Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

Both teams finished 10-6 but failed to make the playoffs. Which of these two double-digit-win Joe Gibbs squads was better, and why?

Yes, I could add that other 10-6 non-playoff squad from '79 in there, but I'm clearly certain that just about everyone in here would place them as best. I know I would.

The seasons were similar as new QBs took over the team. The 89 squad was slightly better but it's close. The 85 squad struggled early but rallied around Schroeder, who surprised defenses. The 85 running game was better but the 89 passing was better. I felt the 85 defense might have been better if not as talented.

Both times, losses at home against the Cowboys left them out of the playoffs. In 1989, it was the Cowboys lone win of the season, and their first without Tom Landry as their Head Coach. QB Steve Walsh and RB Paul Palmer were the 'stars' of that 13-3 win.

By most categories 89 was better. But the 85 team didn’t lose to a team as bad as 1-15 DAL.

Also what gets forgotten is that the 89 Skins wouldn’t have gotten a hypothetical 6 seed (Cardiac Pack would have had conference record tiebreaker)