10 - 42

(Jan 31, 1988 · Week 19)

Ask an NFL running back to explain his dream single-game scenario, and it might include the likes of: winning the Super Bowl, an unforgettable touchdown carry or two, and, as the cake’s icing, a record that stands the test of time. On Jan. 31, 1988 — miraculously, in the first start of his professional career — such was the life of Washington’s Timmy Smith. As the story goes, Smith was made aware of his depth chart promotion during the pre-game tunnel runout; as Denver’s defense can attest through 58-yard and four-yard touchdown runs, the rookie simply never stopped running that night. The 204-yard masterclass (on 22 carries) still sits at No. 1 all-time four decades later, and Smith complemented it flawlessly through two scores and a 42-10 win over the Broncos.

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