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.
Week 10—Washington 16, Houston 13— November 3, 1991
Chip Lohmiller’s 41-yard field goal in overtime, lifted the undefeated Washington Redskins past the Houston Oilers at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC.
Despite losing three lost fumbles and a Mark Rypien interception, Washington (9-0) was able to get the job done and run their undefeated streak to nine games, to start the 1991 regular season.
Lohmiller, who was good on all three of his field-goal attempts Sunday, connected twice earlier when the Washington offense could not punch the ball into the end zone. He began the scoring, with his 21-yarder for a first-quarter 3-0 Washington lead. And when trailing 6-3 at the half, he tied the game in the third quarter with his 20-yard field goal.
Earnest Byner’s 23-yard touchdown run early in the final quarter had put Washington up 13-6. Byner had taken the hand-off from Rypien, beginning the play up the middle, finding nothing and bouncing himself to the right side where he beat all defenders to the end zone.
Houston (7-2) answered as Lorenzo White dove over the top of Washington defenders from one yard, tying the game at 13-13.
Surprisingly, Washington’s All-Pro kick returner Brian Mitchell reminded the crowd and his teammates he is in fact human, when he fumbled the subsequent kickoff, giving Houston the ball at the Washington 23.
The Washington defense held and the Oilers only moving to the Washington 16, attempted an Ian Howfield 34-yard field goal attempt that remarkably was wide left, providing Washington an escape.
Darrell Green’s diving interception at the Houston 35 in overtime, set up Lohmiller for the game-winner.
Byner led all rushers with 112 yards in 21 carries. Ricky Ervins also contributed 43 yards in his nine carries.
Rypien passed for 195 yards, completing 21 of his 34 passing attempts. He often found the Posse, effectively moving the chains most of the day, as Washington accumulated 37:07 time of possession. Art Monk led with eight receptions for 62 yards, followed by Gary Clark with six receptions (76 yards) and Ricky Sanders with five for 46 yards.
Safety Brad Edwards also intercepted a Warren Moon pass, and linebacker Andre Collins recorded a QB sack.
Moon completed 25 of 44 passes for 250 yards but also threw two interceptions. Drew Hill led the Oilers with nine receptions for 83 yards.
The game marked the return of former Washington linebacker, assistant coach, and head coach Jack Pardee to RFK Stadium. He had last been at RFK when he was the Washington head coach (1978-1980).
Here are some video highlights.