Some of the Hugest Upsets in NFL Playoff History
Do you ever cheer for the underdog? In various facets of life, sometimes the underdog wins. There is the college dropout who launched his own business and became a multi-billionaire. There is the lawyer who defends a small town from the injustices of a corporation. And there is the blue-collar worker who wins millions in the lottery, after buying a single ticket.
In many ways, the world of sports is a microcosm of the real world. Each week of the NFL season, we cheer with our NFL merchandise, such as Pittsburgh Steelers Merchandise. Besides the successes and failures that every athlete and team experiences, there is also an underdog. The ultimate underdog is the team, which, against all odds, wins a huge game or series. This is the Cinderella team.
The term "Cinderella" in the world of sports originates from the boxer James J. Braddock, who the media referred to as the Cinderella Man. After the 1929 stock market crash, the U.S. economy collapsed, making it difficult for Braddock to support his family. However, after winning two huge fights in upsets, Braddock earned the right to fight Max Baer, for the heavyweight championship. Though Braddock was a 10:1 underdog, he defeated Baer and eventually earned a place in the International Boxing Hall of Fame (2001.)
Here are some NFL playoff teams who certainly have earned the title of "Cinderella" teams:
1. Browns defeat the Colts 27-0 in 1964 championship
The week before the game, "Sports Illustrated" magazine had already printed up its newest issue, which featured the Colts’ star quarterback Johnny Unitas and its Head Coach, Don Shula. However, the magazine had to alter its cover after the game. Though experts made Baltimore a touchdown favorite, the Browns turned the Colts into chopped liver. The Browns won 27-0, scoring all of their points in the second half. The final score was as shocking to those sporting St Louis Rams Merchandise at Super Bowl 36, considering Baltimore’s outstanding offense and Cleveland’s pathetic defense.
2. Jets defeat the Colts 16-7 in Super Bowl 3
The Jets’ quarterback, Joe Namath, made a prediction that the Jets would win. What made the prediction so extraordinary was that the Colts were huge favorites for Super Bowl III. During the game, Namath backed up his words with actions. In the first quarter, the Jets marched 80 yards down the field, to take the lead, 7-0. The Jets also got it done on defense, intercepting the Colts quarterback Earl Morrall, three times. In the second half, the Jets scored three field goals, while the Colts only scored a single touchdown.
3. Chiefs defeat Vikings 23-7 in Super Bowl 4
On paper, Minnesota should have handily won this game as easily as the Buccaneers won Super Bowl 37 for their fans sporting Tampa Bay Buccaneers Merchandise. Experts made the Vikings a 13-point favorite, and during the regular season they had earned a record of 12-2. The Vikings had an outstanding rushing attack, but were most famous for their defense. Earning the nickname "Purple People Eaters," they hold the record for allowing the lowest numbers of points during a season, at 133 (9.5 per game average).
Nevertheless, remember that a broken clock is correct twice during the day. The Vikings rushed for a mere 67 yards during the game. Furthermore, it was the defense of the Chiefs, rather than the Vikings, that shone. It recovered a pair of Minnesota’s fumbles, and intercepted three passes.
4. Vikings defeat 49ers 36-24 in 1987 NFL divisional game
On paper, Minnesota was not supposed to win this game, but they did. The soggy field was somewhat of a neutralizer, though the Vikings played a better game. Their defense made the 49ers’ stars Joe Montana and Jerry Rice virtually ineffective in the game. Furthermore, the Viking’s Anthony Carter racked up 10 passes for 227 yards, disheartening the cheering 49ers fans with their San Francisco 49ers Merchandise.
5. Giants defeat Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl 36
The game was the epitome of a Cinderella team. After being undefeated during the regular season, the Patriots were 12-point favorites in the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, the Giants had scratched and clawed their way to the NFL championship, from the Wild Card game. The Giants defense was swarming, sacking the Patriots’ quarterback, Tom Brady, five times. The offense also got the job done. In the final drive, Giants’ quarterback Eli Manning somehow escaped from the rushing front line of New England. He then hurled the ball to David Tyree, who made a fantastic leaping reception, securing the football against his helmet.
Whether you cheer for the favorite or undergo team during the next NFL game you watch, here is some NFL merchandise that will make you feel like a winner:
Bathrobe: This terry velour bathrobe includes huge pockets, a comfy shaw collar, and an embroidered logo of your favorite NFL team.
Embroidered Full Size Football: This football is too attractive to use for a pickup game of football, but that it is okay. The manufacturer has embroidered the logo onto the football, so there is no doubt about who your favorite NFL squad is.
Forever Collectibles Mini Bobble Head Set: This item includes various stars of your favorite NFL football team. The Bobble Heads are handmade, include exquisite detail, and are very durable. You can even attach these Bobble Heads to the wall, using the accompany display plate.
Pro-Grip Hammer: Before your favorite NFL team hammers the competition during its next game, use this study tool for tasks at work and at home. This hammer looks and functions outstandingly. Your favorite team’s name and logo appear on both sides of the tool. Also, the stainless steel head and fiberglass body will help this hammer to last long after the next NFL season has ended.
Trailer Hitch Logo Cover: Place this trailer hitch cover on your truck or SUV. This item includes a three-dimensional picture that includes your favorite team’s logo and colors, including those on Tennessee Titans Merchandise. The cover consists of a sturdy metal and is simple as 1-2-3- to install.
Tags: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Merchandise | Tampa Bay Buccaneers Merchandise | Pittsburgh Steelers Merchandise | Pittsburgh Steelers Merchandise | San Francisco 49ers Merchandise | San Francisco 49ers Merchandise | Tennessee Titans Merchandise. | Tennessee Titans Merchandise. | St Louis Rams Merchandise | St Louis Rams Merchandise