Bradley Ruzicka

Headline: Replacement team goes 2-1 during players’ strike while regular Green Bay Packers team goes 3-8-1; Head Coach Forrest Gregg resigns at season’s end

Regular Season Record: 5 – 9 – 1 (Third Place NFC Central Division)

Offseason Highlights: In January 1987, the Green Bay Packers decided to separate the general manager and head coaching responsibilities, hiring Tom Braatz to be their Executive Vice President of Football Operations. Braatz had previously held the general manager position with the Atlanta Falcons between 1982 and 1985. This was the first time someone other than the head coach held the general manager position since Vince Lombardi in 1968.

After finishing 4-12 in 1986, Green Bay owned the 4th overall selection in the 1987 draft, their highest selection since 1959. The Packers used that pick to select RB Brent Fullwood from Auburn University, passing on players such as future Hall of Fame DB Rod Woodson, selected 10th overall. Unfortunately, Fullwood would play only three full seasons and part of a fourth with Green Bay, although he would be selected to the Pro Bowl in 1989. Fullwood started 30 out of 45 games, rushing for just 1,702 yards on 433 attempts (3.9 yards per carry) and 18 touchdowns. He ended his career in 1990 with the Cleveland Browns, after a total of four seasons.

Green Bay selected two other players of note; 2nd round pick LB Johnny Holland (41st overall) and 10th round selection QB Don Majkowski (255th overall). Although Holland would not be named All-Pro nor be selected to play in the Pro Bowl during his seven year career, all with the Packers, he started a total of 100 out of 103 games, posting over 100 tackles six straight seasons. Don Majkowski would play six seasons for Green Bay, starting 49 out of 68 games, completing 889 passes out of 1,607 attempts (55.3%) for 10,870 yards, 56 touchdowns, and 56 interceptions, for a QB Rating of 73.5.

Majkowski finished his 10 year career with the Detroit Lions in 1996 after playing two seasons for the Indianapolis Colts. After an All-Pro season in 1989, a shoulder injury in 1990 limited his effectiveness for the remainder of his career. Majkowski was released after the 1992 season, finishing his Green Bay career as the Packers’ fifth ranked passer all time, with the third most passes attempted in one season (599 in 1989), fourth all time with 34 completions in one game, second all time for most consecutive passes completed (18), fifth all time for most passing yards in a season (4,318 in 1989), and fourth all time passing for 400+ yards in a game (9).

For the second consecutive season, an NFL draft yielded only one future Pro Football Hall of Fame player, Rod Woodson (Pittsburgh Steelers) out of Purdue University. A second future Hall of Famer, Ohio State WR Chris Carter, would later be taken in the 4th round of the NFL Supplemental Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. Also of note, the NFL permitted quarterbacks to throw the ball out of bounds or to the ground, as long as it was thrown immediately after receiving the snap, in order to stop the clock. Lastly, ESPN debuted Sunday Night Football, in which the cable network broadcast NFL Sunday night games, primarily during the second half of the season.

Regular Season Highlights: With the expiration of the 1982 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) went on strike, beginning with Week 3 of the regular season. The league’s free agent policy was again the major item in dispute. This time, unlike the 1982 strike, when seven regular season games were cancelled, the 1987 strike resulted in cancellation of only one week of the regular season. For the remaining three weeks of the strike, the NFL staged games with hastily assembled replacement teams.

These teams were made up principally of players cut during training camp as well as players left out of work from the closure of the United States Football League (USFL) two years prior. In addition to the replacement players, approximately 15% of NFLPA members chose to cross picket lines to play during the strike. Players included stars such as New York Jets’ DE Mark Gastineau, Dallas Cowboys’ DT Randy White, San Francisco 49ers’ QB Joe Montana, New England Patriots’ QB Doug Flutie, and Seattle Seahawks’ WR Steve Largent.

The replacement players, called to play on short notice and having little chance to jell as teammates, were widely treated with scorn by the press and general public, including name calling, public shaming, and accusations of being scabs. The games played with these players were regarded with even less legitimacy, but nonetheless, were counted as regular NFL games. The combination of regulars willing to cross picket lines and the networks continued broadcasting of replacement games quickly ended the strike. This despite a 20% drop in television viewership and even steeper drops in attendance.

The strike officially ended on October 15, after only 24 days, without a collective bargaining agreement in place and the union failing to achieve their demands. However, the NFLPA was far from finished. Using a combination of sophisticated legal tactics and a lot of patience, the players were ultimately able to achieve their primary objective, true free agency. The union began by filing a new antitrust lawsuit on December 30, asking federal judge David Doty to overturn the league’s restrictive free agent policies.

On November 1 1989, the Court of Appeals rejected the suit on the grounds that the owners were covered by the labor exemption from antitrust law. Shortly after the ruling, the union’s next tactic was to disclaim any interest in representing NFL players in collective bargaining, and to reform itself as a professional organization. At the same time, team owners unilaterally implemented a limited free agency system called “Plan B”, allowing teams to continue to impose first refusal and compensation restrictions on their top 37 players.

The new system permitted players at the bottom of the roster to sign with other teams without restriction. Subsequently, individual players, led by the Jets’ RB Freeman McNeil, brought a new antitrust action challenging the owners “Plan B” free agency formula. Because Plan B gave teams a right of first refusal to sign certain players, it was ultimately considered an unlawful practice under federal antitrust acts. The players prevailed after a jury trial on their claims.

That verdict, the pendency of other antitrust cases, and the threat of a class action lawsuit filed by Philadelphia Eagles’ DE Reggie White on behalf of all NFL players, caused the parties to settle the antitrust cases. This led to players and owners finally agreeing on a new formula that, for the first time in the history of the league, permitted NFL players to become true free agents upon expiration of their current contracts, once a new collective bargaining agreement was implemented.

Specifically, the new free agency formula consisted of the following categories:

Exclusive rights free agents – Exclusive rights free agents (ERFAs) are players with two or fewer seasons of service time and whose contracts have expired. If their team tenders a qualifying offer (a one year contract usually at league minimum salary), the player has no negotiating rights with other teams, and must either sign the tender with the team or sit out the season.

Restricted free agents – Restricted free agents (RFAs) are players who have three or fewer accrued seasons of service and whose contracts have expired. RFAs have received qualifying offers from their old clubs and are free to negotiate with any club until a deadline, which occurs about a week prior to the NFL Draft, at which time their rights revert to their original club. If a player accepts an offer from a new club, the old club will have the right to match the offer and retain the player. If the old club elects not to match the offer, it may receive draft choice compensation, depending on the level of the qualifying offer made to the player.

Unrestricted free agents – Unrestricted free agents are players with expired contracts that have completed four or more accrued seasons of service. They are free to sign with any franchise, subject to an exception for one franchise player per club after the first year of the new CBA.

Undrafted free agents – Undrafted free agents are players eligible for the NFL Draft but who are not selected; they can negotiate and sign with any team.

In return for agreeing to the new formula for free agency, the owners received a salary cap, albeit one tied to a formula based on the players’ share of total league revenues. The agreement also established a salary floor, minimum payrolls all teams were obliged to pay. The settlement was presented to, and approved, by Judge Doty. Once the agreement was approved, the NFLPA reconstituted itself as a labor union and entered into a new collective bargaining agreement with the league in 1993, almost six years after the 1987 strike.

The NFLPA and the NFL subsequently extended the 1993 agreement five times, the final time in March 2006, when it was extended through the 2010 season. According to a Bleacher Report article written by Michael Schottey in March 2013, “No single event has shaped the NFL quite like free agency.” Schottey went on to say, “Free agency led to more competitive balance within the league. The dynasties of old started to crumble during the ’90s, and the NFL draft took center stage as the make or break moment in each team’s future. … Free agency certainly changed the NFL forever, but it’s also a major factor in where the league is today: America’s favorite and most lucrative pastime.”

The 1987 season was arguably one of the most forgettable years in Green Bay history, as the Packers finished with a record of 5-9-1, good for third place in the NFC Central Division, behind the 11-4 Chicago Bears and the 8-7 Minnesota Vikings. After losing all four preseason games, Green Bay opened the season with a shutout loss to the Los Angeles Raiders, 20-0, at Lambeau Field. QB Randy Wright, the previous season’s starter, threw three picks and had only 99 passing yards. Wright was replaced the next week by rookie QB Don Majkowski at home against the Denver Broncos.

The first year quarterback did an adequate job against last season’s AFC Champion, throwing one touchdown and no interceptions while completing less than half his throws for 121 yards in a 17-17 tie. Week 3 was cancelled as the strike began, followed by three replacement games. With the strike ending prior to Week 7, and the team sitting at 2-2-1, the Packer regulars were back in the saddle and on the road in Detroit. Majkowski was again the starter, leading Green Bay to a win in a 34-33 shootout.

The offense exploded, amassing 465 total yards. RB Kenneth Davis, in his second year, gained 129 yards on 23 carries while Majkowski threw for 323 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. However, unbeknownst to Packer fans, the win over Detroit and their 3-2-1 record proved to be the high point of the season. Over the last nine games, Green Bay lost seven while winning only two, Week 11 over the Kansas City Chiefs (23-3) and Week 14 over the Vikings (16-10). A dreary season ended with consecutive losses, including a 33-24 road loss to the playoff bound New Orleans Saints in the season finale.

As a result of the NFLPA strike and the subsequent use of replacement players, the team had 21 different players make at least one rushing attempt and 19 different players catch at least one pass. Alan Risher, out of LSU, served as quarterback of the Packers’ replacement squad. Risher was the starter over the majority of the 1983 season for the USFL’s Arizona Wranglers as well as spent a year with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1985, although he did not attempt a pass in the regular season.

As Green Bay’s quarterback, he started three games, going 2-1, completing 44 out of 74 attempts (59.5%) for 564 yards, 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and a QB Rating of 80.0. Leading replacement RB Kevin Willhite finished third on the team in rushing yards with 251 on 53 carries (4.7 yards per rush). Surprisingly, replacement WR Frankie Neal, a 3rd round draft pick, was second on the team in receptions (36) and third in receiving yards (420), scoring 3 touchdowns. After 1987, Risher, Willhite, and Neal never played in the NFL again.

When the regulars were playing, Wright and Majkowski split the starting role. Wright, who held out 15 days of training camp before receiving a new contract, started seven games, winning only once over Minnesota on December 13. The fourth year quarterback completed 132 out of 247 attempts (53.4%) for 1,507 yards, 6 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a QB Rating of just 61.6. Majkowski played well for a rookie, starting five games and compiling a 2-2-1 record, completing 55 out of 127 attempts (43.3%) for 875 yards, 5 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and a 70.2 QB Rating.

For the second consecutive season, Davis led the Packers in rushing with 413 yards on 109 attempts (3.8 yards per carry), scoring 3 touchdowns. Rookie RB Brent Fullwood finished second on team with 84 carries for 274 yards and 5 touchdowns. Davis and Fullwood were now the primary ball carriers, replacing long time veterans Eddie Lee Ivery and Gerry Ellis. Ivery, Green Bay’s first pick in the 1979 draft (15th overall), was unable to fulfill his potential primarily due to injuries, including missing two out of his first three years with a pair of knee injuries.

Ivery retired after the 1986 season having rushed for 2,933 yards on 667 carries (4.4 yards per rush), scoring 23 touchdowns over eight seasons. At the other end of the scale, Ellis was a rookie free agent when he signed with the Packers in 1980. He filled in for Ivery during his many absences over Ellis’ seven years in Green Bay. A torn Achilles tendon suffered in the 1987 offseason ended his career, giving him 3,826 yards on 836 carries (4.6 yards per rush) and 25 touchdowns. Both backs were also prolific receivers, combining for 429 catches for 4,126 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Perhaps the team’s best player, All-Pro WR James Lofton, was traded to the Los Angeles Raiders on April 14, for which Green Bay received only a 1987 3rd round draft pick and a 1988 4th round selection. Neither player selected with those picks, replacement star Frankie Neal nor NT Rollin Pulzier, played more than one season with the Packers. Lofton became expendable after a sexual assault charge the previous year, one for which he was ultimately acquitted in May 1987.

Lofton left Green Bay after starting 136 out of 136 games, catching 530 passes for 9,656 yards (18.2 yards per catch) and 49 touchdowns, as well as being selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls, seven total, over his nine seasons. WRs Walter Stanley and Philip Epps became the Packers leading receivers, with 38 receptions for 672 yards and 34 catches for 516 yards respectively. Stanley finished 10th in the NFL with 17.7 yards per reception.

One replacement player who would remain after the 1987 season was K Max Zendejas, playing his second NFL season after spending 1986 with the Washington Redskins. When Zendejas made 10 straight field goals during the regular season, Green Bay decided to release K Al Del Greco in November. Del Greco finished his four years with the Packers having made 50 out of 74 field goal attempts (66.7%) and 112 out of 114 extra points for a total of 262 points. However, Del Greco would go on to play 13 more seasons for two different teams, scoring a total of 1,584 points during his career.

Zendejas finished 1987 with 16 out of 19 field goals and 13 out of 15 extra points, leading the team in scoring with 61 points. His 84.2 field goal percentage ranked 3rd in the league. P Don Bracken, in his third season with Green Bay, finished 3rd overall in both punts (72) and punt yards (2,947). Overall, the offense finished 18th in rushing (1,801), 25th in passing (2,681), and 26th in scoring offense with 255 points. Defensively, the Packers finished 18th against the rush (1,920), 13th against the pass (3,003), and 11th in scoring defense, allowing 300 points, significantly better than 1986’s 418 points and 27th overall ranking.

However, for all intents and purposes, this was one more lost season for Green Bay, a season where the franchise’s reputation was tarnished not only on, but off the field as well. CB Mossy Cade, in just his third season, was sent to prison for sexual assault and would never play in the NFL again. Four year veteran DE Charles Martin, infamous for his 1986 season ending cheap shot on Chicago QB Jim McMahon, got into a bar fight and was waived after two games, finishing the year with the Houston Oilers. His career would end after the 1988 season.

And Lofton, arguably one of the NFL’s best receivers, was gone, traded after his own sexual assault allegations for which he was subsequently cleared. Lofton would go on to play another seven seasons, most notably for the Raiders and the Buffalo Bills. He was ultimately enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, having accumulated over 14,000 receiving yards. With the franchise in disarray, Head Coach Forrest Gregg, after four seasons and a 25-37-1 record, abruptly resigned on January 8 1988. Despite having a year remaining on his contract, Gregg decided to accept the head coaching position at Southern Methodist University (SMU), his alma mater.

San Francisco finished with the NFL’s best record at 13-2, winning the NFC West title and the top playoff seed. Chicago and Washington both finished with 11-4 records, winning the NFC Central and East titles respectively. The Bears were the second seed and the Redskins the third seed as a result of Chicago winning a tiebreaker based on a better conference record (9-2 vs. Washington’s 9-3). The 12-3 Saints (fourth seed) and the Vikings (fifth seed) were the NFC’s Wild Card teams. The World Champion New York Giants finished with a 6-9 record, becoming the sixth team in NFL history to enter a season as the defending Super Bowl champion and miss the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Denver finished with an AFC best 10-4-1 record, winning the AFC West title and the top playoff seed. The Cleveland Browns finished at 10-5, winning the AFC Central title and the second playoff seed, while the Indianapolis Colts finished with a 9-6 record, winning the AFC East title and the third playoff seed. Houston (fourth seed) and the Seattle Seahawks (fifth seed) were the AFC Wild Card teams at 9-6. The Oilers won the fourth seed as a result of a better conference record than Seattle (7-4 vs. Seahawks’ 5-6).

The 15 game season was New Orleans’ first ever winning campaign in their 21 year existence as well as the first time the Saints had qualified for the postseason, largely based on a nine game winning streak to close the season. The strike shortened season also marked the first division title and the first trip to the playoffs for the Colts since moving to Indianapolis in 1984, as well as the franchise’s first playoff appearance in 10 seasons. For Houston, this was their first playoff appearance since 1980, as well as Minnesota’s first postseason appearance since 1982.

Of note, after playing three games for the Los Angeles Rams in 1987, two time All-Pro RB Eric Dickerson, now in his fifth season, was traded to Indianapolis in one of the league’s biggest trades ever. The 2nd overall pick in the 1983 draft, Dickerson rushed for over 1,200 yards in each of his first four seasons, setting an NFL rushing record with 2,105 yards in only his second season. In the end, it took three teams to complete the deal. First, unable to sign LB Cornelius Bennett, 1987’s 2nd overall draft pick, the Colts traded him to the Bills. In return, Buffalo surrendered their 1st round selection in 1988, 1st and 2nd round picks in 1989, and RB Greg Bell.

Indianapolis then traded Bell and the three draft picks acquired from the Bills as well as their own 1st and 2nd round choices in 1988, their 2nd round selection in 1989, and RB Owen Gill to the Rams for Dickerson. In total, the Rams acquired six first and second round choices over the next two years for their star running back. Los Angeles would ultimately use those picks to acquire RB Gaston Green, WR Aaron Cox, LB Fred Strickland, RB Cleveland Gary, LB Frank Stams, and DB Darryl Henley. Unfortunately for the Rams, none would became difference makers.

For Dickerson, the trade reunited him with Colts’ Head Coach Ron Meyer, who had left SMU after Dickerson’s junior season, and was subsequently hired by Indianapolis in 1986. Although playing in just nine games with the Colts during the season, Dickerson still managed to gain 1,011 yards. In total, Dickerson finished the season with 1,288 yards. His presence also spearheaded a late season Indianapolis run that helped the team make the playoffs for the first time since 1977.

Also of note, after 15 years, San Diego Chargers’ QB Daniel Francis Fouts retired after the 1987 season, the team’s fifth consecutive year without a playoff berth. Selected in the third round of the 1973 draft, Fouts career started slowly. However, with the arrival of Head Coach Don Coryell in 1978, he quickly became one of the league’s top quarterbacks. A six time Pro Bowler (1979-83, 1985) and two time All-Pro selection (1979, 1982), Fouts compiled passer ratings over 90.0 during a three year stretch between 1981 and 1983. Fouts was the first NFL player to surpass 4,000 passing yards in 1979, also accomplishing this feat in each of the next two seasons.

In addition, Fouts led the NFL in passing yards over four consecutive years (1979-82) and six times eclipsed the 20 touchdown mark, with a career high 33 in 1981. Another career high, 4,802 passing yards during that same season, was an NFL record at the time. Unfortunately, after leading San Diego to the playoffs four times between 1979 and 1982, including two AFC title games, Fouts and the Chargers were unable to reach the Super Bowl during his tenure. But, despite the absence of a championship ring, Fouts was selected to join the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, his first year of eligibility.

Lastly, Denver QB John Elway won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award. San Francisco WR Jerry Rice won Offensive Player of the Year, while Philadelphia’s Reggie White won Defensive Player of the Year. Miami Dolphins’ RB Troy Stradford won Offensive Rookie of the Year, while Buffalo LB Shane Conlan won Defensive Rookie of the Year. New Orleans’ Head Coach Jim Mora won Coach of the Year.

Post Season Highlights: In the NFC Wild Card Playoffs, the Minnesota Vikings traveled to the Louisiana Superdome to play the New Orleans Saints. In the AFC, the Houston Oilers hosted the Seattle Seahawks in the Astrodome. The winners would advance to their respective Divisional Playoffs.

On January 3 1988, the Minnesota Vikings dominated the New Orleans Saints by recording two sacks, forcing four turnovers, and allowing only 149 total yards.

New Orleans scored first, after Minnesota QB Tommy Kramer’s fumble on a bad snap, leading to Saints’ QB Bobby Hebert’s 10 yard touchdown pass to WR Eric Martin, for a 7-0 lead. Kramer was sacked on the next drive and the Vikings had to punt. But Saints’ KR Mel Gray accidentally hit the ball while trying to avoid it, and the Vikings recovered on the New Orleans’ 27 yard line, leading to K Chuck Nelson’s 42 yard field goal, cutting the deficit to 7-3. Kramer, in his 11th year, had to leave the game on the next drive with a pinched nerve in his neck.

Later in the quarter, Minnesota went up 10-7, when WR Anthony Carter returned a Saints punt a playoff record 84 yards for a touchdown. In the second quarter, backup QB Wade Wilson threw a touchdown pass to TE Steve Jordan, and RB Allen Rice threw a 10 yard scoring pass to Carter on a halfback option play, for a 24-7 lead. Saints’ K Morten Andersen cut the score to 24-10 with a 40 yard field goal. As time expired in the first half, Viking CB John Harris intercepted a Hebert pass on the Saints’ 35 yard line.

But New Orleans was penalized for having 12 men on the field, giving Minnesota one more play with no time left on the clock. Wilson subsequently threw a 44 yard touchdown to WR Hassan Jones, extending the Viking lead to 31-10. Minnesota went on to dominate the second half, scoring two more Nelson field goals (42 and 19 yards), and an 18 yard touchdown run by RB D.J. Dozier, for a decisive 44-10 victory over the heavily favored Saints.

Meanwhile, Houston Oilers’ K Tony Zendejas won the game with a 42 yard field goal approximately eight minutes into overtime. Although Houston outgained the Seattle Seahawks with 427 total offensive yards to 250 yards, the game remained close until the very end.

On the opening drive of the game, Seattle CB Melvin Jenkins intercepted Houston QB Warren Moon’s pass and returned it 28 yards to the Oiler 46 yard line. Seahawks’ QB Dave Krieg then hit WR Steve Largent for a 33 yard completion, later finding him in the end zone with a 20 yard touchdown pass, and a 7-0 lead. Houston responded with 13 unanswered points, two field goals by Zendejas (47 and 49 yards), and RB Mike Rozier’s 1 yard rushing touchdown, for a 13-7 lead. Seattle came back to tie the game, 13-13, in the third quarter on two Norm Johnson field goals (49 and 33 yards).

Later in the third period, Moon, now in his fourth season with the Oilers after six years in the Canadian Football League (CFL), threw a 29 yard touchdown pass to WR Willie Drewery, to take back the lead, 20-13. Houston had two chances to put the game away in the fourth quarter, but Zedejas hit the uprights on a 52 yard field goal and later missed a kick from 29 yards. With only 1:47 left in regulation, the Seahawks started an 80 yard drive that included a 10 yard completion from Krieg to Largent on 4th and 10.

Eventually, Krieg finished the drive with a 12 yard touchdown pass to Largent, tying the game at 20-20 with 26 second left, forcing overtime. Seattle won the coin toss, but eventually had to punt. On the Oilers ensuing drive, Seahawk DB Fred Young appeared to intercept a deflected pass, but officials ruled he didn’t make the catch. The call was upheld by replay review, allowing Houston to keep the ball. They ultimately drove to Zendejas’ game winning score, a 42 yard field goal, for a 23-20 victory.

In the Divisional Playoffs, the AFC Central Champion Cleveland Browns hosted the AFC East Champion Indianapolis Colts in Cleveland Stadium. The NFC’s Wild Card winner, the Minnesota Vikings, traveled to Candlestick Park to play the NFC West Champion and top seed San Francisco 49ers. Meanwhile, the NFC Central Champion Chicago Bears hosted the NFC East Champion Washington Redskins in Soldier Field. The AFC’s Wild Card winner, the Houston Oilers, traveled to Mile High Stadium to play the AFC West Champion and top seed Denver Broncos. The winners would advance to their respective Conference Championship games.

On January 9, Cleveland Browns’ DB Felix Wright’s interception deep inside his own territory sparked his team to 17 unanswered points, defeating the Indianapolis Colts.

Cleveland started off the game with an impressive 15 play, 86 yard drive, converting five third downs on the way to QB Bernie Kosar’s 15 yard touchdown pass to RB Earnest Byner, and a 7-0 lead. Indianapolis stormed right back, as second year QB Jack Trudeau threw completions for gains of 18 and 21 yards, before finishing the drive with a 2 yard touchdown pass to TE Pat Beach, tying the game at 7-7. Cleveland responded by driving from their own 35 yard line to the Colt 2 yard line. But, on 3rd and goal, Indianapolis intercepted Kosar’s pass in the end zone.

After an exchange of punts, the Browns took a 14-7 lead on Kosar’s 39 yard scoring strike to WR Reggie Langhorne, with 1:51 left in the second quarter. Once again, the Colts responded with a touchdown drive of their own, moving the ball 59 yards in 7 plays, and tying the score 14-14 on Trudeau’s 19 yard touchdown pass to RB Eric Dickerson with 40 second left in the half. Indianapolis then took the second half kickoff and again stormed down the field, overcoming some blown plays along the way.

During the drive, Trudeau was sacked for an 11 yard loss on 2nd and 11, but a defensive holding penalty negated the play, and gave the Colts a first down. Later on, Dickerson fumbled the ball, but Trudeau picked it up and threw a 15 yard first down completion to WR Billy Brooks. Eventually, Indianapolis reached the Cleveland 20 yard line. But the drive finally ended with no points when blitzing LB Eddie Johnson hit Trudeau as he threw the ball, causing it to go straight up in the air, where the pass was intercepted by Wright at the 14 yard line.

After the interception, the Browns scored 17 unanswered points. Kosar, in his third season, completed 5 of 7 passes for 65 yards. Byner rushed 6 times for 20 yards and capped off the drive with a 2 yard touchdown, putting Cleveland back in the lead, 21-14. After forcing a punt, K Matt Bahr’s 22 yard field goal gave the Browns a 10 point lead with just over 11 minutes left in the game. Following another Colt punt, Byner fumbled the ball after a 25 yard run, but RB Herman Fontenot recovered it at the Indianapolis 6 yard line, turning the play into a 41 yard gain.

Three plays later, Kosar’s 2 yard touchdown pass to WR Brian Brennan made the score 31-14 with 3:44 left. However, the Colts were not quite out of it yet. With 1:07 left in regulation, RB Albert Bentley’s 1 yard touchdown cut the Cleveland lead to 31-21. Indianapolis then recovered an onside kick on their own 41 yard line. But, on the Colts first play, Browns’ DE Al Baker sacked Trudeau for a 9 yard loss, knocking him out of the game. One play later, backup QB Sean Salisbury’s pass was intercepted by Frank Minnifield, who returned the ball 48 yards for a touchdown, putting the game away, 38-21.

Later that day, aided by WR Anthony Carter’s 10 receptions for an NFL playoff record 227 receiving yards, the Minnesota Vikings upset another heavily favored opponent, the top seed San Francisco 49ers.

Minnesota drove 77 yards on their opening drive, including an 11 yard run on 3rd and 7 by reserve QB Wade Wilson, now in his sixth season. The Vikings eventually scored on K Chuck Nelson’s 21 yard field goal, for a 3-0 lead. After an exchange of punts, San Francisco QB Joe Montana’s completions to RB Roger Craig and WR John Taylor for gains of 18 and 33 yards helped advance the ball 74 yards in 10 plays. The 49ers then tied the game, 3-3, on a 34 yard field goal from K Ray Wersching.

But Minnesota broke the tie in the second quarter with 17 unanswered points. First, Wilson completed two passes to Carter for 23 total yards. He also rushed for 12 yards on a 70 yard drive that finished with his 7 yard touchdown pass to TE Carl Hilton for a 10-3 lead. Following a San Francisco punt, Wilson’s 63 yard completion to Carter set up a second Nelson field goal, increasing the Vikings lead to 13-3. Then, Reggie Rutland intercepted a Montana pass and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown, further stretching Minnesota’s advantage to 20-3.

The 49ers had a chance to cut into the lead before halftime, but Wersching missed a 26 yard field goal attempt. San Francisco’s Jeff Fuller returned a Wilson interception 48 yard for a touchdown early in the third quarter, cutting the Viking lead to 20-10. However, Minnesota stormed right back, with Carter gaining 30 yards on an end around play, as the team drove 68 yards to score on Wilson’s 5 yard touchdown pass to WR Hassan Jones, making the score 27-10.

At that point, 49ers’ Head Coach Bill Walsh replaced Montana with backup QB Steve Young. Walsh acquired Young from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to the start of the season for a 1987 2nd and 4th round pick after he was deemed a bust in Tampa. The decision appeared to pay off, as Young hooked up with Craig for a 31 yard completion, and later took the ball into the end zone on a 5 yard run, cutting their deficit to 27-17. But the Vikings countered with Wilson’s 40 yard completion to Carter, setting up Nelson’s third field goal of the day, a 40 yarder, for a 30-17 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Fuller was nailed with a 15 yard facemask penalty while tackling Minnesota RB Allen Rice after he gained 19 yards on a screen pass. This resulted in Nelson’s 46 yard field goal to put the Vikings up by 16 points, 33-17. Then, Carl Lee intercepted a Young pass, allowing Minnesota to run more time off the clock. Following a Vikings punt, Young led San Francisco 68 yards in 8 plays to score on a 16 yard touchdown pass to TE John Frank, cutting the lead to 33-24. However, there was now only 3:42 left in the game. Nelson added a postseason record fifth field goal, this one from 46 yards, completely dashing any hope of a 49ers comeback, and insuring an upset victory, 36-24.

On January 10, the Washington Redskins overcame a 14-0 Chicago Bears’ lead by scoring three touchdowns to earn a trip to the NFC Championship game.

Early in the first quarter, Chicago forced a fumble by Washington QB Doug Williams that DT Steve McMichael recovered on the Redskins’ 30 yard line, leading to RB Calvin Thomas’ 2 yard rushing touchdown, and a 7-0 lead. Later on, Washington RB George Rogers was tackled for a 1 yard loss while trying to convert a 4th and 1 from the Bear 32 yard line. Chicago then drove 67 yards on a drive that consumed over nine minutes, ending with six year veteran QB Jim McMahon throwing a 14 yard touchdown pass to WR Ron Morris, for a 14-0 lead.

However, the Redskins came back to tie the game before halftime. First, Williams’ 32 yard completion to WR Ricky Sanders and his 14 yard completion to TE Clint Didier set up a 3 yard touchdown run by Rodgers with 4:51 left in the half, cutting the Bear lead to 14-7. Then, after Chicago K Kevin Butler missed a 48 yard field goal, Washington got the ball back with 1:51. A late hit turned a 13 yard catch by Sanders into a 28 yard gain. After two receptions by WR Gary Clark for 23 yards, Williams tied the game, 14-14, with an 18 yard touchdown pass to Didier just before halftime.

With 11:40 left in the third quarter, Redskins’ CB Darrell Green scored on a 52 yard punt return for a touchdown, and a 21-14 lead. On their next drive, the Bears responded with a 44 yard reception by WR Willie Gault from McMahon. This resulted in Butler’s 25 yard field goal with 4:41 remaining in the quarter, cutting Washington’s lead to 21-17. Early in the fourth quarter, the Redskins drove into the Chicago red zone and sent on their special teams unit to attempt a 35 yard field goal.

Backup QB Jay Schroeder, who was the holder on the play, called an audible for a fake field goal but, due the noise at Soldier Field, his receivers didn’t hear the call. As a result, he had no one to throw to, and slipped on the 25 yard line while trying to run for a first down. Chicago took over and drove to the Washington 14 yard line. But, with just over nine minutes left in the game, McMahon’s pass was intercepted in the end zone. Later on, McMahon was intercepted again at the Chicago 43 yard line. Three plays later, Washington attempted to put the game away with a quarterback sneak on 4th and inches.

But Williams was stopped short with 1:13 left, giving the Bears one last chance to drive for a winning score. However, the Redskins defense again rose to the occasion, forcing RB Walter Payton out of bounds 1 yard short of the first down marker on 4th and 8, preserving a 21-17 Washington victory. This game, along with the earlier win by the Vikings over the 49ers, would mark the first time a conference’s first and second seeds had both lost. Also with this win, Washington Head Coach Joe Gibbs advanced to his fourth NFC Championship game in seven years as the Redskins coach.

This would be the last game in the Hall of Fame career of Walter Payton. In total, Payton rushed for 16,726 yards, breaking the record for most rushing yards by any player in NFL history, and scored 110 touchdowns. He caught 492 passes for 4,538 yards and 15 touchdowns. Payton set several Bears’ records, including most career rushing yards, receptions, touchdowns, and touchdown passes by a running back.

His jersey number was retired by Chicago, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. The only game he missed in his 13 year career was in 1975, his rookie season. Head Coach Mike Ditka would describe Payton as the greatest football player he had ever seen, but an even greater human being. Payton passed away on November 1 1999, after struggling with a rare liver disease for several months.

Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos jumped to an early 14-0 lead, converting two turnovers into two touchdowns, to beat the Houston Oilers.

On the second play of the game, Denver DB Steve Wilson recovered a fumbled lateral pass by RB Mike Rozier at the Houston 1 yard line, setting up RB Gene Lang’s 1 yard rushing touchdown for a 7-0 lead. Then, on Houston’s next drive, LB Karl Mecklenburg intercepted a pass from QB Warren Moon in the end zone. The Broncos subsequently drove 72 yards to score on QB John Elway’s 27 yard touchdown pass to TE Clarence Kay, extending Denver’s lead to 14-0.

Both teams exchanged field goals in the second period, a 43 yarder by Broncos’ K Rich Karlis, and a 46 yarder by Oilers’ K Max Zendejas. Then, Elway threw a second touchdown to Kay, this time a 1 yarder, for a 24-3 Denver lead at halftime. A 23 yard Karlis field goal in the third period extended Denver’s lead to 27-3. Moon subsequently completed a 19 yard touchdown to WR Ernest Givins early in the fourth quarter to cut that lead to 27-10. However, it was later countered with Elway’s 3 yard touchdown run, for a 34-10 final.

On January 17, the NFC Championship Game pitted the Minnesota Vikings against the Washington Redskins in RFK Stadium. Meanwhile, for the second consecutive season, the Cleveland Browns played the Denver Broncos for the AFC Championship, this time in Denver’s Mile High Stadium.

In the NFC, the Washington Redskins limited the Minnesota Vikings to only 76 rushing yards and pilled up eight sacks among seven different players. Minnesota’s string of playoff upsets came to an end in a game that proved to be just as hard fought and intense as Washington’s 27-24 overtime victory over those same Vikings in Week 15 of the regular season.

Minnesota started off with a drive to Washington’s 35 yard line but decided to punt rather than risk a long field goal. P Bucky Scribner’s 33 yard punt pinned the Redskins back at their own 2 yard line. However, it didn’t stop Washington from scoring on a 98 yard drive, including a 28 yard run by WR Rick Sanders on a reverse play and ending with RB Kelvin Bryant’s 42 yard touchdown reception from QB Doug Williams, for a 7-0 lead. The Vikings went three and out on their next drive, and this time Scribner’s punt traveled just 19 yards to the Redskins’ 45 yard line.

Washington then moved the ball to Minnesota’s 21 yard line but came up empty when K Ali Haji-Sheikh missed a 38 yard field goal. Most of the remaining first half would be a defensive struggle. With just over five minutes left, Redskin rookie RB Timmy Smith broke off a 34 yard run to the Vikings’ 31 yard line. But all Washington got was another missed field goal from Haji-Sheikh, this one from 47 yards. Minnesota tied the game, 7-7, before halftime, with QB Wade Wilson’s 36 yard completion to TE Steve Jordan setting up a 23 yard touchdown pass from Wade to WR Leo Lewis.

In the third quarter, Redskins’ LB Mel Kaufman picked off a Wilson pass that had been deflected by DT Dave Butz, and returned it 10 yards to the Minnesota 17 yard line. Haji-Sheikh’s 28 yard field goal gave Washington a 10-7 lead. In the final period, Wilson got the Vikings moving on a 10 play, 52 yard drive. First he found WR Anthony Carter for 23 yards, then RB Allen Rice for 15 yards, and finally Jordan for 9 yards.

Minnesota eventually got a 1st and goal on the Redskins’ 3 yard line, but Washington’s defense made a goal line stand. The Vikings were stopped on three consecutive running plays, forcing them to settle for K Chuck Nelson’s 18 yard field goal, tying the game at 10-10. Washington then marched 70 yards in 8 plays, including Williams’ 43 yard completion to WR Gary Clark. Williams’ 7 yard touchdown pass to Clark took back the lead, 17-10, with 5:06 left in the game.

On their subsequent drive, Wilson completed five passes, advancing Minnesota to the Redskin 6 yard line. But, on 4th and 4 with 56 seconds left in the game, RB Darrin Nelson dropped a potential touchdown catch after being hit by Darrell Green, enabling Washington to run out the clock and secure a 17-10 victory. The win gave Head Coach Joe Gibbs his 10th playoff victory, surpassing legendary Green Bay Packers’ Head Coach Vince Lombardi.

Meanwhile, in game best remembered for “The Fumble”, when Cleveland Browns’ RB Earnest Byner fumbled at the Denver Broncos’ 2 yard line with 1:05 left, the Broncos again defeated the Browns for the AFC Championship.

Several early Cleveland miscues helped Denver jump to an early lead. First, Browns’ KR Gerald McNeil was tackled on his own 12 yard line. Then, after a Denver sack, QB Bernie Kosar threw a pass that went through the arms of WR Webster Slaughter and into the hands of LB Freddie Gilbert on the Browns’ 17 yard line. That set-up QB John Elway’s 8 yard touchdown pass to WR Ricky Nattiel, for a 7-0 advantage. On Cleveland’s next drive, FB Kevin Mack lost a fumble and, one play later, RB Gene Lang’s 42 yard run gave Denver a first and goal situation.

Elway eventually threw an incomplete pass on 3rd and goal from the Browns’ 3 yard line, but a holding penalty gave Denver a 1st and goal at the 1 yard line. RB Steve Sewell scored a touchdown on the next play, extending the Broncos lead to 14-0. After the ensuing kickoff, Kosar completed a 25 yard pass to TE Ozzie Newsome, and a 19 yarder to WR Clarence Weathers, on the way to a 29 yard field goal by K Matt Bahr two minutes into the second quarter, cutting the Broncos’ lead to 14-3.

Denver stormed right back on an 80 yard drive that ended with a 1 yard touchdown by Lang, making the score 21-3. A sack by Denver DE Rulon Jones helped force the Browns into a three and out. This time, all the Broncos could manage was a missed field goal by K Rich Karlis. But, once again, Cleveland could not move the ball, and turned it over with a fumble by WR Brian Brennan that was recovered by Denver. But this time, the Browns defense stepped up, sacking Elway twice, and forcing Denver’s first punt of the game.

Kosar’s 24 yard completion to Slaughter set up a 45 yard field goal attempt. However, Bahr’s kick was wide right as time expired in the half, preserving the Broncos 21-3 lead. Four plays into the second half, Browns’ DB Felix Wright intercepted an Elway pass, setting up Kosar’s 18 yard touchdown pass to WR Reggie Langhorne, to cut the lead to 21-10. But less than a minute and a half later, Elway threw a short pass to WR Mark Jackson, who broke a tackle and evaded another tackle attempt on the way to an 80 yard touchdown reception, giving the Broncos a commanding 28-10 advantage.

Cleveland responded with two consecutive touchdowns. First, Kosar threw a 32 yard touchdown pass to Byner to cut the lead to 28-17. Then, Broncos’ KR Ken Bell muffed the kickoff, and was downed inside his own 10 yard line. Following a three and out, McNeil returned Denver’s punt to the Broncos’ 42 yard line. Kosar then completed four consecutive passes, en route to a 4 yard touchdown run by Byner, making the score 28-24 with less than four minutes left in the third quarter. Denver struck back with a 38 yard field goal from Karlis, giving them a seven point lead, 31-24, going into the final period.

In the fourth quarter, the Browns drove 87 yards and tied the score, 31-31, with Kosar’s 4 yard touchdown pass to Slaughter. However, it was immediately countered by Elway’s 20 yard touchdown pass to RB Sammy Winder with four minutes left in the game, to again give Denver the lead, 38-31. The ensuing kickoff gave the Browns the ball on their own 25 yard line. Byner started out the drive with a 16 yard burst and a 2 yard run, and Kosar completed two passes to Brennan for 33 total yards.

Following an offsides penalty and 6 yard run by Byner, another offsides penalty on Denver moved the ball to the Broncos 8 yard line with 1:12 remaining in regulation. The Browns had moved 67 yards in just 6 plays, taking only 2:41 off the clock. On the next play, Byner took a handoff and appeared to be on his way to score the game tying touchdown. But he was stripped of the ball by Broncos’ DB Jeremiah Castille, and fumbled at the 2 yard line. Denver recovered the fumble, gave Cleveland an intentional safety, and went on to win a hard fought victory, 38-33.

Thus, for the second consecutive season, the Denver Broncos would have an opportunity to win an NFL championship, this time playing the Washington Redskins, in Super Bowl XXII. For Washington, it was their fourth Super Bowl appearance, as well as their third in the past five years under Joe Gibbs.

Super Bowl Highlights: On January 31 1988, at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego CA, two coaches, both in their seventh season, would lead their teams into battle. The NFC Champion Washington Redskins, led by Head Coach Joe Gibbs, played the AFC Champion Denver Broncos, led by Head Coach Dan Reeves, in Super Bowl XXII. It would be the first time the Super Bowl was played in San Diego.

The primary storyline surrounding Super Bowl XXII was that Washington QB Doug Williams was the first African American quarterback ever to start in an NFL Championship game. Williams had taken an unconventional route to be in this position. He began his career as the 1st round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1978. After five seasons, including a trip to the NFC championship game in 1979, a contract dispute caused him to leave the team and sign with the Oklahoma Outlaws of the newly formed United States Football League (USFL).

When the USFL folded a few years later, Williams found himself out of a job, until Gibbs asked him to join the team in 1986 as the backup for QB Jay Schroeder. Schroeder had replaced long time starting QB Joe Theisman when his career was ended by injury in 1985. Williams played just one game in 1986 and spent most of the 1987 season on the bench. But injuries and inconsistent play from Schroeder during the regular season ultimately resulted in Gibbs’ decision to promote Williams to starting quarterback at the beginning of the playoffs. This despite Schroeder’s 8-2 record and the fact that Williams started only two games all year, both losses.

In his seventh NFL season, Williams played extremely well over five regular season games, completing 81 out of 143 attempts (56.6%) for 1,156 yards, 11 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, and a 94.0 QB Rating. Schroeder, in his third and final season with Washington, completed 129 out of 267 attempts (48.3%) for 1,878 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, for a QB Rating of 71.0. The main receiving threat for both quarterbacks was All-Pro WR Gary Clark.

Clark caught 56 passes for 1,066 yards, an average of 19 yards per catch, and 7 touchdowns. In just his third year, Clark finished 3rd overall in receiving yards and tied for 9th in receptions. WRs Ricky Sanders and Art Monk, in their second and eighth seasons respectively, were also deep threats, combining for 80 receptions and 1,130 yards. RB George Rogers, in his third year with the Redskins after four years with the New Orleans Saints, was the team’s leading rusher with 613 yards on 163 attempts and 6 touchdowns.

However, Rogers saw limited action in Super Bowl XXII due to injuries that would force him into early retirement. Rookie RB Timmy Smith started in his place after gaining only 126 yards on 29 carries during the regular season. RB Kelvin Bryant also was a big contributor, rushing for 406 yards on 77 attempts and catching 43 passes for 490 yards, ranking second on the team in both categories. Overall, Washington ranked 7th in rushing yards (2,102) and 4th in both passing yards (3,495) and scoring, with 379 points.

The Redskins also had an excellent defensive unit led by All-Pro DB Barry Wilburn, who recorded 9 interceptions and 1 touchdown, in addition to Todd Bowles, who intercepted 4 passes, and Pro Bowler Darrell Green. Wilburn’s nine picks ranked first in the NFL. Washington’s line was anchored by another Pro Bowler, DE Charles Mann, the team’s defensive leader with 9.5 sacks and recovered a fumble. DE Dexter Manley contributed another 8.5 sacks. Overall, the Redskins ranked 6th in points allowed (285), 10th in run defense (1,679), and a disappointing 24th out of 28 teams in pass defense (3,343).

While Denver advanced to their second consecutive Super Bowl and third NFL Championship Game in team history, the Broncos had yet to win a title, having been crushed in their two previous attempts by the Dallas Cowboys (1977) and the New York Giants (1986). Fifth year QB John Elway had another excellent season, completing 224 out of 410 attempts for 3,198 yards, 19 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a QB Rating of 83.4. Elway finished in the Top 10 overall in attempts, completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns.

Elway was also the team’s second leading rusher with 304 yards and 3 touchdowns. WR Vance Johnson, in his third season, was the team’s leader in receptions and receiving yards, catching 42 passes for 684 yards. Rookie WR Ricky Nattiel and four year veteran TE Clarence Kay, tied for second in receptions, combined for 62 catches and 1,070 yards. RB Sammy Winder was the leading rusher with 741 yards on 196 attempts and 6 touchdowns. RB Gene Lang added 304 yards.

Overall, Denver ranked 12th in rushing yards (1,970), 3rd in passing yards (3,654), and 5th in scoring with 379 points. The Broncos also possessed a solid defensive unit, led by Pro Bowl LB Karl Mecklenburg, who recorded 7 sacks and 3 interceptions. DB Mike Harden added 4 interceptions. DE Rulon Jones led the defensive line with 7 sacks. Overall, Denver finished 5th in passing yards allowed (2,796) and 7th in scoring with 288 points, but were an anemic 20th in rush yards allowed (2,017).

The game started out very well for Denver. After forcing Washington to go three and out, the Broncos scored on their first play from scrimmage, when John Elway threw a 56 yard touchdown pass to Ricky Nattiel, giving Denver a quick 7-0 lead after just 1:57 had elapsed in the game. It was the earliest touchdown any team had ever scored in Super Bowl history. The Broncos quickly forced Washington to punt and, once again, Elway displayed his skills. On the second play of Denver’s ensuing possession, he completed a 32 yard pass to Mark Jackson.

Elway then caught a 23 yard pass from RB Steve Sewell, becoming the first quarterback ever to catch a pass in the Super Bowl. The Redskins managed to halt Denver’s drive on the 6 yard line, but K Rich Karlis kicked a field goal to increase the Broncos’ lead to 10-0. After yet another Washington punt, Denver managed to drive to the Redskin 30 yard line on their third possession, with two runs by Gene Lang for a total of 24 yards and an 18 yard reception by Sewell. But this time, they failed to score, when Washington S Alvin Walton sacked Elway for an 18 yard loss on third down, pushing the Broncos out of field goal range.

No one know it then, but this play would be the turning point in the game. What came next was totally unexpected; the complete collapse of the Denver defense, and the biggest single quarter offensive explosion in Super Bowl history. During the first quarter, the Redskins couldn’t generate any offensive momentum, with the Broncos’ defense forcing a punt on every drive. To make matters worse, late in the period, Doug Williams twisted his leg while being sacked, and had to leave the game.

Backup Jay Schroeder was sacked by Denver’s Karl Mecklenburg on his first snap, continuing Washington’s offensive woes. By the time the quarter ended, the Broncos had more than twice as many total yards of offense (142) as the Redskins (64). With Denver leading 10-0, Washington seemed to face insurmountable odds, no team had ever overcome a 10 point deficit to win a Super Bowl. However, the Redskin offense began to click upon Williams’ return with 14:17 left in the second quarter.

On Washington’s first play of the quarter, Ricky Sanders got behind DB Mark Haynes, caught a pass from Williams, and took it 80 yards for a touchdown to cut the Bronco lead to 10-7. After forcing Denver to punt on their next possession, the Redskins advanced to the Bronco 27 yard line. Facing 3rd and 1, with Denver’s defense expecting a running play, Washington decided to pass, and Gary Clark made a diving catch in the end zone for a touchdown, to give the Redskins a 14-10 lead.

After the ensuing kickoff, the Broncos drove to the Washington 26 yard line, aided by Sammy Winder’s 27 yard reception and Elway’s 21 yard run. After Elway threw an incomplete pass on third down, however, Karlis missed a 43 yard field goal attempt. On the first play of the Redskins’ ensuing drive, Williams threw a 16 yard completion to Clark. Then, on the next play, Timmy Smith took off for a 58 yard touchdown run, making the score 21-10. Washington increased their lead to 28-10 on their next possession, with a 50 yard touchdown pass from Williams to Sanders, making him the first player in Super Bowl history to catch two touchdowns in a single quarter.

Four plays after the ensuing kickoff, the Redskins’ Barry Wilburn intercepted an Elway pass on the Washington 21 yard line, and, once again, the Redskins stormed down the field to score. First, Smith broke loose for a 43 yard run, then Williams completed a pair of passes to Sanders to reach the Denver 7 yard line. Two plays later, Williams threw an 8 yard touchdown pass to TE Clint Didier, to make the score 35-10. On the Broncos next drive, Elway completed three consecutive passes for 40 total yards to advance to the Washington 36 yard line.

However, Redskin rookie DB Brian Davis intercepted Elway’s next pass at the 21 yard line with 7 seconds left in the half. In the second quarter alone, Williams completed 9 of 11 passes for 228 yards and 4 touchdowns; Smith rushed 5 times for 122 yards and a touchdown; and Sanders caught 4 passes for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns. Similar to their performance against the New York Giants in the second half of Super Bowl XXI, Denver’s defense inexplicably gave up a series of big plays after playing a solid first quarter.

Forced to abandon the running game, Elway was sacked five times and had thrown three interceptions by the end of the game. Washington’s defense allowed the Broncos a total of only two yards in the third quarter. The Redskins scored a final touchdown on a 68 yard fourth quarter drive, featuring a 25 yard run by Clark on a reverse and three runs by Smith for 43 yards, the last a 4 yard touchdown, to end the game, 42-10.

Doug Williams was named the Super Bowl MVP, completing 18 of 29 passes for a Super Bowl record 340 yards and 4 touchdowns. Williams also was the first player in Super Bowl history to pass for four touchdowns in a single quarter, four touchdowns in a half, and became the first African American starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl. The 10 point deficit was the largest overcome by a Super Bowl victor until the New England Patriots overcame a 19 point deficit in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LI in 2017.

Timmy Smith finished the game with a Super Bowl record 204 rushing yards, while scoring 2 touchdowns in his only start all season. His 58 yard touchdown run in the second quarter tied Baltimore Colts’ RB Tom Matte in Super Bowl III for the third longest run in Super Bowl history. Smith’s 9.3 yard per carry average was also third highest in Super Bowl history. Sanders caught 9 passes for 193 yards and 2 touchdowns. His 193 receiving yards and his 235 total offensive yards were both Super Bowl records while his 80 yard touchdown reception in the second quarter tied a record.

Conclusion: For Green Bay Packer fans, the 1987 season was indeed a low point in the long history of this distinguished franchise. The NFLPA strike, and the NFL’s subsequent decision to use replacement players instead of cancelling games, made a mockery of the phrase “professional football”. The behavior of players like Mossy Cade and Charles Martin tarnished both the Packers’ and the NFL’s image. And finally, the resignation of Head Coach Forrest Gregg meant another failure and another franchise reboot, the fifth since the end of the Vince Lombardi era.

Gregg became the only coach between Lombardi and Mike Holmgren who did not field at least one winning team during his tenure. Holmgren, along with General Manager Ron Wolf, would revitalize the franchise in the 1990s. Undoubtedly, Gregg was a great player, an important part of Green Bay’s five championships during the 1960s. But, as a coach in the 1980s, he was a man out of time, a throwback to an earlier era. Clearly, Gregg must have sensed this as well. He never returned to the NFL.

Attached is the NFL Films Super Bowl XXII Highlight video.

Enjoy!!

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