Super Bowl XV

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Lore & Background

The Raiders were making their third Super Bowl appearance after posting an 11–5 regular season record, but losing a tiebreaker to the AFC West division winner San Diego Chargers. Oakland then advanced to the Super Bowl with playoff victories over the Houston Oilers, Cleveland Browns, and San Diego. The Eagles were making their first Super Bowl appearance after posting a 12–4 regular season record and postseason victories over the Minnesota Vikings and Dallas Cowboys. Aided by two touchdown passes from quarterback Jim Plunkett, the Raiders jumped out to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter and the Eagles never recovered. Oakland linebacker Rod Martin also intercepted Philadelphia quarterback Ron Jaworski three times for a Super Bowl record. Plunkett was named the Super Bowl MVP after completing 13 of 21 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns; he was the second Heisman Trophy winner to be named Super Bowl MVP, after Roger Staubach in Super Bowl VI.

In Their Own Story

The Raiders jumped out to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter aided by two touchdown passes from Plunkett, and the Eagles never recovered. Oakland linebacker Rod Martin intercepted Philadelphia quarterback Ron Jaworski three times, setting a Super Bowl record that stood for this game. The Eagles' defense, which had allowed the fewest points in the league during the regular season (222), could not contain the Raiders' attack. Philadelphia's Wilbert Montgomery was limited by injuries during the regular season but rushed for 194 yards in the NFC title game; however, the Raiders' offense controlled the tempo. The victory came just five days after the Iran hostage crisis ended, adding a layer of national significance to the pregame ceremonies. Oakland's defense led the league with 52 forced turnovers and 35 interceptions, anchored by Lester Hayes (13 picks) and Rod Martin.

Reader's Guide

The Raiders' main offensive deep threat was wide receiver Cliff Branch (44 receptions, 858 yards, 7 touchdowns), while wide receiver Bob Chandler contributed 49 receptions for 786 yards and 10 touchdowns. Running back Mark van Eeghen was the team's top rusher with 838 yards and 5 touchdowns, while also catching 29 passes for 259 yards. Six games into the season, the Raiders made a surprise trade, sending future Hall of Fame tight end Dave Casper to the Houston Oilers for one first round and two second round draft picks. Veteran tight end Raymond Chester proved to be a capable starter for the rest of the year, catching 28 passes for 366 yards and 4 touchdowns. Halfback Kenny King rushed for 761 yards and catching 22 passes for 145 yards. The Raiders also had an outstanding offensive line led by two future Hall of Famers, tackle Art Shell and guard Gene Upshaw. Upshaw became the first player to play in three Super Bowls with the same team in three different decades. He also played in Super Bowls II (1967) and XI (1976). Oakland's defense, anchored by defensive linemen John Matuszak (8 sacks), Cedrick Hardman (9.5 sacks), and Dave Browning (6.5 sacks), led the league in forced turnovers (52) and interceptions (35). Defensive back Lester Hayes led the league in interceptions (13) and interception return yards (273), and was the league's Defensive Player of the Year. Safety Burgess Owens added three interceptions, returning them for 59 yards and a touchdown. The Raiders also had a trio of great linebackers: future Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks (3 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries, 8.5 sacks) Pro Bowler Rod Martin (3 Interceptions), and standout rookie Matt Millen. The Raiders were led by head coach Tom Flores, taking Oakland to the Super Bowl in only his second season.

Did You Know?

• The Raiders became the first wild card playoff team to win a Super Bowl.
• Rod Martin intercepted Philadelphia quarterback Ron Jaworski three times, a Super Bowl record.
• Jim Plunkett was the second Heisman Trophy winner to be named Super Bowl MVP, after Roger Staubach in Super Bowl VI.
• The game was played five days after the Iran hostage crisis ended.