OPINION:
Thom Loverro’s recent lament about Washington’s rebuilding season and his quip about “1 p.m. games against the New Orleans Saints” reminded me of a milestone game in Redskins history 45 years ago this week (“The franchise resurrection may have hit a snag,” Web, Oct. 20).
In 1979, Washington finished 10-6 and came within a last-second 35-34 loss to Dallas of winning the division title and having the NFC’s best record. Jack Pardee was NFL coach of the year, Joe Theismann and John Riggins had stellar seasons, and Mark Moseley was the NFC’s Pro Bowl placekicker.
A year later, much like this season, Washington unexpectedly found itself struggling with a 2-5 record, and Mr. Moseley had made just four of 14 field goals through week seven in 1980. He was in danger of losing his job.
The Redskins’ Oct. 26, 1980 22-14 win at RFK Stadium against the Archie Manning-led New Orleans Saints (the first game my dad took me to see in person) didn’t save their season. Washington still finished 6-10 and missed the playoffs, and Joe Gibbs succeeded Pardee as head coach in 1981.
But it may have saved their future. Mr. Moseley ended his slump by making five of six field goals, including kicks from 50 and 52 yards. He also added an extra point after Mr. Theismann’s 26-yard scoring dart to Ricky Thompson. Mr. Moseley tied the NFL record for most 50-plus yard field goals in a game, tied Curt Knight’s team record for most field goals converted in a game and ensured he would remain Washington’s kicker.
Two years later, Mr. Moseley would become the first placekicker ever to be named NFL MVP, and he and Messrs. Theismann and Riggins would lead Washington to victory in Super Bowl XVII.
STEPHEN A. SILVER
San Francisco, California
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