1980 Oakland Raiders season

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 1980 NFL draft

Personnel

Staff / Coaches

• Principal Owner/General Manager - Al Davis

• Minority Co-Owner - Eddie McGah

• President of the General Partner / General Manager – Al Davis

• Director of Football Operations - Steve Ortmayer

• Senior Executive – John Herrera

• Executive Assistant / Scout - Al LoCasale

• Head Coach – Tom Flores

• Offensive Backs – Ray Willsey

• Receivers Coach – Lew Erber

• Offensive line – Sam Boghosian

• Tight Ends - Bob Mischak

• Offensive Assistant - Joe Madro

• Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers - Charlie Sumner

• Defensive Line – Earl Leggett

• Defensive Backs – Chet Franklin

• Defensive Backfield Coach - Willie Brown

• Special Teams Coach – Jim Sweeney

• Special Teams Coach - Steve Ortmayer

• Strength and Conditioning - Bob Mischak

:Sources:

Roster

(Left squad)

Depth chart

Staff

Head Coach: Tom Flores

Assistants:

• Ray Willsey (RB)
• Lew Erber (WR)
• Sam Boghosian (OL)
• Earl Leggett (DL)
• Charlie Sumner (LB)
• Chet Franklin (DB)
• Steve Ortmayer (ST)
• Bob Mischak (OfA, pro sct)
• Joe Madro (OfA, sct)
• Willie Brown (DfA)

Season summary

Five weeks into the Raiders season, starting QB Dan Pastorini broke his leg in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. 32-year-old Jim Plunkett came off the bench to relieve Pastorini and had a terrible performance, throwing 5 interceptions in a 31–17 loss. The Raiders, thinking that Marc Wilson did not have the experience they wanted, called on Plunkett to start for the remainder of the year. In his first game as a starter, he completed eleven of fourteen passes with a touchdown and no interceptions, beginning one of the greatest comeback stories in the history of the sport. Plunkett guided Oakland to nine victories in eleven games and a playoff berth as a wild-card. Then, even more remarkably, rather than suffering an early defeat which marks the typical fate of NFL wild card teams, Plunkett led the Raiders to four playoff victories, including the Super Bowl, where they defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 27–10, in Super Bowl XV. Throwing for 261 yards and three touchdowns, Plunkett was named the game's MVP.

At wide receiver, Cliff Branch re-emerged again as one of the games deep threats and had his best season since 1977. Bob Chandler, the other WR, had one of his best seasons, leading the team in receptions (49) and TDs (10).

All – Pro veteran Raymond Chester at tight end also contributed with timely big plays throughout the year and in the post season. On defense, the Raiders were led by Lester Hayes who arguably had the best season for a cornerback in NFL history – 18 interceptions, 2 TDs in 19 games played. Oakland led the NFL in interceptions (35) and takeaways (52) and 2nd in sacks with 54. Hayes was known for using "stickum" and would have stickum all over his upper body. After the season, the NFL prohibited its use.

The Raiders' Super Bowl win was the first by an NFL wild card team and the second by a non-division champion. The Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl IV after finishing second to the Raiders in the AFL West Division during the 1969 season.

Preseason

Regular season

Schedule

Standings

Game summaries

Week 1 at Kansas City Chiefs

;First quarter

• KC – Ted McKnight 7-yard run (Nick Lowery kick). Chiefs 7–0.
• OAK – Bob Chandler 16-yard pass from Dan Pastorini (Chris Bahr kick). Tie 7–7. ;Second quarter
• No scoring ;Third quarter
• OAK – Mark van Eeghen 1-yard run (Chris Bahr kick). Raiders 14–7.
• OAK – Bob Chandler 32-yard pass from Dan Pastorini (Chris Bahr kick). Raiders 21–7. ;Fourth quarter
• OAK – Chris Bahr 41-yard field goal. Raiders 24–7.
• KC – Tony Samuels 4-yard pass from Steve Fuller (Nick Lowery kick). Raiders 24–14.
• OAK – Chris Bahr 39-yard field goal. Raiders 27–14. ;Top passers
• OAK – Dan Pastorini – 19/37, 317 yards, 2 TD
• KC – Steve Fuller – 16/28, 196 yards, TD, 3INT ;Top rushers
• OAK – Mark van Eeghen – 16 rushes, 54 yards, TD
• KC – Ted McKnight – 14 rushes, 77 yards, TD ;Top receivers
• OAK – Bob Chandler – 5 receptions, 85 yards, 2 TD
• KC – Henry Marshall – 3 receptions, 83 yards

Week 2: San Diego Chargers

;Oakland

• Dan Pastorini – 15/33, 238 yards, TD, 3 INT
• Kenny King – 13 rush, 70 yards
• Cliff Branch – 4 receptions, 99 yards, TD

;San Diego

• Dan Fouts 29/44, 387 yards, 3 TD, 5 INT
• Clarence Williams – 17 rush, 38 yards, TD
• Kellen Winslow – 9 receptions, 132 yards, TD

Week 3: vs. Washington Redskins

;Washington

• Joe Theismann – 19/36, 204 yards, 2 TD, INT
• Rickey Claitt – 9 rush, 30 yards
• Rick Walker – 5 receptions, 53 yards, TD

;Oakland

• Dan Pastorini – 17/33, 176 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
• Kenny King – 25 rush, 136 yards
• Cliff Branch – 4 receptions, 50 yards

Week 4 at Buffalo Bills

;First quarter

• BUF – Curtis Brown 4-yard run (Nick Mike-Mayer kick). Bills 7–0. ;Second quarter
• BUF – Joe Cribbs 1-yard run (Nick Mike-Mayer kick). Bills 14–0.
• BUF – Nick Mike-Mayer 30-yard field goal. Bills 17–0. ;Third quarter
• OAK – Lester Hayes 48-yard interception return (Chris Bahr kick). Bills 17–7. ;Fourth quarter
• BUF – Joe Cribbs 21-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Nick Mike-Mayer kick). Bills 24–7. ;Top passers
• OAK – Dan Pastorini – 10/20, 158 yards, 2 INT
• BUF – Joe Ferguson – 17/22, 175 yards, TD, INT ;Top rushers
• OAK – Mark van Eeghen – 10 rushes, 46 yards
• BUF – Joe Cribbs – 30 rushes, 90 yards, TD ;Top receivers
• OAK – Bob Chandler – 3 receptions, 87 yards
• BUF – Jerry Butler – 3 receptions, 49 yards

Week 5: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs

• Steve Fuller – 6/11, 65 yards, INT
• Ted McKnight – 24 rush, 64 yards, TD
• Henry Marshall – 3 receptions, 42 yards

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 20/52, 238 yards, 2 TD, 5 INT
• Mark van Eeghen – 10 rush, 24 yards
• Cliff Branch – 6 receptions, 93 yards, TD

Week 6: vs. San Diego Chargers

Chargers

• Dan Fouts – 23/39, 388 yards, TD, 2 INT
• Chuck Muncie – 7 rush, 39 yards
• Charlie Joiner – 8 receptions, 135 yards

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 11/14, 164 yards, TD
• Kenny King – 12 rush, 138 yards, 2 TD
• Dave Casper – 3 receptions, 61 yards

Week 7: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 13/21, 247 yards, 3 TD
• Kenny King – 14 rush, 70 yards, TD
• Cliff Branch – 5 receptions, 123 yards, 2 TD

Steelers

• Terry Bradshaw – 18/27, 299 yards, 2 TD, INT
• Russell Davis – 9 rush, 51 yards
• Theo Bell – 5 receptions, 114 yards, TD

Week 8: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks

• Jim Zorn – 17/33, 282 yards, TD, 2 INT
• Jeff Moore – 6 rush, 9 yards
• Steve Largent – 9 receptions, 142 yards, TD

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 16/25, 214 yards, 3 TD
• Mark van Eeghen – 17 rush, 75 yards
• Bob Chandler – 5 receptions, 75 yards, 3 TD

Week 9: vs. Miami Dolphins

Dolphins

• David Woodley – 11/16, 75 yards, 2 INT
• Terry Robiskie – 11 rush, 28 yards, TD
• Nat Moore – 4 receptions, 30 yards

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 16/26, 157 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
• Mark van Eeghen – 16 rush, 78 yards
• Arthur Whittington – 4 receptions, 52 yards

Week 10: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals

• Ken Anderson – 16/29, 174 yards, TD, INT
• Charles Alexander – 14 rush, 52 yards
• Dan Ross – 6 receptions, 58 yards, TD

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 19/25, 244 yards, 2 INT
• Kenny King – 15 rush, 51 yards, TD
• Cliff Branch – 3 receptions, 63 yards

Week 11: at Seattle Seahawks

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 9/22, 135 yards, INT
• Arthur Whittington – 6 rush, 36 yards, TD
• Derrick Ramsey – 2 receptions, 76 yards

Seahawks

• Jim Zorn – 19/35, 250 yards, TD, 2 INT
• Jim Jodat – 12 rush, 48 yards
• Steve Largent – 5 receptions, 68 yards

Week 12: at Philadelphia Eagles

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 10/36, 237 yards, TD, 2 INT
• Mark van Eeghen – 8 rush, 36 yards
• Cliff Branch – 4 receptions, 125 yards, TD

Eagles

• Ron Jaworski – 14/32, 181 yards, INT
• Wilbert Montgomery – 22 rush, 76 yards, TD
• Leroy Harris – 2 receptions, 70 yards

Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos

Broncos

• Craig Morton – 18/35, 134 yards, 4 INT
• Jim Jensen – 8 rush, 41 yards
• Rick Upchurch – 4 receptions, 54 yards

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 9/19, 78 yards
• Kenny King – 16 rush, 87 yards
• Mark van Eeghen – 3 receptions, 37 yards

Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys

• Danny White – 14/26, 159 yards
• Tony Dorsett – 25 rush, 97 yards, TD
• Billy Joe DuPree – 3 receptions, 61 yards

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 16/36, 190 yards, TD, 2 INT
• Kenny King – 7 rush, 38 yards
• Bob Chandler – 5 receptions, 80 yards Dallas cornerback Aaron Mitchell intercepted Jim Plunkett in the end zone with 1:44 remaining to seal the victory.

Week 15: at Denver Broncos

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 13/21, 213 yards, 2 TD, INT
• Mark van Eeghen – 20 rush, 72 yards
• Bob Chandler – 3 receptions, 69 yards, 2 TD

Broncos

• Craig Morton – 18/30, 338 yards, TD, INT
• Dave Preston – 16 rush, 50 yards, 2 TD
• Haven Moses – 6 receptions, 141 yards

Week 16: at New York Giants

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 12/22, 164 yards, 2 TD
• Mark van Eeghen – 19 rush, 115 yards
• Bob Chandler – 6 receptions, 72 yards

Giants

• Scott Brunner – 17/32, 150 yards, TD, INT
• Leon Perry – 16 rush, 98 yards
• Danny Pittman – 4 receptions, 59 yards The Raiders clinched a wild card spot and a home playoff game with the win over the Giants. Oakland was now 9–2 since Jim Plunkett had taken over as the team's starting quarterback. "I'm not really amazed", Plunkett said. "I felt that this team had a chance to make it into the playoffs. I'm just thankful I had these opportunities to play. I just kept plugging away and I think it turned out OK."

Chris Bahr opened scoring midway through the first quarter with a 41-yard field goal. Ted Hendricks blocked Dave Jennings' punt and Jeff Barnes fell on the ball at the New York 11 on the ensuing possession. Two plays later, Arthur Whittington swept around right end for Oakland's first score.

Three plays into the Giants' next drive, Gary Shirk caught a Scott Brunner pass but fumbled it away. Luckily, the Raiders couldn't capitalize as Bahr's 52-yard field goal attempt was short.

A Joe Danelo field goal put New York on the scoreboard but Plunkett completed passes of 12 and 11 yards to Bob Chandler before finding Cliff Branch caught a pass between Eric Felton and Steve Henry at the Giants' 10 and strode in to give Oakland a 17–3 lead with 6:29 left in the first half. Three plays following the kickoff, Lester Hayes picked off Brunner and returned it 50 yards to the New York 19. The Raiders failed to move and Bahr kicked a 38-yard field goal to increase the lead to 20–3 with 2:55 left.

New York scored their first touchdown on a touchdown pass from Scott Brunner to Leon Perry before halftime but Oakland took control on a 37-yard bomb from Plunkett to Raymond Chester late in the third quarter. Billy Taylor scored in the closing seconds following a pass interference penalty by Hayes in the end zone but an onside kick attempt by Joe Danelo went right to Derrick Jensen, who sprinted into the end zone.

Playoffs

Game summaries

Wild card

Oilers

• Ken Stabler – 15/26, 243 yards, 2 INT
• Earl Campbell – 27 rush, 91 yards
• Mike Barber – 4 receptions, 83 yards

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 8/23, 168 yards, 2 TD, INT
• Kenny King – 13 rush, 55 yards
• Arthur Whittington – 2 receptions, 64 yards, TD

Divisional

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 14/30, 149 yards, 2 INT
• Mark van Eeghen – 20 rush, 45 yards, TD
• Raymond Chester – 3 receptions, 64 yards

Browns

• Brian Sipe – 13/40, 183 yards, 3 INT
• Mike Pruitt – 13 rush, 48 yards
• Greg Pruitt – 3 receptions, 54 yards

AFC Championship

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 14/18, 261 yards, 2 TD
• Mark van Eeghen – 20 rush, 85 yards, TD
• Raymond Chester – 5 receptions, 102 yards, TD

Chargers

• Dan Fouts – 22/45, 336 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
• Mike Thomas – 12 rush, 48 yards
• Charlie Joiner – 6 receptions, 130 yards, 2 TD

Super Bowl

Main article: Super Bowl XV

Raiders

• Jim Plunkett – 13/21, 261 yards, 3 TD
• Mark van Eeghen – 19 rush, 80 yards
• Kenny King – 2 receptions, 93 yards, TD

Eagles

• Ron Jaworski – 18/38, 291 yards, TD, 3 INT
• Wilbert Montgomery – 16 rush, 44 yards
• Wilbert Montgomery – 6 receptions, 91 yards

References

References

1. [http://www.pressdemocrat.com/sports/4681530-181/raiders-fans-reliving-the-los Raiders fans reliving the Los Angeles nightmare], ''The Press Democrat'', Phil Barber, Dec. 14, 2015.
2. "1980 Oakland Raiders Draftees". Pro Football Reference.
3. "1980 Oakland Raiders (NFL) Scores, Roster, Stats , Coaches, Draft".
4. https://pro-football-history.com/franchise/17/las-vegas-raiders-coaches
5. "Raiders coaches – Silver and Black Report".
6. [https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=7yxVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=pz0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=6883%2C6388241 "Dallas Downs Oakland."] ''The Robesonian'' (Lumberton, N.C.) December 8, 1980. p. 2B.
7. "Plunkett in control; Raiders back on top." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. December 22, 1980
8. "Raiders Whip Giants to Clinch Playoff Berth." Palm Beach Post. December 22, 1980.
9. ^
10. Pro-Football-Reference.com
11. {{usurped
12. "Super Bowl XV - Oakland Raiders vs. Philadelphia Eagles - January 25th, 1981".