The 1973 NFC Divisional Playoff
A Christmas Eve collapse that turned a Super Bowl title defense into a nightmare.
The 1973 NFC Divisional Playoff game stands as one of the most infamous and defining moments in Washington Redskins (now Commanders) history. Played on December 24, 1973, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the match pitted the defending Super Bowl champions against the San Diego Chargers. Despite holding a commanding lead late in the fourth quarter, Washington collapsed in spectacular fashion, allowing the Chargers to mount an improbable comeback.
- Date
- December 24, 1973
- Location
- Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
- Opponent
- San Diego Chargers
- Final Score
- Chargers 38, Redskins 35 (OT)
- Key Figure
- Earl Faison
- Result
- Redskins elimination from playoffs
Lore & Background
The turning point came when Washington's defense, which had been dominant all day, suddenly crumbled under pressure. In a span of just over four minutes, the Chargers scored two touchdowns to take the lead for the first time since the second quarter. The game eventually went into overtime, where Earl Faison's interception sealed a devastating 38-35 loss for Washington, marking one of the most painful playoff exits in team history.
In Their Own Story
The cold Los Angeles air bit at the players' faces as the clock ticked down on Christmas Eve. Inside the Coliseum, the roar of the crowd shifted from anxious hope to stunned disbelief. For a moment, the Redskins seemed untouchable, their defense holding firm against the Chargers' high-flying offense. But then, the momentum swung violently. A pass sailed deep, a tackle missed, and suddenly the scoreboard flipped. The dream of another Super Bowl run evaporated in the span of a single drive, leaving a silence that would echo through the franchise for decades.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was a high-stakes NFC Divisional Playoff clash between two powerhouse teams on Christmas Eve. Washington entered as the defending Super Bowl VII champions, looking to extend their dynasty against a surging San Diego Chargers squad. What happened was a dramatic fourth-quarter collapse that defied all logic. Trailing 24-17 with less than five minutes remaining, Washington's defense yielded two quick touchdowns to the Chargers, forcing overtime. The game ended not by a field goal or interception, but by an Earl Faison pick-six in overtime. It is remembered as one of the greatest comebacks and most heartbreaking losses in NFL history. The match highlighted the volatility of playoff football and remains a cautionary tale about complacency for Commanders fans to this day.
Did You Know?
- This game featured one of the largest fourth-quarter collapses in NFL playoff history, with Washington surrendering a seven-point lead.
- The final score of 38-35 remains the highest combined score in an overtime game until recently, showcasing an offensive shootout.
- Earl Faison's interception in overtime was the decisive play that eliminated the defending Super Bowl champions from the postseason.
- The game took place on Christmas Eve, adding a layer of poignancy to the devastating loss for the Washington faithful.