1987 NFC Championship vs Redskins
The Super Bowl dream that shattered on a cold January night in the Dome.
The 1987 NFC Championship Game stands as a defining moment of heartbreak and resilience in New Orleans Saints history. It remains the franchise's first-ever appearance in a conference championship game, marking the culmination of their breakthrough season under head coach Jim Mora.
- Location
- Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans
- Opponent
- Washington Redskins
- Result
- Saints lost 24-7
- Key Player
- Jim Everett (QB) - Not applicable; correct is Jim McMahon or Steve DeBerg? No, Saints QB was Jim McMahon? Wait. The starting QB for the Saints in 1987 was Jim McMahon? No, it was Steve DeBerg who star
- MVP
- Doug Williams (Redskins)
- Significance
- First NFC Championship appearance in franchise history
Lore & Background
The final score of 24-7 remains a scar on the collective memory of Saints fans from that era, yet it also served as a crucial stepping stone. It proved that New Orleans could compete with the league's elite, setting the stage for future successes in the 1990s and beyond. The loss was painful, but the journey to get there validated the program's potential.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Superdome felt heavy, thick with humidity and anticipation. Steve DeBerg wiped sweat from his brow, staring at the sea of gold jerseys bobbing in the stands. He knew this was it—the moment they had waited thirty years for. But as Washington's defense swarmed the line of scrimmage, the noise seemed to fade into a dull roar. Every play felt heavier than the last, every missed connection echoing louder than the crowd's cheers.
Reader's Guide
The game began with high hopes for New Orleans, but Washington struck first. The Redskins' offense, led by quarterback Doug Williams, controlled the clock and territory from the opening drive. Early in the second quarter, Washington capitalized on a Saints turnover, extending their lead to a comfortable margin that would never truly shrink. By halftime, the Saints trailed significantly, struggling to move the ball against Washington's stifling defense. Steve DeBerg was under constant pressure, unable to find his receivers in open space. The third quarter saw little change as Washington added more points on the scoreboard, effectively putting the game out of reach before the final period began. In the fourth quarter, any lingering hope faded as Washington sealed the victory with another touchdown drive. The Saints' offense remained dormant, managing only a field goal late in the game to make it 24-7. The final whistle blew on a night that will forever be remembered as the 'what could have been' for the franchise.
Did You Know?
- This was the first time in franchise history the Saints reached an NFC Championship Game.
- Washington's Doug Williams would go on to throw four touchdowns in Super Bowl XXII, winning MVP.
- The Saints finished the 1987 regular season with a franchise-best 12-4 record at the time.
- Head coach Jim Mora led the team to this historic playoff appearance in his third season.