Banner Graphic, Volume 20, Number 121, Greencastle, Putnam County, 26 January 1990 — Page 8

THE BANNERGRAPHIC January 26,1990

49ers going for fourth Super Bowl of decade

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Both Super Bowl teams, the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos, made big changes during the last off-season. The 49ers changed coaches, George Seifert (left) moving from

Broncos changed more than 49ers in last year

NEW ORLEANS (AP) The 49ers’ coach is new. So are most of the Broncos’ defensive coaches. San Francisco uses running back Tom Rathman on more pass patterns. Denver uses two new running backs, Bobby Humphrey and Mel Bratton, almost all the time. OTHERWISE, THE NFL champion 49ers aren’t much different from the team that beat Cincinnati in last year’s Super Bowl. Otherwise, the Broncos are, well, vastly different from the team that lost the 1987 and 1988 Super Bowls. The NFC and AFC champions took divergent routes getting to Sunday’s game. With the rather large exception of George Seifert replacing Bill Walsh as head man, the 49ers haven’t done much more than tinker. THE BRONCOS revamped their defense and restructured the offense. “Last season, when we finished 8-8, what was more of a concern was how badly we lost four of those games,” Coach Dan Reeves said. “In previous years, we had been competitive even when we lost We were not competitive in those four games. “We evaluated the situation and knew we had to do everything we could to build it back up.” FIRST, REEVES MADE the toughest decision, firing defensive coordinator Joe Collier and most of his assistants. Then he hired Wade Phillips to install a simplified, more aggressive defense. “It was a very difficult thing to do, but a change that had to be

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defensive coordinator to head coach. The Broncos brought in Wade Phillips (right) as defensive coordinator and he put in a new and much improved defense. (AP wirephotos)

made,” Reeves said. Next, the Broncos aggressively used Plan B free agency, under which players not protected by their teams could look for employment elsewhere, and wound up with three key contributors in cornerback Wymon Henderson and defensive end Alphonso Carreker, both starters, and backup receiver Michael Young. “WE HAD NO idea with Plan B,” Reeves said. “We couldn’t prepare for it because we weren t sure about how it worked. But we always had been active in going after free agents and this was another avenue.” So, too, was the supplemental draft, through which the Broncos got Humphrey, who was coming off a career at Alabama cut short when he twice broke a bone in his left foot. “We felt Bobby was a No. 1 pick,” Reeves said. “Our doctors felt his foot would be OK. I didn’t think he’d last but I guess there was a lot of concern about his foot. “WHEN WE GOT him on the 17th pick, I wondered why others passed him up.” He needn’t have been concerned. Humphrey led all AFC rookies with 1,151 yards rushing. Bratton was taken in the seventh round of the regular draft The fullback missed a year after tearing up his knee in the 1988 Orange Bowl, in which Miami beat Oklahoma to win the national championship. Bratton didn’t sign with the Miami Dolphins, who had taken him in the 1988 draft, and it wasn’t until the 14th week of this season

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that he took over as the regular fullback. “IT’S A GREAT tribute to how hard he worked that Mel made it back,” Reeves said. Denver also traded down in the first round and, at No. 20, took Steve Atwater. “We gambled a little bit with that move, but it paid off because Steve still was available and we got a No. 2 and a No. 5 and those players made the team,” Reeves said. Atwater solidified the secondary with his work at free safety. Warren Powers and Darren Carrington were the others involved in that deal who will suit up Sunday. “IT WAS SOMETHING we had to do and that worked out for us,” Reeves said of all the moves. The main move in the Bay Area, of course, was Walsh’s retirement and Seifert being named as his replacement. Seifert had been defensive coordinator since 1983. “I don’t think we’ve had major changes in what we do,” Seifert said. “This is a 49ers team. There’s enough recognition to go around and it doesn’t have to be my team as such. We’re all involved in this.” AND THEY’RE involved in basically the same schemes that they used under Walsh. “Everyone is different in their approach,” Seifert said. “The approach used by Bill Walsh has to be considered one of the all-time best in recorded history. He put all this together. “Much of the things I believe in were shaped by Bill Walsh.”

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Broncos’ improved running game going against proven 49er defense

NEW ORLEANS (AP) Here is how the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos match up in Sunday’s Super Bowl: WHEN THE BRONCOS HAVE THE BALL Despite the multiple talents of quarterback John Elway (7), the Broncos are liable to attempt to establish the run. Bobby Humphrey (26), who gained 1,151 yards as a rookie, is likely to be the principal instrument, although he may be limited by cracked ribs sustained in the AFC championship game. If Humphrey is limited, his backup is the veteran Sammy Winder (23), who scored two touchdowns in the 37-21 win over Cleveland that got the Broncos to the Super Bowl. Melvin Bratton (32) is the shortyardage specialist he had two 1yard touchdown runs in the playoff win over Pittsburgh. But running may be a problem against a defense that was third in the NFL against the run and fourth overall. Nose tackle Michael Carter (95) is back after missing eight games with a foot injury and promises to be in top form. He will be spelled by two veterans, Pete Kugler (67) and Jim Burt (64) as the 49ers attempt to use three players to wear down center Keith Kartz (72) and guards Doug Widell (68) and Jim Juriga (66). Right end Kevin Fagan (75) and inside linebacker Matt Millen (54) are two of San Francisco’s best run-stop-pers, although Millen is vulnerable on pass coverage. If the running game fails, the Broncos will depend on Elway, who despite what was considered a sub-par season, set an NFL record by throwing for more than 3,000 yards and rushing for more than 200 for a fifth straight year. San Francisco’s aim will be to keep him in the pocket “The play doesn’t begin until Elway leaves the pocket,” says 49ers coach George Seifert. San Francisco’s best pass rushers are Charles Haley (94), the left outside linebacker and left end Pierce Holt (78) with Larry Roberts (91) replacing Fagan in some passing situations. The most vulnerable link in the San Francisco secondary is left cornerback Darryl Pollard (26) although Tim McKyer (22) has apparently recovered sufficiently from a groin pull to earn his old job back. Don Griffin (29) at right corner, didn’t make the Pro Bowl but deserved to; free safety Ronnie Lott (42) remains an All-Pro at 30 and strong safety Chet Brooks (31) has been outstanding filling in for the injured Jeff Fuller at strong safety. Vance Johnson (82) has been by far Denver’s best receiver this season, with 76 catches for 1,095 yards, almost triple the 28 catches of Mark Jackson (80), who was second as the “Three Amigos” dis-

NFL denies charge of drug coverup made by station

NEW ORLEANS (AP) The NFL wants names. Joe Montana and John Elway say theirs aren’t the ones. Montana and Elway, the opposing quarterbacks in Sunday’s Super Bowl, scrambled away from the shadow of suspicion Thursday after a Washington television station reported a league coverup of positive drug tests by three star quarterSAN FRANCISCO’S Montana, who held a press conference just over four years ago to deny rumors of drug use, dismissed the WJLA report. “I don’t know anything about it,” he said. “It doesn’t concern me. I don’t have a reaction. I know it’s not me. In today’s day and age, they’re looking for a guy on top to take him down.” Denver’s Elway said he wasn’t worried about any drug list that might surface as a result of the report. “I’m not going to be on it,” he said. THE NFL ANGRILY challenged the station to go further than the 14-minute segment it aired from consumer reporter Roberta Baskin. “Name names,” NFL spokesman Joe Browne said after the ABC affiliate claimed the NFL practiced “selective punishment,” with some

Champions Super Bowl Champions By The Associated Press 1989—San Francisco (NFC) 20, Cincinnati (AFC) 16 1988 —Washington (NFC) 42, Denver (AFC) 10 1987—N.Y. Giants (NFC) 39, Denver (AFC) 20 1986—Chicago (NFC) 46, New England (AFC) 10 1985—San Francisco (NFC) 38, Miami (AFC) 16 1984—LA. Raiders (AFC) 38, Washington (NFC) 9 . 1983—Washington (NFC) 27, Miami (AFC) 17 1982—San Francisco (NFC) 26, Cincinnati (AFC) 21 1981—Oakland (AFC) 27, Philadelphia (NFC) 10 1980—Pittsburgh (AFC) 31, Los Angeles (NFC) 19 1979—Pittsburgh (AFC) 35, Dallas (NFC) 31 1978—Dallas (NFC) 27, Denver (AFC) 10 1977—Oakland (AFC) 32, Minnesota (NFC) 14 1976—Pittsburgh (AFC) 21, Dallas (NFC) 17 1975—Pittsburgh (AFC) 16, Minnesota (NFC) 6 1974 —Miami (AFC) 24, Minnesota (NFC) 7 1973—Miami (AFC) 14, Washington (NFC) 7 1972—Dallas (NFC) 24, Miami (AFC) 3 1971-Baltimore (AFC) 16, Dallas (NFC) 13 1970—Kansas City (AFL) 23, Minnesota (NFL) 7 1969—N.Y. Jeu (AFL) 16, Baltimore (NFL) 7 1968—Green Bay (NFL) 33, Oakland (AFL) 14 1967 —Green Bay (NFL) 35, Kansas City (AFL) 10 solved. Denver doesn’t get much out of its tight ends, but Steve Sewell (30) has been a key thirddown receiver out of the backfield and Michael Young (83) had a 70yard TD catch and a 53-yard reception in the AFC title game, belying his reputation as a possession receiver. WHEN SAN FRANCISCO HAS THE BALL The 49ers have the NFL’s most diversified offense, revolving around Joe Montana (16), who at 33 had one of the best seasons of any quarterbacks in NFL history. While Jerry Rice (80) and John Taylor (82) are both threats to score any time they touch the ball, Montana can also dump the ball off to tailback Roger Craig (33), fullback Tom Rathman (44) or tight end Brent Jones (84). Both Rice and Taylor had over 1,000 yards receiving and Rathman, who had four catches in five years at Nebraska, caught 70 this season alone. Linebackers Simon Fletcher (73) and Karl Mecklenburg (77) and defensive end Ron Holmes (90) are the Broncos’ best pass rushers Fletcher had 12 sacks and Holmes had 9 in 9 games. Montana, however, is extremely difficult to sack because of his short drop, his quick release and his ability to improvise. Denver will probably rely on zones while safeties Steve Atwater (27) and Dennis Smith (49) are one of the game’s best tandems, cornerbacks Tyrone Braxton and Wymon Henderson (24) are both relatively slow. Craig is still San Francisco’s main rushing threat. He had 1,054 yards during the regular season and rushed for 120 and 94 yards in the 49ers’ two playoff games. Right tackle Harris Barton (79) is the best offensive lineman and one of three to play on all downs center Jesse Sapolu and left guard Guy McIntyre (62) are the others. At left tackle, 348-pound Bubba Paris plays the first and third quarter,

players disciplined while others are not “Where is the proof?” Browne asked. “If there are no names, there is no story.” THE STATION CLAIMED in its report that either the agents or the players involved confirmed that positive tests by the quarterbacks were ignored. “One said the NFL simply ... ‘forgot about it’ The second said he wasn’t told. And the third said he was ‘given a pass ... that a black defensive lineman might not have had.’ ” Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, preparing for his State of the Sport address on Friday, appeared on CBS’ “This Morning” and said, “The reports of preferential treatment are absurd. It’s a smear on every white quarterback in the league, including the two great ones in this game.” “I DON’T BELIEVE they have names,” Browne said. “I challenge them to put them on the air. If they name names, they have a better libel attorney than I thought they did.” Frank Herzog, the station’s sports director, said WJLA had decided not to release the names because of issues of confidentiality, a policy the league itself has followed in the past.

wearing opponents down, then gives way to Steve Wallace (74), who started last year. Bruce Collie (69) and Terry Tausch alternate at right guard. Mecklenburg, who for the first time in his career hasn’t been moved around, is the rock of the run defense as well as the pass and nose tackle Greg Kragen (71) had a Pro Bowl season. Alphonso Carreker (92) was a major addition at left defensive end. Left outside linebacker Michael Brooks (56) is excellent at forcing turnovers. SPECIAL TEAMS SAN FRANCISCO Taylor is always a threat on punt returns for San Francisco he broke one for 95 yards last season, but was kept off the kickoff return team to spare him for his regular duties. Terrence Flagler (32) and Spencer Tillman (23) shared that duty, each averaging about 20 yards per return. Punter Barry Helton (9) averaged just over 40 yards a punt and 31 yards net, but that figure is deceptive because he also kicked from the opponents’ side of the 50. Plackicker Mike Cofer (6) was 29 of 36 on field-goal attempts and made All-Pro, although he was rarely in game-deciding situations. He missed two field goals and an extra point in the playoff game against Minnesota, misses attributed to bad snaps by Chuck Thomas (60). DENVER : Ken Bell (35) is the principal return man for the Broncos he averaged 6.6 yards on 21 punt returns and 20.1 yards on 30 kickoff returns and is steadier than he is dangerous. Vance Johnson, used occasionally, is perhaps the most dangerous punt returner. Placekicker David Treadwell (9), in his first year, made 27 of 33 field goals missing only once in 25 attempts from 40 yards and in. Punter Mike Horan (2), the league’s leading kicker a year ago, slipped to an average of 40.4. MVP Super Bowl MVPs By The Associated Press 1967 Bart Starr, QB, Green Bay 1968 — Bart Starr, QB, Green Bay 1969 — Joe Namath, QB, N.Y. Jets 1970 Len Dawson, QB, Kansas City 1971 — Chuck Howley, LB, Dallas 1972 Roger Staubach, QB, Dallas 1973 Jake Scott, S, Miami 1974 Larry Csonka, RB, Miami * 1975 Franco Harris, RB, Pittsburgh » 1976 Lynn Swann, WR, Pittsburgh 1977 Fred Biletnikoff, WR, Oakland 1978 — Randy White, DT and Harvey Martin, DE, Dallas 1979 Terry Bradshaw, QB, Pittsburgh 1980 — Terry Bradshaw, QB, Pittsburgh 1981— Jim Plunkett, QB, Oakland 1982 Joe Montana, QB, San Francisco 1983 — John Riggins, RB, Washington 1984 Marcus Allen, RB, L.A. Raiders 1985 Joe Montana, QB, San Francisco 1986 Richard Dent, DE, Chicago 1987 — Phil Simms, QB, N.Y. Giants 1988— Doug Williams, QB, Washington 1989 — Jerry Rice, WR, San Francisco

Browne said the station’s material was supplied by a former employee of Dr. Forest Tennant, the league’s drug counselor, who sold a similar story to Sports Illustrated last summer. T; “IT HAS THE same misleading information and the same hajj truths and rumors that were sold by the same fired employee of Ds. Tennant,” Browne said. J* Baskin’s report quoted Gordqp Griffith, identifying him as “tljj right-hand of NFL drug czar DJ. Forest Tennant ... part of his inner circle ... until a payroll dispute ICH to his being fired in June 1988.” Griffith said, "The team trailer may say to the quarterback, ‘H%/ there is a test coming up no<t Tuesday. Watch yourself over ty weekend.’ The black defensive lineman is not told the same thing.” THAT RAISED THE issue ejf racism. Harry Edwards, a blajk socioligist who works as a consultant for San Francisco, derided the report. 2“What does that mean?” he zpked. “Was it a coverup? Was there anybody else? A linebacker? jA wide receiver? An advisor? It’s kind of a quagmire to pull out:a category and say on top of ji, ‘They’re all white.’ ”