Nov 11 2024 10 mins
Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 11, a game that marked a significant moment in NFL history and solidified the Oakland Raiders' place as one of the league's dominant teams of the nineteen seventies. This matchup between the Oakland Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings took place on January 9, 1977, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. As we delve into the details of this historic game, we'll explore the lead-up, the key players, the dramatic moments, and the lasting impact of what would become the Raiders' first Super Bowl victory. The 1976 NFL season was a year of redemption for the Oakland Raiders. After years of playoff disappointments, the Raiders had finally broken through to reach the Super Bowl. Led by head coach John Madden, the Raiders had built a team that combined veteran leadership with young talent, creating a formidable force on both sides of the ball. The Raiders finished the regular season with an impressive 13 and 1 record, the best in the NFL. Their offense was a well-oiled machine, featuring a balanced attack that could beat opponents through the air or on the ground. At the helm was quarterback Ken Stabler, known as "The Snake" for his ability to slither out of trouble and make plays. Stabler had a stellar season, throwing for 2,737 yards and 27 touchdowns. Stabler’s primary targets were wide receivers Cliff Branch and Fred Biletnikoff. Branch was a speed demon who could stretch the field, while Biletnikoff was a master of precise route-running and sure hands. Tight end Dave Casper, nicknamed "The Ghost" after the cartoon character Casper the Friendly Ghost, was another key weapon in the passing game. The Raiders' running game was anchored by the powerful Mark VanEeghen and the versatile Clarence Davis. This duo provided a perfect complement to the passing attack, keeping defenses honest and allowing Stabler to use play-action passes effectively. On defense, the Raiders boasted a unit known for its toughness and intimidation. The defensive line was led by John Matuszak and Otis Sistrunk, while the linebacking corps featured Phil Villapiano. The secondary, nicknamed "The Soul Patrol," was one of the best in the league, featuring Willie Brown, Skip Thomas, George Atkinson, and Jack Tatum. The Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, were making their fourth Super Bowl appearance in eight years. Led by head coach Bud Grant, the Vikings had been one of the most consistent teams of the nineteen seventies, but had yet to capture a Super Bowl title. They finished the regular season with an 11, 2 and 1 record and were looking to finally break through and win the big game. The Vikings' offense was led by quarterback Fran Tarkenton, a future Hall of Famer known for his scrambling ability and improvisational skills. At 36 years old, Tarkenton was nearing the end of his career but still playing at a high level. His favorite targets were wide receivers Sammy White and Ahmad Rashad. The Vikings' running game was anchored by Chuck Foreman, one of the best all-purpose backs in the league. Foreman was a threat both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield, providing a versatile weapon for the Vikings' offense. On defense, the Vikings still boasted their famous "Purple People Eaters" defensive line, although it was no longer in its prime. Alan Page and Carl Eller were still formidable pass rushers, while safety Paul Krause led the secondary. As game day approached, there was a sense of anticipation and excitement. The Raiders were slight favorites, but many expected a close, competitive game between two of the NFL's best teams. The game began with both teams feeling each other out. The Raiders received the opening kickoff but were forced to punt after a quick three-and-out. The Vikings' first possession showed promise, with Tarkenton completing a couple of passes to move the chains. However, the drive stalled, and Minnesota was forced to punt as well. The first score of the game came midway through the first quarter when Raiders kicker Errol Mann connected on a 24 yard field goal, giving Oakland a 3 to zero lead. This score was set up by a 35 yard pass from Stabler to Biletnikoff, showcasing the Raiders' big-play ability. The Vikings responded with a drive of their own, moving into Raiders territory. However, the Oakland defense stiffened, forcing Minnesota to attempt a 50 yard field goal. Fred Cox's attempt fell short, keeping the score 3 to zero in favor of the Raiders. As the second quarter began, the Raiders started to assert their dominance. Stabler led a methodical drive down the field, mixing short passes with runs from VanEeghen and Davis. The drive culminated in a 1 yard touchdown run by Dave Casper, extending the Raiders' lead to 10 to zero. The Vikings, feeling the pressure, tried to respond quickly. Tarkenton attempted to go deep to Sammy White, but Raiders cornerback Willie Brown made a spectacular leaping interception, giving Oakland the ball back in good field position. The Raiders capitalized on this turnover with another Errol Mann field goal, pushing their lead to 13 to zero as halftime approached, the Vikings managed to get on the scoreboard with a 40 yard field goal from Fred Cox, making the score 13 to 3 at the break. While the Vikings had shown flashes of competitiveness, the Raiders' experience and execution were proving to be the difference. The third quarter saw the Raiders continue to control the game. Stabler led another impressive drive, showcasing his accuracy and decision-making. The drive was capped off by a 10 yard touchdown pass from Stabler to Fred Biletnikoff, extending Oakland's lead to 19 to zero (the extra point was missed). The Vikings, desperate to get back into the game, began to take more risks on offense. This aggressive approach backfired when Tarkenton's pass was intercepted by Raiders linebacker Willie Hall, who returned it to the Minnesota 1 yard line. On the next play, Pete Banaszak punched it in for a touchdown, making the score 26-0 and effectively putting the game out of reach. Despite the large deficit, the Vikings continued to fight. They managed to put together a drive that resulted in a 8 yard touchdown pass from Tarkenton to Sammy White early in the fourth quarter. However, any hope of a miraculous comeback was quickly extinguished when the Raiders responded with another touchdown, this time a 2 yard run by Pete Banaszak. The final dramatic moment of the game came when Willie Brown intercepted a Tarkenton pass and returned it 75 yards for a touchdown. This play, which saw the 36 year old Brown outrun the Vikings' offense, became one of the most iconic moments in Super Bowl history. The final score was Oakland Raiders 32, Minnesota Vikings 14. The Raiders had dominated every aspect of the game, finally capturing the Super Bowl title that had eluded them for so long. Fred Biletnikoff was named the game's Most Valuable Player. While his statistics weren't overwhelming (4 receptions for 79 yards), his clutch catches set up several Raiders scores and were crucial to their victory. The statistics from the game tell the story of Oakland's dominance. The Raiders outgained the Vikings 429 yards to 265, including a 266 to 71 advantage in rushing yards. Ken Stabler completed 12 of 19 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown, while Clarence Davis led all rushers with 137 yards on 16 carries. For the Vikings, it was another bitter disappointment in the Super Bowl. Fran Tarkenton completed 17 of 35 passes for 205 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. Chuck Foreman was held to just 44 yards on 17 carries, as the Raiders' defense shut down Minnesota's running game. Super Bowl 11 was notable for several reasons beyond the final score. It marked the Raiders' first Super Bowl victory, validating the team that owner Al Davis had built and the coaching of John Madden. For players like Gene Upshaw and Fred Biletnikoff, who had been with the team through years of playoff disappointments, it was the culmination of their careers. The game also showcased the changing nature of professional football. The Raiders' vertical passing game, combined with a power running attack, represented the evolution of NFL offenses. Their aggressive, intimidating defense, particularly the "Soul Patrol" secondary, set a standard that many teams would try to emulate in the years to come. For the Vikings, the loss was a crushing blow. It was their fourth Super Bowl defeat, and questions began to arise about their ability to win the big game. Despite their regular season success and dominance in the NFC, they were unable to capture the ultimate prize. As we look back on Super Bowl 11 from our vantage point today, its significance in the history of professional football is clear. It was the coronation of the Oakland Raiders as one of the premier franchises in the NFL, a showcase for one of the most complete teams ever assembled, and a changing of the guard as the Vikings' dynasty came to an end without a championship. The game serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports. Despite all the analysis and predictions, once the players take the field, anything can happen. The Raiders' dominant performance, after years of playoff frustrations, demonstrates the resilience and determination required to succeed at the highest level of professional sports. In conclusion, Super Bowl 11 stands as a pivotal moment in NFL history. It was a game that showcased the talents of future Hall of Famers like Ken Stabler, Fred Biletnikoff, Gene Upshaw, and Fran Tarkenton. It demonstrated the importance of team building and coaching, with John Madden's strategies proving superior on the day. And it set the stage for the Raiders to become one of the most successful and popular franchises of the late nineteen seventies and early nineteen eighties. From Ken Stabler's precise passing to the dominance of the Raiders' offensive line, from Fred Biletnikoff's clutch catches to Willie Brown's iconic interceptio