Who Won Super Bowl 27 in 1993? Cowboys Beat Bills 52-17

By Sarah Miller · January 22, 2028

The Dallas Cowboys won Super Bowl XXXVIII, defeating the Buffalo Bills 52-17 on January 31, 1993. This victory marked the Cowboys' third Super Bowl win in four years and solidified their dominance in the early 1990s NFL.

Super Bowl XXVII: A Defining Victory for the Cowboys

Super Bowl XXVII was a landmark event in NFL history, not only for its lopsided score but also for the emergence of the Dallas Cowboys as a new dynasty. Played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the game showcased a dominant performance by the Cowboys against the AFC champion Buffalo Bills.

Key Highlights of the Game

Dallas scored 35 unanswered points in the second quarter, setting a Super Bowl record.
Troy Aikman threw for 4 touchdowns, earning Super Bowl MVP honors.
Defensive end Charles Haley recorded 3 sacks and contributed to 3 forced turnovers.
The Cowboys' defense forced a record 9 turnovers, including 5 fumbles lost by the Bills.

Dallas Cowboys: Building a Dynasty

Under head coach Jimmy Johnson and with a roster featuring stars like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin, the Cowboys transformed from a struggling franchise into a powerhouse. The 1992 season culminated in this Super Bowl victory, the first of three titles in four years (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX).

Core Contributors to the Win

Troy Aikman: Completed 22 of 30 passes for 273 yards and 4 TDs.
Emmitt Smith: Rushed for 108 yards and 1 touchdown, anchoring the ground game.
Michael Irvin: Caught 6 passes for 118 yards and 1 TD.
Defensive Unit: Set a Super Bowl record with 9 takeaways.

Statistic	Dallas Cowboys	Buffalo Bills
Final Score	52	17
Total Yards	458	240
Turnovers	0	9
Passing Yards	273	188
Rushing Yards	185	52
Time of Possession	36:25	23:35

Table data source:1, 2

The statistical dominance of the Cowboys is evident in the turnover margin and time of possession. Their ability to control both sides of the ball led to one of the most complete team performances in Super Bowl history.

Buffalo Bills' Third Consecutive Super Bowl Loss

The Bills became the first team in NFL history to lose three straight Super Bowls (XXV, XXVI, XXVII). Despite having a high-powered offense led by Jim Kelly and the "K-Gun" no-huddle attack, the Bills were overwhelmed by Dallas' defensive pressure and made critical mistakes.