Fansided

NFL’s 30 best teams that didn’t win the Super Bowl

By Matt Verderame

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after throwing an interception during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after throwing an interception during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins former quarterback Joe Theismann (left) signs autographs for fans prior to the game against the New England Patriots at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins former quarterback Joe Theismann (left) signs autographs for fans prior to the game against the New England Patriots at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-USA TODAY Sports /

16. 1983 Washington Redskins

People seem to bury this team under the avalanche of history, but it was one of the special groups ever to play. Washington averaged 33.8 points per game, a record that stood for years. The defense also ranked 11th, showing that this wasn’t a one-trick pony. In addition, the Redskins were coming off a Super Bowl title in the strike-shortened season of 1982.

The Redskins were absurdly good in 1983, compiling a 14-2 record and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. The offense featured three Pro Bowlers, including Joe Theismann, John Riggins and Charlie Brown. Riggins rushed for 1,347 yards and 24 touchdowns while Theismann added another 29 touchdowns. The defense forced a record 61 turnovers in the regular season, following by nine more in the postseason.

Washington cruised through the Divisional round, waxing the Los Angeles Rams, 51-7. In the NFC title game, the Redskins relinquished a 21-0 fourth-quarter lead to Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers, only to pull through on a Mark Moseley field goal. However, the Redskins were thumped by the Los Angeles Raiders in the Super Bowl, losing 38-9.

Next: 15. 1974 Oakland Raiders

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