Washington
From early NFL clashes to Super Bowl glory, a historic battle of divisional roots.
The rivalry between the New England Patriots and the Washington Commanders (formerly known as the Boston Braves, Washington Redskins, and Washington Football Team) is a historic fixture of the National Football League's Eastern Division roots. While often overshadowed by the intense AFC matchups against teams like the Jets or Bills, this inter-conference clash has produced legendary Super Bowl battles and defined eras of dominance for New England.
This rivalry serves as a bridge between the Patriots' early struggles in the 1980s and their dynasty era, featuring pivotal playoff encounters that have shaped the franchise's legacy. The matchups are characterized by contrasting styles, from the physicality of Washington's historic defenses to the strategic evolution of the Patriots under legendary coaching.
- Rivalry Type
- Inter-conference (AFC East vs. NFC East)
- First Meeting
- 1932
- Most Recent Major Clash
- Super Bowl XVII (1983 season)
Lore & Background
The connection between these franchises dates back to the league's formative years, with both teams sharing deep roots in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. For decades, they were fierce competitors within the same conference before realignment separated them into different divisions, yet their paths crossed frequently in high-stakes playoff scenarios. The most defining chapter of this lore occurred in the early 1980s, where Washington's 'Over-the-Hill Gang' defense clashed with a rising New England team led by Steve Grogan and Raymond Berry.
The rivalry reached its zenith during Super Bowl XVII in January 1983. In that historic contest at the Rose Bowl, Washington's legendary running back John Riggins delivered one of the most iconic moments in NFL history, breaking through the Patriots' defense for a game-winning touchdown on fourth down. This victory cemented Washington's place as champions and marked a significant hurdle in New England's journey toward eventual dynasty status, creating a narrative of resilience that would fuel future generations of Patriots fans.
In Their Own Story
The January chill in Pasadena bit deep, but the heat inside the Rose Bowl was unbearable. As the fourth quarter wound down, the Washington 'Over-the-Hill Gang' defense stood as an immovable blue-and-burgundy wall against the New England offense. Then came the moment that would haunt Patriots fans for decades: a 4th-and-goal at the one-yard line. John Riggins didn't just take the handoff; he became a force of nature. Lowering his shoulder, he absorbed a thunderous hit from Steve Nelson and Jeris White, somehow finding the ground beneath him before surging forward into the end zone. The crowd erupted in a primal roar as the scoreboard changed, sealing a 27-17 victory that didn't just crown Washington champions—it etched a scar of resilience into New England's DNA, fueling the fire for the dynasty that would eventually rise from those ashes.
Reader's Guide
Born from the league's earliest days in Boston and the nation's capital, this rivalry spans nearly a century of football evolution. While realignment eventually banished them to different conferences—Washington to the NFC East, New England to the AFC East—their paths have crossed with high stakes whenever playoff berths or divisional pride were on the line. The dynamic is defined by a clash of identities: Washington's bruising, run-first physicality versus New England's surgical adaptability and strategic evolution under Bill Belichick. Whether it was the '80s battles for conference supremacy or modern regular-season clashes, these matchups have consistently served as barometers for both franchises' shifting fortunes.
Did You Know?
- The teams first met in 1932 when New England was known as the Boston Braves and Washington as the Boston Redskins.
- Super Bowl XVII marked the only time these two franchises have met in a Super Bowl.
- John Riggins' game-winning touchdown run in Super Bowl XVII is often cited as one of the greatest fourth-down plays in NFL history.
- Both teams were original members of the Eastern Conference before the AFL-NFL merger realigned them into different conferences.