I love this game for those moments, and years after it's release I am still seeing great games and classic moments play out.
In that OTHER game I always feel in order to be challenged the difficulty needs to be cranked, but that leads to what drives me crazy, the "super computer", the "trapped in the script", and the "if it's in the game, it's not in this game" moments that cost me money(broken paddle). Ha paddle, now I revealed my age. Anyway, I NEVER feel cheated playing this game, and I always take forever to play a game because I'm constantly watching and saving replays. It's just top notch.
Last week I played a season game, week 7 I believe it was, against the Rhinos. For whatever reason, no actually I know the reason...Gale Sayers. I got my rear handed to me after beginning the season 5-1 and playing 4 very close games. Gale went wild on me to the tune of 241 yards rushing, 115 yards receiving, and 3 tds. I went into this game #2 in rush defense and my squad prides themselves on shutting down legend running backs. Through 6 weeks I was yet to give up a 100 yard rushing performance.
Through 3 quarters, down 34-13, my focus shifted to trying to at least keep the score respectable. Then, sweet momentum swung my way. My lockdown corner Darrell Green(known for his stone hands) tipped a Troy Aikman pass intended for Henry Ellard. The ball ended up in the hands of Terry Supernaw who proceeded to take it to the house for a 77 yard score. 34-20.
Next Rhinos possession, 3 and out and time to...yes, return a punt 62 yards for a TD(Darrell Green returns punts too). 34-27.
Rhinos with the ball back, and driving, decide to get cute. Aikman on play action fools the defense and rolls to his right. As he sets his feet to launch the ball deep a blitzing Leroy Butler strips him of the ball. Two lineman dive and come up empty, followed by a diving Dick Butkus who comes up with his 4th fumble recovery of the season. 8 plays later Walter Payton shows off his goal line dive from the 2 yard line, touchdown!!!! 34-34.
The defense on the Rhinos next drive went into a bend but don't break mode and survived a time consuming drive that resulted in a Rhinos chip shot field goal. 37-34. Down 3 with 1:43 on the clock.
Only needing a field goal to tie I felt confident I could get into range to at least send this game into overtime. Well, I did one better. Led by Fran Tarkenton's scrambling, my offense found themselves once again at the Rhino's 2 yard line. Now with 17 seconds on the clock, 1 timeout, and a fresh set of downs I had my sights set on putting Payton over the pile for the win. I called a strong iso run, or maybe Walter called it, I don't recall, but as he took the ball time stood still and the entire game flashed before me. I couldn't believe I was going to pull off this comeback, and as my legend tail back left his feet I must have had a huge s%#t eating grin on my face. The joy faded quickly as Dan Hampton met Walter mid air with the force of a mack truck and jarred the ball loose, which was recovered by the Rhinos. I almost cried as I sat there helpless while they kneeled down to secure the victory, but.......I loved every darn minute of it.