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Washington Redskins: Looking back on the 1991 Super Bowl season

By Kyle Hundley

Mark Rypien #11 Quarterback for the Washington Redskins calls the play on the line of scrimmage during the National Football Conference East game against the Cleveland Browns on 13 October 1991 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, United States. The Redskins won the game 42 - 17. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Allsport/Getty Images)
Mark Rypien #11 Quarterback for the Washington Redskins calls the play on the line of scrimmage during the National Football Conference East game against the Cleveland Browns on 13 October 1991 at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, United States. The Redskins won the game 42 - 17. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Allsport/Getty Images) /
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Jan 26, 1992: Quarterback Mark Rypien of the Washington Redskins holds his daughter after Super Bowl XXVI against the Buffalo Bills at the Hubert Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Redskins defeated the Bills 37-24. Mandatory Credit: Rick Ste
Jan 26, 1992: Quarterback Mark Rypien of the Washington Redskins holds his daughter after Super Bowl XXVI against the Buffalo Bills at the Hubert Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Redskins defeated the Bills 37-24. Mandatory Credit: Rick Ste /

Offense – Players and statistics

Quarterbacks

At quarterback was Mark Rypien. Rypien had a Pro Bowl season as he threw for 3,564 yards and 28 touchdowns. He had the best game of his career against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 10. In this game, Rypien threw for 442 yards and six touchdowns on just 16 completions. In Week 14, he had another excellent performance against the Los Angeles Rams, throwing for three touchdowns. He also threw three touchdowns against the Giants, to move the Redskins to 14-1. His stellar play continued in the playoffs, as he eventually earned Super Bowl MVP honors. In the Super Bowl, he threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns.

Running Backs

The group of running backs consisted of Earnest Byner, rookie Ricky Ervins, and veteran Gerald Riggs. Each running back had their own unique skill set, and each added a different wrinkle to the offense when they were on the field.

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Earnest Byner was the workhorse of the group. The man who was better known for ‘the fumble’ put his demons behind him in 1991 and had his best season as a pro. Byner rushed for 1,048 yards on 274 carries, scoring five touchdowns as he earned Pro Bowl honors. He also had 308 receiving yards on 34 receptions. He had 23 carries for 109 yards and a touchdown against the Phoenix Cardinals in Week 3. Byner also had 21 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown to help beat a tough Houston Oilers team in overtime in Week 10. Byner had 14 carries in the Super Bowl and caught a touchdown.

Ricky Ervins was the speedster and was a nice change of pace to Byner. In his rookie season, Ervins had 680 yards rushing on 145 carries and 16 receptions for 181 yards. He scored four touchdowns. Ervins had a breakout game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7. He ran for 133 yards on just 13 carries and had two scores. Ervins had a 24-yard touchdown reception against the Rams as well. He had 72 yards rushing in the Super Bowl.

Gerald Riggs was the finisher of the group. The veteran finished with 11 touchdown runs on the season and brought a physical running style. Riggs had three rushing touchdowns to help beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4. He also scored twice in a Week 12 victory. In the Super Bowl, Riggs had two goal line touchdowns.

Wide Receiver

One of the more notable position groups in NFL history, Rypien had none other than ‘the posse’ to throw his beautiful, deep bombs to. A collection of speed, sure hands, and big-play ability, this legendary group consisted of Art Monk, Gary Clark, and Ricky Sanders.

Gary Clark had the best season of the three in 1991, finishing with 70 receptions for 1,340 yards and ten touchdown receptions. He was named to the Pro Bowl team as well. Clark had two second-half touchdowns to help the Redskins overcome a 13-0 deficit and beat the New York Giants in Week 9. In their Week 16 rematch, Clark had three receptions for 129 yards and two more touchdowns. In the Super Bowl, Clark had seven receptions for 114 yards and a touchdown.

Ark Monk had another outstanding season in what would be a Hall of Fame career, hauling in 71 receptions for 1,049 yards and eight touchdowns. Monk had two touchdown receptions against the Chicago Bears in Week 6. He had seven receptions for 164 yards and two touchdowns in Week 10. Monk had an excellent performance in the Super Bowl, catching seven balls for 113 yards.

Ricky Sanders was the third member of the group. The man who helped spark ‘the quarter’ in Super Bowl XXII, Sanders finished 1991 with 45 receptions for 580 yards and five touchdowns. He had a critical game-tying touchdown reception against the Cardinals in Week 15. Sanders also had a 40-yard touchdown reception against the Steelers, and a 41-yard reception in the Super Bowl.

Offensive Line

One of the most famous position groups in NFL history, the Redskins’ offensive line in 1991 was known as ‘The Hogs’. It began at center with Jeff Bostic. Bostic started every game and was instrumental in helping open holes inside. Starting alongside Bostic were talented guards Raleigh McKenzie and Mark Schlereth. Schlereth was solid all season, as he earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. They had Jim Lachey at left tackle, who was arguably the best tackle in the league at the time. Lachay was an absolute rock on the edge, as he earned first-team All-Pro honors. At right tackle was none other than Joe Jacoby. This group was so talented and deep that future Hall of Famer Russ Grimm only started one game that season! Perhaps the most impressive feat is this group allowed just nine sacks on the season. They controlled the line of scrimmage in the Super Bowl, opening up nice running lanes and did not give up a sack against a talented Bills’ defensive line.

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