Many of the older players saw 1991 as their last chance to reproduce the success of the 80s before their retirements. A new stable of offensive stars had been playing together for several years, and the defense had been rebuilt into a powerful unit. Anticipation was high among fans and players alike.

The team did not disappoint. The Skins roared to an 11-0 record, displaying the kind of dominance that hadn't been seen consistently since 1983. The team was so complete that an opponent didn't score a point at RFK until week 7. Two losses by a total of 5 points brought the final record to 14-2, and the Skins overwhelmed two NFC playoff oponnents and the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl.

All of the offensive stars had standout years, and Mark Rypien was the Super Bowl MVP. Although Gibbs' teams had won two previous championships, this was the first won during a non-strike season, and it finally silenced all the cynics who said those victories were 'strike season flukes.'