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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Aug 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts helmet on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts helmet on the field against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

2. 1968 Baltimore Colts

By many standards, the 1968 Colts were believed to be the greatest team ever to grace a football field at the time. Baltimore was an absolute steamroller even without Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas, who was injured in the summer and missed most of the campaign (even when he returned, head coach Don Shula decided to keep him on the bench).

Behind backup quarterback Earl Morrall, who became the NFL MVP that season, the Colts tore through the NFL. Baltimore ranked second on offense and first defensively, leading to a 13-1 record and a division championship. The Colts recorded three regular-season shutouts and scored more than 40 points on three occasions, showcasing their sheer dominance.

In the playoffs, Baltimore beat the Minnesota Vikings, 24-14, before trouncing the Cleveland Browns – the only team to beat it that season – 34-0. The Colts entered Super Bowl III as 18-point favorites over the American Football League’s New York Jets, only to lose 16-7. Jets quarterback Joe Namath was the driving force behind the upset, guaranteeing victory before the clash.

Next: 1. 2007 New England Patriots

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