Eric Dickerson Rushed For 248 Yards In NFC Divisional Clash Against Dallas Cowboys

Published on December 22nd, 2024 11:33 am EST
Written By: Dave Manuel


The newer generation of NFL fans don't realize just how truly dominant running back Eric Dickerson was, especially in the first half of his career.

In his rookie year in 1983, Dickerson ran for 1,808 yards and 18 touchdowns.

In his second year in the league, Dickerson ran for 2,105 yards and 14 touchdowns.

In the second half of his career, Dickerson was plagued by injuries and his results were largely spotty.

From 1983 to 1986, however, Dickerson was easily one of the most dominant running backs that the league has ever seen.

This is why no one should be surprised to learn that Dickerson holds the record for most rushing yards in a single playoff game.

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On January 4th, 1986, the Los Angeles Rams played host to the Dallas Cowboys in a NFC Divisional game.

The Rams finished their season 11-5 and earned a home playoff game, while the Cowboys finished the season 10-6.

The winner earned the unenviable shot at squaring off against the Chicago Bears, on the road, in the Conference Championship game.

The Rams had a very simple gameplan for the Dallas Cowboys - use Dickerson often and run it down the throat of the Cowboys. Burn the clock and wear down the defense.

The plan worked, as the Rams won by a score of 20-0.

Dickerson was absolutely unstoppable in the game, as he rushed 34 times for a total of 248 yards and 2 touchdowns.

This included two long rushing touchdowns of 40 and 55 yards.

The Rams passing attack managed just six completed passes for a total of 50 yards, but nothing more was needed, as Dickerson and the Rams defense absolutely shut down the Cowboys.

The Cowboys were unable to do absolutely anything on offense, which meant that their defense had to be on the field for seemingly the entire game.

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Here is a list of the top five playoff rushing performances of all time:

1. Eric Dickerson, 248 yards
2. Raheem Mostert, 220 yards
3. Lamar Smith, 209 yards
4. Keith Lincoln, 206 yards
5. Timmy Smith, 204 yards