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 4—Washington 34, Cincinnati 27 — September 22, 1991
Washington experienced its first scare of the season, seeing their 17-point lead vanish, before recovering to regain the lead in a 34-27 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Leading 17-10 in the second quarter, behind two one-yard plunges by Gerald Riggs, Washington (4-0) stopped the Bengals, forcing a punt, which Brian Mitchell ran back 66 yards for a touchdown putting the Redskins ahead 24-10 at the half.
Early in the third, Washington threatened to blow open the game; however, had to settle for Chip Lohmiller’s 26-yard field goal, providing them a 27-10 lead.
The Bengals (0-4) responded with 17 straight points of their own on touchdown runs by Craig Taylor from 1 and 34 yards, as the third quarter ended with Washington only up 27-24. In the final quarter when Bengal kicker Jim Breech was successful from 25 yards, the game was tied 27-27 with 5:12 remaining. Washington QB Mark Rypien had fumbled at the Washington 45 when sacked by Alfred Williams.
Washington drove 53 yards in only six plays, including Gerald Riggs’ 20-yard run, culminating in Riggs’ 7-yard touchdown run with 2:02 remaining for the final winning margin.
Rypien was 15 of 23 for 217 yards, with one interception and a lost fumble. Washington was led by Earnest Byner’s 56 receiving yards on five receptions and 75 rushing yards on 18 carries. Riggs’ day included three rushing touchdowns and ten carries for 61 yards.
Gary Clark’s six receptions and Art Monk’s 84 receiving yards led the receivers.
Boomer Esiason finished 18 of 37 for 212 yards with one interception by safety Brad Edwards. Esiason was sacked four times as Monte Coleman, Charles Mann, Fred Stokes and Bobby Wilson each earned one sack.