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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Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; A detailed view of the Minnesota Vikings helmet during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; A detailed view of the Minnesota Vikings helmet during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

3. 1969 Minnesota Vikings

Before all of the history of failing would eventually be a giant anchor on this franchise, the 1969 version was seen as an up-and-coming team that was an odds-on favorite to win the Super Bowl. In 1968, the Vikings had made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history but fell to the Baltimore Colts. The following season, Minnesota was determined.

The team was led by quarterback Joe Kapp, a former Canadian Football League signal-caller who did not use the laces to throw. Kapp was tough and mobile, earning the 1969 NFL MVP trophy. Kapp had some help on offense in receiver Gene Washington and running back Bill Brown, but the real story was on defense. The front line known as the Purple People Eaters was devastating, with Carl Eller, Jim Marshall, Gary Larson and Alan Page crashing pockets.

After going 12-2 (including a 12-game winning streak), Minnesota beat the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns to advance to Super Bowl IV. Coming in as two-touchdown favorites against the Kansas City Chiefs, the game was supposed to be a coronation. Instead, the Chiefs throttled Minnesota, winning 23-7 in the final game before the merger.

Next: 2. 1968 Baltimore Colts

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