The 1987 Washington Redskins season was the franchise's strike season. The 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; every union member on the team joined the strike, making them the only team to have no one break.[1]
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.[2]
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.[3]
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.[4]
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.[5]
NFL Films produced a documentary about the team's season entitled Second to None; it was narrated by Pat Summerall. On March 2, 2007, NFL Network aired America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions, the 1987 Washington Redskins, with team commentary from Doug Williams, Jeff Bostic and Darrell Green, and narrated by Gene Hackman.
Offseason
NFL draft
Undrafted free agents
Personnel
Staff
1987 Washington Redskins staff
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Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
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|
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Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
- Special teams coordinator – Chuck Banker
Strength and conditioning
- Strength coach – Joe Diange
- Conditioning coach – Dan Riley
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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
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Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
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Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
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Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams
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Roster
Preseason
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.[6]
In his NFL debut, replacement player Ed Rubbert passed for 334 yards.[6] Rubbert also threw three touchdown passes to Anthony Allen. Allen would have 255 receiving yards.[6]
Schedule
Regular season summaries
Week 1: vs. Philadelphia Eagles
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
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.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
[7]
| Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
| WSH
|
Passing |
Doug Williams |
18/30, 198 YDS, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
|
| Rushing |
Keith Griffin |
14 CAR, 73 YDS
|
| Receiving |
Kelvin Bryant |
6 REC, 76 YDS, TD
|
| ATL
|
Passing |
Scott Campbell |
17/34, 271 YDS, 2 TDs, INT
|
| Rushing |
Gerald Riggs |
23 CAR, 130 YDS, TD
|
| Receiving |
Ken Whisenhunt |
6 REC, 68 YDS
|
- Point spread: Redskins –6½
- Over/under: 41.5 (under)
- Time of game:
| Redskins
|
Game statistics
|
Falcons
|
| 21
|
First downs
|
18
|
| 32–145
|
Rushes–yards
|
29–125
|
| 198
|
Passing yards
|
271
|
| 18–30–2
|
Passes
|
17–34–1
|
| 1–8
|
Sacked–yards
|
1–2
|
| 190
|
Net passing yards
|
269
|
| 325
|
Total yards
|
394
|
| 111
|
Return yards
|
77
|
| 5–51.6
|
Punts
|
6–46.5
|
| 2–1
|
Fumbles–lost
|
2–0
|
| 5–54
|
Penalties–yards
|
8–50
|
| 33:02
|
Time of possession
|
26:58
|
Individual stats
| Redskins Passing
|
|
|
C/ATT1
|
Yds
|
TD
|
INT
|
Sk
|
Yds
|
LG3
|
Rate
|
| Williams
|
18/30
|
198
|
3
|
2
|
1
|
9
|
35
|
85.1
|
| Redskins Punting
|
|
|
Pnt
|
Yds
|
Y/P
|
Lng
|
Blck
|
| Cox
|
5
|
258
|
51.6
|
|
|
| Redskins Kick Returns
|
|
|
Ret
|
Yds
|
Y/Rt
|
TD
|
Lng
|
| Griffin
|
3
|
28
|
9.3
|
0
|
0
|
| Redskins Punt Returns
|
|
|
Ret
|
Yds
|
Y/Rt
|
TD
|
Lng
|
| Yarber
|
4
|
61
|
15.3
|
0
|
0
|
| Redskins Interceptions
|
|
|
Int
|
Yds
|
TD
|
LG
|
PD
|
| Wilburn
|
1
|
22
|
0
|
22
|
0
|
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 – Game summary
at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
| 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.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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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.[9]
Week 5: at New York Giants
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
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.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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Week 6: at Dallas Cowboys
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
- WAS – Obed Ariri 19-yard field goal, 8:49. Redskins 3–0.
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
- WAS – Obed Ariri 39-yard field goal, 6:13. Redskins 13–7.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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|
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 – Game summary
at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
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.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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|
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 come back 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.
[10]
| Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
| WSH
|
Passing |
Jay Schroeder |
11/18, 132 YDS, 2 TDs
|
| Rushing |
George Rogers |
30 CAR, 125 YDS
|
| Receiving |
Art Monk |
5 REC, 38 YDS
|
| BUF
|
Passing |
Jim Kelly |
25/43, 292 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs
|
| Rushing |
Robb Riddick |
6 CAR, 19 YDS
|
| Receiving |
Andre Reed |
8 REC, 108 YDS, 1 TD
|
- Point spread: Redskins –3½
- Over/under: 45.0 (under)
- Time of game:
| Redskins
|
Game statistics
|
Bills
|
| 24
|
First downs
|
14
|
| 53–299
|
Rushes–yards
|
10–21
|
| 132
|
Passing yards
|
292
|
| 11–18–0
|
Passes
|
25–43–3
|
| 2–25
|
Sacked–yards
|
3–33
|
| 107
|
Net passing yards
|
259
|
| 406
|
Total yards
|
280
|
| 92
|
Return yards
|
74
|
| 5–44.4
|
Punts
|
5–41.6
|
| 2–1
|
Fumbles–lost
|
2–1
|
| 6–45
|
Penalties–yards
|
7–55
|
| 40:58
|
Time of possession
|
19:02
|
Individual stats
| Redskins Passing
|
|
|
C/ATT1
|
Yds
|
TD
|
INT
|
Sk
|
Yds
|
LG3
|
Rate
|
| Scheoeder
|
11/18
|
132
|
2
|
0
|
2
|
25
|
51
|
120.6
|
| Redskins Punting
|
|
|
Pnt
|
Yds
|
Y/P
|
Lng
|
Blck
|
| Cox
|
5
|
222
|
44.4
|
|
|
| Redskins Kick Returns
|
|
|
Ret
|
Yds
|
Y/Rt
|
TD
|
Lng
|
| Griffin
|
1
|
15
|
15.0
|
0
|
0
|
| Redskins Punt Returns
|
|
|
Ret
|
Yds
|
Y/Rt
|
TD
|
Lng
|
| Yarber
|
2
|
25
|
12.5
|
0
|
0
|
Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles
| 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
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
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 – Game summary
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
Second quarter
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
Top rushers
Top receivers
|
|
Week 11: vs. Los Angeles Rams
Week 11: Los Angeles Rams at Washington Redskins – Game summary
at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
- Date:
- 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
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
Top rushers
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 – Game summary
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
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
Top receivers
|
|
Week 13: at St. Louis Cardinals
Week 13: Washington Redskins at St. Louis Cardinals – Game summary
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
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
Top receivers
|
|
Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week 14: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins – Game summary
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
Top receivers
|
|
Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
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
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
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
Top rushers
- WAS – George Rogers – 10 rushes, 51 yards
- MIN – Wade Wilson – 10 rushes, 75 yards, TD
Top receivers
|
|
Regular season game officials
| Regular Season Game Officials
|
| Week
|
Opponent
|
Referee
|
Umpire
|
Head Linesman
|
Line Judge
|
Back Judge
|
Side Judge
|
Field Judge
|
Replay
|
| 2
|
at Atlanta
|
#12 Ben Dreith
|
#88 Dave Moss
|
#65 Norm Kragseth
|
#41 Dick McKenzie
|
#106 Al Jury
|
#47 Tom Fincken
|
#31 Dick Dolack
|
|
| 8
|
at Buffalo
|
#9 Jerry Markbreit
|
#100 Bob Wagner
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Standings
Postseason
Schedule
Game summaries
NFC Divisional Playoffs (Sunday, January 10, 1988): at Chicago Bears
[12]
NFC Divisional Playoffs: (3) Washington Redskins at (2) Chicago Bears – Game summary
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), relative humidity 65%, wind 11 miles per hour (18 km/h; 9.6 kn), wind chill −20 °F (−29 °C)
- Game attendance: 65,268
- Referee: Pat Haggerty
- TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall (play-by-play), John Madden (color commentator) and Irv Cross (sidelines)
- [13]
| Team |
Category |
Player |
Statistics
|
| WSH
|
Passing |
Doug Williams |
14/29, YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT
|
| Rushing |
Timmy Smith |
16 CAR, 66 YDS
|
| Receiving |
Ricky Sanders |
6 REC, 92 YDS
|
| CHI
|
Passing |
Jim McMahon |
15/29, 197 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INTs
|
| Rushing |
Walter Payton |
18 CAR, 85 YDS
|
| Receiving |
Ron Morris |
2 REC, 47 YDS, 1 TD
|
- Point spread: Redskins +4½
- Over/under: 38.0 (push)
- Time of game: 3 hours, 5 minutes
| Redskins
|
Game statistics
|
Bears
|
| 17
|
First downs
|
15
|
| 29–72
|
Rushes–yards
|
30–110
|
| 207
|
Passing yards
|
197
|
| 14–29–1
|
Passes
|
15–29–3
|
| 1–7
|
Sacked–yards
|
5–27
|
| 200
|
Net passing yards
|
170
|
| 272
|
Total yards
|
280
|
| 144
|
Return yards
|
115
|
| 4–42.3
|
Punts
|
4–36.3
|
| 1–1
|
Fumbles–lost
|
1–0
|
| 3–20
|
Penalties–yards
|
5–50
|
| 27:03
|
Time of possession
|
32:57
|
Individual stats
| Redskins Passing
|
|
|
C/ATT1
|
Yds
|
TD
|
INT
|
Sk
|
Yds
|
LG3
|
Rate
|
| Williams
|
14/29
|
207
|
1
|
1
|
1
|
7
|
32
|
69.2
|
| Redskins Punting
|
|
|
Pnt
|
Yds
|
Y/P
|
Lng
|
Blck
|
| Cox
|
4
|
169
|
42.3
|
|
|
| Redskins Kick Returns
|
|
|
Ret
|
Yds
|
Y/Rt
|
TD
|
Lng
|
| Sanders
|
2
|
25
|
12.5
|
0
|
13
|
| Smith
|
1
|
19
|
19.0
|
0
|
19
|
| Branch
|
1
|
12
|
12.0
|
0
|
12
|
| Redskins Punt Returns
|
|
|
Ret
|
Yds
|
Y/Rt
|
TD
|
Lng
|
| Green
|
1
|
52
|
52.0
|
1
|
52
|
| Yarber
|
2
|
13
|
6.5
|
0
|
8
|
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
| Game information
|
|
First quarter
Second quarter
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.
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Top passers
Top rushers
- MIN – Wade Wilson – 4 rushes, 28 yards
- WAS – Timmy Smith – 13 rushes, 72 yards
Top receivers
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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
| Game information
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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
Fourth quarter
- WAS – Timmy Smith 4-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 13:09. Redskins 42–10. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 2:03.
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Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
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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.
Playoff game officials
| Playoff Game Officials
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| Round
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Opponent (seed)
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Referee
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Umpire
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Head Linesman
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Line Judge
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Back Judge
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Side Judge
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Field Judge
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Replay
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Alternates
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| NFC Divisional Playoffs
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at Chicago
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#40 Pat Haggerty
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#101 Bob Boylston
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#114 Tom Johnson
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#39 Jack Fette
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#99 Banks Williams
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#61 Dick Creed
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#84 Bob Wortman
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Statistics
Team
| Category
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Total yards
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Yards per game
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NFL rank
(out of 28)
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| Passing offense |
3,495 |
233.0 |
4th
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| Rushing offense |
2,102 |
140.1 |
7th
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| Total offense |
5,597 |
373.1 |
3rd
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| Passing defense |
3,343 |
222.9 |
24th
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| Rushing defense |
1,679 |
111.9 |
10th
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| Total defense |
5,022 |
334.8 |
18th
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Individual
References
- ^ Cohen, Rich (November 3, 2015). "The scabs who paved the way for the Redskins' 1987 Super Bowl title". SI.com. Retrieved March 8, 2025.
- ^ The 1982 season also had a players' strike
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Historical Newspapers from 1700s-2000s".
- ^ "Redskins to Award 1987 Replacement Players with Super Bowl Rings". Bleacher Report.
- ^ a b c Sports Illustrated, Oct. 27, 2008, p.24, Vol. 109, No. 16
- ^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2026-Jan-21.
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons – September 20, 1987
- ^ McKenna, Dave (October 20, 2010). "Anthony Allen, Redskins Record-Holding Receiver, Gets Bounced From High School Job". Washington City Paper. Retrieved August 20, 2023.
- ^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2026-Jan-23.
- ^ Pro Football Reference; Washington Redskins at Buffalo Bills – November 1, 1987
- ^ The Football Database. Retrieved 2026-Jan-24.
- ^ Pro Football Reference; NFC Divisional Playoffs – Washington Redskins at Chicago Bears – January 10, 1988
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- Formerly the Boston Braves (1932), Boston Redskins (1933–1936), Washington Redskins (1937–2019), and Washington Football Team (2020–2021)
- Based in Landover, Maryland
- Headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia
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Formerly the Boston Braves (1932), Boston Redskins (1933–1936), Washington Redskins (1937–2019), and Washington Football Team (2020–2021) |
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