Top 30 plays in NFL history

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 30: Running back John Riggins #44 of the Washington Redskins runs 43 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter as tight end Clint Didier #86 of the Redskins and defensive back Glenn Blackwood #47 of the Miami Dolphins pursue the play during Super Bowl XVII at the Rose Bowl on January 30, 1983 in Pasadena, California. The Redskins defeated the Dolphins 27-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – SEPTEMBER 14: Marcus Allen #32 of the Los Angeles Raiders carries the ball against the Washington Redskins during an NFL football game September 14, 1986 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.. Allen played for the Raiders from 1982-92. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

17. Marcus Allen’s touchdown run vs Washington

The Raiders absolutely dominated Washington in Super Bowl XVIII. They were up 21-3 at halftime after a pick six was thrown by Joe Theismann.

Washington scored to make it 21-9 with a John Riggins touchdown, but the extra point was blocked. On the last play of the third quarter, Marcus Allen closed out the game for the Raiders. Jim Plunkett handed the ball to Allen, who ran left before circling back after two Washington defenders had come through. After reversing field, Allen found a gap down the seam and ran 74 yards untouched for a touchdown, which was a Super Bowl record until 2005.

The Raiders went on to beat Washington 38-9. Los Angeles picked off Theismann twice. Cliff Branch had six catches on the day for a touchdown, and the Raiders just destroyed Washington from whistle to whistle.

Following the game, President Ronald Reagan spoke with Raiders head coach Tom Flores and said that he had gotten a call from Moscow, and that “They think Marcus Allen is a new secret weapon. They insist we dismantle it.” Allen finished with 191 yards and two touchdowns and was named the MVP of the game.

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