Broadway Joe and the Biggest Upsets in Super Bowl History

Here we go; 1990 was the start of a four-year reign atop the AFC for future Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills.

They had the most potent offense in the league at the time, leading the NFL in scoring (428) and ranking sixth in total yards (5,276).

The New York Giants boasted the best defense that season. They allowed the fewest points (211) and finished No. 2 in total yards allowed (4,206).

Leading up to Super Bowl XXV, Buffalo had been on an offensive roll. From Week 13 through the AFC championship game - and not counting the final game of the regular season in which Buffalo rested key starters - the Bills’ offense averaged 31.7 points per game.

That included a Week 15 defensive battle against the same Giants team they now faced for the Lombardi Trophy.

They eked out a 17-13 win in New York.

Buffalo had scored 95 points in its two playoff games leading up to the Super Bowl. Yes, the Bills were certainly on a roll.

That ended the night of January 27, 1991 despite the Bills entering the season’s final game as a touchdown favorite.

Including a 61-yard tip-drill reception to receiver James Lofton, Kelly completed 18-of-30 for 212 yards and did not throw a touchdown or interception.

All-Pro running back, Thurman Thomas, rushed 15 times for 135 yards and a touchdown.

He was the only consistent threat on offense, as despite being sacked only once, Kelly was under pressure much of the game.

On the game’s final drive with Buffalo down, 20-19, the Bills took the ball with 2:16 remaining at their own 10-yard line.

Thomas and Kelly combined for 61 rushing yards while Kelly passed for only 10 yards.

It came down to a 47-yard field goal try from Bills kicker Scott Norwood with eight seconds left.

His percentage on field goals beyond 40 yards on a grass surface went down that night.