1987 Washington Redskins season

NFL team season (won Super Bowl)

1987 Washington Redskins season
OwnerJack Kent Cooke
General managerBobby Beathard
Head coachJoe Gibbs
Home fieldRFK Stadium
Local radioWMAL
Results
Record11–4
Division place1st NFC East
Playoff finishWon Divisional Playoffs
(at Bears) 21–17
Won NFC Championship
(vs. Vikings) 17–10
Won Super Bowl XXII
(vs. Broncos) 42–10
Pro Bowlers
3
  • WR Gary Clark
  • DE Charles Mann
  • CB Darrell Green
AP All-Pros
5
  • WR Gary Clark (1st team)
  • T Joe Jacoby (1st team)
  • DE Charles Mann (2nd team)
  • CB Darrell Green (1st team)
  • CB Barry Wilburn (1st team)
Redskins guard Raleigh McKenzie covering an opponent on the Broncos during Super Bowl XXII.

The 1987 season was the Washington Redskins' strike-shortened 56th season in the National Football League (NFL), their 52nd in Washington, D.C., and their seventh under head coach Joe Gibbs. The season was a shortened season due to the 1987 NFL strike.

The team had finished second in the NFC East the previous season with a 12–4 record. Games to be played during the third week of the season were canceled, and replacement players were used to play games from weeks 4 through 6.

The Redskins won the NFC East with an 11–4 record. The Redskins defeated the Denver Broncos 42–10 to win Super Bowl XXII. It was the Redskins' second Super Bowl win in six seasons, and coincidentally, their second Super Bowl win in a strike-season.[1]

Redskins quarterback Doug Williams became the first black quarterback to start in a Super Bowl and was the only one to have emerged victorious until Russell Wilson won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks.[2]

By virtue of the Redskins' 17–10 victory over Minnesota in the NFC title game, head coach Joe Gibbs earned his 10th playoff victory. He surpassed the legendary Vince Lombardi, who had retired after his 9th playoff victory and (coincidentally) later coached the Redskins for one season. Also ironic was the rumor that, following a disastrous 5-9-1 season, Green Bay would hire Gibbs to replace the dismissed Forrest Gregg. However, after the game, Gibbs would deny that he was interested.[3]

While the replacement Skins all received large playoff shares for their part in the 1987 season, the only replacement player to receive a Super Bowl ring was wide receiver Anthony Allen, because he was on the active roster during the postseason (and made one reception in the NFC title game vs. Minnesota). On March 8, 2018, the Redskins announced that they would honor the replacement players from the 1987 team with Super Bowl XXII rings.[4]

Offseason

NFL draft

1987 Washington Redskins draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
2 30 Brian Davis  CB Nebraska from Indianapolis
2 48 Wally Kleine  OT Notre Dame from LA Raiders
5 117 Timmy Smith  RB Texas Tech
6 144 Steve Gage  S Tulsa
6 164 Ed Simmons  OT Eastern Washington
7 192 Johnny Thomas  CB Baylor
8 219 Clarence Vaughn  S Northern Illinois
9 248 Alfred Jenkins  RB Arizona
10 274 Ted Wilson  WR UCF
11 304 Laron Brown  WR Texas
12 331 Ray Hitchcock  C Minnesota
      Made roster  

Personnel

Staff

1987 Washington Redskins staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

  • Special teams coordinator – Chuck Banker

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength coach – Joe Diange
  • Conditioning coach – Dan Riley

NFL replacement players

After the league decided to use replacement players during the NFLPA strike, the following team was assembled:

1987 Washington Redskins replacement roster

Quarterbacks

  • 15 Tony Robinson
  • 16 Ed Rubbert
  • -- Kevin Sisk
  • 11 Jack Stanley

Running backs

Wide receivers

  • 30 Anthony Allen
  • 84 Keiron Bigby
  • 83 Richard Johnson
  • -- Mike Miller
  • -- Mike Rice
  • 88 Derrick Shepard
  • -- Carl Williams
  • 80 Ted Wilson

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Roster

Williams attempting a pass for the Washington Redskins in 1987
1987 Washington Redskins roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists
  • 95 Dan Benish DT (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 75 Darrick Brilz G (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • -- Mark Carlson T (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • -- Anthony Copeland LB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 56 Eric Coyle C (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 30 Dwight Garner RB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • -- Ray Hitchcock C (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 79 Wally Kleine T (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • -- Craig McEwen TE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • -- Albert Reese TE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 59 Kenneth Robinson LB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 47 Johnny Thomas CB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)


Practice squad



Rookies in italics

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 14 Pittsburgh Steelers W 23–17 1–0 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Recap
2 August 22 vs Green Bay Packers W 33–0 2–0 Camp Randall Stadium Recap
3 August 29 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 10–17 2–1 Tampa Stadium Recap
4 September 5 at Los Angeles Rams W 26–14 3–1 Anaheim Stadium Recap

Regular season

In 1987, Redskins starting QB Jay Schroeder got injured early in the opening game against the Eagles and was replaced by Williams, who led the team to victory.[5] In his NFL debut, replacement player Ed Rubbert passed for 334 yards.[5] Rubbert also threw three touchdown passes to Anthony Allen. Allen would have 255 receiving yards.[5]

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 13 Philadelphia Eagles W 34–24 1–0 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Recap
2 September 20 at Atlanta Falcons L 20–21 1–1 Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium Recap
3 September 27 New England Patriots Cancelled due to the 1987 NFL strike †
4 October 4 St. Louis Cardinals W 28–21 2–1 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Recap
5 October 11 at New York Giants W 38–12 3–1 Giants Stadium Recap
6 October 19 at Dallas Cowboys W 13–7 4–1 Texas Stadium Recap
7 October 25 New York Jets W 17–16 5–1 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Recap
8 November 1 at Buffalo Bills W 27–7 6–1 Rich Stadium Recap
9 November 8 at Philadelphia Eagles L 27–31 6–2 Veterans Stadium Recap
10 November 15 Detroit Lions W 20–13 7–2 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Recap
11 November 23 Los Angeles Rams L 26–30 7–3 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Recap
12 November 29 New York Giants W 23–19 8–3 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Recap
13 December 6 at St. Louis Cardinals W 34–17 9–3 Busch Memorial Stadium Recap
14 December 13 Dallas Cowboys W 24–20 10–3 Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Recap
15 December 20 at Miami Dolphins L 21–23 10–4 Joe Robbie Stadium Recap
16 December 26 at Minnesota Vikings W 27–24 (OT) 11–4 Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Recap

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 1: Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins
Period 1 2 34Total
Eagles 0 10 14024
Redskins 10 7 71034

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

Game information

First quarter

  • WAS – Jess Atkinson 27-yard field goal, 11:30. Redskins 3–0.
  • WAS – Art Monk 6-yard pass from Doug Williams (Jess Atkinson kick), 4:18. Redskins 10–0.

Second quarter

  • PHI – Mike Quick 30-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Paul McFadden kick), 10:58. Redskins 10–7.
  • PHI – Paul McFadden 43-yard field goal, 5:32. Tied 10–10.
  • WAS – George Rogers 1-yard run (Steve Cox kick), 0:38. Redskins 17–10.

Third quarter

  • WAS – Reggie Branch 1-yard run (Steve Cox kick), 11:12. Redskins 24–10.
  • PHI – Randall Cunningham 2-yard run (Paul McFadden kick), 4:19. Redskins 24–17.
  • PHI – Reggie White 70-yard fumble return (Paul McFadden kick), 0:08. Tied 24–24.

Fourth quarter

  • WAS – Art Monk 39-yard pass from Doug Williams (Steve Cox kick), 14:53. Redskins 31–24.
  • WAS – Steve Cox 40-yard field goal, 5:20. Redskins 34–24.

Top passers

  • PHI – Randall Cunningham – 21/36, 269 yards, TD, 2 INT
  • WAS – Doug Williams – 17/27, 272 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • PHI – John Spagnola – 6 receptions, 61 yards
  • WAS – Gary Clark – 8 receptions, 102 yards

Week 2: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 2: Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 7 0 6720
Falcons 7 0 7721

at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: September 20
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C)
  • Game attendance: 50,982
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist and Dick Vermeil
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • No scoring plays

Third quarter

  • WAS – Gary Clark 18-yard pass from Doug Williams (kick failed), 8:56. Redskins 13–7.
  • ATL – Stacey Bailey 23-yard pass from Scott Campbell (Mick Luckhurst kick), 5:13. Falcons 14–13.

Fourth quarter

  • WAS – Art Monk 6-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 11:48. Redskins 20–14.
  • ATL – Gerald Riggs 4-yard run (Mick Luckhurst kick), 6:47. Falcons 21–20.

Top passers

  • WAS – Doug Williams – 18/30, 198 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
  • ATL – Scott Campbell – 17/34, 271 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • WAS – Keith Griffin – 14 rushes, 73 yards
  • ATL – Gerald Riggs – 23 rushes, 120 yards, TD

Top receivers

Week 3: vs. New England Patriots (Canceled)

The Redskins were scheduled to host the New England Patriots, but a players' strike was called following the conclusion of week 2. The week 3 slate of games were cancelled as a result. Games would resume the following week with team rosters mostly made up of replacement players.

Week 4: vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Week 4: St. Louis Cardinals at Washington Redskins
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 0 7 7721
Redskins 7 7 14028

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

  • Date: October 4
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 50 °F (10 °C)
  • Game attendance: 27,728
  • Referee: Jerry Seeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tim Ryan and Joe Theismann
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • STL – Earl Ferrell 1-yard run (Jason Staurovsky kick), 9:28. Tied 7–7.
  • WAS – Anthony Allen 88-yard pass from Ed Rubbert (Brendan Toibin kick), 9:05. Redskins 14–7.

Third quarter

  • STL – Earl Ferrell 1-yard run (Jason Staurovsky kick), 8:01. Tied 14–14.
  • WAS – Lionel Vital 8-yard run (Brendan Toibin kick), 5:24. Redskins 21–14.
  • WAS – Anthony Allen 48-yard pass from Ed Rubbert (Brendan Toibin kick), 2:02. Redskins 28–14.

Fourth quarter

  • STL – Pete Noga 60-yard interception return (Jason Staurovsky kick), 12:17. Redskins 28–21.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • STL – J. T. Smith – 6 receptions, 116 yards
  • WAS – Anthony Allen – 7 receptions, 255 yards, 3 TD

In the first game since the start of the strike, Washington hosted divisional rival St. Louis. The Cardinals' roster had a few players that crossed the picket line, while the Redskins' roster was completely made up of replacement players. Wide receiver Anthony Allen finished the game with 255 receiving yards, breaking the franchise record for receiving yards in a single game.[6]

Week 5: at New York Giants

Week 5: Washington Redskins at New York Giants
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 21 7738
Giants 3 0 9012

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: October 11
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C)
  • Game attendance: 9,123
  • Referee: Tom Dooley
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall and John Madden
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • NYG – George Benyola 45-yard field goal, 11:48. Giants 3–0.
  • WAS – Obed Ariri 22-yard field goal, 6:57. Tied 3–3.

Second quarter

  • WAS – Wayne Wilson 1-yard run (Obed Ariri kick), 9:50. Redskins 10–3.
  • WAS – Lionel Vital 22-yard run (Obed Ariri kick), 5:05. Redskins 17–3.
  • WAS – Wayne Wilson 3-yard run (Obed Ariri kick), 1:15. Redskins 24–3.

Third quarter

  • NYG – Edwin Lovelady 23-yard pass from Mike Busch (kick failed), 10:54. Redskins 24–9.
  • WAS – Wayne Wilson 64-yard pass from Ed Rubbert (Obed Ariri kick), 9:36. Redskins 31–9.
  • NYG – George Beynola 20-yard field goal, 6:02. Redskins 31–12.

Fourth quarter

  • WAS – Tim Jessie 14-yard run (Obed Ariri kick), 1:55. Redskins 38–12.

Top passers

  • WAS – Ed Rubbert – 11/23, 176 yards, TD
  • NYG – Mike Busch – 14/41, 183 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

  • WAS – Lionel Vital – 27 rushes, 128 yards, TD
  • NYG – Van Williams – 12 rushes, 36 yards

Top receivers

  • WAS – Anthony Allen – 4 receptions, 51 yards
  • NYG – Lewis Bennett – 4 receptions, 66 yards

Week 6: at Dallas Cowboys

Week 6: Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 0 7313
Cowboys 0 0 707

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

  • Date: October 19
  • Game time: 9:00 p.m. EDT/8:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C)
  • Game attendance: 60,415
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford and Dan Dierdorf
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • WAS – Obed Ariri 19-yard field goal, 8:49. Redskins 3–0.

Second quarter

  • No scoring plays

Third quarter

Fourth quarter

  • WAS – Obed Ariri 39-yard field goal, 6:13. Redskins 13–7.

Top passers

  • WAS – Tony Robinson – 11/15, 152 yards, 2 INT
  • DAL – Danny White – 21/36, 262 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

Days before the game, the players' strike was ended. However, the replacement players were still in use week six due to an owner-induced deadline for the regular players to return, with the union missing the deadline. Washington traveled to Dallas to take on the Cowboys on ABC's Monday Night Football in what would be the last game to feature the replacement players. The Redskins' roster consisted entirely of replacement players while the Cowboys had several players that crossed the picket line, including star defensive tackle Randy White and running back Tony Dorsett. With the strike over, Washington was only one of two franchises to not have any players cross the picket line, with the other being the Philadelphia Eagles.

The Redskins would sign some of the replacement players to the regular roster. Players of note include wide receiver Anthony Allen and tight end Craig McEwen.

Week 7: vs. New York Jets

Week 7: New York Jets at Washington Redskins
Period 1 2 34Total
Jets 0 3 10316
Redskins 0 7 01017

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • WAS – Gary Clark 20-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 11:21. Redskins 7–0.
  • NYJ – Pat Leahy 33-yard field goal, 2:25. Redskins 7–3.

Third quarter

  • NYJ – Pat Leahy 23-yard field goal, 7:39. Redskins 7–6.
  • NYJ – Mickey Shuler 15-yard pass from Ken O'Brien (Pat Leahy kick), 0:06. Jets 13–7.

Fourth quarter

  • NYJ – Pat Leahy 21-yard field goal, 10:38. Jets 16–7.
  • WAS – Kelvin Bryant 2-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 5:15. Jets 16–14.
  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 28-yard field goal, 0:54. Redskins 17–16.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • NYJ – Roger Vick – 4 rushes, 29 yards
  • WAS – Keith Griffin – 20 rushes, 79 yards

Top receivers

In the first game with its regular players since week 2, Washington hosted the New York Jets. Washington's offense struggled throughout most of the game, with fans booing the team and demanding that the replacement players be put into the game. The Redskins would comeback in the fourth quarter to defeat the Jets 17–16, with kicker Ali Haji-Sheikh kicking the game-winning field goal with just under a minute left to play.

Week 8: at Buffalo Bills

Week 8: Washington Redskins at Buffalo Bills
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 3 14 10027
Bills 0 0 077

at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • WAS – Kelvin Bryant 12-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 14:53. Redskins 10–0.
  • WAS – Jay Schroeder 13-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 7:06. Redskins 17–0.

Third quarter

  • WAS – Kelvin Bryant 7-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 10:02. Redskins 24–0.
  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 33-yard field goal, 2:29. Redskins 27–0.

Fourth quarter

Top passers

  • WAS – Jay Schroeder – 11/18, 132 yards, 2 TD
  • BUF – Jim Kelly – 25/43, 292 yards, 3 INT

Top rushers

  • WAS – George Rogers – 30 rushes, 125 yards
  • BUF – Robb Riddick – 6 rushes, 19 yards

Top receivers

  • WAS – Art Monk – 5 receptions, 38 yards
  • BUF – Andre Reed – 8 receptions, 108 yards, TD

Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 9: Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 7 14 0627
Eagles 7 10 01431

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • Date: November 8
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C)
  • Game attendance: 63,609
  • Referee: Fred Wyant
  • TV announcers (CBS): Dick Stockton and Terry Bradshaw
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • WAS – Art Monk 19-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 8:56. Redskins 14–7.
  • WAS – Darrell Green 26-yard fumble return (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 5:25. Redskins 21–7.
  • PHI – Paul McFadden 37-yard field goal, 2:33. Redskins 21–10.
  • PHI – Mike Quick 6-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Paul McFadden kick), 0:14. Redskins 21–17.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • PHI – Mike Quick 32-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Paul McFadden kick), 7:13. Eagles 24–21.
  • WAS – Gary Clark 47-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (kick failed), 2:29. Redskins 27–24.
  • PHI – Gregg Garrity 40-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Paul McFadden kick), 1:06. Eagles 31–27.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • WAS – George Rogers – 19 rushes, 80 yards, TD
  • PHI – Anthony Toney – 20 rushes, 87 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 5 receptions, 57 yards
  • PHI – Anthony Toney – 6 receptions, 38 yards

Week 10: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 10: Detroit Lions at Washington Redskins
Period 1 2 34Total
Lions 3 0 10013
Redskins 0 17 3020

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

  • Date: November 15
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 49 °F (9 °C)
  • Game attendance: 53,593
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist and Dick Vermeil
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • DET – Eddie Murray 40-yard field goal, 7:16. Lions 3–0.

Second quarter

  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 33-yard field goal, 14:51. Tied 3–3.
  • WAS – Kelvin Bryant 16-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 2:27. Redskins 10–3.
  • WAS – Gary Clark 42-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 0:27. Redskins 17–3.

Third quarter

  • DET – Eddie Murray 41-yard field goal, 11:18. Redskins 17–6.
  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 41-yard field goal, 5:37. Redskins 20–6.
  • DET – Karl Bernard 2-yard run (Eddie Murray kick), 1:51. Redskins 20–13.

Top passers

  • DET – Chuck Long – 23/37, 249 yards, 4 INT
  • WAS – Doug Williams – 11/18, 161 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • DET – James Jones – 16 rushes, 53 yards
  • WAS – George Rogers – 9 rushes, 56 yards

Top receivers

Week 11: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week 11: Los Angeles Rams at Washington Redskins
Period 1 2 34Total
Rams 14 9 7030
Redskins 9 7 3726

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

  • Date: November 23
  • Game time: 9:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 38 °F (3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 53,614
  • TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford and Dan Dierdorf
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • LAR – Mike Wilcher 35-yard fumble return (Mike Lansford kick). Rams 7–0.
  • WAS – Art Monk 17-yard pass from Doug Williams (kick failed). Rams 7–6.
  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 22-yard field goal. Redskins 9–7.
  • LAR – Ron Brown 95-yard kickoff return (Mike Lansford kick). Rams 14–9.

Second quarter

  • LAR – Mike Lansford 37-yard field goal. Rams 17–9.
  • LAR – Charles White 1-yard run (kick failed). Rams 23–9.
  • WAS – Doug Williams 1-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Rams 23–16.

Third quarter

  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 29-yard field goal. Rams 23–19.
  • LAR – Ron Brown 26-yard pass from Jim Everett (Mike Lansford kick). Rams 30–19.

Fourth quarter

  • WAS – Art Monk 5-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Rams 30–26.

Top passers

  • LAR – Jim Everett – 7/13, 106 yards, TD, INT
  • WAS – Doug Williams – 24/46, 308 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • LAR – Charles White – 35 rushes, 112 yards, TD
  • WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 7 rushes, 46 yards

Top receivers

  • LAR – Ron Brown – 2 receptions, 39 yards, TD
  • WAS – Art Monk – 5 receptions, 93 yards, 2 TD

Week 12: vs. New York Giants

Week 12: New York Giants at Washington Redskins
Period 1 2 34Total
Giants 10 6 3019
Redskins 0 0 91423

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C)
  • Game attendance: 45,815
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall and John Madden
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NYG – Raúl Allegre 42-yard field goal. Giants 13–0.
  • NYG – Raúl Allegre 30-yard field goal. Giants 16–0.

Third quarter

  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 41-yard field goal. Giants 16–3.
  • NYG – Raúl Allegre 45-yard field goal. Giants 19–3.
  • WAS – Gary Clark 34-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (kick failed). Giants 19–9.

Fourth quarter

  • WAS – Keith Griffin 6-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Giants 19–16.
  • WAS – Ricky Sanders 28-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 23–19.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • NYG – Joe Morris – 27 rushes, 76 yards
  • WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 11 rushes, 45 yards

Top receivers

  • NYG – Tony Galbreath – 4 receptions, 54 yards
  • WAS – Gary Clark – 7 receptions, 112 yards, TD

Week 13: at St. Louis Cardinals

Week 13: Washington Redskins at St. Louis Cardinals
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 10 0 21334
Cardinals 0 14 3017

at Busch Memorial Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

  • Date: December 6
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 39 °F (4 °C)
  • Game attendance: 31,324
  • Referee: Tom Dooley
  • TV announcers (CBS): Tim Ryan and Joe Theismann
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • WAS – Gary Clark 84-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 7–0.
  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 22-yard field goal. Redskins 10–0.

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • STL – Jim Gallery 48-yard field goal. Cardinals 17–10.
  • WAS – Jay Schroeder 7-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Tied 17–17.
  • WAS – George Rogers 6-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 24–17.
  • WAS – Clint Didier 19-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 31–17.

Fourth quarter

  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 40-yard field goal. Redskins 34–17.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • WAS – George Rogers – 29 rushes, 133 yards, TD
  • STL – Stump Mitchell – 20 rushes, 101 yards

Top receivers

  • WAS – Gary Clark – 5 receptions, 130 yards, TD
  • STL – Roy Green – 6 receptions, 90 yards

Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 14: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins
Period 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 3 0 10720
Redskins 7 10 7024

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

  • Date: December 13
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 54,882
  • Referee: Gordon McCarter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall and John Madden
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 31-yard field goal. Redskins 10–3.
  • WAS – Gary Clark 56-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 17–3.

Third quarter

  • WAS – George Rogers 1-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 24–3.
  • DAL – Roger Ruzek 37-yard field goal. Redskins 24–6.
  • DAL – Mike Renfro 25-yard pass from Danny White (Roger Ruzek kick). Redskins 24–13.

Fourth quarter

  • DAL – Rod Barksdale 5-yard pass from Danny White (Roger Ruzek kick). Redskins 24–20.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • DAL – Herschel Walker – 14 rushes, 44 yards
  • WAS – George Rogers – 27 rushes, 64 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • DAL – Mike Renfro – 6 receptions, 97 yards, TD
  • WAS – Gary Clark – 9 receptions, 187 yards, TD

Week 15: at Miami Dolphins

Week 15: Washington Redskins at Miami Dolphins
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 7 7721
Dolphins 0 9 01423

at Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • WAS – Jay Schroeder 6-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 14–9.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Mark Duper 59-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick). Dolphins 16–14.
  • WAS – George Rogers 2-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 21–16.
  • MIA – Mark Duper 6-yard pass from Dan Marino (Fuad Reveiz kick). Dolphins 23–21.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 5 receptions, 69 yards
  • MIA – Mark Duper – 6 receptions, 170 yards, 3 TD

Week 16: at Minnesota Vikings

Week 16: Washington Redskins at Minnesota Vikings
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Redskins 0 7 710327
Vikings 7 0 017024

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

  • Date: December 26
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m. EST/3:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: None (played indoors)
  • Game attendance: 59,160
  • TV: CBS
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

Third quarter

  • WAS – Ricky Sanders 46-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 14–7.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Alfred Anderson 1-yard run (Chuck Nelson kick). Tied 14–14.
  • MIN – Wade Wilson 1-yard run (Chuck Nelson kick). Vikings 21–14.
  • MIN – Chuck Nelson 20-yard field goal. Vikings 24–14.
  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 37-yard field goal. Vikings 24–17.
  • WAS – Ricky Sanders 51-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Tied 24–24.

Overtime

  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 26-yard field goal. Redskins 27–24.

Top passers

  • WAS – Doug Williams – 11/22, 217 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • MIN – Wade Wilson – 14/27, 206 yards, 3 INT

Top rushers

  • WAS – George Rogers – 10 rushes, 51 yards
  • MIN – Wade Wilson – 10 rushes, 75 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • WAS – Ricky Sanders – 8 receptions, 164 yards, 2 TD
  • MIN – Steve Jordan – 5 receptions, 65 yards

Standings

NFC East
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W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Washington Redskins(3) 11 4 0 .733 7–1 9–3 379 285 W1
Dallas Cowboys 7 8 0 .467 4–4 5–7 340 348 W2
St. Louis Cardinals 7 8 0 .467 3–5 7–7 362 368 L1
Philadelphia Eagles 7 8 0 .467 3–5 4–7 337 380 W2
New York Giants 6 9 0 .400 3–5 4–8 280 312 W2

Postseason

Redskins cornerback Barry Wilburn, pictured in the NFC Championship game, was a key player in Washington's defensive unit who snagged two interceptions during Super Bowl XXII.

Schedule

Playoff Round Date Opponent (Seed) Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
NFC Divisional Playoffs January 10, 1988 at Chicago Bears (2) W 21–17 1–0 Soldier Field Recap
NFC Championship January 17, 1988 Minnesota Vikings (5) W 17–10 2–0 RFK Stadium Recap
Super Bowl XXII January 31, 1988 Denver Broncos (A1) W 42–10 3–0 Jack Murphy Stadium Recap

Game summaries

Divisional Rounds at Chicago Bears

NFC Divisional Playoffs: (3) Washington Redskins at (2) Chicago Bears
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 14 7021
Bears 7 7 3017

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

  • Date: January 10, 1988
  • Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST/11:30 a.m. CST
  • Game weather: 4 °F (−16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,268
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall and John Madden
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

  • CHI – Calvin Thomas 2-yard run (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 7–0.

Second quarter

  • CHI – Ron Morris 14-yard pass from Jim McMahon (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 14–0.
  • WAS – George Rogers 3-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Bears 14–7.
  • WAS – Clint Didier 18-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Tied 14–14.

Third quarter

  • WAS – Darrell Green 52-yard punt return (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 21–14.
  • CHI – Kevin Butler 25-yard field goal. Redskins 21–17.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays

Top passers

  • WAS – Doug Williams – 14/29, 207 yards, TD, INT
  • CHI – Jim McMahon – 15/29, 197 yards, TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • WAS – Ricky Sanders – 6 receptions, 92 yards
  • CHI – Ron Morris – 2 receptions, 47 yards, TD

After a first-round bye, Washington's playoff run began in the divisional round at Chicago. The Bears were the NFC's 2nd-seed, having finished the regular season at 11–4 and winning the NFC Central. Chicago jumped out to a 14–0 lead, but Washington would score 21 unanswered points, winning the game 21–17.

NFC Championship vs. Minnesota Vikings

NFC Championship: (5) Minnesota Vikings at (3) Washington Redskins
Period 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 7 0310
Redskins 7 0 3717

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

  • Date: January 17, 1988
  • Game time: 12:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 35 °F (2 °C)
  • Game attendance: 55,212
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall and John Madden
  • Box score
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • MIN – Leo Lewis 23-yard pass from Wade Wilson (Chuck Nelson kick). Tied 7–7.

Third quarter

  • WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 28-yard field goal. Redskins 10–7.

Fourth quarter

  • MIN – Chuck Nelson 18-yard field goal. Tied 10–10.
  • WAS – Gary Clark 7-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 17–10.

Top passers

  • MIN – Wade Wilson – 19/39, 243 yards, TD, INT
  • WAS – Doug Williams – 9/26, 119 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • MIN – Wade Wilson – 4 rushes, 28 yards
  • WAS – Timmy Smith – 13 rushes, 72 yards

Top receivers

  • MIN – Anthony Carter – 7 receptions 85 yards
  • WAS – Gary Clark – 3 receptions, 57 yards, TD

After defeating the Bears in the divisional round, the Redskins hosted the surprising Minnesota Vikings in the NFC championship. Minnesota just scraped into the playoffs, finishing the regular season 8–7, earning the NFC's fifth and final seed. The Vikings finished the regular season losing three of their last four, but pulled off two major upsets once the playoffs started. Minnesota defeated the 12–3 New Orleans Saints 44–10 in the wild card round, then took down the NFC's top seed, the San Francisco 49ers, 36–24 in the divisional round.

Washington would end Minnesota's run of upsets, limiting the Vikings' run game to only 76 yards and sacked quarterback Wade Wilson eight times. The Vikings' defense would limit Doug Williams, who finished the game only completing 9 passes on 26 attempts for 119 yards. The Redskins' defense prevented a game-tying touchdown in the final minute of regulation to give Washington the 17–10 victory and send the team to the Super Bowl for the fourth time in franchise history.

Super Bowl XXII

Super Bowl XXII: (N3) Washington Redskins vs. (A1) Denver Broncos
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 35 0742
Broncos 10 0 0010

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

Game information

First quarter

  • DEN – Ricky Nattiel 56-yard pass from John Elway (Rich Karlis kick), 13:03. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 56 yards, 0:08.
  • DEN – Rich Karlis 24-yard field goal, 9:09. Broncos 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 2:05.

Second quarter

  • WAS – Ricky Sanders 80-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 14:07. Broncos 10–7. Drive: 1 play, 80 yards, 0:10.
  • WAS – Gary Clark 27-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 10:15. Redskins 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 2:44.
  • WAS – Timmy Smith 58-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 6:27. Redskins 21–10. Drive: 2 plays, 74 yards, 0:51.
  • WAS – Ricky Sanders 50-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 3:42. Redskins 28–10. Drive: 3 plays, 60 yards, 0:52.
  • WAS – Clint Didier 8-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 1:04. Redskins 35–10. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 1:10.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • WAS – Timmy Smith 4-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 13:09. Redskins 42–10. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 2:03.

Top passers

  • WAS – Doug Williams – 18/29, 340 yards, 4 TD, INT
  • DEN – John Elway – 14/38, 257 yards, TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

  • WAS – Timmy Smith – 22 rushes, 204 yards, 2 TD
  • DEN – Gene Lang – 5 rushes, 38 yards

Top receivers

  • WAS – Ricky Sanders – 9 receptions, 193 yards, 2 TD
  • DEN – Mark Jackson – 4 receptions, 76 yards

After defeating the Vikings in the NFC championship, the Redskins faced off against the AFC champion Denver Broncos, who were making their second-straight Super Bowl appearance. The Broncos faced off against the Browns in the AFC Championship Game, with Denver having a 38–31 lead in the waning minutes of the game. The Browns drove down the field and looked like they would score the game-tying touchdown, but running back Earnest Byner was stripped of the ball at the goal line by Bronco cornerback Jeremiah Castille and recovered the ball for Denver. This was the Redskins' fourth Super Bowl appearance and the third overall for the Broncos.

The Broncos jumped out to a 10–0 first quarter lead, with Denver finishing the quarter with 142 yards against Washington's 64. Starting quarterback Doug Williams briefly exited the game late in the first quarter and early in the second due to a possible leg injury, with Jay Schroeder entering the game. Williams's return to the game ignited a spark in the Redskins' offense, scoring 35-straight points to lead 35–10 at halftime. After a scoreless third quarter, Washington would score the last points of the game in the fourth to go up 42–10. After a slow first quarter, the team would score 42 unanswered points and gained 602 yards of total offense.

Williams was named the game's MVP, finishing 18-of-29 for 340 yards, with four touchdowns, and one interception, breaking the Super Bowl record for most passing yards. Washington broke other Super Bowl records, including most rushing yards by a player (Timmy Smith, with 204), most receiving yards by a player (Ricky Sanders, with 193), and most extra points made (Ali Haji-Sheikh, with 6). The 45 combined points scored in the first half set the record for most points scored in a half, while the 7 points scored in the second half set the record for the fewest points scored in a half. This was Washington's second Super Bowl victory, having previously won Super Bowl XVII 27–17 over the Miami Dolphins.

Statistics

Team

Category Total yards Yards per game NFL rank
(out of 28)
Passing offense 3,495 233.0 4th
Rushing offense 2,102 140.1 7th
Total offense 5,597 373.1 3rd
Passing defense 3,343 222.9 24th
Rushing defense 1,679 111.9 10th
Total defense 5,022 334.8 18th

Individual

Category Player Total
Offense
Passing yards Jay Schroeder 1,878
Passing touchdowns Jay Schroeder 12
Rushing yards George Rogers 613
Rushing touchdowns George Rogers 6
Receiving yards Gary Clark 1,066
Receiving touchdowns Gary Clark 7
Defense
Tackles Monte Coleman 107
Sacks Charles Mann 9.5
Interceptions Barry Wilburn 9

References

  1. ^ The 1982 season also had a players' strike
  2. ^ As of the 2014 season, he is one of only two African-American quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl, the other being Russell Wilson; Steve McNair, Donovan McNabb and Cam Newton have all started at quarterback in the Super Bowl, but each of the three lost their Super Bowl appearance.
  3. ^ "Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s".
  4. ^ "Redskins to Award 1987 Replacement Players with Super Bowl Rings". Bleacher Report.
  5. ^ a b c Sports Illustrated, Oct. 27, 2008, p.24, Vol. 109, No. 16
  6. ^ McKenna, Dave (October 20, 2010). "Anthony Allen, Redskins Record-Holding Receiver, Gets Bounced From High School Job". Washington City Paper. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
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