Welcome to our podcast on Super Bowl 15, a game that marked a significant moment in NFL history and solidified the Oakland Raiders' place as one of the league's most iconic franchises. This matchup between the Oakland Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles took place on January 25, 1981, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Raiders' second Super Bowl victory. The 1980 NFL season was a year of redemption and triumph for both the Oakland Raiders and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Raiders, led by head coach Tom Flores, had overcome significant adversity to reach the Super Bowl. They finished the regular season with an 11-5 record, earning a wild card spot in the playoffs. Their journey to the Super Bowl was marked by three road victories, including a memorable win over the Cleveland Browns in freezing temperatures, earning them the moniker "Road Warriors. “At the helm of the Raiders' offense was quarterback Jim Plunkett, whose career resurrection was one of the most compelling storylines of the season. Plunkett, a former Heisman Trophy winner and first overall draft pick, had been considered a bust after disappointing stints with the New England Patriots and San Francisco Forty Niners. He began the 1980 season as the Raiders' backup but was thrust into the starting role after an injury to starter Dan Pastorini. Plunkett seized the opportunity, leading the Raiders to nine wins in eleven starts and through their improbable playoff run. Plunkett’s primary targets were wide receivers Cliff Branch and Bob Chandler, along with tight end Raymond Chester. The Raiders' running game was anchored by Mark van Eeghen and Kenny King, providing a balanced attack that kept defenses off-balance. On defense, the Raiders boasted a unit known for its toughness and intimidation. The defensive line was led by John Matuszak and Lyle Alzaydo, while the secondary featured the hard-hitting Jack Tatum and Lester Hayes, who had an incredible 13 interceptions during the regular season. The Philadelphia Eagles, meanwhile, were making their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. Led by head coach Dick Vermeil, the Eagles had been building towards this moment for several years. They finished the regular season with a 12 and 4 record, winning the NFC East division. The Eagles' offense was led by quarterback Ron Jaworski, nicknamed "The Polish Rifle" for his strong arm. Jaworski's favorite targets were wide receivers Harold Carmichael and Charlie Smith. The running game was spearheaded by Wilbert Montgomery, who had rushed for over 1,000 yards during the regular season. On defense, the Eagles boasted one of the best units in the league. They were led by nose tackle Charlie Johnson, linebacker Bill Bergey, and a secondary featuring Herman Edwards and Roynell Young. This unit had allowed the fewest points in the NFL during the regular season. As game day approached, there was a sense of anticipation and excitement. The Raiders were slight favorites, but many expected a close, competitive game between two teams that had overcome significant challenges to reach the Super Bowl. The game began with both teams feeling each other out. The Raiders received the opening kickoff but were forced to punt after a quick three-and-out. The Eagles' first possession showed promise, with Jaworski completing a couple of passes to move the chains. However, the drive stalled, and Philadelphia was forced to punt as well. The first score of the game came midway through the first quarter, and it set the tone for what was to come. Jim Plunkett dropped back to pass and found Kenny King on a short route. King turned upfield and, thanks to excellent blocking and his own speed, raced 80 yards for a touchdown. This play not only gave the Raiders a 7 zero lead but also set a then-Super Bowl record for the longest touchdown pass. The Eagles, stunned by this sudden turn of events, tried to respond quickly. However, their next drive ended in disaster when Jaworski's pass was intercepted by linebacker Rod Martin. This was the first of Martin's three interceptions on the day, tying a Super Bowl record that still stands. The Raiders capitalized on this turnover, with Plunkett leading another scoring drive. This time, he connected with Cliff Branch for a 29-yard touchdown pass, extending Oakland's lead to 14 to zero early in the second quarter. The Eagles finally managed to get on the scoreboard with a 30-yard field goal by Tony Franklin, but their struggles continued. Another Jaworski interception, again by Rod Martin, set up a 46-yard field goal by Chris Bahr, giving the Raiders a 17 to 3 lead at halftime. As the teams headed to the locker rooms, the Eagles were facing a significant deficit and a crisis of confidence. Their vaunted defense had been unable to contain Plunkett and the ...
