Los Angeles Rams Defeat Dallas Cowboys in Divisional Round of 1985 NFC Playoffs

Historic Rivalry Renewed

The Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys, two of the most storied franchises in NFL history, faced off in a highly anticipated Divisional Round matchup in the 1985 NFC Playoffs.

Rams Dominate Early, Cowboys Rally

The Rams jumped out to a 21-0 lead in the first half, with running back Eric Dickerson rushing for two touchdowns. The Cowboys, led by quarterback Danny White, rallied back in the second half, scoring 24 unanswered points to take the lead.

Rams' Comeback Fueled by Dickerson

The Rams regained the lead late in the fourth quarter, with Dickerson scoring his third touchdown of the game. The Cowboys had a chance to tie the game in the final minutes, but White's pass fell incomplete, sealing the victory for the Rams.

Dickerson's Record-Breaking Performance

Dickerson's three touchdowns gave him a total of five in the playoffs, setting an NFL record for most rushing touchdowns in a single postseason.

Rams Advance to NFC Championship Game

With the win, the Rams advanced to the NFC Championship Game, where they would eventually lose to the Chicago Bears.

Key Stats

• Eric Dickerson: 248 rushing yards, 3 touchdowns
• Danny White: 324 passing yards, 1 touchdown
• Rams: 35 first downs, 473 total yards
• Cowboys: 23 first downs, 396 total yards

Historical Context

The Rams-Cowboys rivalry is one of the most heated in NFL history, dating back to the 1950s. The two teams have met numerous times in the playoffs, with the Rams holding a slight edge in head-to-head matchups.

Conclusion

The 1985 NFC Divisional Round matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys was a classic playoff game. Dickerson's record-breaking performance led the Rams to a hard-fought victory and a berth in the NFC Championship Game.