1973 NFC Championship vs Dallas Cowboys

Lore & Background

The narrative of this game is often overshadowed by the Vikings' subsequent Super Bowl appearances in 1974 and 1977, but it remains the franchise's second NFC Championship Game since the 1970 merger. The loss highlighted the intense rivalry between Minnesota and Dallas during the 1970s, a period where these two teams frequently met in high-stakes games. For Vikings fans, this match serves as a poignant reminder of how close they came to glory before the 'Purple People Eaters' defense would eventually carry them to New Orleans.

In Their Own Story

The cold December wind whipped across the frozen turf of Metropolitan Stadium, carrying the cheers of a desperate home crowd. Fran Tarkenton stood in the huddle, his breath visible in the frigid air, staring down the legendary Cowboys defense. The stadium lights hummed overhead, illuminating a scene that felt like destiny itself—until the first defensive stop by Dallas shattered the illusion. Every snap was a battle, every yard hard-fought, but as the clock ticked down, the realization settled over Bloomington: this year, the Vikings would not be going to Miami.

Reader's Guide

The game began with high intensity as both defenses looked to stifle the opposing offenses early on. The Cowboys struck first, capitalizing on a turnover to score their opening points, setting a tone that Minnesota struggled to overcome throughout the contest. Fran Tarkenton fought valiantly against a Dallas defense led by Randy White and Lee Roy Garrett, but he was unable to sustain long drives or find his receivers in open space consistently. The Vikings managed to score two touchdowns, keeping hope alive briefly, yet the Cowboys' offense, orchestrated by Roger Staubach, proved too efficient. The climax saw Dallas extend their lead with a crucial field goal and a late touchdown that sealed the fate of the game. Despite a heroic effort from the 'Purple People Eaters' on defense, they could not generate enough stops to keep the Vikings in contention. This match remains in fan memory as a heartbreaking near-miss that defined the early 70s rivalry.

Did You Know?

• This was the second time the Minnesota Vikings reached an NFC Championship Game since the 1970 merger, following their appearance in the 1970 NFC Championship Game (a loss to the San Francisco 49ers on January 3, 1971).
• Fran Tarkenton threw for over 200 yards but also committed key turnovers that shifted momentum to Dallas.
• The Cowboys' victory avenged a loss to the Vikings earlier in the regular season, highlighting the fierce rivalry.
• Metropolitan Stadium was the final home venue for this specific championship game before the team moved to the Metrodome.

A Historic Regular Season Run

The 1973 campaign was the Minnesota Vikings' thirteenth NFL season and a sharp rebound from a middling seven-win record. The team opened with a striking nine-game winning streak, briefly sparking talks of matching Miami's perfect run from the prior year. Though they later stumbled against Atlanta and Cincinnati, their grit surfaced in a tight 10–9 win over Los Angeles. The Vikings clinched the NFC Central with a 12–2 record, positioning themselves for the playoffs. Human moments defined the year too, like Week 11 in Chicago, named 'Karl Kassulke Day' to honor a paralyzed former safety who watched from his wheelchair.

The Divisional Playoff Comeback

In the NFC Divisional Playoff against the Washington Redskins, the Vikings overcame significant adversity to secure a 27–20 victory at home. The first half was a struggle for Minnesota's offense, which failed to record a single first down until the second quarter, while Washington capitalized on a fumbled punt return to take an early lead. Despite trailing 13–10 entering the fourth quarter due to two field goals by Redskins kicker Curt Knight, the Vikings mounted a furious comeback. They scored two touchdowns within a span of just over one minute to reclaim control. Quarterback Fran Tarkenton orchestrated the rally with precision, completing passes for touchdowns to John Gilliam and capitalizing on an interception return by Nate Wright. The game concluded after Minnesota burned four minutes off the clock following a Washington touchdown, sealing the win with a final field goal as Washington failed to score in their last possession.

Dominance Over the Cowboys

The NFC Championship Game in Irving, Texas, saw the Vikings upset the heavily favored Dallas Cowboys with a commanding 27–10 victory. Key injuries to Dallas stars Calvin Hill and Bob Lilly further hampered their offensive capabilities. Minnesota established an early rhythm, jumping to a 10–0 halftime lead thanks to a field goal by Fred Cox and an 86-yard touchdown drive capped by a Chuck Foreman run. Although the Cowboys briefly threatened with a 63-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter, Tarkenton immediately answered with a spectacular 54-yard strike to John Gilliam. The Vikings' ability to exploit turnovers and execute long drives proved decisive in their march toward Super Bowl VIII.

The Road to Super Bowl VIII

After that Dallas matchup, the Vikings headed to Super Bowl VIII at Rice Stadium in Houston to face defending champion Miami. Entering with a 12–2 record and two straight playoff wins, Minnesota still fell 24–7. That result dashed hopes of becoming just the second team to post an unblemished season in NFL history. Led by quarterback Fran Tarkenton, alongside key players like running back Oscar Reed and receiver John Gilliam, the roster showed real toughness all year long. From their start against unbeaten foes to a fourth-quarter rally past Washington, this group made its mark on franchise lore even without lifting the ultimate trophy.