Super Bowl XVIII

Super Bowl XVIII was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Los Angeles Raiders and the National Football Conference champion Washington Redskins to decide the National Football League champion for the 1983 NFL season. Played on January 22, 1984, at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida, the Raiders dominated the contest, winning 38–9. The victory marked the third Super Bowl title for the Raiders franchise and was the first Super Bowl win for a team based in Los Angeles. Running back Marcus Allen, who set a Super Bowl record with 191 rushing yards, was named the game's Most Valuable Player.

Background

The game featured a rematch of a regular-season contest from October 1983, where the Washington Redskins defeated the Los Angeles Raiders at RFK Stadium. The Redskins, coached by Joe Gibbs, entered the game with an impressive 14–2 record, boasting the league's top-ranked offense led by quarterback Joe Theismann and wide receiver Art Monk. The team was seeking its second consecutive Super Bowl championship. The Raiders, under coach Tom Flores, finished the 1983 NFL season with a 12–4 record. Owned by Al Davis, the Raiders' roster featured veteran quarterback Jim Plunkett and a formidable defense known as the "Soul Patrol," which included stars like linebacker Matt Millen and cornerback Lester Hayes. The game was played at Tampa Stadium, marking the second time the venue hosted the Super Bowl.

Broadcasting

The game was televised in the United States by CBS, with the broadcast team of Pat Summerall and John Madden in the booth. The broadcast earned a 46.4 rating and a 71 share, making it one of the most-watched television events of the year. The pregame festivities featured the national anthem performed by Barry Manilow. The halftime show was a combined performance by the marching bands of the University of Florida and Florida State University, accompanied by characters from Disney World. A 30-second commercial during the broadcast cost approximately $368,000.

Game summary

The Los Angeles Raiders took control of the game early and never relented. In the first quarter, Derrick Jensen blocked a Jeff Hayes punt for a safety. Raiders kicker Chris Bahr then added a field goal. The most famous play of the game occurred just before halftime when linebacker Jack Squirek, in for an injured Matt Millen, intercepted a Joe Theismann screen pass and returned it for a touchdown. The second half was dominated by Marcus Allen, who broke multiple long runs, including a 74-yard touchdown scamper in the third quarter that remains one of the most iconic plays in Super Bowl history. The Raiders' defense stifled the Washington Redskins' potent offense, limiting them to just nine points. The final score was 38–9.

Aftermath

The victory gave the Los Angeles Raiders their third Super Bowl title, following wins in Super Bowl XI and Super Bowl XV. Marcus Allen's performance cemented his legacy, and he received the MVP award. For the Washington Redskins, the loss ended their bid for a repeat championship. The game is often remembered as one of the most dominant performances in Super Bowl history. The Raiders' triumph was a significant achievement for owner Al Davis and coach Tom Flores. The game's outcome influenced offseason strategies for both franchises and solidified the Raiders' reputation as one of the NFL's premier teams of the early 1980s.

Officials

* Referee: Gene Barth (#6) * Umpire: Al Conway (#37) * Head Linesman: Bobby Skelton (#25) * Line Judge: Jack Fette (#39) * Back Judge: Pat Knight (#73) * Side Judge: Dean Look (#9) * Field Judge: Bob Lewis (#18)

Category:Super Bowl