'Worst' for some is 'best' for others

Earlier this week, SI.com published their list of the 10 worst Super Bowls of all time — not to be confused with the “10 worst” lists published by other media.

Funny thing about these “lists” — they can generate a lot of debate, even though they mean absolutely nothing.

NFL Network is so proud of its annual list of the game’s top 100 players, that it follows it up with a show just on the reactions to the rankings.

Really?

ANYWAY, I was curious who Brad Berreman, the gentleman on SI.com, listed as his 10 worst Super Bowls.

Four of the 10 games involved the Denver Broncos, which is possible, since the Broncos have played in eight of the first 50, and lost five. Three of the four on the list were losses, one was last year’s win over Carolina.

One theme of this list was, blowouts = worst games — seven of the games on the man’s list were decided by 27 points or more.

I disagree.

I enjoy a good butt-whipping, especially if it’s my team doing the whipping.

That explains why Berreman’s “worst” Super Bowl was my favorite — San Francisco 55, Denver 10 in Super Bowl XXIV. The 49ers, with Montana and Rice, et al, were nearly flawless on offense. It was fun to watch them shred the Broncos. Probably wasn’t that much fun for Denver fans but, hey, it’s my list.

No. 2 on my favorite list would probably be San Francisco 49, San Diego 26 in Super Bowl XXIX — Steve Young’s “monkey off my back” game. The 49ers probably had too much defensive leakage in the game — even with a rental named Deion in the secondary — but the Chargers weren’t going to stop Young, Watters, Rice, etc.

ASK SEAHAWK fans for their favorite Super Bowl, and they would say Seattle 43, Denver 8 in Super Bowl XLVIII. That game was over in eight seconds, but Seattle fans could care less, reveling in each touchdown, defensive play and kick return. Yawner? Not to them.

Ask Seahawk fans their worst Super Bowl, and they would probably say Pittsburgh 21, Seattle 10 in Super Bowl XL. That was the No. 2 game on Berreman’s “worst” list.

The game was close but not well played. Big Ben completed less than half of his passes, and Seattle got beat deep for a touchdown on a reverse flanker pass.

Chicago 46, New England 10 in Super Bowl XX was No. 6 on Berreman’s “worst” list. I thought it was one of the best. It was the Bears’ best moment — at least in the post-George Halas era. Chicago was dominant that year, especially on defense, and the players carried not one, but two, coaches off the field after the game. (Only gripe: They should have given the ball to Walter Payton, not The Fridge, on the goal line.)

Just because it’s a close game doesn’t mean it’s exciting. Not all overtime games are “thrillers.”

Baltimore 16, Dallas 13 in Super Bowl V was a horrendously played game. The winning field goal was set up by an interception.

“Baltimore wins the Blunder Bowl” was SI’s headline. The MVP came from the losing team.

Miami 14, Washington 7 in Super Bowl VII wasn’t all that exciting, either. It was best remembered for Miami kicker Garo Yepremian trying to throw a pass, but it looked more like someone trying to grasp an ice cube, and the pass was returned for the Redskins’ lone TD. But there was still intrigue, as the Dolphins were trying to finish off a perfect season — something that hasn’t been done since.

SO THERE you have it. One man’s stinker can be another man’s treasure.

Today’s game could end up your favorite — or your worst — for any number of reasons.

Could be that your favorite breed of dog was part of the Puppy Bowl.

Or perhaps someone brought wontons to your Super Bowl party.

Mark Nelke is sports editor of The Press. He can be reached at 664-8176, Ext. 2019, or via email at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter@CdAPressSports.