On this Redskins throwback for October 29, Washington ran into a buzzsaw named Bo Jackson. The 1989 game ended in a 37-24 loss for Washington at the Los Angeles Raiders.
The defining moment came in the third quarter when Jackson took a handoff and outran the entire Redskins defense for a 73-yard touchdown. He finished with 144 yards on just 19 carries, punishing Washington all afternoon.
Raiders legend Howie Long matched that intensity on defense, recording two sacks and a fumble recovery to keep Washington’s offense off balance all game.
Washington wasn’t without its own highlight-reel plays. Joe Howard delivered one of the most exciting moments of the season, with a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown — the longest in franchise history at the time.
Other Key Game Moments
- Raiders linebacker Jerry Robinson intercepted Mark Rypien in the second quarter and returned it 25 yards. But Robinson got knocked out cold by a devastating hit from Redskins left tackle Jim Lachey, which forced a fumble.
- Eddie Anderson intercepted Rypien and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter.
- Howie Long added two sacks and a fumble recovery on defense.
- Washington’s running game managed only 21 yards on the day. That put the entire offensive burden on Mark Rypien’s arm against a Raiders defense that never let up.
Rypien battled through a brutal afternoon, completing 27 of 53 passes but throwing three interceptions and absorbing five sacks. He was replaced late in the game by Stan Humphries, who was also sacked twice (5/10 for 91 yards).
Washington beat the Raiders in total net yards – 441 to 342, and had four more first downs. It was the astonishing eight turnovers that buried the Redskins.
Why Remember A Loss?
This game still resonates with longtime fans for two reasons: Bo Jackson reminding the league why he was one of the most feared athletes of his era, and Joe Howard’s 99-yard return standing as one of the signature special-teams plays in franchise history — a rare bright spot in an otherwise rough day at the Coliseum.
This was the only time in Jackson’s career that he faced he Redskins. As shocking as it is due to the impact he made, Jackson only played in 38 NFL games.
Video Highlights of the game on YouTube! Thanks @Classic Sports!
