What Is 1991 Los Angeles Raiders football

Overview

The 1991 Los Angeles Raiders marked the franchise's 32nd season in NFL history and their 12th since relocating from Oakland to Los Angeles. Under head coach Art Shell, the team finished with a 9-7 record, securing second place in the AFC West and qualifying for the playoffs.

The season was notable for its defensive intensity and inconsistent offense, which struggled to maintain momentum. Despite missing the Pro Bowl, quarterback Jay Schroeder led the team in passing with 2,586 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Raiders played their home games at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, drawing mixed fan support.

• Record: The Raiders finished the 1991 regular season with a 9-7 win-loss record, their first winning season since 1986 and a significant improvement from their 5-11 mark in 1990.
• Division Standing: They placed second in the AFC West, behind the 10-6 Kansas City Chiefs, earning a wildcard berth in the playoffs due to their conference record.
• Head Coach:Art Shell, who became the NFL's first Black head coach in the modern era in 1989, led the team with an emphasis on physical defense and disciplined play-calling.
• Home Stadium: The Raiders played all home games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a 93,000-seat venue that hosted the team from 1982 to 1994 before their return to Oakland.
• Playoff Result: In the wild card round, the Raiders lost 10-6 to the Kansas City Chiefs on January 5, 1992, ending their postseason run in a low-scoring, defense-dominated game.

Performance & Season Details

The 1991 campaign was defined by a strong defensive unit and an offense that often failed to capitalize on opportunities. The team showed resilience, winning key games against division rivals but faltering late in the season.

• Passing Yards: Quarterback Jay Schroeder threw for 2,586 yards with 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, relying heavily on wide receiver Mervyn Fernandez and tight end Ethan Horton.
• Rushing Attack: Running back Bo Jackson, though limited by injury, contributed 226 rushing yards before retiring; Marcus Allen added 555 yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Defensive Strength: The defense allowed only 282 points (17.6 per game), ranking 9th in the NFL, led by linebacker Greg Townsend and safety Vann McElroy.
• Scoring Output: The Raiders scored 308 total points (18.1 per game), placing 16th in the league, reflecting offensive inconsistency despite individual efforts.
• Key Games: A 17-14 win over the Chiefs in Week 10 was pivotal, but a late-season loss to the Seahawks hurt playoff seeding.
• Special Teams: Kicker Chris Bahr made 24 of 30 field goals (80%), including a crucial 48-yarder against Denver, providing reliable scoring in tight games.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1991 Raiders to other top AFC teams highlights their strengths and limitations during the season.

The Raiders' balanced defense and moderate scoring placed them mid-tier among AFC contenders. While they outperformed division rivals like the Chargers, they lacked the offensive firepower of teams like the Bills and Broncos, ultimately limiting their postseason success.

Why It Matters

The 1991 season was a transitional but promising chapter in the Raiders' Los Angeles era, reflecting both resilience and missed potential.

• Art Shell's Leadership: Shell's tenure as head coach was historically significant, breaking racial barriers and setting a precedent for diversity in NFL leadership roles.
• End of Bo Jackson: The season marked the final year of Bo Jackson's career, whose electrifying play left a lasting legacy despite his short NFL run due to hip injury.
• Stadium Legacy: Playing at the Memorial Coliseum connected the team to Los Angeles sports history, though fan engagement remained inconsistent compared to Oakland.
• Defensive Identity: The 1991 defense exemplified the classic Raiders toughness, laying groundwork for future team-building strategies under Shell.
• Playoff Return: After years of losing seasons, the 1991 playoff appearance renewed fan interest and signaled a potential turnaround for the franchise.
• Historical Context: This season preceded the team's eventual return to Oakland in 1995, making it a key chapter in the franchise's complex geographic journey.

The 1991 Los Angeles Raiders may not have achieved championship glory, but they represented a step toward stability and relevance during a turbulent era in franchise history.