Question In what game did a snow plow make the difference for a field goal attempt, allowing the Dallas Cowboys to win?
Answer Genaro,
Hello. I'm sorry to say I think you might have your teams mixed up. The famous "snow plow" game was played between the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots on November 12, 1982 at Sullivan Stadium in Foxboro, MA. In a game that is actually a misnomer, convicted convict Mark Henderson, who was working for the Patriots on a work release program, added his name to NFL lore. On the morning of the game it started snowing real early. Henderson manned the sweeper which was attached to a John Deere tractor. It had a four-foot long brush that spun and swept the carpet hence the misnomer, he was not actually using a snowplow. Snow continued to fall throughout the game and viewing the lines on the field was very difficult. Players on both sides were also struggling with footing and the game stayed scoreless until 4:45 was left in the game. Patriots head coach Ron Meyer called a time out with the Patriots on the 16-yard line and getting ready to attempt a field goal. He then ran down the sideline toward Henderson and yelled for him to "Do something." Henderson stated that he knew what Meyer wanted so he proceeded to the 20-yard line to sweep the line during the time out. Holder Matt Cavanaugh clapped his hands and yelled "Follow me." Henderson said "I went down the 20-yard line, which is where I was stationed. Then I did a little swerve over to the 23, kind of a nonchalant swerve." There was then a nice clean carpet for kicker John Smith to kick the 33-yard field goal giving the Patriots a 3-0 victory. At the time, there was no rule prohibiting this action so the sweep and the field goal stood despite protestations from coach Don Shula of the Dolphins. Now in bad weather, coaches confer on the field to determine what can and cannot be done during the game but, Mark Henderson will always be associated with "The Snowplow Game."
