|
|
|
|
|
Davis is the key to the
Denver attack, but Dallas should not overlook the
supporting cast.
|
|
The Dallas Dilemma: Pick your poison
The
Broncos enter SuperBowl III as the most prolific scoring machine
in PFL history averaging just over 37 points per game. Much of that
has been Terrell Davis gaining chunks of yards on screens, and beating
linebackers deep down the field. However, Gresham has tinkered with
the offense to feature a game plan that now sprinkles the ball around
to everyone on the field. Even the waterboys get about two to three
touches a game. After
watching watching the Broncos move the ball at will against K.C.,
it's almost frightening to see the ease at which they score. Before
Hayward could look up he was staring at a 22-0 deficit early in
the first quarter. This is just what Denver needs to do against
Dallas. They can not afford to allow the Cowboys to keep the game
close. Look for Denver to do three things. One - Employ the use
of a custom offense that features several options from the same
formation. Gresham will expect Charles to be ready for the Davis
screens, therefore he will probably counter with Sharpe or Nash
in the seams of the defense if Dallas over pursues the screens.
Look for Denver to attack Dallas wide early to see if they can stop
the outside pressure. Two - The gadget plays. Dallas must be able
to stop the Waggle, and Flanker In, two of Denver's notorious quick
hitters. Look for Gresham to stay away from those plays early, using
them only in the element of surprise. Three - Score early and often.
Denver wants the game to be in the 40's or 50's. A high scoring
affair would put strain on the Dallas offense. The Cowboy offense
only averaged 16.3 ppg per game in the regular season.
How
They Match Up
|
Denver
|
Area
|
Dallas
|
Edge
|
|
9
|
Quaterbacking
|
9
|
Even
|
|
6
|
Running
Game
|
8
|
Dallas
|
|
10
|
Passing
Game
|
7
|
Denver
|
|
7
|
Offensive
Line
|
8
|
Dallas
|
|
9
|
Receiving
Corps
|
7
|
Denver
|
|
6
|
Defensive
Line
|
8
|
Dallas
|
|
7
|
Linebackers
|
7
|
Even
|
|
7
|
Secondary
|
9
|
Dallas
|
|
7
|
Special
Teams
|
7
|
Even
|
|
6
|
Kicking
Game
|
7
|
Dallas
|
Gresham's Odd At Making History Looking
Good
The
Broncos are a one step away from doing what no other team in PFL
History has done, win back to back superbowls. In a sense they have
already done what no other team has, and that is appeared in a second
superbowl. And obviously this is their second consecutive PFL world
championship game as well.
This
season for Waymon Gresham has established him as one of the best
coaches in THE LEAGUE. Not because of his game analysis, or coaching
decisions. But because of his offensive prowess, and creativity.
Remember in 1997 it was Gresham who unveiled the onside kick as
an offensive weapon. That changed the entire complexion of the PFL
at that time. In 1998 it was his use of the lethal post drag that
literally killed everyone late in the season. In 1999 it's been
the use of the double screen, or the PA Waggle. Gresham has quietly
established himself as an offensive master mind. Throw out the fact
that Gresham went 3-9 to start the 1998 season. He won his last
four,in convincing fashion, breezed through the playoffs and went
on to be the first team in League history to win a SuperBowl while
finishing the regular season below .500, another landmark.
But
over the stretch of the last three years Gresham has a 30-18 mark
good for .625 winning percentage second best all time. Add to that
a superbowl, three straight playoff appearances and a chance to
repeat, and you have got to like the position the Broncos are in.
The Broncos are also steam rolling their opponents. The Broncos
have failed to score at least 30 points in a game only four times
this season. The offense averages 37.4 ppg and scored at least 40
points 11 times this season, including a League season high 78 against
Seattle.
How
on earth does Dallas have a chance at stopping Gresham and his powerful
attack. First, Dallas plays sound defense. They came back to avenge
the 35 points they surrendered to the Jets in the regular season
by defeating them in the conference title game. That was the only
time the defense allowed more than 28 points in a game this season.
The Dallas defense finished the season allowing 13.5 ppg. the 2nd
best in The PFL (Baltimore 12.4) But Dallas is only averaging a
mere 16.3 ppg on offense, and that may not be enough firepower to
match the potent Denver attack.
So
given the facts, Denver is certainly in the driver seat. The Broncs
losses came to San Francisco early in the season, NY Jets, and Green
Bay. Only the Packers and the Niners stopped the Broncos offense.
The Jets simply kept the ball out of the offense's hands, a task
the Cowboys may have to consider. The Niners were successful early
in the season, but the Broncs beat them easily in week 9. As for
Green Bay, the Pack man handled Denver 45-15 only to come back and
loose in the playoffs 57-56. The question for Dallas, is can they
put together the game plan to stop the defending champs? That's
why they play the game.
Gresham: "It ain't
over"
Elway: True To Form - Just Like In
The NFL
The
Hail Mary from Staubach to Pearson. The Immaculate reception of
Franco Harris. The Holy Roller, Stabler to Casper. The Miracle in
the meadowlands disaster between the Giants and the Eagles. Those
are just a few of the greatest one play stunners in the history
of the NFL. And believe it or not, one that ranks as good as any
of those plays occurred in the PFL Division Championship game Sunday
between Green Bay and Denver. You may think that no simulated video
game could live up to the intensity of real NFL drama, but everyone
at the arena would beg to differ. Story
|
