NFL’s 30 best teams that didn’t win the Super Bowl
Really, you could almost pick any of the Peyton Manning teams from the 2000s in Indianapolis. Manning led one of the greatest offenses of all-time for the better part of a decade, but was undone by one of the worst defenses we have ever seen. In 2005, though, it appeared everything was coming together under head coach Tony Dungy, known for his defensive prowess.
The Colts came roaring out of the game and looked like they might go undefeated. Indianapolis began the campaign 13-0 before consecutive losses to both the San Diego Chargers and Seattle Seahawks. Still, this group rolled into the playoffs with a 14-2 mark and home-field advantage throughout. With the New England Patriots extremely banged up, the Colts were assumed AFC champs.
Then, the meltdown happened. In fairness to Manning, the offensive line was an absolute sieve against the sixth-seeded Pittsburgh Steelers, who came into the contest with blitzes from all angles. The game will always be remembered for Jerome Bettis fumbling late in the fourth quarter on the goal line. Nick Harper scooped it up and had only Ben Roethlisberger to beat, who somehow made a shoe-string tackle. Mike Vanderjagt would then miss the game-tying field goal attempt, sending home the crowd in stunned silence.
Next: 20. 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers