Welcome to another edition of Flashback Friday – today’s edition features Joe Gibbs and Joe Theismann. Two of the biggest names in the history of the franchise! Icons. This particular image was taken during the 1984 season, which was a step back from their dominant 1983 campaign which saw them lose in Super Bowl XVIII.
Coming off that appearance, Coach Gibbs’ squad still finished with a winning record at 11–5, good enough for second place in the NFC East behind the Dallas Cowboys. The offense remained productive, led by QB Theismann and RB John Riggins (who scored 14 touchdowns), but it wasn’t as explosive as the record-setting unit of the previous year. Washington’s defense was solid but inconsistent, as the team struggled in some key matchups and lost a few close games that cost them the division.
How about that drip on Gibbs? The 80s scripted “R” hat and collared shirt only heighten the greatness of this image.
Washington Redskins 1984 Season Recap
Record: 11–5
Division Finish: 2nd, NFC East
Head Coach: Joe Gibbs
Home Stadium: RFK Stadium
Key Players & Stats:
- QB Joe Theismann: 3,403 passing yards, 16 TD
- RB John Riggins: 1,239 rushing yards, 14 TD
- WR Art Monk: 106 receptions, 1,372 yards, 7 TD (NFL single-season reception record at the time)
- DE Dexter Manley: Defensive anchor, double-digit sacks (exactly 13.5)
Team Strengths:
- Strong ground game led by Riggins and “The Hogs”
- Reliable passing attack featuring Monk, Charlie Brown, and Don Warren
- Opportunistic defense with a top pass rush
1984 Season Outcome
The 1984 season ended with disappointment in the NFC Wild Card game, where Washington fell to the Chicago Bears, 23–19, at RFK Stadium. It was the Bears’ first playoff win under Mike Ditka and marked the beginning of their rise to NFC dominance. For Washington, the early exit was a wake-up call after two consecutive NFC Championship appearances. Still, the 1984 campaign kept Washington among the NFC’s top teams and laid the groundwork for their return to the Super Bowl just three seasons later.