Wikipedia

1992–93 NFL playoffs

TheNational Football League playoffsfor the1992 seasonbegan on January 2, 1993. The postseason tournament concluded with theDallas Cowboysdefeating theBuffalo BillsinSuper Bowl XXVII,52–17, on January 31, at theRose BowlinPasadena, California.

1992–93 NFL playoffs
DatesJanuary 2–31, 1993
Season1992
Teams12
Games played11
Super Bowl XXVIIsite
Defending championsWashington Redskins
ChampionsDallas Cowboys
Runners-upBuffalo Bills
Conference
runners-up
NFL playoffs
←1991–92 1993–94→

Participants

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Within each conference, the three division winners and the threenon-division winners with the best overall regular season recordsqualified for the playoffs. The three division winners wereseeded1–3 based on the overall won-lost-tied record, and the three wild card teams were seeded 4–6. The NFL did not use a fixed bracket playoff system, and there were no restrictions regarding teams from the same division matching up in any round. In the first round, dubbed thewild-card playoffsorwild-card weekend,the third-seeded division winner hosted the sixth seed wild card, and the fourth seed hosted the fifth. The 1 and 2 seeds from each conference received afirst-round bye.In the second round, thedivisional playoffs,the number 1 seed hosted the worst-remaining seed from the first round (seed 4, 5, or 6), while the number 2 seed played the other team (seed 3, 4, or 5). The two winning teams from each conference's divisional playoff games then meet in the respective AFC and NFC Conference Championship games, hosted by the higher seed. Although theSuper Bowl,the championship round of the playoffs, was played at a neutral site, the designated home team was based on an annual rotation by conference.

Playoff seeds
Seed AFC NFC
1 Pittsburgh Steelers(Centralwinner) San Francisco 49ers(Westwinner)
2 Miami Dolphins(Eastwinner) Dallas Cowboys(Eastwinner)
3 San Diego Chargers(Westwinner) Minnesota Vikings(Centralwinner)
4 Buffalo Bills(wild card) New Orleans Saints(wild card)
5 Houston Oilers(wild card) Philadelphia Eagles(wild card)
6 Kansas City Chiefs(wild card) Washington Redskins(wild card)


Bracket

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Jan 3–Rich Stadium Jan 9 –Three Rivers Stadium
5 Houston 38
4 Buffalo 24
4 Buffalo 41* Jan 17 – Joe Robbie Stadium
1 Pittsburgh 3
AFC
Jan 2 –Jack Murphy Stadium 4 Buffalo 29
Jan 10 –Joe Robbie Stadium
2 Miami 10
6 Kansas City 0 AFC Championship
3 San Diego 0
3 San Diego 17 Jan 31 –Rose Bowl
2 Miami 31
Wild Card playoffs
Divisional playoffs
Jan 3 –Louisiana Superdome A4 Buffalo 17
Jan 10 –Texas Stadium
N2 Dallas 52
5 Philadelphia 36 Super Bowl XXVII
5 Philadelphia 10
4 New Orleans 20 Jan 17 – Candlestick Park
2 Dallas 34
NFC
Jan 2 –Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 2 Dallas 30
Jan 9 –Candlestick Park
1 San Francisco 20
6 Washington 24 NFC Championship
6 Washington 13
3 Minnesota 7
1 San Francisco 20


* Indicatesovertimevictory.

This box:

Schedule

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In the United States,ABCbroadcast the first two Wild Card playoff games.CBSthen televised the rest of theNFCgames.NBCbroadcast the rest of theAFCplayoff games andSuper Bowl XXVII.

Away team Score Home team Date Kickoff
(ET/UTC–5)		 TV
Wild Card playoffs
Washington Redskins 24–7 Minnesota Vikings January 2, 1993 12:30 p.m. ABC
Kansas City Chiefs 0–17 San Diego Chargers January 2, 1993 4:00 p.m. ABC
Houston Oilers 38–41(OT) Buffalo Bills January 3, 1993 12:30 p.m. NBC
Philadelphia Eagles 36–20 New Orleans Saints January 3, 1993 4:00 p.m. CBS
Divisional playoffs
Buffalo Bills 24–3 Pittsburgh Steelers January 9, 1993 12:30 p.m. NBC
Washington Redskins 13–20 San Francisco 49ers January 9, 1993 4:00 p.m. CBS
Philadelphia Eagles 10–34 Dallas Cowboys January 10, 1993 12:30 p.m. CBS
San Diego Chargers 0–31 Miami Dolphins January 10, 1993 4:00 p.m. NBC
Conference Championships
Buffalo Bills 29–10 Miami Dolphins January 17, 1993 12:30 p.m. NBC
Dallas Cowboys 30–20 San Francisco 49ers January 17, 1993 4:00 p.m. CBS
Super Bowl XXVII
Rose Bowl,Pasadena, California
Buffalo Bills 17–52 Dallas Cowboys January 31, 1993 6:00 p.m. NBC

Wild Card playoffs

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Saturday, January 2, 1993

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NFC: Washington Redskins 24, Minnesota Vikings 7

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Washington Redskins vs. Minnesota Vikings – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 14 7024
Vikings 7 0 007

atHubert H. Humphrey Metrodome,Minneapolis,Minnesota

Game information
  • Scoring
    • MIN – Allen 1 run (Reveiz kick)MIN 7–0
    • WAS – field goal Lohmiller 44MIN 7–3
    • WAS – Byner 3 run (Lohmiller kick)WAS 10–7
    • WAS – Mitchell 8 run (Lohmiller kick)WAS 17–7
    • WAS – Clark 24 pass from Rypien (Lohmiller kick)WAS 24–7

Although Minnesota scored on their opening drive of the game, they were quickly crushed by the Redskins, who massively outgained them in total yards 358–148, rushing yards 162–75, and time of possession 42:43 to 17:17. Vikings quarterbackSean Salisburywas held to just six of 20 completions, intercepted twice, and sacked four times (three by defensive endFred Stokes).

The Vikings scored first on a 74-yard opening drive, featuring a 42-yard completion from Salisbury toCris Carter,that ended withTerry Allen's 1-yard touchdown run. However, Washington controlled the game from that point on. RedskinsMartin Mayhew's 44-yard interception return set up their first score onChip Lohmiller's 44-yard field goal with 53 seconds left in the first quarter. Then less than five minutes into the second quarter, Redskins safetyBrad Edwardspicked off a pass from Salisbury and returned it six yards to the Vikings 33, and Washington cashed in on this turnover withEarnest Byner's 3-yard rushing touchdown, giving them a 10–7 lead.[1]

Late in the second quarter, the Redskins faced fourth down and 4 at the Minnesota 44-yard line. Running backBrian Mitchellrushed for 38 yards on a fake punt to give the team a first down, and later finished the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run. QuarterbackMark Rypien's 24-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverGary Clarkin the third quarter closed out the scoring.

Mitchell, who had only 24 career rushing attempts coming into this game, led the Redskins with 109 rushing yards and 100 total yards on receptions and punt/kickoff returns.

This was the fifth postseason meeting between the Redskins and Vikings. Both teams have split the previous four meetings.[2]

AFC: San Diego Chargers 17, Kansas City Chiefs 0

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See also:Chargers–Chiefs rivalry
Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 0 0 000
Chargers 0 0 10717

atJack Murphy Stadium,San Diego,California

Game information
  • Scoring
    • SD – Butts 54 run (Carney kick)SD 7–0
    • SD – field goal Carney 34SD 10–0
    • SD – Hendrickson 5 run (Carney kick)SD 17–0

San Diego entered this game as the first NFL team ever to make the playoffs after starting the season 0–4, and went on to shut out the Chiefs, outgaining them in total yards 342–251 and rushing yards 192–61. Kansas City never moved the ball farther than the Chargers 34-yard line. This was San Diego's first playoff win since the 1982 season.

The game remained scoreless until 5:53 remained in the third quarter when the Chargers faced second and 2. On the next play, running backMarion Buttstook a pitch, ran through a large hole in the right side of the line, evaded a tackle attempt from safetyCharles Mincy,and outraced the rest of the defense for a 54-yard rushing touchdown.[3]

Leslie O'Nealintercepted a pass fromDave Kriegat the Chiefs 26-yard line on Kansas City's next drive to set up kickerJohn Carney's 34-yard field goal. In the final quarter the Chargers put the game away with a 90-yard drive, featuring a 44-yard completion fromStan HumphriestoAnthony Miller(Miller fumbled at the end, but it was recovered by running backRonnie Harmon,who gained an additional 11 yards). LinebackerSteve Hendrickson,who lined up as a running back, finished the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run.[4]

In addition to his interception, O'Neal also had two sacks. Chargers defensive endsShawn LeeandBurt Grossmanalso had 4.5 sacks between them (two for Lee, 2.5 for Grossman). Butts finished the game with 119 rushing yards and a touchdown on just 15 carries, along with two receptions for 17 yards. Humphries threw for 199 yards without any interceptions.

This was the first postseason meeting between the Chiefs and Chargers.[2]

Sunday, January 3, 1993

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AFC: Buffalo Bills 41, Houston Oilers 38 (OT)

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Further information:The Comeback (American football)
See also:Bills–Titans rivalry
Houston Oilers vs. Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Oilers 7 21 73038
Bills 3 0 287341

atRich Stadium,Orchard Park, New York

Game information
  • Scoring
    • HOU – Jeffires 3 pass from Moon (Del Greco kick)HOU 7–0
    • BUF – field goal Christie 36HOU 7–3
    • HOU – Slaughter 7 pass from Moon (Del Greco kick)HOU 14–3
    • HOU – Duncan 26 pass from Moon (Del Greco kick)HOU 21–3
    • HOU – Jeffires 27 pass from Moon (Del Greco kick)HOU 28–3
    • HOU – McDowell 58 interception return (Del Greco kick)HOU 35–3
    • BUF – K. Davis 1 run (Christie kick)HOU 35–10
    • BUF – Beebe 38 pass from Reich (Christie kick)HOU 35–17
    • BUF – Reed 26 pass from Reich (Christie kick)HOU 35–24
    • BUF – Reed 18 pass from Reich (Christie kick)HOU 35–31
    • BUF – Reed 17 pass from Reich (Christie kick)BUF 38–35
    • HOU – field goal Del Greco 26Tie 38–38
    • BUF – field goal Christie 32BUF 41–38

Known asThe Comeback,the Bills mounted what was then the greatest comeback in NFL history, overcoming a 35–3 (32-point) deficit against the Oilers. The Bills were without futureHall of FamequarterbackJim Kelly(who was injured in the last game of the season, a loss to the Oilers) and All-Pro linebackerCornelius Bennett,and they lost Hall of Fame running backThurman Thomasto a hip injury in the second half.

Houston dominated the game early, as quarterbackWarren Mooncompleted 19 of 22 passes for 220 yards and four touchdowns in the first half, while the Oilers held the ball for 21:12, keeping the Bills' high-powered offense off the field for most of the first two quarters. On the opening drive of the first quarter, Moon completed six of seven passes on an 80-yard scoring drive that took over nine minutes off the clock and ended it with his first touchdown throw to wide receiverHaywood Jeffiresfor three yards to give the Oilers a 7–0 lead. Buffalo responded on their ensuing drive, asKenneth Davisreturned the kickoff 33 yards to the 44-yard line.Frank Reichsubsequently led the Bills to the Oilers 18-yard line whereSteve Christiemade a 36-yard field goal, to cut the score to 7–3. But Moon struck right back, leading the Oilers on a second quarter scoring drive that was nearly identical to their first one, completing six of seven passes on another 80-yard drive and finishing it with a 7-yard touchdown pass toWebster Slaughter.Then after forcing the Bills to athree-and-out,Moon threw a 26-yard touchdown pass toCurtis Duncan.Later on, with 1:15 left in the half, the Oilers drove for another touchdown, aided by an encroachment call against the Bills on fourth down and 1. Moon completed the drive with his second touchdown pass to Jeffires, this one a 27-yarder, and the Oilers went into their locker room with a 28–3 halftime lead.

1:41 into the third quarter, Reich threw a pass that bounced off the hands of tight endKeith McKellerandBubba McDowellreturned the interception 58 yards for a touchdown, increasing the Houston lead to 35–3. However, on the kickoff, the wind shifted the ball just before it was kicked byAl Del Greco.As a result, it became an unintentional squib kick that the Bills recovered with great field position at midfield. Buffalo then drove 50 yards in 10 plays, including a 24-yard pass to tight endPete Metzelaarsthat went right through the hands of linebackerEddie Robinson,and scored with a 1-yard touchdown run by Davis, cutting the deficit to 35–10. On the drive, Reich completed a 16-yard pass toAndre Reed,while Davis kept the drive going with a 5-yard run on fourth down and 2 before finishing it off with a touchdown run with 8:52 left in the third quarter.

Christie then recovered his ownonside kickand the Bills scored on the fourth play of their ensuing drive with Reich's 38-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverDon Beebe.One of Beebe's feet went partially out of bounds during the run before he made the catch, and it should have been ruled by the officials as an illegal touching of the football; this was pointed out onESPN's "NFL Primetime" postgame recap as well as byTodd Christensenon the NBC broadcast. This made the score 35–17 with 7:46 left in the third quarter.

Houston was then forced to punt for the first time in the game on their next drive, andGreg Montgomery's 25-yard kick gave Buffalo the ball at their own 41-yard line. Reich started out the ensuing drive with an 18-yard completion toJames Lofton.Davis gained 20 yards on a screen pass and then Reich threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Reed, trimming the lead to 35–24. Then on the first play of the Oilers' ensuing possession, Moon's pass was tipped off the hands of Slaughter; Bills' safetyHenry Jonesintercepted the pass from Moon and returned it 15 yards to the Houston 23-yard line. Three plays later, Buffalo faced fourth down and five on the 18-yard line. Rather than attempt a field goal, Reich connected with Reed for the touchdown. With the score (including the extra point), the Bills had cut their deficit from 32 points to four in a span of just 6:52. On the Oilers' next drive, linebackerDarryl Talleyforced a fumble from Moon while sacking him. Houston recovered the fumble, but they were forced to punt, and Montgomery's 24-yard kick gave Buffalo the ball at its 48-yard line.

This time, the Bills could not take advantage of their excellent starting field position and had to punt. Moon's run and shoot offense began to move the ball effectively again. Despite two sacks byJeff Wrighton the drive, Houston reached the Buffalo 14-yard line. Del Greco attempted a field goal to increase the Oilers' lead, but Montgomery fumbled the snap and Talley recovered the ball on the 26-yard line. After two plays, the Bills faced third down and four. With Houston's defense dropping back and expecting a pass, Reich handed the ball off to Davis, who stormed through the line and took off for a 35-yard gain. Then Reich went back to passing the ball, completing a short pass to Reed at the Oilers' 17-yard line on third down and two for the first down. With just 3:08 left in the fourth quarter, Reich threw a 17-yard touchdown pass to Reed, giving Buffalo its first lead of the game 38–35 (after the extra point); for the first time all season, the Houston defense (ninth in fewest points allowed that season) had allowed over 29 points. But Moon led Houston downfield on a 63-yard drive to score the tying 26-yard field goal from Del Greco to send the game into overtime. A key play on the drive was an 18-yard completion to Slaughter on fourth down and four from the Bills' 34-yard line.

Houston won the coin toss and got the ball at its 20-yard line. Three plays later, Moon was intercepted byNate Odomes,enabling Christie to kick a field goal and win the game.

Reich finished the game completing 21 of 34 passes for 289 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception. Reed had eight catches for 136 yards and three touchdowns. Davis rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown, while also catching two passes for 25 yards and returning a kickoff for 33 yards. Moon completed 36 of 50 attempts for 371 yards and four touchdowns, with two interceptions. His 36 completions set a playoff record that would stand until broken byDrew Brees's 39 completions in 2010 (Brees'sNew Orleans Saintsalso lost that game). Givens caught nine passes for 117 yards. Jeffires recorded eight catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns.

This was the second postseason meeting between the Oilers and Bills. Buffalo won the only prior meeting.[2]

NFC: Philadelphia Eagles 36, New Orleans Saints 20

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Philadelphia Eagles vs. New Orleans Saints – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Eagles 7 0 32636
Saints 7 10 3020

atLouisiana Superdome,New Orleans,Louisiana

Game information
  • Scoring
    • NO – Heyward 1 run (Andersen kick)NO 7-0
    • PHI – Barnett 57 pass from Cunningham (Ruzek kick)Tie 7–7
    • NO – field goal Andersen 35NO 10-7
    • NO – Early 7 pass from Hebert (Andersen kick)NO 17-7
    • NO – field goal Andersen 42NO 20-7
    • PHI – field goal Ruzek 40NO 20-10
    • PHI – Barnett 35 pass from Cunningham (Ruzek kick)NO 20-17
    • PHI – Sherman 6 run (Ruzek kick)PHI 24–20
    • PHI – Safety, White sacked Hebert in end zonePHI 26–20
    • PHI – field goal Ruzek 39PHI 29–20
    • PHI – Allen 18 interception return (Ruzek kick)PHI 36–20

The Eagles overcame a 20–10 Saints lead late in the third quarter by scoring 26 points in the final quarter, just one point short of the NFL postseason record set by theNew York Giantsin1934.[5]

New Orleans scored after a 25-yard reception fromCraig Heywardand an Eagles pass interference penalty that moved the ball 1-yard line set up Heyward's 1-yard touchdown run, but it was countered with Philadelphia quarterbackRandall Cunningham's 57-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverFred Barnett.The Saints then drove 71 yards in 13 plays to take a 10–7 lead onMorten Andersen's 35-yard field goal. Later on, they drove 53 yards in four plays to go up 17–7 on wide receiverQuinn Early's 7-yard touchdown reception from quarterbackBobby Hebert.[6]

On the Saints' first drive of the third quarter, running backVaughn Dunbarcaught a short pass from Herbert and ran it 35 yards to the Eagles 34. But when faced with 3rd and 1 from the 25, Dunbar was tackled at the line and ruled short of a first down, causing New Orleans to settle for Andersen's 42-yard field goal that put them up 20–7. New Orleans quickly force a punt, but after they got the ball back, Hebert overthrew Early on a deep post pass, sending the ball right into the arms of Eagles cornerbackEric Allenfor an interception on the Philadelphia 38-yard line. From there, the Eagles drove to a 40-yardRoger Ruzekfield goal that cut their deficit to 20–10 going into the fourth quarter.[7][8]

The Saints final six drives of the second half resulted in an interception, a punt, another interception, a safety, another interception, and time expiring in the game. Their possession after Ruzek's field goal ended when Hebert underthrew the ball on a pass attempt to a wide openEric Martinon 3rd and 1. Then Cunningham closed the gap to 20–17 with a 35-yard touchdown completion to Barnett with less than 11 minutes left in regulation. Then on the first play of the Saints' next possession, Eagles linebackerSeth Joynerintercepted a pass from Hebert and returned it 14 yards to the Saints 26 to set up running backHeath Sherman's 6-yard touchdown run, giving Philadelphia the lead, 24–20. After New Orleans got the ball back, Eagles defensive endReggie Whitesacked Hebert in the end zone for a safety. After the free kick, Ruzek added a 39-yard field goal. 19 seconds later, Allen intercepted Hebert and returned the ball 18 yards for a touchdown.

"I thought I had the first down and got a bad spot," said Dunbar of the play where he was ruled short on 3rd and 1. "It seemed kind of meaningless at the time, because we got the field goal. Now, in hindsight, it could have been that final nail in the Eagles' coffin."[7]

Cunningham completed 19 of 35 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for 19 yards. Sherman rushed for a 105 yards and a touchdown, while also catching two passes for 17 yards. Barnett had four receptions for 102 yards and two scores. Allen had two interceptions. Dunbar had 115 all-purpose yards. This was Philadelphia's first playoff win since the 1980 season, ending a five-game losing streak which began in the Louisiana Superdome withSuper Bowl XV.

This was the first postseason meeting between the Eagles and Saints.[2]

Divisional playoffs

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Saturday, January 9, 1993

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AFC: Buffalo Bills 24, Pittsburgh Steelers 3

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Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bills 0 7 71024
Steelers 3 0 003

atThree Rivers Stadium,Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania

Game information
  • Scoring
    • PIT – field goal Anderson 38PIT 3–0
    • BUF – Frerotte 1 pass from Reich (Christie kick)BUF 7–3
    • BUF – Lofton 17 pass from Reich (Christie kick)BUF 14–3
    • BUF – field goal Christie 43BUF 17–3
    • BUF – Gardner 1 run (Christie kick)BUF 24–3

The Bills forced four fumbles, three turnovers, and seven sacks as they held the Steelers to just a field goal. Buffalo quarterbackFrank Reichthrew for 160 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions; while running backKenneth Davisrushed for 104 yards. Steelers running backBarry Fosterrushed for 104 yards and caught a pass for seven yards. Pittsburgh had led the NFL with 43 takeaways during the season, but they were not able to force any in this game.

On the opening drive of the game, the Bills drove to the Pittsburgh 46-yard line. But on fourth and 1, fullbackCarwell Gardnerwas stuffed by linebackersDavid LittleandHardy Nickersonfor no gain. The turnover on downs led toGary Anderson's 38-yard field goal to give Pittsburgh a 3–0 lead. However, Steelers quarterbackNeil O'Donnell,who had missed the last three games of the season with a leg injury, ended up turning the ball over three times on the team's next four drives. First he threw a pass that was deflected byPhil Hanseninto the arms ofNate Odomesfor an interception. Following a punt from each team,Bruce Smithforced a fumble from O'Donnell, which Hansen recovered on the Bills 41-yard line. Buffalo then advanced 59 yards, including a 19-yard catch by receiverDon Beebeon the Steelers 1-yard line. On the next play, the team scored on Reich's 1-yard touchdown pass toMitch Frerotte,an eligible offensive lineman playing out of the fullback position. Although there would be no more scoring in the first half, Pittsburgh's struggles would continue. On their next drive, O'Donnell was intercepted byJames Williams.

On the opening drive of the second half, the Bills moved the ball 80 yards and scored with Reich's 17-yard touchdown pass toJames Lofton,increasing their lead to 14–3. On the play before the touchdown, Reich had thrown the ball right into the hands of defensive backRichard Sheltonwhile trying to connect with Beebe, but Shelton dropped the pass, costing his team what would have been an easy touchdown return. "I was just running before I caught the ball, and that really hurt", Shelton said after the game. "I could have had six."[9]

In the final quarter, a botched Steelers field goal attempt set up a 44-yard drive that ended with Bills kickerSteve Christie's 43-yard field goal. The next time Buffalo got the ball, they drove 86 yards and scored on a 1-yard run from Gardner.

This was the second postseason meeting between the Bills and Steelers. Pittsburgh won the only previous meeting.[2]

NFC: San Francisco 49ers 20, Washington Redskins 13

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Washington Redskins vs. San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 0 3713
49ers 7 10 0320

atCandlestick Park,San Francisco,California

Game information
  • Scoring
    • SF – Taylor 5 pass from Young (Cofer kick)SF 7–0
    • WAS – field goal Lohmiller 19SF 7–3
    • SF – field goal Cofer 23SF 10–3
    • SF – Jones 16 pass from Young (Cofer kick)SF 17–3
    • WAS – field goal Lohmiller 32SF 17–6
    • WAS – Rypien 1 run (Lohmiller kick)SF 17–13
    • SF – field goal Cofer 33SF 20–13

Despite committing four turnovers, 49ers quarterbackSteve Youngpassed for 227 yards and two touchdowns, and ran for 73 yards, to beat the Redskins.[10]

On their first drive, San Francisco advanced 83 yards, including a 35-yard reception byJerry Riceand a 22-yard catch by tight endBrent Jones,to score on Young's 5-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverJohn Taylorthat went off the hands of Redskins safetyA. J. Johnson.The 49ers seemed to be in prime position to score again whenKelly Goodburn's 29-yard punt gave them a first down on the Washington 49, butFred Stokeseventually stripped the ball from Young and safetyBrad Edwardsrecovered the fumble. Washington then drove 61 yards to cut the score to 7–3 on a 19-yard field goal byChip Lohmiller.[11]

San Francisco responded with a 23-yard field goal fromMike Coferto go up 10–3 in the second quarter. Then after forcing a punt, they moved the ball from their own 1-yard line to the Redskins 29, but lost another turnover when Johnson intercepted Young's pass at the 5. However, Washington promptly gave the ball back when running backBrian Mitchelllost a fumble that was recovered byDavid Whitmorewith 1:09 left in the half. Four plays later, Young threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Jones, who fumbled the ball when hit by Edwards at the 1, but managed to recover it in the end zone to give San Francisco a 17–3 halftime lead.

In the second half, Washington converted two Young fumbles into 10 points. The 49ers got a great scoring opportunity after Whitmore intercepted a pass fromMark Rypienin the third quarter. But while scrambling for a first down, Young lost a fumble without being touched and linebackerMonte Colemanrecovered it. This led to a 71-yard drive finished off by Lohmiller's 32-yard field goal, cutting Washington's deficit to 17–6. On the next series, the ball again slipped out of Young's hands, this time on a pass attempt, and Redskins defensive linemanCharles Mannrecovered it on the San Francisco 15-yard line. Three plays later, Rypien scored on a 1-yard sneak, cutting the deficit to 17–13 early in the fourth quarter.[12]

Following a 49ers punt, Washington moved the ball 52 yards to the 49ers 23-yard line. But with 9:52 left, Mitchell fumbled a botched handoff attempt by Rypien and linebackerMichael Walterrecovered the fumble. San Francisco then marched 59 yards in 14 plays, featuring a 16-yard completion from Young to Rice on third and 10, on a drive that consumed more than seven minutes off the clock and scored on Cofer's 33-yard field goal, making the score 20–13. Washington got the ball back with 2:15 remaining and had one last chance to drive for a tying score, but they could only advance a few yards before turning the ball over on downs, as Rypien's final two passes were dropped by wide open targets, receiverRicky Sandersand tight endRon Middleton.[13]

49ers running backRicky Watterswas the game's top rusher with 83 yards, while also catching two passes for 19. Defensive endPierce Holthad three of San Francisco's five sacks. Redskins receiverGary Clarkcaught seven passes for 100 yards. This was the last game ofJoe Gibbs' first tenure as Redskins head coach. Washington would not return to the playoffs again until1999.

This was the fourth postseason meeting between the Redskins and 49ers. San Francisco won two of the previous three meetings.[2]

Sunday, January 10, 1993

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NFC: Dallas Cowboys 34, Philadelphia Eagles 10

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See also:Cowboys–Eagles rivalry
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Eagles 3 0 0710
Cowboys 7 10 10734

atTexas Stadium,Irving, Texas

Game information
  • Scoring
    • PHI – field goal Ruzek 32PHI 3–0
    • DAL – Tennell 1 pass from Aikman (Elliott kick)DAL 7–3
    • DAL – Novacek 6 pass from Aikman (Elliott kick)DAL 14–3
    • DAL – field goal Elliott 20DAL 17–3
    • DAL – Smith 23 run (Elliott kick)DAL 24–3
    • DAL – field goal Elliott 43DAL 27–3
    • DAL – Gainer 1 run (Elliott kick)DAL 34–3
    • PHI – Williams 18 pass from Cunningham (Ruzek kick)DAL 34–10

The Cowboys defense had five sacks (two each by linemenRussell MarylandandTony Tolbert), and held the Eagles offense to 178 yards and 10 points.

Philadelphia scored on the opening drive of the game, holding the ball for seven minutes on the way to a 32-yard field goal by kickerRoger Ruzek,but then Dallas scored 34 consecutive points.Kelvin Martinreturned the ensuing kickoff 39 yards to the Eagles 46, sparking a 10-play drive that ended onTroy Aikman's 1-yard touchdown pass to tight endDerek Tennell,who had been signed by the team as a free agent only a week before this game. After the next three drives from each team ended in punts, Aikman completed a 41-yard pass toAlvin Harperon the Philadelphia 14-yard line with 1:04 left in the half. Following an 8-yard scramble by Aikman, he finished the 67-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown pass to tight endJay Novacek.ThenDarren Woodsonforced a fumble fromVai Sikahemaon the following kickoff, whichThomas Everettrecovered for Dallas on the Eagles 29. This enabledLin Elliottto kick a 20-yard field goal before halftime that put them up 17–3.

In the third quarter, Dallas held the ball for more than 12 minutes and gained 176 yards, while holding the Eagles to -16. Cowboys running backEmmitt Smith,who finished the game with 114 rushing yards, scored a 23-yard touchdown run on the opening drive of the second half. Elliott later kicked a 43-yard field goal to put the team up 27–3.[14]

Late in the fourth quarter, Smith was taken out of the game and got to watchDerrick Gainercarry the ball nine times for 29 yards on an 11-play, 80-yard drive that ended on Gainer's 1-yard touchdown run. Meanwhile, all the Eagles could do was score a meaningless touchdown onRandall Cunningham's 18-yard pass toCalvin Williamswith 50 seconds left in the game.[15]

Aikman completed 15/25 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Cunningham finished the game 17/30 for 160 yards and one touchdown, along with 25 rushing yards.

"There was a lot of talking before this game", said Cowboys linebackerKen Norton Jr."We did our talking on the field. I don't think they have too much they can say right now."[16]

This was the second postseason meeting between the Eagles and Cowboys. Philadelphia won the only prior meeting.[2]

AFC: Miami Dolphins 31, San Diego Chargers 0

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San Diego Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 0 0 000
Dolphins 0 21 01031

atJoe Robbie Stadium,Miami,Florida

Game information
  • Scoring
    • MIA – Paige 1 pass from Marino (Stoyanovich kick)MIA 7–0
    • MIA – Jackson 9 pass from Marino (Stoyanovich kick)MIA 14–0
    • MIA – Jackson 30 pass from Marino (Stoyanovich kick)MIA 21–0
    • MIA – field goal Stoyanovich 22MIA 24–0
    • MIA – Craver 25 run (Stoyanovich kick)MIA 31–0

The Dolphins defense shut out the Chargers, holding San Diego quarterbackStan Humphriesto just 18 of 44 completions for 140 yards and intercepting him four times as they snuffed out San Diego's eight-game winning streak. Overall, San Diego gained just 202 yards and 10 first downs, while losing five turnovers. The Chargers had seven sacks in their wild card win against Kansas City, but none in this game.[17]

Dolphins quarterbackDan Marinothrew three touchdown passes in the second quarter, all of them set up by interceptions. With 11:30 remaining in the second quarter, rookieTroy Vincentintercepted a pass from Humphries and returned it two yards to the San Diego 48. Nine plays later, Miami cashed in with Marino's 1-yard touchdown pass toTony Paige.With less than two minutes left in the half, Humphries threw a pass that slipped out of the hands of receiverNate Lewisand was picked off by Vincent on the Chargers 37. Marino threw a 28-yard completion toMark Duperon the next play, and finished the drive with a 9-yard touchdown toss to tight endKeith Jackson.Then on the fourth play after the ensuing kickoff, linebackerBryan Coxintercepted a pass intended forShawn Jeffersonand returned it seven yards to the San Diego 42. Four plays later, Marino's 30-yard touchdown pass to Jackson gave Miami a 21–0 halftime lead.[18][19]

In the second half, Miami relied primarily on their running game to protect their lead. Running backAaron Craverled the team with eight carries for 72 yards, including a 25-yard touchdown burst in the fourth quarter. Before that, the Dolphins also scored on a 22-yard field goal from kickerPete Stoyanovich.The final score of 31–0 marked a record setting day for the Dolphins offense, who had scored just six touchdowns in the last six games. Their 21 points was the highest single quarter amount they had ever scored in a playoff game, and their 31-point margin of victory was also a franchise postseason record. The win was the first in a Divisional Round for Miami since 1986.

Marino finished the game with 167 passing yards and three touchdowns. Running backBobby Humphreyrushed for 71 yards and caught three passes for 30. Miami also got a big performance out of punterReggie Roby,who planted four of his eight punts inside the Chargers 20-yard line, including three that were inside the 7. Lewis gained 130 all-purpose yards, including four kickoff returns for 111. San Diego linebackerJunior Seauhad 18 tackles.

This was the third postseason meeting between the Chargers and Dolphins. Both teams split the previous two meetings.[2]

Conference championships

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Sunday, January 17, 1993

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AFC: Buffalo Bills 29, Miami Dolphins 10

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See also:Bills–Dolphins rivalry
Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bills 3 10 10629
Dolphins 3 0 0710

atJoe Robbie Stadium,Miami,Florida

Game information
  • Scoring
    • BUF – field goal Christie 21BUF 3–0
    • MIA – field goal Stoyanovich 51Tie 3–3
    • BUF – Thomas 17 pass from Kelly (Christie kick)BUF 10–3
    • BUF – field goal Christie 33BUF 13–3
    • BUF – Davis 2 run (Christie kick)BUF 20–3
    • BUF – field goal Christie 21BUF 23–3
    • BUF – field goal Christie 31BUF 26–3
    • MIA – Duper 15 pass from Marino (Stoyanovich kick)BUF 26–10
    • BUF – field goal Christie 38BUF 29–10

The Bills intercepted Dolphins quarterbackDan Marinotwice, recovered three fumbles, forced four sacks, and held Miami to just 33 rushing yards.Jim Kellyreturned to quarterback the Bills after an injury kept him out of the first two postseason games, and Buffalo had a rusty time getting offensive scores. However, kickerSteve Christiemade an NFL playoff record-tying five field goals while key players stepped up on both sides as the Bills rushed their way into history.Thurman Thomas,who had been knocked out of the game in both of the Bills prior two playoff contests, rushed for 96 yards and caught five passes for 70, whileKenneth Davisadded 61 rushing yards and four receptions for 52.

Midway through the first quarter, Bills defensive endBruce Smithforced a fumble from Marino while sacking him, and linebackerDarryl Talleyrecovered it, setting up a 21-yard field goal by Christie. Miami struck back on their next drive with a 51-yard field goal fromPete Stoyanovich.After the ensuing kickoff, Kelly led the Bills 64 yards in seven plays and finished the drive with a 17-yard touchdown pass to Thomas early in the second quarter. Later on, Buffalo defensive endPhil Hansenintercepted a pass from Marino on the Dolphins 24-yard line, setting up Christie's second field goal and giving the Bills a 13–3 lead by the end of the first half.

On the opening kickoff of the second half, Miami returnerMike Williamsfumbled the ball while being tackled byMark Pike,and Buffalo'sCarwell Gardnerrecovered it at the Dolphins 25-yard line. Five plays later, Davis scored on a 2-yard touchdown run, giving the Bills a 20–3 lead. Buffalo's defense took over the rest of the third quarter, holding the Dolphins offense to two offensive yards while Christie added two more field goals to increase their lead to 26–3. Marino completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to wide receiverMark Duperin the final quarter. However, Christie kicked his fifth field goal of the game to clinch the victory.

This was the second straight year the Bills defeated a futureHall of Famequarterback to advance to the Super Bowl as they beatJohn Elwayand hisDenver Broncos10–7 a season earlier. The Bills became the first team in 19 years to reach the Super Bowl in three straight seasons (the last being the 1971-1973Miami Dolphins); no other team would win three straight Conference Championships until the 2016-2018New England Patriots.As of 2024, it is the last time the Bills have won a postseason game on the road, as they have lost seven subsequent postseason games as the road team. It is also the last time as of 2024 that the Dolphins have played in an AFC Championship Game.

This was the second postseason meeting between the Bills and Dolphins. Buffalo won the only previous meeting.[2]

NFC: Dallas Cowboys 30, San Francisco 49ers 20

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See also:49ers–Cowboys rivalry
Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 3 7 71330
49ers 7 3 3720

atCandlestick Park,San Francisco,California

Game information
  • Scoring
    • DAL – field goal Elliott 20DAL 3–0
    • SF – Young 1 run (Cofer kick)SF 7–3
    • DAL – E. Smith 4 run (Elliott kick)DAL 10–7
    • SF – field goal Cofer 28Tie 10–10
    • DAL – Johnston 3 run (Elliott kick)DAL 17–10
    • SF – field goal Cofer 42DAL 17–13
    • DAL – E. Smith 16 pass from Aikman (Elliott kick)DAL 24–13
    • SF – Rice 5 pass from Young (Cofer kick)DAL 24–20
    • DAL – Martin 6 pass from Aikman (kick blocked)DAL 30–20

Even though the Cowboys had only one more yard of total offense than the 49ers (416–415), Dallas forced four critical turnovers that helped them earn the win. On San Francisco's first drive of the game, a controversial holding penalty on guardGuy McIntyrenullified a 63-yard touchdown completion from quarterbackSteve Youngto wide receiverJerry Rice,and the 49ers had to punt. Despite a 19-yard reception fromMichael Irvinon the Cowboys first play, they also had to punt, but returnerAlan Grantfumbled after a hit fromDixon Edwardsand Dallas fullbackDaryl Johnstonrecovered on the 49ers 22. The Cowboys restarted their drive with a completion to Irvin, this one a 21-yard gain to the 1-yard line. But the San Francisco defense managed to hold them up on three consecutive plays, forcing Dallas to settle forLin Elliott's 20-yard field goal.

San Francisco running backMarc Loganreturned the ensuing kickoff 50 yards to the Cowboys 48-yard line. Aided by a 16-yard run fromRicky Watters,San Francisco drove 48 yards and scored with Young's 1-yard touchdown run to take a 7–3 lead. Dallas was forced to punt on their next drive afterTroy Aikmanwas sacked twice (one byBill Romanowskiand the other byMartin Harrison) for 19 total yards, and Grant returned the football to the Cowboys 47-yard line. San Francisco then drove to the Dallas 29-yard line, but the drive stalled there andMike Cofermissed a 47-yard field goal try. After a punt, Watters lost a fumble that was recovered by defensive backKevin Smith.Aided by a defensive holding call againstPierce Holtfor holding up running backEmmitt Smithat the line on third down (the 49ers objected, stating that Holt was fooled by a fake handoff into thinking Smith actually had the ball), Dallas took a 10–7 lead with Smith's 4-yard touchdown run. A 21-yard reception by Rice sparked a 49ers drive to the Cowboys 10-yard line where Cofer made a 28-yard field goal to tie the game with less than two minutes left in the second quarter. Cofer's kickoff went out of bounds, giving Dallas a chance to score before the end of the half. Aikman managed to lead them to the 49ers 25-yard line, but Elliott's 43-yard field goal attempt went wide right and it was tied at 10 going into halftime.

After receiving the second half kickoff, the Cowboys marched 78 yards, featuring a 38-yard leaping catch byAlvin HarperoverEric Davis,to score on Johnston's 3-yard touchdown run to take a 17–10 lead.

The 49ers struck back with a 35-yard completion from Young to Rice that set up a 43-yard field goal by Cofer, cutting the score to 17–13. However, Dallas put together a 79-yard drive which consumed nine minutes with a key 31-yard reception by tight endJay Novacek.This second long drive was capped by Aikman's 16-yard touchdown pass to Smith, giving the Cowboys a 24–13 advantage.

On the ensuing drive for San Francisco midway into the fourth, Cowboys linebackerKen Norton Jr.intercepted a pass from Young and returned it to the 49ers 45-yard line, and Dallas subsequently marched to the 7. Rather than attempt a field goal on fourth down and 1, Smith attempted to run for the first down, but was tackled by linebackerMichael Walterfor no gain. The 49ers then drove 93 yards to score on Rice's 5-yard touchdown reception, cutting the lead to 24–20 with 4:22 left in the game. But on the first play after the ensuing kickoff, Aikman threw a 14-yard pass to Harper, who ended up running for a 70-yard gain to the San Francisco 9-yard line. Three plays later, wide receiverKelvin Martinscored on a 6-yard touchdown reception, making it 30–20 (the extra point was blocked) with 3:43 to play. The 49ers attempted one last drive to come back, but Young was intercepted, this time by free safetyJames Washingtonat the 2:00 warning, thus ending any hope of a 49er comeback.

Aikman threw for 322 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Smith rushed for 24 carries and 114 yards, caught seven passes for 59 yards, and scored two touchdowns. Harper caught three passes for 117 yards. Defensive tackleTony Casillasrecorded three sacks. Meanwhile, Young recorded 313 passing yards and one touchdown, but threw two interceptions in the fourth quarter. Rice caught eight passes for 123 yards and a score. Watters rushed for 69 yards and caught six passes for 69. In the Cowboys post-game locker room speech cameras caught coachJimmy Johnsonsaying "How Bout Them Cowboys" which has become a popular expression. This game stood as the last road playoff win for the Cowboys until 30 years later in the 2022-23 playoffs.

This was later featured on NFL's Greatest Games asChanging of the Guard.

This was the fifth postseason meeting between the Cowboys and 49ers. Dallas won three of the four meetings.[2]

Super Bowl XXVII: Dallas Cowboys 52, Buffalo Bills 17

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Further information:Super Bowl XXVII
Super Bowl XXVII – Buffalo Bills vs. Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bills (AFC) 7 3 7017
Cowboys (NFC) 14 14 32152

atRose Bowl,Pasadena, California

This was the first Super Bowl meeting between the Bills and Cowboys.[2]

References

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  1. ^George, Thomas (January 3, 1993)."PRO FOOTBALL; Vikings Score Quickly, But It Doesn't Unsettle The Veteran Redskins".The New York Times.
  2. ^abcdefghijk"Team Matchup History".Footballdb.com.
  3. ^"CHIEFS ELIMINATED, 17-0 / LJWorld.com".Archived fromthe originalon May 3, 2014.RetrievedMay 2,2014.
  4. ^"Chargers Roll Over Chiefs -- Seven Sacks In 17–0 Victory | The Seattle Times".archive.seattletimes.com.
  5. ^"'It's Beyond Devastating' -- Eagles About-Face Shocks Saints; Cowboys Up Next | The Seattle Times ".archive.seattletimes.com.
  6. ^"Eagles 36, Saints 20".
  7. ^ab"Ain't no surprise: Saints beaten again Eagles revive to deal 4th playoff loss, 36-20".
  8. ^Moran, Malcolm (January 4, 1993)."PRO FOOTBALL: Bills and Eagles Turn Mountains Into Molehill; Philadelphia Blitzes Saints".The New York Times.
  9. ^"Past Gives Bills a Future Steeler Lesson: No Substitute for Experience - tribunedigital-sunsentinel".Archived fromthe originalon August 14, 2016.RetrievedJune 16,2016.
  10. ^"No Repeat for 'skins - Daily Press".Archivedfrom the original on May 3, 2014.RetrievedMay 2,2014.
  11. ^Friend, Tom (January 10, 1993)."PRO FOOTBALL; 49ers and Young Almost Mess Up in the Mud".The New York Times.
  12. ^"Young Survives a Sloppy Game: NFC: The 49ers hold off Redskins in the fourth quarter, 20-13, and quarterback gets through it without help".Los Angeles Times.January 10, 1993.
  13. ^"49ers slide past Redskins San Francisco sends champs packing, 20-13 - Baltimore Sun".Archivedfrom the original on May 3, 2014.RetrievedMay 2,2014.
  14. ^"Cowboys Not Coy Boys After Routing Eagles: NFC: 'We had the best team,' Johnson says of 34-10 victory over the Eagles".Los Angeles Times.January 11, 1993.
  15. ^"Cowboys ride Eagles out of playoffs Dallas advances to NFC showdown with 49ers, 34-10 - Baltimore Sun".Archivedfrom the original on April 7, 2014.RetrievedApril 6,2014.
  16. ^George, Thomas (January 11, 1993)."PRO FOOTBALL; A Dominant Dallas Rings Philadelphia's Bell".The New York Times.
  17. ^"Dolphins" D "Shocks Chargers | News OK".Archived fromthe originalon May 3, 2014.RetrievedMay 3,2014.
  18. ^"Dolphins send Chargers a jolt, 31-0 - Baltimore Sun".Archivedfrom the original on May 3, 2014.RetrievedMay 3,2014.
  19. ^Eskenazi, Gerald (January 11, 1993)."PRO FOOTBALL; Dolphins Disregard the Rain, Pressure and Chargers".The New York Times.

Bibliography

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