SUPER BOWL XXII

Super Bowl XXII, held on January 31, 1988, was a highly memorable and significant game in NFL history. It featured a matchup between the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos. The Redskins emerged as the dominant team, orchestrating an incredible comeback from a first quarter deficit to win the game with a final score of 42-10.

The game started with the Broncos taking an early lead, scoring a touchdown and a field goal in the first quarter. However, the second quarter was a turning point, as the Redskins, led by their talented quarterback Doug Williams, exploded with an unprecedented offensive performance. Williams threw an astonishing four touchdown passes in a single quarter, leading the Redskins to score an astounding 35 points, an NFL record for points scored in a single quarter of a Super Bowl.

The Redskins' offensive explosion was a testament to their exceptional play-calling, execution, and Williams' impressive arm. Their offensive line provided excellent protection, allowing Williams to connect with his receivers for long passes and quick touchdowns. Williams himself displayed remarkable accuracy and poise, earning him the game's MVP honors. He finished the game going 18/29 for 340 yards and 4 TDs.

Defensively, the Redskins were equally impressive, stifling the Broncos' offense and forcing multiple turnovers. They limited the Broncos to just a single touchdown in the first quarter and shut them out for the rest of the game. The Redskins' defense showcased great discipline and skill, consistently pressuring Broncos' quarterback John Elway and disrupting their passing game.

Super Bowl XXII was not only a dominant performance by the Redskins but also a significant milestone for the NFL. Doug Williams became the first African-American quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, breaking barriers and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.

Lost in the blowout and the historical significance of Doug Williams' play was the performances of Redskins' wide receiver Ricky Sanders and running back Timmy Smith. Sanders caugh 9 receptions for a then Super Bowl record 193 yards and two TDs. Smith, meanwhile, still holds the Super Bowl record for most rushing yards in a game with 204. The combination of Williams, Sanders and Smith shows how thoroughly dominant the Redskins were this game.

With the win, the Redskins evened their Super Bowl record at 2-2. The Broncos fell to 0-3 as a franchise, 0-2 with Elway.