Game is Regarded as One of the Best of All Time
Published on October 19th, 2024 9:50 am ESTWritten By: Dave Manuel

Let's set the table.
It was January 2nd, 1982, and the Miami Dolphins were hosting the San Diego Chargers in an AFC divisional playoff game.
The San Diego Chargers had a high-powered offense led by Dan Fouts, Charlie Joiner and Kellen Winslow, to name a few.
The Dolphins were in their pre-Dan Marino era but had a very good team that was led by a stout defense.
The temperature for the game was 76 degrees, though there was very high humidity as well. This would have a big effect on the game, as players from both teams would be battling exhaustion.
The Chargers started out the game strong, putting up 24 points in the first quarter alone. Their defense was excellent and that led to three touchdowns and a field goal.
The Dolphins were reeling heading into the second quarter, and things only got worse.
In their first drive of the quarter, the Dolphins were sacked twice. At this point, Miami head coach Don Shula elected to switch quarterbacks as Don Strock entered the game.
Dividends were immediately paid, as the Dolphins would score a field goal on the drive.
The Dolphins' defense suddenly stepped up, forcing a fumble that led to a touchdown.
After a missed Chargers field goal, the Dolphins marched down the field yet again and scored another touchdown, making the game 24-17 at halftime.
Early in the second half, the Dolphins took the lead after another long touchdown drive.
The Chargers and Dolphins would then exchange touchdowns, tying the game at 31.
After a Chargers interception, the Dolphins capitalized, scoring a touchdown and grabbing a 38-31 lead.
With just one minute left in regulation, the Chargers marched down the field and tied the game at 38 after a Fout touchdown pass.
The game was going to overtime.
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Both teams missed short field goals in the overtime period.
With time ticking down, the Chargers marched down the field from their own 16-yard line. With both teams completely exhausted, the Chargers finally connected on a 29-yard field goal to win the game.
The Chargers had won by a score of 41-38, derailing the heroic comeback attempt from the Miami Dolphins.
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After playing in crippling humidity against the Dolphins, the Chargers had to travel to Cincinnati to play in a game that has been titled "The Freezer Bowl", as it was the coldest game in NFL history.
The Chargers would lose by a score of 27-7.