It’s the most hyped event in pop culture history, and Super Bowl 51 is no exception. But how often does it actually live up to the overzealous billing? The Super Bowl has become the biggest television spectacle annually. It’s a time to get together with friends, partake in NFL betting and eat way too much.
Super Bowl 51
Sure, every so often the game lives up to the hype. The New England Seattle Super Bowl is one example. But based on what we’ve seen these NFL playoffs, can we really count on that type of competitive game this time around? Here’s our top (or bottom) four things that could disappoint on Super Bowl 51.
1. The Commercials – Even non-sports fans tune in to the big game just to watch the ads. Sure, we’ve had some classic, even iconic spots over the years. But chances are more of the commercials will be …well… just commercials.
2. The Refereeing – Officiating in these playoffs has been up and down. Technically, the best of the best should be overseeing this championship game. But the refs haven’t had the best of seasons. Let’s just hope that they don’t cost one team the game.
3. Discipline – I should call this the Vontaze Burfict point. Occasionally, an NFL player will simply lose his mind and commit a stupid penalty, thereby costing his team points – and ultimately, the game. It can happen in the blink of an eye. There’s really no margin for error. On the other hand, we are talking about the Patriots here. When was the last time that one of Bill Belichick’s players went bananas?
4. Scoring – With two high-powered offenses in the Super Bowl, most people expect fireworks, exciting downfield plays and lots of points. But what if both teams come out nervous or rusty? We’re talking about yet another two-week layoff for both the Falcons and Patriots. Tom Brady wasn’t stellar against the Texans off two weeks’ rest. Could it happen again?
At the end of the day you’re going to watch the game and you know it. I’m just trying to keep it real and temper expectations. That way, when the score is 18-14 you won’t be too disappointed.
Enjoy the game everyone.
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.