Why Didn't the 1991 Redskins Win Another Super Bowl Post-Super Bowl XXVI?
The question of why the 1991 Washington Redskins failed to secure another Super Bowl title after their victory in Super Bowl XXVI has intrigued football fans for decades. This analysis delves into the multifaceted reasons that contributed to their eventual failure, focusing on three major issues: aging key contributors, prolonged contract negotiations, and an exceedingly tough schedule.
Factors Contributing to the Failed Bid
Aging Key Contributors
One of the most significant factors that hampered the Redskins' ability to repeat their success was the natural aging process of key players. Prominent among them were Art Monk and Daryl Green. These stalwarts, who provided invaluable contributions to the team's Super Bowl victory, had reached an age where their peak performances started to wane. As careers typically do, they lacked the vigor and consistency required to maintain such a high level of play for an extended period.
Prolonged Contract Negotiations
Theirs was an era before the current salary cap and free agency system. Mark Rypien, the quarterback who led the team to a historic victory, faced a critical holdout issue post-Super Bowl XXXV. Rypien's contract expired in the aftermath of their Super Bowl win, and due to the limitations of Plan B free agency, he entered a lengthy negotiation period to secure his fair market value. This negotiation period stretched into most of the offseason, leaving Rypien unavailable for training and limited the team's preparation time.
A $3 Million Paycheck
The financial landscape of football was quite different back then. By modern standards, Rypien's $3 million annual salary seems modest. However, it represented substantial financial success for the time. His extended holdout not only deprived the team of his services during crucial training and preparation but also underscored the challenges faced by teams and players in the pre-salary cap era.
An Extreme Schedule
Another critical factor was an extremely tough schedule that left the team exhausted. In the 1991 season, the Redskins faced none less than two Super Bowl champions, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Philadelphia Eagles, both times. Additionally, they had to play against the Saints, who finished with a 12-4 record, and two playoff-bound teams, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Minnesota Vikings.
The sheer number of competitive games, including several against the NFL’s elite, took a toll on the team's overall performance. Despite their best efforts, the regular season schedule and the physical demands of repeated play-offs significantly chipped away at the team’s winning record, causing them to slip out of playoff contention.
The Impact of Jimmy Johnson's Decision
Judging from the outcome, substituting Herschel Walker for everything ever, seemingly wasn't the best choice for the Beatles. Translated to football language, this means that trading away Herschel Walker, the iconic running back, to secure a short-term victory might have jeopardized the long-term success of the team. Walker's departure left a void that was not easily filled by the acquisitions brought in after the trade.
Conclusion: The 1991 Washington Redskins faced a myriad of challenges, ranging from the natural decline of veteran players to the challenges of contract negotiations and an exceptionally tough schedule. These factors combined to prevent them from securing another Super Bowl triumph following their historic 1991 season.