1987 Washington Redskins season

1987 Washington Redskins season
Owner	Jack Kent Cooke
General manager	Bobby Beathard
President	John Kent Cooke
Head coach	Joe Gibbs
Offensive coordinator	Joe Bugel
Defensive coordinator	Richie Petitbon
Home field	RFK Stadium
Local radio	WMAL
Results
Record	11–4
Division place	1st NFC East
Playoff finish	Won Divisional Playoffs (at Bears) 21–17 Won NFC Championship (vs. Vikings) 17–10 Won Super Bowl XXII (vs. Broncos) 42–10
Pro Bowlers	3 WR Gary Clark DE Charles Mann CB Darrell Green
AP All-Pros	5 WR Gary Clark (1st team) T Joe Jacoby (1st team) DE Charles Mann (2nd team) CB Darrell Green (1st team) CB Barry Wilburn (1st team)

Redskins guard Raleigh McKenzie covering an opponent on the Broncos during Super Bowl XXII.

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

The team had finished second in the NFC East the previous season with a 12–4 record. Games to be played during the third week of the season were canceled, and replacement players were used to play games from weeks 4 through 6; every union member on the team joined the strike, making them the only team to have no strike-breakers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 1987 NFL draft

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

Personnel

Staff

1987 Washington Redskins staff

Front office Owner – Jack Kent Cooke General manager – Bobby Beathard Administrative assistant – Bill Hickman Head coaches Head coach – Joe Gibbs Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Dan Henning Quarterbacks – Jerry Rhome Running backs – Don Breaux Wide receivers – Charley Taylor Assistant wide receivers – Dan Henning Tight ends – Rennie Simmons Offensive line – Joe Bugel

Defensive coaches Co-defensive coordinator – Larry Peccatiello Co-defensive coordinator – Richie Petitbon Defensive line – LaVern Torgeson Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Chuck Banker Strength and conditioning Strength coach – Joe Diange Conditioning coach – Dan Riley

NFL replacement players

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

1987 Washington Redskins replacement roster
Quarterbacks 15 Tony Robinson 16 Ed Rubbert -- Kevin Sisk 11 Jack Stanley Running backs -- Von Allen 31 Allen Harvin -- Walter Holman -- Ricky Jemison 21 Tim Jessie 20 Lionel Vital Wide receivers 30 Anthony Allen 84 Keiron Bigby 83 Richard Johnson -- Mike Miller -- Mike Rice 88 Derrick Shepard -- Carl Williams 80 Ted Wilson Tight ends 89 Glenn Dennison 87 K. D. Dunn 83 Craig McEwen -- Kevin Starks 85 Dave Truitt 48 Marvin Williams -- Glenn Bodnar		Offensive linemen 75 Darrick Brilz G 79 Mark Carlson T 54 John Cowne C 56 Eric Coyle C 76 Frank Frazier G 62 Phil Pettey G 61 Willard Scissum T -- Don Tucker 60 Mike Wooten Defensive linemen 95 Dan Benish 96 Alec Gibson 99 Ted Karras Jr. 94 Anthony Sagnella -- Robert Scott 67 Steve Thompson DT		Linebackers -- Jeff Braswell 92 Derek Bunch 57 Anthony Copeland 90 Bobby Curtis -- Jon Kimmel 50 Carlton Rose 91 Tony Settles 59 Eric Wilson 58 Dave Windham Defensive backs 22 Danny Burmeister S 36 Joe Cofer SS 25 Dave Etherly CB 37 Charles Jackson SS -- Eric Jeffries 34 Garry Kimble CB 39 Skip Lane FS 46 Mike Mitchell CB -- Dennis Woodberry Special teams  8 Brendan Toibin K  2 Jack Weil P

Roster

Williams attempting a pass for the Washington Redskins in 1987

1987 Washington Redskins roster

Quarterbacks (QB) 11 Mark Rypien 10 Jay Schroeder 17 Doug Williams Running backs (RB) 29 Reggie Branch 24 Kelvin Bryant 35 Keith Griffin PR 38 George Rogers 36 Timmy Smith Wide receivers (WR) 84 Gary Clark 81 Art Monk 83 Ricky Sanders 89 Clarence Verdin 80 Eric Yarber PR Tight ends (TE) 88 Joe Caravello 86 Clint Didier 87 Terry Orr 85 Don Warren

Offensive linemen (OL) 53 Jeff Bostic C 68 Russ Grimm C 66 Joe Jacoby T 58 David Jones C 61 Rick Kehr G 73 Mark May T 63 Raleigh McKenzie G 76 Ed Simmons T 69 R.C. Thielemann G Defensive linemen (DL) 65 Dave Butz DT 77 Darryl Grant DT 78 Dean Hamel DT 64 Steve Hamilton DE 74 Markus Koch DE 72 Dexter Manley DE 71 Charles Mann DE

Linebackers (LB) 50 Ravin Caldwell 51 Monte Coleman OLB 55 Mel Kaufman 57 Rich Milot 52 Neal Olkewicz MLB Defensive backs (DB) 23 Todd Bowles FS 34 Brian Davis 32 Vernon Dean CB 48 Steve Gage SS 28 Darrell Green CB 31 Clarence Vaughn 40 Alvin Walton SS 45 Barry Wilburn CB 46 Dennis Woodberry CB Special teams 12 Steve Cox P  6 Ali Haji-Sheikh K

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

Preseason

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

Regular season

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

Schedule

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

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week 1: Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	0	10	14	0	24
Redskins	10	7	7	10	34

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

• Date: September 13
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C)
• Game attendance: 52,128
• Referee: Dick Jorgensen
• TV announcers (CBS): Verne Lundquist and John Madden
• Box score

Game information

First quarter WAS – Jess Atkinson 27-yard field goal, 11:30. Redskins 3–0. WAS – Art Monk 6-yard pass from Doug Williams (Jess Atkinson kick), 4:18. Redskins 10–0. Second quarter PHI – Mike Quick 30-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Paul McFadden kick), 10:58. Redskins 10–7. PHI – Paul McFadden 43-yard field goal, 5:32. Tied 10–10. WAS – George Rogers 1-yard run (Steve Cox kick), 0:38. Redskins 17–10. Third quarter WAS – Reggie Branch 1-yard run (Steve Cox kick), 11:12. Redskins 24–10. PHI – Randall Cunningham 2-yard run (Paul McFadden kick), 4:19. Redskins 24–17. PHI – Reggie White 70-yard fumble return (Paul McFadden kick), 0:08. Tied 24–24. Fourth quarter WAS – Art Monk 39-yard pass from Doug Williams (Steve Cox kick), 14:53. Redskins 31–24. WAS – Steve Cox 40-yard field goal, 5:20. Redskins 34–24. Top passers PHI – Randall Cunningham – 21/36, 269 yards, TD, 2 INT WAS – Doug Williams – 17/27, 272 yards, 2 TD Top rushers PHI – Michael Haddix – 14 rushes, 60 yards WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 7 rushes, 32 yards Top receivers PHI – John Spagnola – 6 receptions, 61 yards WAS – Gary Clark – 8 receptions, 102 yards

Week 2: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 2: Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	7	0	6	7	20
Falcons	7	0	7	7	21

at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

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

Game information

First quarter WAS – Kelvin Bryant 17-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 7:11. Redskins 7–0. ATL – Floyd Dixon 22-yard pass from Scott Campbell (Mick Luckhurst kick), 1:29. Tied 7–7. Second quarter No scoring plays Third quarter WAS – Gary Clark 18-yard pass from Doug Williams (kick failed), 8:56. Redskins 13–7. ATL – Stacey Bailey 23-yard pass from Scott Campbell (Mick Luckhurst kick), 5:13. Falcons 14–13. Fourth quarter WAS – Art Monk 6-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 11:48. Redskins 20–14. ATL – Gerald Riggs 4-yard run (Mick Luckhurst kick), 6:47. Falcons 21–20. Top passers WAS – Doug Williams – 18/30, 198 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT ATL – Scott Campbell – 17/34, 271 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers WAS – Keith Griffin – 14 rushes, 73 yards ATL – Gerald Riggs – 23 rushes, 120 yards, TD Top receivers WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 6 receptions, 76 yards, TD ATL – Ken Whisenhunt – 6 receptions, 68 yards

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	0	7	7	7	21
Redskins	7	7	14	0	28

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

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

Game information

First quarter WAS – Anthony Allen 34-yard pass from Ed Rubbert (Brendan Toibin kick), 1:20. Redskins 7–0. Second quarter STL – Earl Ferrell 1-yard run (Jason Staurovsky kick), 9:28. Tied 7–7. WAS – Anthony Allen 88-yard pass from Ed Rubbert (Brendan Toibin kick), 9:05. Redskins 14–7. Third quarter STL – Earl Ferrell 1-yard run (Jason Staurovsky kick), 8:01. Tied 14–14. WAS – Lionel Vital 8-yard run (Brendan Toibin kick), 5:24. Redskins 21–14. WAS – Anthony Allen 48-yard pass from Ed Rubbert (Brendan Toibin kick), 2:02. Redskins 28–14. Fourth quarter STL – Pete Noga 60-yard interception return (Jason Staurovsky kick), 12:17. Redskins 28–21. Top passers STL – Shawn Halloran – 16/35, 258 yards WAS – Ed Rubbert – 14/24, 334 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers STL – Earl Ferrell – 27 rushes, 87 yards, 2 TD WAS – Lionel Vital – 27 rushes, 82 yards, TD Top receivers STL – J. T. Smith – 6 receptions, 116 yards WAS – Anthony Allen – 7 receptions, 255 yards, 3 TD

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

Week 5: at New York Giants

Week 5: Washington Redskins at New York Giants

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	3	21	7	7	38
Giants	3	0	9	0	12

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

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

Game information

First quarter NYG – George Benyola 45-yard field goal, 11:48. Giants 3–0. WAS – Obed Ariri 22-yard field goal, 6:57. Tied 3–3. Second quarter WAS – Wayne Wilson 1-yard run (Obed Ariri kick), 9:50. Redskins 10–3. WAS – Lionel Vital 22-yard run (Obed Ariri kick), 5:05. Redskins 17–3. WAS – Wayne Wilson 3-yard run (Obed Ariri kick), 1:15. Redskins 24–3. Third quarter NYG – Edwin Lovelady 23-yard pass from Mike Busch (kick failed), 10:54. Redskins 24–9. WAS – Wayne Wilson 64-yard pass from Ed Rubbert (Obed Ariri kick), 9:36. Redskins 31–9. NYG – George Beynola 20-yard field goal, 6:02. Redskins 31–12. Fourth quarter WAS – Tim Jessie 14-yard run (Obed Ariri kick), 1:55. Redskins 38–12. Top passers WAS – Ed Rubbert – 11/23, 176 yards, TD NYG – Mike Busch – 14/41, 183 yards, TD, INT Top rushers WAS – Lionel Vital – 27 rushes, 128 yards, TD NYG – Van Williams – 12 rushes, 36 yards Top receivers WAS – Anthony Allen – 4 receptions, 51 yards NYG – Lewis Bennett – 4 receptions, 66 yards

Week 6: at Dallas Cowboys

Week 6: Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	3	0	7	3	13
Cowboys	0	0	7	0	7

at Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas

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

Game information

First quarter WAS – Obed Ariri 19-yard field goal, 8:49. Redskins 3–0. Second quarter No scoring plays Third quarter WAS – Ted Wilson 16-yard run (Obed Ariri kick), 10:35. Redskins 10–0. DAL – Kelvin Edwards 23-yard pass from Danny White (Kerry Brady kick), 8:10. Redskins 10–7. Fourth quarter WAS – Obed Ariri 39-yard field goal, 6:13. Redskins 13–7. Top passers WAS – Tony Robinson – 11/15, 152 yards, 2 INT DAL – Danny White – 21/36, 262 yards, TD, INT Top rushers WAS – Lionel Vital – 26 rushes, 136 yards DAL – Tony Dorsett – 19 rushes, 81 yards Top receivers WAS – Craig McEwen – 7 receptions, 108 yards DAL – Kelvin Edwards – 6 receptions, 104 yards, TD

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	0	3	10	3	16
Redskins	0	7	0	10	17

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

• Date: October 25
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C)
• Game attendance: 53,497
• Referee: Dick Hantak
• TV announcers (NBC): Marv Albert and Joe Namath
• Box score

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter WAS – Gary Clark 20-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 11:21. Redskins 7–0. NYJ – Pat Leahy 33-yard field goal, 2:25. Redskins 7–3. Third quarter NYJ – Pat Leahy 23-yard field goal, 7:39. Redskins 7–6. NYJ – Mickey Shuler 15-yard pass from Ken O'Brien (Pat Leahy kick), 0:06. Jets 13–7. Fourth quarter NYJ – Pat Leahy 21-yard field goal, 10:38. Jets 16–7. WAS – Kelvin Bryant 2-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 5:15. Jets 16–14. WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 28-yard field goal, 0:54. Redskins 17–16. Top passers NYJ – Ken O'Brien – 18/27, 174 yards, TD, INT WAS – Jay Schroeder – 15/38, 275 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers NYJ – Roger Vick – 4 rushes, 29 yards WAS – Keith Griffin – 20 rushes, 79 yards Top receivers NYJ – Al Toon – 9 receptions, 97 yards WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 4 receptions, 67 yards, TD

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.

Week 8: at Buffalo Bills

Week 8: Washington Redskins at Buffalo Bills

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	3	14	10	0	27
Bills	0	0	0	7	7

at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: November 1
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 44 °F (7 °C)
• Game attendance: 71,640
• Referee: Jerry Markbreit
• TV announcers (CBS): Dick Stockton and Terry Bradshaw
• Box score

Game information

First quarter WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 30-yard field goal, 10:45. Redskins 3–0. Second quarter WAS – Kelvin Bryant 12-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 14:53. Redskins 10–0. WAS – Jay Schroeder 13-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 7:06. Redskins 17–0. Third quarter WAS – Kelvin Bryant 7-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 10:02. Redskins 24–0. WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 33-yard field goal, 2:29. Redskins 27–0. Fourth quarter BUF – Andre Reed 17-yard pass from Jim Kelly (Scott Norwood kick), 14:57. Redskins 27–7. Top passers WAS – Jay Schroeder – 11/18, 132 yards, 2 TD BUF – Jim Kelly – 25/43, 292 yards, 3 INT Top rushers WAS – George Rogers – 30 rushes, 125 yards BUF – Robb Riddick – 6 rushes, 19 yards Top receivers WAS – Art Monk – 5 receptions, 38 yards BUF – Andre Reed – 8 receptions, 108 yards, TD

Week 9: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week 9: Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	7	14	0	6	27
Eagles	7	10	0	14	31

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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

Game information

First quarter PHI – Anthony Toney 3-yard run (Paul McFadden kick), 8:50. Eagles 7–0. WAS – George Rogers 3-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 3:41. Tied 7–7. Second quarter WAS – Art Monk 19-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 8:56. Redskins 14–7. WAS – Darrell Green 26-yard fumble return (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 5:25. Redskins 21–7. PHI – Paul McFadden 37-yard field goal, 2:33. Redskins 21–10. PHI – Mike Quick 6-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Paul McFadden kick), 0:14. Redskins 21–17. Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter PHI – Mike Quick 32-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Paul McFadden kick), 7:13. Eagles 24–21. WAS – Gary Clark 47-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (kick failed), 2:29. Redskins 27–24. PHI – Gregg Garrity 40-yard pass from Randall Cunningham (Paul McFadden kick), 1:06. Eagles 31–27. Top passers WAS – Jay Schroeder – 16/46, 265 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT PHI – Randall Cunningham – 18/31, 268 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT Top rushers WAS – George Rogers – 19 rushes, 80 yards, TD PHI – Anthony Toney – 20 rushes, 87 yards, TD Top receivers WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 5 receptions, 57 yards PHI – Anthony Toney – 6 receptions, 38 yards

Week 10: vs. Detroit Lions

Week 10: Detroit Lions at Washington Redskins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Lions	3	0	10	0	13
Redskins	0	17	3	0	20

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

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

Game information

First quarter DET – Eddie Murray 40-yard field goal, 7:16. Lions 3–0. Second quarter WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 33-yard field goal, 14:51. Tied 3–3. WAS – Kelvin Bryant 16-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 2:27. Redskins 10–3. WAS – Gary Clark 42-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 0:27. Redskins 17–3. Third quarter DET – Eddie Murray 41-yard field goal, 11:18. Redskins 17–6. WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 41-yard field goal, 5:37. Redskins 20–6. DET – Karl Bernard 2-yard run (Eddie Murray kick), 1:51. Redskins 20–13. Top passers DET – Chuck Long – 23/37, 249 yards, 4 INT WAS – Doug Williams – 11/18, 161 yards, 2 TD Top rushers DET – James Jones – 16 rushes, 53 yards WAS – George Rogers – 9 rushes, 56 yards Top receivers DET – Jeff Chadwick – 7 receptions, 94 yards WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 5 receptions, 42 yards, TD

Week 11: vs. Los Angeles Rams

Week 11: Los Angeles Rams at Washington Redskins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Rams	14	9	7	0	30
Redskins	9	7	3	7	26

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

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

Game information

First quarter LAR – Mike Wilcher 35-yard fumble return (Mike Lansford kick). Rams 7–0. WAS – Art Monk 17-yard pass from Doug Williams (kick failed). Rams 7–6. WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 22-yard field goal. Redskins 9–7. LAR – Ron Brown 95-yard kickoff return (Mike Lansford kick). Rams 14–9. Second quarter LAR – Mike Lansford 37-yard field goal. Rams 17–9. LAR – Charles White 1-yard run (kick failed). Rams 23–9. WAS – Doug Williams 1-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Rams 23–16. Third quarter WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 29-yard field goal. Rams 23–19. LAR – Ron Brown 26-yard pass from Jim Everett (Mike Lansford kick). Rams 30–19. Fourth quarter WAS – Art Monk 5-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Rams 30–26. Top passers LAR – Jim Everett – 7/13, 106 yards, TD, INT WAS – Doug Williams – 24/46, 308 yards, 2 TD, INT Top rushers LAR – Charles White – 35 rushes, 112 yards, TD WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 7 rushes, 46 yards Top receivers LAR – Ron Brown – 2 receptions, 39 yards, TD WAS – Art Monk – 5 receptions, 93 yards, 2 TD

Week 12: vs. New York Giants

Week 12: New York Giants at Washington Redskins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Giants	10	6	3	0	19
Redskins	0	0	9	14	23

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 NYG – Raúl Allegre 24-yard field goal. Giants 3–0. NYG – Mark Bavaro 30-yard pass from Phil Simms (Raúl Allegre kick). Giants 10–0. Second quarter NYG – Raúl Allegre 42-yard field goal. Giants 13–0. NYG – Raúl Allegre 30-yard field goal. Giants 16–0. Third quarter WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 41-yard field goal. Giants 16–3. NYG – Raúl Allegre 45-yard field goal. Giants 19–3. WAS – Gary Clark 34-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (kick failed). Giants 19–9. Fourth quarter WAS – Keith Griffin 6-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Giants 19–16. WAS – Ricky Sanders 28-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 23–19. Top passers NYG – Phil Simms – 12/29, 236 yards, TD, INT WAS – Jay Schroeder – 28/46, 331 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT Top rushers NYG – Joe Morris – 27 rushes, 76 yards WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 11 rushes, 45 yards Top receivers NYG – Tony Galbreath – 4 receptions, 54 yards WAS – Gary Clark – 7 receptions, 112 yards, TD

Week 13: at St. Louis Cardinals

Week 13: Washington Redskins at St. Louis Cardinals

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	10	0	21	3	34
Cardinals	0	14	3	0	17

at Busch Memorial Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri

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

Game information

First quarter WAS – Gary Clark 84-yard pass from Jay Schroeder (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 7–0. WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 22-yard field goal. Redskins 10–0. Second quarter STL – Stump Mitchell 3-yard pass from Neil Lomax (Jim Gallery kick). Redskins 10–7. STL – J. T. Smith 4-yard pass from Neil Lomax (Jim Gallery kick). Cardinals 14–10. 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 WAS – Jay Schroeder – 13/25, 235 yards, 2 TD, INT STL – Neil Lomax – 21/39, 241 yards, 2 TD Top rushers WAS – George Rogers – 29 rushes, 133 yards, TD STL – Stump Mitchell – 20 rushes, 101 yards Top receivers WAS – Gary Clark – 5 receptions, 130 yards, TD STL – Roy Green – 6 receptions, 90 yards

Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 14: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cowboys	3	0	10	7	20
Redskins	7	10	7	0	24

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 WAS – George Rogers 1-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 7–0. DAL – Roger Ruzek 22-yard field goal. Redskins 7–3. 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 DAL – Danny White – 27/49, 359 yards, 2 TD, INT WAS – Jay Schroeder – 13/26, 250 yards, TD, INT Top rushers DAL – Herschel Walker – 14 rushes, 44 yards WAS – George Rogers – 27 rushes, 64 yards, 2 TD Top receivers DAL – Mike Renfro – 6 receptions, 97 yards, TD WAS – Gary Clark – 9 receptions, 187 yards, TD

Week 15: at Miami Dolphins

Week 15: Washington Redskins at Miami Dolphins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	0	7	7	7	21
Dolphins	0	9	0	14	23

at Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: December 20
• Game time: 8:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: 74 °F (23 °C)
• Game attendance: 65,715
• Referee: Fred Wyant
• TV announcers (ESPN): Mike Patrick, Roy Firestone and Larry Csonka
• Box score

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays Second quarter MIA – Fuad Reveiz 48-yard field goal. Dolphins 3–0. WAS – Kelvin Bryant 6-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 7–3. MIA – Mark Duper 26-yard pass from Dan Marino (kick failed). Dolphins 9–7. 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 WAS – Jay Schroeder – 19/38, 272 yards, INT MIA – Dan Marino – 22/50, 393 yards, 3 TD, INT Top rushers WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 9 rushes, 84 yards, TD MIA – Troy Stradford – 12 rushes, 49 yards Top receivers WAS – Kelvin Bryant – 5 receptions, 69 yards MIA – Mark Duper – 6 receptions, 170 yards, 3 TD

Week 16: at Minnesota Vikings

Week 16: Washington Redskins at Minnesota Vikings

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Redskins	0	7	7	10	3	27
Vikings	7	0	0	17	0	24

at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis, Minnesota

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

Game information

First quarter MIN – Alfred Anderson (Chuck Nelson kick). Vikings 7–0. Second quarter WAS – Barry Wilburn 100-yard interception return (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Tied 7–7. Third quarter WAS – Ricky Sanders 46-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 14–7. Fourth quarter MIN – Alfred Anderson 1-yard run (Chuck Nelson kick). Tied 14–14. MIN – Wade Wilson 1-yard run (Chuck Nelson kick). Vikings 21–14. MIN – Chuck Nelson 20-yard field goal. Vikings 24–14. WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 37-yard field goal. Vikings 24–17. WAS – Ricky Sanders 51-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Tied 24–24. Overtime WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 26-yard field goal. Redskins 27–24. Top passers WAS – Doug Williams – 11/22, 217 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT MIN – Wade Wilson – 14/27, 206 yards, 3 INT Top rushers WAS – George Rogers – 10 rushes, 51 yards MIN – Wade Wilson – 10 rushes, 75 yards, TD Top receivers WAS – Ricky Sanders – 8 receptions, 164 yards, 2 TD MIN – Steve Jordan – 5 receptions, 65 yards

Standings

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

Postseason

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

Main article: 1987–88 NFL playoffs

Schedule

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

Game summaries

Divisional Rounds at Chicago Bears

NFC Divisional Playoffs: (3) Washington Redskins at (2) Chicago Bears

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	0	14	7	0	21
Bears	7	7	3	0	17

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

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

Game information

First quarter CHI – Calvin Thomas 2-yard run (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 7–0. Second quarter CHI – Ron Morris 14-yard pass from Jim McMahon (Kevin Butler kick). Bears 14–0. WAS – George Rogers 3-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Bears 14–7. WAS – Clint Didier 18-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Tied 14–14. Third quarter WAS – Darrell Green 52-yard punt return (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 21–14. CHI – Kevin Butler 25-yard field goal. Redskins 21–17. Fourth quarter No scoring plays Top passers WAS – Doug Williams – 14/29, 207 yards, TD, INT CHI – Jim McMahon – 15/29, 197 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers WAS – Timmy Smith – 16 rushes, 66 yards CHI – Walter Payton – 18 rushes, 85 yards Top receivers WAS – Ricky Sanders – 6 receptions, 92 yards CHI – Ron Morris – 2 receptions, 47 yards, TD

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

NFC Championship vs. Minnesota Vikings

NFC Championship: (5) Minnesota Vikings at (3) Washington Redskins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Vikings	0	7	0	3	10
Redskins	7	0	3	7	17

at RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

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

Game information

First quarter WAS – Kelvin Bryant 42-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 7–0. Second quarter MIN – Leo Lewis 23-yard pass from Wade Wilson (Chuck Nelson kick). Tied 7–7. Third quarter WAS – Ali Haji-Sheikh 28-yard field goal. Redskins 10–7. Fourth quarter MIN – Chuck Nelson 18-yard field goal. Tied 10–10. WAS – Gary Clark 7-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick). Redskins 17–10. Top passers MIN – Wade Wilson – 19/39, 243 yards, TD, INT WAS – Doug Williams – 9/26, 119 yards, 2 TD Top rushers MIN – Wade Wilson – 4 rushes, 28 yards WAS – Timmy Smith – 13 rushes, 72 yards Top receivers MIN – Anthony Carter – 7 receptions 85 yards WAS – Gary Clark – 3 receptions, 57 yards, TD

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

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

Super Bowl XXII

Main article: Super Bowl XXII

Super Bowl XXII: (N3) Washington Redskins vs. (A1) Denver Broncos

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	0	35	0	7	42
Broncos	10	0	0	0	10

at Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego, California

• Date: January 31, 1988
• Game time: 6:00 p.m. EST/3:00 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 61 °F (16 °C)
• Game attendance: 73,302
• Referee: Bob McElwee
• TV announcers (ABC): Al Michaels, Frank Gifford and Dan Dierdorf
• Box score

Game information

First quarter DEN – Ricky Nattiel 56-yard pass from John Elway (Rich Karlis kick), 13:03. Broncos 7–0. Drive: 1 play, 56 yards, 0:08. DEN – Rich Karlis 24-yard field goal, 9:09. Broncos 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 2:05. Second quarter WAS – Ricky Sanders 80-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 14:07. Broncos 10–7. Drive: 1 play, 80 yards, 0:10. WAS – Gary Clark 27-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 10:15. Redskins 14–10. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 2:44. WAS – Timmy Smith 58-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 6:27. Redskins 21–10. Drive: 2 plays, 74 yards, 0:51. WAS – Ricky Sanders 50-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 3:42. Redskins 28–10. Drive: 3 plays, 60 yards, 0:52. WAS – Clint Didier 8-yard pass from Doug Williams (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 1:04. Redskins 35–10. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 1:10. Third quarter No scoring plays Fourth quarter WAS – Timmy Smith 4-yard run (Ali Haji-Sheikh kick), 13:09. Redskins 42–10. Drive: 4 plays, 68 yards, 2:03. Top passers WAS – Doug Williams – 18/29, 340 yards, 4 TD, INT DEN – John Elway – 14/38, 257 yards, TD, 3 INT Top rushers WAS – Timmy Smith – 22 rushes, 204 yards, 2 TD DEN – Gene Lang – 5 rushes, 38 yards Top receivers WAS – Ricky Sanders – 9 receptions, 193 yards, 2 TD DEN – Mark Jackson – 4 receptions, 76 yards

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

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

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

Statistics

Team

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

Individual

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