1984 (Super Bowl)

1984 (Super Bowl)
Name	Super Bowl XVIII
Date	January 22, 1984
Stadium	Tampa Stadium
City	Tampa, Florida
Attendance	72,920
Network	CBS
Mvp	Marcus Allen
Champions	Los Angeles Raiders
Runners-up	Washington Redskins

1984 (Super Bowl) was Super Bowl XVIII, the championship game of National Football League season 1983 played January 22, 1984, at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The game featured the Los Angeles Raiders and the Washington Redskins, concluding a season that included notable performances by Marcus Allen, Joe Theismann, John Riggins, and coaches Tom Flores and Joe Gibbs. The Raiders defeated the Redskins 38–9, securing the franchise's third NFL title and earning Allen Super Bowl MVP honors.

Background

The 1983 NFL season culminated in conference championship games between the Los Angeles Raiders of the American Football Conference and the Washington Redskins of the National Football Conference. The Raiders, coached by Tom Flores, had secured their postseason berth following divisional play in the AFC West and a wild-card run featuring victories against teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks. The Redskins, under Joe Gibbs, dominated the NFC East with key contributions from veterans like Art Monk, Darrell Green, and John Riggins, and advanced through playoff wins over the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers to reach the title game. The matchup reunited several prominent personnel from prior championship eras, linking organizational histories involving owners like Al Davis and the league structure shaped by earlier agreements such as the AFL–NFL merger.

Teams

Los Angeles Raiders: The Raiders entered Super Bowl XVIII with an offense led by running back Marcus Allen, quarterback Jim Plunkett, and wide receiver Cliff Branch, complemented by a defense featuring players like Howie Long and Ted Hendricks. Special teams and coaching strategies from owner Al Davis emphasized vertical passing schemes and power running, with Allen recognized for his versatility after an accomplished collegiate career at University of Southern California. The Raiders' postseason path included a divisional matchup influenced by tactical preparations against AFC rivals including the Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals.

Washington Redskins: Washington's roster combined the rushing of John Riggins with the passing of quarterback Joe Theismann and receiving corps members such as Art Monk and Virgil Seay, under the coordinator systems constructed by Joe Gibbs. The Redskins defense incorporated future Hall of Famers and playmakers who had competed across the NFC against clubs like the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. Special teams and situational play reflected Gibbs' emphasis on discipline and schemed approaches to opponent tendencies.

Game summary

The Raiders dominated from the opening kickoff, executing a blend of power running, play-action passing, and opportunistic defense. Marcus Allen opened the scoring with a 74-yard touchdown run that shifted momentum and tied into the Raiders' ground game established in earlier playoff rounds. Quarterback Jim Plunkett managed key drives connecting with Cliff Branch and Malcolm Barnwell, while the Raiders' offensive line neutralized Washington pass rushers including Dexter Manley. Washington struggled to establish rhythm; Joe Theismann faced consistent pressure and an inability to sustain drives, punctuated by turnovers and stalled red-zone possessions. Defensive adjustments by the Raiders led to interceptions and forced punts, while special teams play preserved field position advantages that allowed Los Angeles to increase the lead through both rushing touchdowns and field goals, culminating in a decisive final margin of 38–9.

Scoring summary

First quarter - Raiders — Marcus Allen 74-yard run (Placekicker points and PAT by Chris Bahr) — Los Angeles 7–0 - Raiders — Field goal by Chris Bahr — Los Angeles 10–0

Second quarter - Raiders — Rusty Hilger pass plays and scoring setup; field goal by Chris Bahr — Los Angeles 13–0 - Redskins — Field goal by Mark Moseley — Los Angeles 13–3

Third quarter - Raiders — Marcus Allen short-range touchdown run (PAT by Chris Bahr) — Los Angeles 20–3 - Raiders — Field goal by Chris Bahr — Los Angeles 23–3

Fourth quarter - Raiders — Marcus Allen 2-yard touchdown run (PAT by Chris Bahr) — Los Angeles 30–3 - Raiders — Marcus Allen 10-yard touchdown run (PAT by Chris Bahr) — Los Angeles 38–3 - Redskins — Joe Theismann 1-yard touchdown run (PAT by Mark Moseley) — Final 38–9

Statistics and records

Marcus Allen was named Super Bowl MVP after rushing for 191 yards and scoring multiple touchdowns, setting or tying postseason benchmarks associated with single-game rushing performances for the Super Bowl era. The Raiders amassed significant rushing yardage, outperforming Washington's ground game led by John Riggins. Jim Plunkett's efficient game management complemented Allen's breakout, and Los Angeles recorded turnovers and defensive stops that limited Joe Theismann's passing yardage and completion percentage. The Raiders' margin of victory tied or set records for dominant performances by an AFC team in championship history, and the game's attendance and television ratings reflected broad public interest across markets including Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Tampa Bay.

Aftermath and legacy

The Raiders' victory cemented the franchise's reputation under owner Al Davis and coach Tom Flores and enhanced Marcus Allen's legacy, contributing to later honors including induction discussions surrounding the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For the Redskins, the loss prompted organizational reassessments by Joe Gibbs and personnel changes that influenced subsequent seasons culminating in later success and championships. The game's influence extended to strategic trends across the National Football League, validating power running and multi-purpose back usage exemplified by Allen, while also affecting television presentation and Super Bowl site rotations involving venues such as Tampa Stadium and future host cities like New Orleans and Phoenix (Arizona). The matchup remains cited in historical analyses alongside other landmark games featuring figures like Tom Landry, Don Shula, and Bill Walsh for its clear example of postseason preparation, star performance, and franchise-defining outcomes.

Category:Los Angeles Raiders Super Bowl victories Category:Washington Redskins postseason games