The 1972 Washington Redskins were a ‘special’ team

50 Years ago, the 1972 Washington Redskins became the first team in Washington history to play in a Super Bowl.

Kicking off the season was a Monday Night Football contest, as Washington traveled to the Minnesota Vikings of Fran Tarkenton, the Purple People Eaters and coach Bud Grant.

When future Hall-of-Famer Tarkenton connected with John Gilliam for the only score of the third quarter, Washington trailed the Vikings 14-10. Washington would come back to win 24-21, behind touchdown runs by Larry Brown and Charley Harraway. Surprisingly the Vikings had outgained Washington 382-203 and collected 26 First Downs to only 11 by the Redskins.

How had Washington won this MNF game? They sacked Tarkenton four times. They won the turnover battle 2-1, and there was the one play I have recalled all of these years from watching the game in my youth.

Early in the opening quarter, Washington had stopped the Vikings deep in their own territory forcing a punt. Vikings punter Mike Eischeid lined up on his own 18-yard line to punt. Washington reserve receiver Bill Malinchak lined up outside on the right of the rushing Washington line. As Eischeid’s foot met the ball on the 20-yard line, suddenly a thump was heard as an outstretched Malinchak’s hand blocked the punt, sending the ball toward the left to Eischeid’s right. Malinchak scooped up the ball at the 16 and ran into the end zone untouched for the game’s first score.

Head coach George Allen had already been an NFL innovator. When the defensive coordinator for George Halas’ Bears, Allen had invented the nickel back, replacing a linebacker with an extra defensive back on passing downs. In 1969 as head coach of the Rams he had hired the first special teams’ coach in the NFL (Dick Vermeil).

In ’72 Allen repeatedly preached the importance of special teams preparation and making big plays on special teams. Special teams coach Marv Levy and Allen produced remarkable results as Washington blocked 5 field goals and 4 punts in the ’72 season. In 1990-93 the same Levy coached the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive AFC Championships and 4 Super Bowl appearances.

Special teams played a major role 50 years ago as Washington (11-3) won the NFC East, the NFC championship, and played in Super Bowl VII. This present generation of coaches stands on the shoulders of those like Allen who changed the NFL forever with his emphasis on special teams.

Story originally appeared on Commanders Wire