26-30
(1991-1995)
26. Was 37, Buf 24
Was PF 30.3, PA 14
Buf PF 28.6, PA 19.9
SL: 7.6 for Was, +5.4 Was
The second Buf stab at NFL immortality saw them entering a statistical td dog to the Bills. The only scoring in the first half happened in the second quarter, as Washington poured on 17 points. Buffalo came on in the second half to make at least that much a contest, actually outscoring Washington 24-20, though they couldn't overcome that second quarter run. Another tough loss for the Bills.
27. Buf 17, Dal 52
Buf PF 23.8, PA 14.3
Dal PF 23.5, PA 15.2
SL: 1.2 for Buf, +36.2 Dal
One of the most mystifying SB losses on record. Buffalo enters a statistical favorite only to be destroyed by a dynasty on the rise. The secret to the one sided affair? Turnovers. A record nine of them. Four ints and five fumbles, leading to 35 Cowboys' points. If you look beyond the score you see a two teams with essentially the same number of rushing and passing first downs, the same third down efficiency, etc. In other words, absent turnovers this is a nail bitter.
28. Dal 30, Buf 13
Dal PF 23.5, PA 14.3
Buf PF 20.6, PA 15.1
SL: 3.7 for Dal, +13.3 Dal
Buffalo went in even more of an underdog in the rematch, but led at the half 13-6. They never scored again. A Thomas fumble 45 seconds into the opening third quarter went the other way for a tying td and the psychological collapse could be felt in Buffalo. Twenty four points later it was officially over.
29. SD 26, SF 49
SD PF 23.8, PA 19.1
SF PF 31.6, PA 18.5
SL: 7.4 for SF, +15.6 SF
The Niners had a clear advantage entering SB and Steve Young was on a mission to establish his lesser legacy in the Bay area. He managed to make as good a case as Montana's successor as you could, with a record six passing tds. It was his only trip to the game, but he made it a memorable one, putting on a qb clinic while ending as the game's top rusher as well.
30. Dal 27, Pit 17
Dal PF 27.2, PA 18.2
Pit PF 25.4, PA 20.4
SL: 4.0 for Dal, +6 Dal
A SB that capped the Cowboy run and ended about as expected. The Steelers had a clear advantage in first downs and almost doubled the Cowboys rushing yds and did a little better than equal the Cowboys in the air. So what was the difference? Once again, Dallas forcing turnovers.