NFC champion Washington won Super Bowl XXII and its second NFL championship of the 1980s (Super Bowl XVII the other) with a dominating 42-10 decision over AFC champion Denver with a record-setting second quarter en route to the victory.

The Broncos started off quickly, 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 exploded for 35 points on five straight possessions in the second period, 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 (MVP). His pass-yardage total surpassed the Super Bowl record of 331 yards by Joe Montana of San Francisco in Super Bowl XIX.

Sanders finished 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 new 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.

Scoring Information