In today's Rewarding Moments In Redskins History presented by Maryland Lottery My Lottery Rewards, we look back at the Redskins' dominant 1991 season, which culminated with a 37-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVI.
Arguably one of the most dominant teams to ever suit up in the burgundy and gold, the 1991 Washington Redskins put together one of the best seasons in franchise history.
The Redskins were led by the infamous "Hogs," which including tackle Joe Jacoby, guard Russ Grimm, center Jeff Bostic, guard Mark May and tackle George Starke. The group allowed a league-low and franchise record nine sacks, which was also the third-lowest total in NFL history.
Winners of their first 11 games, another franchise record, Washington would go on to finish 14-2 in the regular season. After routing fellow NFC foes Atlanta and Detroit by a combined score of 65-17 in their first two postseason matchups, the Redskins found themselves again on the brink of a title.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Redskins jumped out to a commanding 17-0 lead after a touchdown pass from Mark Rypien to Earnest Byner, followed by a one-yard score from running back Gerald Riggs.
The Redskins extended their lead 16 seconds into the third stanza following a goal-line interception from Jim Kelly, which landed right into the arms of linebacker Kurt Gouveia for an easy interception. On the next play, Riggs plowed into the end zone to put the Redskins up by 24.
In addition to the Redskins' four offensive touchdowns, the defense limited Bills running back and 2007 Hall of Fame inductee Thurman Thomas to just 13 yards on 10 carries, the second lowest yard total in his 21-game postseason career.
The Bills pulled within two scores late in the third quarter, but a 30-yard connection from Rypien to Gary Clark all but sealed the eventual 37-24 title for Washington and the third Lombardi Trophy for Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs.
"I've never enjoyed coaching a team more," Gibbs said. "We know we have to play hard and together to win. And that's what we did."
