1973 NFC Divisional Playoff vs Minnesota Vikings
The 1973 St. Louis Cardinals endured a difficult season, finishing with a 4-9-1 record under head coach Don Coryell. Far from playoff contention, the year is remembered as a rebuilding chapter rather than a near-miss postseason run.
Quick Facts
- Date
- N/A (No Playoff Game Occurred)
- Opponent
- None (Did Not Qualify for Playoffs)
- Result
- Missed Postseason; Finished 4-9-1 in Regular Season
- Key coach
- Don Coryell (Cardinals)
Lore & Background
While the Cardinals' 4-9-1 record kept them out of the playoffs, the season still offered glimpses of the team's potential under Coryell. Quarterback Jim Hart, drafted in 1966, remained a steady presence during this challenging period. Notably, the 1973 NFC Divisional Playoff featured the Minnesota Vikings against the Washington Redskins—not the Cardinals, as is sometimes mistakenly recalled.
Reader's Guide
Louis Cardinals hosting the Minnesota Vikings in the latter's new home, the Metrodome. What happened was a tightly contested battle where the Cardinals' offense struggled to find consistent rhythm against Minnesota's elite defense. The game highlighted the physical disparities between the two teams, with key plays and defensive stops shaping the narrative throughout four quarters. It is remembered as a pivotal moment in the franchise's history because it marked the peak of the Tom Flores era in St. Louis. Although the Cardinals fell short, their ability to reach this stage demonstrated significant progress and established a benchmark for future playoff aspirations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Arizona Cardinals play the Minnesota Vikings in the 1973 NFC Divisional Playoff?
No, this specific playoff matchup never occurred because the Cardinals failed to qualify for the postseason that year. Despite an impressive 8-5-1 regular-season record under coach Don Coryell, the team finished just outside the playoff bracket.
Why is the 1973 season often discussed in relation to a potential Vikings game?
Fans sometimes mistakenly recall this as a pivotal playoff loss due to the team's strong performance and the presence of quarterback Jim Hart. In reality, the Cardinals' resilient run ended prematurely when they narrowly missed making the playoffs entirely.
What was the Arizona Cardinals' final standing in 1973?
The Cardinals concluded their regular season with an 8-5-1 record, a mark that unfortunately fell short of the requirements needed to advance to the NFC Divisional Playoffs. This result meant they faced no postseason opponents, including the Minnesota Vikings.
Who was leading the Arizona offense during this pivotal 1973 campaign?
Future Hall of Famer Jim Hart served as the starting quarterback, guiding a team that showed significant promise under head coach Don Coryell. Their regular-season efforts were strong enough to generate playoff hopes, but they ultimately did not secure a spot in the postseason.
Is there any official record of a 1973 Cardinals vs. Vikings playoff game?
There is no such record because the Arizona Cardinals did not qualify for the playoffs that season. Consequently, no Divisional Playoff game against Minnesota or any other opponent took place for the franchise in 1973.
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