The National Football League (NFL) has a rich history of exciting games, and one of the most thrilling aspects of the sport is the high-scoring affairs that leave fans on the edge of their seats. Among the many high-scoring games in NFL history, one stands out as the highest-scoring game of all time.
The Game: Washington Redskins vs. New York Giants (1966)
The game in question took place on November 27, 1966, at D.C. Stadium in Washington, D.C., where the Washington Redskins hosted the New York Giants. The Redskins, led by quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, and the Giants, led by quarterback Fran Tarkenton, engaged in a shootout for the ages, combining for a staggering 113 points.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading touchdowns and field goals throughout the contest. The Redskins ultimately emerged victorious, winning 72-41 in a game that will forever be remembered as the highest-scoring game in NFL history.
Key Statistics from the Game
- Total points: 113 (72-41)
- Total touchdowns: 13 (9 passing, 4 rushing)
- Total passing yards: 727 (Sonny Jurgensen: 417, Fran Tarkenton: 310)
- Total rushing yards: 246 (Washington Redskins: 134, New York Giants: 112)
- Total penalties: 17 (Washington Redskins: 9, New York Giants: 8)
How the Game Unfolded
The game got off to a frenetic pace, with both teams scoring on their opening possessions. The Redskins took an early 7-0 lead, but the Giants quickly responded with a touchdown of their own to tie the game. The two teams continued to trade scores throughout the first half, with the Redskins holding a 28-21 lead at halftime.
The second half saw more of the same, with both teams scoring at will. The Redskins extended their lead to 35-21 early in the third quarter, but the Giants refused to back down, scoring two touchdowns to close the gap to 35-28. The Redskins responded with a touchdown of their own, and the game continued to see-saw back and forth, with the Redskins ultimately emerging victorious.
Legacy of the Game
The 1966 game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants remains the highest-scoring game in NFL history, and its legacy continues to be felt to this day. The game showcased the exciting, high-scoring brand of football that the NFL is known for, and it paved the way for future generations of players and coaches.
The game also highlighted the incredible talent of the two quarterbacks involved, Sonny Jurgensen and Fran Tarkenton. Both quarterbacks went on to have Hall of Fame careers, and their performances in this game are still talked about today.
Impact on the NFL
The 1966 game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants had a significant impact on the NFL, both in terms of rule changes and the style of play. The game's high score led to a renewed focus on defense, with the NFL introducing rule changes aimed at reducing scoring.
However, the game also showcased the excitement and entertainment value of high-scoring football, and it helped to popularize the sport in the 1960s. The game's legacy can still be seen today, with the NFL continuing to emphasize offense and scoring.
Other High-Scoring Games in NFL History
While the 1966 game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants remains the highest-scoring game in NFL history, there have been several other high-scoring affairs throughout the league's history. Some notable examples include:
- 1950: Los Angeles Rams vs. New York Giants (70-27)
- 1963: San Francisco 49ers vs. Detroit Lions (62-24)
- 1983: Green Bay Packers vs. Washington Redskins (48-47)
- 2013: Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles (33-31, overtime)
These games, while not as high-scoring as the 1966 game, demonstrate the NFL's commitment to offense and scoring, and they provide a glimpse into the exciting brand of football that the league is known for.
Conclusion: A Game for the Ages
The 1966 game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants is a game for the ages, a thrilling, high-scoring affair that will forever be remembered as the highest-scoring game in NFL history. The game's legacy continues to be felt today, with its impact on the NFL's rule changes and style of play still evident.
As the NFL continues to evolve and grow, it's likely that we'll see more high-scoring games in the future. But for now, the 1966 game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants remains the gold standard, a game that will forever be remembered as one of the greatest in NFL history.
We hope you've enjoyed this article on the NFL's highest-scoring game of all time. If you have any thoughts or comments, please feel free to share them below.
What is the highest-scoring game in NFL history?
+The highest-scoring game in NFL history is the 1966 game between the Washington Redskins and New York Giants, which ended with a score of 72-41.
Who were the quarterbacks in the 1966 game?
+The quarterbacks in the 1966 game were Sonny Jurgensen for the Washington Redskins and Fran Tarkenton for the New York Giants.
What was the impact of the 1966 game on the NFL?
+The 1966 game led to a renewed focus on defense in the NFL, with the league introducing rule changes aimed at reducing scoring. However, the game also showcased the excitement and entertainment value of high-scoring football, and it helped to popularize the sport in the 1960s.