SB 22 Champion Washington Redskins - Super Bowl XXII- Superbowl XXII- Super Bowl 22 - Washington Redskins - Denver Broncos

The Redskins main receiving threat was wide receiver Gary Clark, who caught 56 passes for 1,066 yards, an average of 19 yards per catch. Receivers Ricky Sanders and Art Monk were also deep threats, combining for 80 receptions and 1,130 yards. Running back George Rogers was Washington's leading rusher with 613 yards. However, Rogers saw limited action in Super Bowl XXII due to injuries that would force him into early retirement, and rookie running back Timmy Smith started in his place. Fullback Kelvin Bryant also was a big contributor, rushing for 406 yards, and catching 43 passes for 490 yards.
The Redskins also had an excellent defensive unit, lead by defensive backs Barry Wilburn who recorded 9 interceptions for 135 return yards and a touchdown, Todd Bowles, who recorded 4, and Darrell Green.

The primary storyline surrounding Super Bowl XXII was that Washington's Doug Williams was the first African-American quarterback ever to start in a Super Bowl, let alone an NFL league championship game.

Williams had taken a rather unconventional route to the Super Bowl. Williams began his career as the first round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After 5 seasons, a contract dispute caused him to leave the team and sign with the Oklahoma Outlaws of the newly formed USFL. When that league folded a few years later, Williams found himself out of a job until Redskins coach Joe Gibbs asked him to join the team to be the backup for quarterback Jay Schroeder. Williams played just one game in 1986, and spent most of the 1987 season on the bench. But injuries and inconsistent play from Schroeder made Gibbs promote Williams to starting quarterback.

Williams had played extremely well in his 5 regular season games, throwing for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, with only 5 interceptions.

NFC champion Washington won Super Bowl XXII and its second NFL championship of the 1980s with a 42-10 decision over AFC champion Denver.

The Redskins, who also won Super Bowl XVII, enjoyed a record-setting second quarter en route to the victory.

The Broncos broke in front 10-0 when quarterback John Elway threw a 56-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ricky Nattiel on the Broncos' first play from scrimmage. Following a Washington punt, Denver's Rich Karlis kicked a 24-yard field goal to cap a seven-play, 61-yard scoring drive.

The Redskins then erupted for 35 points on five straight possessions in the second period and coasted thereafter. The 35 points established an NFL postseason mark for most points in a period.

Redskins quarterback Doug Williams led the second-period explosion by passing for a Super Bowl record-tying four touchdowns, including 80- and 50-yard passes to wide receiver Ricky Sanders, a 27-yard toss to wide receiver Gary Clark, and an 8-yard pass to tight end Clint Didier.

Washington scored five touchdowns in 18 plays with total time of possession of only 5:47. Overall, Williams completed 18 of 29 passes for 340 yards and was named the game's most valuable player. His pass-yardage total eclipsed the Super Bowl record of 331 yards by Joe Montana of San Francisco in Super Bowl XIX.

Sanders ended with 193 yards on nine catches, breaking the previous Super Bowl yardage record of 161 yards by Lynn Swann of Pittsburgh in Game X.

Rookie running back Timmy Smith was the game's leading rusher with 22 carries for a Super Bowl-record 204 yards, breaking the previous mark of 191 yards by Marcus Allen of the Raiders in Game XVIII. Smith also scored twice on runs of 58 and 4 yards.

Washington's six touchdowns and 602 total yards gained also set Super Bowl records.

Redskins cornerback Barry Wilburn had two of the team's three interceptions, and strong safety Alvin Walton had two of Washington's five sacks.

Date January 31, 1988
Stadium Jack Murphy Stadium
City San Diego, California
MVP Doug Williams, Quarterback
Favorite Broncos by 3
National anthem Herb Alpert
Coin toss Don Hutson
Referee Bob McElwee
Halftime show Chubby Checker and The Rockettes
Attendance 72,302
TV in the United States
Network ABC
Announcers Al Michaels, Dan Dierdorf, and Frank Gifford
Nielsen Ratings 41.9
Market share 62
Cost of 30-second commercial US$645,000