Super Bowl synopsis

January 31, 1992
Originally published by The Plank (Jesuit High School)

The Washington Redskins are proud to have beaten the best for the 1991 NFL Championship, capping their remarkable 17-2 season with a decisive 37-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVI. This year, "The Show" was held in the Minneapolis Metrodome on January 26, 1992. The Redskins dominated, blunting the Bills' vaunted no-huddle attack by holding them to 43 rushing yard total and sacking Jim Kelly five times with four interceptions. Washington's defense created turmoil every which way for Bills running back Thurman Thomas, the league's MVP. He was held to a lowly 13 yards on 10 carries, missing the first two downs because he lost his helmet on the sideline. Redskins quarterback Mark Rypien shredded the Bills, throwing 18 for 33 and 292 yards, with two TD passes. The Bills took their second Super Bowl loss in a row. Each time, missed tackles, turnovers, penalties and bad bounces have plagued them.

Buffalo fans are quick to point out though, that it is better to be 0-2 in the Super Bowl than 0-0. "This gives us an opportunity to work to be here next year with the Super Bowl trophy," said Bills head coach Marv Levy.

Despite coming away empty-handed on two sure scoring opportunities, the Redskins built a 17-0 lead in the second quarter. A TD pass to Art Monk on their opening possession was reversed by instant replay, and the field goal attempt was botched due to a bad snap. On their next possession, Rypien threw an interception near the Bills' goal line. But soon, the Redskins took control, with a Chip Lohmiller field goal, a 10-yard TD pass to Earnest Byner,and a one-yard run by Gerald Riggs. Riggs added a 2 yard run in the third quarter to put the 'Skins ahead 24-0, but the Bills closed the gap to 24-10 with a Scott Norwood kick and a one-yard run by Thomas. The Bills tried to claw their way back into the game, but needed more big plays. Jim Kelly threw a record 58 TD passes, but took a beating and pounding from the 'Skins defense the whole game.

Gary Clark then burned the Bills with a 30-yard catch from Rypien to put the Redskins back in a commanding lead. Two more field goals by Lohmiller made it 37-10, and the Bills closed the scoring with two TD passes by Kelly in the closing minutes.