It was 1977 and the game became known as the Slush Bowl.
The 8-5 Chicago Bears, led by head coach Jack Pardee, were riding a five-game winning streak when they came to East Rutherford to face the 5-8 New York Giants. The game was a must-win for Chicago, which was seeking a wild card berth. Like the Giants, they had not made it to the postseason since 1963.
As it still often does in December in East Rutherford, the weather in the half-empty Giants Stadium played a factor. It was cold, wet and slushy as the Giants, under the guidance of John McVay, looked to close out yet another disappointing season.