The Washington Redskins have not been very successful in recent years and have been one of the worst teams of the 2000s. Those years have included collapses, disappointments and some just absolutely miserable play while searching for the right quarterback to lead the team.
However, the Redskins are still one of the most successful franchises of all time. They have over 600 wins in the history of the franchise and three Super Bowl Rings under their belt.
That’s a lot to brag about. And it shows that there have been plenty of great teams in the history of the franchise.
Which team is the best of the best? Let’s take a look back in the history of the Redskins and determine the greatest team in franchise history.
The Redskins have won the Super Bowl three times. First in 1982, again in 1987 and most recently in 1991. Let’s cut it down to those three teams, because winning the Super Bowl automatically puts them above the rest.
Yes, they were incredible in 1983, going 14-2 and losing in the Super Bowl to the Miami Dolphins. Sure, the 2012 team was one of the most exciting in a long time. And the 1972 team that lost in the Super Bowl was impressive, too.
However, none of them took home the hardware. And that’s what separates these three teams from the rest. Let’s look at each team.
The 1982 season saw the team go 8-1 (it was shortened by a strike) and win the Super Bowl. Joe Gibbs was the head coach. In fact, Gibbs was the head coach for all three teams we’re examining here. All three teams had one of the greatest to ever do it at the helm.
The 1982 team also had Joe Theismann at quarterback, with John Riggins as the leading rusher and Art Monk and Charlie Brown as the top receiving targets.
Meanwhile, the defense boasted Dexter Manley, Tony McGee, Vernon Dean and Jeris White.
This was another one of those classic Washington teams with a loaded offensive line. They also boasted the leagues’s MVP that year, kicker Mark Moseley. Washington won all four playoff games by at least 10 points.
Then there was 1987, again led by Gibbs.
This time, they had Jay Schroeder as their starting quarterback for most of the season, although Doug Williams led them to the Super Bowl at the position and was even the MVP of the game.
Washignton also had George Rogers, Lionel Vital and Kelvin Bryant as their three-headed monster in the backfield. This time, it was Art Monk, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders as the main weapons in the receiving game.
The offensive line was still one of the best in the NFL and they had Charles Mann and Dexter Manley as a two-headed pass rushing monster. Additionally, they boasted Barry Wilburn and Darrell Green as one of the best lockdown cornerback duos in football.
The Redskins went 11-4 in the regular season. Although they had two close games to start the playoffs, they beat the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl in a blowout, winning 42-10.
Finally, there is the 1991 team, another led by Gibbs and one that went 14-2 in the regular season. Then in the playoffs, they won every game by at least 13 points.
This team had Mark Rypien in the prime of his career at quarterback. It had Earnest Byner and Ricky Ervins running through defenses at running back and the trio of Art Monk, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders were better than ever. And once again, they had one of the league’s best offensive lines.
The 1991 team had an added special weapon, Brian Mitchell. Mitchell is one of the greatest returners of all time. And that season saw him return two for touchdowns.
The defense still had Charles Mann, this time joined by Fred Stokes and Wilber Marshall (as well as others) to create a pass rushing unit that was nearly impossible to stop.
Meanwhile, Darrell Green was still locking down any receiver he covered. He had some help, too, with Marshall causing havoc in the passing game as well. Additionally, Brad Edwards, Andre Collins and Martin Mayhew played large roles on the defensive side of the ball.
All three teams were great. However, the 1991 squad was the most well-rounded. They had nearly no clear weaknesses. And the importance of Mitchell can not be understated.
This team was involved in many blowout wins, proving that they were that much better than any of their opponents. And, in this case, that also includes every other team in Washington history.
The Redskins have won three Super Bowls and have had a lot of great teams in franchise history. However, the 1991 team stands above the rest.
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