All-time Super Bowl power rankings: Which game was the best?
By James Dudko
25. Super Bowl XXXIX: New England Patriots 24, Philadelphia Eagles 21
The Pats trying to repeat, Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens trying to play on a bum ankle, while quarterback Donovan McNabb barfed (maybe) his way through the final quarter. Super Bowl 39 wasn’t lacking for intrigue.
In between all the talk of dynasties, injury and bodily functions, there was actually a game going on. And it was a pretty good one.
Truthfully, the Pats controlled most it, building a 24-14 fourth-quarter lead on the strength of a smart defensive game plan and yet another touchdown pass to linebacker with an identity crisis Mike Vrabel.
While Tom Brady and the Pats were rolling, McNabb, Owens and Co. had been bottled up by a pressure-based 4-3 scheme unveiled especially for the big game by defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel.
McNabb eventually rallied to bring the Eagles to within three, but the lasting question from this game is did he actually puke?
24. Super Bowl XIX: San Francisco 49ers 38, Miami Dolphins 16
Joe Montana vs. Dan Marino. What’s not to love? Okay, so this duel of quarterbacking gods didn’t produce the shootout many expected, not when the Nines won by 22 points.
However, there’s still so much to recommend the 19th Super Bowl.
For one thing, Montana’s masterclass, including three touchdown passes and one scoring run, perfectly exemplified head coach Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense.
If you want one example of the most influential offensive scheme of all time at its best, choose this game.
Just as important though, was how the 49ers proved their defensive credentials by shutting down Marino and the Dolphins after halftime. They did it with blitz-happy, multiple-defensive back fronts that clamped on Marino’s receivers and outwitted the blockers in front of him.
Marino was sacked four times and intercepted twice. Marino had thrown for over 5,000 yards and 48 touchdowns during the season. A year later, he would shred the Bears’ vaunted “46” defense. But Marino had no answers for the San Fran unit.
Whenever anyone dismisses the role of the defense in the 49ers domination of the eighties, just bring up this Super Bowl.