1996: Steelers vs Cowboys
This was when I first starting to get into the NFL. I always used the steelers in Madden 95, so I was going for them. I'll never forget the bonehead pass by Neil O'Donnel to a Cowboys DB who intercepted it and ice'd the game.
1997: Patriots vs Cowboys
Brett Farve's pass to Antonio Freeman (I think) that was a td, and Farve running around in pure joy after it. What a moment.
1998: Broncos vs Packers
There were alot in this game. This was my first full season following NFL, and I was a Lions fan because of Barry Sanders. But in the game, it wasnt Elways first down run in the redzone, or even elway related. It was Terrell Davis returning from an injury to win the mvp. When people mention great running backs, they talk about Sweetness, OJ, Sanders.. I honestly believe Terrell Davis belongs in that discussion also.
1999:Broncos vs Falcons
Didn't get the game on Optus at the time, and it wasnt on free to air, so I missed it. I'll remember the trash talk with a Falcons linebacker and Shannon Sharpe though.. priceless
2000: Titans vs Rams
This is probably what made me a bigger NFL fan than the NBA for a while. That run by the Titans came in a season when I was actually going for them, becuase I saw a pre season game and loved their new stadium. As for the game, obviously it ended bad for a titans fan as myself. But comming back from a double digit deficit to tie the game at 16 points was huge, and the run to get there was a defining memory. But the image wasnt the tackle, but Warner throwing a bomb to Az Hakim for the go ahead td just after the Titans tied it up. I'm still a titans fan to this day, and will always respect McNair, George, Kearse, Robinson, Wycheck, Mason (that punt return in the conference champiosnhip was unbelievable).. what a team.
2001: Ravens vs Giants
The game was unexciting, but I enjoyed it. What I remember most is Ray Lewis' introduction to the crowd. The dance.. the pride, the confidence, after everything that went on, and here he was. Kudos to him
2002: New England vs Rams
I remember staying home to watch this game as I had money on the Patriots, which seemed like a risky bet considering how big favourites the rams were. What a game though.. and the ending was great with Brady leading the fg drive after St Louis tied it. But I'll remember Ty Law's int that was called back for a flag on the defense. His speed in the open feild was crazy, and showed to me why New England was a better team. That defense was so good.
2003: Oakland vs Tampa Bay
The defining image of this game for me was the way Tampa's defense picked apart MVP Rich Gannon. You look at the other great defenses of all time, they never faced an opponent like this in the superbowl, with the kind of numbers that Oakland put up that season. And the Buc's just picked them apart. Thats why they're the best defense I've ever seen.
2004: New England vs Carolina
The best superbowl game I've ever seen. Hands down. Sure it was ugly for the first quarter and a half.. but the most defining image was Mohammed's td catch. He caught it, ran, the DB for the Pats tried to tackle him and Mohammed stiff armed him so bad and was in the clear. It was literally like he was up against a 12 year old boy the way he threw him down. I'll never forget that catch, despite New England winning
2005: New England vs Philly
T.O., its not even close. All the negative hype about "should he play", "will he hurt his team" yadda yadda yadda. The man played with a broken fucking leg. It wasnt healed. It was still broken. And he caught what, 9 catches for 100+ yards? That one when he caught the ball, and broke loose beatend a safety for a game of 40 or so yards was amazing. He was running with a broken leg. You cant top that, in any sport.
