On January 27, 1991: Norwood Misses Wide Right as Giants Edge Bills
For more than a week, the news has been dominated by missile attacks and aerial bombardments in the Gulf War. Today, the nation seems almost relieved to focus on a football game — Super Bowl XXV between the Giants and Bills. There are stark reminders, however, that a country of football fans is a country at war: the most extensive security ever for a sporting event and above Tampa Stadium a pregame flyover by four F-15 jets.
With a ball-control offense, New York holds the ball for 40 minutes and 33 seconds. O.J. Anderson rushes for 102 yards on 21 carries, including a one-yard touchdown run, and wins the game’s MVP. Quarterback Jeff Hostetler, who had been the backup until an injury to Phil Simms late in the season, completes 20-of-32 passes for 222 yards, including a 14-yard score to Stephen Baker that brings the Giants to within 12-10. After a 74-yard drive ends on Buffalo’s three-yard line midway through the fourth quarter, Matt Bahr kicks a 21-yard field goal to give the Giants a 20-19 lead.
The Bills start their final drive on their 10 with 2:16 left. Quarterback Jim Kelly moves them 61 yards to the Giants’ 29. Scott Norwood has a chance to be a hero. Instead, he’s the goat. His 47-yard field-goal attempt with four seconds left goes wide right, giving coach Bill Parcells and the Giants their second Super Bowl triumph in five seasons.
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