Ranking the Raiders’ top-5 Quarterbacks in franchise history
One of the most underrated quarterbacks in the history of the NFL, it took Plunkett time to get his footing in the league. After spending seven years between the Patriots and the 49ers, the firmer Heisman winner joined the Raiders at age 31 in 1978. It was not until 1980 however when starter Dan Pastorini got injured and Plunkett stepped in and received serious playing time.
He would lead the Raiders to a 9-2 record in his eleven starts and earned them a wild card berth. The story doesn’t end there however as Plunkett was able to lead them all the way to the Super Bowl where they would beat the NFC champion Eagles. With 261 yards and three touchdowns in the game, he was named the Super Bowl MVP.
Despite this success, he would become the backup again. That was until starter Marc Wilson was injured in 1983 and in stepped Plunkett. Once again, he would lead the Raiders back to the playoffs with a 10-3 record in his starts. Miraculously, Plunkett would lead the team to another Super Bowl championship over Washington.
As of now, he is the only eligible player to have two Super Bowl wins as a starting quarterback and not be inducted into the Hall of Fame. While he only played in 70 career games for the Raiders, it is his two Super Bowl victories that will keep him in Raiders lore forever.