The Super Bowl is the culmination of a long hard season for two winning football teams, but there can only be one winner. Everything is left on the field during the Super Bowl as no one wants to be on the losing side. That is a recipe for one amazing game of football, but because both teams are scared of losing the games can sometimes be an anti-climax. These are the best Super Bowl games that truly lived up to the hype.
Super Bowl XLII – 2008, New York Giants 17, New England Patriots 14
The New England Patriots were looking to do the unthinkable, a perfect season, all that stood in their way was the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. Despite their name, the Giants were huge underdogs as the Patriots were pretty much the perfect team. In a tense but exciting game, the Patriots were leading with just 2:42 left.
It would take a dramatic turnaround from the Giants to win it from here, but they didn’t make it to the Super Bowl without fighting spirit. This was their shot, and they were going to take it. Giants quarterback Eli Manning led the drive which ended in a 32-yard catch using any body part available. Wide receiver David Tyree caught the ball between his hands and his helmet to seal the dramatic win.
Super Bowl LI – 2017, New England Patriots 34, Atlanta Falcons 28 (OT)
After years of waiting, finally there was a Super Bowl game that went into overtime, and it didn’t disappoint. The Patriots were trailing 28-3 in the third quarter but found something deep inside to fire them up. The Falcons looked to be cruising to victory, but an inspired 25-point comeback to tie the game made it one of the most dramatic conclusions ever. The game went into overtime, and the Patriots were never going to lose it at this point, closing out the victory.
Super Bowl XXV – 1991, New York Giants 20, Buffalo Bills 19
You can’t get a closer game than winning by a single point, and in 1991 it was the Giants who took home the glory. The entire game was tight as neither team wanted to take too many risks. That led for a game balanced on a knife-edge, and as the contest drew to a close, there was just one point separating the teams.
As the end loomed for the Bills, they had one last shot to steal the victory from the jaws of defeat. A 47-yard field goal attempt was their last chance, and everyone in Buffalo collectively held their breath as Scott Norwood’s kick flew through the air. The play was called wide right by the commentator, and the game was over, the Giants beat their New York rivals thanks to the missed kick.
These games had fans on the edge of their seats as the clock wound down to end the Super Bowl game. The players have etched their names in history thanks to their heroic efforts to give us the most riveting Super Bowls ever.
