Super Bowl XV

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Lore & Background

This game marked the climax of Jim Plunkett's revival as an NFL starter. Selected first overall by the Patriots in 1971, Plunkett endured five losing seasons there and two uneven ones with San Francisco before joining Oakland as a backup. After Dan Pastorini broke his leg early in the 1980 season, the 33-year-old Plunkett took over following a rough start against Kansas City. He led the Raiders to nine victories in their final eleven games. In the Super Bowl, Plunkett completed 13 of 21 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns, earning MVP honors as only the second Heisman Trophy winner to do so after Roger Staubach. The offense was supported by wide receivers Cliff Branch (44 receptions, 858 yards, 7 TDs) and Bob Chandler (49 receptions, 786 yards, 10 TDs), plus running back Mark van Eeghen, who rushed for 838 yards.

In Their Own Story

The Raiders jumped out to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter aided by two touchdown passes from Plunkett, and the Eagles never recovered. Oakland linebacker Rod Martin intercepted Philadelphia quarterback Ron Jaworski three times, setting a Super Bowl record that stood for this game. The Eagles' defense, which had allowed the fewest points in the league during the regular season (222), could not contain the Raiders' attack. Philadelphia's Wilbert Montgomery was limited by injuries during the regular season but rushed for 194 yards in the NFC title game; however, the Raiders' offense controlled the tempo. The victory came just five days after the Iran hostage crisis ended, adding a layer of national significance to the pregame ceremonies. Oakland's defense led the league with 52 forced turnovers and 35 interceptions, anchored by Lester Hayes (13 picks) and Rod Martin.

Reader's Guide

To understand Super Bowl XV, one must look at the wild card journey of the Raiders. They finished 11–5, losing a tiebreaker to San Diego for the division title, then defeated Houston Oilers (27–7), Cleveland Browns (14–12 on Red Right 88), and San Diego Chargers (34–27) in the playoffs. This made them the first wild card team to win three postseason rounds since the 10-team format began in 1978. The Eagles advanced by beating Minnesota Vikings (31–16) and Dallas Cowboys (20–7). Head coach Tom Flores became the first Hispanic coach to win a Super Bowl, while Gene Upshaw became the first player to play in three Super Bowls with the same team across three different decades. The game was held under unique circumstances: Miami was notably left out of host selection due to stadium issues and internal political maneuvering by Dolphins owner Joe Robbie.

Did You Know?

• The Raiders became the first wild card team to win a Super Bowl.
• Rod Martin set a Super Bowl record with three interceptions in the game.
• Jim Plunkett was only the second Heisman Trophy winner named Super Bowl MVP, following Roger Staubach.
• Oakland finished 11–5 and lost an AFC West tiebreaker to San Diego before winning three playoff games as a wild card.
• The game took place just five days after the Iran hostage crisis ended.