Highlighted Year: Tim Brown, 1988

Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Raiders

Age: 22

1^st season in pro football

College: Notre Dame

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 190

Prelude:

The versatile Brown was utilized primarily as a flanker in college and also as a runner from scrimmage and kick returner. He ended up as Notre Dame’s all-time pass receiving yardage leader (2493 on 137 catches), returned six kicks (three punts and three kickoffs) for touchdowns, and won the 1987 Heisman Trophy as well as receiving consensus All-American honors. Brown was chosen by the Raiders in the first round of the 1988 NFL draft (sixth overall) and had an impact both as a pass receiver and kick returner.

1988 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 43      

Most receptions, game – 8 (for 95 yds.) vs. Kansas City 10/30

Yards – 725

Most yards, game – 114 (on 4 catches) at Seattle 11/28

Average gain – 16.9 [15]

TDs – 5

100-yard receiving games – 1

Rushing

Attempts – 14

Most attempts, game – 3 (for 17 yds.) at Denver 9/26, (for 13 yds.) vs. Miami 10/9, (for 17 yds.) vs. Atlanta 11/20

Yards – 50

Most yards, game – 17 yards (on 3 carries) at Denver 9/26, (on 3 carries) vs. Atlanta 11/20

Average gain – 3.6

TDs – 1

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 41 [1, tied with Joe Cribbs]

Yards – 1098 [1]

Most yards, game – 178 (on 5 ret.) at Seattle 11/28

Average per return – 26.8 [1]

TDs – 1 [1, tied with seven others]

Longest return – 97 yards

Punt Returns

Returns – 49 [2]

Yards – 444 [3]

Most yards, game – 102 (on 7 ret.) at San Diego 11/6

Average per return – 9.1 [14]

TDs – 0

Longest return – 36 yards

All-Purpose yards – 2317 [1]

Scoring

TDs – 7

Points – 42

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: PFWA, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News

1^st team All-AFC: Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Raiders went 7-9 to finish third in the AFC West.

Aftermath:

Brown’s 1989 season ended with torn knee ligaments in the opening game and he was slow to come back, following up with a mediocre year in ’90. He began to return to form in 1991 and ’92, catching 36 and 49 passes, respectively, before breaking out with 80 receptions for 1180 yards and seven TDs in 1993. It was the first of seven straight seasons in which he had at least 80 catches and nine consecutive thousand-yard receiving totals, with highs of 104 receptions and 1408 yards in 1997. While lacking his former speed, Brown remained a dangerous runner after the catch. He stayed with the Raiders, who returned to Oakland in 1995, through the 2003 season, a total of 16 years, and caught 1070 passes for 14,734 yards and 99 touchdowns, all franchise records, as well as his 104 total TDs. He finished up with Tampa Bay in 2004, bringing his career totals to 1094 pass receptions, which ranked third in NFL history at the time, for a second-ranked 14,934 yards and 100 TDs. He added another 45 catches for 581 yards and three TDs in 12 postseason games. As a kick returner, he averaged 25.2 yards on 49 kickoff returns with one TD and 10.2 yards on 326 punt returns, scoring three touchdowns. In all, he compiled 19,682 all-purpose yards, the league’s fifth highest total at the time. Brown received consensus first-team All-NFL honors once, at least some first-team recognition after one other season, was first- or second-team All-AFC seven times, and was selected to nine Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2015.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

1993: Backup QB Evans Rallies Raiders in Second Half to Defeat Jets

The Los Angeles Raiders were coming off of two losses after a 2-0 start as they hosted the New York Jets on October 10, 1993. Coached by Art Shell, the Raiders had a new starting quarterback in Jeff Hostetler, formerly of the Giants, although he was bothered by a sprained ankle. The wide receiver corps was a good one with WR Tim Brown providing a steady target and unheralded rookie WR James Jett combining with Alexander Wright and Raghib “Rocket” Ismail to provide ample speed. The situation at running back was more of a concern.

The Jets were also 2-2 and had lost the previous week in a game in which they blew a two-touchdown lead against Philadelphia. Head Coach Bruce Coslet’s team also had a new quarterback in Boomer Esiason, a solid tenth-year veteran obtained from the Bengals, and RB Johnny Johnson had been acquired from the Cardinals to boost the ground game.

It was a hazy afternoon at the Memorial Coliseum with 41,627 fans in attendance. Starting from their own 20 after the opening kickoff, the Jets drove into Los Angeles territory. Boomer Esiason converted a third-and-11 play with a pass to WR Terance Mathis for 11 yards and a completion to WR Rob Moore picked up 39 yards to the LA 31. The advance finally stopped at the 12 yard line, but the visitors came up empty when punter/holder Louie Aguiar threw a pass that was intercepted by FS Eddie Anderson and returned 27 yards.

Now it was the turn of the Raiders to put together a methodical series. Jeff Hostetler ran effectively and completed a third-and-10 pass to TE Ethan Horton for 11 yards. Another third down throw was complete to WR Tim Brown for 21 yards to the New York 12 but, after being backed up by a holding penalty, Hostetler’s pass intended for Horton was picked off by SS Brian Washington.

The Jets had to punt on the final play of the first quarter, and Aguiar’s kick traveled 45 yards and went out of bounds at the LA 11. Hostetler fumbled on the next play and ex-Raider DT Bill Pickel recovered for New York. RB Blair Thomas ran for a six-yard touchdown and, with Cary Blanchard adding the extra point, the Jets were up by 7-0 at 11 seconds into the second quarter.

Both teams went three-and-out and punted on their next possessions but an 18-yard Hostetler-to-Brown completion had the Raiders in New York territory. However, Hostetler’s next pass was intercepted by Washington and he returned it 62 yards for another TD for the Jets. Blanchard converted to put the visitors ahead by 14-0.

38-year-old Vince Evans (pictured at top), who had started in the previous week’s loss, relieved Hostetler at quarterback and it got no better for the Raiders when, on the next series, RB Greg Robinson fumbled and Pickel recovered at the LA 49. The Jets went 41 yards in seven plays as Esiason threw to Johnny Johnson for 16 yards and the Raiders were penalized for tripping. Blanchard kicked a 25-yard field goal.

Down by 17-0 with 4:41 left in the first half, the Raiders drove 80 yards in six plays. RB Nick Bell carried three straight times for 18 yards and Evans threw to TE Andrew Glover for 20 more. Another pass was incomplete, but then Evans connected with James Jett for a 42-yard touchdown. Jeff Jaeger added the point and the halftime score was 17-7 as a Blanchard field goal attempt in the final seconds was blocked by Anderson.

The Raiders had the first possession of the third quarter and it took them only two plays to narrow the margin further. Following a short run by Robinson, Evans threw to WR Alexander Wright on a play that covered 68 yards for a TD. Jaeger’s PAT made it a three-point game.

On the next series, Esiason fumbled the ball away and LB Joe Kelly recovered at the New York 19. The Raiders lost yardage on the resulting short possession but Jaeger booted a field goal from 42 yards to tie the score.

The teams exchanged punts and the Raiders moved from their 23 to the New York 14. Evans threw to Jett for 21 yards and carried the ball himself for 14. A short completion to WR Raghib Ismail followed by two Bell carries for 14 yards had the home team in the red zone, but LB Bobby Houston intercepted an Evans pass to end the threat.

The score remained unchanged as the game headed into the fourth quarter and the Jets advanced just past midfield before having to punt. The Raiders punted in turn and New York methodically drove 56 yards in 13 plays. Esiason completed four passes, two of them to TE Johnny Mitchell and the longest covering 19 yards. But after getting a first-and-goal at the six, the visitors couldn’t reach the end zone and Blanchard kicked a 20-yard field goal that put them up by 20-17.

Taking over on offense with 4:29 to play in regulation, Evans tossed two incomplete passes before connecting with Jett for 13 yards and a first down. Consecutive 14-yard completions to Ismail put the Raiders at the New York 31. A two-yard run by Bell was followed by an Evans throw to Jett for 10 yards and runs by Bell and Evans gained another 12 yards. Brown caught a pass for six yards and, with the clock down to seven seconds and LA having no more timeouts, the officials called a timeout to reset the clock, which had failed to run during the last play. Following the short break, Bell (pictured below) ran for the last yard in the 11-play, 72-yard drive for a touchdown. Jaeger’s extra point capped the 24-20 win for the Raiders.

Los Angeles led in total yards (414 to 286) and had the edge in first downs (22 to 21). But the Raiders also turned the ball over five times, to two by the Jets, and were penalized eight times at a cost of 89 yards to five flags for 25 yards on New York.

In his relief stint, Vince Evans completed 14 of 22 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns while giving up one interception. Jeff Hostetler was pulled after going four-of 12 for 62 yards and two interceptions. Tim Brown had 5 catches for 66 yards and James Jett gained 86 yards on his four receptions that included a TD. Nick Bell topped the Raiders with 46 yards on 12 rushing attempts that included the game-winning score. Eddie Anderson accounted for an interception and a blocked kick on special teams.

For the Jets, Boomer Esiason was successful on 21 of 40 throws for 216 yards with no TDs or interceptions. Johnny Johnson rushed for 56 yards on 16 attempts and led the club with 6 catches for 60 yards as well. On defense, Brian Washington (pictured at left) intercepted two passes, one of which was returned for a touchdown.

“For me to sit here and say the clock operator lost the game for us, that’s ridiculous,“ said Boomer Esiason of the confusion with the time remaining at the end that effectively gave the Raiders an extra timeout. “Everybody had an opportunity. I can think of two balls that I overthrew, three balls that were dropped. I can think of a fumble, a missed block. I can think of enough for everybody to absorb some blame.”

The Raiders won the following week on the way to compiling a 10-6 record that placed second in the AFC West and qualified them for the postseason as a Wild Card. They defeated Denver in the first playoff round but lost at Buffalo in a Divisional contest. New York dropped to 2-4 before reeling off five straight wins, only to tail off late in the season. The Jets ended up at 8-8 and third in the AFC East.

Jeff Hostetler returned to form as the season progressed and had a good one, passing for 3242 yards and 14 touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Vince Evans returned to the bench and, for the year, was successful on 45 of 76 throws for 640 yards and three TDs. He spent another two seasons as a backup for the Raiders, finishing up his 15-year NFL career at age 40 in 1995 (Evans also played two seasons in the USFL).

Highlighted Year: Marcus Allen, 1984

Running Back, Los Angeles Raiders

Age: 24

3^rd season in pro football & with Raiders

College: Southern California

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 205

Prelude:

After winning the 1981 Heisman Trophy at USC, Allen was chosen by the Raiders in the first round of the ’82 draft. In the strike-shortened 1982 season, he led the NFL with 1098 yards from scrimmage, 14 TDs, and 84 points. For his efforts, he was a consensus Rookie of the Year and first-team All-NFL selection and was selected to the Pro Bowl. Allen rushed for 1014 yards in ’83 and caught 68 passes for another 590 yards while scoring 12 TDs, although he also led the league by fumbling 14 times. He was the MVP of the Super Bowl after rushing for 191 yards in the win against the Redskins.

1984 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 275 [10]

Most attempts, game – 22 (for 69 yds.) at Kansas City 9/16

Yards – 1168 [10]

Most yards, game – 155 yards (on 20 carries) at Miami 12/2

Average gain – 4.2 [18]

TDs – 13 [3, tied with Gerald Riggs & James Wilder]

100-yard rushing games – 3

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 64

Most receptions, game – 6 (for 46 yds.) at Kansas City 9/16, (for 62 yds.) vs. San Diego 9/24, (for 42 yds.) vs. Minnesota 10/14, (for 63 yds.) vs. Denver 10/28

Yards – 758

Most yards, game – 173 (on 4 catches) vs. Seattle 10/7

Average gain – 11.8

TDs – 5

100-yard receiving games – 1

All-purpose yards – 1926 [4]

Passing

Pass attempts – 4

Pass completions – 1

Passing yardage – 38

TD passes – 0

Interceptions – 0

Scoring

TDs – 18 [1, tied with Mark Clayton]

Points – 108 [8, tied with Mark Clayton & Tony Franklin]

Postseason: 1 G (AFC Wild Card playoff at Seattle)

Rushing attempts – 17

Rushing yards – 61

Average gain rushing – 3.6

Rushing TDs – 0

Pass receptions – 5

Pass receiving yards - 90

Average yards per reception – 18.0

Pass Receiving TDs – 1

Awards & Honors:

2^nd team All-NFL: AP, NEA

1^st team All-AFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Raiders went 11-5 to finish third in the AFC West and qualify as a Wild Card entry in the playoffs. Lost AFC Wild Card playoff to Seattle Seahawks (13-7).

Aftermath:

Allen received multiple MVP honors in 1985 in addition to being a consensus first-team All-NFL selection following a season in which he led the NFL in rushing (1759 yards) and yards from scrimmage (2314) when adding in his 555 yards on 67 pass receptions. He was chosen to the Pro Bowl in 1985, ‘86, ’87, and ’93, but never again ran for a thousand yards or caught more than 51 passes after ‘85. Bothered by injuries (and involved in disputes with owner Al Davis), he shared time with other running backs during the remainder of his career with the Raiders, most notably Bo Jackson. Signing with the Chiefs as a free agent in 1993 reinvigorated his career at age 33, and he led the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns. Allen retired in 1997 with 123 career touchdowns, as well as 12,243 rushing yards and 587 pass receptions for another 5412 yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2003.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

1982: Raiders Overcome 24-Point Deficit to Beat Chargers in LA Debut

The Raiders made their long-delayed regular season home debut as a Los Angeles team against the San Diego Chargers on November 22, 1982. Having made the move from Oakland to LA in the face of much resistance from the NFL, the Raiders won their first two games on the road before the 57-day players’ strike put the entire league on hiatus.

The Raiders, coached by Tom Flores, fell to 7-9 in ’81, which was their first sub-.500 record since 1964, and were looking to rebound. QB Jim Plunkett had been troubled by injuries but was healthy again and HB Marcus Allen (pictured above), the first draft choice out of USC, was a welcome addition to the offense – indeed, the game against the Chargers marked his return to the stadium where he had starred in college and won the Heisman Trophy. Todd Christensen took over as starting tight end in place of the injured Derrick Ramsey with promising results. On defense, DE Lyle Alzado was obtained from the Browns and combined with second-year DE Howie Long to provide an enhanced pass rush.

San Diego came into the game at 1-1 following the long layoff. Under offensive-minded Head Coach Don Coryell, the Chargers boasted the league’s most prolific passing attack, guided by QB Dan Fouts and including TE Kellen Winslow and wide receivers Charlie Joiner and Wes Chandler. RB Chuck Muncie provided power and all-purpose RB James Brooks speed.

Skies were overcast for the nationally-televised Monday night game at the Memorial Coliseum with just 42,162 fans in attendance. Fans were disgruntled from the long work stoppage and, as was the case at other locales in this first post-strike weekend, there were many no-shows. The Chargers had the first possession and drove 79 yards in 12 plays. Dan Fouts was quick to go to the air and completed six passes along the way, the longest to TE Eric Sievers for 21 yards, and two penalties on the Raiders helped the visitors along. But with first-and-goal at the one, three carries by Chuck Muncie netted a loss of a yard and Rolf Benirschke kicked a 19-yard field goal.

The Raiders were forced to punt following their first series and San Diego moved quickly to another score, advancing 83 yards in just four plays. Following a five-yard run by Muncie, Fouts (pictured below) connected on passes of 12 yards to Sievers and 22 yards to Charlie Joiner. A personal foul on the Raiders added another ten yards and then Fouts threw to WR Dwight Scales for a 29-yard touchdown. Benirschke added the extra point and the Chargers were ahead by 10-0.

QB Jim Plunkett was intercepted by FS Tim Fox on the next possession, but while Fouts completed passes to Muncie for 27 yards and three to WR Wes Chandler that picked up a total of 41 yards, the Chargers ultimately had to punt. As the game headed into the second quarter, the Raiders also punted and, with good starting field position at the LA 48, San Diego moved quickly down the field. Fouts had completions to Chandler for 24 yards and Kellen Winslow for 19 yards to reach the five yard line, and two plays later Muncie ran up the middle for a two-yard TD. Benirschke added the point after to make it a 17-0 contest.

The Raiders moved well on their next series as Plunkett completed three passes, the longest to WR Malcolm Barnwell for a gain of 25 yards. Marcus Allen picked up 15 yards on a sweep and HB Greg Pruitt ran for another 13, but after reaching the San Diego 29, Plunkett was sacked by DE Leroy Jones for an 11-yard loss and then was intercepted by LB Cliff Thrift. The Chargers made the most of the turnover, going 57 yards in six plays, although it was a 42-yard pass interference penalty on CB Ted Watts that moved them all the way to the LA two. Muncie dove for a one-yard touchdown shortly thereafter and, with Benirschke’s PAT, the visitors extended their lead to 24-0.

Now in a deep hole, the Raiders stormed back. Plunkett completed five passes, with throws to WR Cliff Branch for 16 yards and FB Kenny King (pictured at left) for 28. Allen ran effectively, including a 17-yard carry on a trap play. But Plunkett was again thrown for a loss while rolling out on a third down play and Chris Bahr missed wide to the left on a 36-yard field goal attempt.

LA got a break on the next play, however, as Muncie fumbled the handoff and LB Ted Hendricks recovered for the Raiders at the San Diego 17. Five plays later, Plunkett connected with TE Todd Christensen for a one-yard touchdown to finally get the Raiders on the board. Bahr converted and the score was 24-7 at halftime.

The Raiders punted after a short series to start the third quarter and the Chargers lost ground due to two penalties and a sack of Fouts by Hendricks. Maury Buford punted and the shanked kick traveled only 27 yards to the LA 36. Plunkett came out throwing, hitting Christensen twice for 11 and 12 yards. King and Allen then combined for 40 yards on the ground with the star rookie gaining the last three for a TD. Bahr added the PAT and San Diego’s lead was cut to ten points at 24-14.

Following the kickoff, Fouts threw to Winslow for 21 yards to midfield, but three plays later Winslow fumbled when hit by DB Odis McKinney after catching a short pass and NT Ruben Vaughn recovered for the Raiders. LA scored again in four plays, highlighted by King running for a 21-yard gain up the middle, and Allen swept for the last three yards and another touchdown. Bahr’s extra point made it a three-point game.

The teams traded punts to finish out the period and San Diego started off the fourth quarter with a drive to the LA 15. James Brooks picked up 23 yards on three carries and Fouts had passes to Winslow for 15 yards and Chandler for nine. But the Chargers came up empty when Benirschke missed a 22-yard try for a field goal.

The Raiders responded by going 80 yards in nine plays. Plunkett was successful on three passes, including one to Christensen for 24 yards on a third-and-three play, and Barnwell gained 14 yards on a reverse. FB Frank Hawkins ran for a one-yard TD, Bahr added the point after, and the home team, once down by 24 points, was in front by four with 5:54 remaining to play.

San Diego fought back as Fouts fired to Chandler for completions of 30 and 24 yards. But after getting to the LA 18, Fouts threw into the end zone under a heavy rush and was intercepted by FS Vann McElroy. It in effect clinched the game for the Raiders as, with 1:56 remaining on the clock, they were able to maintain possession until the final seconds when Fouts threw a last desperation pass into the end zone that was batted away to nail down the 28-24 comeback win for Los Angeles.

The Chargers gained more total yards (411 to 326) and had the edge in first downs (26 to 23), but they also turned the ball over four times, to two by LA. The Raiders were dominant on the ground (181 yards to 72).

Marcus Allen rushed for 87 yards on 18 carries that included two touchdowns and caught 5 passes for 37 more yards. Jim Plunkett completed 18 of 25 passes for 163 yards and a TD while giving up two interceptions. Kenny King contributed 68 yards on 13 rushing attempts. Todd Christensen topped the club with 8 catches for 83 yards and a TD.

For the Chargers, Dan Fouts was successful on 24 of 42 throws for 357 yards and a touchdown while tossing two interceptions. Kellen Winslow (pictured below) caught 8 passes for 105 yards and Wes Chandler gained 118 yards on his 7 receptions. Chuck Muncie had six catches for 50 yards but was held to 23 yards on 15 rushing attempts that included two for TDs. James Brooks topped the club with 49 yards on eight carries.

"I don’t know what it is about Monday night football, but we’re very proud of our Monday night record,” said Coach Tom Flores, commenting on the fact that the come-from-behind win gave the Raiders a 19-2-1 record in Monday night contests.

The Raiders lost at Cincinnati the next week but didn’t drop another game during the remainder of the truncated regular season, finishing atop the AFC with an 8-1 record. With the divisions set aside, LA was the top seed in an eight-team conference postseason tournament and handily defeated the Browns in the first round before losing to the Jets in the second. San Diego, which lost to the Raiders again in the season finale, ended up at 6-3 and fifth-seeded in the AFC. The Chargers also won their first round game at Pittsburgh and lost to Miami in the second round.

Marcus Allen continued to have an excellent first season, receiving consensus first-team All-NFL and Pro Bowl honors as well as Rookie of the Year recognition. He rushed for 697 yards on 160 carries (4.4 avg.) and caught 38 passes for another 401 yards to lead the league in yards from scrimmage with 1098. His 14 touchdowns also led the circuit, as did his 84 points, making him the first rookie to lead the NFL in scoring since Gale Sayers in 1965.

As he had in each of the previous three seasons, Dan Fouts led the NFL in passing yards with 2883 and also topped the circuit in TD passes (17, tied with Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana) and yards per attempt (8.7). Kellen Winslow led the AFC in pass receptions (54) and Wes Chandler topped the league in pass receiving yards (1032). All three received consensus first-team All-NFL honors and were selected to the Pro Bowl. 

1994: Raiders Rally to Beat Broncos in OT and Secure Playoff Spot

The Los Angeles Raiders had a 9-6 record and needed a win to make the postseason as they hosted the Denver Broncos in the season finale on January 2, 1994. Coached by Art Shell, the Raiders were lightly regarded coming into the season and, indeed, were an inconsistent team, capable of beating strong clubs and falling to far weaker ones. QB Jeff Hostetler, in his first year with the team, was a fine addition to the offense and he had a good receiving corps led by WR Tim Brown (pictured above). However, the running game was mediocre and while the defense had solid performers in DE Anthony Smith, DT Chester McGlockton, and CB Terry McDaniel, the unit was prone to giving up points.

Denver, in its first year under Head Coach Wade Phillips, also had trouble running the football but had outstanding 33-year-old QB John Elway and a rising talent in TE Shannon Sharpe. The defense featured a tremendous hybrid pass rushing DE/LB in Simon Fletcher, but was vulnerable against the pass. The Broncos were also 9-6 and had lost to the Raiders in Denver.

It was a hazy but sunny day at the LA Memorial Coliseum with 66,904 fans in attendance. Following a three-and-out possession by the Raiders to start the game, Denver drove 55 yards in 12 plays. John Elway threw to WR Arthur Marshall for 23 yards in a third-and-13 situation and Jason Elam put the Broncos on the board with a 52-yard field goal.

On the Raiders’ next series, RB Randy Jordan fumbled when hit by LB Mike Croel, who recovered at the LA 31. Three plays later, Elway passed to WR Cedric Tillman for a 27-yard touchdown and, with Elam adding the extra point, a 10-0 Denver lead.

Another short Los Angeles possession ended with a punt and the Broncos were driving as the first quarter ended with Elway running for 18 yards on a third-and-10 play. The 11-play series ended with Elam kicking another field goal, this time from 24 yards.

The Raiders put together a scoring series of 82 yards in eight plays. Jeff Hostetler (pictured above) completed four passes, the last to Tim Brown for a four-yard TD. RB Tyrone Montgomery ran the ball three times for 24 yards along the way. Jeff Jaeger added the extra point that cut Denver’s lead to 13-7.

However, the Broncos responded by going 83 yards in seven plays to score once again. Elway threw to Shannon Sharpe for a 54-yard touchdown and Elam added the PAT to again put the Raiders behind by 13 points.

Hostetler completed back-to-back passes to fleet rookie WR James Jett for 22 yards and to Brown for 24 yards to the Denver 31 as Los Angeles advanced 53 yards in eight plays. The series finally stalled at the 25 and Jaeger kicked a 43-yard field goal.

There was a minute remaining in the first half but the back-and-forth nature of the game continued as RB Robert Delpino returned the ensuing kickoff 49 yards to give the Broncos good field position at the LA 43, and they made the most of it. RB Glyn Milburn ran for 13 yards, Elway threw to Sharpe for another 28 yards, and three plays later he connected with Sharpe again from a yard out for a touchdown. Elam added the extra point. The Raiders, in the last 24 seconds, benefited from three Hostetler pass completions that set up a 50-yard Jaeger field goal. Denver led by 27-13 at halftime.

The Broncos took the second half kickoff and put together a nine-play, 71-yard drive to put more points on the board. Elway threw to Sharpe for 21 yards and to WR Kitrick Taylor for another 28. The series stalled at the LA 17 and Elam booted a 27-yard field goal to give the visitors an imposing 17-point lead.

The Raiders fought back as Hostetler completed three passes to Brown that highlighted an 82-yard drive. The first was good for 26 yards to the Denver 45, the second gained 15 yards on a second-and-11 play, and the third covered 24 yards and scored a touchdown. Jaeger’s extra point made it a ten-point game at 30-20.

The Broncos reached the LA 44 before having to punt on their next series. The Raiders opened the fourth quarter with a 52-yard Jeff Gossett punt that pinned the Broncos back at their 15. Denver punted in turn and, with LA getting the better of the field position battle, the Raiders started off at their 49 and advanced 31 yards in seven plays, the biggest of which was a Hostetler to Brown completion that picked up 25 yards. Jaeger kicked a 39-yard field goal and Denver’s lead was down to seven points.

The Broncos had to punt following their next possession and Tom Rouen’s kick was blocked, but the Raiders were unable to move the ball on offense and had to punt it back. Another short series ending with a punt gave the ball to the Raiders at their 30 with just under three minutes left in regulation.

With Montgomery both running and catching the ball, the Raiders reached the Denver 40. Hostetler completed two passes of 13 yards apiece to Brown to reach the 14, and two more short throws picked up another 10 yards. Two more passes fell incomplete, but with eight seconds left Hostetler connected with WR Alexander Wright, who had gotten open when defending CB Charles Dimry fell, for a four-yard touchdown on the 13^th play of the series. Jaeger successfully added the all-important extra point, and the fourth quarter ended with the teams tied at 30-30.

The Broncos had the first possession in overtime, and it appeared that they would prevail. Elway threw to Tillman twice, for 20 and 30 yards, and having reached the LA 22, Elam came in to attempt a 40-yard field goal. However, the rookie’s kick sailed wide to the left to give the Raiders a reprieve.

A short carry by Montgomery was followed by Hostetler taking off for a 19-yard gain and, after RB Napoleon McCallum ran for four yards, Hostetler completed a pass to TE Ethan Horton for 20 yards to the Denver 32. Two more runs netted three yards and, after a Hostetler pass was incomplete, Jaeger came in and kicked a 47-yard field goal to give the Raiders a 33-30 win at 7:10 into the extra period.

Denver had more total yards (471 to 398) while Los Angeles had the edge in first downs (24 to 22). The Raiders gave up the only turnover of the contest and the Broncos recorded three sacks, to none by LA.

Jeff Hostetler completed 25 of 41 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns with none intercepted, and he also ran for 26 yards on two carries. Tim Brown had a big day with 11 catches for 173 yards and two TDs. Tyrone Montgomery (pictured below) paced the ground game with 44 yards on 13 attempts.

For the Broncos, John Elway was successful on 25 of 36 throws for 361 yards, also with three TDs and no interceptions. Shannon Sharpe caught 6 passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns and Cedric Tillman contributed 5 receptions for 91 yards and a score. Robert Delpino ran for 66 yards on 20 carries.

“There have been a lot of great comeback victories in Raider history, and I’ve been involved in a lot of them,” said Coach Art Shell. “But this one stacks up with the best.”

With the win, the Raiders finished second in the AFC West with a 10-6 record, grabbing the first Wild Card spot in the postseason. Denver, at 9-7, ended up third in the division and, thanks to advantageous tiebreakers, also qualified as a Wild Card team. Thus, the two teams met again at the same venue the following week in the Wild Card playoff round and the Raiders again won, this time by a more convincing tally of 42-24. LA lost to Buffalo at the Divisional level.

Tim Brown caught 80 passes for 1180 yards (his first of nine straight thousand-yard receiving seasons) and seven touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl.

John Elway led the NFL in pass attempts (551), completions (348), and yards (4030) and he topped the AFC in passing (92.8 rating), TD passes (25), and completion percentage (63.2). He also received Pro Bowl recognition. Shannon Sharpe (pictured at right) caught 81 passes for 995 yards and nine touchdowns, not only gaining selection to the Pro Bowl but receiving consensus first-team All-NFL honors for the first time as well.

1991: Bills Mount 4th Quarter Rally, Defeat Raiders in OT

The Buffalo Bills, reigning AFC Champions, were 11-2 and had clinched the AFC East title but needed a win to assure home field advantage in the playoffs as they faced the Los Angeles Raiders on December 8, 1991. Head Coach Marv Levy’s team excelled with a quick-striking, no-huddle offense developed by offensive coordinator Ted Marchibroda and directed by QB Jim Kelly (pictured above). Other key players on offense were highly-dependable WR Andre Reed and RB Thurman Thomas, an outstanding all-purpose back. Star DE Bruce Smith missed most of the season with a bad knee but the linebackers and backfield were strengths.

The Raiders, coached by Art Shell, had won four straight games and were contending in the AFC West with a 9-4 record. As usual, the roster was loaded with veterans. QB Jay Schroeder was inconsistent but third-year WR Tim Brown was a rising talent. The defense benefited from the addition of 32-year-old SS Ronnie Lott.

There was a big crowd of 85,081 at the cavernous LA Memorial Coliseum. The teams traded punts before the Raiders, starting at the Buffalo 32, drove to a score in seven plays. RB Marcus Allen ran the ball six times and Jeff Jaeger kicked a 19-yard field goal.

The Bills reached midfield before having to punt and the Raiders started with possession at their seven yard line. However, they took just four plays to advance 93 yards. RB Roger Craig ran twice for 17 yards and, after a short pass to FB Steve Smith lost two yards, Jay Schroeder threw to Tim Brown, who charged down the right sideline for a 78-yard touchdown. Jaeger added the extra point and Los Angeles was ahead by 10-0. The ten-point margin didn’t last long, however, as WR Al Edwards took the ensuing kickoff all the way back for a 91-yard TD. Scott Norwood’s extra point made it a three-point game in short order.

The Raiders had the ball as the contest moved into the second quarter and put together an 80-yard series in 13 plays. Schroeder completed a third-and-four pass to Allen for 21 yards and, after running plays moved the ball to the Buffalo 40, to TE Ethan Horton for a 17-yard gain on third-and-eight. A run by Allen on third-and-10 got the ball to the 14 and Schroeder kept the ball himself for a two-yard gain to convert fourth down. That set up a 12-yard touchdown carry by RB Nick Bell and, with Jaeger’s successful point after, the Raiders were up by 17-7.

The teams again exchanged punts before the Bills, starting at their nine, drove into LA territory. After a roughing-the-passer penalty on first down, Jim Kelly completed four straight passes to start things off, gaining 32 yards to the LA 48. However, facing fourth-and-one shortly thereafter, FB Carwell Gardner was stopped short.

As the half came down to the last two minutes, the Raiders punted and CB Clifford Hicks returned it 59 yards to the LA 33. Three plays later, Kelly threw to TE Keith McKeller for a nine-yard TD and Norwood added the PAT that made it a three-point game once again. But the first half scoring wasn’t yet over as the Raiders drove to the Buffalo 11 in the last minute. The big plays were Schroeder passes to WR Mervyn Fernandez for 16 yards and to Tim Brown for 28 yards. Jaeger kicked a 28-yard field goal and the Raiders were ahead by 20-14 at halftime.

The Bills had first possession in the third quarter and were forced to punt. Los Angeles added to its lead with a nine-play, 75-yard scoring drive. The big play was a Schroeder pass to Fernandez that gained 59 yards to the Buffalo 13. An apparent Schroeder touchdown on a fourth down play was reversed upon review of the replay, but five plays later, and with the help of two penalties on the Bills, Allen ran for a TD from a yard out and Jaeger’s extra point made the score 27-14.

Kelly went to the air often in the next series, but after reaching the LA 17 he was sacked by DE Greg Townsend for a nine-yard loss and a false start moved the Bills five yards farther back. Norwood’s 49-yard field goal attempt sailed wide to the right.

The Raiders punted following their next possession and, in a drive that extended into the fourth quarter, the Bills again penetrated deep into Los Angeles territory. Kelly had completions to WR James Lofton for 19 and 16 yards and to Andre Reed (pictured at left) for 12 and 11 yards. But Buffalo once again came up empty when Norwood missed another field goal, this time hitting the right upright from 32 yards away.

The teams traded turnovers when Schroeder fumbled and LB Darryl Talley recovered for the Bills at the LA 28, but two plays later Ronnie Lott intercepted a Kelly pass. The resulting short series for the Raiders that ended with a punt and this time Buffalo did not falter. With Kelly firing exclusively out of the shotgun, the Bills reached the LA three and, on his third attempt, RB Kenneth Davis reached the end zone from a yard out. The snake-bitten Norwood shanked the extra point try, however, and the score remained 27-20 in favor of the Raiders with just over four minutes remaining in regulation.

Playing conservatively, the Raiders ran the ball three times and punted. The Bills took over at their 36 and went 64 yards in eight plays. Kelly started off with back-to-back 13-yard completions to Thurman Thomas but tossed three incomplete passes, with a 10-yard holding penalty interspersed, to face a third-and-20 situation from the LA 48. A pass to Thomas gained 19 yards and, on fourth-and-one, Kelly threw to Reed for a 20-yard gain. Two plays later, Kelly connected with Lofton for a nine-yard TD and, with Norwood coming through with the all-important extra point, the score was tied at 27-27. There was no further scoring in the last minute and the contest headed into overtime.

The Raiders had the first possession in the extra period, but a long Schroeder pass was intercepted by FS Mark Kelso. Starting from their own 36, the Bills struck quickly as Kelly connected with Reed for a 31-yard gain to the LA 33. Thomas ran the ball three times and then Norwood came through with a 42-yard field goal to win the game for Buffalo at 2:34 into overtime by a score of 30-27.

The Bills had the edge in total yards (409 to 386) and first downs (25 to 18). However, they were also penalized 10 times, to five flags thrown on the Raiders. While Scott Norwood’s three missed field goals and one extra point also were a handicap, the Bills benefited from 195 yards in combined kick returns, including a touchdown on a kickoff and a long punt return to set up another score. Los Angeles turned the ball over three times, to one suffered by Buffalo, and the offense faltered badly in the crucial fourth quarter.

Jim Kelly completed 33 of 52 passes for 347 yards and two touchdowns with one interception. Thurman Thomas was held to 57 yards on 15 carries but also had 7 catches for 76 yards. Keith McKeller caught 10 passes for 57 yards and a TD and Andre Reed gained 107 yards on his 8 pass receptions.

For the Raiders, Jay Schroeder was successful on 11 of 21 throws for 252 yards and a TD with two intercepted. Tim Brown (pictured below) gained 106 yards on just two catches thanks to his one long scoring reception. Marcus Allen ran for 57 yards on 16 attempts that included a touchdown and also had three catches for 38 yards. Mervyn Fernandez contributed two receptions for 75 yards.

The win assured that Buffalo would be top seed in the AFC for the postseason. Finishing with a 13-3 record, the Bills advanced to the Super Bowl for the second straight year, but lost to the Washington Redskins. The Raiders fell out of a tie for first in the AFC West with Denver and lost their remaining games to end up third in the AFC West at 9-7, but still secured a playoff spot. With rookie QB Todd Marinovich replacing Jay Schroeder, they lost in the Wild Card round to the Chiefs.

Jim Kelly led the league in TD passes with 33 and the AFC in overall passing with a 97.6 rating. He received consensus first-team All-NFL honors and was chosen to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time. Thurman Thomas topped the NFL with 2038 all-purpose yards and was the AFC rushing leader with 1407 yards. He was the consensus league MVP. Andre Reed was chosen to the Pro Bowl for the fourth straight year after catching 81 passes for 1113 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns.

Scott Norwood’s placekicking inconsistency was indicative of a season in which he was successful on 18 of 29 field goal attempts, but only 10 of 20 from 30 yards or more. He had missed a potential game-winning field goal try from 47 yards at the conclusion of the previous year’s Super Bowl against the Giants, and it all set the stage for his departure from the Bills after seven years.

Rookie of the Year: Marcus Allen, 1982

Running Back, Los Angeles Raiders

Age: 22

College: Southern California

Height: 6’2”   Weight: 205

Prelude:

Allen was used primarily as a blocking fullback in his first two college seasons, but became the starting tailback as a junior with spectacular results. He won the 1981 Heisman Trophy, capping a season in which he rushed for 2427 yards and 22 touchdowns, and was chosen by the Raiders in the first round of the ’82 draft (10^th overall).

1982 Season Summary

Appeared and started in all 9 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 160 [6]

Most attempts, game - 25 (for 93 yds.) vs. LA Rams 12/18

Yards – 697 [4]

Most yards, game – 156 yards (on 24 carries) vs. Seattle 12/5

Average gain – 4.4 [7, tied with George Rogers]

TDs – 11 [1]

100-yard rushing games - 3

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 38 [12, tied with Wendell Tyler]

Most receptions, game – 8 (for 61 yds.) vs. LA Rams 12/18

Yards – 401

Most yards, game - 91 (on 5 catches) vs. Denver 12/26

Average gain – 10.6

TDs - 3

Passing

Pass attempts – 4

Pass completions – 1

Passing yardage – 47

TD passes – 0

Interceptions – 0

All-Purpose yards – 1098 [2]

Scoring

TDs – 14 [1]

Points – 84 [1]

Postseason: 2 G

Rushing attempts – 32

Most rushing attempts, game - 17 vs. Cleveland, AFC First Round playoff

Rushing yards – 108

Most rushing yards, game - 72 vs. Cleveland, AFC First Round playoff

Average gain rushing – 3.4

Rushing TDs – 3

Pass receptions – 12

Most pass receptions, game - 6 vs. Cleveland, AFC First Round playoff, vs. NY Jets, AFC Second Round playoff

Pass receiving yards - 112

Most pass receiving yards, game - 75 vs. Cleveland, AFC First Round playoff

Average yards per reception – 9.3

Pass Receiving TDs - 0

Awards & Honors:

NFL Rookie of the Year: NEA, Sporting News

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: AP, PFWA

AFC Rookie of the Year: UPI

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly

1^st team All-AFC: UPI

Pro Bowl

Raiders went 8-1 in strike-shortened season and were first seed in the AFC playoff tournament that replaced the usual postseason format. Won First Round playoff over Cleveland Browns (27-10). Lost Second Round playoff to New York Jets (17-14).

Aftermath:

Allen gained over a thousand yards rushing in each of the next three seasons, with a high of 1759 yards in 1985, which led the league along with his 2314 yards from scrimmage. He also was the MVP of the Super Bowl following the ’83 season, after rushing for 191 yards, and led the NFL with 18 touchdowns in 1984. Allen was a proficient receiver out of the backfield, catching a total of 237 passes in his first four seasons. He played for 16 years in the NFL, and went to the Pro Bowl six times, but after 1985 never again ran for a thousand yards or caught more than 51 passes. Bothered by injuries (and involved in disputes with owner Al Davis), Allen shared time with other running backs during the remainder of his career with the Raiders, most notably Bo Jackson. Signing with the Chiefs as a free agent in 1993 reinvigorated his career at age 33, and he led the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns. Allen retired in 1997 with 123 career touchdowns, as well as 12,243 rushing yards and 587 pass receptions for another 5412 yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2003.

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Rookie of the Year Profiles feature players who were named Rookie of the Year in the NFL, AFL (1960-69), or USFL (1983-85) by a recognized organization (Associated Press – Offense or Defense, Newspaper Enterprise Association, United Press International, The Sporting News, or the league itself – Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year). 

1979: Tom Flores Becomes Head Coach of Raiders

On February 8, 1979 the managing general partner of the Oakland Raiders, Al Davis, confirmed that Tom Flores would succeed John Madden as head coach. Madden had been highly successful, leading the club to 112 wins and a NFL title over the course of a decade, but he stepped down due to health concerns – more specifically, an ulcer.

Just as he had done when he elevated Madden in 1969, Davis promoted an assistant coach with the team to the head coaching job. The 41-year-old Flores had been Oakland’s receivers coach since 1972 (he turned 42 before the season commenced). In contrast to the emotional and demonstrative Madden, Flores was quiet and calm. His elevation also made him the first Mexican-American head coach in NFL history.

“Of my 19 years in pro football, all but five have been with the Oakland Raiders,” said a happy Flores. “My heart has always been in Oakland with the community, the people, and the Raiders.”

“Tom is ready to be a head coach,” said an approving John Madden. “He has a lot of experience as a player and a coach. He knows everyone involved, the players, the administration, the set up. Tom did a good job as an assistant.”

Flores had been an original player with the Raiders in 1960 and became the starting quarterback. He performed well for a poor team and led the AFL in completion percentage (54.0) in the league’s inaugural year. A bout with tuberculosis cost him the 1962 season, but he came back to play admirably under Al Davis, then himself the new head coach, in ’63. He was traded to Buffalo in 1967 and finished his nine-year career with the Chiefs in their Super Bowl-winning season of ‘69. Flores returned to Oakland as an assistant on Madden’s staff.

After winning the Super Bowl following the 1976 season, the Raiders had gone 11-3 in ’77, losing the AFC Championship game to the upstart Denver Broncos, but then dropped to 9-7 and missed the postseason for the first time in seven years in 1978. 33-year-old QB Ken Stabler threw far too many interceptions. OT Art Shell and G Gene Upshaw, who had been stalwarts on the left side of the offensive line, were showing signs of wear. 36-year-old WR Fred Biletnikoff was also showing his age and was benched during the season. Similarly, the once-formidable defense was breaking down and veterans who had been obtained to fill holes, such as CB Monte Jackson, failed to produce as anticipated. In addition, trades to obtain veteran talent for the short-term had caused the Raiders to not have a first-round draft pick available for four straight years.

There were still plenty of assets, of course. All-Pro TE Dave Casper was coming off his most productive season. FB Mark van Eeghen rushed for 1080 yards, and rookie HB Arthur Whittington showed promise. Linebackers Ted Hendricks and Phil Villapiano were consistently outstanding.

With the added distraction of Davis fighting the league in order to move the franchise to Los Angeles, the Raiders again went 9-7 in 1979. Stabler bounced back from his subpar ’78 showing and benefited from heavy use of two-tight end sets that featured Casper and Raymond Chester. But the running attack ranked 24^th in the league and the club was also 21^st in overall team defense.

There was surprise in the offseason when the Raiders chose not to draft a running back in the first round, taking QB Marc Wilson out of Brigham Young instead. An even bigger shock came when they dealt Stabler to the Houston Oilers for QB Dan Pastorini. As Flores, who did not approve the trade, summed up, “We are getting a fine quarterback, but we are losing a great one.”

With Pastorini starting, Oakland got off to a 2-3 start in 1980. But when Pastorini went down with a season-ending broken leg against the Chiefs, backup Jim Plunkett took over with outstanding results. The former first overall draft choice of the Patriots in 1971 had been cast off by the 49ers and was an afterthought on Oakland’s bench in ’79. Now his career was rejuvenated at age 33 and the Raiders went 9-2 the rest of the way. There were other factors in the team’s turnaround: unheralded RB Kenny King ran for 761 yards in tandem with van Eeghen and rookie MLB Matt Millen was an outstanding addition to the defense, as were veteran CB Dwayne O’Steen and FS Burgess Owens. CB Lester Hayes led the NFL with 13 interceptions, fifth-year ILB Bob Nelson finally hit his stride, and OLB Rod Martin achieved stardom.

The Raiders finished second to the San Diego Chargers in the AFC West with an 11-5 record, defeated the Oilers (and Stabler) in the Wild Card round of the playoffs, squeaked past Cleveland in the Divisional round, and beat the Chargers for the AFC title. They then dominated the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl to become the first Wild Card team to win a NFL title.

The unexpected Championship season of 1980 was followed by a precipitous drop in ’81. The Raiders went 7-9 and endured a stretch of three straight games in which they were shut out. Flores felt the heat following the franchise’s first losing record since 1964, in the second year of the Al Davis era, but was retained. The team finally moved to Los Angeles in 1982 – or at least played their home games there while they still practiced in Oakland - and rebounded to go 8-1 in a strike-shortened year. Rookie RB Marcus Allen had an immediate impact on the offense, while TE Todd Christensen went from unheralded backup and special teams player to star. With the usual emphasis on obtaining veteran talent, DE Lyle Alzado was added to the squad with good results.

The Raiders fell short in the postseason, but the stage was set for another successful Super Bowl appearance in 1983. Although Plunkett struggled and lost his starting job to Wilson for a time during the season, Allen and Christensen were productive on offense, third-year DE Howie Long was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time and the defense picked up another savvy veteran in CB Mike Haynes. LA finished strong and upset the high-powered Redskins for the NFL Championship.

The team went a combined 23-9 over the next two years to again reach the postseason, but there were no further titles. The story remained the same – a strong defense, Allen’s running and Christensen’s receiving on offense, and instability at quarterback, with Rusty Hilger joining the mix. LA went 8-8 in 1986 and despite the acquisition of multi-sport star RB Bo Jackson, fell further to 5-10 in the strike-interrupted ’87 season. Flores stepped down afterward – likely under pressure.

Flores’ overall record with the Raiders was 83-53, for a healthy .610 winning percentage, and a further 8-3 tally in the postseason that included two Super Bowl victories. The unflappable, low-key coach labored in the shadow of Al Davis, however, and never seemed to receive the recognition that his record might otherwise have drawn. It did not help change the impression that Oakland owed its successes more to the managing general partner than the coach when Flores became head coach and GM of the Seattle Seahawks in 1992 and the club went a combined 14-34 over three losing seasons. But his calm and steady leadership certainly was of benefit to the Raiders, particularly in keeping the team focused during periods of off-field turmoil, and none of the club’s other coaches – including the more highly-esteemed Madden – can match the two NFL titles achieved under Flores.

1984: Raiders Overwhelm Redskins in Super Bowl XVIII

Super Bowl XVIII on January 22, 1984 featured the defending NFL Champions, the Washington Redskins, against the Los Angeles Raiders. If anything, the Redskins, coached by Joe Gibbs, appeared to be even better in ’83, at least on offense. After losing their opening game, they breezed through the rest of the schedule to again top the NFC East at 14-2. Along the way, they set a new league record for points (541) thanks to a high-powered offense directed by QB Joe Theismann and including RB John Riggins and wide receivers Charlie Brown, Art Monk, and Alvin Garrett along with an outstanding offensive line, known as “the Hogs”. If there were major concerns, they were in regard to the pass defense. 

The Raiders, coached by Tom Flores, topped the AFC West with a 12-4 record. While QB Jim Plunkett had lost his job to Marc Wilson for a time during the season, he played well down the stretch. Second-year RB Marcus Allen (pictured above) was outstanding both as a runner from scrimmage and receiver out of the backfield, TE Todd Christensen caught 92 passes, and veteran WR Cliff Branch was still productive when healthy. The veteran-laden defense was tough and aggressive.

The two teams had met during the regular season and the Redskins won an exciting back-and-forth contest in Washington. The defending champs, having thrashed the Rams and then just gotten past the 49ers in the postseason to win the NFC title, were three-point favorites coming into the game. Meanwhile, LA had soundly beaten the Steelers and Seahawks in the playoffs.

There were 72,920 fans in attendance at Tampa Stadium. Following their first possession, the Redskins were forced to punt from their 30 yard line. The kick by Jeff Hayes was blocked by TE Derrick Jensen (pictured below), who then recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown to give Los Angeles the early lead.

On Washington’s next series, it was the turn of the Raiders to suffer a miscue on a punt as the kick by Hayes hit Los Angeles CB Ted Watts in the back and was recovered by the Redskins. However, they failed to capitalize, gaining just 15 yards before Mark Moseley missed a field goal try from 44 yards out.

Both teams had difficulty generating offense in the early going. On the third play of the second quarter, it seemed as though the Redskins might benefit from a botched punt when Ray Guy had to jump for a high snap, but he one-handed it and was able to get the kick away. LA held the Redskins on the next series and, upon regaining possession, came out throwing. Jim Plunkett connected with Cliff Branch down the middle for a 50-yard gain. Two plays later, it was Plunkett to Branch again for a 12-yard touchdown and, with the successful extra point, a 14-0 lead.

Down by two touchdowns, the Redskins put together a 13-play, 73-yard series, highlighted by Theismann completing a pass to Alvin Garrett for 17 yards in a third-and-17 situation and throwing to TE Clint Didier twice, for 18 yards and then 20 yards to get inside the LA 20. However, they were unable to reach the end zone as the drive stalled at the seven. Moseley kicked a 24-yard field goal to get Washington on the board.

The Redskins got the ball back following a punt by the Raiders at their 12 yard line with 12 seconds left in the half. Theismann, with three receivers set wide to his right, tossed a swing pass to the left intended for RB Joe Washington – a play that had been a big-gainer when the clubs met in the regular season – but LB Jack Squirek stepped in front of the receiver, picked off the pass at the five, and had clear sailing for a touchdown (pictured at left) that made it 21-3 in favor of the Raiders at the half.

Washington started the second half strong with a 70-yard scoring drive. Theismann completed three passes and John Riggins ran the ball six times, the last on a one-yard plunge into the end zone for a TD. However, TE Don Hasselbeck blocked Moseley’s extra point attempt to keep the score at 21-9.

The Raiders responded with a 70-yard drive in eight plays that was helped along by a 38-yard pass interference penalty on CB Darrell Green. Los Angeles converted a third-and-four play at the Washington 11 as Plunkett threw to FB Frank Hawkins for six yards and Marcus Allen capped the series with a five-yard touchdown carry.

Trying to keep up, the Redskins were unable to convert on fourth-and-one at the LA 26 and, on the last play of the third quarter, Allen made a big play that, for all intents, finished off the defending champs. With a first down at the LA 26, Allen took a pitchout from Plunkett and began to sweep to his left. However, with SS Ken Coffey fast approaching, he reversed field and had clear sailing to a 74-yard TD. It set a new Super Bowl record for longest run, eclipsing the 58-yard carry by Tom Matte of the Colts in Super Bowl III. More importantly for the Raiders, it put Washington in a very deep hole at 35-9.

The fourth quarter was anticlimactic. The Raiders added a 21-yard field goal by Chris Bahr following an interception by CB Mike Haynes and came away with a stunning 38-9 win. It was the most points scored in a Super Bowl up to that time, as well as a record victory margin.

LA had more total yards (385 to 283) although the Redskins generated more first downs (19 to 18). But, critically, Washington was only able to gain 90 yards on the ground, averaging 2.5 yards per carry as the Raiders typically dominated the line of scrimmage.  In addition, the Los Angeles defense sacked Theismann six times and the Redskins turned the ball over three times – once directly for a score – as opposed to two turnovers by LA.

NT Reggie Kinlaw was a big part of the successful effort against the ground game while cornerbacks Mike Haynes and Lester Hayes blanketed wide receivers Charlie Brown and Art Monk.

Marcus Allen was the game’s MVP as he rushed for 191 yards on 20 carries that included two touchdowns;  the rushing total set a new Super Bowl record, breaking that of John Riggins set a year earlier. Jim Plunkett completed 16 of 25 passes for 172 yards and a TD with none intercepted. Cliff Branch (pictured at right) caught 6 passes for 94 yards and a score.

For the Redskins, the continually-harassed Joe Theismann was successful on 16 of 35 throws for 243 yards with no touchdowns and two picked off. John Riggins was held to 64 rushing yards on 26 carries and scored a TD. Clint Didier led the club with 5 pass receptions, for 65 yards, while Charlie Brown gained 93 yards on his three catches.

 “The turning point was when they scored at the start of the second half and we came right back and scored,” said Tom Flores. “That was big for us.”

“What hurt the most was the Raiders coming back right after we scored at the start of the third quarter,” echoed Charlie Brown in summing up the defeat.

“This is the first time since Joe Gibbs has been here that any team has controlled our offense the way the Raiders did,” Joe Theismann noted.

“They pressed us with tight man-to-man coverages,” explained Coach Gibbs. “When they play you like that you either get the big plays or you have problems.”

In speaking to the Raiders afterward, managing general partner Al Davis enthused, “Of all the great teams we’ve had, this team dominated so much that, in my opinion, you are the greatest Raider team of all time and you rank with the greatest teams that ever played in any sport.”

The Raiders were 11-5 in the highly-competitive AFC West in 1984, reaching the postseason as a Wild Card team and losing to the division-rival Seahawks in the first playoff round. Washington topped the NFC East again in ’84, but also fell short of a return to the Super Bowl with a loss to the Bears in the Divisional round of the playoffs. The Redskins would win another NFC title in 1987, by which time such stalwarts as Joe Theismann and John Riggins were long gone.