Super Bowl History Part 2: Super Bowls XXII Through XLIII

XXII: January 31, 1988 Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego CA

Washington Redskins 42 Denver Broncos 10

MVP: Doug Williams, QB Washington Redskins

Led by quarterback Doug Williams, the first African American player to start at quarterback in the Super Bowl, the Washington Redskins made it two victories in three trips to the big show. For Denver it was their third loss in three appearances. En route to this victory the Redskins several offensive records in humiliating Denver. Among those were: 602 offensive yards, 280 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns, 35 points in one quarter. Doug Williams won the MVP going 18 of 29 for 340 yards and 4 touchdowns.

XXIII. January 22, 1989 Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami FL

San Francisco 49ers 20 Cincinnati Bengals 16

MVP: Jerry Rice, WR San Francisco

The 49ers became the third three-time Super Bowl Champion, beating the Cincinnati Bengals for a second time, marking the second time in history this happened. This game is most remembered for the game winning drive that started on San Francisco’s eight-yard-line with 3:10 to go. It ended with 34 seconds left on the clock with a pass from Montana to John Taylor. Jerry Rice walked away with the MVP award with 11 catches for 215 yards.

XXIV. January 28, 1990 Superdome, New Orleans LA

San Francisco 49ers 55 Denver Broncos 10

MVP: Joe Montana, QB San Francisco

The 49ers became the second four-time Super Bowl winner matching the Pittsburgh Steelers. At the same time Denver became the second four-time loser, matching the Minnesota Vikings, in their worst performance ever. San Francisco also became the first back-to-back winners in ten years. The 55 points were the most ever, and the 45-point margin of victory was the highest ever. Joe Montana became the first three-time winner of the MVP. He completed 22 of 29 passes for 297 yards and five touchdowns.

XXV. January 27, 1991 Tampa Stadium, Tampa FL

New York Giants 20 Buffalo Bills 19

MVP: Ottis Anderson, RB Giants

The New York Giants made their second Super Bowl appearance and the Buffalo Bills their first. The game was played under heavy military presence and protection due to the beginning of the Gulf War. Whitney Houston sang one of the most memorable renditions of the National Anthem, however it was reported later that she prerecorded it and lip-sang it before the game.

The Giants dictated this game with the greatest performance of ball control ever executed. They held the ball for over 40 minutes, which was the true story of the game. By design they limited the opportunities the Bills would have to show off their high-powered hurry-up offense. Ottis Anderson won the MVP award with 102 yards rushing, in leading the Giants to the first one-point victory in the history of the Super Bowl. This was the first Super Bowl that ever ended on a last second missed field goal. This game will always be remembered for two words: “wide right”.

XXVI. January 26, 1992 Metrodome, Minneapolis MN

Washington Redskins 37 Buffalo Bills 24

MVP: Mark Rypien, QB Washington

The Washington Redskins matched the Steelers, 49ers and Raiders as three-time Super Bowl champions. Head Coach Joe Gibbs matched Pittsburgh’s Chuck Noll winning his third in three tries. The Buffalo Bills lost their second straight, partly due to the four interceptions thrown by quarterback Jim Kelly. Mark Rypien won the MVP award going 18 of 33 for 292 yards and two touchdowns.

XXVII. January 31, 1993 Rose Bowl, Pasadena CA

Dallas Cowboys 52 Buffalo Bills 17

MVP: Troy Aikman, QB Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys made it to a record fifth Super Bowl, and joined the three-time champion club. The Buffalo Bills became the first team ever to lose three consecutive Super Bowls. They set an incredible record with nine turnovers: 4 interceptions and five fumbles, fueling the Cowboys 52 point performance. Troy Aikman was named the games MVP going 22 of 30 for 273 yards and 4 touchdowns.

XXVIII. January 30, 1994 Georgia Dome, Atlanta GA

Dallas Cowboys 30 Buffalo Bills 13

MVP: Emmitt Smith, RB Dallas

The Buffalo Bills became the first team to appear on four consecutive Super Bowls. Unfortunately, they lost all four. They joined the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos as four-time losers. On the other hand, the Cowboys joined the four-time winners club joining the Steelers and the 49ers. This was also the first time the same two teams made it to the Super Bowl in consecutive years. Emmitt Smith did most of the work for Dallas, carrying 30 times for 142 yards, and scoring two touchdowns, running away with the MVP award.

XXIX. January 29, 1995 Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami FL

San Francisco 49ers 49 San Diego Chargers 26

MVP: Steve Young, QB San Francisco

The San Francisco 49ers became the first franchise to ever win five Super Bowls, with a decisive win over the San Diego Chargers, who made their first appearance. The combined 72 points scored is the highest in Super Bowl history. Steve Young, who took over for Joe Montana a few years earlier, got the proverbial monkey off his back with a monster performance that gave him the MVP award. He completed 24 of 36 passes for 325 yards and a record 6 touchdown passes.

XXX. January 28, 1996 Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe AZ

Dallas Cowboys 27 Pittsburgh Steelers 17

MVP: Larry Brown, DB Dallas

In the first ever three-peat matchup, the Dallas Cowboys finally got some revenge on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dallas appeared in their record 7th Super Bowl and joined the 49ers as the only two teams to win five Super Bowls. Dallas established themselves as the team of the 90’s, appearing in and wining their third Super Bowl in four years. Larry Brown became the first cornerback to ever win an MVP award with two key interceptions.

XXXI. January 26, 1997 Superdome, New Orleans LA

Green Bay Packers 35 New England Patriots 21

MVP: Desmond Howard, KR Green Bay

Twenty-nine years later the Green Bay Packers finally made it back to the Super Bowl and joined the three-time winner club. Desmond Howard became the first kick return specialist to win an MVP award. He ran for 154 yards in kick-off returns, including scoring the game-clinching touchdown on a 99-yard return. He also recorded 90 yards in punt returns, giving him 244 total yards.

XXXII. January 25, 1998 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego CA

Denver Broncos 31 Green Bay Packers 24

MVP: Terrell Davis, RB Denver

After four losses the Denver Broncos finally put one in the win column with an upset victory over the favored Green Bay Packers. John Elway, who took part in the previous three Denver losses, finally won his first as well. The Broncos were the first AFC team to win a Super Bowl in thirteen years. They were also only the second wild card team to win the big game. Terrell Davis, who missed most of the second quarter due to a migraine headache, still managed to rush for 157 yards and scored 3 touchdowns winning the MVP award.

XXXIII. January 31, 1999 Pro Player Stadium, Miami FL

Denver Broncos 34 Atlanta Falcons 19

MVP: John Elway, QB Denver

At 38 years old, John Elway had the game of his life, in leading the Denver Broncos to their sixth Super Bowl appearance and second straight victory, over an Atlanta Falcon team making their first appearance. In what turned out to be his last NFL game, John for sure secured his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. He completed 18 of 29 passes for 336 yards and one touchdown. He also scored on an amazing three-yard run of his own in helping him secure his first MVP award.

XXXIV. January 30, 2000 Georgia Dome, Atlanta GA

St. Louis Rams 23 Tennessee Titans 16

MVP: Kurt Warner, QB St. Louis

The Rams made it to the Super Bowl for the second time, even though the first time was when their home was Los Angeles. The Tennessee Titans made their first and only appearance. The Rams opened up a 16 to 0 lead, but the Titans stormed back to tie the game with only 2:12 left. The Rams quickly struck back and scored on a 73-yard pass play. The Titans then drove down to the ten-yard line with ten seconds left. And on the final play of the game wide receiver Kevin Dyson was stopped one yard short of the goal line. Kurt Warner ended up with the MVP setting Super Bowl records of 414 passing yards on 45 attempts.

XXXV. January 31, 2001 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa FL

Baltimore Ravens 34 New York Giants 7

MVP: Ray Lewis, LB Baltimore

Led by one of the most dominant defenses ever, the Baltimore Ravens swaggered into their first ever Super Bowl appearance, against the New York Giants, who were making their third trip. The Ravens became the third team in Super Bowl history to not allow an offensive touchdown the entire game. They only allowed the Giants to gain 152 yards in offense. Ray Lewis, who had 11 tackles, 6 assists and 4 blocked passes, walked away with the MVP award.

XXXVI. February 3, 2002 Superdome, New Orleans, LA

New England Patriots 20 St. Louis Rams 17

MVP: Tom Brady, QB New England

The New England Patriots made it back to the Super Bowl for the third time, looking for their first win, this time under the tutelage of Head Coach Bill Belichick. The St. Louis Rams were looking for their second win in three years. In the second Super Bowl decided by a last second field goal, Adam Vinatieri of the Patriots kicked a 48 yarder giving New England the win. Tom Brady took home the MVP. In an interesting note, in December the Department of Homeland Security declared each Super Bowl moving forward a National Special Security Event, due to the events of 9/11.

XXXVII. January 27, 2003 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego CA

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 48 Oakland Raiders 21

MVP: Dexter Jackson, DB Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made their first trip to the Super Bowl and the Raiders their fifth, but first in nineteen years. In a stunning display of pass defense the Bucs intercepted Raider quarterback Rich Gannon five times, returning three for touchdowns. Safety Dexter Jackson of Tampa had two of the interceptions earning the MVP award.

XXXVIII. February 1, 2004 Reliant Stadium, Houston TX

New England Patriots 32 Carolina Panthers 29

MVP: Tom Brady, QB New England

In what is regarded as one of best and well played Super Bowls of all-time, the New England Patriots won their second title in three years. The Carolina Panthers in their first and only appearance made one heck of a showing, but fell just short. Another Adam Vinatieri field goal won it, this time from 41 yards out, with just four seconds left. Tom Brady once again led the winning drive and walked away with his second MVP Trophy. He set a record with 32 completions on just 48 attempts. He compiled 354 yards and three touchdowns.

XXXIX. February 6, 2005 Alltell Stadium, Jacksonville FL

New England Patriots 24 Philadelphia Eagles 21

MVP: Deion Branch, WR New England

The New England Patriots clearly established themselves as the team of the decade with their third appearance and third win in four years. The Philadelphia Eagles were the victim of this Patriot act as they made their first trip since Super Bowl XV, when they lost as well. New England’s margin of victory was the same as their other two Super Bowl wins, three points. This time Adam Vinatieri’s last second heroics were not needed. Deion Branch captured the MVP by tying a Super Bowl record with 11 catches that totaled 133 yards.

XL. February 5, 2006 Ford Field, Detroit MI

Pittsburgh Steelers 21 Seattle Seahawks 10

MVP: Hines Ward, WR Pittsburgh

Twenty-six years later, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally captured their “one for the thumb” Super Bowl ring, with their fifth victory in six tries. They joined the elite club of five-time winners with the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. They became the fourth wild card team to win the Super Bowl and also were the first #6 seed to win. Seattle made their first appearance, and struggled the way most first timers do. The Steelers opened up 14-3 lead on a 75-yard run by Willie Parker and never looked back. Hines Ward captured the MVP aware with five catches for 123 yards and one touchdown.

XLI. February 4, 2007 Dolphin Stadium, Miami FL

Indianapolis Colts 29 Chicago Bears 17

MVP: Peyton Manning, QB Indianapolis

It took the Colt franchise thirty-six years and a change of city and states (they moved from Baltimore, Maryland to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1984), but they finally made it back to the Super Bowl. The Bears made it back after a twenty-one year wait. It was also the first time since Super Bowl XIV that two original (before the 1960 expansion) NFL teams made it to the big show. The Colts came out of it with their second Vince Lombardi Trophy. Peyton Manning made his long awaited (ten years) first start a good one. He not only came out a winner, he picked up the MVP Trophy. He went 25 of 38 for 247 yards and one touchdown.

XLII. February 3, 2008 University of Phoenix Stadium, Phoenix AZ

New York Giants 17 New England Patriots 14

MVP: Eli Manning, QB New York Giants

The New England Patriots were looking for a perfect season, after going through the entire regular season undefeated, and their fourth Super Bowl win of the decade. The New York Giants, who were not even supposed to be there, were looking for respect and for what most experts called a miracle. It seemed like the only ones who thought they really had a chance were the Giants. They took an improbable journey to their fourth Super Bowl appearance by winning three play-off games on the road.

Led by a ferocious pass rush that smothered Tom Brady all day long, the Giants held off the super powered Patriot offense and kept the game close. After New England took a 14-10 lead with just over two minutes left in the game, the Giants led by Eli Manning, went on the winning drive, which included what is now being called the greatest play in Super Bowl history. Eli broke away, avoiding being sacked three times and lofted a long pass down the middle of the field. David Tyree made an incredible leaping catch securing the ball with his helmet! Then with 38 seconds left Plaxico Burress made the winning catch capping one of the most improbably victories in Super Bowl history. Not since the NY Jets upset the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, had a team sent such shock waves through the NFL. Eli walked away with the MVP going 19 of 34 for 255 yards and two touchdowns.

XLIII. February 1, 2008 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa FL

Pittsburgh Steelers            27            Arizona Cardinals            23

MVP:            Santonio Holmes, WR Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers made it to their seventh Super Bowl and second in their last four years. The Arizona Cardinals surprisingly made their first trip in franchise history. Finishing the season with a 9 – 7 record, the Cardinals were the least likely team to come out as the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. Not too many experts gave them a chance to even compete against Pittsburgh, never mind win.

The first half was highlighted by the longest, and one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history, a 100-yard interception return by Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison with 18 seconds left on the clock.

Going into the fourth quarter, the Steelers were up 20 – 7, and it looked like the Cardinals were done. But, by end of regulation, some were calling this the best Super Bowl ever. In the last 7 minutes and 41 seconds 23 combined points were scored. With 2:47 left on the clock Larry Fitzgerald caught his second touchdown pass from Kurt Warner giving the Cardinals their first lead of the game. But, Ben Roethlisberger calmly marched the Steelers down field and stole the game from Arizona. The drive culminated with a remarkable catch in the back of the end zone by the MVP of the game Santonio Holmes. Santonio finished with 9 catches for 131 yards, a huge 40-yard catch on the winning drive and the winning touchdown catch.

This was the second year in a row the outcome was not decided until the final seconds of the game.

“Baseball might be American’s past time, but football is truly American’s passion!”

Howie Long’s closing statement at his NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony.