Nov 12 2024 10 mins
Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 17, a game that marked a significant moment in NFL history and showcased the triumph of one of the league's most storied franchises. This matchup between the Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins took place on January 30, 1983, 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 Redskins' first Super Bowl victory. The 1982 NFL season was unlike any other in league history. A 57-day player strike reduced the regular season from 16 games to just 9, creating a unique and compressed schedule. Despite this unusual circumstance, both the Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins managed to navigate the shortened season and make their way to the Super Bowl. The Washington Redskins, led by head coach Joe Gibbs, had finished the regular season with an 8 and 1 record, the best in the NFC. Gibbs, in just his second year as head coach, had quickly turned the Redskins into a powerhouse. The team's success was built on a powerful running game and a stout defense, a formula that would become Gibbs' trademark in the years to come. At the heart of the Redskins' offense was "The Hogs," their nickname for their dominant offensive line. This group, featuring tackles Joe Jacoby and George Starke, guards Russ Grimm and Mark May, and center Jeff Bostic, was one of the best in the league. They paved the way for the Redskins' potent rushing attack, led by John Riggins. Riggins, at 33 years old, was having a career renaissance. Known as "The Diesel," Riggins was a bruising fullback who wore down defenses with his punishing running style. In the shortened season, he rushed for five hundred fifty three yards and 3 touchdowns, but it was in the playoffs where he truly shined, rushing for over 100 yards in each of Washington's three playoff games leading up to the Super Bowl. The Redskins' passing game was led by quarterback Joe Theismann, who had thrown for two thousand thirty three yards and 13 touchdowns during the regular season. His primary targets were wide receivers Charlie Brown and Art Monk, along with tight end Don Warren. On defense, the Redskins were anchored by their defensive line, nicknamed The Pearl Harbor Crew, because they were infamous and a day that will live in infamy, for opposing offenses. This unit was led by defensive tackle Dave Butz and defensive ends Dexter Manley and Tony McGee. The secondary was headlined by safety Mark Murphy, who led the team with 6 interceptions. The Miami Dolphins, coached by the legendary Don Shula, had also finished the regular season with an 8 and 1 record. The Dolphins were looking to recapture the glory of their early nineteen seventies dynasty and win their first Super Bowl since 1974. The Dolphins' offense was led by young quarterback David Woodley, who had thrown for one thousand eighty yards and 5 touchdowns during the regular season. However, the real strength of Miami's offense was their running game, featuring the Bruise Brothers backfield of Andra Franklin and Tony Nathan. Franklin had rushed for 700 and 1 yards and 7 touchdowns, while Nathan contributed both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. Miami’s defense, nicknamed the Killer Bees because many of the players' names began with the letter B, was one of the best in the league. This unit was led by nose tackle Bob Baumhower, defensive end Doug Betters, and linebacker A J Duhe. The secondary featured Glenn and Lyle Blackwood, known as the Bruise Brothers, not to be confused with the offensive backfield duo. As game day approached, there was a sense of anticipation and excitement. The Redskins were slight favorites, but many expected a close, competitive game between two well coached teams. The game began with both teams feeling each other out. The Dolphins received the opening kickoff but were forced to punt after a quick three and out. The Redskins' first possession showed promise, with Theismann completing a couple of passes to move the chains. However, the drive stalled, and Washington was forced to punt as well. The first score of the game came midway through the first quarter when Dolphins kicker Uwe von Schamann connected on a 20-yard field goal, giving Miami a 3to zero lead. This score was set up by a 42 yard pass from Woodley to Jimmy Cefalo, showcasing the Dolphins' big-play ability. The Redskins responded quickly, putting together a drive that culminated in a 4 yard touchdown run by Riggins. This gave Washington a 7 to 3 lead and sent a message that their powerful running game was ready to dominate. As the second quarter began, the Dolphins started to assert themselves. Woodley led an impressive drive down the field, mixing short passes with runs from Franklin and Nathan. The drive culminated in a 76 yard touchdown pass from Woodley to Cefalo, giving Miami a 10 to 7 lead. The Redskins, feeling the pressure, tried to respond quickly. However, disaster struck when Theismann's pass was intercepted by Dolphins linebacker A J Duhe, giving Miami excellent field position. The Dolphins capitalized on this turnover with another field goal from VonSchamann, extending their lead to 13 to 7. Just before halftime, the Redskins managed to put together a drive that resulted in a 31 yard field goal by Mark Moseley, cutting the Dolphins' lead to 13 to 10 at the break. As the teams headed to the locker rooms, the game was living up to its billing as a close, competitive contest. The third quarter saw the momentum begin to shift in Washington's favor. Their defense stiffened, repeatedly stopping the Dolphins' offense and giving Theismann and the offense good field position. However, the Redskins couldn't fully capitalize, managing only another Moseley field goal to tie the game at 13 to 13. As the fourth quarter began, the tension in the Rose Bowl was palpable. Both teams knew that the next score could be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. It was at this moment that one of the most famous plays in Super Bowl history occurred. With just over ten minutes left in the game, the Redskins faced a fourth and one at the Miami 43 yard line. Instead of punting, Gibbs decided to go for it. The call was "70 Chip," a play designed for Riggins to run off the left tackle. As Riggins took the handoff, he burst through a hole created by The Hogs, broke a tackle attempt by Dolphins cornerback Don McNeal, and rumbled 43 yards for a touchdown. This play, which would become known simply as The Run, gave the Redskins a 20 to 13 lead and completely changed the complexion of the game. The Dolphins, who had been so effective in containing Riggins for most of the game, suddenly looked vulnerable. Miami tried to respond, but their offense, which had been efficient in the first half, couldn't find its rhythm against Washington's rejuvenated defense. The Redskins added another touchdown late in the fourth quarter, a 6 yard pass from Theismann to Charlie Brown, to seal the victory. As the final seconds ticked away, the Washington Redskins had secured a 27 to 17 victory and their first Super Bowl championship. The team that had started the season in the shadow of the player strike had ended it on top of the football world. John Riggins was named the game's Most Valuable Player. He finished with a then Super Bowl record one hundred sixty six rushing yards on 38 carries, including the game-changing 43 yard touchdown run. His performance was a testament to his toughness and the dominance of The Hogs offensive line. For the Redskins, this victory was the culmination of a remarkable turnaround under Joe Gibbs. Just two years earlier, the team had finished 6 and 10. Now, they were world champions. Players like Riggins, Theismann, and the members of The Hogs had etched their names in NFL history. For the Dolphins, the loss was a disappointment, but it didn't diminish their impressive season. They had overcome the challenges of the strike-shortened year and made it to the Super Bowl, showcasing the coaching acumen of Don Shula and the talent of players like David Woodley and the Killer Bees defense. Super Bowl 17 is remembered for several reasons beyond the final score. It marked the emergence of the Washington Redskins as one of the dominant teams of the nineteen eighties. Under Joe Gibbs, they would go on to win two more Super Bowls in the decade, establishing themselves as one of the great dynasties in NFL history. The game also highlighted the importance of a strong running game and offensive line play in championship football. The Redskins' ability to control the clock and wear down the Dolphins' defense with their power running game proved to be the difference in the end. As we look back on Super Bowl 17 from our vantage point today, its significance in the history of professional football is clear. It was a showcase for one of the great coaching minds in NFL history in Joe Gibbs, a demonstration of the power of a dominant offensive line, and a reminder of the importance of clutch performances in big moments. 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 Redskins' ability to overcome a halftime deficit, coupled with Riggins' historic run, created a contest that would be remembered for generations. In conclusion, Super Bowl 17 stands as a pivotal moment in NFL history. It was a game that showcased the talents of future Hall of Famers like John Riggins and Art Monk. It demonstrated the importance of team building and coaching, with Joe Gibbs' strategies proving superior on the day. And it set the stage for the Redskins to become one of the most successful franchises of the nineteen eighties. From Riggins' game-changing run to the dominance of The Hogs, from Theismann's efficient quarterback play to the Redskins' defensive s