What are your predictions for the rest of the tournament?  Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed. 

 

BTE Tournament First Round Results

The first round has been simulated on whatifsports.com.  There were some good games and some rather large upsets.  In a 1 game elimination scenario, as is life in the NFL, anything can happen.  Any given Sunday, as they say.  The unpredictability of the NFL and of team sports is one of the most exciting features in my opinion.  We have no idea who will win this tournament, and it makes it even more exciting. 

There are some good second round match ups that have been set up, and it’ll certainly be interesting to see how this tournament plays out.  Enjoy. 

DETROIT REGION FIRST ROUND

(1)   1985 Bears vs. (16) 2005 Steelers

The Steelers battle hard but can’t muster up enough offense against the vaunted Bears defense.

Bears 10, Steelers 7

(8) 1986 Giants vs. (9) 1984 Dolphins

The Dolphins assaulted the Giants on the ground with 296 yards and 8 yards per carry, and the game ended quickly.

Dolphins 34, Giants 10

(5) 1992 Cowboys vs. (12) 2006 Chargers

Emmitt Smith gained 212 yards on the ground to carry the Cowboys over the Chargers in a hard fought game.

Cowboys 20, Chargers 17

(4) 2001 Rams vs. (13) 1983 Raiders

In a game that featured lots of scoring, 390 yards from Kurt Warner, and 347 from Jim Plunkett, it was Trung Canidate’s 24 yard touchdown to end the game in overtime. 

 Rams 43, Raiders 37

(6) 1967 Rams vs. (11) 2009 Saints

Drew Brees threw 3 touchdowns and Pierre Thomas rushed for 114 yards in a 4 point Saints upset victory. 

Saints 24, Rams 20

(3)   1975 Steelers vs. (14) 2000 Ravens

A hard fought game between two of the best defenses ever featured two teams rushing for over 200 yards with the Steelers avoiding the upset.

Steelers 27, Ravens 25

(7) 1992 49ers vs. (10) 1995 Cowboys

The 49ers controlled the time of possession and game, but needed an OT field goal by Mike Cofer to dispatch the Cowboys. 

49ers 26, Cowboys 23

(2)   1968 Colts vs. (15) 1987 Redskins

A 17 point fourth quarter led to a 27 point win by Earl Morrall and the Colts. 

Colts 30, Redskins 3 

PHILADELPHIA REGION FIRST ROUND

(1)   1978 Steelers vs. (16) 2007 Giants

The Steelers trailed by 3 heading into the 4^th quarter, but controlled the 4^th quarter and dominated down the stretch to narrowly avoid the upset bid. 

Steelers 24, Giants 17

(8) 1986 Bears vs. (9) 1969 Chiefs

The Bears struggled to get any offense going, and the Chiefs cruised to a 14 point win. 

 Chiefs 17, Bears 3

(5)   1998 Broncos vs. (12) 2003 Patriots

The Broncos were outgained through the air and on the ground, but somehow won easily over the 12 seeded Patriots.

Broncos 27, Patriots 13

(4)   1971 Cowboys vs. (13) 1970 Colts

An evenly matched game ended with a 37 yard Colts field goal in overtime for the biggest upset of the tournament thus far. 

Colts 20, Cowboys 17

(6)   1973 Rams vs. (11) 1988 49ers

4 Mike Cofer field goals were the difference in a 12-10 win for the 49ers.

49ers 12, Rams 10

(3)   1996 Packers vs. (14) 2008 Steelers

A 9 point fourth quarter was the difference in a narrow victory for Green Bay.

Packers 18, Steelers 10

(7)   1966 Packers vs. (10) 1983 Redskins

A dominant performance by the first ever super bowl champion in a 21 point blowout.

Packers 27, Redskins 6

(2)   1984 49ers vs. (15) 1968 Jets

A 9 point fourth quarter by the 49ers squashed any hopes that Broadway Joe would be able to pull of another miraculous upset.

49ers 26, Jets 10 

NEW ORLEANS REGION FIRST ROUND

(1)   1972 Dolphins vs. (16) 2011 Giants

The Giants came out on fire and Eli Manning put the team on his back with 4 first half touchdowns, but the Giants didn’t score in the 2^nd half and weren’t able to complete the upset over the undefeated Dolphins.

Dolphins 35, Giants 28

(8)   1987 49ers vs. (9) 1979 Steelers

26 unanswered points by the Steelers were the difference in an easy win over the 49ers.

 Steelers 26, 49ers 10

(5)   1969 Vikings vs. (12) 1974 Steelers

13 fourth quarter points by the Steelers gave them the upset win in a game with limited offense.

Steelers 13, Vikings 6

(4)   2004 Patriots vs. (13) 1981 49ers

In a matchup of Tom Brady and Joe Montana, the Patriots running game ended up being the difference in a 2 point victory.

Patriots 28, 49ers 26

(6)   1977 Cowboys vs. (11) 1990 Bills

An 11 point Cowboys 4^th quarter was not enough to avoid the upset, as they fell to the Bills by 3.

Bills 35, Cowboys 32

(3)   1994 49ers vs. (14) 2010 Packers

Aaron Rodgers had his way with the 49ers defense passing for 19 first downs and over 300 yards.  A Mason Crosby FG as time expired sent the game into OT and Crosby finished it in OT for the 14^th seeded Packers, giving them the biggest first round upset so far.

Packers 28, 49ers 25

(7)   1976 Steelers vs. (10) 2005 Colts

219 rushing yards and a great defensive performance gave the Steelers an easy win over Peyton Manning and the Colts.

Steelers 28, Colts 9

(2)   1991 Redskins vs. (15) 1967 Packers

The most dominating performance of the first round was a 34 point win by the Redskins.

Redskins 41, Packers 7

ARIZONA REGION FIRST ROUND

(1)   1989 49ers vs. (16) 1982 Redskins

The 49ers obliterated the Redskins behind Joe Montana’s 343 yards and 3 TDs on 16 of 19 passing.

49ers 38, Redskins 0

(8)   2011 Packers vs. (9) 1993 Cowboys

The Cowboys outscored the Packers 10-0 in the 2^nd half behind a total of 225 rushing yards by Emmitt Smith.

Cowboys 27, Packers 21

(5)   1997 Broncos vs. (12) 1990 Giants

A Phil Simms TD pass to Otis Anderson with 47 seconds left in the game gave the Giants a 3 point win over the Broncos.

Giants 20, Broncos 17

(4)   1998 Vikings vs. (13) 1994 Cowboys

Robert Smith had 155 rushing yards and the Vikings shut down the Cowboys rushing attack, limiting Emmitt Smith to 37 yards on 21 carries.

Vikings 33, Cowboys 20

(6)   1973 Dolphins vs. (11) 1970 Vikings

A 10 yard TD from Bob Griese in the 1^st quarter was the only touchdown of the game.

Dolphins 10, Vikings 3

(3)   1999 Rams vs. (14) 1979 Chargers

Kurt Warner threw for 364 yards and outdueled Dan Fouts who threw for 319 yards himself.

Rams 31, Chargers 13

(7)   1976 Raiders vs. (10) 2006 Colts

Peyton Manning threw for 421 yards and 4 TDs on 28 of 33 passing, and the Colts outscored the Raiders 17-15 in a wild 4^th quarter.  An Adam Vinatieri 31 yard field goal as time expired broke the 34 all tie and gave the Colts a 37-34 victory. 

Colts 37, Raiders 34

(2)   2007 Patriots vs. (15) 2002 Buccaneers

The 18-1 Patriots experience dejavu in this game with another miraculous 17-14 upset loss.  Tom Brady and the Patriots offense was bludgeoned by the vaunted Buccaneers defense, and an 11 point Bucs 4^th quarter sent the game into overtime.  A 3 and out by the Patriots began overtime, and Martin Gramatica ended it with a 51 yard field goal.   

Buccaneers 17, Patriots 14

And now, here is the updated bracket: