OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

Hurkman · 12-10-2007, 07:18 PM

NFC Divisional Playoffs

Los Angeles Rams (12-2) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (11-3)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA

After last season's improbable run to the NFC Championship game, the St. Louis Cardinals had made the playoffs once again and were looking to prove that their success last season was not a fluke. Led once again by quarterback Jim Hart and the dual running back threat of Jim Otis and Terry Metcalf, St. Louis certainly would pose a challenge to the Los Angeles Rams, who were looking to get back into the NFC title game after a defeat against the Redskins last year. Lawrence McCutcheon was looking to redeem himself after a horrible performance in the playoffs in 1974, while the vaunted Ram defense was capable of punishing any team they faced.

In the first quarter, it appeared early that both defenses would carry the day. Neither the Rams nor the Cardinals could move the ball well on their first possession, and the Rams were forced to punt again after three plays on their second drive as well. Starting at their own 18 yard line, the Cardinals started to find holes in the Los Angeles defense. On the second play of the drive, Terry Metcalf ran off tackle for 45 yards, making his way down to the Ram 37 yard line. From there, Jim Hart hit a stride, completing all four passes on the drive, including a three yard touchdown to wide receiver Mel Gray. The Cardinals now led 7-0 and had the Rams looking confused with their defensive schemes.

As the second quarter started, it appeared as if the Rams had started to make the all important adjustments that they would need to stay in the game. Even though they had to punt on their first drive of the quarter, they had made some headway against the Cardinals' defense, and they were able to stop St. Louis on three plays following the punt. The Cardinals had struggled on special teams all season, and it struck again on the punt, as the Rams returned it to midfield. With their best field position of the game, quarterback James Harris finally seemed to settle down, completing two quick passes for 30 yards and moving the Rams for the first time in the game. Lawrence McCutcheon broke a ten yard scamper on the next play, and even though the Rams would only gain another three yards, Tom Dempsey added a field goal, cutting the lead to 7-3. The two teams would then trade interceptions before the Cardinals were forced to punt once again. Just like earlier in the quarter, the Rams had a good return, taking the punt into St. Louis' territory. From there, Harris led a solid two minute drill, and Dempsey added a second field goal to make the score 7-6 as the first half ended.

When the third quarter started, most people watching the game believed that the Rams now had the key to beating the Cardinals. However, St. Louis coach Don Coryell made adjustments of his own at halftime, and wasted little time in putting them to use. On their first drive of the half, St. Louis was not able to score, but they did pin the Rams deep in their own territory with an excellent punt. After the Rams were unable to move the ball, their punt got caught up in the wind and landed out of bounds at their own 20 yard line. Blessed with good field position for the first time in the game, the Cardinals once again pounded the Los Angeles line with runs by Otis and Metcalf, with Otis picking up the score on a three yard run up the middle. The Cardinals had another chance to add points when Harris threw his second interception of the day, this one to Roger Wehrli who returned it to the Ram 41. However, the Cardinals were unable to advance the ball and kicked it back to the Rams, ending the last chance they would have to score all day.

The fourth quarter began with another Ram punt, but this one followed a six and a half minute drive that ended the third quarter and tired the St. Louis defense. When the Cardinals were forced to punt after just three plays on their next possession, the Rams took advantage of that tired defense, using Lawrence McCutcheon's bruising running and James Harris' mobility in the pocket to move downfield. Dempsey's third kick of the game cut the score to 14-9, and everyone in the stadium was beginning to feel the momentum change. Once again, the Cardinals went three and out and the Rams moved down the field. This time, Harris was able to find Harold Jackson in the end zone for a go ahead touchdown to cap a nine play, five minute drive. The extra point was blocked, however, making the Ram lead just 15-14. It would not matter, however, as the Rams' defense was up to the task, sacking Hart in the end zone for a safety on the Cardinals' next possession. With the ball and the clock now on their side, the Rams were able to run out the clock, adding a late Dempsey field goal to close the scoring and advance once again to the NFC Championship.

Final Score: Los Angeles-20 St. Louis-14

Real Life Score: Los Angeles-35 St. Louis-23

Minnesota Vikings (12-2) vs. Dallas Cowboys (10-4)
Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, MN

The perennial NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys found themselves in an unfamiliar position going into the 1975 playoffs. Roger Staubach and company were the wild card team, having finished second to the Cardinals after missing the playoffs in 1974. However, very few people were counting the Cowboys out, especially with Staubach, running back Robert Newhouse and wide receiver Drew Pearson leading a dynamic offense. The Minnesota Vikings were once again led by quarterback Fran Tarkenton, and running back Chuck Foreman scored 22 touchdowns during the regular season. Of course, the Vikings also had one of the best defenses in the NFL to go along with their high powered offense.

As the game started, it was both teams' offenses that stole the show with long, time consuming drives. First, Dallas marched down the field on the arm of Staubach, who beat the Minnesota pass defense twice for long gains. In between, the Cowboys ran at the heart of the Minnesota defense and were able to gain small, but meaningful, bits of yardage, getting them into field goal range. However, their eight minute drive would yield no points, as Toni Fritsch missed a 41 yard field goal attempt. On their first drive, the Vikings used the arm of Tarkenton and the legs of Foreman to drive deep into Dallas territory. Just when it looked like Minnesota would go on the board first, Tarkenton was intercepted by Lee Roy Jordan, who returned the interception all the way to Minnesota's 32 as the first quarter came to a close.

At the start of the second quarter, Dallas was in good position to score the first points of this tightly contested matchup. However, the Minnesota defense stopped the Cowboys cold, and Toni Fritsch missed his second field goal attempt of the game, this one from 46 yards away. On the ensuing Minnesota drive, Tarkenton was far more careful with his passes, and moved the Vikings down the field once again. With Dallas stopping Foreman on the ground, it was Tarkenton who had to get the job done, and he did, finding John Gilliam in the end zone for a 16 yard touchdown throw. Dallas was able to block Fred Cox's extra point attempt, so the score was just 6-0 in favor of the Vikings. From there, Dallas was able to drive into Minnesota territory again, but when they were stopped at the 37, Fritsch's two misses from before loomed large, and the Cowboys punted to the Vikings, who ran out the clock and ended the first half up by six.

The second half opened with the first defensive stand of the game, as Dallas was able to finally put a stop to Minnesota's powerful offense, forcing them to punt after just three plays. Using the three headed running attack of Robert Newhouse, Preston Pearson and Doug Dennison, the Cowboys marched down the field and into field goal range once again. This time, Fritsch was able to hit a 30 yard attempt to end an impressive 13 play, eight minute drive for Dallas that cut the lead in half. With the ball and needing to keep their now tired defense off the field, the Vikings were finally able to find some running lanes for Pro Bowler Chuck Forman. He gained 28 yards on the drive, but the Vikings were victims of Dallas' defense once again, as Tarkenton was intercepted for the second time inside Dallas territory, ending a potential scoring drive as the third quarter came to a close.

Dallas started the fourth quarter with the ball and momentum, and quickly drove into Minnesota territory once again. Staubach, who had problems finding open receivers all day, finally saw gaps in the Minnesota defense, while Newhouse was finding running lanes of his own in the now tired front line of the Vikings. All of this was rendered useless though as Fritsch missed his third kick of the game on a 46 yard attempt that would have tied the score. When the Vikings got the ball back, they made sure that would be the last chance Dallas would have at beating them on this day. Fran Tarkenton went five for five on the drive, and Foreman found more room to run than he had seen all day long. With just under six minutes to play, Tarkenton found Jim Lash in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown. The extra point was good this time, and the Vikings now led 13-3. Dallas' last attempt at a drive ended when Staubach was picked off by Fred McNeil. The Vikings would score on a five yard run by Ed Marinaro and then stop the Cowboys one final time before ensuring a spot in the NFC Championship.

Final Score: Minnesota-20 Dallas-3

Real Life Score: Dallas-17 Minnesota-14 (Hail Mary Game)

NFC Championship Game

Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, MN

Minnesota Vikings (12-2) vs. Los Angeles Rams (12-2)

The two best teams in the NFC squared off for the right to head to Super Bowl X. While both teams were known for their high scoring offenses, it was the defenses that wanted their voices to be heard in this game. Fran Tarkenton, Chuck Foreman and Lawrence McCutcheon would have their chances, but for the most part, this day was about defense.

The tone of the game was set from the first snap by the Rams. Quarterback James Harris was sacked by Jeff Wright, who then fell on the loose ball at the Los Angeles 22, giving the Vikings all the momentum and great field position to start the game. However, three runs by Chuck Foreman gained a total of four yards, and the Vikings were forced to settle for a Fred Cox 35 yard field goal and an early 3-0 lead. The Rams would have even less luck on their next drive, losing ten yards, before they had to punt to the Vikings. However, this time luck was on Los Angeles' side, as Tarkenton would be intercepted on his first pass attempt of the game. The return went to the Minnesota 32 yard line, and after the Rams advanced to the 17, they were forced to settle themselves for a Tom Dempsey 33 yard kick that tied the score. The Vikings then went three and out on their next drive, giving the ball back to the now energized Rams. It looked as if their drive would end quickly as well, but on third down and eight, McCutcheon found some daylight and broke off a 40 yard dash to the Minnesota 22. The Rams could get no closer, but they did add a Dempsey field goal to give them the lead at 6-3 as the first quarter came to a close.

As the second quarter started, it looked as if the Vikings might have been able to solve the Los Angeles defense, at least for a few plays. Running backs Chuck Foreman and Ed Marinaro began to batter the Ram front four, gaining large chunks of yardage and sending the Rams reeling. The Vikings got as close as the Los Angeles nine yard line, but a third and one pass attempt was batted down, forcing Fred Cox onto the field. His second field goal of the day tied the score at six, and most people knew now that this game would be a battle of defenses. From that point on, neither team could even advance the ball past midfield, with both Los Angeles and Minnesota getting just one more first down the entire half. A long, desperate pass by Ram quarterback James Harris was batted down well short of the end zone, ending the first half and pretty much summing up the action to that point.

With the Vikings getting the ball to start the second half, fans were hoping that Minnesota could drive down the field and score the first touchdown of the game. Instead, they were greeted with another quick three plays and a punt. Los Angeles was able to drive into Minnesota territory, thanks in large part to a 17 yard McCutcheon run, but a failed fourth down attempt ended their scoring threat. For the next seven minutes, the teams traded punts, hoping that the other offense would make a mistake. With three minutes to go in the quarter, Tarkenton made that mistake, throwing his second interception of the game. With the ball in Minnesota territory, the Rams hoped to score a touchdown, but they could only gain eight yards and settled for the third Tom Dempsey field goal of the game and a 9-6 lead as the third quarter ended.

The fourth quarter began with Minnesota pinned deep in their own territory, and it didn't get much better for the Vikings. They were again forced to punt, and the Rams returned the kick to the Minnesota 44 yard line. Once again, they took advantage of the good field position, with Harris finding open receivers underneath the Minnesota coverage. Once again, they could not score a touchdown, but once again, Dempsey's aim was true, putting the Rams ahead 12-6. Faced now with a six point deficit and a clock that was starting to run out of time, Tarkenton and the Viking offense needed a big drive. Two times before the two minute warning, they were able to drive into Los Angeles territory, and two times they failed to convert on fourth down. However, they still had all their time outs, and when they stopped the Rams with just a minute and thirty seconds to go, there was still a slim chance that they could score. That chance seemed to be coming to life, as Tarkenton found Foreman for 17 yards, followed by a pass to Stu Voigt for 23 yards, putting the Vikings at the Los Angeles 40. From there, the Vikings would gain just six yards on three downs, and on fourth down, Tarkenton was sacked by Fred Dryer, ending the chances of the Vikings. It would be the Los Angeles Rams representing the NFC in Super Bowl X.

Final Score: Los Angeles-12 Minnesota-6

Real Life Score: Dallas-37 Los Angeles-7 (In Los Angeles)

12-10-2007, 07:18 PM	#63 (permalink)
Hurkman All Star Reserve Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 714 Thanks: 3 Thanked 7x in 7 posts	1975 NFC Playoffs: Ten Years of Super Bowls, can anyone stop Pittsburgh? NFC Divisional Playoffs Los Angeles Rams (12-2) vs. St. Louis Cardinals (11-3) Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, CA After last season's improbable run to the NFC Championship game, the St. Louis Cardinals had made the playoffs once again and were looking to prove that their success last season was not a fluke. Led once again by quarterback Jim Hart and the dual running back threat of Jim Otis and Terry Metcalf, St. Louis certainly would pose a challenge to the Los Angeles Rams, who were looking to get back into the NFC title game after a defeat against the Redskins last year. Lawrence McCutcheon was looking to redeem himself after a horrible performance in the playoffs in 1974, while the vaunted Ram defense was capable of punishing any team they faced. In the first quarter, it appeared early that both defenses would carry the day. Neither the Rams nor the Cardinals could move the ball well on their first possession, and the Rams were forced to punt again after three plays on their second drive as well. Starting at their own 18 yard line, the Cardinals started to find holes in the Los Angeles defense. On the second play of the drive, Terry Metcalf ran off tackle for 45 yards, making his way down to the Ram 37 yard line. From there, Jim Hart hit a stride, completing all four passes on the drive, including a three yard touchdown to wide receiver Mel Gray. The Cardinals now led 7-0 and had the Rams looking confused with their defensive schemes. As the second quarter started, it appeared as if the Rams had started to make the all important adjustments that they would need to stay in the game. Even though they had to punt on their first drive of the quarter, they had made some headway against the Cardinals' defense, and they were able to stop St. Louis on three plays following the punt. The Cardinals had struggled on special teams all season, and it struck again on the punt, as the Rams returned it to midfield. With their best field position of the game, quarterback James Harris finally seemed to settle down, completing two quick passes for 30 yards and moving the Rams for the first time in the game. Lawrence McCutcheon broke a ten yard scamper on the next play, and even though the Rams would only gain another three yards, Tom Dempsey added a field goal, cutting the lead to 7-3. The two teams would then trade interceptions before the Cardinals were forced to punt once again. Just like earlier in the quarter, the Rams had a good return, taking the punt into St. Louis' territory. From there, Harris led a solid two minute drill, and Dempsey added a second field goal to make the score 7-6 as the first half ended. When the third quarter started, most people watching the game believed that the Rams now had the key to beating the Cardinals. However, St. Louis coach Don Coryell made adjustments of his own at halftime, and wasted little time in putting them to use. On their first drive of the half, St. Louis was not able to score, but they did pin the Rams deep in their own territory with an excellent punt. After the Rams were unable to move the ball, their punt got caught up in the wind and landed out of bounds at their own 20 yard line. Blessed with good field position for the first time in the game, the Cardinals once again pounded the Los Angeles line with runs by Otis and Metcalf, with Otis picking up the score on a three yard run up the middle. The Cardinals had another chance to add points when Harris threw his second interception of the day, this one to Roger Wehrli who returned it to the Ram 41. However, the Cardinals were unable to advance the ball and kicked it back to the Rams, ending the last chance they would have to score all day. The fourth quarter began with another Ram punt, but this one followed a six and a half minute drive that ended the third quarter and tired the St. Louis defense. When the Cardinals were forced to punt after just three plays on their next possession, the Rams took advantage of that tired defense, using Lawrence McCutcheon's bruising running and James Harris' mobility in the pocket to move downfield. Dempsey's third kick of the game cut the score to 14-9, and everyone in the stadium was beginning to feel the momentum change. Once again, the Cardinals went three and out and the Rams moved down the field. This time, Harris was able to find Harold Jackson in the end zone for a go ahead touchdown to cap a nine play, five minute drive. The extra point was blocked, however, making the Ram lead just 15-14. It would not matter, however, as the Rams' defense was up to the task, sacking Hart in the end zone for a safety on the Cardinals' next possession. With the ball and the clock now on their side, the Rams were able to run out the clock, adding a late Dempsey field goal to close the scoring and advance once again to the NFC Championship. Final Score: Los Angeles-20 St. Louis-14 Real Life Score: Los Angeles-35 St. Louis-23 Minnesota Vikings (12-2) vs. Dallas Cowboys (10-4) Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, MN The perennial NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys found themselves in an unfamiliar position going into the 1975 playoffs. Roger Staubach and company were the wild card team, having finished second to the Cardinals after missing the playoffs in 1974. However, very few people were counting the Cowboys out, especially with Staubach, running back Robert Newhouse and wide receiver Drew Pearson leading a dynamic offense. The Minnesota Vikings were once again led by quarterback Fran Tarkenton, and running back Chuck Foreman scored 22 touchdowns during the regular season. Of course, the Vikings also had one of the best defenses in the NFL to go along with their high powered offense. As the game started, it was both teams' offenses that stole the show with long, time consuming drives. First, Dallas marched down the field on the arm of Staubach, who beat the Minnesota pass defense twice for long gains. In between, the Cowboys ran at the heart of the Minnesota defense and were able to gain small, but meaningful, bits of yardage, getting them into field goal range. However, their eight minute drive would yield no points, as Toni Fritsch missed a 41 yard field goal attempt. On their first drive, the Vikings used the arm of Tarkenton and the legs of Foreman to drive deep into Dallas territory. Just when it looked like Minnesota would go on the board first, Tarkenton was intercepted by Lee Roy Jordan, who returned the interception all the way to Minnesota's 32 as the first quarter came to a close. At the start of the second quarter, Dallas was in good position to score the first points of this tightly contested matchup. However, the Minnesota defense stopped the Cowboys cold, and Toni Fritsch missed his second field goal attempt of the game, this one from 46 yards away. On the ensuing Minnesota drive, Tarkenton was far more careful with his passes, and moved the Vikings down the field once again. With Dallas stopping Foreman on the ground, it was Tarkenton who had to get the job done, and he did, finding John Gilliam in the end zone for a 16 yard touchdown throw. Dallas was able to block Fred Cox's extra point attempt, so the score was just 6-0 in favor of the Vikings. From there, Dallas was able to drive into Minnesota territory again, but when they were stopped at the 37, Fritsch's two misses from before loomed large, and the Cowboys punted to the Vikings, who ran out the clock and ended the first half up by six. The second half opened with the first defensive stand of the game, as Dallas was able to finally put a stop to Minnesota's powerful offense, forcing them to punt after just three plays. Using the three headed running attack of Robert Newhouse, Preston Pearson and Doug Dennison, the Cowboys marched down the field and into field goal range once again. This time, Fritsch was able to hit a 30 yard attempt to end an impressive 13 play, eight minute drive for Dallas that cut the lead in half. With the ball and needing to keep their now tired defense off the field, the Vikings were finally able to find some running lanes for Pro Bowler Chuck Forman. He gained 28 yards on the drive, but the Vikings were victims of Dallas' defense once again, as Tarkenton was intercepted for the second time inside Dallas territory, ending a potential scoring drive as the third quarter came to a close. Dallas started the fourth quarter with the ball and momentum, and quickly drove into Minnesota territory once again. Staubach, who had problems finding open receivers all day, finally saw gaps in the Minnesota defense, while Newhouse was finding running lanes of his own in the now tired front line of the Vikings. All of this was rendered useless though as Fritsch missed his third kick of the game on a 46 yard attempt that would have tied the score. When the Vikings got the ball back, they made sure that would be the last chance Dallas would have at beating them on this day. Fran Tarkenton went five for five on the drive, and Foreman found more room to run than he had seen all day long. With just under six minutes to play, Tarkenton found Jim Lash in the corner of the end zone for a touchdown. The extra point was good this time, and the Vikings now led 13-3. Dallas' last attempt at a drive ended when Staubach was picked off by Fred McNeil. The Vikings would score on a five yard run by Ed Marinaro and then stop the Cowboys one final time before ensuring a spot in the NFC Championship. Final Score: Minnesota-20 Dallas-3 Real Life Score: Dallas-17 Minnesota-14 (Hail Mary Game) NFC Championship Game Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, MN Minnesota Vikings (12-2) vs. Los Angeles Rams (12-2) The two best teams in the NFC squared off for the right to head to Super Bowl X. While both teams were known for their high scoring offenses, it was the defenses that wanted their voices to be heard in this game. Fran Tarkenton, Chuck Foreman and Lawrence McCutcheon would have their chances, but for the most part, this day was about defense. The tone of the game was set from the first snap by the Rams. Quarterback James Harris was sacked by Jeff Wright, who then fell on the loose ball at the Los Angeles 22, giving the Vikings all the momentum and great field position to start the game. However, three runs by Chuck Foreman gained a total of four yards, and the Vikings were forced to settle for a Fred Cox 35 yard field goal and an early 3-0 lead. The Rams would have even less luck on their next drive, losing ten yards, before they had to punt to the Vikings. However, this time luck was on Los Angeles' side, as Tarkenton would be intercepted on his first pass attempt of the game. The return went to the Minnesota 32 yard line, and after the Rams advanced to the 17, they were forced to settle themselves for a Tom Dempsey 33 yard kick that tied the score. The Vikings then went three and out on their next drive, giving the ball back to the now energized Rams. It looked as if their drive would end quickly as well, but on third down and eight, McCutcheon found some daylight and broke off a 40 yard dash to the Minnesota 22. The Rams could get no closer, but they did add a Dempsey field goal to give them the lead at 6-3 as the first quarter came to a close. As the second quarter started, it looked as if the Vikings might have been able to solve the Los Angeles defense, at least for a few plays. Running backs Chuck Foreman and Ed Marinaro began to batter the Ram front four, gaining large chunks of yardage and sending the Rams reeling. The Vikings got as close as the Los Angeles nine yard line, but a third and one pass attempt was batted down, forcing Fred Cox onto the field. His second field goal of the day tied the score at six, and most people knew now that this game would be a battle of defenses. From that point on, neither team could even advance the ball past midfield, with both Los Angeles and Minnesota getting just one more first down the entire half. A long, desperate pass by Ram quarterback James Harris was batted down well short of the end zone, ending the first half and pretty much summing up the action to that point. With the Vikings getting the ball to start the second half, fans were hoping that Minnesota could drive down the field and score the first touchdown of the game. Instead, they were greeted with another quick three plays and a punt. Los Angeles was able to drive into Minnesota territory, thanks in large part to a 17 yard McCutcheon run, but a failed fourth down attempt ended their scoring threat. For the next seven minutes, the teams traded punts, hoping that the other offense would make a mistake. With three minutes to go in the quarter, Tarkenton made that mistake, throwing his second interception of the game. With the ball in Minnesota territory, the Rams hoped to score a touchdown, but they could only gain eight yards and settled for the third Tom Dempsey field goal of the game and a 9-6 lead as the third quarter ended. The fourth quarter began with Minnesota pinned deep in their own territory, and it didn't get much better for the Vikings. They were again forced to punt, and the Rams returned the kick to the Minnesota 44 yard line. Once again, they took advantage of the good field position, with Harris finding open receivers underneath the Minnesota coverage. Once again, they could not score a touchdown, but once again, Dempsey's aim was true, putting the Rams ahead 12-6. Faced now with a six point deficit and a clock that was starting to run out of time, Tarkenton and the Viking offense needed a big drive. Two times before the two minute warning, they were able to drive into Los Angeles territory, and two times they failed to convert on fourth down. However, they still had all their time outs, and when they stopped the Rams with just a minute and thirty seconds to go, there was still a slim chance that they could score. That chance seemed to be coming to life, as Tarkenton found Foreman for 17 yards, followed by a pass to Stu Voigt for 23 yards, putting the Vikings at the Los Angeles 40. From there, the Vikings would gain just six yards on three downs, and on fourth down, Tarkenton was sacked by Fred Dryer, ending the chances of the Vikings. It would be the Los Angeles Rams representing the NFC in Super Bowl X. Final Score: Los Angeles-12 Minnesota-6 Real Life Score: Dallas-37 Los Angeles-7 (In Los Angeles)