Top 20 quarterback performances in Super Bowl history
By Joe Romano
16. Jim Plunkett, Oakland Raiders, Super Bowl XV
Another player that is and will not be in Canton yet appears on this list is Oakland Raiders great Jim Plunkett. The former Heisman trophy winner lifted the Raiders past the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XV in 1980.
Plunkett had an unbelievable college career capped by the Heisman trophy. Once he got to the NFL he struggled for his original team the New England Patriots. He finally found a landing spot in Oakland. Plunkett did not even start the season as the team’s starting quarterback. He was only thrust into duty when their starting quarterback, Dan Pastorini went down with an injury. The quarterback play did not need to be spectacular as the Raiders a Hall of Fame player and that seasons’ Defensive Player of the Year on the other side of the ball. They also boated two Hall of Fame offensive lineman.
In the Super Bowl, the Raiders and Plunkett got off to a hot 14-0 start. Attempting the comeback, the Eagles offense would never quite get there. Philadelphia’s quarterback, Ron Jaworski, threw three crushing interceptions and lost a fumble to help keep the Raiders comfortable for most of the game.
Oakland won by a final of 27-10. Plunkett won MVP of the game behind three touchdowns and 261 yards passing. He would take the team back to the Super Bowl three years later after again starting as a backup. The Raiders would win that game behind running back Marcus Allen.