Redskins Super Bowl History

The Washington Redskins have played in a total of five Super Bowls, winning three of these National Football League title contests and losing two. Washington's loss to the Miami Dolphins in 1973 made history as it allowed the Dolphins to go undefeated for the season, while running back John Riggins helped the Redskins gain a measure of revenge in Super Bowl XVII with a dramatic touchdown.

Super Bowl VII

On January 14, 1973 at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, the Dolphins put their undefeated record on the line versus the Redskins. Miami scored a touchdown in the first and second quarters and led 14-0 until one of the most unusual plays in Super Bowl history occurred late in the fourth. Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian's ill-advised attempt to make positive yardage out of a botched field goal attempt wound up in the hands of Redskin defensive back Mike Bass, who scored a touchdown on a 49-yard fumble return. But Washington was unable to score again, and Miami's smothering defense wound up holding quarterback Billy Kilmer to 104 yards passing. So dominant was the Dolphins' defense that Washington's longest plays from scrimmage the entire contest were 15-yard catches by receivers Charley Taylor and Roy Jefferson.

Super Bowl XVII

Ten years later at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on January 30, the Redskins once again met the Dolphins. The game featured a 98-yard kickoff return for a score by Miami's Fulton Walker, but is best remembered for John Riggins' heroics. With Washington trailing 17-13 late in the game, Riggins took a fourth-down hand-off and broke the play for a score, rambling 43 yards to the end zone. Washington added a touchdown pass from Jow Theismann to Charlie Brown to cement the 27-17 win. Miami quarterback David Woodley completed just four passes for 97 yards, with 76 coming on one play--a touchdown to Jimmy Cefalo. Riggins finished with 38 carries for 166 yards.

Super Bowl XVIII

Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida, was the scene of the next Redskins Super Bowl. Trying for back-to-back NFL titles, the Redskins met the Oakland Raiders on January 22, 1984. Washington trailed early on an Oakland fumble recovery for a touchdown and then gave up a Cliff Branch reception to go down 14-0 in the second quarter. After a Mark Moseley field goal made it 14-3, halftime was approaching. Washington's quarterback, Joe Theismann, tried a screen pass near his own end zone rather than run out the clock, and it backfired when Oakland's Jack Squirek intercepted it at the 5-yard line and ran it in for a 21-3 lead. The Raiders' Marcus Allen added two touchdown runs in the second half--the last one a spectacular 74-yard scamper, as Oakland cruised to the 38-9 triumph.

Super Bowl XXII

On January 31, 1988, the Redskins met the Denver Broncos at San Diego's Jack Murphy Stadium. Denver went to a quick 10-0 lead, but in the second quarter, Washington exploded for five touchdowns. The 35 points was a Super Bowl record for a quarter and came via four Doug Williams touchdown passes and a 58-yard run by Timmy Smith. Williams was named the game's Most Valuable Player for his stunning performance, which saw him throw for 340 yards on just 18 completions. Overlooked in the 42-10 trouncing was Smith's record 204 yards rushing.

Super Bowl XXVI

In the Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 26, 1992, the Redskins beat the Buffalo Bills by a 37-24 count. The game was 37-10 halfway through the fourth quarter and was never in doubt. Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien was named the MVP for his 292 passing yards and pair of touchdown tosses. Washington held the Bills to a measly 43 rushing yards, and Coach Joe Gibbs won his third Super Bowl with the Redskins, each with a different quarterback, to eventually earn a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.