Winner takes legacy
Imagine the intensity of a Super Bowl, the stakes sky-high, but it’s not yet February. This is the stage of the NFL Conference Championships, where legends are forged and legacies are often decided before the Lombardi Trophy is even in sight.
- 1998 NFC Championship: Falcons vs. Vikings
- 2006 AFC Championship: Patriots vs. Colts
- 2014 NFC Championship: Seahawks vs. 49ers
1998 NFC Championship: Falcons vs. Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings, led by the explosive duo of Randall Cunningham and rookie sensation Randy Moss, were favorites to win it all. They hosted the Atlanta Falcons in a game that was supposed to be a mere formality before their coronation. But as the game unfolded, it became a battle for the ages.
Could the underdog Falcons really topple the high-flying Vikings?
The Vikings were ahead 27-20 late in the fourth quarter, seemingly in control. The atmosphere in the Metrodome was electric, fans ready to book their trip to Miami for Super Bowl XXXIII. However, Atlanta had other plans. The Falcons mounted a late-game comeback, tying the game with a 16-yard touchdown pass from Chris Chandler to Terance Mathis, pushing the game into overtime.
In overtime, the unthinkable happened. Vikings kicker Gary Anderson, who had not missed a single field goal all season, missed a 38-yard attempt that would have sealed the game. The Falcons capitalized, with Morten Andersen kicking a 38-yard field goal to win the game, sending Atlanta to their first Super Bowl and leaving a what-could-have-been narrative in Minnesota.
2006 AFC Championship: Patriots vs. Colts
The New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts rivalry, epitomized by the clash between two quarterbacking titans, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, reached its zenith in the 2006 AFC Championship game. The Colts, having lost repeatedly in the playoffs to Brady’s Patriots, were on a quest to overcome their kryptonite.
Was this Peyton Manning’s moment to shine?
The game started disastrously for Manning, throwing an interception on his first pass and finding his team trailing 21-3 in the second quarter. However, the Colts staged one of the greatest comebacks in NFL playoff history. Manning led a charge that culminated in a late touchdown by rookie running back Joseph Addai, putting the Colts ahead for the first time with only one minute left in the game.
The Colts’ 38-34 victory was not just a win; it was a cathartic release from the Patriots’ shadow. Manning’s performance in this game, overcoming a 18-point deficit, solidified his legacy and propelled the Colts to a Super Bowl victory against the Chicago Bears.
2014 NFC Championship: Seahawks vs. 49ers
The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers rivalry was at its peak, with both teams featuring dominant defenses and dynamic quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Colin Kaepernick. The 2014 NFC Championship game was more than just a ticket to the Super Bowl; it was about asserting dominance over a bitter rival.
Could the Seahawks’ Legion of Boom stifle the dynamic Kaepernick?
The game was a defensive masterpiece, with both teams exchanging blows like heavyweight fighters. The turning point came late in the fourth quarter when, with the 49ers threatening to take the lead, Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman tipped a Kaepernick pass intended for Michael Crabtree in the end zone, leading to a game-sealing interception by linebacker Malcolm Smith.
The Seahawks’ 23-17 victory was a testament to their defensive prowess and set the stage for their Super Bowl blowout of the Denver Broncos. The image of Sherman’s deflection became an iconic symbol of the NFL’s most fearsome defense.
The Legacy of These Games
These aren’t just memorable games; they are chapters in the annals of NFL history that demonstrate how sometimes, the road to the Super Bowl can feature battles just as fierce as the final itself. Each game not only decided who would advance to the Super Bowl but also played a pivotal role in defining the careers of its key players and the legacy of its teams.
For more insights into unforgettable NFL moments, visit NFL History.
