The Curse of “Super Bowl Losers”
After an incredible “unbeaten” regular season in 2007 for the New England Patriots, their only loss was to the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants. They are now listed as the favorite to win it all in 2008. But that hasn’t happened in a very long time. In fact, the last team to have lost a SB and won it the following year, was the “unbeaten” Miami Dolphins of 1972, which NE was trying to match or beat (since they now play more regular season games). There have been several teams to have made it back to the SB after losing there the previous year, the last being the Buffalo Bills who actually played four straight SB’s from 1990-1993, but lost them all. As did the previous teams that have accomplished that task, such like Denver Broncos (1986-87) and Minnesota Vikings (1973-74). The odds are in favor of the SB winner to make it back to the SB (not necessarily winning them both), the last being NE, winning them both in 2003-2004. In fact, it has become extremely difficult just making the playoffs the year after losing the SB, and actually winning a playoff? It’s even more difficult. Ever since the Bills lost those four straight SB’s (all to NFC East teams), the next four SB losers made the playoffs, half winning one game in the playoffs. But after those four, only two of the next eight SB losers made the playoffs, and only the 2006 Seattle Seahawks won a playoff game, thanks to Tony Romo’s (Dallas Cowboys) botched game-winning field goal attempt.
So why are the Patriots favored this coming season? Because they were the “BEST TEAM EVER TO NOT” win a SB. History shows the odds are against the Patriots to even make the playoffs, let alone win it all. We’ll see what happens. I can’t wait for the 2008 NFL season to begin!
