In the last 5 Super Bowls, 4 of the winning teams have scored 30 points or more. We’ve noticed a massive change from even playing styles, to defense, and currently dominating offense. Each of these playing styles are effective, when it comes to Super Bowl games.
We are currently in a wave of offensive game style, which means more points, but also less distance between teams.
Today, we want to show how low-scoring games can still create amazing drama, showcase impeccable skill and lead a team to victory. This is a sponsored article contributed by a paid advertiser.
1. 2019 - Super Bowl LIII - Rams 3, Patriots 13
This game was iconic for several reasons. Before the game even started, the NFL spreads were calling in Tom Brady fans as this would be the final Super Bowl game before the legend switched teams. Moving from the New England Patriots to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, we expected big things for this last Super Bowl in the fandom.
However, it was the defensive team that stole the show, when Hightower and Gilmore dominated the field. They totaled 12 quarterback hits, 4 stacks, and an interception that blocked the Rams from earning more than 3 points.
2. 1973 - Super Bowl VII - Dolphins 14, Redskins 7
Just one point ahead of the LIII Super Bowl, the 1973 game held the record for the lowest score for 46 years.
In this season the Miami Dolphins were undefeated. It was the first and only time this team can claim such a feat. After earning 14 points by halftime, the team switched from scoring to defense.
The choice proved good as the third quarter produced no points from either team. But, in the last couple of minutes, the Redskins fumbled 7 points, preventing a complete wipeout.
3. 1975 - Super Bowl IX - Steeler 16, Vikings 6
Although this game was the second lowest-scoring game in 44 years, it is still the lowest-scoring first half. When the first half ended, the Steelers were in the lead by just 2 points to 0.
It was the final quarter that bumped this Super Bowl out of the lowest scoring title, as Franco Harris scored 9 points in the first few minutes. After that, a frenzy of touchdowns brought the team to a 16 to 6 conclusion.
4. 1969 - Super Bowl III - Jets 16, Colts 7
At the start of the Super Bowl, the Jets were the underdogs. They had 19.5 against them, as no one believed this team could possibly win against the Baltimore Colts.
And yet by the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Jets had completed 3 field goals creating a 16-0 point lead. The Colts managed to squeeze in one touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to bring back their dominating reputation.
5. 1971 - Super Bowl V - Colts 16, Cowboys 13
The 5th Super Bowl was the first low-scoring game that finished with both teams in the teens. Unlike the other games which contained powerful defense and clever long-game tactics, this game was filled with fouls.
In the first quarter alone 5 turnovers were issued, and by the end of the game, that number would rise to 11. There were also 14 penalties.
Although the Colts won, it was the Cowboy’s linebacker (Chuck Howley) who received the Super Bowl MVP. This was the only time in which a team member on the losing side achieved the MVP award. That alone shows you just how shambolic the game was.
6. 2008 - Super Bowl XLII - Giants 17, Patriots 14
Back in the 21st century, the Patriots were on a mission to complete an undefeated series. Only the Dolphins have this achievement in their history, due to their 1972 season. But the Patriots were determined to join them.
Everything was going well for the team until the fourth quarter. By this point, the New England Patriots were in the lead with a score of 7 to 3. But this was when the real action started. In the last 35 seconds, Eli Manning threw the game-winning touchdown, crushing the Patriot's dreams.
7. 2006 - Super Bowl XL - Steelers 21, Seahawks 10
In the 1970s the Pittsburgh Steelers were famous for their Steel Curtain defense. Although this whole article praises the defensive team's skills, this season didn’t promote that iconic move from the Steelers.
In the third quarter, the Steelers produced a steady lead of 17 to 5. If they had swapped to a defensive stance, just like their historical players, they may have climbed up higher on the list. Instead, they battled for offensive positions and lost another 5 points to the Seattle Seahawks.
Still, the Pittsburgh Steelers clung on to victory, creating a clear lead.
8. 1970 - Super Bowl IV - Chiefs 23, Vikings 7
Playing on a wet field made this game one of the toughest on record. To fit in with the atmosphere of an intense battle, the halftime performance was a reenactment of the Battle of New Orleans instead of a musical show.
Summary
Each of these games shows how defense and anticipation can create outstanding games. The last-quarter race to gain game-winning points becomes all the more intense, when the numbers are low.