Recent Super Bowl History: The Games Are Better Than the Commercials!

Quick, name your favorite commercial from last year's Super Bowl. How about the year before, or the year before that? That's what I thought, you really can't come up with much, can you? There is a reason for that. And I'm here to prove it.

A funny thing has happened to the big game. In the first 33 Super Bowls, from 1967- 1999, 25 of those games were decided by 8 points or more, with 15 of them decided by more than 15 points. Only 3 of those games were decided in the last minute of play. Super Bowl 5, in 1971, was decided by a last minute Field Goal, in which Baltimore defeated Dallas 16-13. We had to wait 18 more years until the next last minute play, in which, during Super Bowl 23, San Francisco got a last second passing Touchdown to defeat Cincinnati 20-16. A few years later, Buffalo missed a last second Field Goal, and they lost to the New York Giants 20-19, sorry for bringing that up, Buffalo fans.

So, more than 70% of the first 33 Super Bowls were no contest. Over 50% were blow outs of 15 points or more. During that time, it's no wonder why the commercials got a lot of attention. Why else would we watch the game? Certainly not for the competition. Also during that time, most of the all time favorite Super Bowl commercials, depending on who you believe, were born. No wonder, what else was there to talk about? Chances are, if you bought commercial time in the 4th Quarter of the Super Bowl, a lot of people were not watching.

That problem has certainly changed in the last ten Super Bowls. After only 3 last second plays in the first 33 games, 5 of the last ten games have been decided by last minute, and sometimes last second plays. In 2000, Tennessee was tackled on the 1 yard line, with no time left on the clock, and they lost to St. Louis 23-16. Two years later, The New England Patriots, (my team), defeated the St. Louis Rams with a last second field goal, 20-17. Two years after that, New England, (did I mention they are my team?), beat Carolina 32-29, with another last minute field goal.

The last 2 Super Bowls have followed suit. In 2008, the New York Giants defeated the Patriots 17-14, with a touchdown throw with 35 seconds left in the game. Yes, by the way, the Pats are my team, and that hurt! Not to be out done, The Pittsburgh Steelers did the same the following year, defeating Arizona 27-23, with yes, 35 seconds left in the game.

During this past ten year span, not too many Super Bowl commercials have cracked the all time top ten, with the last being a Coke balloon commercial in 2008, again based on who you want to believe. While it's true that many commercials make us laugh, it's been the actual games that has kept us entertained. With 50% of the last ten games decided on final plays, it's no wonder that most of Corporate America will not shy away from 4th quarter commercials. That is usually the best time of the game!

The 2010 Super Bowl promises to be another great game, with Drew Brees leading his New Orleans Saints against Peyton Manning, and his Indianapolis Colts. You know that Bud Light, Go Daddy, and Coca-Cola will be there. So will, yes America, millions of football fans, rooting for their favorite team, and going to the bathroom during commercials. After all, we wouldn't want to miss the last few plays of the game! Go Football!