Sir Purr
Well-known member
- Mar 16, 2019
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In the third quarter, the teams traded field goals. Then Kasay converted another, putting the Panthers ahead 23-14 early in the fourth quarter.
Still, these were the Cowboys. Aikman had orchestrated many comebacks in his career. The lead did not seem safe.
But there also was a sense of desperation that appeared to be seeping in on the Dallas sideline. With Irvin out, Switzer decided to use the speedy Sanders at wide receiver as well as on defense. And he called for a reverse to Sanders.
It looked like a smart ploy at first, as Sanders took the ball and raced up the field unimpeded for 15 yards. But on his final step of what would be a 16-yard gain, Sanders was met head-on by a contingent of four Panthers: cornerback Tyrone Poole, nose tackle Greg Kragen, linebacker Sam Mills and Bailey.
They collectively hammered Sanders to the turf.
His tacklers immediately popped up, excitedly exchanging high fives and slaps on the backs, helmets and shoulder pads. Sanders stayed down, writhing in pain. Doctors later determined that the impact broke a small bone below Sanders' left eye. Now he was out of the game, too.
Although the Cowboys drew to within 23-17 on a field goal by kicker Chris Boniol, Aikman was missing his most dynamic receiver in Irvin, and the Dallas defense was without Sanders, who also was a dangerous kick returner.
The Panthers, circling like sharks now, delivered some brutal hits on Aikman over the final minutes and eventually secured a 26-17 win that moved them to the NFC Championship in only their second season. It was a remarkable win, one that will forever rank as one of the most memorable in franchise history.
On television that day, broadcaster John Madden could not believe what he had just witnessed.
"Who would have thought that Dallas would lose in this round and that the winner would be the Carolina Panthers?" he said on the air.
The Panthers did. And so did their fans.