January 26, 1992. 30 years ago tonight. The Washington Redskins capped off not only what is arguably the greatest Redskins team among their many great championship teams, but also what is widely considered the greatest team in the history of all the Super Bowl champions, by winning Super Bowl XXVI. No doubt, many great and dominant teams during the Super Bowl, and pre-Super Bowl era to consider. Off the bat for me, the 5 greatest championship teams I have personally ever watched- in no order- would be the ‘84 49ers, ‘85 Bears, ‘89 49ers, perhaps the ‘99 Rams, and yes, my beloved ‘91 Redskins. Amazing that it was 30 years ago! I was a junior in high school and per usual in those formative years of my young adult life, watching yet another championship run by my Burgundy & Gold. I have so many fond and vivid memories of that glorious season, such as going to the divisional playoff vs. the Falcons, and then the NFC Championship game vs. the Lions. I was so thrilled when leaving that game, basking in the joy of going to “The Show”, as we often referred to it back then. Between 1982-1992, the Redskins won 3 Super Bowls, won 4 NFC Championships, and went to 5 NFC Championship games! One of the most dominant team runs in sports history. I took the winning for granted. It was expected, and essentially all that I knew as a Redskins fan. Absolutely no way I could have fathomed back then, that since that 1991 Redskins championship, not only would I still be waiting 30+ years for another, but I would also still be waiting for another NFC Championship game- and even an 11+ win season! Yes, I long for and hope for that day again. But as I was telling my wife a few nights ago: even if I never see another Redskins, uh Washington…let’s just say Burgundy & Gold, championship again…just that ‘91 championship joy- and of course the other 2 Super Bowl championships that I personally enjoyed as well- has given me a lifetime of sports joy that many loyal, die-hard and long-suffering fans (like Buffalo Bills fans who had that gut-wrenching loss on Sunday night and have still never won a Super Bowl) have still never gotten to experience.
I could write so much about this team, but will try keeping it short and simple. I have thought about and debated for years how this team stacks up among the greatest of all-time. Here are just a few reasons why I think it can be argued that this squad is indeed among the very best- if not the best, of all-time. I would start with perhaps the most clear statistical barometer that you can build a strong case off of. And this would be something I just heard about earlier today: According to “Football Outsiders” advanced “DVOA” stats of teams since 1950, the ‘91 Redskins are ranked #1 overall. Right behind them are the 2007 Patriots, and the 1985 Bears. Definitely among good company. These next-level analytics consider all 3 units of offense, defense and special teams. The Redskins were so balanced, thoroughly dominating each phase, and had incredible depth at every position. Yes, they were loaded with talent (8 Pro-Bowlers!) and had HOF legends like Darrell Green, Art Monk and Russ Grimm (and should also have Gary Clark, Joe Jacoby and arguably Brian Mitchell!), but they also had so many other high-impact players. Something that stood out to me years ago was hearing Matt Millen describing his former team well, by saying that even though they didn’t have a bunch of “10’s”, no one had more “7’s and 8’s.” And of course the HOF Head Coach (still the only coach in NFL history to win the Super Bowl with 3 different QB’s!), Joe Jackson Gibbs.
Then, you consider their staggering 261 point differential. Yes, the ‘91 squad beat- often pummeled- their opponents by an average of 15+ points per game! Their high-powered offense scored the most points in the NFL. Then, their dominant defense (The “National Defense”), allowed the 2nd fewest points of anyone in the NFL. And both units were ranked near the top in every advanced offensive and defensive stat as well. And if not for resting starters in the last game and giving up more yards and points in the 2nd half, the total defense would have also been ranked #1. Amazing when we also consider how that defense pitched 3 shutouts that season…and realizing they still haven’t have a single defensive shutout in the 30 years since! Sheer dominance. So yeah, they had their dominant 14-2 record. A record that other dominant teams have also achieved. But it’s also sickening to me when I still reflect on how they lost these 2 games! It took a fluke ‘Hail Mary’ TD pass against the rival Cowboys to beat the 11-0 buzzsaw Redskins, who appeared to be cruising towards perfection and matching the ‘72, 14-0 Dolphins. Then in the last game of the season with nothing to play for and homefield wrapped up, the Redskins rested their starters (even after building a nice lead on the rival Eagles), and lost at the gun on a field goal. A team that very easily should have been 15-1, and could have been 16-0 entering the post-season. Also keep in mind, that the ‘91 squad won 9 games vs. teams who won 10+ games that season!
But out of all these stats, perhaps the most eye-popping stat I have quickly referenced when building a case for the greatness of this squad over the years, is how Mark Rypien was sacked only 7 times all season! Seriously, jaw-dropping. Especially when you consider, that Ryp was not a mobile QB at all. It was a classic, drop back offensive system, not the “Run & Shoot” or “West-Coast”, quick offenses at the time. And for even greater context of this incredible stat, is when you consider how that line went up against HOF legends like LT and Reggie White- twice that season! I definitely think that the ‘91 unit of “The Hogs”, was the greatest offensive line ever assembled.
Yes, it was a year of dominance. It was a year of joy. In those days whenever the Redskins played, the entire DC area shutdown. No one wanted to miss the games. It was more than sports. It was family. It was community. It was a can’t-miss event. No one scheduled anything else. It was the highlight of the week. When the Redskins won, it brought the DMV region together, in ways unrivaled. People from all backgrounds, countries, beliefs, interests, political leanings, it didn’t matter. The Redskins were the most common unifier. I love this about sports. And how I long for this again in this area.
30 years ago tonight. Congrats to my favorite sports team of my lifetime. And I might also add, a team of many great players- and even better people- some that I am blessed to know personally. These men are sports heroes and legends in our community. Forever celebrated and not forgotten. Hail to the Redskins!
