The Snow Bowl (1970)

Lore & Background

Washington's victory in this game is remembered not just for the scoreline, but for the sheer grit displayed by Sonny Jurgensen and his teammates. The quarterback, known for his poise, navigated the chaos to lead crucial drives when it mattered most. The win solidified Washington's identity as a team that could thrive in adversity, creating a folklore moment where the weather became an equalizer that favored the home side's determination over the visitors' technical skill.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across RFK Stadium, carrying fresh snowflakes that instantly melted on the heated turf only to refreeze into slick patches. Sonny Jurgensen stood in the huddle, his breath visible in the freezing air, eyes scanning a field where white lines were barely distinguishable from the drifts. The crowd, bundled in heavy coats and wool scarves, roared as the ball was snapped, the sound muffled by the storm. Every step felt like wading through slush, yet the Redskins moved with a singular purpose, driving downfield against a Dallas defense that seemed to lose its footing with every passing play.

Reader's Guide

The occasion was a late-season NFC East clash where the Dallas Cowboys entered as favorites, but the weather turned the tide. Heavy snowfall began early in the game, creating hazardous conditions that favored Washington's ground game and defensive stability over Dallas's aerial attack. What happened was a masterclass in adaptation; Washington capitalized on turnovers caused by slippery hands and footing issues. Sonny Jurgensen managed the offense efficiently, avoiding costly mistakes while the defense held firm against the Cowboys' attempts to mount a comeback. The Redskins took control in the second half, extending their lead as the snow continued to fall. It is remembered today as a defining moment of resilience. The Snow Bowl proved that Washington could win ugly when conditions were at their worst, cementing a narrative of toughness that would define the franchise's identity for years to come.

Did You Know?

• The game was played in temperatures well below freezing with significant snow accumulation on the field.
• Sonny Jurgensen threw two touchdown passes despite the difficult visibility and handling conditions.
• This victory helped Washington secure a strong finish to the 1970 season against their division rivals.
• The game was played at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., not the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

Tournament Structure and Format

This achievement was particularly notable as it occurred under the expanded 14-team playoff format adopted in 2020, highlighting a league-wide surge in excellence during the regular season. The bracket system remained flexible rather than fixed, allowing division rivals to potentially face one another immediately without restriction. Seeding was determined strictly by overall won-lost-tied records, with four division winners earning top seeds and three wild-card teams filling slots five through seven. The format granted first-round byes to the number-one seeds in each conference, while the initial Wild Card round paired the second seed against the seventh, the third against the sixth, and the fourth against the fifth. This structure ensured that higher-seeded teams generally hosted lower-seeded opponents as they advanced through the Divisional round and Conference Championships, culminating in a neutral-site Super Bowl where home-field advantage rotated annually by conference.

Historic Los Angeles Playoff Return

teams—the Rams and Chargers—making the postseason, the second time since moving south after matching this feat in 2018. This was the first such occurrence while sharing SoFi Stadium. Their joint run highlighted how competitive the L.A. market has become, even without a direct matchup between the two. The Chargers entered the Wild Card round against Houston without having faced them during the regular season, adding real unpredictability to that game.

Wild Card Weekend Upsets and Records

The opening weekend of the playoffs delivered dramatic outcomes, headlined by the Houston Texans' dominant 32–12 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. This game featured a historic defensive play where cornerback D'Angelo Ross blocked an extra point attempt and returned it for two points, the first such score in postseason history since the rule's inception in 2015. The final score of 32–12 was also unique, representing the first time this specific numerical combination appeared as a game result, known as scorigami. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills secured a decisive win over the Denver Broncos, ending Denver's nine-year absence from the playoffs and showcasing a balanced attack that included key contributions from rookie quarterback Bo Nix.

Broadcast Oddities and Cultural Moments

A surreal sequence occurred when Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh appeared to be "swallowed" by the animated character Dirty Bubble from SpongeBob SquarePants. Following this visual gag, the Chargers were outscored 32–6 in the remainder of the contest, leading many fans and online commentators to interpret the scene as a bad omen for their team's performance. This moment generated significant viral coverage, blending sports analysis with pop culture commentary. Additionally, the Ravens-Steelers game held historical significance as Amazon Prime Video's first exclusive NFL playoff broadcast, signaling a shift in media rights distribution for major sporting events. These elements combined to create a postseason atmosphere that was not only defined by athletic feats but also by memorable television moments and evolving digital consumption habits among fans.