**1987 Los Angeles Raiders Season**
The 1987 Los Angeles Raiders season was the franchise’s 28th overall and their 18th in the National Football League (NFL). Marked by a players’ strike that shortened the season and led to the use of replacement players, the Raiders finished with a 5–10 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 1981.
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## 1987 Los Angeles Raiders Season
The 1987 season was a challenging year for the Los Angeles Raiders, characterized by labor disputes, roster upheavals, and inconsistent on-field performance. Under head coach Tom Flores, the Raiders struggled to find cohesion amid the NFL players’ strike, which resulted in three games played by replacement players. The team’s 5–10 record reflected the difficulties faced throughout the season, culminating in a failure to qualify for the postseason.
### Background
The Los Angeles Raiders entered the 1987 NFL season with high expectations. Having relocated from Oakland to Los Angeles in 1982, the franchise had experienced considerable success in the early 1980s, including a Super Bowl victory in the 1983 season. The 1986 season ended with a 12–4 record and a playoff appearance, setting a high bar for the following year.
Head coach Tom Flores, who had led the team since 1979, was in his ninth season at the helm. The Raiders’ roster featured several key veterans, including quarterback Marc Wilson and running back Marcus Allen, both integral to the team’s offensive strategy.
### NFL Players’ Strike and Replacement Games
The 1987 NFL season was disrupted by a players’ strike that began after Week 2 and lasted 24 days. The strike was primarily over free agency rights and player salaries. To continue the season, NFL owners fielded teams composed of replacement players for Weeks 4 through 6.
The Raiders, like other teams, assembled a replacement squad made up of free agents, former players, and others who crossed the picket line. These replacement games had a significant impact on the Raiders’ overall record and team dynamics.
### Offseason
#### Draft
The Raiders participated in the 1987 NFL Draft with the goal of bolstering their roster depth. Their selections focused on addressing needs on both offense and defense, although none of the draftees made an immediate, significant impact during the season.
#### Trades and Free Agency
The offseason saw limited major transactions. The Raiders aimed to maintain continuity while integrating new talent. However, the looming labor dispute overshadowed much of the offseason activity.
### Regular Season
#### Schedule and Results
The Raiders’ 1987 schedule was affected by the strike, with three games played by replacement players. The team’s performance was uneven, with a strong start followed by a midseason slump.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Result | Score | Location |
|——-|————|————————|———|———-|——————–|
| 1 | Sept 13 | Denver Broncos | Win | 30–14 | Los Angeles |
| 2 | Sept 20 | Kansas City Chiefs | Loss | 10–20 | Kansas City |
| 3 | Sept 27 | *Strike – No games* | — | — | — |
| 4 | Oct 4 | Seattle Seahawks (R) | Win | 21–17 | Los Angeles |
| 5 | Oct 11 | San Diego Chargers (R) | Loss | 14–24 | San Diego |
| 6 | Oct 18 | Kansas City Chiefs (R) | Loss | 7–27 | Los Angeles |
| 7 | Oct 25 | Denver Broncos | Loss | 14–31 | Denver |
| 8 | Nov 1 | Cleveland Browns | Win | 20–17 | Los Angeles |
| 9 | Nov 8 | San Diego Chargers | Loss | 10–24 | Los Angeles |
| 10 | Nov 15 | Seattle Seahawks | Loss | 13–21 | Seattle |
| 11 | Nov 22 | New York Jets | Win | 27–24 | Los Angeles |
| 12 | Nov 29 | Houston Oilers | Loss | 7–28 | Houston |
| 13 | Dec 6 | Kansas City Chiefs | Loss | 14–20 | Kansas City |
| 14 | Dec 13 | San Francisco 49ers | Loss | 10–31 | Los Angeles |
| 15 | Dec 20 | Cincinnati Bengals | Win | 24–21 | Los Angeles |
*Note: (R) indicates replacement player games during the strike.*
#### Key Games
– **Week 1 vs. Denver Broncos:** The Raiders opened the season with a convincing 30–14 victory over the Broncos, showcasing a balanced offensive attack and strong defensive play.
– **Week 4 vs. Seattle Seahawks (Replacement Players):** The Raiders’ replacement squad secured a narrow 21–17 win, providing a rare bright spot during the strike period.
– **Week 11 vs. New York Jets:** In a closely contested game, the Raiders edged out the Jets 27–24, demonstrating resilience despite the team’s overall struggles.
#### Team Performance
The Raiders’ offense was inconsistent throughout the season, hampered by injuries and the absence of key players during the strike. Quarterback Marc Wilson struggled with turnovers, and the running game, led by Marcus Allen, was unable to consistently produce.
Defensively, the Raiders had difficulty containing opposing offenses, particularly in the passing game. The team allowed an average of over 23 points per game, contributing to their losing record.
### Player Statistics
#### Offense
– **Marc Wilson (QB):** Completed 58% of his passes for approximately 2,200 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
– **Marcus Allen (RB):** Rushed for over 700 yards and 5 touchdowns, also contributing in the passing game.
– **Tim Brown (WR):** Led the team in receiving yards with around 800 yards and 4 touchdowns.
#### Defense
– **Howie Long (DE):** Continued to be a defensive leader, recording 8 sacks and providing veteran presence.
– **Mike Haynes (CB):** Contributed with several interceptions and pass deflections.
### Coaching Staff
– **Head Coach:** Tom Flores
– **Offensive Coordinator:** Tom Walsh
– **Defensive Coordinator:** Charlie Sumner
The coaching staff faced challenges in maintaining team morale and performance during the strike and the subsequent reintegration of regular players.
### Impact of the Strike
The 1987 players’ strike had a profound effect on the Raiders’ season. The use of replacement players disrupted team chemistry and contributed to inconsistent results. The strike also affected fan attendance and overall league dynamics.
### Postseason
The Raiders finished the season with a 5–10 record, placing 4th in the AFC West division. This marked the first time since 1981 that the Raiders failed to qualify for the playoffs, ending a streak of postseason appearances.
### Legacy and Aftermath
The 1987 season is often viewed as a transitional period for the Raiders. The challenges faced during the strike and the team’s poor performance prompted organizational reflection. Head coach Tom Flores remained with the team for the following season but was eventually replaced after the 1989 campaign.
The strike highlighted the need for improved labor relations in the NFL and had lasting effects on player contracts and free agency.
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## Summary
The 1987 Los Angeles Raiders season was marked by adversity both on and off the field. The players’ strike, combined with inconsistent play and injuries, led to a disappointing 5–10 record and the end of a playoff streak. Despite the setbacks, the season remains a significant chapter in Raiders history, illustrating the impact of labor disputes on professional sports teams.
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
The 1987 Los Angeles Raiders season was disrupted by an NFL players’ strike, resulting in a 5–10 record and the team missing the playoffs for the first time since 1981. This article details the season’s key events, player performances, and the impact of the strike.