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BRACKET CHALLENGE: Emlen Tunnell vs. Phil Simms

BRACKET CHALLENGE: Emlen Tunnell vs. Phil Simms

S Emlen Tunnell, 1949
Stats: 10 INT, 251 YDS, 2 TD; 1 PR TD
Known as "Offense on Defense," Tunnell grabbed a career-high 10 interceptions in 1949, two of which he returned for touchdowns. He had 251 returns yards, a Giants record that stood until 2012 when Stevie Brown had 307 (Dick Lynch tied Tunnell in 1963). Tunnell also returned 26 punts that season for 315 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown. Tunnell still ranks second all-time in league history with 79 interceptions.

Photos: S Emlen Tunnell

Emlen Tunnell, half back for the New York Giants, is shown in this 1951 photo. (AP Photo)
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Em Tunnell shown on 1964 in Iowa, was the spectacular safety man who gained more ground on defense than any offensive back or end. Emlen the Gremlin returned 38 punts 223 yards, 17 kickoffs 179 yards and six interceptions 117 yards, a total of 819 yards. He led the Giants is all three departments and broke his own league record of 34 when he brought back 38 punts. This latter figure is really a record of durability, because the slender Tunnell was smashed down in his tracks a dozen times but always came back for more. The amount of yardage he gained effectively answers fans who ask why he has the ball because of his tricky running and fantastic faking. He returned one kickoff 86 yards last season, never getting into top speed once. Em has made All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams the last several years. Tunnell was one of the big finds in football history ? the Giants signed him as a free agent. (AP Photo)
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Emlen Tunnell of the New York Giants poses for a photo at the Polo Grounds in New York on Oct. 14, 1952. (AP Photo)
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New York Giants' Emlen Tunnell, April 2, 1949. (AP Photo)
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(David Durochik via AP)
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QB Phil Simms, 1986
Stats: 259/468 PASS ATT, 3,487 YDS, 21 TD
Simms' 1986 season is best remembered for his almost flawless performance in leading the Giants to victory in Super Bowl XXI. He completed 22 of 25 passes – including all 10 of his throws in the second half – for 268 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in a 39-20 rout of the Denver Broncos. In one of the easiest votes in history, he was selected the game's Most Valuable Player.

Photos: QB Phil Simms

New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) sets to pass during the Giants 49 - 3 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the 1986 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on January 4, 1987 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
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NY Giants Phil Simms(11) plays in a game against the Philadelphia eagles during an NFL football game. Circa 1990 (Tom DiPace via AP)
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New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) looks to handoff during a 21 - 0 loss to the Chicago Bears in the 1985 NFC Divisional Playoff Game on Jan. 5, 1986 at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
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Green Bay Packers linebacker Tim Harris (97) chases New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms (11) during a 55 - 24 victory on Dec. 20, 1986, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
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New York Giants Phil Simms (11) during a game from his 1993 season with the New York Giants. Phil Simms played for 14 years, all with the Giants and was a 2-time Pro Bowler. (David Durochik via AP)
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