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

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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Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detail view of the Washington Redskins logo during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detail view of the Washington Redskins logo during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

25. 1972 Washington Redskins

The Redskins were terrible throughout most of the 1950s and 60s, but started to come out of the darkness when Vince Lombardi was hired in 1969. Unfortunately, Lombardi only lasted one season before retiring due to cancer, unfortunately passing away the following year. Washington then hired George Allen, who became the catalyst for a tremendous run throughout the 1970s.

Allen was only able to reach the Super Bowl once, getting there in 1972 with a team known as the “Over the Hill Gang.” Allen built a winner on the portly body of quarterback Billy Kilmer, running back Larry Brown, tight end Jerry Smith and receiver Charley Taylor. Defensively, Washington had a tremendous secondary with Ken Houston and Pat Fischer.

The Redskins went 11-3 that season before beating the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round before plastering the Dallas Cowboys 26-3 in the NFC Championship game. Washington had the misfortune of playing the undefeated Miami Dolphins in the Super Bowl, who toppled the Redskins 14-7 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Miami remains the only undefeated team in NFL history.

Next: 24. 1986 Cleveland Browns