The Redskins’ last road to glory

It’s been two decades since the once-formidable Redskins plowed through the regular season and playoffs on the way to their third, and last, Super Bowl championship in the 1991-92 season.

5 Seconds

00:00

Sept. 9, 1991

Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman would go on to win three Super Bowls, but this day belonged to linebacker Kurt Gouveia and the Redskins as Washington moved to 2-0 with a 33-31 victory over Dallas.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Sept. 9, 1991

Redskins holder and backup quarterback Jeff Rutledge, left, linebacker Ravin Caldwell, center, and place kicker Chip Lohmiller watch the flight of his 46-yard field goal that later provided a cushion in a two-point victory. Lohmiller set a team standard that day by hitting four field goals, all from 45-plus yards, including a 52- and 53-yarder.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Sept. 22, 1991

Redskins running back Gerald Riggs makes a dash for daylight as tight ends Ron Middleton, left, and Terry Orr lead the way in Washington's 34-27 win over Cincinnati to improve to 4-0 while the Bengals slipped to 0-4. Riggs had 10 carries for 61 yards and three touchdowns on the day.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Sept. 22, 1991

Quarterback Mark Rypien unleashes one of his trademark deep throws during a Week 4 victory over the Bengals at since-demolished Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati. It was only one of three games that Rypien failed to throw a touchdown pass that season.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Sept. 22, 1991

Future Hall of Fame wide receiver Art Monk navigates an open patch of turf against the Bengals. The 1991 season would be the last truly exceptional season of Monk’s career as the 12-year veteran would catch 71 balls for 1,049 yards and eight touchdowns. By comparison, Houston’s Haywood Jeffires lead the league with 100 receptions and Michael Irvin led in yardage with 1,523.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Oct. 27, 1991

Running back Ricky Ervins collects some hard-earned yards during a 17-13 victory over the Giants that kept the Redskins undefeated at 8-0. Ervins, a third-round pick out of USC, would last four years with the Redskins but never had a better season than his first.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Oct. 27, 1991

Rypien struggled against the Giants this late October day, completing just 12 of 25 passes for 159 yards, although he did connect for a pair of touchdowns to Redskins stalwart Gary Clark in the second half.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Oct. 27, 1991

Running back Earnest Byner, center, is bottled up against the Giants at the old Meadowlands Stadium, managing just 11 yards on 10 carries. Byner would run for 1,048 yards and five touchdowns that season and would eventually finish out his career with the Baltimore Ravens in 1997.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Nov. 17, 1991

Old Hogs and new Mark Schlereth, Ron Middleton, Ed Simmons, Jim Lachey and Jeff Bostic enjoy a sabbatical on the bench during the Redskins' 41-14 trouncing of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium that pushed Washington to 11-0. The remnants of the famed offensive line would see its last, best days during that 1991 season.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Oct. 27, 1991

Tight end Don Warren (No. 85) and Hall of Fame guard Russ Grimm listen intently as Coach Joe Gibbs and offensive line coach Jim Hanifan deliver instruction against the Steelers.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Jan. 4, 1992

Ricky Ervins follows tackle Jim Lachey through the driving rain and slop as the Redskins take down the Falcons during the NFC divisional playoffs at RFK Stadium. Ervins rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown, Byner for 57 yards and Riggs scored two touchdowns on four carries in a game dominated by the home team.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Jan. 4, 1992

Yellow seat cushions come pouring out onto the field as Redskins fans at RFK Stadium instigate their own late-game celebration as Washington moved into the NFC championship game.

Nancy Andrews / The Washington Post

Jan. 12, 1992

Quarterback Mark Rypien was feeling it against the upstart Lions in the NFC championship game. Rypien only threw the ball 17 times that day, but a dominant and opportunistic defense did the rest as the Redskins advanced to the Super Bowl for the fifth time in franchise history.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Jan. 12, 1992

Defensive coordinator Richie Pettibon, center, discusses tactics with linebackers Andre Collins, left, and Wilbur Marshall, right, during the Redskins' massacre of the Lions. Collins, Marshall and company limited future Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders to just 44 yards on 11 carries.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Jan. 12, 1992

Tempestuous Redskins owner Jack Kent Cooke, right, sporting his trademark houndstooth jacket, celebrates a touchdown by embracing his wife Marlene, left, as the Redskins advance to their fourth — and final — Super Bowl during Cooke's tenure.

Nancy Andrews / The Washington Post

Jan. 12, 1992

The Hoggettes, a staple of RFK Stadium since the early days of the Hogs in the 1980s, stand for the national anthem at the NFC championship game.

Nancy Andrews / The Washington Post

Jan. 12, 1992

Mark Rypien, in the midst of the best season of his career (249 of 421, 28 touchdowns, 97.9 QB rating), warms up next to Coach Gibbs prior to the Redskins’ dismantling of the Lions.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Jan. 12, 1992

The Redskins were a team on a mission in 1991, and despite two losses during the regular season — by a combined five points — were clearly the NFL's dominant team heading into the Super Bowl in Minneapolis.

Nancy Andrews / The Washington Post

Jan. 12, 1992

Cornerback Darrell Green's 32-yard interception return for a touchdown put the Lions out of their misery late in the fourth quarter.

Rich Lipski / The Washington Post

Jan. 26, 1992

Redskins wide receiver Gary Clark, right, his patented towel hanging from his waistband, prospects for addtional yardage as Bills cornerback Nate Odomes enters the picture. Clark caught seven balls for 114 yards and the touchdown that put the Redskins up 31-10 and the game essentially out of reach in Super Bowl XXVI at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Jan. 26, 1992

Veteran left tackle Joe Jacoby and the Redskins make their point with a powerful display of physical dominance against the Bills in Super Bowl XXVI.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Jan. 26, 1992

Buffalo quarterback Jim Kelly was harassed and bullied by a stout Redskins defense from start to finish. Pictured, defenders Eric Williams, left, Jason Buck and Charles Mann swarm the helpless Kelly. The Bills quarterback was sacked five times and picked off four times.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Jan. 26, 1992

Redskins running back Gerald Riggs plunges into the end zone with little resistance to give the Redskins a commanding 24-0 lead in Super Bowl XXVI. During the 1991 postseason, Riggs rushed for six touchdowns in three games, all of the short-yardage variety.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Jan. 26, 1992

Jim Kelly was forced to sling the ball after he and the Bills fell into a 24-point hole. Kelly threw the ball a Super Bowl-record 58 times, a mark that still stands today.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Jan. 26, 1992

Safety Brad Edwards was one of the unsung heroes of Super Bowl XXVI, with a pair of interceptions and at least one touchdown-saving hit on Bills wide receiver Don Beebe.

Joel Richardson / The Washington Post

Jan. 26, 1992

Mark Rypien never shined brighter than in Super Bowl XXVI, when he earned Super Bowl most valuable player honors for leading the Redskins to victory. Rypien finished 18 of 33 for 292 yards and two touchdowns.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Jan. 26, 1992

Gary Clark's third-quarter touchdown helped pave the way for the Redskins' third Super Bowl triumph of the Joe Gibbs era.

Joel Richardson / The Washington Post

Jan. 26, 1992

Joe Gibbs and Jim Hanifan share a joyful embrace as the Redskins send the D.C. area into a Super Bowl-winning frenzy.

Rich Lipski / The Washington Post

Jan. 26, 1992

All eyes are on Mark Rypien and his daughter after his super performance against the Bills.

John McDonnell / The Washington Post

Jan. 28, 1992

Joe Gibbs, surrounded by his players, holds the Vince Lombardi trophy during a rally for the Super Bowl champions on the National Mall. A day of pure euphoria would soon give way to a precipitous franchise decay that exists to this day, with the Redskins having enjoyed only two 10-win seasons since that historic 17-2 campaign.

Doug Mills / Associated Press

Featured Photo Galleries

Homeowner David Firth tries to beat back a brush fire heading towards his home at Bettas Road and Low Drive as wildfire burns Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012 in Cle Elum, Wash. The fire jumped the line they were trying to make but still stands after being sprayed with water trucks and further efforts to beat it back with the help of several neighbors volunteering. (AP Photo/The Seattle Times, Bettina Hansen) SEATTLE OUT, USA TODAY OUT, MAGAZINES OUT, TELEVISION OUT, NO SALES . MANDATORY CREDIT TO: BETTINA HANSEN/THE SEATTLE TIMES.

Residents evacuate as wildfires rage through the West

This year’s wildfires are more numerous and have gotten bigger than last year’s, an official says.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 16: Protesters gather outside the Ecuadorian Embassy, where Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks is staying on August 16, 2012 in London, England. Mr Assange has been living inside Ecuador's London embassy since June 19, 2012 after requesting political asylum whilst facing extradition to Sweden to face allegations of sexual assault. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

Julian Assange granted political asylum by Ecuador

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange was granted asylum on Thursday by Ecuador, raising the possibility of a diplomatic showdown between British...

Chase Culp of Houston checks his clown makeup before the performance of Circus Smirkus on Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 in Montpelier, Vt. Circus Smirkus, based in Greensboro, Vt., is an award-winning international youth circus founded to promote the skills, culture and traditions of the traveling circus.(AP Photo/Toby Talbot)

India Independence Day, Syrian air strikes, Western wildfires, plastination and more in the day in photos

News and feature images from around the world.

Cast member Charisma Carpenter poses at the premiere of 'The Expendables 2' at the Grauman's Chinese theatre in Hollywood, California August 15, 2012. The movie opens in the U.S. on August 17. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT)

Eye on entertainment

Charisma Carpenter, Chuck Norris, Lionel Richie, Joe Jonas, Nelly, Alice Cooper and other celebrities.

US President Barack Obama drinks a Guinness beer at The Dubliner pub on March 17, 2012 in Washington. Obama went to the bar to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. AFP PHOTO/Brendan SMIALOWSKI (Photo credit should read BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/Getty Images)

Hoppy days are here again

President Obama is making clear his love for beer on the campaign trail as he attempts to ferment a coalition of the swilling.

Scanned from Post archive. Washington Senators baseball players Goose Goslin, Manush, Kukel. 9/21/1933. No other info. TWP Photo.

The last time Washington was this good . . .

The Nationals have had the best record in baseball in August, starting to erase memories hardened by decades of mediocrity. Here are clues to...

Montreal Washington, of Kansas City, pets the dog she adopted, Friday, Aug. 10, during 'Tackle Pet Homelessness' at the Kansas City animal shelter in Kansas City, Mo.. Washington plans on naming the pit bull, Alexandra. The shelter is at capacity and is offering a $25 adoption special for all dogs 25 pounds or more. For the month of August, all cats are 'name your own price' and kitten adoptions are $50. (AP Photo/The Kansas City Star, Allison Long)

Homeless and adopted dogs, sand kittens, snow leopards and more in animal views.

Amazing creatures from around the world.

LEWISBURG, WV - AUGUST 11: ( EDITORS NOTE: Image was created using the iPhone 4s with Snapseed's vintage filter) Two young boys sip a drink at the West Virginia State fair on August 11, 2012 in Lewisburg, West Virginia. People from across the region travel to the fair, which is celebrating its 88th year, and hosts various events including equestrian and livestock demonstrations along with a full compliment of carnival rides. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

iPhone snapshots at the West Virginia State Fair

An iPhone captures the fun at the West Virginia State Fair, in its 88th year. All images were created using the Snapseed photo-editing app&rsquo...

Back to Previous Gallery

Discussion Policy | FAQ | About Discussions

Comments

Add your comment

Read what others are saying About Badges

SuperFan Badge

SuperFan badge holders consistently post smart, timely comments about Washington area sports and teams.

More about badges | Request a badge

Culture Connoisseur Badge

Culture Connoisseurs consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on the arts, lifestyle and entertainment.

More about badges | Request a badge

Fact Checker Badge

Fact Checkers contribute questions, information and facts to The Fact Checker.

More about badges | Request a badge

Washingtologist Badge

Washingtologists consistently post thought-provoking, timely comments on events, communities, and trends in the Washington area.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Writer Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post editor, reporter or producer.

Post Forum Badge

Post Forum members consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on politics, national and international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Weather Watcher Badge

Weather Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on climates and forecasts.

More about badges | Request a badge

World Watcher Badge

World Watchers consistently offer thought-provoking, timely comments on international affairs.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Contributor Badge

This commenter is a Washington Post contributor. Post contributors aren’t staff, but may write articles or columns. In some cases, contributors are sources or experts quoted in a story.

More about badges | Request a badge

Post Recommended

Washington Post reporters or editors recommend this comment or reader post.

You must be logged in to report a comment.

Comments our editors find particularly useful or relevant are displayed in Top Comments, as are comments by users with these badges: . Replies to those posts appear here, as well as posts by staff writers.

All comments are posted in the All Comments tab.

More about badges

Get a badge

To pause and restart automatic updates, click "Live" or "Paused". If paused, you'll be notified of the number of additional comments that have come in.