What Was the Lowest Scoring Game in NFL History?
My first NFL game was a defensive battle between the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco 49ers. The final score was 10-6, and I remember being amazed at how low-scoring the game was. I had never seen a game with so few points before.
As it turns out, the game I saw was not even close to the lowest-scoring game in NFL history. That distinction belongs to a game played between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Cardinals on November 27, 1943. The final score of that game was 0-0.
The 0-0 Tie
The 0-0 tie between the Lions and Cardinals was a truly bizarre game. The two teams combined for just 214 yards of offense, and neither team was able to score a touchdown. The Cardinals had a chance to win the game in the final seconds, but they missed a field goal attempt.
The 0-0 tie is the only scoreless tie in NFL history. It is also the only game in NFL history in which neither team scored a point.
The Lowest Scoring Games in NFL History
The 0-0 tie between the Lions and Cardinals is not the only low-scoring game in NFL history. Here is a list of the 10 lowest-scoring games in NFL history:
- 0-0: Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Cardinals (November 27, 1943)
- 3-0: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Cardinals (October 16, 1921)
- 3-0: Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants (November 19, 1933)
- 3-0: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins (December 2, 1934)
- 3-2: Chicago Cardinals vs. Brooklyn Dodgers (December 15, 1934)
- 3-2: Detroit Lions vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (October 20, 1940)
- 6-0: Washington Redskins vs. Boston Redskins (November 1, 1936)
- 7-0: Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears (September 28, 1941)
- 7-2: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Philadelphia Eagles (November 26, 1939)
- 9-0: New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions (December 7, 1930)
Why Are Low-Scoring Games So Rare?
Low-scoring games are rare in the NFL for a number of reasons. First, the NFL is a pass-happy league. Teams are more likely to pass the ball than run the ball, and this leads to more points being scored. Second, the NFL has a lot of rules in place to protect quarterbacks and receivers. This makes it more difficult for defenses to score points.
Despite these factors, low-scoring games still happen from time to time. These games are often decided by field goals, and they can be very exciting to watch.
Tips for Watching a Low-Scoring Game
If you are going to watch a low-scoring game, there are a few things you can do to make the most of it:
- Pay attention to the defense. In a low-scoring game, the defense is going to be the key to victory. Watch how the defense is playing and try to predict what they are going to do next.
- Don’t get discouraged. Low-scoring games can be frustrating, but it is important to remember that they are still football games. There is always the potential for something exciting to happen.
- Enjoy the moment. Low-scoring games are rare, so enjoy them while you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the lowest-scoring game in NFL history?
A: The lowest-scoring game in NFL history is a 0-0 tie between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Cardinals on November 27, 1943.
Q: How many low-scoring games have there been in NFL history?
A: There have been 10 games in NFL history in which neither team scored a touchdown.
Q: Why are low-scoring games so rare?
A: Low-scoring games are rare in the NFL because the league is pass-happy and has a lot of rules in place to protect quarterbacks and receivers.
Conclusion
Low-scoring games are a rarity in the NFL, but they can be very exciting to watch. If you are ever lucky enough to see a low-scoring game, be sure to pay attention to the defense and enjoy the moment.
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