1998 - The 1998 Arizona Cardinals Playoffs – A Historic Upset

Breaking the Drought: The 1998 Arizona Cardinals Playoffs

In the long chronicle of NFL history, the 1998 season stands out as a massive turning point for fans of the desert. The 1998 Arizona Cardinals playoffs run represented the franchise’s first postseason appearance since the strike-shortened 1982 season. Led by the gutsy play of quarterback Jake “The Snake” Plummer, the team defied expectations and secured a wild card team spot with a 9-7 record. This historic milestone provided a long-awaited spark for Arizona sports and remains a favorite memory for the local fan base.

The Historic Upset: Silencing the Dallas Cowboys

The highlight of the 1998 Arizona Cardinals playoffs was undoubtedly their opening-round matchup. Entering the postseason as heavy underdogs, the Cardinals traveled to Texas Stadium to face their division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. Despite the odds, Arizona shocked the football world by securing a dominant 20-7 victory.

This wasn’t just any win; it was a landmark moment in professional football for several reasons:

• The First Win in 51 Years: It was the team’s first postseason victory since their 1947 NFL Championship.
• Ending the Curse: It marked the first-ever playoff win for the team since they became an Arizona NFL franchise.
• Defensive Dominance: The Cardinals’ defense famously stifled a star-studded Cowboys roster to pull off the upset.

Following the high of the wildcard victory, the 1998 Arizona Cardinals playoffs continued into the divisional round. The team faced a daunting task against the 15-1 Minnesota Vikings, who possessed one of the highest-scoring offenses in NFL history.

While Arizona fought hard, they ultimately fell to the Vikings with a final score of 41-21. Although the season ended in Minneapolis, the team’s ability to compete on such a high stage signaled a new era for Arizona sports. It proved that the franchise could hold its own against the giants of professional football.

A Season to Remember for Arizona Fans

The impact of the 1998 Arizona Cardinals playoffs cannot be overstated. By breaking a half-century-long postseason win drought, the team solidified its identity in its new home. Every time fans enter a stadium to watch an Arizona NFL franchise today, they walk in the footsteps of that gritty 1998 squad.

From the leadership of head coach Vince Tobin to the legendary play of Jake Plummer, the 1998 season remains a cornerstone of Arizona sports history. It serves as a reminder that in the world of the NFL, even the biggest underdogs can have their day in the sun.