Washington Redskins Epic Moments

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Dec 3, 2012

Washington Redskins Epic Moments

Jan. 30, 1983

John Riggins' Super Bowl record 166 yards rushing and fourth-quarter 43-yard touchdown burst on a fourth-and-one call give the Redskins their first Super Bowl crown and first NFL championship in 40 years, a 27-17 win over the Miami Dolphins. Washington's famed "Hogs" offensive line pulverized the Miami defense for 276 yards rushing.

Jan. 31, 1988

The Redskins explode for a Super Bowl-record 35 second-quarter points to overcome an early 10-point deficit and rout the Denver Broncos 42-10. Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams throws for four TD passes and 340 yards in becoming the first black quarterback to win an NFL championship.

Jan 13, 1981

Redskins hire San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Gibbs, who becomes the most successful head coach in Washington history. During two stints (1981-92, 2004-07), Gibbs leads the Redskins to 184 wins, 11 playoff berths and Super Bowl championships following the 1982, '97 and '91 seasons. Gibbs later becomes a successful NASCAR team owner.

Dec. 13, 1942

Washington stuns the unbeaten Chicago Bears 14-6 in the NFL Championship Game. The Bears had outscored their opponents by an NFL-record 26 points per game but Sammy Baugh's 38-yard TD pass to Wilbur Moore and end zone interception (one of four Bears turnovers) helped the Redskins pull the upset.

Nov. 14, 1943

Sammy Baugh throws four TDs, intercepts an NFL-record four passes and adds an 81-yard punt in perhaps the greatest all-around game in league history as the Redskins batter the Detroit Lions 42-20. Baugh finishes the '43 season with an unprecedented triple crown: first in passing, first in interceptions and first in punting.