Washington Redskins: 15 best quarterbacks of all-time

Joe Theismann was the module which transitioned the Redskins from one era to the next. From the era of George Allen, which unsuccessfully teased of glory, to the first Joe Gibbs era, which finally claimed it.

Theismann was the successor to Billy Kilmer, a successor who transitioned into a full-time starting role over a number of years. When Theismann the full-time starter finally arrived in 1978, it was clear that the former fourth-round pick had potential, with a live arm and good mobility. Theismann’s game would not reach its peak, however, until Joe Gibbs came into the fold in 1982.

When Gibbs arrived, Theismann, who’d thrown 19 touchdowns to 20 interceptions in the previous year, took his game to a level of efficiency that had not yet been reached. In nine games in 1982, Theismann’s passer rating improved a full 14 points from 1981, from 77.3 to 91.3.

The next year, Theismann, en route to a second consecutive Super Bowl appearance, won the NFL MVP award, throwing for 3,714 yards, 29 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a passer rating of 97.0.

Theismann became the first and only Redskins quarterback to win the MVP award at 34 years old, but just two years later, his career would end at the hands of an even greater player: Lawrence Taylor.

The Giants’ stalwart sacked Theismann from behind, causing a bone break that proved to be very severe. Theismann would never return to the field.

That said, Theismann did enough to leave a lasting legacy in the burgundy and gold. His efficiency and production was ahead of his time. Had he remained in the league for just another year or two, he and Joe Gibbs could have added to their collective trophy case.