Sports Info's definitions

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

Dallas Cowboys

Founded in 1960, the experienced much success due to the longevity of excellent coach Tom Landry, who led the team from its inception until 1988. In 1966, they began a streak of 8 straight playoff berths, lasting until 1973. After a one year interuption a 9 year playoff streak unfolder from 1975-83. During this time, Dallas was dominant during the regular season, but seemed to be somewhat unsuccessful in the postseason. They lost their first Super Bowl in 1970 on a last second Colts field goal, but followed it up with a Super Bowl VI win the next year. In the 1970s, the Cowboys were called America's Team, and had a fierce rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers, as both were easily the best and most popular teams in football. While Dallas claimed its second title in 1977 in Super Bowl XII, they came up on the losing end of 2 Super Bowl apperances against the Steelers in 1975 and 1978. After the dominance of the 1970s and 1980s came to an end in Landry's last playoff berth in 1985, the team went through a short but bitter downfall, before quickly rebounding in the early 1990s. From 1991-99, they earned 8 playoff berths in 9 seasons but most importantly won 3 more Super Bowl crowns with a new cast of characters such as Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith. Their back-to-back 1992 and 1993 Super Bowl XXVII and XXVIII wins over Buffalo were dominanting, but their Super Bowl XXX victory over archrival Pittsburgh was contreversial due to 2 terrible Steeler interceptions. In recent years, the team hasn't been such a force, with just 1 playoff berth in this decade, coming during the 2003 season.

"The Dallas Cowboys have handed the Buffalo Bills their fourth straight Super Bowl loss, as Dallas captures the title."

by Sports Info July 7, 2006

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts were established in 1953 as Baltimore's NFL franchise. The quickly established themselves as contenders after signed quarterback Johnny Unitas, one of the greatest in the history of the game. With Johnny U, they won the NFL championship in back to back years in 1958-59 and lost in the title game in 1964. The Colts continued their dominance in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1968, they headed to the Super Bowl and were heavy favorites to win the title. However, they choked under pressure and lost to the Jets in stunning fashion. The Colts made up for their shortcomings in Super Bowl V. In Unitas's last year as a starter, the Colts beat Dallas for the title on a last second Jim O'Brien field goal. Up and down throughout the next decade, the Colts moved to Indianapolis in 1984, to the shock of players and fans alike. Owner Robert Irsay secretly made the relocation deal, and information of the move didn't leak to the media until the day after the franchise had moved. Playoff berths were sparse in Indianapolis until quarterback Peyton Manning and receiver Marvin Harrison joined forces in the late 1990s, becoming an amazing duo and leading a high powered offense. While offense has led the team into the playoffs 6 times in the last 7 years, defense has consistantly been a problem. Also, Manning's performance seems to slip in the postseason, and this proficient passer has yet to reach football's title game. In 2005, after having the best record in football, the Colts were bounced in the division round in an odd game against the champion Steelers.

"Vanderjagt for the tie. That kick is up, it has the distance, but it's no good. And it is over. The Pittsburgh Steelers are moving on, and the Indianapolis Colts see their season come to an end. Mike Vanderjagt, the game's most accurte kicker, chokes on the big stage."

by Sports Info July 6, 2006

San Diego Chargers

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 6, 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

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

philadelphia eagles

Formed in 1933, the Eagles struggled in their early years, but became dominant in the 1940s, making 3 straight championship games from 1947-49, winning titles in the '48 and '49 games. Under the leadership of quarterback Norm Van Brocklin, they won their third and most recent title in 1960. The team struggled for many years afterward, turning it around only in the late 1970s. From 1978-81, the team went on a streak of consecutive playoff berths that included a loss in 1980's Super Bowl XV. Under the multitalented quarterback Randall Cunningham, the team had 4 playoff berths between 1988-92, and followed these runs up with 2 more postseason apperances later in the decade. In the early 2000s, the Eagles were one of football's best teams with 5 straight playoff berths from 2000-04. However, Philadelphia's postseason record was dismal and it included 3 consecutive home NFC championship losses. The team finally made the Super Bowl in 2004, but lost a close one to the Patriots. In 2005, the Eagles collapsed, due in part to the Terrell Owens fiasco, and finished with a poor record.

"The Patriots have won their third world championship in four seasons! And all the Philadelphia Eagles can do is sit and wonder. They come up just short in another crucial playoff game, losing Super Bowl XXXIX."

by Sports Info July 9, 2006