Redskins 1991: The Final Chapter of a Defining Era in NFL Football

The 1991 Washington Redskins roster stands as a formidable testament to a dynasty in full throttle—though the playoffs would prove elusive, the team’s full squad that season showcased elite talent, defensive dominance, and a cohesive culture built on discipline and championship tradition. With Richard Johnson leading the offense, a stout Defense anchored by Hall-of-Fame figures, and key contributors bridging past glories with future promise, the 1991 team rode the momentum of three consecutive NFC championships into a Super Bowl appearance just two years prior—and aimed to close the chapter strong. This article explores the 179-players roster with precision, highlighting standout names, structural strengths, and the defining roles that defined one of the NFL’s most celebrated teams before the millennium.

The 1991 Redskins roster assembled one of the most balanced and historically consistent lineups of the early 1990s, boasting veterans who had powered championship runs and rookies destined to shape the future. The team entered the regular season ranked second in the NFC, underpinned by a defense widely regarded as league-leading and an offense engineered to sustain long yardage and playoff-level production.

Quarterback Stability and the Johnson Legacy

At the helm was Richard Johnson, Washington’s seasoned franchise quarterback returning from Super Bowl XXVI dominance. Johnson’s 1991 campaign marked a transition but not a regression—he threw for 2,489 yards, committed to 271 completions on 412 attempts, and maintained a passer rating slightly above league average for the era.

His leadership behind the line, paired with a well-timed pocket presence and proven decision-making, anchored a backbone that thrived under pressure. “Richard was the calm in the storm,” remembered defensive coordinator Joe Gibbs, “he didn’t flash—he executed.” Supporting Johnson were limits backs like Hogan Price, whose reliability in short to intermediate catching created mismatches and unshackled the run. Rookie Chris Chile added burst and versatility in the backfield, while import Ed McCafferty bolstered the secondary with explosive speed and coverage, embodying the team’s blend of domestic grit and strategic asset acquisition.

The passing game, orchestrated by Johnson, leaned on precision and volume. With tight ends playing dual roles—receiving and blocking—the offensive schemes capitalized on the Redskins’ uncanny ability to stretch defenses through tight gaps and swift routes. Quarterback playicosity enabled receivers like Mike Anderson—though not yet a dominant name in ’91—to thrive in widen general roles, setting the stage for future explosive combinations.

Defense: A Wall That Rituals Built

The Redskins’ defensive line emerged as the backbone of the 1991 team, anchored by seasoned linemen forged in the crucible of prior success. Dominant first-round draft pick and future Pro Bowler Terry Wilson (then a hall of fame linebacker, though his peak years weren’t fully aligned with 1991) provided edge-rushing presence although not yet fully visible. More pivotal was Mike Siani, whose gritty exposure in the middle of the linefeld reflected years of disciplined sample.

His unyielding tackling and ball-hawking set the tone for a unit that ranked fourth in the league in sacks and yielded 63 total tackles. In defensive backfield, the scheme fused veteran savvy with emerging talent. Defensive backs James Jones and Melvin flowers crafted a high-communication unit where coverage precision and aggressive diagonal complements clashed with opposing offenses.

Jones, a lone inseparable piece, made 85 caps with key interceptions and breakups, while Flowers’ speed and coverage reading opposed a shift in offensive tendencies. The corner position, occupied by future stars like Tony Corma—already showing professionalism—nail-checked red zone safety, ensuring consistency against aerial threats.

Special Teams: The Unsung Engine of Victory

Less glorified but critical to the squad’s effectiveness, the special teams corps combined explosive power with functional kicking strategy.

Martin Lewis, returning from prior Super Bowl success, electrified the field with explosive kick deployment—both punts and field goals featured controlled power and placement, essential for punishing opponent returners. Tryouts had revealed Lewis’s range and precision in 1991, setting him on track to become a late-career icon. On defense, punter Mark Nicas delivered pitch accuracy and windage, essential in sustaining field position during critical stretches.

The kickoff team, a blend of projectile specialists, ensured respectable coverage and return leverage, reinforcing the team’s emphasis on controlled kicking zones rather than flashy returns. Even in a pre-sicht era of advanced analytics, these fundamental units proved decisive in tight matchups.

Across the front, special teams were not mere specialists but integral to a holistic game plan—a philosophy that resonated in every snap.

With chutes crisp and plays executed, the 1991 Redskins’ roster represented not just a collection of individual talent but a meticulously crafted, seasoned ensemble built to defend, control, and win on a national stage. Their roster reflected a brand defined by tradition, execution, and playoff aspirations.

Key Roster Highlights: Names That Defined a Dynasty

The roster featured immersive depth, with figures whose impact extended beyond statistics.

Outside line: - **Richard Johnson** (QB): Franchise leader and veteran publisher of Redskins passing history. - **Hogan Price** (RB): Frustrated potential whose quickness laid groundwork for future special teams stars. - **Mike Siani** (LB): The defensive lineman whose relentless edge-rushing masked early career obscurity.

- **Melvin Flowers** (CB): Future Pro Bowler and cornerstone of the 1991 secondary. - **Jim Honard** (Tight End): Hall-of-Fame textile turned reliable receiving threat and blocker. - **Martin Lewis** (K): Kickoff artistry that set up crucial special teams platforms.

Defense: - **Terry Wilson** (LB Fuller Role): Defensive line bruiser with impact in critical when called upon. - **James Jones** (DB): Hall of Fame-level pass-rusher and footwork specialist. - **Tony Corma** (CB): Emerging star known for coverage acumen and developmental promise.

Offense: - **Chris Chile** (RB): Dynamic back mysterious each game, versatile