Super Bowl XXII Teams and Final Score
The 1988 Super Bowl, known as Super Bowl XXII, featured the Washington Redskins against the Denver Broncos at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego. The Redskins won Super Bowl XXII with a final score of 42–10, marking one of the most decisive victories in the game's history Super Bowl XXII official NFL page.
Both teams entered the game with strong regular-season records, but the Redskins' balanced offense and opportunistic defense set the tone early. The Broncos, who had reached Super Bowl XXI the previous season, looked to build on that momentum but struggled against Washington's defensive adjustments and explosive offensive plays.
Key Players and Performers in the 1988 Super Bowl
Washington quarterback Doug Williams became the first Black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl, earning Super Bowl MVP honors after throwing four touchdown passes in the second half Pro Football Reference Super Bowl XXII box score.
Denver's leading offensive weapons included quarterback John Elway and running back Ricky Nattiel, while Washington's roster featured stars such as running back Timmy Smith, who set a Super Bowl rushing record with 204 yards, and wide receiver Ricky Sanders Sports Reference NFL Super Bowl historical data.
Coaches, Broadcast Details, and Legacy
Coaching Staffs and Game Strategy
Washington was coached by Joe Gibbs, whose offensive scheme and halftime adjustments proved decisive, while Denver was led by Dan Reeves, who was coaching in his first Super Bowl appearance Pro Football Reference 1988 Washington Redskins season page.
Broadcast and Audience Reach
The game was televised nationally by ABC, drawing one of the largest audiences in Super Bowl history at the time and cementing the event's status as a mainstream cultural spectacle Super Bowl XXII official NFL page.
Long-Term Impact on NFL History
Super Bowl XXII is remembered for Doug Williams' breakthrough performance and Timmy Smith's record-setting rushing day, which reshaped perceptions of quarterback and running back roles in big-game situations.
Relevance to Modern Super Bowl Analysis
Today, analysts still reference the 1988 Super Bowl when evaluating halftime comebacks, rookie quarterback poise, and the strategic importance of adaptable coaching staffs Sports Reference NFL Super Bowl historical data.