Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 17, a game that marked a significant moment in NFL history and showcased the triumph of one of the league's most storied franchises. This matchup between the Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins took place on January 30, 1983, at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. As we delve into the details of this historic game, we'll explore the lead-up, the key players, the dramatic moments, and the lasting impact of what would become the Redskins' first Super Bowl victory. The 1982 NFL season was unlike any other in league history. A 57-day player strike reduced the regular season from 16 games to just 9, creating a unique and compressed schedule. Despite this unusual circumstance, both the Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins managed to navigate the shortened season and make their way to the Super Bowl. The Washington Redskins, led by head coach Joe Gibbs, had finished the regular season with an 8 and 1 record, the best in the NFC. Gibbs, in just his second year as head coach, had quickly turned the Redskins into a powerhouse. The team's success was built on a powerful running game and a stout defense, a formula that would become Gibbs' trademark in the years to come. At the heart of the Redskins' offense was "The Hogs," their nickname for their dominant offensive line. This group, featuring tackles Joe Jacoby and George Starke, guards Russ Grimm and Mark May, and center Jeff Bostic, was one of the best in the league. They paved the way for the Redskins' potent rushing attack, led by John Riggins. Riggins, at 33 years old, was having a career renaissance. Known as "The Diesel," Riggins was a bruising fullback who wore down defenses with his punishing running style. In the shortened season, he rushed for five hundred fifty three yards and 3 touchdowns, but it was in the playoffs where he truly shined, rushing for over 100 yards in each of Washington's three playoff games leading up to the Super Bowl. The Redskins' passing game was led by quarterback Joe Theismann, who had thrown for two thousand thirty three yards and 13 touchdowns during the regular season. His primary targets were wide receivers Charlie Brown and Art Monk, along with tight end Don Warren. On defense, the Redskins were anchored by their defensive line, nicknamed The Pearl Harbor Crew, because they were infamous and a day that will live in infamy, for opposing offenses. This unit was led by defensive tackle Dave Butz and defensive ends Dexter Manley and Tony McGee. The secondary was headlined by safety Mark Murphy, who led the team with 6 interceptions. The Miami Dolphins, coached by the legendary Don Shula, had also finished the regular season with an 8 and 1 record. The Dolphins were looking to recapture the glory of their early nineteen seventies dynasty and win their first Super Bowl since 1974. The Dolphins' offense was led by young quarterback David Woodley, who had thrown for one thousand eighty yards and 5 touchdowns during the regular season. However, the real strength of Miami's offense was their running game, featuring the Bruise Brothers backfield of Andra Franklin and Tony Nathan. Franklin had rushed for 700 and 1 yards and 7 touchdowns, while Nathan contributed both as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. Miami’s defense, nicknamed the Killer Bees because many of the players' names began with the letter B, was one of the best in the league. This unit was led by nose tackle Bob Baumhower, defensive end Doug Betters, and linebacker A J Duhe. The secondary featured Glenn and Lyle Blackwood, known as the Bruise Brothers, not to be confused with the offensive backfield duo. As game day approached, there was a sense of anticipation and excitement. The Redskins were slight favorites, but many expected a close, competitive game between two well coached teams. The game began with both teams feeling each other out. The Dolphins received the opening kickoff but were forced to punt after a quick three and out. The Redskins' first possession showed promise, with Theismann completing a couple of passes to move the chains. However, the drive stalled, and Washington was forced to punt as well. The first score of the game came midway through the first quarter when Dolphins kicker Uwe von Schamann connected on a 20-yard field goal, giving Miami a 3to zero lead. This score was set up by a 42 yard pass from Woodley to Jimmy Cefalo, showcasing the Dolphins' big-play ability. The Redskins responded quickly, putting together a drive that culminated in a 4 yard touchdown run by Riggins. This gave Washington a 7 to 3 lead and sent a message that their powerful running game was ready to dominate. As the second quarter began, the Dolphins started to assert themselves. Woodley led an impressive drive down the field, mixing short passes with runs from Franklin and Nathan. The drive culminated in a 76 yard touchdown pass from Woodley to Cefalo, giving Miami a 10 to 7 lead. The Redskins, feeling ...
