1983 Washington Redskins season
The 1983 Washington Redskins season was the franchise's 52nd season in the National Football League (NFL) and their 47th in Washington, D.C. The season began with the team trying to win consecutive Super Bowls, following their victory in Super Bowl XVII against the Miami Dolphins. Washington's 14–2 record was a franchise record and the best in the NFL. Their two losses were by a combined two points. Though the Redskins won the NFC Championship and advanced to a second consecutive Super Bowl, they were blown out by the Los Angeles Raiders 38–9 despite being 3-point favorites. They were the first defending Super Bowl champions to qualify for the playoffs since the 1979 Pittsburgh Steelers.
| 1983 Washington Redskins season | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Jack Kent Cooke |
| General manager | Bobby Beathard |
| Head coach | Joe Gibbs |
| Home field | RFK Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 14–2 |
| Division place | 1st NFC East |
| Playoff finish | Won Divisional Playoffs (vs. Rams) 51–7 Won NFC Championship (vs. 49ers) 24–21 Lost Super Bowl XVIII (vs. Raiders) 9–38 |
The Redskins' 541 points scored and +209 point differential was the best in the league, with the 541 points setting an NFL record at the time. The 1983 Redskins also had a turnover margin of +43, an NFL record. Washington was the first team since the merger to record more than 60 takeaways (61).
This season is cornerback Darrell Green's first in the league. He would spend 20 seasons with the team until his retirement in 2002.
The 27-12 victory on September 18 against the Kansas City Chiefs is the only win in franchise history against them as of 2023.