Was the Super Bowl really that bad?

Super Bowl LIII is considered by many to be one of the worst Super Bowls of all-time. The New England Patriots won their sixth title in franchise history, beating the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. Personally, as a fan who loves to see high flying offenses run all over the field, this game was a bit of a let down. The biggest offensive play came in the form of a crucial 29-yard pitch and catch from Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski, which set up the only touchdown of the game. So yeah, it wasn't my favorite Super Bowl, but there has arguably never been a Super Bowl or even a game, as masterfully coached and executed like the one we watched on Feb. 3.

During the regular season, Los Angeles was second in total offense, third in rushing and second in points per game, numbers that don't indicate an offensive flop during the biggest moment of the season. Todd Gurley was big part of those offensive numbers, having another MVP campaign during 2018. But, he was hurt during the postseason and never reached his full potential, getting only ten touches during the biggest game of the year. The Rams were not at full strength but they still had a top-caliber offensive team. Nonetheless, Bill Belichick, the 66-year old head coach of the Patriots proved why he is the greatest defensive play-caller of all-time. Belichick pulled off the biggest shocker in Super Bowl history, limiting the Rams to just three points and 260 yards.

The game was a spectacular defensive masterpiece, a fascinating show of pure football knowledge and skill. Just look at some of the plays made by the Patriots defense. Devin McCourty's chase down separation of what looked like an easy Brandin Cooks touchdown was one of the best defensive plays we have had seen all year. Stephon Gilmore, who should have been named MVP due to his dominant performance, also came up clutch with a red-zone pick of Jared Goff to effectively seal the game for the Patriots. The defense on both sides was spectacular and made the game more intriguing than people are giving it credit for.

Many "bored" viewers did not even notice that the score was tied heading into the fourth quarter. There was not a lot of scoring but at least it was a close game. Those of us who don't have a team in the game really just want a exciting finish. We got that with Super Bowl LIII. As a matter of fact, when the LA kicker Greg Zuerlein made a 53-yard field goal to tie it up at three, it sure seemed like this was going to be a riveting last frame. I confess that I was expecting more. But in the grand context of things, what can top the last two Super Bowls? We were blessed with two of the best NFL games ever, filled with 50-yard bombs and gripping comebacks. This year we were handed a mediocre championship that still had some intrigue and excitement. Fans don't like slow games like this, but defense is part of the game just as much as offense. It is time that we appreciate Super Bowl LIII for what it was; another opportunity for us to witness the greatest coach and player duo of all time.

tom brady superbowl

Photo: Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Beall.