What the Average Football Fan Needs to Know for Super Bowl Sunday
- Lauren Lapka
- Jan 30, 2015
- 5 min read
Every year, millions of people tune in to the Super Bowl whether they're die hards or not really fans of the game. I'm here to help those who are not common viewers. I'll fill you in on all the basics you need to know for this game and perhaps a little more, because who doesn't like to sound smart. Either way, this is one quick read that will keep you apart of the conversation Sunday when people are talking about 'Deflate-Gate' or that guy who just refuses to talk to the media.
First and foremost, this is Super Bowl XLIX. For those of you who are a little rusty on your roman numerals, that means 49. The first Super Bowl was back in 1967 at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angelas, California. The Green Bay Packers beat the Kansas City Cheifs 35-10. There's your slight history lesson in case you are asked any sort of trivia on the matter. This year, the Seattle Seahawks will be taking on the New England Patriots at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The Seahawks won the Super Bowl last year, so they'll be going for back to back championships for the first time since the Patriots did it back in 2004/2005.
The New England Patriots are very familiar with the Super Bowl. They've been here seven times before (five more than the Seahawks) and five times with head coach Bill Belichick. The quarterback, Tom Brady, has also been here five times before with the Patriots (the only team he has ever played for). The 10-time Pro Bowler and 2-time First-team All-Pro is still one of the leagues top quarterbacks, despite being 37 and nearing the end of his 14th season in the league. Another name you are going to want to know is Rob Gronkowski, often referred to as 'Gronk'. He is the Patriots' tight end and one of, if not the best in the league. So far this season, regular and post, Gronkowski has racked up 92 receptions for 1,260 yards and 14 touchdowns. If you are rooting for the Patriots, number 87 is going to be a guy to look for on the field.
Unfortunately, not all is well for the Patriots. They are still under scrutiny for what is being called Deflate-Gate. Now if you missed the story in the news, Deflate-Gate stems from an allegation that the Patriots underinflated the footballs used in the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts on January 18th. A less inflated football makes it easier for quarterbacks to grip and throw the ball and also makes it easier for receivers to catch the ball. Of course Belichick, Brady, and a handful of others denied altering the footballs in any way, but the situation continues to be investigated. Just about everyone has weighed in on the controversy, even Bill Nye "The Science Guy". Although, not much can top a handful of celebrities taking the blame. This also isn't the first time the Patriots have been the center of a cheating scandal. Back in 2007, coach Belichick was caught videotaping opponents' sideline signals in what they called Spygate (creative names huh?).
Moving on to the Seattle Seahakws. This is only their third time in the Super Bowl, second time with head coach Pete Carroll. A little fun fact for you, Carroll used to coach for the Patriots from 1997-1999. He'll be the third head coach to face his former team. First was Dan Reeves when he lost to the Denver Broncos in 1999. Second was Jon Gruden when he beat the Oakland Raiders in 2003. After spending 9 seasons as USC's head coach, Carroll went back to the NFL to coach the Seahawks in 2010. Seattle's quarterback is Russell Wilson, who is going to the Super Bowl for the second time since joining the league back in 2012. This year, he led the leagues quarterbacks in rushing in the regular season with a 31.8 run EPA. There are a handful of other characters on this team. One is running back Marshawn Lynch. Yes, Lynch is one of the top running backs, but he is also well known for his attitude with the media. During Tuesdays and Wednesdays Super Bowl media sessions, he wore a hat with his "Beast Mode" logo. Which is a problem because the NFL does not allow players to wear brands that conflict with leagues partners during interviews or games. Lynch also used Tuesdays media session to stress "I'm just here so I wont get fined" and Wednesdays to say "You know why I'm here". Lynch will most likely face punishment for the hat, but he is no stranger to fines. In November, he was fined $50,000 for not addressing the media and another $50,000 that was being withheld by the NFL from 2013 which depended on his future cooperation. He's also been fined twice for vulgar displays in games. On the defensive side of the field, we have our second character cornerback Richard Sherman. He's known for being rather opinionated and not being afraid to show it. Most people know him for his outburst last season following their victory over the San Fransisco 49ers in the NFC Championship. In an interview with Erin Andrews, Sherman went off saying, "I’m the best corner in the game. When you try me with a sorry receiver like (Michael) Crabtree, that’s the result you’re going to get. Don’t you ever talk about me". This year he is a little more calm as he awaits the birth of his first child. Shermans girlfriend Ashley is due sometime early Feburary, so it is a possibility he misses the game for the birth of his son.
Now if all that was horribly boring for you and you still dont really want to watch the game...I have a few games for you to play that are perfect for Super Bowl Sunday. First one is pretty simple..Guess the score. With a friendly wager, you and your guests can bet on the final score or even just the total amount of points. Another basic one is the 10 line Super Bowl squares or a Super Bowl 25 square grid (depending on your party size). Each participant is randomly assigned a number 0-9. At the end of each quarter, add the two teams scores together and use the final digit to determine the winner. The 25 square grid is a little more intricate allowing two winning numbers for the AFC team and two for the NFC team. If you want to get a little more into it, you can play a
Super Bowl prop pool. I've attached a pre-made one or you can create a list of your own. The person who has the most questions right at the end wins. Or for adults, you can make a drinking game out of it by taking a sip each time a prop occurs. For those of you who would like a little extra cash in your pocket, you can play pass the cup. One person starts off with the cup and drops in a dollar. That person picks a word such as "Touchdown" or any other technical term. For every single play that is not a touchdown (or whatever word is chosen), the cup gets passed to the next person, who then adds another dollar. The person holding the cup when the word is finally said gets to keep all the money. That person starts a new round with a new dollar and new word. Finally, for those of you who love the commercials as much as the game, there is Super Bowl commercial bingo. The link attached provides you with cards you can print. It's just like classic bingo, but insted of marking off numbers, you mark off companies based on the commercials you see. Provide small gifts to make it fun for everyone!.
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