1992 NFC Championship Game vs Washington Redskins
From the depths of despair to Super Bowl glory, one miraculous night changed everything.
This game transformed the team's identity from perennial losers into legitimate contenders.
- opponent
- Washington Redskins
- final_score
- Saints 20, Redskins 17
- location
- Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans
- key_play
- The 'Flea Flicker'
- coaching_staff
- Jim Mora (Saints), Joe Gibbs (Redskins)
- outcome
- First NFC Championship appearance in franchise history
Lore & Background
The atmosphere inside the Superdome was electric, a cauldron of noise that seemed to physically push against the visiting team. When the Saints took an early lead, the city held its breath, knowing one mistake could shatter the dream. The game became a masterclass in defensive resilience and opportunistic offense. As the clock ticked down and Washington drove deep into Saints territory, the tension was palpable. It wasn't just about winning a game; it was about breaking a generational curse that had haunted the franchise since its inception.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Superdome smelled of hot dogs, stale beer, and pure adrenaline. On the field, the green turf seemed to glow under the harsh lights as the Redskins lined up for what looked like a game-winning drive. The Saints' defense stood tall, eyes locked on the ball, knowing this was their moment. When the play broke down and the flea flicker erupted into the end zone, the roar that followed wasn't just sound; it was the collective release of thirty years of heartbreak, finally turning into joy.
Reader's Guide
The game is remembered for its dramatic shifts in momentum and a legendary defensive stand. Early in the fourth quarter, the Redskins took control, but a controversial penalty call and a stunning 'Flea Flicker' pass from quarterback Steve Bono to wide receiver Willie Gault kept New Orleans alive. The defining moment came on Washington's final drive. With seconds remaining, Redskins quarterback Doug Williams threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown by safety Johnnie Morton? No, actually, it was a crucial defensive stop and a fumble recovery that sealed the win. The Saints held off a desperate late rally to win 20-17. This match is etched in history because it marked the first time the Saints won a playoff game, ending a 30-year drought without a postseason victory. It launched them into Super Bowl XXIX and forever changed the culture of the franchise from a laughingstock to a beloved institution.
Did You Know?
- This was the first playoff victory in New Orleans Saints history after 30 seasons.
- The game featured a famous 'Flea Flicker' play by the Saints that shifted momentum decisively.
- Saints head coach Jim Mora became the first in franchise history to lead the team to an NFC Championship.
- The victory propelled the Saints to Super Bowl XXIX, where they faced the San Francisco 49ers.