Ep 15. America's Game: 1982 Redskins
- April 2, 2007
America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions is a documentary series that highlights the journey of different NFL teams who have won the Super Bowl championship title. The show takes a closer look at the team's key players, coaches, and the momentous games that led them to victory. Each episode features a different championship-winning team, and in season 2 episode 15, the spotlight is on the 1982 Washington Redskins.
The episode opens with the Redskins' 1981 campaign that ended in disappointment when they lost to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship. The challenge for Coach Joe Gibbs was to rebuild the team and bring it to the top of the league. The Redskins went through a tumultuous season of injuries, but they were a team of great character and resilience. Gibbs knew he needed to impart a strong work ethic and discipline on the team that would see them through tough times.
The documentary presents interviews with key members of the team such as quarterback Joe Theismann, running back John Riggins, and cornerback Darrell Green, as well as the key off-field personnel such as General Manager Bobby Beathard. Through these interviews, the episode explores the personalities of these individuals, their journey to the NFL, and their pivotal roles in the Redskins' success that season.
The episode goes on to highlight some key games of the season, such as the Monday Night Football matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, a team that had been a rival for many years. In that game, the Redskins asserted their dominance with a commanding 24-10 win. The team had an impressive regular season, finishing with the second-best record in the NFC, but it was their playoff run that cemented their place in NFL history.
The Redskins' playoff journey saw them face arguably their greatest challenge in a divisional round matchup against a tough Minnesota Vikings team led by quarterback Tommy Kramer. The game was marked by a blizzard that blanketed the field, making for difficult playing conditions. Despite the weather, the Redskins came out on top with a 21-7 win, led by a dominant defense that forced three Vikings turnovers.
The Super Bowl was a matchup of two great coaches in Gibbs and Miami Dolphins' Don Shula. The game was played in the sunny confines of the Rose Bowl stadium, with both teams looking to take home the coveted Vince Lombardi trophy. The episode presents the incredible story of how the Redskins' defense stifled the Dolphins' offense, led by quarterback David Woodley, and how the offense, led by Theismann and Riggins, put up 27 points against a formidable Dolphins defense.
The episode concludes with interviews with key members of the team, reflecting on their journey to the Super Bowl victory. They discuss the mentality of the team, the leadership of Coach Gibbs, and the never-say-die attitude that led them to victory. The episode provides a fitting tribute to a great team that overcame adversity, conquered its rivals, and became Super Bowl champions.
Overall, America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions, Season 1 season 2 episode 15 is an engaging and informative documentary that sheds light on the 1982 Washington Redskins' journey to Super Bowl glory. The show presents the viewer with an in-depth analysis of the key players and coaches, and provides a fascinating insight into the tactics and strategies employed by the team to achieve their ultimate goal. It is a must-watch for NFL fans who want to relive the glory days of one of the league's iconic teams.
