In terms of entertainment, this one started off slow, it was the first scoreless first quarter since the 2019 Rams and Patriots matchup that ended in a 13-3 Patriots win. The second quarter things started to heat up with the 49ers taking a 10-3 lead heading into half. The third quarter brought us Patrick Mahomes doing Patrick Mahomes things taking a 13-10 lead behind a 28 yard touchdown throw to MVS.

The fourth quarter and overtime held a 12-12 combined score and the chiefs were crowned back to back champions. Super Bowl 58 definitely started off slow but was super entertaining so let’s take a look at some other all-time great Super Bowls to see how good it really was.

Super Bowl LI Patriots vs Falcons

Well when you talk famous Super Bowls this one has to be mentioned. 28-3, now a lead every NFL team fears because Tom Brady came back down twenty-five points to win it 34-28 in overtime. This was the GOAT’s 5th ring and the perfect ending to cap off a special season.

Super Bowl XLIX Patriots vs Seahawks

Every single one of these big super bowl games have a headline that everyone remembers them by: 28-3, Malcolm Butler, and a spoiler below, the Philly Special. This one was Malcolm Butler intercepting Wilson’s pass at the goal line to lose the game 28-24. One would argue a bigger moment in the game was Jermaine Kearse’s crazy catch to get the Seahawks to that moment. All in all, out of the other Super Bowls this one is the most memorable.

Super Bowl LII Eagles vs Patriots

From the Philly Special to the nearly 1,200 combined offensive yards, this offensive battle was one for the ages. What was thought to be an incredible defense led by Bill Belichick was dissected by fill in QB Nick Foles. Behind 373 passing yards, 4 total touchdowns and the main touchdown catch on a trick play to help the Eagles take a big 22-12 lead going into halftime. The 41-33 Super Bowl is thought to be the most offensive Super Bowl in modern history and was a relatively clean game with only 2 combined turnovers for each team.

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This coaching cycle was filled with big-time names and the candidate pool was large. There were some surprises along the way (see Ben Johnson) and some interesting hires. With that said, let’s break down each new coaching hire and offer grades for them.

Raheem Morris – Atlanta Falcons

It’s a full-circle moment for former Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris. Morris spent 5 years in Atlanta and filled in as head coach when Dan Quinn was fired in 2020. He spent the last three years in Los Angeles as the defensive coordinator for the Rams. Morris was part of the Rams Super Bowl winning season in 2022.

No matter where he has been one thing is certain, the players love Morris. Over the years he has had several endorsements from players including this year when cornerback Jalen Ramsey praised the hire. The offensive staff will be key for Morris in Atlanta and the Falcons recently hired Zac Robinson to fill that role. Robinson worked with Morris in LA and was the quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator.

For Morris to have success in Atlanta it will come down to the quarterback position. The Falcons will likely look at the draft to address this but it appears Desmond Ridder‘s time in Atlanta is over. This is a solid hire for the Falcons as Morris is already familiar with the organization and we already know he will get the best out of his players.

Grade: B

Dave Canales – Carolina Panthers

One of the first coaches to be hired this offseason was former Buccaneers OC Dave Canales. Although raw, Canales was excellent in his role coordinating the Bucs offense. He also helped resurrect the career of quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is now likely to sign with the Tampa Bay long term thanks in large part to Canales.

In Carolina, Canales will look to do the same for former #1 pick Bryce Young. Young had a disappointing rookie season but due to the coaching turnover and turmoil, it’s tough to judge his on-field performances. Next year will be different for Young. Canales will work with his strengths and get the most out of his talent. If Young fails again then it won’t be on coaching more so his limitations.

For me, this is an underrated hire for the Panthers. They didn’t go after the big name but instead found the next great offensive mind. The only part I didn’t like about this hire was the 6-year contract. It’s likely that Panthers owner David Tepper needed to add the extra year to seal the deal.

Grade: B+

Antonio Pierce – Las Vegas Raiders

When Antonio Pierce took over for the fired Josh McDaniels he wasn’t given much of a chance to keep the job long-term. As the season went on though it became clear Pierce was an excellent leader and he led the Raiders to a 5-4 record down the stretch. That was good enough for 2nd in the AFC West and once the season ended it was up to ownership to make the move.

Like Raheem Morris, Pierce received several ringing endorsements for current Raiders players. None bigger than Maxx Crosby who essentially stated he would want to be traded if the Raiders didn’t bring on Pierce long term. Las Vegas ownership heard the chatter loud and clear and decided to bring on Pierce full-time.

This is another solid hire and I give credit to the Raiders leadership for listening to their players. Pierce is a natural leader and will get the most from his players. There are also indications that Las Vegas will bring in Kliff Kingsbury as their OC which is a smart move.

Grade: B+

Jim Harbaugh – Los Angeles Chargers

Perhaps the biggest name on the market this offseason was former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh had just won the National Championship and there were many indications that this was the year he would jump back to the NFL.

No matter where he’s been, Harbaugh has proven to be a winner. From Stanford to San Francisco and eventually at Michigan, Harbaugh has been successful at each stop. The former Chargers quarterback will now get a chance to coach one of the best young quarterbacks in the league Justin Herbert. Herbert still has untapped potential and Harbaugh will teach him how to be a winner.

To me, this is the best hire of this coaching cycle. Harbaugh and the Chargers are the perfect match and I expect them to compete for Super Bowls. The only downside is how long he will last in LA. Harbaugh has a tendency to not stick around long at any of his stops. If the Chargers can get a Super Bowl out of him it won’t matter in the end.

Grade: A

Jerod Mayo – New England Patriots

After it became clear Bill Belichick would not be back in New England owner Robert Kraft had a choice to make. He could either go out and find a fresh face in the coaching pool or stick with the Belichick tree and hire within. Kraft ultimately decided to hire within and promote Jerod Mayo to head coach.

Mayo spent the last 5 seasons in New England as the inside linebackers coach. Like Antonio Pierce, Mayo was praised by former Patriots players including Tom Brady who called him an excellent leader. At just 37, Mayo is still young and if he works out the Patriots will be set long term.

What’s interesting about the New England situation is that Mike Vrabel wasn’t considered. Vrabel seemed like the perfect successor to Belichick. For whatever reason the Patriots decided not to pursue him and it may come back to bite them. By all accounts, Mayo seems like a solid hire but I fear the Patriots will once again be looking for a new coach in just a of couple years.

Grade: C

Mike Macdonald – Seattle Seahawks

One of the hottest names of this coaching cycle was Ravens DC Mike Macdonald. He did wonders for Baltimore’s defense and shut down some of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL this year. Before his stop in Baltimore, Macdonald spent 1 year as defensive coordinator at Michigan.

Although only 36, Macdonald has also been praised for his leadership qualities. He will have big shoes to fill in Seattle taking over for Pete Carroll. The Seahawks have a bunch of young talented players on defense and solid pieces in place on offense. The question for Macdonald will be if he decides to keep Geno Smith.

In all, I am a fan of this hire for the Seahawks. Seattle targeted him early on and eventually got their man.

Grade: B+

Brian Callahan – Tennessee Titans

In Tennessee, it’s the end of the Vrabel era. This was perhaps the most surprising of the offseason firings. Although they had a down year the Titans were respectable with Vrabel at the helm. Former Bengals OC Brian Callahan will step in his place.

Callahan has been with Cincinnati since 2019 and helped to tutor quarterback Joe Burrow. He is somewhat of a quarterback whisperer as he was able to do wonders for Jake Browning who filled in for the injured Burrow this season. If the Titans decide to stick with Will Levis I expect to see a big improvement in his game.

I am somewhat neutral on this hire. It’s not flashy by any means but Callahan will come in and elevate the Titans offense. The big question is if he is a good leader as he will be replacing Vrabel who is known for his leadership.

Grade: B-

Dan Quinn – Washington Commanders

For Washington Commanders fans this offseason got off to a perfect start. The new ownership group led by Josh Harris was now fully in control and they took no time hiring new GM Adam Peters. Peters knows how to build NFL teams as he helped build the 49ers into a championship contender.

Many expected the next move for Peters and the Commanders was to hire Ben Johnson as their head coach. As we all know that didn’t happen as Johnson decided to stay in Detroit. We don’t really know what happened behind the scenes and perhaps Johnson was never their preferred choice but in the end, Washington decided to hire former Cowboys DC Dan Quinn.

Now Quinn was not the most popular candidate on the market but it’s hard to ignore what he has done for the Cowboys defense. Quinn completely turned around that side of the ball and will need to do the same for the Commanders. Like the other defensive coaches that were hired, Quinn will need to pick the right staff to run his offense. So the next few hires will be key.

By all accounts, Quinn seems like a great leader of men and should help change the culture in Washington. I am just not sure about the fit. I would’ve liked to see the Commanders go after a young offensive mind. Washington is going through a full rebuild and I think they should’ve gone outside of the box on this hire.

Grade: C+

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Patrick Mahomes (2017-Present) has been the Face of the League dating back to his first Super Bowl win over the 49ers in 2020. He has absolutely dominated the league and has been a total headache for defensive coordinators for years. The star Quarterback’s ability to make off schedule throws, extend the play and his quiet but impossible to defend mobility makes him a problem that no defense has solved yet.

Appearing in 4 of the 6 Super Bowls possible as a starter Mahomes has accompanied this incredible stat with 28,424 passing yards, 219 touchdowns (not counting rushing) and 63 INT’s. With a career rating of 103.5, the only question on everyone’s mind is can he keep it up?

My answer is yes, Mahomes has answered every narrative of making it back to the Super Bowl this year without incredible weapons, he did it without star wide receiver Tyreek Hill, and winning his first two road playoff game in hostile environments (BUF, BAL). With all that being said let’s look at the current GOAT and some other guys Mahomes needs to climb in order to get there.

The Case for Tom Brady

Anytime the GOAT conversation comes up it would be a disservice not to mention Tom Brady who is the consensus GOAT. He has nearly every positive record in the books and is going to keep those for a while. The highest passing yards in NFL history with 89,214, the most touchdowns in history with 649 and let’s not forget 7 Super Bowl rings.

Long story short, the former New England Patriot and Tampa Bay Buccaneer has done it all after starting his career off as a 6th round draft pick. Brady made an impact on football and football fans all around the world for decades terrorizing the league similar to how Mahomes has.

The Case for Peyton Manning

At the time of his retirement Manning held all of the most important records with the passing record (71,940) and the touchdown record (539). This was Brady’s biggest rival with them trading Super Bowl appearances what felt like every year. Many have compared Mahomes and Burrow to them, Manning went 2-2 in the four Super Bowl appearances losing in Super Bowl XLIV 31-17 and Super Bowl XLVII 43-8. On the other hand, he delivered in Super Bowl XLI winning 29-17. His final Super Bowl win came in Super Bowl 50 winning 24-10 and riding off into the sunset.

The Case for Jerry Rice

WR Jerry Rice (1985-2004) the best WR in NFL history had an incredible career catching 1549 balls, 22,895 receiving yards and 197 touchdowns. Making 13 pro bowls and 11 first team all pro teams is one of the most impressive resumes in league history.

Having Joe Montana and Steve Young as his quarterbacks definitely helped his case but doesn’t deny the insane talent Rice possessed. The 6’2 wideout won 3 Super Bowls and a Super Bowl MVP. Keep in mind Mahomes has a chance to get 3 rings with a win over the 49ers in the last game of the 23-24 NFL season.

The Case for Joe Montana

Along with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, these 3 QB’s are looked as at the best to ever play. 40,551 passing yards and 273 passing touchdowns is absolutely nothing to scoff at. 8 Pro Bowl selections, 3 first team all pro selections and 4 Super Bowl rings is what Montana accomplished during the 49ers dynasty. Montana while being a great Quarterback did have an incredible WR in Jerry Rice.

All in all, Mahomes is playing the best football we’ve ever seen a player play. Now the question is: Can he do it for as long as these greats listed above did? We’ll just have to find out after his date with the 49ers in SB LVIII.

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So far there have been 3 head coaches fired in-season (Frank Reich, Josh McDaniels and Brandon Stanley). You can expect about 4-5 more coaches who will be fired after the season. Let’s take a look at 5 potential NFL head coaches who will get plenty of interest to fill these vacancies.

Jim Harbaugh (Michigan HC)

The last thing on Jim Harbaugh’s mind right now is the NFL. The Michigan Wolverines are coming off a thrilling overtime victory over the Crimson Tide in the Rose Bowl. All the focus will now be on the Washington Huskies who Michigan will play Monday night for the National Championship. This however won’t stop the rumors of Harbaugh bolting to the NFL after the season is over.

For the most part, Harbaugh has done little to squash the NFL rumors when asked. He sticks to his script of one game at a time and doesn’t offer much insight into what could happen next. It’s smart for him to do this as his team seeks its first championship since 1997. If the Wolverines finish the job expect the rumors to intensify as Harbaugh can go out on top.

Harbaugh recently added fuel to the fire when he hired agent Don Yee. Yee is a well-known agent who has worked with Sean Payton and former Wolverine Tom Brady. There is also the sign-stealing scandal that could draw more penalties for the Michigan football program this offseason. If Harbaugh is indeed interested in the NFL you can expect every team with a vacancy to be interested.

Mike Macdonald (Ravens DC)

Speaking of Michigan. Former Wolverines DC Mike Macdonald is quickly becoming a hot name on the coaching scene. Macdonald has built a defensive juggernaut in Baltimore and the 36-year-old will have plenty of suitors this offseason.

The Ravens defense currently ranks 1st in the NFL in points allowed holding opponents to just 16.4 points per game. They are also coming over impressive defensive performances against two high-powered offenses. Baltimore held both the 49ers and Dolphins to just 19 points both coming in blowouts. The Ravens also lead the NFL in sacks with a league-high 54.

There is no doubt the Ravens are loaded with defensive talent but Macdonald has tailored opponent game plans to perfection. Ultimately it will come down to how GMs perceive hiring defensive coaches in today’s NFL. The track record isn’t great but if Macdonald brings in the right OC he could be successful for many years.

Bobby Slowik (Texans OC)

Slowik is another name that many will be interested in this offseason. The Texans offensive coordinator has done wonders for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud in his first year in Houston. Slowik comes from San Francisco where he worked as passing game coordinator for Kyle Shanahan. He runs a similar west coast style offense that the 49ers run with some variations.

Slowik also spent 3 years working as an analyst at PFF which is intriguing, to say the least. PFF is the go-to for NFL player grades and analytics. It’s something that we don’t see often for an NFL coach but learning the numbers game has many benefits.

If you’re looking for a possible destination for Slowik look no further than Washington. Slowik spent his first three years coaching in Washington as a defensive assistant under Mike Shanahan. The Commanders also recently hired Eugene Shen to oversee their analytics department. Slowik’s unique background will likely be intriguing for Shen and owner Josh Harris who is big on analytics.

Ben Johnson (Lions OC)

Ben Johnson is no doubt the name to watch for the upcoming coaching cycle. The Lions OC was close to becoming a head coach last offseason but decided to stay in Detroit. Johnson is a big reason the Lions were able to capture their first-ever NFC North title. He will be able to pick and choose where he wants to go next if he decides to make the jump.

The Lions are currently third in the NFL in yards per game at 395.7 and are averaging 26.9 points per game. Johnson has also helped resurrect the career of Jared Goff as the former #1 pick has excelled in this offense. It is believed by many that Johnson will decide to take the next step this offseason and he won’t be cheap. Whether or not he is head coaching material remains to be seen but in today’s NFL it’s all about offense and Johnson is an offensive guru.

Wild Card – Brian Griese (49ers Quarterbacks Coach)

Finally, there is Brian Griese. Griese is a bit of a wild card as a coaching candidate but deserves a closer look. He is currently the quarterbacks coach for San Francisco and has been there since 2022. You can’t deny the role Griese has had in Brock Purdy‘s success. Purdy was Mr. Irrelovant in the 2022 draft and is now in contention for the MVP.

Before he came to the 49ers, Griese was working at ESPN as an analyst. It was considered an odd move at the time but Kyle Shanahan has a history with Griese going back to their time in Tampa. It was an out-of-the-box move that has paid off for Shanahan and the 49ers.

Taking a chance on Griese will be risky with his lack of coaching experience but it could offer big returns. Just look at what Mike McDaniel has done in Miami. This move was also criticized at the time but now he is considered one of the league’s best.

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10. 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers land at number 10 on our list. They were known for their stifling defense led by defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. The Bucs held opponents to just 12.3 points per game during the regular season. Led by Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks, they went on to win Super Bowl XXXVII, showcasing one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history.

Overall Record: 15-4

Super Bowl XXXVII Champion

9. 1991 Washington Redskins

Securing a spot among the all-time greats, the 1991 Washington Redskins come in at #9. Coached by Joe Gibbs and led by a potent offense featuring Mark Rypien and the “Posse” of wide receivers, the Redskins went 14-2 in the regular season and dominated in the playoffs, culminating in a Super Bowl XXVI victory. The team is often overlooked amongst the greats but is still one of the best NFL teams of all time.

Overall Record: 17-2

Super Bowl XXVI Champion

8. 1999 St. Louis Rams

The 1999 St. Louis Rams, under the leadership of head coach Dick Vermeil and quarterback Kurt Warner, introduced the NFL to the “Greatest Show on Turf.” The Rams’ high-flying offense, featuring Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt, led them to a Super Bowl victory and a place among the greatest NFL teams of all time.

Overall Record: 16-3

Super Bowl XXXIV Champion

7. 1971 Dallas Cowboys

The 1971 Dallas Cowboys, coached by the legendary Tom Landry, earn their spot at number 7. This team featured the “Doomsday Defense” and was led by stars like Roger Staubach and Duane Thomas. The Cowboys won Super Bowl VI, marking the beginning of their dominance in the 1970s.

Overall Record: 14-3

Super Bowl VI Champion

6. 1992 Dallas Cowboys

The 1992 Dallas Cowboys, were led by head coach Jimmy Johnson and featured the iconic “Triplets”. Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin powered this unstoppable Cowboys offense. This memorable team clinched Super Bowl XXVII, marking the start of a dynasty.

Overall Record: 16-3

Super Bowl XXVII Champion

5. 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers

The 1978 Pittsburgh Steelers, the last of their four Super Bowl-winning teams in the ’70s, earned their spot at number 5. The Steel Curtain defense, featuring legends like Mean Joe Greene and Jack Lambert, powered the Steelers to victory in Super Bowl XIII.

Overall Record: 17-2

Super Bowl XIII Champion

4. 1984 San Francisco 49ers

The 1984 San Francisco 49ers, coached by the legendary Bill Walsh, showcased the brilliance of the West Coast Offense. Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and a stellar supporting cast led the 49ers to a 15-1 regular-season record and a Super Bowl XIX victory, solidifying their place among the all-time greats.

Overall Record: 18-1

Super Bowl XIX Champion

3. 1985 Chicago Bears

The 1985 Chicago Bears, led by head coach Mike Ditka and a ferocious defense are hailed as one of the greatest teams of all time. Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, and the Bears dominated the regular season with a 15-1 record and stormed through the playoffs to win Super Bowl XX.

Overall Record: 18-1

Super Bowl XX Champion

2. 2007 New England Patriots

The 2nd spot goes to the 2007 New England Patriots, who finished the regular season with a flawless 16-0 record. Coached by Bill Belichick and led by Tom Brady, Randy Moss, and a dynamic offense, the Patriots came within one game of a perfect season. They ultimately fell short, losing in Super Bowl XLII to the New York Giants. That one blemish keeps them from the top spot in our top 10 list.

Overall Record: 18-1

1. 1972 Miami Dolphins

The 1972 Miami Dolphins, coached by Don Shula and quarterbacked by Bob Griese, accomplished a feat no other team has matched: a perfect season. They capped off this amazing feat with a Super Bowl VII victory. The Dolphins undefeated run secures their position as the best team in NFL history.

Overall Record: 17-0

Super Bowl VII Champion

If you enjoyed this list be sure to check out our 10 best Super Bowl games of all time.

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Now comes the hard part, finding the next quarterback to lead the team. Can Tampa Bay be successful in the post-Brady era? Let’s break that down further and offer a record prediction for the 2023-2024 season.

The Good

The strength of this Buccaneers team going forward will be at the wide receiver position. Veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin have been an excellent 1-2 punch when they are both healthy. Health is always a key but especially for these two as the depth behind them is not great. Evans is coming off another 1,000+ receiving yards season where had hauled in 6 touchdowns. Regardless of who the quarterback is they know they can rely on Evans when needed. The 6-5 Evans is still one of the best in the NFL at contested catches and had a 95.1 PFF grade on go-routes. He can still get down the field despite his age.

The Bad

As of now, it looks as though Baker Mayfield will get the starting quarterback duties for the Buccaneers. At this point in his career, we know what Mayfield is. He’s a serviceable QB who struggles with turnovers and is no longer as mobile as he used to be.

In 2022, Mayfield had a QBR of 24.5 the lowest of his career along with a sack rate of 9.7% the highest of his career. If I were the Bucs I would’ve started Kyle Trask to at least see what they have in him. Regardless of who they roll out there, it’s tough to see Tampa Bay being successful until they upgrade the quarterback position.

The Prediction

This will be a tough season for the Buccaneers despite the NFC South being one of the weakest divisions in the NFL. Tampa Bay still has talent on both sides of the ball that will keep them in games. Ultimately it won’t be good enough and I wouldn’t be surprised if they trade some of their stars.

2023 Record: (5-12 4th in the Division)

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The Good

Coming out of Penn State we knew Micah Parsons had all the tools to be successful. What we didn’t know was how good he would be this early on. Parsons has 26.5 sacks in the first two years of his NFL career and is currently the 2023 favorite for Defensive Player of the Year. Parsons has the rare ability to line up all over the defensive backfield causing matchup nightmares for opposing offenses.

Dallas has also solidified the cornerback position by bringing in Stephon Gilmore this offseason. Pairing him with the recently extended Trevon Diggs will give Dallas two lock-down corners going forward. If they can stay healthy the Cowboys should have a top 5 defense next year.

The Bad

The Cowboys had one of the best offensive units under former OC Kellan Moore. That’s why it was a bit perplexing that Dallas decided to let him walk this offseason. Play calling wasn’t the issue for the Cowboys offense, it was more of a combination of shrinking in big games and turnovers. Speaking of turnovers, Dak Prescott had a career-high 15 interceptions in 2022. It’s a cause for concern, so much so that head coach Mike McCarthy vows to run the ball more in 2023. McCarthy will take over the play-calling duties for Dallas and with that comes added pressure. If McCarthy doesn’t make the playoffs he could be out of a job.

The Prediction

When you break down all the factors going into next season it’s hard to see the Dallas Cowboys making a run. The offense will take a step back this year and if Tony Pollard goes down they are in trouble at the running back position. This may end up being McCarthy’s last year in Dallas.

2023 Record: 9-8 (3rd in the Division)

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Los Angeles Chargers

Right off the bat we start with the obvious choice in the Chargers. Star running back Austin Ekeler has recently requested permission to seek a trade as he and the Chargers failed to agree on an extension. More than likely the two sides will come to terms but if they don’t the Chargers will have huge shoes to fill. Elliott would seem like a no-brainer move as he already has ties to new OC Kellen Moore and knows his system. Zeke is mainly a 1st and 2nd down back in this stage of his career that can thrive in goal-line situations.

Seattle Seahawks

Another good fit would be for Zeke to join the Seahawks. Seattle recently lost running back Rashaad Penny to the Philadelphia Eagles and have that hole to fill. Elliott could step in and immediately fill that role working along side rookie sensation Kenneth Walker. The Seahawks are a team on the rise with the surprise success of Geno Smith. I could see them making a playoff run next year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers look to be in rebuild mode. Leonard Fournette was recently released and they will have a new face at quarterback with Tom Brady retiring. I could see a fit here for Zeke as the Buccaneers have hired ex-Cowboys running back coach Skip Peete to their staff. Peete and Elliott seem to have a good relationship and with the departure of Fournette I could see the Buccaneers making the call.

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Super Bowl III – New York Jets vs. Baltimore Colts

One of the most famous upsets in NFL history came in Super Bowl III when the New York Jets, led by charismatic quarterback Joe Namath, defeated the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. The Colts were considered one of the greatest teams in NFL history, having finished the regular season with a record of 13-1 and sporting one of the league’s best defenses.

Despite being 19.5 point underdogs, the Jets came out firing on all cylinders and took an early lead. Namath, who famously guaranteed a Jets victory before the game, threw for 206 yards and helped lead his team to a 16-7 upset victory. This game is often cited as the moment when the AFL finally established itself as a legitimate rival to the more established NFL.

Super Bowl XLII – New York Giants vs. New England Patriots

Super Bowl XLII featured another memorable upset as the New York Giants defeated the undefeated New England Patriots. The Patriots, who had gone 18-0 in the regular season and playoffs, were seeking to become the first team in NFL history to complete a perfect season.

The Giants played an aggressive and physical game and were able to disrupt Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, sacking him five times and holding the high powered New England offense to just 14 points. The Giants scored a late touchdown to take the lead and held on for a 17-14 victory, denying the Patriots a perfect season and cementing their place in NFL history as one of the greatest upsets of all time. This game also featured the infamous “Helmet Catch” which is one of the greatest catches of all time.

Super Bowl XXXVI – New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams

In 2002, the upstart New England Patriots faced off against the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. The Rams were no doubt the favorite, having finished the regular season with a record of 14-2 and boasting one of the most potent offenses in NFL history, you might know them as the “Greatest Show on Turf”.

The Patriots, were led by second-year quarterback Tom Brady and came into the game as double digit underdogs. However, they were able to keep pace with the Rams as the game was tied 17-17 in the final minutes. Brady then pulled out his late game heroics and led the Patriots down the field to kick a field goal as time expired. It completed one of the biggest upsets in NFL history and launched the beginning of a dynasty that would go on to win six Super Bowls over the next two decades.

2010 Divisional Playoffs – Seattle Seahawks vs. New Orleans Saints

Let’s now go back to 2011, when the Seattle Seahawks pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent NFL history. They defeated the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in the divisional playoffs. The Seahawks, who had finished the regular season with a record of just 7-9, were huge underdogs against the potent Saints offense.

The Seahawks played a nearly flawless game, using a strong running game powered by Marshawn Lynch and timely passing to keep the Saints defense off balance. They also forced two critical turnovers and scored on Lynch’s memorable long touchdown run in the fourth quarter to seal the upset victory. The win propelled the Seahawks to the NFC Championship Game and showed that anything can happen in the NFL playoffs.

Super Bowl XXXII – Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers

In Super Bowl XXXII, the Denver Broncos faced off against the defending champion Green Bay Packers. The 13-3 Packers were the favorites and had one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks at that time in Brett Favre.

However, the Broncos, led by running back Terrell Davis, were able to control the game with a dominant running attack that kept the Packers defense off balance. Davis rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns, earning Super Bowl MVP honors and leading the Broncos to a 31-24 upset victory over the Packers.

2001 AFC Championship Game – New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The 2001 AFC Championship Game featured another memorable upset by New England. In this matchup the Patriots defeated the heavily favored Pittsburgh Steelers who had one of the NFL’s best defenses.

The Patriots did not care about the underdog status as they were able to limit Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart and force three crucial interceptions. Many forget, but this was the game Drew Bledsoe came in on relief of Tom Brady to lead them to a 24-17 victory.

These upsets show that anything can happen in the NFL, no matter how heavily favored a team may be. From underdog victories in the Super Bowl to unexpected playoff runs, these upsets have cemented their place in NFL history. While these games may be few and far between, they serve as a reminder that in the NFL, any given Sunday can change the course of history.

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In truth, there are really only a handful of tight ends in the history of the NFL who stack up to Gronkowski. This is a handful that includes Travis Kelce, Kellen Winslow, Antonio Gates, Tony Gonzalez, John Mackey, and depending on your generosity, maybe one or two others. Simply put, Gronkowski is in rare company. For the sake of a relevant comparison, Kelce is the best of these names to compare to Gronkowski due to the two’s shared era.

Receiving Yards Per Game (Regular Season)

• Gronkowski – 64.9
• Kelce – 71.8

Receiving Touchdowns Per Game (Regular Season)

• Gronkowski – 0.6
• Kelce – 0.5

Kelce does have a slight edge over Gronkowski in the yardage department, but also has 1.4 more receptions per game. Despite this, Gronkowski averaged ever-so-slightly more touchdowns per game. This could symbolize a difference in the way the two tight ends were primarily utilized. Kelce, as been well-documented, tends to make up his own routes as he goes along, an innovative style of play. Gronkowski was that massive target at 6’6” that was going to go up and get the football in jump ball situations and not be denied.

Gronkowski also has those four Super Bowl championships with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, four first-team All-Pro selections, five Pro Bowl selections, and his naming to the Hall of Fame’s All-2010s Team. He’s also unlikely to ever come out of retirement again to play in the NFL, regardless of how many fans may want to see it happen. That means he’s a sure lock for induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as soon as he becomes eligible. Like other recent retirees J.J. Watt and Gronkowski’s buddy Tom Brady, that matter of eligibility is the only this keeping him out right now.

We’re talking about one of the top three or four tight ends to ever play in the NFL when it comes to Gronkowski. It’s that simple. No tight end has ever scored as many touchdowns in a single season as he did in 2011. It’s also unlikely that that single-season record will be broken any time soon. No question about it, Gronkowski is a first-ballot Hall of Famer and one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL.

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