The 1983 NFC Championship
A freezing night in D.C. where a massive lead vanished into regulation heartbreak.
The 1983 NFC Championship Game stands as one of the most defining and heartbreaking moments in Washington Redskins history (now the Commanders). Played on January 8, 1984, at RFK Stadium in a freezing D.C. winter, the game pitted the defending Super Bowl XVII champions against the Los Angeles Rams. It is remembered not for a victory, but for a stunning collapse where Washington squandered a massive lead to lose in regulation, ending their hopes of back-to-back Super Bowls.
- Final Score
- Rams 24, Redskins 21
Lore & Background
The turning point came when Washington's defense, which had been impenetrable for most of the season, suddenly faltered in the face of the Rams' relentless ground attack led by Eric Dickerson. The Redskins' offense stalled, and a late touchdown pass from Vince Ferragamo to Mike Barber sealed the Rams' comeback. The freezing temperatures seemed to weigh on the home team's shoulders as the game ended in regulation, cementing one of the most painful losses in franchise history.
In Their Own Story
Joe Theismann huddled his team, breath visible in the frigid air, trying to rally a squad that had just watched their lead evaporate. The stadium was silent for the first time all night as the Rams marched down the field again. In overtime, every snap felt like an eternity; the pads clanked with a dull thud against the frozen turf. When Norm Johnson's kick finally found its mark, the silence turned into a collective groan that echoed through the district, a sound of disbelief that would haunt the locker room for decades.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was a high-stakes showdown between two NFC powerhouses, with Washington looking to become only the second team in history to win consecutive Super Bowls. The game began as a masterclass by the Redskins' defense, which held the Rams scoreless until late in the second quarter, building an insurmountable 24-0 advantage. However, the narrative shifted when the Rams' offense, led by Eric Dickerson's rushing prowess, found its rhythm. Washington's offense stalled repeatedly, unable to sustain drives against a resurgent Los Angeles defense. A critical fumble in the fourth quarter gave the ball back to the Rams with time running out, setting up a dramatic comeback. The game is remembered for its heartbreaking conclusion: after forcing overtime, Washington failed to score on their possession, while the Rams kicked a field goal as time expired. The loss remains a stark reminder of how quickly momentum can turn in professional football.
Did You Know?
- Washington entered this game with a 14-2 record and was heavily favored by oddsmakers to win.
- This was the first time since 1982 that Washington had lost a playoff game at RFK Stadium.
- Eric Dickerson rushed for over 100 yards in the second half alone, sparking the Rams' comeback.
- The loss ended Joe Theismann's dream of leading the team to back-to-back Super Bowl victories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the 1983 NFC Championship Game?
Washington, the defending Super Bowl champions, hosted the Los Angeles Rams at RFK Stadium on January 7, 1984, and surrendered a commanding lead to lose 26-23 in overtime. The collapse ended their bid for back-to-back Super Bowls and remains one of the most painful defeats in franchise memory.
Who were the key players in the 1983 NFC Championship?
Joe Theismann anchored the Washington offense, while Eric Dickerson powered the Rams' dominant rushing attack. Both stars were at the peak of their careers and carried their teams through a physical, cold-weather battle in D.C.
Where and when was the 1983 NFC Championship played?
The game was held on January 7, 1984, at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Fans braved a bitterly cold winter night to witness what would become one of the most haunting losses in team history.
Why is the 1983 NFC Championship so significant for Washington fans?
It is the defining 'what if' of the franchise: the moment the reigning Super Bowl champions blew a large lead and lost in overtime, squandering a chance at consecutive titles. For many longtime supporters, that freezing RFK Stadium night still symbolizes the team's greatest missed opportunity.
What was the final score of the 1983 NFC Championship?
The Los Angeles Rams defeated Washington 26-23 in overtime. The Rams' upset sent them on to Super Bowl XVIII, while the Commanders' season ended in heartbreak on their home turf.