http://imgsrv.wben.com/image/DbGraphic/201101/1735709.jpg1296124248Has it REALLY Been 20 Years? Bills Superbowl Flashback.
Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Has it really been 20 years since the Buffalo Bills had their first of four consecutive Superbowl appearances? Yes. It was January 27, 1991 when the Bills faced the New York Giants. An you know the rest of the story.
Who can forget. Just think of the names Jim Kelly, Bruce Smith, Andre Reed, Cornelius Bennett, James Lofton. And, of course, Scott Norwood. The phrase "wide right" is a part of culture in western New York.
Do you remember what made the Bills team special? The Bills had a very talented team with 9 Pro Bowl selections on their roster. Their defense was led by defensive end Bruce Smith, who recorded 19 sacks and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. Behind him, 3 of the Bills starting linebackers, Darryl Talley, Shane Conlan, and Cornelius Bennett, were selected to the Pro Bowl. And on special teams, Pro Bowler Steve Tasker was a major threat, forcing fumbles, delivering jarring tackles, and blocking kicks. The Bills finished with a 13-3 record that year before entering the playoff run.
Sparing you all the details, the Bills went to Superbowl XXV, their first of four consecutive appearances, and lost the game in the final minutes. Late in the fourth quarter. the Bills forced New York to punt and took the ball at their own 10-yard line with 2:16 remaining. Kelly then led them down the field with a mix of scrambles, short passes, and Thomas runs. Buffalo drove to the Giants' 29-yard line, setting up Norwood for a 47-yard field goal attempt with eight seconds left. However, his kick barely sailed wide right, sealing New York's victory with 4 seconds left.
And 20 years later, four Superbowls later, Buffalo still awaits a Superbowl trophy.