Super Bowls 1-50

Nick M

Plymouth Colonist
LIFETIME MEMBER
Hall of Fame
Once Ron Rivera and Gary Kubiak kick off Super Bowl 50, there will have been 53 head coaches to coach a Super Bowl.

Tet's Top 25 Super Bowl Coaches:

Is that top coaches all time or top coaches in Super Bowl performance? And why only go back 50 years.

My thought was Don Shula is a great all time coach, but 2-4 in the big game. So why have him at number 3?
 
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Town Heretic

Out of Order
Hall of Fame
21-25
(1987-1991)​


21. Den 20, Gia 39

Den PF 23.6, PA 20.4
Gia PF 23.2, PA 14.8
SL: Gia 9.5

Denver led at the half, 10-9 in what looked like a coin flip. But as you're reading so often, adjustments/coaching has a way of overcoming leads. In this case the second half saw the Giants offense explode with 30 while Denver could only muster another 10.


22. Was 42, Den10

Was PF 23.7 PA 17.8
Den PF 23.7 PA 17.8
SL: Den 3

Two teams that looked even at a statistical distance were anything but on game day. Denver led 10-0 in the first quarter and Bronco fans' hopes were high. Then came the most brutal second quarter in SB history. 35 unanswered points. The game was a blowout before the half. Denver failed to score again and Washington added insult to injury with another seven in the fourth.


23. Cin 16, SF 20

Cin PF 28, PA 20.6
SF PF 23.1, PA 18.4
SL: SF 7

The Niners trailed 13 to 6 going into the fourth quarter. The Niners trailed 16-13 with just over three minutes on the clock when they got the ball at their own eight yard line. Ninety-two yards later the game was over and SF continued their march toward a rare status in NFL SB history as a franchise.


24. SF 55, Den 10

SF PF 27.6, PA 15.8
Den PF 22.6, PA 14.1
SL: SF 12

You think Peyton has problems? Elway was personally largely responsible for a slew of SB disasters and this one was nearly the cherry that all but buried the "drives" to get him here. Horrible game. The Niner defense held Denver to 167 yds total while SF scored at will.


25. Buf 19, Gia 20

Buf PF 26.8, PA 16.4
Gia PF 20.9, PA 13.2
SL: Buf 7.5

The game that could have changed everything for the Bills. Kelly let his team down in that and subsequent games, but the team would still have a ring but for a late fg miss by Norwood. And it only gets worse from there.

Next: 26-30
 
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Nihilo

BANNED
Banned
16-20
(1981-1985)​


NE oft

19. Mia 16, SF 38
Mia PF 32.1, PA 18.6
SF PF 29.7, PA 14.2
SL: 6.6 for SF, +15.4 SF

While a lot of attention was being lavished on the thunderbolt delivery of Dan Marino, the Niners brought an offense that was comparable and a tougher defense, so to anyone paying attention the writing was on the wall, if not that much writing. The only shocking thing about this SB is that it would mark the only time all-time great Marino would play in one.


20. Chi 46, NE 10
Chi PF 28.5, PA 12.4
NE PF 22.6, PA 18.1
SL: 11.6 for Chi, Chi +24.4

Speaking of less than riveting, one sided affairs, one of the most disappointing SBs in SB history, unless you were a fan of Chicago or blowouts. Also foreseeable, it not to the extent of the damage. It didn't help that the best offensive weapon for the Pats, Irving Fryer, was injured the night before the SB.
Thanks for the thread. :e4e:

My introduction to Patriots SB football. 'Was so excited when we "squished" the "fish" in the AFC championship. 'Didn't know anything about championship football, watched as Tony Eason and company let "the Refrigerator" score a TD. What a mess. When Brady defied John Madden's emphatic advice to take a knee for OT and instead got Vinitieri into range against the Rams, all that happened was that Tom Brady confirmed my observation of him in December of 2001, that he played so well that he inspired confidence in his own team, such that they defied expectations and played "above their heads" for an entire season.

Joe Montana did same, even better though.
 

tetelestai

LIFETIME MEMBER
LIFETIME MEMBER
All-Time Worst Super Bowl Team:

(Please feel free to add to the list)

OFFENSE:

QB - Tony Eason (0-6 at halftime)
RB- Thurman Thomas (13 yards rushing after winning season MVP)
WR - Kevin Dyson (tackled 1 yard short)
TE - Jackie Smith (dropped TD in endzone)
K - Scott Norwood (missed game winner)

DEFENSE:

DB - Eugene Robinson (picked up a hooker the night before)
LB - Ray Lewis (killed a guy at previous year's Super Bowl)
DT - Leon Lett (thought he had a sure TD)


COACH:

Pete Carroll (worst call from 1 yard line ever)

HALFTIME SHOW:

Super Bowl XXXVIII (the nipple)
 

Town Heretic

Out of Order
Hall of Fame
26-30
(1992-1996)​


26. Was 37, Buf 24

Was PF 30.3, PA 14
Buf PF 28.6, PA 19.9
SL: Was 7

The second Buf stab at NFL immortality saw them entering a statistical td dog to the Bills. The only scoring in the first half happened in the second quarter, as Washington poured on 17 points. Buffalo came on in the second half to make at least that much a contest, actually outscoring Washington 24-20, though they couldn't overcome that second quarter run. Another tough loss for the Bills.


27. Buf 17, Dal 52

Buf PF 23.8, PA 14.3
Dal PF 23.5, PA 15.2
SL: Dal 6.5

One of the most mystifying SB losses on record. Buffalo enters a statistical favorite only to be destroyed by a dynasty on the rise. The secret to the one sided affair? Turnovers. A record nine of them. Four ints and five fumbles, leading to 35 Cowboys' points. If you look beyond the score you see a two teams with essentially the same number of rushing and passing first downs, the same third down efficiency, etc. In other words, absent turnovers this is a nail bitter.


28. Dal 30, Buf 13

Dal PF 23.5, PA 14.3
Buf PF 20.6, PA 15.1
SL: Dal 10.5

Buffalo went in even more of an underdog in the rematch, but led at the half 13-6. They never scored again. A Thomas fumble 45 seconds into the opening third quarter went the other way for a tying td and the psychological collapse could be felt in Buffalo. Twenty four points later it was officially over.


29. SD 26, SF 49

SD PF 23.8, PA 19.1
SF PF 31.6, PA 18.5
SL: SF 18.5

The Niners had a clear advantage entering SB and Steve Young was on a mission to establish his lesser legacy in the Bay area. He managed to make as good a case as Montana's successor as you could, with a record six passing tds. It was his only trip to the game, but he made it a memorable one, putting on a qb clinic while ending as the game's top rusher as well.


30. Dal 27, Pit 17

Dal PF 27.2, PA 18.2
Pit PF 25.4, PA 20.4
SL: Dal 13.5

A SB that capped the Cowboy run and ended about as expected. The Steelers had a clear advantage in first downs and almost doubled the Cowboys rushing yds and did a little better than equal the Cowboys in the air. So what was the difference? Once again, Dallas forcing turnovers.
 
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patrick jane

BANNED
Banned
26-30
(1991-1995)​


26. Was 37, Buf 24

Was PF 30.3, PA 14
Buf PF 28.6, PA 19.9
SL: 7.6 for Was, +5.4 Was

The second Buf stab at NFL immortality saw them entering a statistical td dog to the Bills. The only scoring in the first half happened in the second quarter, as Washington poured on 17 points. Buffalo came on in the second half to make at least that much a contest, actually outscoring Washington 24-20, though they couldn't overcome that second quarter run. Another tough loss for the Bills.


27. Buf 17, Dal 52

Buf PF 23.8, PA 14.3
Dal PF 23.5, PA 15.2
SL: 1.2 for Buf, +36.2 Dal

One of the most mystifying SB losses on record. Buffalo enters a statistical favorite only to be destroyed by a dynasty on the rise. The secret to the one sided affair? Turnovers. A record nine of them. Four ints and five fumbles, leading to 35 Cowboys' points. If you look beyond the score you see a two teams with essentially the same number of rushing and passing first downs, the same third down efficiency, etc. In other words, absent turnovers this is a nail bitter.


28. Dal 30, Buf 13

Dal PF 23.5, PA 14.3
Buf PF 20.6, PA 15.1
SL: 3.7 for Dal, +13.3 Dal

Buffalo went in even more of an underdog in the rematch, but led at the half 13-6. They never scored again. A Thomas fumble 45 seconds into the opening third quarter went the other way for a tying td and the psychological collapse could be felt in Buffalo. Twenty four points later it was officially over.


29. SD 26, SF 49

SD PF 23.8, PA 19.1
SF PF 31.6, PA 18.5
SL: 7.4 for SF, +15.6 SF

The Niners had a clear advantage entering SB and Steve Young was on a mission to establish his lesser legacy in the Bay area. He managed to make as good a case as Montana's successor as you could, with a record six passing tds. It was his only trip to the game, but he made it a memorable one, putting on a qb clinic while ending as the game's top rusher as well.


30. Dal 27, Pit 17

Dal PF 27.2, PA 18.2
Pit PF 25.4, PA 20.4
SL: 4.0 for Dal, +6 Dal

A SB that capped the Cowboy run and ended about as expected. The Steelers had a clear advantage in first downs and almost doubled the Cowboys rushing yds and did a little better than equal the Cowboys in the air. So what was the difference? Once again, Dallas forcing turnovers.


Scott Norwood :devil:
 

Nihilo

BANNED
Banned
All-Time Worst Super Bowl Team:

(Please feel free to add to the list)

OFFENSE:

QB - Tony Eason (0-6 at halftime)
RB- Thurman Thomas (13 yards rushing after winning season MVP)
WR - Kevin Dyson (tackled 1 yard short)
TE - Jackie Smith (dropped TD in endzone)
K - Scott Norwood (missed game winner)

DEFENSE:

DB - Eugene Robinson (picked up a hooker the night before)
LB - Ray Lewis (killed a guy at previous year's Super Bowl)
DT - Leon Lett (thought he had a sure TD)


COACH:

Pete Carroll (worst call from 1 yard line ever)

HALFTIME SHOW:

Super Bowl XXXVIII (the nipple)
RT - Max Lane (looked more like a freeway than a blocker against Reggie White in XXXI)
 

Town Heretic

Out of Order
Hall of Fame
Scott Norwood :devil:
His miss wasn't in that group. It was in the one before, against the Giants. When you really look at the Bills they were a great, great team. The Giants game was the toss up it really should have been. The Giants were made to keep Buffalo's offense off the field with a methodical running game. And they fielded a solid defensive unit as well.

The Bills had a qb who threw more picks than tds when he got into the playoffs and were prone to turnovers, like the one I noted against Dallas by Thomas, in a game they were winning coming out of the second half.

Great talent on that team.
 

Nick M

Plymouth Colonist
LIFETIME MEMBER
Hall of Fame
All-Time Worst Super Bowl Team:

(Please feel free to add to the list)

OFFENSE:

QB - Tony Eason (0-6 at halftime)
RB- Thurman Thomas (13 yards rushing after winning season MVP)
WR - Kevin Dyson (tackled 1 yard short)
TE - Jackie Smith (dropped TD in endzone)
K - Scott Norwood (missed game winner)

DEFENSE:

DB - Eugene Robinson (picked up a hooker the night before)
LB - Ray Lewis (killed a guy at previous year's Super Bowl)
DT - Leon Lett (thought he had a sure TD)


COACH:

Pete Carroll (worst call from 1 yard line ever)

HALFTIME SHOW:

Super Bowl XXXVIII (the nipple)

Thurman Thomas also decided he needed to fumble. Don't forget that one. It is a shame that many who only watch the Super Bowl didn't know just how good Buffalo was.

Eugene Robinson could not stay with Rod Smith and I always contend it was because he was out chasing whores the night before.

edit: a quick google search reminded me that Kelly also coughed it up 4 times, 3 in one game. Thomas fumbled 3 times in the Super Bowl.
 

Nick M

Plymouth Colonist
LIFETIME MEMBER
Hall of Fame
I'm hoping this Super Bowl doesn't start like the last one Denver was in with a snap into the endzone.
 

Town Heretic

Out of Order
Hall of Fame
31-35
(1997-2001)​


31. NE 21, GB 35

PF 26.1, PA 19.6
PF 26.4, PA 13.1
SL: GB 14

Green Bay won the game they should have won against a good opponent in the Pats. New England took a 14-10 first quarter lead into the second quarter, where their offense was stymied while Favre and company put up 17 unanswered. Both managed a score in the third and none in the last.

Bledsoe actually threw as many tds as Favre did in the game and for more yards, but he also threw four picks and that, as is the case in so many big games, was the difference...Well, that and Desmond Howard's then record 99 yard return for a Packer td.


32. GB 24, Den 31

GB PF 26.4, PA 17.6
Den PF 29.5, PA 17.9
SL: GB 11

Denver came in three points better and played like it. Up 17-14 at the half, the Broncos found themselves in a tie following a turnover setting up a fg by the Pack in the third. Denver responded with a td drive to retake the lead with a 13 play, 92 yard drive that contained Elway's famous "helicopter" spin as he took a hard hit rushing for a first down. The Pack answered with a 4 play, 85 yard drive and a score. But following another score by Denver, Green Bay drove down the field to come within yards of sending the game into overtime. But an uncharacteristic drop by Freeman that would have put the Pack just outside the Bronco ten and a couple of terrific pass defenses by Denver ended with a turnover on downs with thirty-two seconds left.

One of the best SBs I've ever seen.



33. Den 34, Atl 19

Den PF 31.3, PA 19.3
Atl PF 27.6, PA 18.1
SL: Den 7.5

Denver controlled the game and led 17-6 going into the 4th quarter. Then things got entertaining, with the two teams combining for 30 pts. Both teams ran effectively and moved the ball well through the air, but Chandler's 3 picks were enough to make what should have been a competitive game look less so.


34. Rams 23, Ten 16

Rams PF 32.9, PA 15.1
Ten PF 24.5, PA 20.1
SL: SL 7

An entertaining game remembered for the drive that came up short, instead of a remarkable tale of over achievement by the Titans. The Rams not only had the league's most potent offense, but an impressive defense as well, ranked 4th in points allowed. The Titans really shouldn't have been able to make it a game.


35. Bal 34, Gia 7

Bal PF 20.8, PA 10.3
Gia PF 20.5, PA 15.4
SL: Bal 3

Boring game. Likely only watched til the end by Ravens fans and masochistic Giants believers.
 
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tetelestai

LIFETIME MEMBER
LIFETIME MEMBER
Thurman Thomas also decided he needed to fumble. Don't forget that one. It is a shame that many who only watch the Super Bowl didn't know just how good Buffalo was.

Don't forget the Super Bowl where Thurman Thomas couldn't find his helmet.

Thomas missed the first two Buffalo offensive plays of Super Bowl XXVI because he couldn't find his helmet.

If you go back and look at the stats, Bills backup Kenny Davis ran for one yard on Buffalo's first possession on offense, and then Kelly scrambled for four yards on second down.

Thomas found his helmet, and entered the game on 3rd and 5. Kelly got sacked, and the Bills punted.
 

The Berean

Well-known member
Everyone knows that Joe Montana never threw an INT in Super Bowl. I do remember a near INT in Super Bowl XXIII against the Bengals. Montana threw a pass that literally hit safety Lewis Billups right between the numbers. I remember this play because because I remember jumping out of my chair and almost twisting my ankle. This dropped was HUGE. Jerry Rice scored a TD on the very next play.

.
 

Town Heretic

Out of Order
Hall of Fame
36-40
(2002-2006)​


36. SL 17, NE 20

Ram: PF 31.4, PA 17.1
NE: PF 23.2, PA 17
SL: SL 14

The Rams should have won this game. They had a comparable defense and a better offense. But they didn't. It happens, but when it does, as with the first Colts loss, long, long before, people start wondering if the fix was in or if someone cheated. But the difference in this game wasn't a dishonestly prepared Pats team. Once again, the villain was turnovers.


37. Oak 21, TB 48

Oak PF 28.1, PA 19
TB PF 21.6, PA 12.3
SL: Oak 3

It looked good on paper, but though the Raiders had a potent offense the opposing team had an even better defense and the coach that put the Raider offense together in the first place. Gruden had his defense ready to eat it alive and got a journeyman offense to play well with a lead.



38. Car 29, NE 32

Car PF 23.4, PA 17.9
NE PF 21.8, PA 14.9
SL: NE 7

A close, well played game that ended about where it should have. The first and third quarters were pointless. The second and fourth were compelling. NE won the second quarter by 4 and Car won the fourth by 1. And so the score.


39. NE 24, Phi 21

NE PF 27.3, PA 16.3
Phi PF 24.1, PA 16.3
SL: NE 7

New England brought the best offense it had fielded up to that point and a strong defense. Philly had a slightly weaker offense and a comparable defense. A surprisingly close game that wasn't decided until the fourth quarter, despite Philly turning the ball over 4 to 1 for the Pats. Sadly, it's remembered more for the post game accusations and pictures of an apparently exhausted McNabb, whose shape a few teammates quietly speculated led to the time consuming huddles and clock burning that ate the clock and cost the Eagles a chance at a late rally/win. Rubbish. That's vintage Andy R in action.



40. Sea 10, Pit 21

Sea: PF 28.3, PA 16.9
Pit: PF 24.3, PA 16.1
SL: Pit 4

Seattle's only lead came off a fg in an otherwise scoreless quarter. From that point on they managed only 7 points. The Steelers found the end zone three times, once in each of the three remaining quarters to take and keep the lead. It was a closer game in every way but on the scoreboard. The Steelers defense was terrific at keeping Seattle off the board when it mattered.
 
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tetelestai

LIFETIME MEMBER
LIFETIME MEMBER
Everyone knows that Joe Montana never threw an INT in Super Bowl. I do remember a near INT in Super Bowl XXIII against the Bengals. Montana threw a pass that literally hit safety Lewis Billups right between the numbers. I remember this play because because I remember jumping out of my chair and almost twisting my ankle. This dropped was HUGE. Jerry Rice scored a TD on the very next play.

Lewis Billups just made my all-time "Worst Super Bowl Team" as the starting DB.
 

Town Heretic

Out of Order
Hall of Fame
41-45
(2007-20011)​


41. Ind 29, Chi 17

Ind: PF 26.7, PA 22.5
Chi: PF 26.7, PA 15.9
Line: Ind 6.5

The yearly would have had Chicago the favorite, but the actual line was 6.5 for the Colts. As it turned out, even that was optimistic.


42. Gia 17, NE 14

Gia PF 23.3, PA 21.9
NE PF 36.8, PA 17.1
SL: NE 12.5

One of the biggest upsets in NFL history. The Pats brought a historically prolific offense and the betting line was +12. The Giants, hot going into the playoffs, were neither a great offensive or defensive team on paper. But they played their best game when it mattered. Brady, after a masterful regular season, had an okay game. It wasn't enough. The Giants took their own sweet time and kept that offense off the field and out of rhythm.



43. Pit 27, Arz 23

Pit PF 21.7, PA 13.9
Arz PF 26.7, PA 26.6
SL: Pit 6.5

Kurt Warner led another great offense into the maw of a terrific Pittsburgh defense. Arizona's defense was horrible all year, but the offense managed to carry them. This game was no exception, as Warner moved down the field late to put the Cardinals in the position of winning their first ring and cementing a first round Canton induction for their qb with a little over two minutes on the clock. Instead, the defense collapsed and the Steelers marched 78 yards for another Lombardi.


44. NO 31, Ind 17

NO PF 31.9, PA 21.3
Ind PF 26, PA 19.2
SL: Ind 4.5

New Orleans fielded one of the best offenses to enter a SB, coupled with an opportunistic and hard hitting defense that tended to look for the big play, giving up yards and points when it misfired. The Colts had their usual solid offense and another middling defense with a few difference makers. Indy led 10-6 at the half and the third quarter ended with New Orleans gaining momentum, trailing 17-16. So a game that didn't end looking close was actually a contest favoring the loser until the final quarter, when the Saints managed 15 unanswered, including a poor decision by Peyton that led to a pick 6 that helped seal the game for New Orleans. A city in need found reason to celebrate.


45. GB 31, Pit 25

GB: PF 24.3, PA 15
Pit: PF 23.4, PA 14.5
SL: GB 3.0

Two teams that really resembled one another, though the Pack was a passing team that tried to run and the Steelers were a running team that could pass. Both had solid, strong defensive teams with few weaknesses. About the halfway mark of the fourth quarter it was 28-25 Pack. Green Bay added a fg and contained the Steelers last drive to end the game.
 
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Town Heretic

Out of Order
Hall of Fame
Also, after the next posting I'll be going back and changing the stat line to the strongest Vegas line and resulting +/- for the victor. I think that will be less confusing.
 
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