The Washington Redskins won their first Super Bowl using the same formula that had brought them the most success during the 1982 season. The outcome was not assured until late in the game, though, and there were many tense moments.

The Skins and Dolphins played to a 10-10 tie in the second quarter. Washington had run the ball well with Riggins, and Garrett had been getting open against Miami's defense, but the Dolphins offense had been able to answer. After the Redskins' second score, Miami's Fulton Walker returned the kickoff 98 yards for a TD, making the score 17-10 at halftime.

The Skins added a FG in the third quarter, making it 17-13, but they still trailed late in that quarter. Although Washington's defense had shut down Miami's offense, the Redskins offense was still having trouble getting back on track. It took a heads-up play by Theismann to knock down a tipped pass and prevent a turnover deep in Washington territory. Finally, on a fourth down in the fourth quarter, John Riggins gave the Skins the lead to stay on a his famous TD run. Riggins ran through the left side of the offensive line into the Miami secondary, where cornerback Don McNeal attempted a futile arm tackle. McNeal was easily pushed aside, and Riggins' 43 yard TD made the score 20-17.

After stopping Miami's offense again, Washington drove the field behind more bruising Riggins runs, and scored another TD to put the game out of reach at 27-17. Riggins totalled a Super Bowl record 166 yards and was the game's MVP.