1980 Oakland Raiders season

NFL team season (won Super Bowl)

The 1980 season was the Oakland Raiders' 21st since they were founded, their 11th in the National Football League (NFL) and their second under head coach Tom Flores.

The team improved on their 9–7 record from 1979 to an 11–5 record, and ended with their second Super Bowl victory. In 1979, Raiders owner Al Davis announced his intention to move the Raiders to Los Angeles. Negotiations between Davis and the Oakland Coliseum regarding potential improvements to the facility came to an end in February 1980. At the NFL's annual meeting on March 10, 1980, team owners voted 22-0 against allowing the move, with the Raiders not participating and five teams abstaining. Davis announced he would ignore the vote and move the team anyway.[1]

The Raiders played the entire 1980 season in Oakland. At a Monday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos on December 1, 1980, Raiders fans protested by entering the Oakland Coliseum five minutes after the start of the game and holding up signs stating "Save Our Raiders" at each half's 2-minute warning. By some estimates, "almost two-thirds" of the Coliseum's seats had been empty at the game's kickoff.[1]

The announced move was involved in four lawsuits: the Los Angeles Coliseum Commission sued the NFL charging antitrust violations, the NFL sued the Raiders charging breach of contract, Raider season ticket holders filed a class-action lawsuit, and the City of Oakland filed for eminent domain of the team.[1] It wouldn’t be the only controversial event the team was involved in, as Lester Hayes’ use of stickum for competitive advantage reached its head during the season, leading to the substance’s banning the next season in what was dubbed the “Lester Hayes Rule”. Hayes, along with other NFL players such as Hall of Fame wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff, had used the substance in years past to assist in intercepting, catching and to disrupt opposing quarterbacks’ passing ability.[2]

Still playing in Oakland, the Raiders entered the season with a new quarterback after acquiring Dan Pastorini from the Houston Oilers for Kenny Stabler. However, Pastorini struggled and the Raiders got off to a 2–3 start when Pastorini was injured and replaced by Jim Plunkett. Plunkett proved right for the Raiders offense. The defense led the league in interceptions (35), turnovers (52) and yards per carry (3.4 YPA). Lester Hayes led the NFL with 13 interceptions. The team won 6 straight compiling an 11–5 record and qualifying for the playoffs as a Wild Card. In the Wild Card Game, the Raiders would beat the Houston Oilers 27–7 at Oakland as the Raiders defense picked off former teammate Kenny Stabler twice. Playing in freezing weather with the temperature reading 2 °F (−17 °C), the Raiders stunned the Browns 14–12 in a defensive struggle in Cleveland. In the AFC Championship Game in San Diego, the game would be a shoot out as the Raiders stunned the Chargers 34–27 to become the first AFC Wild Card to make the Super Bowl. Highlighted by Jim Plunkett's MVP performance and Rod Martin's 3 interceptions, the Raiders defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27–10 in Super Bowl XV.

Offseason

NFL draft

1980 Oakland Raiders draft
Round Pick Player Position College Notes
1 15 Marc Wilson  Quarterback BYU
2 43 Matt Millen *  Linebacker Penn State
5 125 Kenny Lewis  Running back Virginia Tech
5 126 John Adams  Linebacker LSU
5 128 William Bowens  Linebacker North Alabama
7 173 Malcolm Barnwell  Wide receiver Virginia Union Made roster in 1981.
8 194 Kenny Hill  Defensive back Yale Made roster in 1981.
10 264 Walter Carter  Defensive end Florida State
11 291 Mike Massey  Linebacker Arkansas
12 322 Calvin Muhammad  Wide receiver Texas Southern Made roster in 1982.
      Made roster    *   Made at least one Pro Bowl during career

[2]

Roster

1980 Oakland Raiders roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists
  • -- John Adams LB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 80 Malcolm Barnwell WR (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 48 Kenny Hill SS (IRTooltip Injured reserve)


Practice squad



Rookies in italics


Depth chart

Defense
1980 Oakland Raiders roster


FS
Burgess Owens


WLB ILB ILB SLB
Rod Martin Randy McClanahan Matt Millen
Jeff Barnes Bob Nelson
SS
Mike Davis
CB
Lester Hayes


DE NT DE
Dave Browning Reggie Kinlaw John Matuszak
CB
Monte Jackson
Dwayne O'Steen
Offense
1980 Oakland Raiders roster
WR
Cliff Branch
LT LG C RG RT
Art Shell Gene Upshaw Dave Dalby Mickey Marvin Henry Lawrence
TE
Raymond Chester
Dave Casper
WR
Bob Chandler
QB
Jim Plunkett
Dan Pastorini
RB
Kenny King
FB
Mark van Eeghen
Special teams
PK Chris Bahr
P Ray Guy
KR Ira Matthews
PR Ira Matthews


Staff

Head Coach: Tom Flores

Ast: 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)

[3]

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.[citation needed]

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

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 9 at San Francisco 49ers L 14–33 0–1 Candlestick Park Recap
2 August 16 New England Patriots W 31–29 1–1 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap
3 August 23 at Washington Redskins L 17–34 1–2 RFK Stadium Recap
4 August 30 Philadelphia Eagles W 24–23 2–2 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap

Regular season

Schedule

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 7 at Kansas City Chiefs W 27–14 1–0 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
2 September 14 at San Diego Chargers L 24–30 (OT) 1–1 San Diego Stadium Recap
3 September 21 Washington Redskins W 24–21 2–1 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap
4 September 28 at Buffalo Bills L 7–24 2–2 Rich Stadium Recap
5 October 5 Kansas City Chiefs L 17–31 2–3 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap
6 October 12 San Diego Chargers W 38–24 3–3 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap
7 October 20 at Pittsburgh Steelers W 45–34 4–3 Three Rivers Stadium Recap
8 October 26 Seattle Seahawks W 33–14 5–3 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap
9 November 2 Miami Dolphins W 16–10 6–3 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap
10 November 9 Cincinnati Bengals W 28–17 7–3 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap
11 November 17 at Seattle Seahawks W 19–17 8–3 Kingdome Recap
12 November 23 at Philadelphia Eagles L 7–10 8–4 Veterans Stadium Recap
13 December 1 Denver Broncos W 9–3 9–4 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap
14 December 7 Dallas Cowboys L 13–19 9–5 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap
15 December 14 at Denver Broncos W 24–21 10–5 Mile High Stadium Recap
16 December 21 at New York Giants W 33–17 11–5 Giants Stadium Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Standings

AFC West
  • view
  • talk
  • edit
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
San Diego Chargers(1) 11 5 0 .688 6–2 9–3 418 327 W2
Oakland Raiders(4) 11 5 0 .688 6–2 9–3 364 306 W2
Kansas City Chiefs 8 8 0 .500 4–4 6–8 319 336 W1
Denver Broncos 8 8 0 .500 3–5 5–7 310 323 W1
Seattle Seahawks 4 12 0 .250 1–7 3–9 291 408 L9

Game summaries

Week 1 at Kansas City Chiefs

Week One: Oakland Raiders (0–0) at Kansas City Chiefs (0–0)
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 7 0 14627
Chiefs 7 0 0714

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: September 7
  • Game time: 4:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 82 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 54,269
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph and Gene Washington
  • Box Score
Game information
First quarter
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
Top receivers
  • OAK – Bob Chandler – 5 receptions, 85 yards, 2 TD
  • KC – Henry Marshall – 3 receptions, 83 yards

Week 2: San Diego Chargers

Week Two: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Raiders 3 7 77024
Chargers 3 7 014630

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego

  • Date: September 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C), wind 8 mph (13 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 51,943
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Raiders Chargers
1 Chargers 52-yard field goal by Rolf Benirschke 0 3
1 Raiders 35-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 3 3
2 Chargers John Jefferson 4-yard touchdown reception from Dan Fouts, Rolf Benirschke kick good 3 10
2 Raiders Cliff Branch 48-yard touchdown reception from Dan Pastorini, Chris Bahr kick good 10 10
3 Raiders Fumble recovery returned 11 yards for touchdown by Willie Jones, Chris Baher kick good 17 10
4 Chargers Kellen Winslow 25-yard touchdown reception from Dan Fouts, Rolf Benirschke kick good 17 17
4 Chargers Clarence Williams 4-yard touchdown run, Rolf Benirschke kick good 17 24
4 Raiders Raymond Chester 18-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 24 24
OT Chargers John Jefferson 24-yard touchdown reception from Dan Fouts, kick not attempted 24 30
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 24 30

Week 3: vs. Washington Redskins

Week Three: Washington Redskins at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 7 7721
Raiders 3 7 7724

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: September 21
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), wind 8 mph (13 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 45,163
  • Referee: Jerry Markbreit
  • TV announcers (CBS): Vin Scully and George Allen
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Redskins Raiders
1 Raiders 21-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 0 3
2 Raiders Dave Casper 20-yard touchdown reception from Dan Pastorini, Chris Bahr kick good 0 10
2 Redskins Rick Walker 15-yard touchdown reception from Joe Theismann, Mark Moseley kick good 7 10
3 Raiders Arthur Whittington 42-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 7 17
3 Redskins Joe Theismann 4-yard touchdown run, Mark Moseley kick good 14 17
4 Raiders Bob Chandler 5-yard touchdown reception from Dan Pastorini, Chris Bahr kick good 14 24
4 Redskins Ricky Thompson 3-yard touchdown reception from Joe Theismann, Mark Moseley kick good 21 24
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 21 24

Week 4 at Buffalo Bills

Week Four: Oakland Raiders (2–1) at Buffalo Bills (3–0)
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 0 707
Bills 7 10 0724

at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information
First quarter
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
Fourth quarter
  • BUF – Joe Cribbs 21-yard pass from Joe Ferguson (Nick Mike-Mayer kick). Bills 24–7.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • OAK – Bob Chandler – 3 receptions, 87 yards
  • BUF – Jerry Butler – 3 receptions, 49 yards

Week 5: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week Five: Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 14 17 0031
Raiders 0 3 01417

at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: October 5
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), wind 8 mph (13 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 40,153
  • Referee: Red Cashion
  • TV announcers (NBC): Jay Randolph and Gene Washington
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Chiefs Raiders
1 Chiefs Fumble recovery returned 16 yards for touchdown by Gary Spani, Nick Lowery kick good 7 0
1 Chiefs Ted McKnight 2-yard touchdown run, Nick Lowery kick good 14 0
2 Chiefs 35-yard field goal by Nick Lowery 17 0
2 Chiefs Arnold Morgado 1-yard touchdown run, Nick Lowery kick good 24 0
2 Chiefs Fumble recovery returned 32 yards for touchdown by Whitney Paul, Nick Lowery kick good 31 0
2 Raiders 39-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 31 3
4 Raiders Cliff Branch 10-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 31 10
4 Raiders Bob Chandler 6-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 31 17
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 31 17

Week 6: vs. San Diego Chargers

Week Six: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 3 7724
Raiders 7 10 71438

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: October 12
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), wind 8 mph (13 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 44,826
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Chargers Raiders
1 Raiders Kenny King 31-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 0 7
1 Chargers John Cappelletti 5-yard touchdown run, Rolf Benirschke kick good 7 7
2 Raiders 42-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 7 10
2 Chargers 25-yard field goal by Rolf Benirschke 10 10
2 Raiders Cliff Branch 43-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 10 17
3 Raiders Mark van Eeghen 3-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 10 24
3 Chargers John Jefferson 25-yard touchdown reception from Dan Fouts, Rolf Benirschke kick good 17 24
4 Chargers Dan Fouts 1-yard touchdown run, Rolf Benirschke kick good 24 24
4 Raiders Kenny King 89-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 24 31
4 Raiders Fumble recovered in end zone by Todd Christensen for touchdown, Chris Bahr kick good 24 38
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 24 38

Week 7: at Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Seven: Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 7 21 71045
Steelers 10 14 10034

at Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: October 20
  • Game time: 6:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C), wind 12 mph (19 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 53,940
  • Referee: Pat Haggerty
  • TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, Don Meredith
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Raiders Steelers
1 6 67 3:01 Steelers Jim Smith 19-yard touchdown reception from Terry Bradshaw, Matt Bahr kick good 0 7
1 Steelers 18-yard field goal by Matt Bahr 0 10
1 6 85 2;05 Raiders Kenny King 27-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 7 10
2 10 84 5:28 Steelers Greg Hawthorne 1-yard touchdown run, Matt Bahr kick good 7 17
2 7 39 2:52 Raiders Mark van Eeghen 1-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 14 17
2 Raiders Fumble recovery returned 34 yards for touchdown by Rod Martin, Chris Bahr kick good 21 17
2 Raiders Morris Bradshaw 45-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 28 17
2 Steelers Jim Smith 13-yard touchdown reception from Cliff Stoudt, Chris Bahr kick good 28 24
3 Raiders Cliff Branch 56-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 35 24
3 Steelers Theo Bell 36-yard touchdown reception from Terry Bradshaw, Matt Bahr kick good 35 31
3 Steelers 32-yard field goal by Matt Bahr 35 34
4 Raiders Cliff Branch 34-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 42 34
4 Raiders 36-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 45 34
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 45 34

Week 8: vs. Seattle Seahawks

Week Eight: Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Seahawks 0 0 01414
Raiders 3 3 101733

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: October 26
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C), wind 7 mph (11 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 50,185
  • Referee: Cal Lepore
  • TV announcers (NBC): Sam Nover and Bob Trumpy
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Seahawks Raiders
1 Raiders 34-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 0 3
2 Raiders 38-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 0 6
3 Raiders 30-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 0 9
3 Raiders Bob Chandler 5-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 0 16
4 Raiders Bob Chandler 12-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 0 23
4 Seahawks Lawrence McCutcheon 1-yard touchdown run, Efren Herrera kick good 7 23
4 Raiders Bob Chandler 23-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 7 30
4 Seahawks Steve Largent 67-yard touchdown reception from Jim Zorn, Efren Herrera kick good 14 30
4 Raiders 25-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 14 33
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 14 33

Week 9: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week Nine: Miami Dolphins at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 0 3 7010
Raiders 6 10 0016

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: November 2
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 58 °F (14 °C), wind 6 mph (9.7 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 46,378
  • Referee: Bob McElwee
  • TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui and John Brodie
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Dolphins Raiders
1 Raiders Raymond Chester 13-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick no good 0 6
2 Dolphins 35-yard field goal by Uwe von Schamann 3 6
2 Raiders 48-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 3 9
2 Raiders Bob Chandler 17-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 3 16
3 Dolphins Terry Robiskie 2-yard touchdown run, Uwe von Schamann kick good 10 16
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 10 16

Week 10: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Week Ten: Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bengals 3 7 0717
Raiders 0 14 7728

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: November 9
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C), wind 5 mph (8.0 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 44,132
  • Referee: Gene Barth
  • TV announcers (NBC): Bob Costas and Gene Washington
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Bengals Raiders
1 Bengals 29-yard field goal by Ian Sunter 3 0
2 Raiders Mark van Eeghen 2-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 3 7
2 Bengals Dan Ross 1-yard touchdown reception from Ken Anderson, Ian Sunter kick good 10 7
2 Raiders Kenny King 8-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 10 14
3 Raiders Kickoff returned 90 yards for touchdown by Arthur Whittington, Chris Bahr kick good 10 21
4 Bengals Don Bass 20-yard touchdown reception from Jack Thompson, Ian Sunter kick good 17 21
4 Raiders Jim Plunkett 4-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 17 28
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 17 28

Week 11: at Seattle Seahawks

Week Eleven: Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 0 71219
Seahawks 0 7 7317

at The Kingdome, Seattle, Washington

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Raiders Seahawks
2 Seahawks Lawrence McCutcheon 1-yard touchdown run, Efren Herrera kick good 0 7
3 Seahawks Dan Doornink 8-yard touchdown reception from Jim Zorn, Efren Herrera kick good 0 14
3 Raiders Arthur Whittington 10-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 7 14
4 Seahawks 37-yard field goal by Efren Herrera 7 17
4 Raiders Ted Hendricks blocked punt through end zone 9 17
4 Raiders Mark van Eeghen 1-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 16 17
4 Raiders 28-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 19 17
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 19 17

Week 12: at Philadelphia Eagles

Week Twelve: Oakland Raiders at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 0 077
Eagles 0 0 3710

at Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia

  • Date: November 23
  • Game time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Game weather: 37 °F (3 °C), wind 5 mph (8.0 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 68,535
  • Referee: Jim Tunney
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg and Bob Trumpy
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Raiders Eagles
3 Eagles 51-yard field goal by Tony Franklin 0 3
4 Raiders Cliff Branch 86-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 7 3
4 Eagles Wilbert Montgomery 3-yard touchdown run, Tony Franklin kick good 7 10
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 7 10

Week 13: vs. Denver Broncos

Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 3 0 003
Raiders 0 0 639

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Broncos Raiders
1 Broncos 41-yard field goal by Fred Steinfort 3 0
3 Raiders Jim Plunkett 8-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick no good 3 6
4 Raiders 44-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 3 9
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 3 9

Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week Fourteen: Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Cowboys 7 9 3019
Raiders 7 3 3013

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

Dallas cornerback Aaron Mitchell intercepted Jim Plunkett in the end zone with 1:44 remaining to seal the victory.[4]

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Cowboys Raiders
1 Raiders Raymond Chester 6-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 0 7
1 Cowboys Tony Dorsett 20-yard touchdown run, Rafael Septién kick good 7 7
2 Cowboys 52-yard field goal by Rafael Septien 10 7
2 Cowboys Ron Springs 2-yard touchdown run, Rafael Septien kick no good 16 7
2 Raiders 22-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 16 10
3 Cowboys 34-yard field goal by Rafael Septein 19 10
3 Raiders 38-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 19 13
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 19 13

Week 15: at Denver Broncos

Week Fifteen: Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 7 10 0724
Broncos 0 7 7721

at Mile High Stadium, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: December 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 41 °F (5 °C), wind 9 mph (14 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 73,974
  • Referee: Dick Jorgensen
  • TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui and John Brodie
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Raiders Broncos
1 Raiders Interception returned 58 yards for touchdown by Burgess Owens, Chris Bahr kick good 7 0
2 Broncos Dave Preston 2-yard touchdown run, Fred Steinfort kick good 7 7
2 Raiders 44-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 10 7
2 Raiders Bob Chandler 11-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 17 7
3 Broncos Riley Odoms 12-yard touchdown reception from Craig Morton, Fred Steinfort kick good 17 14
4 Raiders Bob Chandler 38-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 24 14
4 Broncos Dave Preston 9-yard touchdown run, Fred Steinfort kick good 24 21
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 24 21

Week 16: at New York Giants

Week Sixteen: Oakland Raiders at New York Giants – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 10 10 7633
Giants 0 10 0717

at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: December 21
  • Game time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Game weather: 19 °F (−7 °C), wind 16 mph (26 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 61,287
  • Referee: Jerry Seeman
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Len Dawson
  • Box Score

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.[5] "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."[6]

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.[7]

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.[7]

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.[7]

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.[7]

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Raiders Giants
1 Raiders 41-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 3 0
1 2 Raiders Arthur Whittington 7-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 10 0
2 11:26 Giants 47-yard field goal by Joe Danelo 10 3
2 6:29 79 Raiders Cliff Branch 31-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 17 3
2 2:52 Raiders 38-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 20 3
2 0:45 Giants Leon Perry 11-yard touchdown reception from Scott Brunner, Joe Danelo kick good 20 10
3 2:55 Raiders Raymond Chester 37-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 27 10
4 0:22 Giants Billy Taylor 1-yard touchdown run, Joe Danelo kick good 27 17
4 0:16 Raiders Kickoff returned 33 yards for touchdown by Derrick Jensen, Chris Bahr kick no good 33 17
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 33 17

[7][8]

Playoffs

Round Date Opponent (Seed) Result Record Venue Recap
Wild Card December 28 Houston Oilers (5) W 27–7 1–0 Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum Recap
Divisional January 4 at Cleveland Browns (2) W 14–12 2–0 Cleveland Stadium Recap
Conference January 11 at San Diego Chargers (1) W 34–27 3–0 San Diego Stadium Recap
Super Bowl XV January 25 Philadelphia Eagles (N2) W 27–10 4–0 Louisiana Superdome Recap

[9]

Game summaries

Wild card

Wild Card: Houston Oilers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Oilers 7 0 007
Raiders 3 7 01727

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

  • Date: December 28
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 51 °F (11 °C), wind 5 mph (8.0 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 52,762
  • Referee: Chuck Heberling
  • TV announcers (NBC): Charlie Jones and Len Dawson
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Oilers Raiders
1 Raiders 47-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 0 3
1 Oilers Earl Campbell 10-yard touchdown run, Toni Fritsch kick good 7 3
2 Raiders Todd Christensen 1-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 7 10
4 Raiders Arthur Whittington 44-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 7 17
4 Raiders 37-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 7 20
4 Raiders Interception returned 20 yards for touchdown by Lester Hayes, Chris Bahr kick good 7 27
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 7 27

Divisional

Divisional Round: Oakland Raiders at Cleveland Browns – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 0 7 0714
Browns 0 6 6012

at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio

  • Date: January 4
  • Game time: 12:30 p.m.
  • Game weather: 2 °F (−17 °C), wind 21 mph (34 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 77,655
  • Referee: Ben Dreith
  • TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui and John Brodie
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Raiders Browns
2 Browns Interception returned 42 yards for touchdown by Ron Bolton, Don Cockroft kick no good 0 6
2 Raiders Mark van Eeghen 1-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 7 6
3 Browns 30-yard field goal by Don Cockroft 7 9
3 Browns 30-yard field goal by Don Cockroft 7 12
4 Raiders Mark van Eeghen 1-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 14 12
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 14 12

AFC Championship

AFC Championship Game: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 21 7 3334
Chargers 7 7 10327

at San Diego Stadium, San Diego

  • Date: January 11
  • Game time: 2:00 p.m.
  • Game weather: 67 °F (19 °C), wind 8 mph (13 km/h)
  • Game attendance: 52,428
  • Referee: Cal Lepore
  • TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg and Merlin Olsen
  • Box Score
Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Raiders Chargers
1 Raiders Raymond Chester 65-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 7 0
1 Chargers Charlie Joiner 48-yard touchdown reception from Dan Fouts, Rolf Benirschke kick good 7 7
1 Raiders Jim Plunkett 5-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 14 7
2 Raiders Kenny King 21-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 21 7
2 Raiders Mark van Eeghen 3-yard touchdown run, Chris Bahr kick good 28 7
2 Chargers Charlie Joiner 8-yard touchdown reception from Dan Fouts, Rolf Benirschke kick good 28 14
3 Chargers 26-yard field goal by Rolf Benirschke 28 17
3 Chargers Chuck Muncie 6-yard touchdown run, Rolf Benirschke kick good 28 24
3 Raiders 27-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 31 24
4 Raiders 33-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 34 24
4 Chargers 27-yard field goal by Rolf Benirschke 34 27
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 34 27

Super Bowl

Super Bowl XV: Oakland Raiders vs. Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 14 0 10327
Eagles 0 3 0710

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans

Scoring summary
Quarter Time Drive Team Scoring information Score
Plays Yards TOP Raiders Eagles
1 8:56 Raiders Cliff Branch 2-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 7 0
1 0:09 Raiders Kenny King 80-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 14 0
2 10:28 Eagles 30-yard field goal by Tony Franklin 14 3
3 12:24 Raiders Cliff Branch 29-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett, Chris Bahr kick good 21 3
3 4:35 Raiders 46-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 24 3
4 13:59 Eagles Keith Krepfle 8-yard touchdown reception from Ron Jaworski, Tony Franklin kick good 24 10
4 8:20 Raiders 35-yard field goal by Chris Bahr 27 10
"TOP" = time of possession. For other American football terms, see Glossary of American football. 27 10

[10]

References

  1. ^ a b c Raiders fans reliving the Los Angeles nightmare, The Press Democrat, Phil Barber, Dec. 14, 2015.
  2. ^ a b "1980 Oakland Raiders Draftees". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  3. ^ "Raiders coaches – Silver and Black Report". Archived from the original on April 18, 2010. Retrieved December 23, 2010.
  4. ^ "Dallas Downs Oakland." The Robesonian (Lumberton, N.C.) December 8, 1980. p. 2B.
  5. ^ "Plunkett in control; Raiders back on top." Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. December 22, 1980
  6. ^ "Raiders Whip Giants to Clinch Playoff Berth." Palm Beach Post. December 22, 1980.
  7. ^ a b c d e ^
  8. ^ Pro-Football-Reference.com
  9. ^ 1980 Oakland Raiders season at databaseFootball.com Archived April 10, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  10. ^ NFL.com. Retrieved November 20, 2011.

External links

  • 1980 Oakland Raiders at Pro-Football-Reference.com
  • v
  • t
  • e
  • v
  • t
  • e
Las Vegas Raiders seasons
Played in Oakland (1960–1981, 1995–2019) and Los Angeles (1982–1994)
Bold indicates AFL Championship (1960–1965) or Super Bowl (1966–present) victory
Italics indicates AFL Championship (1966–1969) and/or Super Bowl (1966–present) appearance
  • v
  • t
  • e
Oakland Raiders Super Bowl XV champions
  • v
  • t
  • e
Las Vegas Raiders
  • Founded in 1960
  • Played in Oakland, California (1960–1981, 1995–2019) and Los Angeles (1982–1994)
  • Based in Paradise, Nevada
  • Headquartered in Henderson, Nevada
Franchise
Stadiums
Key personnel
Culture
Lore
Rivalries
Media
Wild card berths (6)
Division championships (15)
Conference championships (4)
League championships (4)
Current league affiliations
Former league affiliation