Willie Shelby's Kick Return Clinches Championship for 76 Bengals

Cincinnati fought back from the loser's bracket to win 5 straight and steal the championship form the 1991 Eagles. The Bengals' offense did nothing most of the game. Their first TD came at the close of the first half on a 19 yard scoring strike from Kenny Anderson (7-18-95) to Isaac Curtis (3-65-1) on a play which would have ended the half had it not been in the end zone. Cincy actually began that drive just intending torun out the clock to end the half and avoid a turnover. Ten plays and 80yards later they had a 10-6 lead.

Philly had ripped off a beautiful 14 play, 74 yard drive just prior to that (and folks you don't know how hard that was to do with these defenses). Unfortunately a 3rd and goal play from the 1 ended in a sackand the Eagles were forced to settle for a FG.

The second half was scoreless until a 40 yard FG by Roger Ruzek with4:10 to play moved the Eagles to within a point, 10-9. The Eagles coach was counting on his defense to stop the Bengals when he elected to kick the FG on 4th and 1. Since Cincy had only ten first downs all game the decision seemed quite logical. Philly didn't count on Wilie Shelby returning the ensuing kickoff 88 yards for the score and a 17-9 lead.

Four minutes remained and a TD and 2 point try would force an overtime.It was not to be. Philly made one first down then failed on a 4th and 2. Archie Griffin bolted off tackle for a 44 yard TD on the Bengals first play after the change of possession to make the final score a very unrepresentative 24-9. Philly's last possession ended with Jeff Kemp buried under Coy Bacon.

This was an ugly game and I was EXTREMELY fortunate to win it. Bill dominated TOP 38:37 to 21:23. The Eagles had 238 yards to 202 for Cincy.There were also 17 penalties, 9 against Philly. Each team turned theball over twice. I lucked out in the first game when Anderson completed 30+ yard TD pass with 2 secs to play and won this one on kick return.I have to give Bill credit as he was very gracious in defeat. Oh yea, I would also be remiss if I didn't mention that I was fortunate to face Jeff Kemp twice in these games instead of the better Jim McMahon.Finally, let's not forget Roy Green's premature celebration in the first game which changed a 70+ yard TD for Philly into a touchback for Cincy

-contributed by Wayne Poniewaz-