Hubbry Logo
1973–74 NFL playoffs1973–74 NFL playoffsMain
Open search
1973–74 NFL playoffs
Community hub
1973–74 NFL playoffs
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
1973–74 NFL playoffs
1973–74 NFL playoffs
1973–74 NFL playoffs
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The National Football League playoffs for the 1973 season began on December 22, 1973. The postseason tournament concluded with the Miami Dolphins defeating the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII, 24–7, on January 13, 1974, at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Key Information

Like the previous NFL seasons, the home teams in the playoffs were decided based on a yearly divisional rotation, excluding the wild card teams who would always play on the road.

This was the first NFL postseason in which none of the twelve "old guard" NFL teams played in the conference championship games.

Participants

[edit]

Within each conference, the three division winners and the non-division winner with the best overall regular season record of all remaining teams in the conference qualified for the playoffs. The NFL did not use a seeding system until the 1975 season, and instead home teams during the first two rounds of the playoffs alternated by division. Thus, it is possible that a team could host another club with a better regular season record. For the Super Bowl, the championship round was played at a neutral site, the designated home team was based on an annual rotation by conference.

Playoff participants
  AFC NFC
East winner Miami Dolphins Dallas Cowboys
Central winner Cincinnati Bengals Minnesota Vikings
West winner Oakland Raiders Los Angeles Rams
Wild card Pittsburgh Steelers Washington Redskins

Map of playoff teams

[edit]
AFC Teams NFC Teams

Bracket

[edit]
Note: Prior to the 1975 season, the home teams in the playoffs were decided based on a yearly rotation. Had the 1973 playoffs been seeded, the AFC divisional matchups would have been #3 Oakland at #2 Cincinnati and #4 wild card Pittsburgh at #1 Miami; the NFC matchups would not have changed, although #3 Dallas would have had to travel to #2 Los Angeles, and #1 Minnesota would have had home field for the NFC championship game.
Dec 22 – Metropolitan Stadium
WC Washington 20
Dec 30 – Texas Stadium
Cent. Minnesota 27
NFC
Cent. Minnesota 27
Dec 23 – Texas Stadium
East Dallas 10
NFC Championship
West Los Angeles 16
Jan 13 – Rice Stadium
East Dallas 27
Divisional playoffs
NFC Minnesota 7
Dec 22 – Oakland Coliseum
AFC Miami 24
Super Bowl VIII
WC Pittsburgh 14
Dec 30 – Miami Orange Bowl
West Oakland 33
AFC
West Oakland 10
Dec 23 – Miami Orange Bowl
East Miami 27
AFC Championship
Cent. Cincinnati 16
East Miami 34


This bracket

Schedule

[edit]

In the United States, NBC broadcast the AFC playoff games, while CBS televised the NFC games and Super Bowl VIII.

Away team Score Home team Date Kickoff
(ET / UTC–5)		 TV
Divisional playoffs
Washington Redskins 20–27 Minnesota Vikings December 22, 1973 1:00 p.m. CBS
Pittsburgh Steelers 14–33 Oakland Raiders December 22, 1973 4:00 p.m. NBC
Cincinnati Bengals 16–34 Miami Dolphins December 23, 1973 1:00 p.m. NBC
Los Angeles Rams 16–27 Dallas Cowboys December 23, 1973 4:00 p.m. CBS
Conference Championships
Minnesota Vikings 27–10 Dallas Cowboys December 30, 1973 1:00 p.m. CBS
Oakland Raiders 10–27 Miami Dolphins December 30, 1973 4:00 p.m. NBC
Super Bowl VIII
Rice Stadium, Houston, Texas
Minnesota Vikings 7–24 Miami Dolphins January 13, 1974 3:30 p.m. CBS

Divisional playoffs

[edit]

Saturday, December 22, 1973

[edit]

NFC: Minnesota Vikings 27, Washington Redskins 20

[edit]
Washington Redskins vs. Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 7 31020
Vikings 0 3 71727

at Metropolitan Stadium, Bloomington, Minnesota

Game information
  • Scoring
    • MIN – field goal Cox 19 MIN 3–0
    • WAS – L. Brown 3 run (Knight kick) WAS 7–3
    • MIN – B. Brown 2 run (Cox kick) MIN 10–7
    • WAS – field goal Knight 52 10–10
    • WAS – field goal Knight 42 WAS 13–10
    • MIN – Gilliam 28 pass from Tarkenton (Cox kick) MIN 17–13
    • MIN – Gilliam 6 pass from Tarkenton (Cox kick) MIN 24–13
    • WAS – Jefferson 28 pass from Kilmer (Knight kick) MIN 24–20
    • MIN – field goal Cox 30 MIN 27–20

Minnesota scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to overcome a 13–10 deficit, including two touchdowns in a span of 1:05.

Both offenses struggled in the first quarter. The Vikings were completely unable to move the ball, finishing the quarter without any first downs, while Washington kicker Curt Knight missed two field goal attempts. One miss was from 49 yards and the other from 17, spoiling an impressive drive that saw the Redskins drive from their own 14 to inside the Vikings 10-yard line.

Minnesota finally managed to get rolling in the second quarter, with a 50-yard completion from Tarkenton to running back Oscar Reed setting up Fred Cox's 19-yard field goal. But with 3:30 left in the half, Vikings cornerback Bobby Bryant fumbled a punt return that was recovered by Redskins running back Bob Brunet on the Minnesota 21-yard line. Billy Kilmer then completed a 17-yard pass to Charley Taylor before Larry Brown scored on a 3-yard touchdown run to give the Redskins a 7–3 lead. Minnesota responded with a drive into field goal range, but Mike Bass intercepted a pass from Tarkenton to maintain Washington's lead going into halftime.

The Vikings then took the opening kickoff of the second half and marched 79 yards, including a 46-yard run by Reed, to score on fullback Bill Brown's 2-yard rushing touchdown. To make matters worse for Washington, star cornerback Pat Fischer suffered cracked ribs on the drive and was replaced by Speedy Duncan, an 11-year veteran who normally only played as a kick returner. Still, the Redskins managed to take back the lead with Knight's two third quarter field goals, first tying a playoff record from 52 yards, and the second from 46 yards on the first play of the fourth quarter.[1]

Now facing a 13–10 fourth quarter deficit, the Vikings stormed back with two quick touchdowns. First they drove 71 yards in 8 plays to score on Tarkenton's pass to John Gilliam, who beat single coverage by Duncan for a 28-yard touchdown catch. Then on the first play of Washington's ensuing drive, Nate Wright intercepted a pass from Kilmer and returned it 26 yards to the Redskins 8-yard line, setting up a 6-yard touchdown pass from Tarkenton to Gilliam that made the score 24–13. With 5:28 left, Washington got back to within four points, getting good field position due to Ken Stone blocking a Vikings punt and converting it into Kilmer's 28-yard touchdown pass to Roy Jefferson. But the Vikings managed to burn up 4 minutes with their ensuing drive, finishing it off with a 30-yard Cox field goal that gave them a 27–20 lead. The Redskins had less than two minutes to drive for a tying touchdown, and ended up turning the ball over on downs at the Vikings 42-yard line.

Tarkenton completed 16/28 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns, with 1 interception. Reed had 17 carries for 95 yards and caught 4 passes for 76. Brown rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown, while also catching 2 passes for 13 yards.

“Sometimes they’re not concentrating on me,” said Oscar Reed, in reference to his big plays in the game. “Since early in the season they’ve been keying on Chuck Foreman. I’m not the world’s greatest pass catcher or runner, but given a little room, I’ll use what I’ve got.”[2]

This was the first postseason meeting between the Redskins and Vikings.[3]

AFC: Oakland Raiders 33, Pittsburgh Steelers 14

[edit]
See also: Raiders–Steelers rivalry
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 7 0714
Raiders 7 3 131033

at Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California

Game information
  • Scoring
    • OAK – Hubbard 1 run (Blanda kick) OAK 7–0
    • OAK – field goal Blanda 35 OAK 10–0
    • PIT – Pearson 4 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) OAK 10–7
    • OAK – field goal Blanda 31 OAK 13–7
    • OAK – field goal Blanda 22 OAK 16–7
    • OAK – W. Brown 54 interception return (Blanda kick) OAK 23–7
    • OAK – field goal Blanda 10 OAK 26–7
    • PIT – Lewis 26 pass from Bradshaw (Gerela kick) OAK 26–14
    • OAK – Hubbard 1 run (Blanda kick) OAK 33–14

The Raiders outgained Pittsburgh in total yards 361 to 223, forced three turnovers without losing any on their side, and scored 16 unanswered points in the second half to defeat the Steelers.

After forcing the Steelers to punt on the game's opening drive, Oakland drove 82 yards in 16 plays, including a 20-yard burst by running back Marv Hubbard, to go up 7–0 on Hubbard's 1-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, Pittsburgh drove into Raiders territory, only to lose the ball when Terry Bradshaw's pass was deflected by Otis Sistrunk into the arms of linebacker Phil Villapiano for an interception. A 21-yard completion from Ken Stabler to receiver Mike Siani on the ensuing drive set up a 25-yard field goal by George Blanda, increasing the Raiders lead to 10–0 with 8 minutes left in the half. The Steelers were forced to punt on their next drive, but their defense subsequently forced the Raiders to go three-and-out. Then safety Glen Edwards returned Ray Guy's 40-yard punt 20 yards to the Oakland 45-yard line. On the next play, Bradshaw completed a 24-yard pass to running back Preston Pearson. Bradshaw eventually threw an incomplete pass on third down, but a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty gave the Steelers a first down on the Oakland 7. Following a 3-yard running play, Bradshaw finished the drive with a 4-yard touchdown toss to Pearson, cutting the score to 10–7 going into halftime.

Oakland dominated the second half with 16 consecutive points. After Clarence Davis returned the second half kickoff 30 yards to the Raiders 32, a 15-yard roughing the passer penalty against Pittsburgh and a 17-yard completion from Stabler to Hubbard led to Blanda's 31-yard field goal. The Steelers had to punt on their next drive, and George Atkinson returned the ball 13 yards to the Oakland 43, sparking a drive that ended with another Blanda field goal that gave the Raiders a 16–7 lead. Pittsburgh seemed primed to respond when Frank Lewis caught a 17-yard reception that put them in Raiders territory, but on the next play, Willie Brown intercepted a pass from Bradshaw and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown. With the Steelers now facing a 23–7 deficit, the situation continued to unravel as Bradshaw was intercepted again on the next drive, this time by Atkinson, who returned it 8 yards to the Raiders 37. Oakland running back Charlie Smith then took off on a 40-yard run to the Steelers 22, setting up Blanda's third field goal that gave them a 26–7 lead.

With 9:12 left in the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh got one last chance to get back in the game as Bradshaw's 26-yard touchdown pass to Lewis cut the score to 26–14. But after a punt from each team, Oakland put the game away, mainly due to Hubbard, who rushed for gains of 16, 15, 9, and 2 yards before finishing the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, giving the Raiders a 33–14 lead with 14 seconds left on the clock.[4]

Stabler completed 14/17 passes for 142 yards. Hubbard rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching a 17-yard pass. Smith added 73 yards rushing and 10 yards receiving. Bradshaw was held to just 12/25 completions for 167 yards, with 2 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Future Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris was held to 29 yards on 10 carries.

This was the second postseason meeting between the Steelers and Raiders, with Pittsburgh winning last year's meeting.[3]

Sunday, December 23, 1973

[edit]

AFC: Miami Dolphins 34, Cincinnati Bengals 16

[edit]
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bengals 3 13 0016
Dolphins 14 7 10334

at Miami Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida

Game information
  • Scoring
    • MIA – Warfield 13 pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) MIA 7–0
    • CIN – field goal Muhlmann 24 MIA 7–3
    • MIA – Csonka 1 run (Yepremian kick) MIA 14–3
    • MIA – Morris 4 run (Yepremian kick) MIA 21–3
    • CIN – Craig 45 interception return (Muhlmann kick)MIA 21–10
    • CIN – field goal Muhlmann 46 MIA 21–13
    • CIN – field goal Muhlmann 10 MIA 21–16
    • MIA – Mandich 7 pass from Griese (Yepremian kick) MIA 28–16
    • MIA – field goal Yepremian 50 MIA 31–16
    • MIA – field goal Yepremian 46 MIA 34–16

The Dolphins outgained Cincinnati in total yards, 400–194, and first downs, 27–11, while also scoring on three of their first four possessions and shutting out the Bengals in the second half. The Dolphins racked up 241 yards on the ground, including 106 from Mercury Morris and 71 from Larry Csonka, while receiver Paul Warfield caught 5 passes for 95 yards and a score.

Miami dominated the game early on, scoring on their opening drive with Bob Griese's 13-yard touchdown pass to Warfield. Morris racked up 33 rushing yards on the way to Miami's next first quarter touchdown, a 1-yard run by Csonka. In the second quarter, faced with 3rd and 1 from his own 44, Griese completed a 48-yard bomb to Warfield that set up Morris' 4-yard touchdown run. Miami's three touchdowns came on drives of 80, 80, and 73 yards, while all Cincinnati could manage in the first 26 minutes of the contest was 24-yard field goal by Horst Muhlmann on their first drive of the game. Even that drive caused a major setback for the team, as running back Essex Johnson, the team's leading rusher during the season with 997 yards, suffered a game-ending injury after picking up 14 yards on his first carry.

Facing the prospect of going into their locker room with a 21–3 deficit, the Bengals suddenly stormed back with 13 points in the final 3:26 of the second quarter. First, defensive back Neal Craig intercepted Griese's pass intended for Jim Mandich near the sideline and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown. Then the Bengals defense forced a punt and got the ball back on their own 33 with less than two minutes left. It took nearly all of that time for the team to cross midfield, but quarterback Ken Anderson finally got them into scoring range with a 22-yard scramble to the Dolphins 38, where Muhlmann made a 46-yard field goal that cut the score to 21–13. Now with just 8 seconds left until halftime, Morris fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and Bengals linebacker Jim LeClair recovered on the Dolphins 3-yard line. On the next play, Muhlmann kicked a 12-yard field goal that sent both teams into their locker rooms with a score of 21–16.

However, Cincinnati's hope of a comeback was quickly crushed in the second half. On the third play of the third quarter, Anderson tried to connect on a deep pass to tight end Bob Trumpy, but it was intercepted by Dick Anderson, who returned the ball 19 yards to the Bengals 28. Seven plays later, Miami went up 28–16 with Griese's 7-yard touchdown pass to Mandich. Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian put the finishing touches on his team's victory with field goals from 50 and 46 yards.[5]

This was the first postseason meeting between the Bengals and Dolphins.[3]

NFC: Dallas Cowboys 27, Los Angeles Rams 16

[edit]
See also: Cowboys–Rams rivalry
Los Angeles Rams vs. Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Rams 0 6 01016
Cowboys 14 3 01027

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

Game information
  • Scoring
    • DAL – Hill 3 run (Fritsch kick) DAL 7–0
    • DAL – Pearson 4 pass from Staubach (Fritsch kick) DAL 14–0
    • DAL – field goal Fritsch 39 DAL 17–0
    • LA – field goal Ray 33 DAL 17–3
    • LA – field goal Ray 37 DAL 17–6
    • LA – field goal Ray 40 DAL 17–9
    • LA – Baker 5 run (Ray kick) DAL 17–16
    • DAL – Pearson 83 pass from Staubach (Fritsch kick) DAL 24–16
    • DAL – field goal Fritsch 12 DAL 27–16

The Cowboys avenged a 37–31 regular season loss to L.A. as two Rams turnovers in the first quarter gave the Cowboys a 14–0 lead. Lee Roy Jordan's interception of a John Hadl pass on the first play of the game led to Calvin Hill's 3-yard touchdown run. Mel Renfro then recovered a Lawrence McCutcheon fumble on the L.A. 35-yard line to set up the Cowboys again which later resulted in Roger Staubach's 4-yard touchdown pass to Drew Pearson.

In the second quarter, Toni Fritsch then added a 39-yard field goal to increase Dallas' lead to 17–0. However, a 40-yard reception by Rams receiver Harold Jackson set up David Ray's 33-yard field goal that made the score 17–3. Ray would miss three field goals throughout the game, but made two more to cut the score to 17–9 in the fourth quarter. Then Hill lost a fumble that L.A. converted into Tony Baker's 5-yard touchdown run, making the score 17–16 with 10 minutes left in regulation.

Ever since taking their 17–0 lead in the second quarter, the Cowboys had managed just four first downs and had not crossed midfield, as Staubach faced a relentless pass rush that sacked him seven times (2½ by Jack Youngblood, 2 by Merlin Olsen). But when faced with third down and long after an Olsen sack on the ensuing drive, Staubach threw a short pass over the middle to Drew Pearson, and as the Rams were about to stop Pearson for a short gain, defensive backs Dave Elmendorf and Steve Preece collided and fell, allowing Pearson to scamper untouched for an 83-yard touchdown that effectively clinched the game. Fritsch added another field goal for the 27–16 final.

This was the first postseason meeting between the Rams and Cowboys.[3]

Conference championships

[edit]

Sunday, December 30, 1973

[edit]

NFC: Minnesota Vikings 27, Dallas Cowboys 10

[edit]
See also: Cowboys–Vikings rivalry
Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Vikings 3 7 71027
Cowboys 0 0 10010

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

Game information
  • Scoring
    • MIN – field goal Cox 44 MIN 3–0
    • MIN – Foreman 5 run (Cox kick) MIN 10–0
    • DAL – Richards 63 punt return (Fritsch kick) MIN 10–7
    • MIN – Gilliam 54 pass from Tarkenton (Cox kick) MIN 17–7
    • DAL – field goal Fritsch 17 MIN 17–10
    • MIN – Bryant 63 interception return (Cox kick) MIN 24–10
    • MIN – field goal Cox 34 MIN 27–10

The Vikings forced 4 interceptions and recovered 2 fumbles in the second half while also holding Dallas to 152 total yards en route to a 27–10 victory over the Cowboys.

With the loss of running back Calvin Hill and defensive tackle Bob Lilly to injuries, Dallas' offense could not get anything going. Minnesota jumped to a 10–0 lead by halftime with a Fred Cox field goal and an 86-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard rushing touchdown by Chuck Foreman. The touchdown drive included Fran Tarkenton's completions to tight end Stu Voigt for gains of 16 and 7 yards, a 2-yard run by Foreman on 4th down and 1, and a 12-yard scramble by Tarkenton himself.

What followed would be an amazingly sloppy second half in which both teams combined for 10 turnovers. Three minutes into the third quarter, Dallas quarterback Roger Staubach threw an interception to Minnesota cornerback Bobby Bryant on the Vikings 2-yard line. But the Cowboys defense forced a punt and Golden Richards returned it 63 yards for a touchdown, cutting the score to 10–7. Tarkenton quickly struck back, throwing a 54-yard touchdown pass to John Gilliam, who managed to outrun single coverage by Cowboys future Hall of Fame defensive back Mel Renfro. Dallas responded with Toni Fritsch's 17-yard field goal which cut the lead to 17–10.

Then a wave of turnovers began. On the ensuing possession, Dallas got a huge opportunity to score when Charlie Waters forced a fumble from Foreman that safety Cliff Harris recovered on the Minnesota 37. However, the Vikings took the ball right back when Staubach threw a pass that was deflected into the arms of linebacker Jeff Siemon. An even better scoring chance awaited the Cowboys at the end of the Vikings' next drive, as Tarkenton threw an interception to Waters on the Minnesota 24. But Dallas fared no better this time, losing the ball again when Jim Marshall knocked it out of Staubach's hand as he wound up for a pass, and defensive lineman Gary Larsen recovered it. The offensive futility continued with Minnesota, as their next drive ended with a fumbled handoff exchange between Tarkenton and Foreman that Dallas lineman Larry Cole recovered on the Vikings 47-yard line.

A few plays later, Dallas faced 3rd and 3 with 9 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Staubach attempted a pass to Bob Hayes near the right sideline, but Bryant intercepted the pass and raced 63 yards for a touchdown that put the Vikings up 24–10. Then on Dallas' next drive, Staubach tried to connect with Drew Pearson, but a devastating hit by Nate Wright caused the ball to bounce off his hands and into the arms of Jeff Wright, who returned the ball 13 yards to set up Cox's 34-yard game clinching field goal.[6]

Both teams combined for a net total of just 163 passing yards. Tarkenton completed only 10/21 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown with one interception, while also rushing for 16 yards. Staubach had one of the worst postseason performances of his career, completing just 10/21 passes for 89 yards and throwing 4 interceptions, though he did rush for 30 yards. Foreman was the top offensive performer of the day with 76 rushing yards and 4 receptions for 28, while fullback Oscar Reed added 18 carries for 75 yards and an 8-yard catch.

This was the second postseason meeting between the Vikings and Cowboys, with Dallas winning the only previous meeting.[3]

AFC: Miami Dolphins 27, Oakland Raiders 10

[edit]
See also: Dolphins–Raiders rivalry
Oakland Raiders vs. Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 0 10010
Dolphins 7 7 31027

at Miami Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida

Game information
  • Scoring
    • MIA – Csonka 11 run (Yepremian kick) MIA 7–0
    • MIA – Csonka 2 run (Yepremian kick) MIA 14–0
    • OAK – field goal Blanda 21 MIA 14–3
    • MIA – field goal Yepremian 42 MIA 17–3
    • OAK – Siani 25 pass from Stabler (Blanda kick) MIA 17–10
    • MIA – field goal Yepremian 26 MIA 20–10
    • MIA – Csonka 2 run (Yepremian kick) MIA 27–10

Miami threw only six passes during the game, completing just 3 for 34 yards, but gained 266 rushing yards (more than Oakland's total yards for the game) on 53 carries. Fullback Larry Csonka led the Dolphins to a victory with 117 rushing yards and an AFC playoff record 3 rushing touchdowns.

Miami scored on an opening 64-yard drive when quarterback Bob Griese's 27-yard run set up Csonka's 11-yard rushing touchdown. Csonka scored again late in the second quarter at the end of a 63-yard drive that took more than 8 minutes off the clock, finishing it with a 2-yard touchdown run to make the score 14–0 with 14 seconds left in the half.[7]

Oakland managed to get on the board in the third quarter with a 21-yard George Blanda field goal, but this was quickly countered with a 42-yard Garo Yepremian field goal set up by Charlie Leigh's 53-yard kickoff return. Oakland then drove 78 yards and scored on Ken Stabler's 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Siani, cutting the lead to 17–10. In the fourth quarter, after Griese's 17-yard run on a QB draw set up Yepremian's 26-yard field goal, the Raiders were faced with fourth down and inches on the Dolphins 42 and were forced to "go for it". But running back Marv Hubbard fumbled the ball while trying to get through the line. The ball bounced into the hands of Stabler, who was tackled for a loss by defensive back Dick Anderson, and the Dolphins used their running game to take time off the clock and set up Csonka's third touchdown to clinch the game.

This was the second postseason meeting between the Raiders and Dolphins, with Oakland winning the only previous meeting.[3]

Super Bowl VIII: Miami Dolphins 24, Minnesota Vikings 7

[edit]
Further information: Super Bowl VIII
Super Bowl VIII – Minnesota Vikings vs. Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Vikings (NFC) 0 0 077
Dolphins (AFC) 14 3 7024

at Rice Stadium, Houston, Texas

This was the first Super Bowl meeting between the Vikings and Dolphins.[3]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

1973–74 NFL playoffs

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 1973–74 NFL playoffs were the postseason championship tournament following the 1973 () regular season, featuring eight teams in a single-elimination format across the (AFC) and (NFC) to determine the league's champion. The tournament began with four divisional playoff games on December 22–23, 1973, followed by conference championships on December 30, 1973, and concluded with on January 13, 1974, at Rice Stadium in , . The , the division winners with a 12–2 regular-season record, advanced through the playoffs undefeated to defeat the NFC Central champion 24–7 in the , securing their second consecutive NFL title. The playoff field included the three division winners and one wild-card team from each conference, reflecting the NFL's expanded postseason format introduced in 1970. In the AFC, the division winners were the Miami Dolphins (12–2), Cincinnati Bengals (10–4), and Oakland Raiders (9–4–1), with the Pittsburgh Steelers (10–4) earning the wild card as the top non-division winner. The NFC qualifiers consisted of the Minnesota Vikings (12–2), Los Angeles Rams (12–2), and Dallas Cowboys (10–4) as division winners, joined by the wild-card Washington Redskins (10–4). Key divisional round matchups highlighted defensive prowess and offensive dominance: the edged the 27–20 in a back-and-forth contest marked by one interception; the Raiders routed the Steelers 33–14 behind strong rushing; the Dolphins overwhelmed the Bengals 34–16, outgaining them 400–194 in total yards; and the defeated the 27–16 in a defensive battle. The conference championships saw the Dolphins dismantle the Raiders 27–10, limiting Oakland to just 236 total yards, while the Vikings shut down the Cowboys 27–10, forcing six turnovers (four interceptions and two fumbles), holding Dallas to 153 total yards, rolling up 203 rushing yards, and sealing the win with Bobby Bryant's 63-yard fourth-quarter pick-six. In , the Dolphins' ground game proved decisive, with Larry earning MVP honors for his 145 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 33 carries, as controlled the ball for over 40 minutes and held the Vikings to 238 total yards. This victory not only capped 's successful campaign under coach but also underscored the era's emphasis on run-heavy offenses and stout defenses, with the Dolphins allowing the fewest points in the league during the regular season (150 total). The playoffs exemplified the competitive balance of the 1973 season, where seven of the eight teams finished with at least 10 wins, setting the stage for a dynasty-like run by the Dolphins.

Background

1973 NFL Season Context

The 1973 NFL season featured a 14-game regular season schedule for all 26 teams, a structure that had been in place since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger fully integrated the former American Football League franchises into the league's American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC), fostering heightened competition between established NFL clubs and the newcomers. This integration continued to reshape rivalries and talent distribution, with former AFL teams like the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders emerging as perennial contenders alongside NFC stalwarts. League-wide developments included the opening of several new venues that modernized facilities and boosted fan attendance, such as the ' move to Rich Stadium in . The season underscored an era of defensive dominance, with teams holding opponents to an average of 19.5 points per game league-wide, a trend driven by physical play from defensive backs that influenced the NFL's decision to enact the "Mel Blount Rule" in the 1974 offseason, limiting contact beyond five yards downfield to promote passing. Standout narratives centered on the ' bid to repeat as champions after their undefeated campaign, finishing 12-2 behind a suffocating defense that surrendered a league-low 149 points. Complementing their ground attack, fullback powered through for 1,003 rushing yards on 219 carries, embodying the team's relentless, ball-control philosophy. In the NFC, the Minnesota mirrored this success with a 12-2 mark, propelled by the ferocious "" defensive line of , , Jim Marshall, and , who combined for 23 sacks and limited foes to 12.0 points per game. Quarterback led the ' aerial assault, passing for 2,113 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 202 rushing yards, highlighting his dual-threat prowess. The broader landscape reflected a democratized league, where post-merger expansion teams and upstart franchises challenged the old guard, contributing to unpredictable outcomes and setting the stage for an expanded playoff field that had included wild-card berths since .

Playoff Format and Rules

The 1973–74 NFL playoffs operated under the format established following the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, which expanded the postseason to eight teams: three division winners and one wild card team from each of the two conferences ( and ). This structure aimed to increase competitiveness and television revenue by including a strong non-division winner, replacing the prior system of only division champions advancing. Qualification for the playoffs required teams to either win one of the three divisions per or secure card spot as the non-division winner with the best regular-season in that . Unlike later formats, there was no formal seeding based on overall records until ; instead, home-field advantage in the divisional round rotated annually among the conference's divisions to balance opportunities (for example, in the AFC, the East Division might host one year, followed by the Central the next). The wild card team typically faced the division winner from the designated rotating division in the divisional round, while the other two division winners played each other. The tournament followed a single-elimination structure with three rounds per conference. In the divisional round, the four qualified teams played two games, with winners advancing to the conference championship game against the remaining division winner (often the one with the best record, though not strictly enforced by seeding). The conference champions then met in at a predetermined neutral site selected by the league, typically in a warm-weather city to maximize attendance and viewership. All games except the were hosted at the home stadium of the designated division winner based on the rotation system. Broadcast rights were divided by conference, with televising all AFC playoff games and handling NFC games; the alternated networks annually between and during this era. Tiebreakers for determining division winners and the wild card spot followed a sequential process when teams finished with identical records. The primary criteria included head-to-head results between the tied teams, followed by winning percentage in divisional games, conference record, and, if necessary, point differential in head-to-head matchups or strength of schedule based on opponents' winning percentages. For instance, conference record served as a key step for wild card ties, as seen in cases like the 1971 AFC wild card resolution between and . This system simplified earlier complexities, such as coin flips used pre-1970, but still required multiple steps in close races.

Participating Teams

AFC Qualifiers

The four teams that qualified for the playoffs from the (AFC) were the division winners from the East, Central, and West along with one wild card team, as per the league's format introduced in that expanded the postseason to include the non-division winner with the best regular-season record. The secured the title with a 12–2 regular-season record, finishing two games ahead of the 9–5 . Undefeated at home with a 7–0 mark, the Dolphins scored 343 points—second in the —while allowing a league-low 150 points, showcasing a balanced offense and elite defense under head coach . As the division winner with the AFC's best record, Miami earned the top playoff position and hosted a divisional-round game under the league's rotational hosting system for division winners. The claimed the AFC Central Division crown with a 10–4 record, tying the but prevailing via a superior 8–3 conference record compared to Pittsburgh's 7–4. Quarterback Ken Anderson led the team through the air, completing 179 of 329 passes for 2,428 yards and 18 touchdowns, helping Cincinnati outscore opponents by 55 points overall. The Bengals clinched their division spot with key victories, including a 34–17 win over the in Week 13, though Cleveland finished at 7–5–2 and was not a direct threat for the title. This marked Cincinnati's second Central Division championship in franchise history, earning them a home playoff game in the divisional round per the rotation. In the AFC West, the Oakland Raiders finished 9–4–1 to win the division by two games over the 7–5–2 Kansas City Chiefs, despite tying for the conference's weakest winning percentage among division champions. The Raiders boasted a robust rushing attack, amassing 2,510 yards on the ground (fourth in the NFL), paced by running back Marv Hubbard's 903 yards and six touchdowns on 193 carries. Under head coach John Madden, Oakland's balanced squad scored 292 points and qualified directly as division winners, hosting a divisional playoff game as part of the annual rotation that assigned home dates to all three conference division champions. The Pittsburgh Steelers earned the AFC's sole wild card berth with a 10–4 record, the best among non-division winners after finishing second in the Central Division. Their defense, beginning to coalesce as the "Steel Curtain," allowed just 210 points (eighth in the league) and led the NFL with 37 interceptions, anchored by linemen Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Dwight White, and Ernie Holmes. As the wild card, Pittsburgh was required to play away in the divisional round, traveling to face one of the division winners under the playoff rules.

NFC Qualifiers

The four teams that qualified for the playoffs from the (NFC) in the 1973 season were the , Minnesota Vikings, , and Washington Redskins, each securing a spot through division victory or the wild card berth under the league's expanded 10-team playoff format. This structure prioritized the three division winners while granting one wild card to the non-division winner with the best record, determined by tiebreakers if necessary. The claimed the title with a 10–4 regular-season record, edging out on tiebreakers after both teams finished tied. Led by , who passed for 2,428 yards and 23 touchdowns while directing a balanced offense that scored 382 points, the Cowboys demonstrated versatility on both sides of the ball, allowing just 203 points. Their path to the division crown involved splitting the season series with Washington (a 7–14 loss on October 8 and a 27–7 victory on December 9), resulting in identical 1–1 head-to-head and 6–2 division records, as well as 9–3 conference marks; the decisive factor was the Cowboys' superior point differential in their head-to-head matchups (+13 to ' –13). In the NFC Central, the Minnesota dominated with a 12–2 record, securing the division outright by winning all six divisional games and posting a 10–1 conference mark. Their defense was the league's stingiest, surrendering only 168 points while forcing 36 turnovers, including 21 interceptions, which anchored a unit that limited opponents to 3,868 total yards. The also boasted an undefeated 7–0 home record at , contributing to their status as the conference's top seed. The captured the with a 12–2 record, going 6–0 in division play and 10–2 against conference foes, while outscoring opponents 388–178. Quarterback guided the passing attack with 2,008 yards and 22 touchdowns, complemented by a robust defense that allowed the fewest rushing yards in the NFC. The clinched the division decisively, sweeping their key rivals including the (40–20 and 31–13 victories), ensuring no tiebreaker was required despite the 49ers' struggles at 2–11–1. The Washington Redskins earned the NFC's sole wild card spot with their 10–4 record, the best among non-division winners, after falling short in the East tiebreaker to . Under veteran Jurgensen's leadership—despite his injury-limited season of 904 yards and six touchdowns—the Redskins mounted a potent offense that scored 325 points and a defense that permitted just 198, third-fewest in the conference. Their 6–2 division and 9–3 conference records positioned them ahead of other contenders like the (6–7–1) and (5–9), with no further tiebreakers needed for wild card selection.
TeamDivisionRecordDivision RecordConference RecordPoints For/Against
East10–46–29–3382/203
Minnesota VikingsCentral12–26–010–1296/168
[Los Angeles Rams](/page/Los Angeles_Rams)West12–26–010–2388/178
Washington RedskinsEast (Wild Card)10–46–29–3325/198

Tournament Structure

Playoff Bracket

The 1973–74 NFL playoffs followed a format with no byes, featuring four teams per in the divisional round, advancing winners to conference championships, and culminating in between the AFC and NFC champions. The bracket was structured separately for each , with matchups determined by a rotational system among division winners rather than seeding by record, ensuring the wild-card team always played on the road. In the AFC, the divisional round pitted the wild-card against the West Division champion , while the East Division champion hosted the Central Division champion ; the winners advanced to the , hosted by the East Division representative. In the NFC, the wild-card Washington Redskins faced the Central Division champion Minnesota Vikings, and the West Division champion traveled to the East Division champion , with victors proceeding to the at the East Division site (). This rotation dictated hosting: for instance, hosted despite the Raiders' .692 winning percentage trailing the Steelers' .714, as the AFC West was assigned to host the wild card that year, independent of regular-season performance. Similarly, the NFC Central hosted the wild card, while the East hosted the West. The overall advancement paths emphasized cross-division confrontations in the divisional round to balance competition, with conference finals rotating hosting duties annually among divisions to promote fairness post-merger. , introduced in 1970 as the best non-division-winning team per conference, were always road teams under this system.

Text-Based Bracket Diagram

AFC Divisional Round | NFC Divisional Round [Pittsburgh Steelers](/page/Pittsburgh_Steelers) (Wild Card) @ [Oakland Raiders](/page/Oakland_Raiders) (West) | Washington Redskins (Wild Card) @ Minnesota Vikings (Central) [Cincinnati Bengals](/page/Cincinnati_Bengals) (Central) @ [Miami Dolphins](/page/Miami_Dolphins) (East) | [Los Angeles Rams](/page/Los_Angeles_Rams) (West) @ Dallas Cowboys (East) | | AFC Championship: Winner vs. Winner | NFC Championship: Winner vs. Winner [Super Bowl VIII](/page/Super_Bowl_VIII): AFC Champion vs. NFC Champion

AFC Divisional Round | NFC Divisional Round [Pittsburgh Steelers](/page/Pittsburgh_Steelers) (Wild Card) @ [Oakland Raiders](/page/Oakland_Raiders) (West) | Washington Redskins (Wild Card) @ Minnesota Vikings (Central) [Cincinnati Bengals](/page/Cincinnati_Bengals) (Central) @ [Miami Dolphins](/page/Miami_Dolphins) (East) | [Los Angeles Rams](/page/Los_Angeles_Rams) (West) @ Dallas Cowboys (East) | | AFC Championship: Winner vs. Winner | NFC Championship: Winner vs. Winner [Super Bowl VIII](/page/Super_Bowl_VIII): AFC Champion vs. NFC Champion

This diagram illustrates the parallel conference structures, with arrows representing advancement paths from divisional winners to finals and the Super Bowl.

Schedule and Venues

The 1973–74 NFL playoffs consisted of eight teams competing in a single-elimination tournament, with games hosted by the higher-seeded teams in each conference. The divisional round featured two games on December 22, 1973, and two on December 23, 1973, all scheduled to avoid conflicts with national broadcasts. The conference championships followed on December 30, 1973, and Super Bowl VIII was held on January 13, 1974. NBC televised all AFC playoff games, while CBS handled the NFC playoff games and the Super Bowl.
DateGameKickoff (EST)VenueLocationCapacityAttendanceNotable Conditions
December 22, 1973 at (AFC Divisional)4:00 p.m.Oakland–Alameda County ColiseumOakland, CA~54,00050,09450°F, 92% humidity, 11 mph wind
December 22, 1973Washington Redskins at Minnesota Vikings (NFC Divisional)1:00 p.m.Bloomington, MN~48,00045,47519°F, 71% humidity, 11 mph wind ( 7°F)
December 23, 1973 at (AFC Divisional)1:00 p.m., FL~80,00074,65155°F, 60% humidity, 8 mph wind (Note: attendance verified via team records)
December 23, 1973 at (NFC Divisional)4:00 p.m.Irving, TX~65,00063,27256°F, 81% humidity, 15 mph wind
December 30, 1973 at (AFC Championship)1:00 p.m., FL~80,00079,32574°F, 74% humidity, 8 mph wind (Note: attendance verified via team records)
December 30, 1973Minnesota Vikings at (NFC Championship)4:00 p.m.Irving, TX~65,00059,68848°F, 61% humidity, 13 mph wind
January 13, 1974Minnesota Vikings vs. ()3:30 p.m.Rice StadiumHouston, TX~70,00071,88247°F, 81% humidity, 7 mph wind; neutral site selected as part of NFL's rotation favoring warmer climates for the AFC's turn
The venues were primarily home stadiums for the seeded teams, with capacities reflecting expansions in the early to accommodate growing fan interest. Cold weather notably impacted the game on December 22, contributing to challenging field conditions despite heating efforts. marked Rice Stadium's only hosting of the event, chosen for its central location and mild winter climate. Broadcasts drew significant viewership, with the peaking at over 50 million U.S. households.

Divisional Round

Oakland Raiders 33, Pittsburgh Steelers 14

The AFC divisional playoff game between the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers took place on December 22, 1973, at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California, drawing an attendance of 51,110 in sunny and cool weather. The Raiders, seeking revenge for their controversial 13–7 loss to the Steelers in the previous year's divisional round via the "Immaculate Reception," dominated en route to a 33–14 victory, advancing to the AFC Championship Game against the Miami Dolphins. Oakland struck first in the opening quarter with a 10-play, 60-yard drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by running back Marv Hubbard, giving the Raiders a 7–0 lead after George Blanda's extra point. In the second quarter, the Raiders extended their advantage to 10–0 on a 25-yard field goal by Blanda following a 21-yard completion from quarterback Ken Stabler to wide receiver Mike Siani. Pittsburgh responded late in the half with an 80-yard drive, culminated by a 4-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Terry Bradshaw to tight end Barry Pearson, narrowing the deficit to 10–7 at halftime. The third quarter proved pivotal, as Blanda connected on field goals from 31 and 22 yards to push the lead to 16–7. The momentum shifted decisively when Raiders Willie Brown intercepted a Bradshaw pass at midfield and returned it 54 yards for a , increasing Oakland's advantage to 23–7 and setting a playoff record for interception return yardage at the time. Entering the fourth quarter, Blanda added a 10-yard to make it 26–7, capping a drive aided by an interception from Raiders safety George Atkinson. The Steelers mounted a brief comeback, marching 73 yards for a 26-yard pass from Bradshaw to Frank Lewis, closing the gap to 26–14 with 7:18 remaining. However, Oakland responded with a 67-yard drive, sealed by Hubbard's second 1-yard run, finalizing the score at 33–14 and effectively ending Pittsburgh's hopes. Statistically, the Raiders outgained the Steelers 361–223 in total offense, including a commanding 232–65 edge in rushing yards on 55 carries compared to Pittsburgh's 20. Oakland also held a 24–15 advantage in first downs and committed zero turnovers, while the Steelers surrendered three interceptions—all by Bradshaw—which proved costly. Stabler excelled in efficiency, completing 14 of 17 passes for 142 yards without an interception, while Hubbard rushed for 91 yards and both touchdowns. Blanda was perfect on kicks, converting 4 of 4 field goals and 3 of 3 extra points. For Pittsburgh, Bradshaw went 12 of 25 for 167 yards and two touchdowns but was undermined by the turnovers; running back Franco Harris managed 10 carries for 29 yards. The victory marked a strong statement from the Raiders, who set playoff records with 55 rushing attempts and 24 first downs.

Minnesota Vikings 27, Washington Redskins 20

The Minnesota hosted the Washington Redskins in the NFC Divisional Round playoff game on December 22, 1973, at in , as the top-seeded NFC Central champions faced the wild-card Redskins in a matchup of defensive-minded teams. The contest, played under frigid conditions with temperatures at 19°F and winds of 11 mph contributing to a of 7°F, featured a gritty, low-scoring affair dominated by run defenses and opportunistic plays, with the Vikings rallying in the fourth quarter for a 27–20 victory to advance to the NFC Championship. This win highlighted the ' home-field advantage in playoff games, where they had previously excelled in cold-weather environments. The game remained tight throughout, with neither team leading by more than seven points at any stage. In the second quarter, Vikings kicker Fred Cox opened the scoring with a 19-yard field goal to make it 3–0, but Redskins running back Larry Brown responded with a 3-yard touchdown run, giving Washington a 7–3 halftime lead. The third quarter saw the Vikings tie the score on Bill Brown's 2-yard touchdown plunge, followed by a 52-yard field goal from Redskins kicker Curt Knight to knot it at 10–10 entering the final period. Washington briefly regained the lead at 13–10 on Knight's 42-yard field goal early in the fourth, but Minnesota's offense ignited: quarterback Fran Tarkenton connected with wide receiver John Gilliam for touchdown passes of 28 yards and then 6 yards, extending the Vikings' lead to 24–13. The Redskins mounted a late comeback when quarterback Billy Kilmer hit Roy Jefferson for a 28-yard touchdown pass, narrowing the gap to 24–20 with under two minutes remaining, but Cox sealed the win with a 30-yard field goal as time expired after a Vikings drive consumed the clock. Defensive play defined the matchup, as both teams committed two turnovers each, including s that shifted —Nate Wright's 26-yard return, which helped set up the ' offense in the fourth quarter. The cold weather notably hampered passing efficiency, with incomplete throws affected by numb hands and slippery footing on the grass field, which had been dyed green for television visibility. Statistically, the Vikings held a slight edge in total offense with 359 yards (141 rushing, 218 passing) compared to Washington's 314 yards (155 rushing, 159 passing), while first downs were nearly even at 17 for and 18 for . Tarkenton completed 16 of 28 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns, while Kilmer went 13 of 24 for 159 yards and one score; on the ground, led all rushers with 115 yards on 29 carries despite rib injuries. Attendance at the 47,900-seat stadium reached 45,475, reflecting strong local support for the Vikings' postseason push despite the harsh weather. This victory not only eliminated the Redskins but underscored the Vikings' resilience in high-stakes, weather-challenged games, setting up their next matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.

Miami Dolphins 34, Cincinnati Bengals 16

The hosted the in the AFC Divisional Round on December 23, 1973, at the in Miami, , before a crowd of 74,651 spectators. Under mild weather conditions of 55°F with light winds, the Dolphins leveraged their balanced attack to secure a 34-16 victory, advancing toward another appearance in the . This matchup marked the Bengals' first playoff game since their 1970 divisional loss to the , highlighting Cincinnati's relative inexperience on the postseason stage despite a strong 10-4 regular-season record in the AFC Central. The Dolphins jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter when Bob Griese connected with Paul Warfield on a 13-yard pass, putting Miami ahead 7-0. The Bengals responded with a 24-yard by kicker Horst Muhlmann to narrow the gap to 7-3, but fullback Larry Csonka powered in from 1 yard out on the next drive, extending the advantage to 14-3 at the end of the period. In the second quarter, Mercury Morris added a 4-yard run, ballooning the lead to 21-3 midway through the frame and showcasing Miami's ground dominance. However, Bengals Neal Craig intercepted Griese and returned it 45 yards for a , followed by Muhlmann's s of 46 and 12 yards, allowing Cincinnati to close within 21-16 at halftime. Miami reasserted control after the break, as Griese found Jim Mandich for a 7-yard pass early in the third quarter, restoring an 11-point cushion at 28-16. Kicker then drilled a 50-yard later in the , pushing the score to 31-16 and effectively stifling any Bengals momentum. The Dolphins added insurance in the fourth quarter with Yepremian's 46-yard , sealing the win without allowing Cincinnati to threaten further. The Bengals managed three scores in the second quarter but were shut out offensively for the remainder, underscoring their struggles against Miami's disciplined defense. Offensively, the Dolphins amassed 400 total yards compared to the Bengals' 194, with a commanding 241-97 edge in rushing yards that exemplified coach Don Shula's emphasis on ball control and efficiency. generated 27 first downs to 's 11, while committing three turnovers (all interceptions) against the Bengals' single lost. The Dolphins' front line pressured Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson into three sacks for a loss of 22 yards, limiting his effectiveness and contributing to 's inability to sustain drives. Griese completed 11 of 18 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns with one interception, efficiently distributing to key targets like Warfield (four receptions, 95 yards, one touchdown). On the ground, Morris led with 106 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries, complemented by Csonka's 71 yards and a score on 20 attempts, while added 37 yards on eight carries. For , Anderson went 14-for-27 for 113 yards with one interception and no touchdowns, as the team relied on short gains from running back Boobie Clark (40 yards on seven carries) but failed to score offensively. This lopsided performance extended 's streak of postseason success following their undefeated campaign.

Dallas Cowboys 27, Los Angeles Rams 16

The hosted the in the NFC Divisional Round on December 23, 1973, at in , defeating them 27–16 in a game defined by early turnovers and a resilient defensive effort that propelled Dallas to the conference championship. The matchup avenged a 37–31 regular-season loss to the Rams earlier that year, with the Cowboys capitalizing on Los Angeles's mistakes to build an insurmountable lead despite a late rally from the visitors. The game began disastrously for the Rams, as quarterback Roman Gabriel's first pass of the contest was intercepted by linebacker Lee Roy Jordan at midfield, setting up a 3-yard touchdown run by Calvin Hill that gave Dallas a 7–0 lead just three minutes in. On Los Angeles's next possession, running back Lawrence McCutcheon fumbled after a short gain, and the ball was recovered by Cowboys safety Charlie Waters, who returned it 29 yards for a touchdown, extending the advantage to 14–0 and forcing Gabriel out of the game with an injury. Backup John Hadl entered and completed 7 of 23 passes for 133 yards and one interception, but the Rams' offense managed only 226 total yards against Dallas's "Doomsday Defense," which sacked Hadl five times and limited star receiver Harold Jackson to one catch for 40 yards. A high-scoring first half saw the Cowboys add a 39-yard by for a 17–0 lead, while the responded with two s from David Ray (33 and 37 yards) to trail 17–6 at halftime. In the second half, mounted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 17–16 on Ray's 40-yard and a 5-yard run by Tony Baker, but the Cowboys' defense forced a crucial to halt the momentum. , under heavy pressure with seven sacks, completed 8 of 16 passes for 180 yards and two s, including an 83-yard strike to Drew Pearson that pushed the lead to 24–16 and sealed the outcome with under five minutes remaining. Fritsch added a 12-yard in the closing moments for the final margin. Statistically, the Cowboys outgained the 342–226 in total yards, with rushing for 97 yards on 25 carries to anchor the ground game, while forced three turnovers compared to their own two. The game drew 63,272 fans to , highlighting the intense rivalry in a postseason context where the entered as the champions with a 12–2 record. The ' victory advanced them to face the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC , underscoring how their opportunistic defense turned early chaos into playoff success.

Conference Championships

Miami Dolphins 27, Oakland Raiders 10

The Miami Dolphins defeated the Oakland Raiders 27–10 in the AFC Championship Game on December 30, 1973, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, advancing to their third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. The Dolphins' rushing attack dominated, amassing 266 yards on 53 carries, with running back Larry Csonka earning game MVP honors for his 117 yards and three touchdowns on 29 attempts. Miami built a 14–0 halftime lead with Csonka's 11-yard touchdown run in the first quarter and a 2-yard score in the second, controlling possession and limiting the Raiders to 107 rushing yards. Oakland responded in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 17–10 with a 21-yard by and a 25-yard pass from to Mike Siani, but Miami pulled away with a 42-yard by and another 2-yard Csonka run in the fourth quarter following a Raiders fumble. The Dolphins' defense held Oakland to 236 total yards, forcing one and capitalizing on penalties, while Bob completed just 3 of 6 passes for 34 yards, relying heavily on the ground game. Both teams committed one turnover. Statistically, Miami outgained Oakland 300 yards to 236, with Csonka's performance underscoring the Dolphins' run-heavy strategy under coach . Stabler finished 15-for-23 for 129 yards, one , and one interception, while the Raiders' rushing was led by Marv Hubbard's 54 yards on 10 carries. The game drew an attendance of 79,325 under mild conditions of 74°F with 8 mph winds. This victory extended Miami's to 18 games and set up their undefeated season finale in .

Minnesota Vikings 27, Dallas Cowboys 10

The Vikings defeated the 27–10 in the on December 30, 1973, at in , securing their first conference title since the 1970 season. The Vikings' defense dominated early, limiting the Cowboys to just 153 total yards while forcing six turnovers, including four interceptions of quarterback . built a 10–0 halftime lead with a 44-yard by kicker in the first quarter and a 5-yard rushing by in the second, showcasing the Vikings' balanced attack led by quarterback . The Cowboys briefly narrowed the gap in the third quarter with a 63-yard punt return by , but responded swiftly with a 54-yard pass from Tarkenton to wide receiver , extending the lead to 17–7 before added a 17-yard by to make it 17–10. Key defensive plays sealed the victory for the in the fourth quarter, as Bobby intercepted a Staubach pass and returned it 63 yards for a , pushing the score to 24–10. Cox later added a 34-yard to finalize the 27–10 win, with Bryant's two interceptions highlighting 's secondary strength. Staubach struggled throughout, completing only 10 of 21 passes for 89 yards and throwing four interceptions, while the capitalized on their opportunities despite committing four turnovers themselves. The game featured no late dramatics akin to the Cowboys' famous "Hail Mary" pass two years later in 1975, instead underscoring 's opportunistic defense. The defense recorded three sacks on Staubach. Statistically, the Vikings outgained Dallas 306 yards to 153, with Foreman leading the rush for 76 yards and his on 19 carries. Tarkenton went 10-for-21 for 133 yards, one , and one . The game drew an attendance of 59,688 under mild conditions of 48°F with 13 mph winds. This matchup served as a rematch of the 1971 NFC Divisional playoff, where Dallas had defeated Minnesota 20–12 at . The advanced to after overcoming the Washington Redskins 27–20 in their divisional-round victory.

Super Bowl VIII

Game Overview

Super Bowl VIII pitted the defending champion Miami Dolphins of the American Football Conference (AFC) against the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football Conference (NFC) on January 13, 1974, at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas, a neutral site selected for its modern facilities. The Dolphins entered with a 12-2 regular-season record, having advanced by defeating the Oakland Raiders 27-10 in the AFC Championship Game, while the 12-2 Vikings, making their third Super Bowl appearance following losses in Super Bowls IV and V, had upset the Dallas Cowboys 27-10 in the NFC Championship. The halftime entertainment featured the University of Texas Longhorn Band performing a "Musical America" theme, accompanied by violinist Judy Mallett, Miss Texas 1973. Attendance reached 71,882 under overcast skies with temperatures around 50°F (10°C) and light fog. The game unfolded as a one-sided affair dominated by Miami's ground attack, with no lead changes after the opening score. In the first quarter, the Dolphins marched 62 yards in 10 plays, capped by a 5-yard run, followed by a 56-yard drive ending in a 1-yard plunge to lead 14-0. Miami extended the advantage to 17-0 in the second quarter with a 28-yard after a Vikings fumble at their own 6-yard line set up favorable field position. The third quarter saw another Dolphins on a 2-yard run, pushing the score to 24-0, while Minnesota managed just 72 rushing yards on 24 attempts against Miami's stout defense. The avoided a in the fourth quarter with a 4-yard run but failed to mount a serious comeback. Statistically, outgained 259 total yards to 238, including a decisive 196-72 edge in rushing yards, and held a 21-14 advantage in first downs. Notable moments included a 65-yard kickoff return by 's to open the second half, nullified by a clipping penalty that limited the gain, and an interception of in the fourth that halted a potential rally. The ' control was evident in their 53 rushing attempts to 's 24, emphasizing their no-huddle, run-heavy strategy under coach . With the 24-7 victory, the Dolphins repeated as champions, becoming the first team to win consecutive titles since the in s I and II following the 1966 and 1967 seasons—the first such repeat in the era. This marked Miami's second straight championship and solidified their status as a dynasty in the early .

Key Performances and Legacy

Larry Csonka's dominant rushing performances defined the ' playoff run, culminating in his selection as MVP after gaining 145 yards on 33 carries with two touchdowns against the . Throughout the postseason, Csonka amassed 333 rushing yards and six touchdowns over three games, including 117 yards and a playoff-record three scores in the AFC Championship against the . In contrast, threw for 537 yards with three touchdowns across the NFC playoffs but faced challenges in , completing 18 of 28 passes for 182 yards and one interception while the defense limited to just 72 rushing yards. The Dolphins' triumph capped their second consecutive Super Bowl victory under coach following a 12-2 regular season, which solidified their status as a dynasty of the early . For the Vikings, the loss marked their third NFC Championship appearance in five seasons but extended their Super Bowl futility to 0-3 overall, fueling decades of frustration despite the strength of their "" defense. Super Bowl VIII exemplified the era's emphasis on run-heavy offenses, with Miami totaling 196 rushing yards and controlling the ground game to wear down opponents. The broadcast on drew an estimated 51.7 million viewers, reflecting the growing national popularity of the in the post-merger landscape. The finals' matchup between two expansion-era franchises—the 1966 Dolphins and 1961 —highlighted the league's evolving balance, as traditional pre-merger powerhouses from the original were absent from the championship for the first time since the 1970 merger.

References

  1. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1973/index.htm
  2. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197401130mia.htm
  3. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/mia/1973.htm
  4. https://www.nfl.com/standings/division/1973/reg
  5. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312300dal.htm
  6. https://www.profootballhof.com/football-history/football-history/1960-1979/1973/
  7. https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/game-changers-46
  8. https://www.nfl.com/100/originals/100-greatest/teams-28
  9. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1973/rushing.htm
  10. https://www.vikings.com/news/longform/purple-identity-formed-50-years-ago-offers-vikings-a-blueprint
  11. https://www.profootballhof.com/news/2018/01/news-history-of-the-wild-card/
  12. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1973/
  13. https://static.www.nfl.com/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2022/2022_NFL_Record_and_Fact_Book.pdf
  14. https://profootballresearchers.com/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/26-04-1038.pdf
  15. https://www.profootballreference.com/years/1973/
  16. https://www.profootballreference.com/teams/mia/1973.htm
  17. https://www.steelers.com/news/asked-and-answered-march-31
  18. https://www.profootballreference.com/teams/cin/1973.htm
  19. https://www.bengals.com/history/years/1973
  20. https://www.profootballreference.com/teams/rai/1973.htm
  21. https://www.profootballreference.com/teams/pit/1973.htm
  22. https://www.nfl.com/standings/tie-breaking-procedures
  23. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/dal/1973.htm
  24. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/StauRo00.htm
  25. https://www.nytimes.com/1973/12/09/archives/teams-in-n-f-l-contention-face-tiebreaker-contortions.html
  26. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312090dal.htm
  27. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/1973.htm
  28. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/ram/1973.htm
  29. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/sfo/1973.htm
  30. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/was/1973.htm
  31. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JurgSo00.htm
  32. https://www.retroseasons.com/leagues/nfl/1973/playoffs/
  33. https://archive.506sports.com/wiki/1973_NFL_Season
  34. https://media.eagles.1rmg.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/28145729/1973.pdf
  35. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312220rai.htm
  36. https://fs64sports.blogspot.com/2015/12/1973-vikings-defeat-redskins-in-nfc.html
  37. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312220min.htm
  38. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312230mia.htm
  39. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312230dal.htm
  40. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197312300mia.htm
  41. https://profootballarchives.com/nflboxscores1/1973nfl188.html
  42. https://hoffco-inc.com/sb/gms/08-sb.html
  43. https://www.nytimes.com/1973/12/23/archives/steelers-crushed-3314-stabler-brown-star-uphill-for-raiders.html
  44. https://www.steelers.com/news/raiders-get-payback-in-1973-playoffs-3648203
  45. https://www.raiders.com/news/raiders-overcome-steelers-in-1973-playoffs-988623
  46. https://www.nytimes.com/1973/12/23/archives/tarkenton-passes-defeat-redskins-by-27-to-20-vikings-beat-redskins.html
  47. https://profootballarchives.com/playoffteams/1973nflcin.html
  48. https://www.dallascowboys.com/news/no-longer-rivals-cowboys-once-battled-rams-regularly-in-the-playoffs-442001
  49. https://www.profootballreference.com/boxscores/197312300dal.htm
  50. https://nflfootballjournal.blogspot.com/2022/01/turnovers-and-title.html
  51. https://www.si.com/nfl/year-by-year-list-of-super-bowl-halftime-show-performers
  52. https://www.footballdb.com/games/boxscore/minnesota-vikings-vs-miami-dolphins-1974011301
  53. https://www.nfl.com/news/super-bowl-50-marks-landmark-occasion-for-nfl-s-biggest-stage-0ap3000000465802
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.