Fansided

NFL’s 30 best teams that didn’t win the Super Bowl

By Matt Verderame

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after throwing an interception during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after throwing an interception during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy stands on the sideline prior to the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy stands on the sideline prior to the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game between the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

11. 2009 Indianapolis Colts

This was a year when everybody thought Peyton Manning would earn his second Super Bowl ring. The Colts looked dominant throughout the regular season, and for once it was not only the offense. Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney were the best in the business coming off the edge, using big leads and crowd noise to their consistent advantage.

Of course, Manning was the star of the show, throwing for 4,500 yards and 33 touchdowns on the way to being named the league’s MVP. Tight end Dallas Clark and receiver Reggie Wayne also added 20 touchdowns between them, each having an 1,000-yard season. The aforementioned Freeney and Mathis combined for 23 sacks, helping Indianapolis to a 14-0 start before resting the starters over the final two weeks.

In the playoffs, Indianapolis had no problem dispatching the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium before taking on the underdog New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. Shockingly, Manning was only able to put up 17 points against an average New Orleans defense. Down seven in the final minutes, Manning threw an interception to Tracy Porter, returned for a touchdown. Indianapolis has not been back since.

Next: 10. 1994 Dallas Cowboys

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