1980 Oakland Raiders season

1980 Oakland Raiders season
Owner	Al Davis
General manager	Al Davis
Head coach	Tom Flores
Home stadium	Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum
Results
Record	11–5
Division place	2nd AFC West
Playoffs	Won Wild Card Playoffs (vs. Oilers) 27–7 Won Divisional Playoffs (at Browns) 14–12 Won AFC Championship (at Chargers) 34–27 Won Super Bowl XV (vs. Eagles) 27–10
Uniform
←  1979 Raiders seasons 1981  →

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, becoming the 5th NFL team to win two Super Bowls, joining the Packers, Dolphins, Steelers, and Cowboys.

Offseason

NFL draft

Main article: 1980 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 (QB) 16 Jim Plunkett  6 Marc Wilson Running backs (RB) 31 Derrick Jensen 33 Kenny King 43 Ira Matthews 30 Mark van Eeghen 22 Arthur Whittington Wide receivers (WR) 81 Morris Bradshaw 21 Cliff Branch 85 Bob Chandler 89 Rich Martini Tight ends (TE) 88 Raymond Chester 46 Todd Christensen 84 Derrick Ramsey

Offensive linemen (OL) 50 Dave Dalby C 79 Bruce Davis T 70 Henry Lawrence T 65 Mickey Marvin G 71 Lindsey Mason T 78 Art Shell T 66 Steve Sylvester C/G 63 Gene Upshaw G Defensive linemen (DL) 73 Dave Browning DE 77 Joe Campbell DE 86 Cedrick Hardman DE 90 Willie Jones DE 62 Reggie Kinlaw NT 72 John Matuszak DE 74 Dave Pear NT

Linebackers (LB) 56 Jeff Barnes OLB 52 Mario Celotto ILB 83 Ted Hendricks OLB 53 Rod Martin OLB 57 Randy McClanahan ILB 55 Matt Millen ILB 51 Bob Nelson ILB Defensive backs (DB) 36 Mike Davis SS 37 Lester Hayes CB 42 Monte Jackson CB 23 Odis McKinney CB/S 26 Keith Moody FS 35 Dwayne O'Steen CB 44 Burgess Owens FS Special teams (ST) 10 Chris Bahr K  8 Ray Guy P

Reserve --John AdamsLB (IR) 80 Malcolm Barnwell WR (IR) --Bill BowensLB (IR) --Leon GrayCB (IR) 48 Kenny Hill S (IR) 58 Monte Johnson LB (IR) --Phil LivingstonT (IR)  7 Dan Pastorini QB (IR) 47 Charlie Phillips S (IR) -- Jeff Winans G (IR) 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

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)

^[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)

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	7	0	14	6	27
Chiefs	7	0	0	7	14

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 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

See also: 1980 San Diego Chargers season

Week Two: Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
Raiders	3	7	7	7	0	24
Chargers	3	7	0	14	6	30

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

See also: 1980 Washington Redskins season

Week Three: Washington Redskins at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Redskins	0	7	7	7	21
Raiders	3	7	7	7	24

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)

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	0	0	7	0	7
Bills	7	10	0	7	24

at Rich Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: September 28
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C)
• Game attendance: 77,259
• Referee: Dick Jorgensen
• TV announcers (NBC): Don Criqui and John Brodie
• Box Score

Game information

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

Week Five: Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chiefs	14	17	0	0	31
Raiders	0	3	0	14	17

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Chargers	7	3	7	7	24
Raiders	7	10	7	14	38

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

See also: 1980 Pittsburgh Steelers season and Monday Night Football

Week Seven: Oakland Raiders at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	7	21	7	10	45
Steelers	10	14	10	0	34

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

See also: 1980 Seattle Seahawks season

Week Eight: Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Seahawks	0	0	0	14	14
Raiders	3	3	10	17	33

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

See also: 1980 Miami Dolphins season

Week Nine: Miami Dolphins at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	0	3	7	0	10
Raiders	6	10	0	0	16

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

See also: 1980 Cincinnati Bengals season

Week Ten: Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bengals	3	7	0	7	17
Raiders	0	14	7	7	28

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	0	0	7	12	19
Seahawks	0	7	7	3	17

at The Kingdome, Seattle, Washington

• Date: November 17
• Game time: 6:00 p.m.
• Game weather: indoors
• Game attendance: 60,480
• Referee: Fred Silva
• TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, and Don Meredith
• Box Score

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

See also: 1980 Philadelphia Eagles season

Week Twelve: Oakland Raiders at Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	0	0	0	7	7
Eagles	0	0	3	7	10

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

See also: 1980 Denver Broncos season

Week Thirteen: Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	3	0	0	0	3
Raiders	0	0	6	3	9

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

• Date: December 1
• Game time: 6:00 p.m.
• Game weather: 51 °F (11 °C), wind 6 mph (9.7 km/h)
• Game attendance: 51,583
• Referee: Red Cashion
• TV announcers (ABC): Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, and Don Meredith
• Box Score

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

See also: 1980 Dallas Cowboys season

Week Fourteen: Dallas Cowboys at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cowboys	7	9	3	0	19
Raiders	7	3	3	0	13

at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California

• Date: December 7
• Game time: 1:00 p.m.
• Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C), wind 8 mph (13 km/h)
• Game attendance: 53,194
• Referee: Jerry Markbreit
• TV announcers (CBS): Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshier
• Box Score

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	7	10	0	7	24
Broncos	0	7	7	7	21

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

See also: 1980 New York Giants season

Week Sixteen: Oakland Raiders at New York Giants – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	10	10	7	6	33
Giants	0	10	0	7	17

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

See also: 1980 Houston Oilers season

Wild Card: Houston Oilers at Oakland Raiders – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Oilers	7	0	0	0	7
Raiders	3	7	0	17	27

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

See also: 1980 Cleveland Browns season and Red Right 88

Divisional Round: Oakland Raiders at Cleveland Browns – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	0	7	0	7	14
Browns	0	6	6	0	12

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

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	21	7	3	3	34
Chargers	7	7	10	3	27

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

Main article: Super Bowl XV

See also: 1980 Philadelphia Eagles season

Super Bowl XV: Oakland Raiders vs. Philadelphia Eagles – Game summary

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	14	0	10	3	27
Eagles	0	3	0	7	10

at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans

• Date: January 25
• Game time: 3:00 p.m.
• Game weather: none (indoor stadium)
• Game attendance: 76,135
• Referee: Ben Dreith
• TV announcers (NBC): Dick Enberg, Merlin Olsen, John Brodie and Len Dawson
• Box Score

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. Raiders fans reliving the Los Angeles nightmare, The Press Democrat, Phil Barber, Dec. 14, 2015.
2. "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. ^
8. Pro-Football-Reference.com
9. 1980 Oakland Raiders season at databaseFootball.com ^{[ usurped ]}
10. "Super Bowl XV - Oakland Raiders vs. Philadelphia Eagles - January 25th, 1981". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 8, 2025.

External links

• 1980 Oakland Raiders at Pro-Football-Reference.com
• 1980 Oakland Raiders at JT-SW.com