The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins and Washington Football Team, boast a storied playoff history that stretches back decades. As one of the NFL’s older franchises, Washington has seen its share of triumphs and challenges in postseason play, including multiple Super Bowl appearances and iconic victories.
Early Dominance and First Championship
The team was founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves before relocating to Washington, D.C., in 1937. That year also marked the arrival of rookie quarterback Sammy Baugh, a future Hall of Famer. Under head coach Ray Flaherty, Washington wasted no time establishing itself as a playoff contender, capturing its first NFL Championship in 1937 with a 28-21 win over the Chicago Bears.
Over the next decade, Washington made four more appearances in the NFL Championship Game, securing another title in 1942 by defeating the Bears once again. This early period cemented the franchise as one of the league’s most successful teams.
The Super Bowl Era: A Legacy of Success
Washington’s most iconic playoff runs came during the Super Bowl era, particularly under the leadership of head coach Joe Gibbs, who took over in 1981. Gibbs led the team to four Super Bowl appearances over a decade, winning three of them.
Super Bowl XVII (1982 season): Washington defeated the Miami Dolphins 27-17, powered by John Riggins’ legendary 43-yard touchdown run and a stout defensive performance. Super Bowl XXII (1987 season): The Commanders delivered one of the most dominant performances in Super Bowl history, dismantling the Denver Broncos 42-10. Quarterback Doug Williams, the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, threw for four touchdowns in a historic second quarter. Super Bowl XXVI (1991 season): Behind quarterback Mark Rypien and one of the most balanced rosters in NFL history, Washington secured its third title with a 37-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills.Washington’s 1991 team is widely regarded as one of the greatest in NFL history, finishing the regular season 14-2 and dominating opponents in the playoffs.
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)Recent Postseason Struggles
After their early dominance, Washington’s postseason success began to wane. The team has struggled to consistently qualify for the playoffs in recent decades, with their last postseason win coming during the 2005 season. Despite several NFC East titles in the 2010s, including a division crown in 2020, the Commanders have often been eliminated in the Wild Card round.
Ownership changes, coaching transitions, and quarterback instability have played a role in Washington’s recent playoff drought. However, the franchise is now undergoing a rebuild under head coach Dan Quinn and new ownership led by Josh Harris, with hopes of returning to playoff prominence.
By the Numbers
Playoff Appearances: 25 Playoff Wins: 23 Super Bowl Appearances: 5 (winning 3) NFL Championships (pre-Super Bowl): 2Looking Ahead
As the Commanders continue their journey under a new era of leadership, the team’s rich playoff history serves as a reminder of its potential to compete at the highest level. Fans are eager to see if Washington can rekindle its former glory and add to its legacy of postseason success.
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