--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Best of the Best: The Chrony's Top 10 Super Bowls of All-Time
Issue date: 1/30/04 Section: Sports
SoCals Link:
http://www.dailyutahchronicle.com/me...hchronicle.comWIDE RIGHT
SB XXV: Giants 20, Bills 19
Jan. 27, 1991
The heartbreaker of all heartbreakers: Scott Norwood's infamous shank of a 47-yard game winning field goal attempt shattered the Bills faithful and served as a precursor for a string of Super Bowl losses.
A back-and-forth battle between the heavily favored Bills and upstart Giants was dominated by running backs Ottis Anderson (the eventual MVP) and Thurman Thomas, but came down to the kicking game. Norwood's last second attempt remains one of the most heart-stopping moments in sports history.
THE GUARANTEE
SB III: Jets 16, Colts 7
Jan. 12, 1969
Joe Namath cemented his name in the annals of sports legend with his guaranteed victory over the overwhelming favorites, the Baltimore Colts.
The Jets dominated the scoreboard in the first three quarters and staved off a mini comeback by the Colts in a game that cemented the Super Bowl as a cultural icon and honorary national holiday.
THE COMEBACK
SB XXIII: 49ers 20, Bengals 16
Jan. 22, 1989
The underdog Bengals looked poised and ready to end the Niners' dynasty, but the greatest quarterback in league history had other plans. Down 16-13 and at his own 8-yard line with 3:20 to play, Joe Montana calmly marched his team 92 yards to paydirt, connecting with John Taylor for a 10-yard TD strike that sealed San Francisco's fourth championship of the '80s.
ORANGE CRUSH
SB XXXII: Broncos 31, Packers 24
Jan. 25, 1998
Long chided for his postseason futility, legendary quarterback John Elway finally caught that elusive championship, upsetting the defending champion Packers in a beginning-to-end thriller.
After Brett Favre and the Pack tied the game at 24 early in the fourth quarter, Elway engineered a game-winning drive capped off by MVP Terrell Davis' SB-record third touchdown run.
BRIDESMAIDS AGAIN
SB X: Steelers 21, Cowboys 17
Jan. 18, 1976
The Pittsburgh Steelers became the third team to win back-to-back titles, coming from behind to beat the powerful Dallas Cowboys, thanks in large part to two circus catches by MVP Lynn Swann, including a 64-yard touchdown catch from Terry Bradshaw.
Cowboys QB Roger Staubach threw three interceptions, including one in the end zone on the final play of the game that ended his team's late rally.
THE CROWN BALL
SB XXXVI: Patriots 20, Rams 17
Feb. 3, 2002
The game that firmly put Tom Brady on the map, the Cinderella Patriots, led by übercoach Bill Belichick, pull off the massive upset of the explosive St. Louis Rams, who couldn't seem to handle the Pats' defense.
While Brady was the game's MVP, the win was secured by cornerback Ty Law-who returned an interception 47 yards for a touchdown and helped shut down the standout Ram wideouts-and kicker Adam Vinatieri, who booted the game winner through the uprights as time wound down.
ONE YARD SHORT
SB XXXIV: Rams 23, Titans 16
Jan. 30, 2000
In what is already remembered as one of the edge-of-your-seat moments in sports history, Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson catches a slant pass deep in Rams territory with only seconds remaining and with a chance to send the game to overtime, but is stopped just short of the end zone by Mike Jones, even as Dyson stretches the ball as close to the goal line as he can.
Kurt Warner caps off his Cinderella season with the game's MVP award.
THE RIG
SB XVII: Redskins 27, Dolphins 17
Jan. 30, 1983
Behind the greatest rushing performance in Super Bowl history, John Riggins sets a record with 166 yards, returning the Redskins to prominence with their first title since 1942.
It wasn't easy, though, as the Skins came from behind and had to score two fourth-quarter touchdowns to secure victory over the 'Phins.
THE BLUNDER BOWL
SB V: Colts 16, Cowboys 13
Jan. 17, 1971
In what came to be known as the "Blunder Bowl" and one of the ugliest games in league history, the Colts and Cowboys combined for 11 turnovers in a game that never seemed to be in control by anybody. Jim O'Brien finally put an end to the madness with a game-winning 32-yard field goal, as legendary Cowboys defensive tackle Bob Lilly launched his helmet into the air in disgust and frustration.
True to the game's wacky turnout, Dallas linebacker Chuck Howley becomes the first and only losing player to be named the Super Bowl MVP.
PERFECTION
SB XXI: Giants 39, Broncos 20
Jan. 25, 1987
The Broncos and Giants played to the narrowest halftime margin in the game's history, a 10-9 advantage for the Broncos.
But it was New York field general Phil Simms who took over in the second half, putting on one of the greatest performances in postseason history, completing 22 of 25 passes (a SB record for completion percentage) and three touchdowns as the Giants-led by head coach Bill Parcells-began to run away with what would be their first championship since 1956.
Author