How does the Washington Football Team’s record of five Super Bowl appearances compare to other teams’ all-time rankings?
What is the ranking of those WFT appearances in Super Bowl history?
Were the Washington Football Team, formerly known as the “Washington Redskins” until mid-2020, a source of entertainment during their glory years? Did their games rank among the outstanding matchups in Super Bowl history? Can they be considered true football classics?
The Washington Football Team will not be participating in this year’s Super Bowl LVI. It is no longer possible to place any NFL playoff bets on the WFT in early 2022, as their once-promising season has taken a downturn and they have no chance of advancing to the postseason.
Now, let’s delve into the team’s past and assess where their appearances stand among the 55 Super Bowl matchups that have taken place so far.
How to rank Washington’s Super Bowl appearances?
What factors contribute to creating an exceptional Super Bowl event?
Are you someone who prefers a close game? Or do you find lopsided affairs equally enthralling?
Are fans eager to witness a high-scoring battle between two offenses? Or would they rather witness a classic defensive showdown that leaves a lasting impact in the history books?
Moreover, as avid supporters of the Washington Football Team, must the WFT secure victory in order for the Super Bowl to be deemed “good”? Alternatively, can we temporarily set aside our biased loyalties and observe the game from an objective standpoint, akin to historians?
Instead of focusing on being fans of WFT, let’s approach this exercise as football fans. Regardless of the outcome, we are aware of the opinions held by historians and what history will ultimately remember. To ensure accuracy, we gathered rankings from various reputable sources such as NFL.com, CBS Sports, and USA Today through crowdsourcing.
And now, without any more delay, here’s the enumeration of Super Bowl appearances for the Washington Football Team.
Ranking #1-5: WFT in Super Bowl games
#5. Super Bowl XXVI, Washington 37, Buffalo 24
Despite not being part of the criteria, it is worth mentioning that Washington emerged victorious, which led to Joe Gibbs, a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, becoming the first NFL coach to win a Super Bowl with three different quarterbacks. Mark Rypien, who flawlessly managed the Bills, was named the MVP for Super Bowl XXVI in 1992.
The downside: Despite the final score, the game hosted by Minneapolis was never truly competitive. Washington swiftly took an early 17-0 lead and even reached a 24-0 advantage in the second half. Although Buffalo managed to score some points towards the end, by then, the majority of viewers had already lost interest.
With a significant advantage held by Washington, numerous CBS viewers switched to Fox during halftime. Fox successfully enticed many Super Bowl viewers to stay tuned for the rest of the game by offering a special counter-programming episode of the popular show “In Living Color.”
#4. Super Bowl XXII, Washington 42, Denver 10
Looking at this objectively, it would be difficult not to give this game a higher ranking. The backup QB, Doug Williams, had an impressive second quarter, scoring 35 points with four TDs. He also made history by becoming the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl and the game’s first African-American MVP, setting multiple records in the process. Additionally, rookie running back Timmy Smith achieved a Super Bowl record of 204 yards on the ground, contributing to Washington’s dominant win.
The downside: Following the second quarter, individuals who were not fans of the Washington team had little motivation to continue watching Super Bowl XXII. Numerous spectators had high hopes for a remarkable display from the favored Broncos and their quarterback John Elway. However, the game took a turn as Elway faced three interceptions and five sacks. Nevertheless, there are those who argue in favor of Super Bowl XXII. In 2016, a writer from Slate deemed it the most exceptional Super Bowl ever played due to its compelling narratives.
On the eve of Super Bowl XXII, the comical situation unfolded as the starting quarterback Williams had to undergo an unexpected root canal procedure. Despite this dental mishap and the overwhelming media attention surrounding his historic start, Williams effortlessly outperformed NFL MVP Elway on that memorable day.
#3. Super Bowl XVIII, Los Angeles Raiders 38, Washington 9
The positive aspect of the game was the high level of anticipation for Washington, the reigning Super Bowl champions with an outstanding 14-2 record during the subsequent 1983-84 season. Moreover, for those not rooting for Washington, they were treated to an extraordinary display of talent by Raiders’ running back Marcus Allen, who achieved an impressive 191 rushing yards, showcasing his MVP-worthy performance.
The downside: Anticipation was elevated for Washington and their star quarterback Joe Theismann, who was crowned regular-season MVP that year. Unfortunately, Theismann’s performance fell short as he completed only 16 out of 35 passes, accumulating 243 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. By halftime, Los Angeles had already established a significant lead, paving the way for a one-sided victory over Washington on the infamous “Black Sunday” (nicknamed after the Raiders’ donning of all-black uniforms).
Surprisingly, the 1983-84 Raiders are the sole Los Angeles team to have clinched a Super Bowl victory in the history of the NFL.
#2. Super Bowl VII, Miami 14, Washington 7
Despite their impressive regular season record of 16-0, the Miami Dolphins entered Super Bowl VII in 1973 as underdogs, with odds against them. However, disregarding the predictions, Miami emerged victorious with a 14-7 win, securing the first and only flawless season in NFL history, ending with a remarkable record of 17-0.
The downside is that the victory came against Washington, but it’s impossible to overlook a team’s perfect season. Miami’s performance in Super Bowl VII was truly remarkable, with Jake Scott (two interceptions) and Larry Csonka (112 yards rushing) leading the way. It was an impressive achievement, unless you were a fan of Washington.
In an unexpected turn of events, Miami’s dream of concluding their perfect 17-0 season with a Super Bowl victory was shattered. Despite their best efforts, the team’s final field goal attempt fell short, allowing Washington’s Mike Bass to seize the opportunity and return it for an astonishing 49-yard touchdown. Aiming for a comfortable 17-0 lead, Miami had to hastily fend off Washington’s relentless onslaught, ultimately securing a close 14-7 triumph.
#1. Super Bowl XVII, Washington 27, Miami 17
In 1983, Washington emerged victorious in Super Bowl XVII, securing their first NFL championship after the strike-shortened 1982 regular season. The game was closely contested, with running back John “Diesel” Riggins leading Washington to a comeback victory in the fourth quarter, ultimately sealing their triumph over Miami.
The downside: The majority of football enthusiasts have mostly overlooked the 1982 NFL season, which has cast a somber shadow over Washington’s inaugural Vince Lombardi Trophy. Additionally, the labor dispute’s indifference and disappointment have likely diminished the significance of Super Bowl XVII on many historians’ rankings of the most remarkable Super Bowls in history.
In the peculiar nine-game 1982 season, Washington’s placekicker Mark Moseley stood out. Despite its brevity, this season witnessed Moseley’s remarkable performance of converting 20 out of 21 field goals, including an impressive streak of 23 consecutive successes spanning two seasons. Surprisingly, Moseley became the sole special teams player to receive the NFL’s prestigious MVP award. However, his brilliance faltered in the subsequent playoff games as he missed four field goals. Yet, Moseley managed to regain his form in the Super Bowl, delivering a flawless performance by successfully converting all three of his attempts.
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