1973 NFC Championship

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.

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.