This is the dreaded down time before training camp that die hard nfl fans like myself hate. To fulfill my fix I've watched a lot nfl network. Over the holiday weekend they showed a marathon of "America's Game", a documentary series about superbowl winning teams. It's amazing that out of 47 Super Bowls played, half have been won by the same 5 teams, the Cowboys, Packers, Giants, 49ers, and Steelers.
Each team has won at least 4 championships.
To put this in perspective, four teams, the Browns, Lions, Jaguars and Texans have never even played in a Super Bowl. The Bills went to the game four times and lost every time ( including twice to the cowboys and once to the giants).
Watching this marathon made me think of why these teams have been so successful. It starts with good ownership. Each one of these franchises is lead by strong ownership teams; say what you want about Jerry Jones but he always is willing to spend on his team! They all have drafted well which is a testament to their front offices. Names like Montana, Rice, Smith, Aikman, Swan, Manning, Simms, Bradshaw, Rodgers, and Roethlisburger are just some of the names drafted by these teams. Most, if not all of them will be hall of famers one day. And the coaching staffs have been legendary from Chuck Knoll's steelers, to Jimmy Johnson's Cowboys, to Bill Parcels Giants.
The best thing about these franchises is that they continue to stay competitive. A missed playoff appearance is made up for by a successful season the following year. Yes, the 49ers were dreadful for a decade and the Cowboys have not won a playoff game since the 90s, but recently they have provided their fans with competitive play until the end of the season. The 49ers literally were a catch away from winning the Super Bowl in February.
I don't see much changing this season. I think all five are playoff teams, with the Packers, 49ers and Steelers being the closest to play for a Super Bowl ( I believe in Big Ben and coach Mike Tomlin to have a bounce back season.) I'd love to see another team join these 5 in the leagues elite. One more Super Bowl win for the patriots might do it for them.
Who do you want to join the NFL elite franchises? Do you think I missed anyone? Chime in!
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