Tournament Summaries by Joey G.
DELCO MADDENBOWL IV RESULTS 2009
MADDENBOWL IV: 92' COWBOYS: 34 88' 49ers: 21
The Cowboys FOUGHT HARD to get here while the 9ers FOUGHT EVEN HARDER To also arrive.. The first Quarter was Dallas forcing a couple of turnovers and turning them into points as kevin Smith intercepted montana in SF territory, And KMART secured one of many Aikman Lasers on the Day for the score.. Emmit also Punched the ball in to put Dallas up 14-0 while San fran Quickly responded with a Jerry Rice 67 yard ISO touchdown pass as Montana so accurately and easily lofted a feather over the safety and into a fully instride Rice who turned on his football speed afterburners and smoothly dashed for the Score.. The second quarter saw Dallas pound out two long nibbling drives that were kept alive by Aikman to Novacek 3rd down conversions that resulted in a 24-7 score for Dallas at the half. In the 3rd quarter San Fran made their move with Montana spreading the ball to all directions and receivers leading to a Brent Jones TD, as they crept in to within ten of the boys.. The 4th saw Dallas keep San Fran honest with a deep Strike to Irvin, and Many clock managed bruising runs by Emmit to lead to ten points putting Dallas up 34-14.. San Fran made one last go, and snuk in the endzone cutting it to 34-21 but Dallas and Emmit ate up yardage and the rest of the game by way of their ever secure offensive line paving gains til the clock read zeroes Leading to The first ever MADDENBOWL Championship for the the Cowboys and Joey Manley And Sean Breeden.. The Boys were there two times before In Bowls one and three but finally got it done in MADDENBOWL IV UNDEFEATED..
TOURNEY MVP: 92' COWBOYS TROY AIKMAN QB:
Aikman Had a Helluva Tourney Standing STRONG in the pocket going 71/109 1,253 Yds with 13 TD - and only 2 INT
HONORABLE MVP MENTION:
Joe Montana: BROKE TWO RECORDS WITH A TOURNEY TOTAL OF 2,550 YARDS PASSING, AND 30 TDS AGAINST JUST 6 INT'S.. WOW!!!!!!!!
DALLAS OFFENSIVE LINE: ERIK WILLIAMS, MARK TUINEI, And MARK STEPNOSKI.. THEY OPENED CAVERNS FOR EMMIT AND HAD SECRET SERVICE LIKE PROTECTION FOR PRETTY BOY TROY ..
Terrell Davis: Had 81 carries for 535 yds at 6.6 YARDS A CLIP.. 178 YARDS A GAME KEEPING DENVER IN EVERY GAME TIL THE LAST SECOND WOW!!
John Stallworth: 16 catches for 595.. 37 YPC!! AND 10 TDS!!! WHOA!!!!
Jerry Rice: Despite Being Doubled covered all day.. when He was finally in solo coverage Montana found him each and every time as Rice wound up with 22 catches for 736 yards 33 YPC 7 TDS..
2,000 YD TOURNEY (NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE):
Joe Montana 2,550 Yds in 6 Games Avg. Of 425 per.. What??
1,000 YD TOURNEY (OTHER THAN QB OF COURSE):
No One Jerry Rice had a high of 736
Dennis Gentry/Devin Hester Best Kick Returner Award:
Kenny Jackson 90' KR EAGLES: Was only returner to take it to the "Haouse" in their opening game.
John Elway Award BEST QB:
Troy Aikman QB 92' Cowboys: His stats were VERY SOLID, but even more than that was how Strong he was while getting hit in the pocket and yet Still making POWERFUL AND ACCURATE completions. In turn frustrating the blitzing defenses all day.. He would get popped, but he would still get it on target for numerous drive/tourney saving completions.. STRONG
Joe Montana QB 88' 49ers: What else can I Say rather than see his numbers and know that he brought his team all the way back to the finals, while throwing for an insane Tourney record 2,550 yards and 30 TDS..
Terry Bradshaw QB 78' Steelers: STEADY he was.. It certainly wasn't him that prevented the Steelers return trip to the big game.. As he made clutch throws to keep his team in every game til the final seconds.. his final line 46/72~64%~1,279~16TDs~2INTs
Walter Payton Award~ BEST RUNNING BACK:
Terrell Davis HB 98' Broncos: The Denver Beast Barreled for 81 carries and 535 yds for 6.6 a run and helped Denver settle down and get into a groove..
Franco Harris HB 78 'Steelers: had 90 Bruising carries for 581 yards for 6.5 per, helping set up the passing game, while Having some of the most elusive runs for a big man you'll ever see.. Especially, with Benji On the controls.. AND NO FUMBLES!!!!
Emmitt Smith HB 92' Cowboys: His numbers weren't huge..But he had 111 IMPORTANT carries as he assured his team victory with his absolute consistent runs of 4.4 per..for 492 yds
Marshall Faulk HB 99’ Rams: This dual threat was efficient in his ever ready playmaking ability, with the young bucks at the helm he was making jukes spins and just “moooves ya neva seen befo’”..
Tom Rathman Award ~BEST FULLBACK:
Rocky Bleir FB 78' Steelers: Good ole Rock was on fire helping in pass protection and also in pass receiving keeping Pitt in striking distance with his efforts. And Had the Stiff Arm Of the tourney, absolutely planting Kevin Smith of the Cowboys..
Tom Rathman FB 88' 49ers: He was his usual well rounded self with great third down conversions with soft catches and tough runs..
Howard Griffith FB 98' Broncos: He helped Terrell by piercing the lanes and even scoring a couple TDs while the defenses were focusing strictly on Terrell..
Mark Bavaro Award~ BEST TIGHT END:
Brent Jones TE 88' 49ers: was Montana's absolute go to guy on third down making numerous big catches helping San Fran get to THE BOWL..
Jay Novacek TE 92' Cowboys: He did the exact same thing for Aikman and the boys.. Quiet yet reliant and vital.. As usual
Jerry Rice/Lynn Swann Award~ BEST WIDE RECEIVER:
John Stallworth WR 78' Steelers: Sometimes overshadowed by his dynamic counterpart Swann, and While Rice and Irvin could easily be mentioned for first in this award Stallworth finally gets his due by way of an absolutely amazing 37 yards a catch on just 16 catches leading to 595 yards and 10 TDS.. IN JUST 4 GAMES!! DANGEROUS..
Jerry Rice WR 88" 49ers: Doubled most of the day..Doesn't matter you cannot stop him... 34 yards a catch and a trip to the dance.. He is the man..Period.
Michael Irvin WR 92' Cowboys: Man Dallas is a well rounded team No doubt.. But Irvin Played out of his MIND, having 30 yds a catch and 6 TDS. There were countless deep plays and many times the ball seemed to be overthrown, But then Bones Manley would with his Old school skill switch to the receiver and make up for the distance with the burst and catch and glide.. Without that essential combo of him and Irvin.. They don't win the bowl.. They Changed the tourney..
Mike Wilson WR 88’ 49ers: Man whether it’s Tecmo, Madden 93’ Madden 05’ it don’t matter this dude just catches everything and makes tough yards and critical first downs.. EVERYTIME.
Seven Blocks Of Granite Award~ BEST OFFENSIVE LINE:
92' Cowboys Offensive Line: Stepnoski, Tuinei, And That absolute MONSTER Erik Williams were probably the best in MaddenBowl history, they did not allow too many sacks and the ones they did, it was cause Aikman held the ball for more than 7 seconds.. A luxury the rest of the Qb's and teams would LOVE TO HAVE. .And their paving caverns for Emmitt is nothing new.. But they were just ridiculous in all facets of the game, Protecting the ball carriers and securing the championship..
Adam Vinatieri Award~ BEST KICKER:
Lin Elliot K 92' Cowboys: This dude was straight up money!!! 7 FOR 7 WITH 2 LAST MINUTE GAME WINNING FIELD GOALS INCLUDING A Tough 47 YARDER to win the Unbelievable opening game, That Field Goal started their path to the championship.. A miss.. And who knows if they make it out of the losers bracket?? MONEY.
Deion Sanders/Cris Dishman Award~ BEST DEFENSIVE BACK:
Eric Wright DB 88' 49ers: This crafty veteran had many crucial defensive stops including two big time interceptions to help them progress through the losers bracket to the BOWL..
Mel Blount DB 78’ Steelers: Had blanket coverage of his men pretty much all day.. Also having 2 interceptions, with one TD.. He is Nasty.
Eugene Robinson DB 96’ Packers: Eugene must have been a good little boy the night before the bowl, and not called for any prostitutes, for in the unforgettable first game he turned the tide taking a Troy Aikman pass 104 yds for A huge TD, and 14 point swing in the favor of the pack.. he played solid all day for them..
Jimmy Hitchcock DB 98 Vikes: Jimmy had 3 Int’s in 4 games and also picked off Aikman in the end zone returning it for a 103 Yd return and a TD.. To put Dallas on notice that they were gonna be in a game.. and to watch their step… he made every team feel that way.
Lawrence Taylor Award~ BEST LINEBACKER:
Charles Haley LB 88’ 49ers: Caused havoc, big hits, sacks, and rushed throws all day.. He is a Nasty turnover causing machine.:
Jack Lambert LB 78’ Steelers: Made sure Tackle after sure tackle, causing a couple fumbles.. roamed the middle lookin’ to hit..
Reggie White Award~ BEST LINEMAN:
Reggie White DE 90’ Eagles: Reggie is a FORCE.. And he showed it as he had 7 sacks in two games and swatted lineman and running backs out of the way as he did it…
Charles Haley DE 92’ Cowboys: He used his speed on the edge to hurry Qb’s and Hb’s alike… makin’ tackles in the backfield all day…
SUPER BOWL XXV AWARD~ BEST GAME:
Which one to pick?? There were 6 AWESOME GAMES SEPARATED AND DECIDED BY 7 POINTS OR LESS..ALL IN THE FINAL MINUTE OR OVERTIME.., UNREAL!! BEST MADDENBOWL EVER TO DATE..
92’ Cowboys 31 ~ 96’ Packers 28: This INSTANT CLASSIC WINS OUT.. IT SET THE TONE FOR ALL THE GAMES TO FOLLOW, AND DEFINITELY INFLUENCED THE EVENTUAL WINNER OF THE TOURNEY, THOSE TOUGH ASS COWBOYS.. The game started with Dallas dictating the pace by running with power and throwing deep, landing on Green Bays’ 5 yard line. Aikman Dropped back and went for Irvin on the out in the end zone when Eugene Robinson Jumped the route intercepted it, jetted to the side line and out ran Moose Johnston And Aikman for the 104 yard momentum swinging opening quarter score.. That set the pace of Dallas and Green Bay Trading scores all the way til’ the end of the fourth.. Green Bay embarked on a long 88 yard drive culminating with a Favre to Freeman skinny post TD for the tie with just :32 seconds remaining!! Lookin’ Like OT All The Way.. But then after the kickoff was returned to their own 39 with 22 seconds left Aikman set up a 2 minute drill that saw him dangerously throw into the middle of the field with Deep Slants One to Kmart for an Eighteen Yard Gain, 12 Seconds Remaining.. Then Another to Alexander Right for a 13 yard gain and a quick spike on the Packer 30..: 01 remaining. Lin Elliot Calmly walks on the field and BOOTS A PERFECT RAINBOW RIGHT DOWN THE MIDDLE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN GOOD FROM 57, GAME OVER AND THE FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT STEP TAKEN BY DALLAS ON THEIR JOURNEY TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP.. WHAT A GAME..
99’ Rams 52 ~ 90’ Eagles 49: This game Saw The Rams Jump out to an early lead, then to the Eagles claw their way back.. Then they trade scores in the 4th for a tie.. Then a 32 yard field goal to decide it in OT For the upstart Rams to upset the slightly Favored eagles..
98’ Broncos 31 ~ 96’ Packers 24: How Ironic that it is the same score when they played in the Super Bowl, And It Was Just as entertaining.. Denver capitalized on a late turnover in the third quarter, and the Packers missed a Field goal late to put it away.. Denver scrapped and Terrell ran through the exhausted Packers Line late to Seal it.
88’ 49ers 41 ~ 98’ Broncos 34: this classic immediately followed the last game, Denver is battle tested, and came from 21 down in the second half to tie it at 34.. with 2 seconds remaining.. Montana wound up from his own 22 and threw deep for his most trusted target Rice who was double covered and Rice came down with the ball broke two tackles and ran for the game winning score with No time left.. Hail mary answered for the 9ers.. Heartbreaker for the Broncos..
92’ Cowboys 39 ~ 78’ Steelers 37: The Cowboys surprised the Steelers goin’ deep to Irvin Twice off the jump And A Beautifully executed screen pass to Moose Johnston to go up 31-14 at the end of the third.. the 4th saw Pitt make some major adjustments As Franco Had A Spectacular 44 yard gallop Breakin’ tackles and slipping defenders.. As John Stallworth Came Alive With Two long Touchdowns.. As The Steeler Defense clamped down and pressured Aikman stopping their offense completely.. The change of offense and defense momentum put the Steelers up 35 -31.. With A Minute remaining The Steelers Pinned Dallas back on their own 16 yard line and it was 4th down and 16.. Expecting Dallas to go for it Pitt lined up in a Zone Defense and Dallas decided to punt.. Pitts D backs went to go retrieve the punt when the ball was flying seemingly harmlessly over their heads they went back to retrieve it when it took a crazy bounce and it hit an un-assuming Pitt d- back in the leg, as he then went to retrieve it it bounced back to the Steeler 20 as Dallas was there to recover the inexplicable muffed punt.. Dallas kneeled on it three times called a timeout with one second remaining.. And Kicked the game winning field goal with No time left… The Muffed punt was one of those UNBELIEVABLY PAINFUL PLAYS THAT MAKES YOU ASK WHO,WHAT,WHEN,WHERE, THEN WHY? AND ESPECIALLY HOW??!!!! THE KIND OF PLAY THAT MAKES YOU WANT TO TWIST AND BREAK THE CONTROLLER WITH YOUR BARE HANDS.. BUT OF COURSE YOU THINK BETTER OF IT…………………… OR DO YOU?….Hmmmm?? J J J
88’ 49ers: 39 ~78’ Steelers: 34
This game was nip and tuck the whole way.. With San Fran Using ball control and some Crucial third down conversions to hold the lead.. Pitt Tried to overcome a missed field goal and two late turnovers one on downs and one INT by The grizzled vet Eric Wright.. They WENT DEEP TO STALLWORTH FOR A DESPERATION PASS HE WAS TRIPLED TEAMED BUT HAD A SLIGHT LOOK AT IT, The Ball WAS THERE But it JUST WENT OFF HIS FINGER TIPS.. Pitt Threw Another try but Jim Smith Got Tackled at the 18 as the clock just ran out, with no time outs.. San Fran was on their way to the MADDENBOWL..
ROCKY BALBOA AWARD ~ TEAM WITH MOST BALLS:
88’ 49ers (“SHUGAHH” SHANE HOLBERT AND JOE “JDP” DePAUL ):
These guys were slingin’ it the whole tourney.. Their offense was on fire even when they were down, they were never down enough.. Cause they were always in the game cause of their ULTRA NUCLEAR POWERED OFFENSE.. They battled tough and overcame the Broncos in a back and forth tussle that went to the last miracle play.. Then they topped the Rough Veteran Steelers in a Brutally tough game , they came out deep of the loser’s bracket to make it to the BOWL.. They were in Some nail biting games and moments then just made it happen cause they never got down on each other and never quit.. That’s why they earned this year’s BALBOA AWARD.. GREAT JOB FELLAS’!!!
TIMMY SMITH AWARD/ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:
Sean “TBD” Breeden: My man Breeden was called on short notice to be partners with the most un-predictable player in the MADDENBOWL.. He showed up and was balanced in all phases: passing, running, D and Field goal kicking.. But more than that he did what no one else could do.. He got Joey “Bones” To keep his head in each and every game.. And while Breeden was doing all the detailed things, all the heads up plays. Being conservative and time managing when they needed to be.. Then kicking the Money Kicks to win the games .. Joey Manley was being his dangerous unpredictable self in a good way, and by having the freewill to take the chance of the big play he could be himself.. He did it knowing he had Breeden there to smooth out the rough spots if things went bad.. That freedom gave Joey The License To GO DEEP WITH THOSE CHANCES, AND HE MADE THE MOST OF THEM .. In a Sense Breeden Was the ever consistent jab.. And Manley was The BIG RIGHT HAND THAT KNOCKS YOU OUT.. But as all fight fans know it’s really hard to land that big punch without a good jab, and a good defense.. TBD Breeden was both of that, they were a perfect mix.. And That’s why they won.. CONGRATS ROOK!!
MBV: 89’ 49ers: 31 (Alx & JDub) Pitt 75’ : 24 (Benji &JVT
The Bowl was played in the snow at the Link, with two of the most experienced players and teams, and the game showed that, as it was nip and tuck the whole way, Montana traded bombs to Taylor while Bradshaw threw his to Stallworth, and the elements, with staunch defense slowed the running games to a crawl.. It was gonna hinge on a mistake, and there was only one. After San Fran battled to tie it up at 24-24 in a classic, with two minutes to go, the ensuing kickoff was fumbled by Pitt and returned for A TD by the 9ers.. This game had the makings of a classic, after that play though Pitt couldn’t rebound, on the next drive there was a dropped first down, and a tipped pass, to stop their tying drive and end the game. If you were a Steelers fan it was enough to make you Go out front and puke all over my bbq grille and cooler, not tell anyone and let it freeze in mid-splash on the front patio, for all the neighbors and girlfriends to see…. We’ll at least that’s what happened to Breeden, after that horrendous mis-fortune.. Watching something like that taint a great game will do that to you, so it is completely understandable. Hope you feel better Breeden, cause me and Benji will be forever queasy over that one. But we were EXTREMELY LUCKY TO EVEN GET OUT OF OUR DIVISION LET ALONE CONFERENCE. The Bills TOOK IT TO US FROM THE GITTY-UP, AND WERE POISED FOR THE UPSET, we somehow survived that only to battle The Dolphins to a last second field goal win to put us against the mighty Oilers. The 9ers battled their way through two nail biters over the 91’ skins to make it to the dance. And Alex’s precision offense, and calm demeanor was a perfect fit for his teammate JDubs style of play, who more than held his own for his part, the two never got rattled and persevered, to capture the trophy, GREAT JOB GUYS.. THANKS ALL YOU GUYS FOR COMING OUT AND RESPECTING EACH OTHER AND THE HOUSE, (except for you BreedenJ).
MADDENBOWL V RESULTS 2010
MBV: 89’ 49ers: 31 (Alx & JDub) Pitt 75’ : 24 (Benji &JVT
The Bowl was played in the snow at the Link, with two of the most experienced players and teams, and the game showed that, as it was nip and tuck the whole way, Montana traded bombs to Taylor while Bradshaw threw his to Stallworth, and the elements, with staunch defense slowed the running games to a crawl.. It was gonna hinge on a mistake, and there was only one. After San Fran battled to tie it up at 24-24 in a classic, with two minutes to go, the ensuing kickoff was fumbled by Pitt and returned for A TD by the 9ers.. This game had the makings of a classic, after that play though Pitt couldn’t rebound, on the next drive there was a dropped first down, and a tipped pass, to stop their tying drive and end the game. If you were a Steelers fan it was enough to make you Go out front and puke all over my bbq grille and cooler, not tell anyone and let it freeze in mid-splash on the front patio, for all the neighbors and girlfriends to see…. We’ll at least that’s what happened to Breeden, after that horrendous mis-fortune.. Watching something like that taint a great game will do that to you, so it is completely understandable. Hope you feel better Breeden, cause me and Benji will be forever queasy over that one. But we were EXTREMELY LUCKY TO EVEN GET OUT OF OUR DIVISION LET ALONE CONFERENCE. The Bills TOOK IT TO US FROM THE GITTY-UP, AND WERE POISED FOR THE UPSET, we somehow survived that only to battle The Dolphins to a last second field goal win to put us against the mighty Oilers. The 9ers battled their way through two nail biters over the 91’ skins to make it to the dance. And Alex’s precision offense, and calm demeanor was a perfect fit for his teammate JDubs style of play, who more than held his own for his part, the two never got rattled and persevered, to capture the trophy, GREAT JOB GUYS.. THANKS ALL YOU GUYS FOR COMING OUT AND RESPECTING EACH OTHER AND THE HOUSE, (except for you BreedenJ).
TOURNEY MVP: 89’ 49ers Joe Montana QB:
Spectacular as always, but man did he have a run for his money for this award, but by yet again winning his 3rd championship it secured the award. Final stat line: 89/137 1,647 yds 20 TDs 6 INTs for a rating of 127.6
HONORABLE MENTION:
75’ Steelers John Stallworth WR: If the Steelers would have pulled it out in The Championship he would have been the first receiver to win the MVP, averaging a WHOPPING 46.5 yards a catch, a tourney record for sure (Min. catches 10), he was an assassin.
75’ Steelers Terry Bradshaw QB:
Even though he beat his own seemingly unbeatable record QB rating, he was still barely outshined by Teammate John Stallworth. His NEW RECORD RATING: 139.3, WOW!!
92’ Oilers Warren Moon QB: Warren was back after a year missing the bowl!! And he didn’t miss a beat, Throwing for 17 tds.. And a 122 QB rating.. Taking The Oilers to the AFC championship.
91’ Redskins Earnest Byner HB: Man This guy had the best Performance running the ball since MBI when Emmitt went wild, But today was Earnest’s day Running for tourney high 519 yds in just 4 games, against some tough defenses, We’ll be seeing more of him in tourney’s yet to be, I just feel it.
DENNIS GENTRY/DEVIN HESTER AWARD BEST KR:
92’ Oilers Curtis Duncan KR/WR: My man was blazin’ and was a danger for a huge return, and none was bigger than the one he had to put the Oiler’s in the AFC finals in final minute of the 4th quarter. CLUTCH. The most clutch return in our History, and he was eatin up yards all day.
89’ 49ers John Taylor KR/WR: Taylor was A huge part of San Frans Offense and even more with their Special teams, giving them an average 35 yd line start.. With 2 returns for TDS, and he was really key in getting san fran in position for their 3rd championship with his ability to get field position. Awesome.
72’ Dolphins Mercury Morris KR/HB: he had a major avg per return also returning 2 for TDS. He put these guys in all three games to the wire, especially against Buffalo and Pitt, he was as fast as his name.
ELWAY / MONTANA AWARD BEST QB:
75’ Steelers Terry Bradshaw QB: His second E/M QB Award, and he broke his own record of 138.6 with the new UNREAL mark of 139.3. Only threw 2 ints all tourney and none in the biggest of games, managed and came through clutch for the most part of the tourney, as well as being explosive with his rocket arm.
89’ 49ers Joe Montana QB: This is the first time the MVP did not win his positions award but that’s the way this year fell cause of the astronomical play of everyone, but Joe don’t care cause he has his 3rd Championship, everyone else is lucky if they have one. Including Terry And Troy.
92’ Oilers Warren Moon QB: Moon had his scope on and was firing passes everywhere, ACCURATELY, his o-line played strong and gave him time, as he made the secondaries pay.
96’ Packers Brett Favre QB: The ole’ gun slinger was surprisingly very careful, and efficient throwing only one pick, and having a VERY STRONG PASSING RATING OF 120.5, He got off to a blazing start lighting the Cowboys up, and using his Arm to make stuff happen… In a responsible way… Finally
WALTER PAYTON AWARD BEST HB:
91’ Redskins Earnest Byner HB: He averaged a Chunk of 6.6 yds per carry, UNREAL. 519 yds in just 4 games along with 3 Tds he was running with authority, and he’s just getting started, KEEP AN EYE ON THIS GUY, I JUST KNOW IT.
92’ Oilers Lorenzo White HB: White was close to 5 yds per carry and ran for 304 yds, which was very good considering that those Oilers throw the ball 90% of the time, he made the absolute best of his opportunity. STRONG, BRUISING RUNNER.
89’ 49ers Roger Craig HB: This guy never goes away.. 5 BIG TDS in 5 GAMES and a steady clip of 4 yds per carry. Consistent Roger, always ready to go.
98’ Broncos Terrell Davis HB: had 3tds and a solid 4.6 yards a clip, had 6 yds a clip in the first game vs. the Oilers, as he almost controlled the game enough to slow those high-octane Oilers down. He is tough.
TOM RATHMAN AWARD BEST FB:
96’ Packers William Henderson FB: Besides his customary devastating blocking, William had some beautiful runs and receptions, especially his 26 yd run followed by 12 yd reception, that led to a key score in the opening game to out the Pack up to stay.
89’ 49ers Tom Rathman FB: Rathman was Rathman, with very good all around play, he is always that ever dangerous 7th option on the 9ers that would be a good 1st option anywhere else, good tourney, as usual.
72’ Dolphins Larry Csonka FB: Everyone thought Larry would have got a lot more action, but the Dolphins went to the air. And when Larry did get the ball though he was brutal, hard to tackle and had 3 TDs on just 5 touches, inside the ten, very tough to tackle.
MARK BAVARO AWARD BEST TE:
98’ Broncos Shannon Sharpe TE: When he got the ball he scored, 8 catches for 6 TDs, and an average of 25 yards a catch, sick numbers for a Tight end, WOW. He is a straight game changer.
89’ 49ers Brent Jones TE: When used properly he is as powerful and useful as any running back or receiver combined, it’s hard to implement a tight end as a steady target, but that’s what the 9ers did to perfection in their west coast offense, on their way to the bowl and he is a major factor for that.
92’ Cowboys Brent Jones TE: was essential, in their comeback win over the eagles, made some great gains exploiting the middle of the field.
JERRY RICE / LYNN SWANN AWARD BEST WR:
75’ Steelers John Stallworth WR: His final stat line was 19 receptions for 885 yards 8 TDS, 46.6 yards per catch, INSANE, that’s 4 catches for 177 yds with 1.6 TDS a game, But no catch was bigger than the 2yd 2pt conversion on a slant that he caught to tie the dangerous Bills, in double coverage as it was put right in the window and he snatched it. Without that catch the Steelers run is highly unlikely.
98’ Vikings Randy Moss WR: He was only in 2 games but man there is no receiver in the game as difficult to cover one on one as he, His big plays led the Vikes in two huge comeback attempts with 11 catches 414 yds and 4Tds.
92’ Oilers Haywood Jeffries WR: 17 catches for 575 big yards he would have finished higher on the list had it not been for his 6 drops, but none the less you better know where he is when you cover.
92’ Cowboys Michael Irvin WR: This is another beast that shows up year in and year out, his 12 catches for 416 yards enabled Dallas to be in every game, He’s the truth.
72’ Dolphins Paul Warfield WR: He was the central component in Miami’s newly found pass heavy offense, speed and grace goes a long way, as did his 18 catches 488 yds and 5 TDS.
75’ Steelers Lynn Swann WR: his 23 catches for 317 yds seem pedestrian compared to his contemporaries, but he had huge catches to extend drives and games, like his game tying balletic stretch dive to get inside the pylon to tie the back and forth game of the Steelers – Dolphins up, Clutch.
SEVEN BLOCKS OF GRANITE AWARD BEST O-LINE:
92’ Oilers Offensive line: Led by Bruce Matthews and Mike Munchak, these guys made gaping holes for Lo’ White, enabling him to run for 5yds per carry. But even more impressive than that is they only let Moon get sacked 5 times out of 139 attempts throwing the ball. That is unheard of.
91’ Redskins Offensive line: Bostic, Lachey, and Big Mark May, represent the Hogs so well, as they made alleys for Earnest Byner to just cruise through. The defense would only have a chance to tackle him five yards off the ball, that’s a great headstart, he can thank the o-line for that.. STRONG LINE.
CRIS DISHMAN / DEION SANDERS AWARD BEST DB:
92’ Oilers Darryl Lewis DB: WOW, while everyone was scared to throw Dishman’s way they underestimated Lewis, and he made them pay by breaking his teammates record of 6 INTs with 7!! All in just 4 games that is an AWESOME FEAT..
92’ Oilers Blaine Bishop DB: Usually happy to just crush and separate the receiver from the ball, Blaine instead stole 4 Ints and took 2 back for TDS, The Oilers secondary was bringin’ it all tourney.
92’ Cowboys Thomas Everett DB: One of the absolute bone crushers in the game causing fumbles, adapted his game and had 3 ints one for a TD all in just 3 games, not bad for the safety spot.
78’ Steelers Mel Blount DB: he got burnt once or twice but he also shut down the rest most of the time, and had a customary pick 6.
LAWRENCE TAYLOR AWARD BEST LB:
89’ 49ers Keena Turner LB: His 4 sacks and 2 ints and countless deflections and clutch tackles made the difference for 49ers D and enabled them to take the title. Usually overlooked for Romanowski, Walter and Millen Turner was the key for the D, today.
92’ Oilers Al Smith LB: this guy was all over the field, with tackles and 2 Ints, a very good MLB, Nasty, Nasty Nasty, and hits real hard.
75’ Steelers Jack Lambert LB: Was his usual self, and as the speed of the game seemed to increase, he didn’t miss a beat. He dropped a couple of Int’s but he also dropped plenty of receivers. BRING IT UNCLE JACK, BRING IT!!
REGGIE WHITE AWARD BEST DL:
98’ Broncos Neil Smith DE: The Broncos had some rough spots but Neil Smith was Absolutely DOMINANT with 7 sacks in 3 games, and countless hurries, he’s the anchor of the Denver D.
75’ Steelers L.C. Greenwood DE: 5 sacks 5 games and this guy demands attention as was evident from all the tight ends and running backs assigned to triple team him all day withgood reason.
90’ Eagles Reggie White DE: 10 tackles 5 for loss and 3 sacks in 2 games.. WOW, the minister was giving a sermon..
ADAM VINIATIERI AWARD BEST K:
75’ Steelers Roy Gerela K: was 8 for 8 in the tourney, as well as a Game Winning field goal in the final seconds against those dangerous Dolphins, for the win and had a kick in the blizzard bound bowl.
89’ 49ers Mike Cofer K: was 6 for 6 and had a decent line drive to cut right through the wind and split the uprights for the 49ers in the blizzard bowl, great kick.
SUPERBOWL XXV AWARD BEST GAME:
This was the toughest decision, ever. THE BEST GAMES WERE IN THIS TOURNEY.
92’ Oilers 62 ~ 72’ Dolphins 56: This game saw two lead changes one of 21 points for the Dolphins then one for 20 points for the Oilers, an absolute non-stop barrage of points, by way of pick sixes and Moon playin pin ball with the scoreboard While Warfield and Morral playin’ catch all wound up to with most total points of 118 points in a game. With 30 seconds left, the dolphins scraped and clawed to score and with only an extra point tie it up, but by now we know the crazy Dolphins would go for two and the win, they got the two to go up 56-55 and the Oilers with no timeouts were pretty much dead right?......... WRONG. The Oilers Curtis Duncan made the most clutch Kick return in MADDENBOWL History as he returned the kick for the seemingly devastated Oilers and took it in for the win!! An Unbelievable game where you thought both teams were never out of it, then you knew they were both out of it, but they weren’t and then two CRAZY CONSECUTIVE PLAYS TO FINALLY DECIDE IT, everyone just stared at each other in disbelief at the way both teams played in the greatest game in MADDENBOWL history, in my opinion.
72’ Dolphins: 43 ~ 91’ Bills: 42: This was the second craziest game I ever saw, by way of The Bills going ahead dominantly 42-20 By way of Jim Kelly to James Lofton hookin’ up for 3 tds, all this by the start of the 4th qtr. Buffalo went understandably conservative With the game seemingly in hand, But those Dolphins came back with Warfield and Stowe on the March and scored 21 unanswered points to seemingly cut it to one to kick the extra point for the tie and ride the mo in OT, but no they weren’t waitin for that they decided to go for two and the win and THEY GOT IT, capping off 23 unanswered points and the GREATEST comeback in MADDENBOWL HISTORY. Buffalo had to be reminded of that similar heartbreaker they laid on the Oilers in 92 AFC Championship, but this time they were on the wrong end. Gut Wrenching.
75’ Steelers: 37 ~ 72’ Dolphins: 34: The Steelers went down 14 to the En Fuego Dolphins but kept steady and mounted a Last drive with huge plays to Swann to tie the game and they’re D stepped up and Finally picked one off from those tough Dolphins, in the next drive, they methodically pounded the ball and got into position for the GW FG by the Steelers’ Gerela with No time Left, GREAT GAME.
ROCKY BALBOA AWARD TEAM WITH MOST HEART
72’ Dolphins Joe Maggitti and Matt Coghlin: Did you happen to notice the common thread for the Super Bowl XXV award? That’s right the Dolphins finished with all 3 nominations including the winner. Matter of fact that’s also all the game’s they played in, so that means they brought it not just one time, but EVERYTIME THEY PLAYED, and you know what that takes? That’s right That takes BALLS! No team is ever most deserving of this award than you crazy cats are this year, congrats fellas’!! you guys were the Monday night game every time you played, everyone had to see it, and that’s a major complement, Again Fellas’ AWESOME STUFF, CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YA NEXT YEAR.
TIMMY SMITH AWARD ROOKIE OF THE YEAR:
Joe Maggitti and Matt Coghlin: What else can be said? These guys were both equal teammates carrying each other throughout the whole tourney, their the first to share the award and were in every game for every second, the most fun team in the tourney and I don’t know how they can top this year but I have a feeling they somehow will, GREAT JOB GUYS, UNREAL.
FOGBOWL AWARD THINGS NEVER HAPPENED
Just look at the dolphins and everything they did. 3 nail biting games in their debut, winning The Super Bowl XXV AWARD and The Fog Bowl Award as well As The Timmy Smith Award between them, that’s a three way sweep, only thing that was missing was the championship, and they weren’t far from that.. WOW.