The 1983 Washington Redskins entered the season as defending Super Bowl champions under head coach Joe Gibbs. Washington went 14-2 in the regular season and led the NFL in scoring with 33.8 points per game. Their chances for a repeat title were stymied, however, in Super Bowl XVIII by the Raiders, who beat them, 38-9. QB Joe Theismann had career-highs in passing yards and touchdowns, and was named league MVP. Hall of Fame running back John Riggins rushed for 1,347 yards and a league-best 24 touchdowns, which was then an all-time record. Pro Bowl Wide receiver Charlie Brown led the Redskins with 1,225 yards receiving and eight touchdown catches, and on defense, safety Matt Murphy led the NFL with nine interceptions and was named All-Pro. After finishing the regular season with nine straight wins, Washington beat the Rams, 51-7 in the NFC Divisional. They narrowly defeated the 49ers in the NFC Championship, 24-21, before falling in the Super Bowl.