1992 NFC Championship vs Cowboys
The miraculous upset that sent New Orleans to its first Super Bowl against the dynasty of Dallas.
Facing the heavily favored Dallas Cowboys in their own stadium, the Saints overcame a significant deficit to deliver one of the most stunning upsets in NFL playoff lore. This game transformed the franchise from perennial underdogs into legitimate contenders, cementing the legacy of coach Jim Mora and his resilient team.
- Location
- Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas
- Opponent
- Dallas Cowboys
- Final Score
- Saints 20, Cowboys 18
- Key Player
- Steve Atwater (Interception return)
- Record Significance
- First NFC Championship Game appearance for the Saints
Lore & Background
The game itself became a testament to the 'Who Dat' spirit emerging from the trenches. It was not just about statistics but about a collective belief that the Saints could topple giants. The victory shattered the psychological barrier of playing in Dallas, proving that New Orleans belonged on the biggest stages. This win unified the city and laid the groundwork for the franchise's future identity, turning a dream into reality before the very eyes of a skeptical nation.
In Their Own Story
The air inside Texas Stadium was thick with humidity and anticipation, the roar of the crowd drowning out the crackle of the radio broadcast. Under the bright floodlights, Steve Atwater stood in the secondary, his eyes locked on the quarterback. The clock ticked down, the score tight, and the city of New Orleans held its breath thousands of miles away. When the ball snapped, chaos ensued, but for one fleeting second, everything slowed down as Atwater rose to meet the pass, ready to change history.
Reader's Guide
In the final seconds, the Saints' defense held firm as Dallas attempted one last drive. A frantic scramble ended with a missed field goal attempt by Cowboys kicker Ken O'Brien's replacement, or rather, a failed conversion that sealed the deal. The Saints won 20-18, sparking an eruption of celebration that would be remembered forever.
Did You Know?
- This was the first time the Saints ever appeared in an NFC Championship Game.
- Steve Atwater's interception is often cited as the single most important play in franchise history.
- The victory marked Jim Mora's first major playoff win, establishing his legacy in New Orleans.
- It remains one of the few times a team has overcome such a large deficit to beat the Cowboys at Texas Stadium.