“You just have to block it out. I think this was our biggest test to see if we could handle the cold weather and still play. I think it was one hell of a test of mental toughness. We were able to adjust to the cold weather and the opponent, and we were able to play our game.” ~ Raymond Chester
Plunkett Hugs Davis 1981 from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania · Monday, January 05, 1981. Clipping via Newspapers.com
The biting wind off Lake Erie was the 12th man, plunging the temperature into the single digits on January 4, 1981. This was the AFC Divisional Round, and the Oakland Raiders, a wildcard, fought both the Cleveland Browns and the brutal cold.
The Raiders built a narrow lead, relying on Mark van Eeghen’s powerful running against the frozen turf. They held a slim 14-12 advantage late in the fourth quarter, but the Browns, fueled by the Municipal Stadium faithful, mounted a final, desperate drive.
Cleveland reached the Oakland 13-yard line. With the clock winding down, Coach Sam Rutigliano made the fateful call: “Red Right 88.” Instead of kicking the easy field goal for the win, quarterback Brian Sipe aimed for the end zone. The pass, intended for Ozzie Newsome, was intercepted by Raiders safety Mike Davis.
The interception secured the 14-12 victory for the Raiders, silencing the crowd and extinguishing the Browns’ Super Bowl hopes. Oakland survived the arctic chill and the late rally, advancing on a defensive stand that is still frozen in playoff legend.
By Darin 
