Washington Commanders · Franchise era 3 of 7
Allen restores belief: the Washington Commanders story
Franchise era
1969—1980
Allen restores belief
Washington Commanders
The story in one sentence
Vince Lombardi's brief season and George Allen's veteran teams immediately restored winning and delivered a Super Bowl trip after the 1972 season.
The Over-the-Hill Gang reaches the Super Bowl
Sonny Jurgensen, Larry Brown and Chris Hanburger gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for the gibbs dynasty.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 1969
What came before
Washington fielded gifted passers and receivers but went twenty-four seasons without a postseason appearance.
1972-12-24
Divisional Round: Green Bay Packers vs Washington
1972-12-31
Conference Championship: Dallas Cowboys vs Washington
1973-01-14
Super Bowl: Miami Dolphins vs Washington
After 1980
What came next
Gibbs adapted his offense around different quarterbacks and dominant lines, winning Super Bowls after the 1982, 1987 and 1991 seasons.
The core