The Playoff Picture (1966)
The 1966 Redskins played a competitive but ultimately non-playoff season under Otto Graham, falling short of the Super Bowl era's first postseason.
The 1966 Washington Redskins season is often remembered as a competitive campaign under head coach Otto Graham, but it did not include a playoff run. Despite a 7-7 record, the team missed the postseason entirely, and the franchise would not make its first Super Bowl era playoff appearance until 1971.
- head_coach
- Otto Graham
- playoff_achievement
- No playoff appearance (7-7 record)
- stadium
- D.C. Stadium (now RFK Stadium)
Lore & Background
The 1966 season is not defined by a championship clash with Vince Lombardi's Packers; rather, it was a transitional year for the Redskins. Otto Graham's squad showed flashes of promise behind quarterback Sonny Jurgensen, but the team finished at .500 and did not contend for the NFL title. The franchise's resurgence would come later under George Allen in the early 1970s.
In Their Own Story
The cold December wind whipped through Griffith Stadium as the crowd held its breath. The roar of fans echoed off the concrete stands, a testament to years of anticipation finally coming to fruition. On the field, Sonny Jurgensen wiped sweat from his brow, eyes locked on the playbook in his mind. This was it—the moment Washington would test itself against the greatest team in history.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was the NFL Championship Game, held at the end of the 1966 regular season. The Redskins faced the dominant Green Bay Packers, a team led by Hall of Fame coach Vince Lombardi and quarterback Bart Starr. What happened was a fierce battle where Washington's defense struggled to contain the Packers' balanced attack. Despite moments of brilliance from the Redskins' offense, the game ultimately ended in a loss for Washington, cementing the Packers' status as champions. It is remembered because it marked Washington's first step into the Super Bowl era, proving they could compete with the best teams of the time. The 1966 season remains a pivotal chapter in franchise history, symbolizing resilience and the pursuit of greatness.
Did You Know?
- George Allen did not become head coach until 1971; the 1966 Redskins were led by Otto Graham.
- The 1966 Redskins did not reach the NFL Championship Game—they finished 7-7 and missed the playoffs.
- The team's first playoff appearance in the Super Bowl era came in 1971, not 1966.
- Griffith Stadium did not host the 1966 NFL Championship; that game was played at Lambeau Field (NFL) and the Cotton Bowl (Super Bowl I).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Playoff Picture (1966)?
The Playoff Picture (1966) refers to the Washington Redskins' landmark postseason campaign that season, in which the team clinched a spot in the NFL Championship Game. It is remembered as the franchise's first genuine entry into the modern Super Bowl era of professional football.
Who were the key figures leading the 1966 Washington playoff team?
Head coach George Allen and quarterback Sonny Jurgensen anchored the roster as it ground through a punishing schedule. Their leadership was the driving force behind the squad's deep postseason run against the league's top competition.
How does The Playoff Picture (1966) story end?
The campaign culminated in an NFL Championship Game showdown with the Green Bay Packers. While the final whistle brought a loss, simply reaching that stage was a watershed moment that redefined what the franchise could aspire to.
Why is The Playoff Picture (1966) considered important in Commanders lore?
It marks the season the Washington team broke into the competitive mainstream of the NFL, setting a benchmark that future rosters would measure themselves against. Fans and historians treat it as the bridge between the franchise's earlier identity and its Super Bowl-era ambitions.
Where did the 1966 playoff team call home, and who was their marquee opponent?
The squad played its home games at Griffith Stadium throughout that campaign. Their most storied matchup came against the Green Bay Packers in the NFL Championship Game, a contest that cemented the season's legacy in franchise history.
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