The Top 5 Super Bowls Ever: #5 Bills vs. Giants (1991)

It was January 27, 1991, in Tampa, Florida. Super Bowl XXV (25) was about to determine the champion of the 1990 NFL season. What made this game exceptional was that it felt larger than just football. The entire nation was watching attentively, the stadium was filled to capacity, and millions of fans were glued to their television screens.

Before the game commenced, singer Whitney Houston delivered a powerful rendition of the national anthem. At that time, America was facing the Gulf War, and her compelling performance added a sense of seriousness and emotion to the occasion. When the whistle blew, the story truly began.

Two Teams, Two Very Different Plans

The Buffalo Bills were designed for speed. Their key player, quarterback Jim Kelly, led a rapid no-huddle offense. This strategy meant that the Bills did not pause to huddle between plays. Instead, they rushed to the line and snapped the ball quickly, hoping to catch the defense off balance.

In contrast, the New York Giants had a completely different strategy. Their key player was running back Ottis Anderson. The Giants aimed to slow the game down. They focused on running the ball, executing short passes, and controlling the clock. This tactic is known as ball control, which prevents the other team's offense from getting on the field.

Early in the game, Buffalo’s strategy proved effective. The Bills jumped out to a 12–3 lead, and it appeared that their speed might secure a victory that night.

One Kick That Changed Everything

However, the Giants maintained their composure. Play by play, they gradually wore the Bills down. Extended drives consumed precious minutes. Anderson charged straight into defenders repeatedly, refusing to be stopped. By the second half, the Giants had taken charge of the game's tempo.

As the fourth quarter was nearing its end, the Giants led 20–19. Then came Buffalo’s final opportunity.

With only seconds remaining, the Bills prepared for a long field goal attempt. If it succeeded, Buffalo would clinch the Super Bowl victory. The snap was executed perfectly. The kick soared high into the air. But alas, it veered wide right and missed.

The Giants triumphed in Super Bowl XXV (25) by a single point, marking it as the closest Super Bowl ever. One kick altered the outcome, and football history was truly made.