Here's why the Super Bowl is super
Work experience Thomas Crabb gives his take on the big one:
This weekend sees one of the biggest spectacles on the sporting calendar hitting our screens. Super Bowl XLIV is upon us, arguably the most over the top, extravagant and financially driven sports event to be played out over the year.
But yet, no matter how much the farcical nature of the spectacle is apparent, you still have to watch it. The entertainment side of things is fantastic and, Americans being Americans, it usually ends up in some exciting last minute play to decide an incredibly close game. Sport at its finest! That is, unless you’re a purist.
This year’s Bowl sees two-time champions the Indianapolis Colts take on the New Orleans Saints, who are partaking in their first ever Super Bowl in the side’s 43 year history. They face a stern test in that of the Colts, who won 14 out of their 16 regular-season games and have looked extremely formidable throughout the season.
However, the Saints have had a fine season by their standards, winning 13 out of their 16 regular-season games and following that up with two impressive displays against the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings in the play-offs.
With this in mind, the outcome of Sunday’s showpiece might not be as clear cut as some bookmakers are suggesting, with most predicting the Colts to win by at least four, with some saying the margin could be as big as 10.
One thing that we can be certain about is there will be two quarterbacks at the top of their game running out onto the Sun Life Stadium pitch, with Peyton Manning and Drew Brees both showing great form throughout the campaign. Manning will be taking part in his second Super Bowl, both with the Colts, and he will looking to repeat his performance of three years ago, where he helped his team to a 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears, picking up the MVP prize in the process.
And who would bet against him? He has a great record this season, completing 68.8% of his passing and reaching the 4,500 yard mark in his last game. Brees’ record is equally impressive however, with a 70.6% passing rate, throwing 4,388 yard over the 15 games. The showdown will be interesting, but you have to back Manning just for his experience. He is looking to leave a legacy with the sport, leading him to a place in the NFL hall of fame. Whether or not he will get there is another matter though.
You can take all the facts and figures that you like, but what it all comes down to is the day itself. Super Bowl’s can do funny things to a player, especially ones under such massive scrutiny like the quarterbacks. It is set to be a corker, although I’m not going to lie to you, I am more looking forward to the 45-minute half time show and the ludicrously expensive advertising slots that pretty much take away all of the focus from the game itself.
It’s what the Super Bowl is about and without it, the event just wouldn’t be the same. Well, it wouldn't be as long, that's for sure.
posted on 03 February 2010 13:05 byMichael Bailey - Sportsdesk
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