Today in sports history (1991), the Buffalo Bills took on the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV. The Bills came into this game with a 13-3 record, due in part to their K-Gun, fast-paced offense. The Giants came in with the same record, due in part to their dominant defense.
In a game with the best offense and best defense in the league, football fans around the world knew that this was going to be a good one. The Giants prevailed in Super Bowl XXV, thanks to the famous miss from Bills kicker Scott Norwood in the final seconds. This was also the first Super Bowl to feature two teams representing the same state.
Bills Lose Super Bowl XXV After Scott Norwood Miss
This Giants opened the game controlling the pace. On their first drive, they took just over six minutes off of the clock, resulting in a field goal to open the scoring. On Buffalo’s subsequent drive, Jim Kelly hit James Lofton for a 61-yard completion, setting up a Scott Norwood field goal to tie the game. The Bills made the Giants punt on their next possession. Kelly then led the Bills on an 80-yard touchdown drive.
Opening the second quarter, Buffalo’s Bruce Smith sacked Jeff Hostetler in the end zone for a safety. This pushed the Bills’ lead to nine points. Right before the half, the Giants answered back with a 14-yard touchdown reception from Stephen Baker. The score into the half was 12-10, in favor of the Bills.
The Giants scored on their first drive in the second half on an Ottis Anderson one-yard touchdown. Buffalo was forced to punt on their next possession, giving the ball back to New York right before the fourth quarter. The Giants were faced with a fourth and two, where Smith came up once again with a huge sack, forcing a turnover.
To start the fourth quarter, Buffalo scored on a 31-yard rushing touchdown from Thurman Thomas. The Giants once again drove down the field but were eventually stopped at the three-yard line. A field goal gave them a 20-19 lead. On Buffalo’s last effort drive, Kelly led the team all the way down to the Giants’ 29-yard line. This set up a game-winning kick for Norwood. In the now-famous play, Norwood missed wide-right and the Giants won Super Bowl XXV, 20-19.
