The 1982 Washington Redskins

The 1982 NFL season wasn't a marathon, it was a sprint. A players strike reduced a 16-week schedule to nine that season, leaving teams scrambling to reach the playoffs. Most clubs appeared frantic and rusty after the layoff. But the Washington Redskins dominated all comers under head coach Joe Gibbs. Washington hired Gibbs in 1981, and just one season later, had molded the team in his hardnosed image. The offensive line, nicknamed The Hogs, was equally adept at blasting holes for fullback John Riggins as they were protecting their Pro Bowl passer, Joe Theismann. Powered up front, Washington muscled through the final stretch and lost only once during the regular season. From there, the postseason was expanded to four rounds and included 16 teams. But while the road to Super Bowl XVII was a unique one, Gibbs Redskins won the NFL title by sticking with its tried-and-true running game. Led by a big day from Riggins, Washington ran over the Miami Dolphins, 27-17.