Sports Info's definitions

Buffalo Bills

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 3, 2006

Miami Dolphins

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 3, 2006

New England Patriots

Founded in 1960 as a member of the AFL and calling themselves the Boston Patriots until 1970, the Patriots were initially a mediocore team. Made the playoffs just twice in the 1970s and 3 times in the 1980s. However, 1985 featured a miraculous run in which they made the Super Bowl (as a wild card) after winning 3 straight road playoff games. However, they were crushed by the Bears in the title game (the Steelers became the first team to win a Super Bowl after 3 straight road playoff victories this year). Became a decent franchise in the 1990s with eccentric coach Bill Parcells and quarterback Drew Bledsoe with 4 playoff berths and a loss in the Super Bowl in 1996. Established a dynasty in recent years with Tom Brady, a former 6th round draft pick, as a superstar quarterback. Have made the playoffs 4 times in the last 5 years, included 3 Super Bowl wins. Won their 3 titles by a combined 9 points- Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII on last second Adam Vinatieri field goals and Super Bowl XXXIX after holding off an Eagles comeback.

"And with 3 seconds left, Adam Vinatieri sets up in a tie game, trying to win the Super Bowl for New England. That kick is on the way, it's long enough and good! The New England Patriots have shocked the Rams and have won the Super Bowl."

by Sports Info July 3, 2006

Pittsburgh Steelers

Super Bowl XL Champions! The Steelers were established as the Pittsburgh Pirates (like the baseball team) in 1933 by Art Rooney. Rooney invested his winning from amateur boxing and betting on horse racing into what would became the league's most legendary team. Changing their name to Steelers in 1941, the team struggled mightily for most of the their first 40 years of existance, despite having some hall of fame players like John Henry Johnson and Bobby Layne. Everything turned around in 1972. Pittsburgh shocked everyone by making the playoffs, but they appered to be destined to an early exit, trailing 7-6 to the Raiders with time running out. But a miracle happened. Hall of fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw threw an errant pass. Runningback Frenchy Fuqua collided with Raiders' cornerback Jack Tatum, the ball bounced up, and landed in the hands of hall of fame runningback Franco Harris. Touchdown. The Immaculate Reception was born. The winning ways would continue with 8 straight playoff berths and 4 Super Bowl championships- Super Bowls IX, X, XIII, and XIV belonged to Pittsburgh. The 1970s teams are considered perhaps the greatest in history with hall of famers like Bradshaw, Harris, receivers John Stallworth and Lynn Swann, defensiveback Mel Blount, linebackers Jack Lambert and Jack Ham, among others. Were up and down in the 1980s with 4 playoff berths, but turned it around when Bill Cowher became coach in 1992, ratling off 6 straight playoff berths, but unfortunatly losing the Super Bowl in 1995. Have made the playoffs 4 times in the last 5 years. Last season, they embarked on an incredible run, winning Super Bowl XL after winning 3 straight road playoff games. This gave young quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Cowher, and legendary runningback Jerome Bettis their first titles. Pittsburgh's 5 Super Bowls have tied San Francisco and Dallas for the most all time. The Steelers are known for having amazing fans, who often travel to watch their team's road games.

"And in his hometown of Detroit, Jerome Bettis gets to celebrate. There's going to be a party on the streets of Pittsburgh tonight, as the Pittsburgh Steelers have won Super XL for their 5th title!"

by Sports Info July 3, 2006

Cleveland Browns

Formed in 1950, they were named for their legendary coach Paul Brown. They won their title in their first year of existance, taking 2 more crowns in 1954 and 1955 and making the playoffs 9 times during the 1950s. They contined to play good football in the 1960s and early 1970s but could not make it to another championship game. The 1980s were filled with disappointment. The team had 7 playoffs during the decade but could not reach the Super Bowl, losing the AFC Championship game, each time to the Denver Broncos, in 1986, 1987, and 1989. The 1986 game featured the famous Denver comeback known as The Drive, which crushed the hopes of Bernie Kosar and the Browns. After a 1994 playoff berth, team owner Art Modell relocated the team to Baltimore following the 1995 season after a dispute with the city over the building of a stadium. Angered fans saw a new incarnation of the team, the expansion Browns, return in 1999. Since then, they have 1 playoff berth, in 2002.

"And John Elway has orchistrated an amazing comeback, and he will head to the Super Bowl. It's all over, the Broncos have broken the hearts of the Cleveland Browns in one of the great collapsed in NFL history."

by Sports Info July 3, 2006

Baltimore Ravens

Formed in 1996 after Art Model moved the Browns to Baltimore (all Browns statistics remain with the new Cleveland franchise), it took them several years to build a decent football team. In 2000, behind an amazing defence and streaky quarterback Trent Dilfer, they won Super Bowl XXXV as a wild car team. They've made the playoff 2 more times since, most recently in 2003. However, in generaly, Baltimore teams have seen great defenses, but have been plagued by bad offenses.

"The Baltimore Ravens have done what the old Cleveland Browns could not. They have won the Super Bowl, dominating the Giants."

by Sports Info July 3, 2006

Cincinnati Bengals

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 3, 2006