NFL Divisional Playoff Notes: Record-Breaking Performances and Historic Trends

Strategic Insights -

The NFL's divisional playoff weekend saw several record-breaking performances, historic trends, and noteworthy storylines. Kansas City tight end Keith Cash scored the game's first touchdown against Houston, and his celebratory throw aimed at defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan's picture on the wall behind the end zone is a memorable moment from the game. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys will play in their 43rd post-season game next Sunday, surpassing the Los Angeles Raiders' record for most post-season appearances.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Dallas Cowboys will play in their 43rd post-season game next Sunday, setting a new record for most post-season appearances.
  • The Cowboys have won their way into the Super Bowl six times, matching the record for the most Super Bowl appearances.
  • The Los Angeles Raiders have the second-best record for getting to a conference title game with 12 such appearances.
  • The Cowboys will keep at least a seven-game lead over the Raiders in the number of post-season games played.
  • The Houston Oilers allowed 16 touchdowns through the air during the regular season, with Joe Montana throwing three against them in Sunday's game.
  • Montana and Houston counterpart Warren Moon combined to throw 81 passes, not exceeding the NFL post-season record for such a feat.
  • The record for most passes thrown in a playoff game is 102, set by San Diego and Miami in 1981.
  • This is the fourth year that six teams have been eligible for the playoffs in each conference, a change that allowed the top two teams from the NFC and AFC to have a week off before opening the post-season.
  • The teams with a week off before the playoffs have a record of 18-2 in the divisional round over the past four seasons.
  • Since the AFL-NFL merger, only four wild card teams have reached the Super Bowl, and the Green Bay Packers' loss on Sunday means there will be no wild card teams making it to the Super Bowl this year.
  • The NFL post-season record for most consecutive passes without an interception is 111, set by Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman.
  • Aikman threw the first of his two interceptions against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, ending his streak.
  • Aikman completed 28 of 37 passes against Green Bay, increasing his league-record post-season completion percentage.
  • Kansas City's Joe Montana has increased his lead in the record book for post-season completions and attempts.
  • Montana's career total for post-season completions and attempts stands at 425 and 674, respectively.
  • Terry Bradshaw is a distant second in career playoff completions with 456.

Statistics:

  • Dallas will play in their 43rd post-season game next Sunday.
  • The Cowboys have won their way into the Super Bowl six times.
  • The Los Angeles Raiders have 12 conference title game appearances.
  • The Cowboys will have a seven-game lead over the Raiders in post-season games played.
  • Joe Montana threw three touchdowns against Houston on Sunday.
  • Montana and Warren Moon combined to throw 81 passes.
  • The record for most passes thrown in a playoff game is 102.
  • The teams with a week off before the playoffs have a record of 18-2 in the divisional round over the past four seasons.
  • Since the AFL-NFL merger, only four wild card teams have reached the Super Bowl.
  • Troy Aikman's post-season completion percentage is now 69.2.
  • Joe Montana's career total for post-season completions and attempts is 425 and 674, respectively.
  • Terry Bradshaw is second in career playoff completions with 456.

Sources:

  • United Press International
  • NFL records and statistics