1991 — the greatest season in Washington Football history.
This 2021 NFL season reminds us that 30 years ago Washington assembled its greatest team in franchise history, going 14-2 and racing through the playoffs to the Super Bowl XXVI championship and Vince Lombardi Trophy.
For the next several weeks, Washington Wire will take a brief glimpse back, reminding ourselves of the greatest team in Washington history.
Week 1 Detroit 0, Washington 45
Opening the season at home and before a Sunday night national TV audience as a 7.5 point favorite, Washington manhandled the Detroit Lions 45-0.
Washington used a punishing rushing attack, running 42 times for 191 yards. Earnest Byner led the way, carrying 16 times for 83 and a touchdown. Byner also executed a halfback option pass to Ricky Sanders for an 18-yard touchdown. Ricky Ervins had a long burst of 37 yards and would finish with 54 yards in only 6 carries.
Quarterback Mark Rypien was nearly flawless completing 15 of his 19 attempts for 183 yards, including touchdown tosses of 4 yards to tight end Jimmie Johnson and 38 yards to wide receiver Gary Clark. Clark led Washington receivers with 6 catches for 107 yards, followed by Sanders’ 3 catches for 38 yards.
The Lions without Hall-of-Fame running back Barry Sanders, found themselves quickly down 21-0 in the first quarter when Washington’s Brian Mitchell returned a Jim Arnold punt 69 yards for a touchdown. When Byner rushed into the end zone from 6 yards, Washington had built a 35-0 halftime lead.
The Washington defense limited Detroit to nine first downs, 61 passing yards, recorded three QB sacks, and created four turnovers, including two Darrell Green interceptions, beginning the franchise’s greatest season with a shutout performance.
