1973 NFC Championship
A dominant defensive performance propels the Vikings to a decisive victory and a trip to Super Bowl VIII.
The 1973 NFC Championship Game stands as a monumental, albeit heartbreaking, chapter in Minnesota Vikings history. Played on December 23, 1973, at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, this contest pitted the Vikings against the Dallas Cowboys for the right to advance to Super Bowl VIII. It was the culmination of a season where the Vikings dominated the NFC Central division, showcasing the team's defensive prowess and offensive potential under head coach Bud Grant.
- Result
- Win (27-10)
- MVP
- Fran Tarkenton (Vikings)
Lore & Background
The 1973 NFC Championship Game was a triumphant showcase of the Minnesota Vikings' defensive dominance and offensive efficiency. Played on December 23, 1973, at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington, the Vikings overwhelmed the Dallas Cowboys 27-10 to secure their spot in Super Bowl VIII. Led by quarterback Fran Tarkenton's precise passing and a relentless defense that stifled the Cowboys' attack, Minnesota controlled the game from start to finish. The victory was a testament to the team's balance and resilience under head coach Bud Grant, dispelling any notion of offensive struggles.
In Their Own Story
The biting December wind whipped across the frozen gridiron of Metropolitan Stadium, carrying with it the hopes of thousands of purple-clad fans. The air was thick with anticipation as the Vikings lined up for one last drive, needing just a few more yards to force overtime or score the winning points. But as the quarterback dropped back, the Dallas defense surged forward like a tidal wave, collapsing the pocket and forcing a fumble that would never be recovered.
Reader's Guide
In 1973, the Minnesota Vikings secured their spot in the NFC Championship by dominating the regular season and defeating the Atlanta Falcons in the divisional round. The championship game itself was a hard-fought battle against the Dallas Cowboys on December 23rd at Metropolitan Stadium. The Vikings took an early lead, but the Cowboys fought back with precision passing from Roger Staubach. Despite the legendary 'Purple People Eaters' limiting Dallas's running game significantly, the Vikings could not convert critical third downs or capitalize on scoring opportunities in the red zone. The contest ended with a final score of 24-14 in favor of Dallas, marking another missed opportunity for the Vikings to reach the Super Bowl. This loss remains a poignant reminder of how close the franchise came to ultimate glory during the Bud Grant era.
Did You Know?
- This was the first of two NFC Championship meetings between the Vikings and Cowboys in the 1970s; they also met in the 1975 NFC Championship (played January 4, 1976), which the Cowboys won.
- The Vikings' defense held the Cowboys to just 10 points, forcing three turnovers and sacking Roger Staubach multiple times.
- Metropolitan Stadium, the site of this historic victory, would be replaced by the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome just a few years later.