NFL games are known for being back and forth encounters where teams one up each other on the scoreboard in search of victory.
However, there have been times when both teams struggle to reach the endzone, resulting in low scoring games, or even no scoring.
As per Pro Football Reference, 73 games in pro football history have ended in a 0-0 tie. However, the last time that took place was almost 80 years ago, meaning there’s been no scoreless ties in the Super Bowl era.
When was the last 0-0 tie in the NFL?
The most recent 0-0 tie took place on November 7, 1943 when the Detroit Lions hosted the New York Giants at Briggs Stadium.
With the game taking place in the middle of World War II, many NFL players were overseas after being drafted. As a result, the two teams played with diminished rosters, and the scoreline was proof of that.
The fact that it rained and field conditions were subpar didn’t help matters, as fields didn’t have the sophisticated drainage systems that are now taken for granted. As a result, the rain created problems for both teams, with mud slowing them down at every turn.
In total the two teams combined for just nine first downs and 214 yards, which isn’t all that surprising considering the game featured 77 running plays and 16 pass attempts.
Back then the single-wing offence was dominant, meaning scoreless ties were an all too common occurrence. One the T-formation took over in the 1940s, scoring increased as teams found the end zone with more regularity.
Even the kicking game struggled due to the poor conditions. Lions kicker Augie Lio missed three field goals from distances of 32, 40 and 15 yards. Giants kicker Ward Cuff also missed his lone attempt.
No overtime was played as the NFL wouldn’t introduce the additional period for another three decades.
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