Oakland Raiders: 10 Best Quarterbacks In Franchise History
By Kevin Saito
Sep 24, 2014; Bagshot, UNITED KINGDOM; General view of Oakland Raiders helmet and Wilson footballs at practice at Pennyhill Park Hotel in advance of the NFL International Series game against the Miami Dolphins. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
2. Jim Plunkett
Plunkett is one of the most underrated quarterbacks ever to play the game. The winner of two Super Bowls and one Super Bowl MVP, you never, ever hear Plunkett’s name bandied about for serious Hall of Fame induction. And one has to wonder why that is.
After seven undistinguished years split between New England and San Francisco, Plunkett came to the Raiders and experienced a rebirth. Never the flashiest or deadliest quarterback out there, Plunkett was nonetheless efficient and while in a silver and black uniform, just knew how to win. He had that certain intangible that separates the good from the great.
As a starter for the Raiders, Plunkett posted a 38-19 record. But in the playoffs, he was a sparkling 8-2 in ten starts. The postseason was where Plunkett was at his best and over those ten starts – all with the Raiders – he threw for almost 2,300 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also completed nearly 60 percent of his passes – compared to his career 52.5 percent completion percentage in the regular season.
When the lights were the brightest, Plunkett was at his best. Take the 1983 season as an example – Plunkett went 3-0 in the playoffs, leading three absolute blowouts along the way. His Raiders team dismantled the Steelers (38-10), the Seahawks (30-14), and then in the Super Bowl, crushed heavily favored Washington 38-9. Over that playoff run, Plunkett completed nearly 65 percent of his passes and threw for more than 600 yards in the three games.
Over his eight years with the Raiders, Plunkett threw for nearly thirteen thousand yards and 80 touchdowns. He may never have been the flashiest, but he was the most dependable and played his best under pressure. He deserves some Hall of Fame love.
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