Originally established as the Los Angeles Chargers in 1960, they were dominant in the old AFL, winning the title in 1963 and 1964. After having 14 straight seasons of missing the playoffs, the finally returned to the postseason behind long time quarterback Dan Fouts, with 4 straight berths from 1979-82. After another 10 poor years, the Chargers had 3 playoff berths in the mid-90s, having their best ever season in 1994, when the lost in the Super Bowl. The Chargers were hindered by poor teams, despite having good players, for many years afterwards. They picked perhaps the biggest bust in NFL history when Ryan Leaf was selected number 1 overall at quarterback. Finally turned it around in 2004, with their only playoff berth in recent years, behind incredible runningback LaDainian Tomlinson.
"The San Diego Chargers see their dream run come to an end. They are dismantled by San Francisco in the Super Bowl."
by Sports Info July 07, 2006
Formed in 1968 by Clevland legend Paul Brown, the Bengals have a history of losing that they are trying to turn around. After a few playoff berths in the 1970s, the team had some amazing runs in the 1980s. They made the Super Bowl in 1981 and in 1988. Both years they had league leading quarterbacks- Ken Anderson the first time around and later Boomer Esiason. Both years they faced San Francisco for the title. And both years they lost in heartbreaking fashion. In 1990, the Bengals made the playoffs, and several months later, Paul Brown died. His son, Mike, ruined the franchise for many years. During the 1990s, this hapless team was nicknamed the 'Bungles' for their poor play on the field. In recent years, Brown appears to have gotten sick of losing. In 2005, the Cincinnati Bengals finally broke their steak of 14 straight years of missing the playoffs. Led by a young core, included quarterback carson Palmer, they made the playoffs, but were bounced in the first round by the champion Steelers.
"And Joe Montana has done it again! For the second time in his career, he has organized a fourth quarter comeback to beat the Cincinnati Bengals in the Super Bowl."
by Sports Info July 03, 2006
Founded in 1925, the Giants quickly established themselves as a dominant franchise with championships in 1927, 1934, and 1938, with tile game losses in 1933, 1935, 1939, 1941, 1944, and 1946. They continued to be an excellent franchise in the 1950s and 1960s under the direction of quarterback Y.A. Tittle with a 1956 title and losses in the 1958, 1959, and 1961-63 championship games. The Giants of this era established a reputation for being unable to win in the clutch. After have no playoff berths throughout the 1970s, the team returned to glory during the 1980s. Although they only had 5 playoff berths during the decade, they assembled a franchise of great players such as quarterback Phil Simms and lineback Lawrence Taylor, that was able to take a championship in Super Bowl XXI in 1986. The team also started the 1990s with a bang, winning another title in 1990. In that year's Super Bowl XXV, New York defeated cross-state rival Buffalo after the Bills missed what would have been a game-winning field goal. Since that last title, playoff berths have been sparse, with just 4 from 1991-2004, including a blowout loss in the Super Bowl in 2000. However, the team took a step in the right direction with a playoff berth in 2005, and the Giants appear to have a bright future."
"Norwood's kick is up, its got the distance, but it's no good! Wide right! And the New York Giants are going to hang on and win the Super Bowl."
by Sports Info July 11, 2006
One of the NFL's loveable losers, they were founded in 1960 as a member of the AFL, winning 2 championships in the league in 1964 and '65. Made the playoffs just one time in the 1970s, despite having OJ Simpson at running back. Were an excellent team from the late 1980s to the late 1990s, with 10 playoff berths in 12 years. These teams were led by 2 hall of famers who never won a championship- quarterback Jim Kelly and coach Marv Levy. Buffalo went to 4 straight Super Bowls from 1990-93, losing everyone. The first was lost on a missed field goal by Scott Norwood. The Bills have not made the playoffs since 1999, despite assembling some talented players in recent years.
"The Buffalo Bills with a chance to win the Super Bowl, down 20-19 to the Giants. Norwood, from 47 yards out. His kick is up, it's long enough, but it's no good! Wide right!"
by Sports Info July 03, 2006
Established in 1960 in the old AFL, the Broncos started off their existance as a poor franchise. They did not gain their first playoff berth until 1977, a year in which they had a miraculous run to the Super Bowl, a game that they lost handily. Since that time, the Broncos have been a very competitive franchise. They followed up their first playoff berth with 2 more, and then turned the corner after drafting quarterback John Elway in 1983. In Elway's career, which lasted until 1998, the team achieved 10 playoff berths. In the 1980s, the Broncos were known for their dominance of the Browns and their poor performance in Super Bowls. In 1986, 1987, and 1989, they beat Cleveland for the AFC title, including a famous sequence of events known as The Drive during the first run. In all 3 of their '80s Super Bowl apperances, Denver was crushed by their opponents. In the 1990s, under coach Mike Shanahan, the Broncos developed a hard nosed team and in 1997, made it to the Super Bowl for a 5th time. This time, they were finally victorious, winning a close one in Super Bowl XXXII. They followed it up with another title in Super Bowl XXXIII, with Elway having a dominant performance. Currently, the Broncos have been solid, although unspectacular, with 3 straight playoff berths.
"And John Elway had finally pulled it off! The Denver Broncos have won the Super Bowl, briging a title home to the rabid fans in Denver."
by Sports Info July 05, 2006
Formed in 1960 as the Houston Oilers, they were one of the original members of the AFL, winning the league's first 2 championships in 1960 and 1961. After being good throughout the '60s, struggled until the late 1970s when Earl Campbell began to tear it up at runningback. In 1978 and 1979, they made the playoffs as a wild card team, advanced to the AFC title game, and were dismantled by the champion Steelers. Aquired Warren Moon to play quarterback and rattled off 7 straight playoff berths from 1987-93. However, interest in the Oilers was waning in Houston, especially after a dismal 1994. After the 1996 season, owner Bud Adams moved the team to Tennessee, first for a temporary year in Memphis (while a new stadium was under construction), and then to the permanent home of Nashville. Made the playoffs 4 out of 5 years from 1999-2003, losing the Super Bowl in 1999. In this game, the Titans were stopped inches short of the goal line on the last play of the game as they tried to tie the score. Have not made the playoffs since 2003 and are currently rebuilding.
"Time running out here in Super Bowl XXXIV. McNair drops back, the rush is coming, throws it across the middle to Dyson. Dyson is grabbed from behind, lunges to the goal line, but he is.....stopped short! He stretches but he will not cross the plain! And the Rams have won the championship! The Tennessee Titans come within 2 inches of a Super Bowl but cannot pull it off!"
by Sports Info July 07, 2006
Founded in 1966 as a member of the AFL, the Dolphins established themselves as a great franchise by hiring Don Shula as coach in 1970- he would lead the team until 1995! Miami had 7 playoff berths in the 1970s, making the Super Bowl 3 straight times from 1971-73. They won 2 of these titles, taking Super Bowls VI and VII. On their way to the Super Bowl VI crown, Miami became the only team in NFL history to go undefeated at 17-0. An urban legend is that members of the '72 Dolphins celebrate a toast each year when the last undefeated team loses. Lost the Super Bowl in 1982 and picked up the legendary Dan Marino as quarterback the next season. Marino led the Dolphins to a loss in the Super Bowl in 1984 and to 10 playoff berths in his career which lasted until 1999. However, the league's all time leading passer never won a championship. Have not made the playoffs since 2001, just barely missing them in 2002 and 2003.
"The Miami Dolphins win a low scoring game against Washington. They are 17-0 and champions of the National Football League."
by Sports Info July 03, 2006