Why I No Longer Root for the Underdog

Finally! Super Bowl week is upon us. For millions of NFL football fans, this is a time to begin celebrating, what is easily, the biggest non-holiday event of the year. Because of Covid-19 it will look slightly different this year, but that will not dampen the mood one bit. However, for me one significant aspect of the game will change – I am no longer a huge advocate of the underdog. Yes, you read it correctly. I will no longer support the underdog like I used to. I have my reasons and I will get to them later on.

Ever since July 4th , 1776, the underdog storyline has been apart of the American identity. We are all aware that George Washington and the Continental Army defeated Great Britain, to gain independence across the Atlantic. Ever since that war ended in 1783, Americans love a good underdog story. Early 19th Century Americans were happy when Andrew Jackson was voted in as the seventh president. At last a man for the interest of the common people. We can also relate to more recent stories, such as, fictional character, Rocky Balbo who won the heavyweight boxing title, and the 1980 U.S. Hockey team that defeated the U.S.S.R., and went on to win the gold medal. Also, Vince Papale’s story is incredible. He went from a regular guy in Philadelphia to trying out for the Eagles, and making the team. We live for stuff like that. It makes us feel good and makes us think that anything is possible.

A feel good underdog story will always have its place, but it can no longer reign supreme in the sports world. Sports inherit a world where incredible feats of physicality are obtained, the best of the best rule, and human beings who are at their peak shape show what discipline can achieve. While that alone is intriguing enough to watch a sporting event, that is not what ultimately draws in the audience. Records are meant to be broken and great players come and go, but that still is not what draws people in. However, this is. “To see something you have never seen before.”

Think about it? This is why people watch sports. This is why NBA fans love Michael Jordan and Lebron James. This is why Odell Beckham Jr.’s catch made him go viral. This is why Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson are the next great stars in the NFL. Because of American sports’ love for underdogs, we were deprived of three historical moments in three distinct games.

1990 NFC Championship: N.Y. Giants vs. S.F. 49ers

Before getting to that Sunday in 1991, we have to travel back four years earlier to January 9th, 1988. The 49ers had just finished an historic season where they finished a league best 13-2. 1987 was a strike shortened season, hence, why they only played 15 regular season games. The NFL’s regular players sat out the first three games, while replacement players (aka scabs) played. Despite the hiccup, the 49ers pranced into the post-season with the NFL’s number one offense and defense, and as easy favorites to win the Super Bowl. However, something happened – that something was wide receiver, Anthony Carter. He caught 10 passes for 227 yards and led the Vikings to a 36-24 win.

The 49ers were shocked, but the pain of that moment would fuel one of the greatest runs in NFL history. From 1988-1989 the 49ers compiled a regular season record of 24-8, including back-to-back NFC West Titles. In 1988-1989 postseason’s, the 49ers humiliated their competition. In 1988, they received a gift by obtaining a rematch with the Vikings again, and this time it was no competition as they belittled them 34-9. In the NFC Championship game, they went into Soldier Field, and dominated the Bears 28-3. In Super Bowl XXIII, the 49ers completed, to that point the most exciting game winning drive in Super Bowl history, to defeat the Bengals 20-16.

In the 1989 post-season the 49ers again flexed their muscles. This time they defeated the Vikings, Rams, and Broncos by a total score of 126-26. It was complete and utter domination as they won back-to-back Super Bowl Titles. They were now in position to do what no team had done. Win three straight Super Bowl Titles.

In 1990, the 49ers again compiled a 14-2 regular season record. Once again, it was the league’s best. Their only tough game was a week 13 matchup against the New York Giants, who they beat 7-3. In the post-season, the 49ers beat the Redskins 28-10, and the Giants beat the Bears 31-3 setting up the rematch.

Coming into the game the 49ers were arguably the most complete team the NFL had ever seen. On top of that, the Giants had lost starting QB, Phil Simms, to a foot injury for the remainder of the season. Therefore, this game was a no brainer for the 49ers and their fans. As expected the game was a defensive battle that was close all afternoon. Despite a spectacular 61 yard touchdown grab by wide receiver, John Taylor that put the 49ers up 13-6 in the 3rd quarter the game never felt secure. The Giants defense had bottled up future hall of famer Jerry Rice, and they managed to stop the big play.

The Giants simply stuck around waiting for their moment to steal the game. They converted a fake punt that allowed them to get into field goal range to close the gap to one point at 13-12. And not much later a devastating hit by defensive end, Leonard Marshall, sent Joe Montana out for the remainder of the game.

Less than three minutes away from a shot at winning three straight Super Bowl titles, disaster struck. The 49ers called a running play to reliable running back, Roger Craig. He ran into a Giants defensive lineman who hit him perfectly to knock the ball out, as it landed in the arms of Lawrence Taylor. Quarterback, Jeff Hostetler did the rest as he put the Giants in field goal range. As he had done all day, kicker, Matt Bahr, hit his fifth goal and sent the Giants to the Super Bowl, 15-13. This was a bitter loss and a bitter pill to swallow. The best team did not win, and football fans did not get to see if the 49ers could make history to win a third straight Super Bowl title.

Super Bowl XLII: New England Patriots vs. N.Y. Giants

This storyline too, begins before the start of the 2007-2008 NFL season. The previous season, the Patriots lost a close AFC Championship to the Colts, 38-34. They surprisingly, blew a 21-3 lead and the defense, simply, had no answers for the Colts offense. Despite the sting of that loss, nothing could have prepared New England for what they were about to face as the 2007 started.

To make another Super Bowl run, during the off-season, the Patriots acquired wide receiver, Randy Moss from the Raiders for a fourth round draft pick. They traded a second and seventh round pick to the Dolphins for wide receiver, Wes Welker. They also signed free agent wide receiver, Donte’ Stallworth, as well as, free agent linebacker, Adalius Thomas. There were a few other free agent signings too, such as, wide receiver, Kelley Washington, and cornerbacks, Tory James and Eddie Jackson. The Patriots went all in on these moves and were ready to start the season as they now bolstered the game’s best receiving trio. However, after their opening day win against the N.Y. Jets, the Patriots were accused of illegally videotaping the Jets sideline. This event would come to be known as, “Spygate.” After an investigation, head coach, Bill Belichick was fined $500k, and the team was fined, $250.

The knowledge created a distrust and dislike of the Patriots league wide. Winners of three Super Bowls in four years (2001, 2003-2004) many accused their video taping as to why they had an edge over opponents. Immediately, the Patriots championships and legacy was under a dark cloud. Bill Belichick and his team would have known of it, as they went on a revenge tour to prove they were legit.

What the Patriots did during that 2007 season will never be forgotten. They became the first team ever to finish the regular season 16-0. They would not experience a close game until they faced the Colts in week 9. Furthermore, they only had four games, against the Colts, Eagles, Ravens, and Giants, where they did not win by at least ten points. They scored an NFL record 589 points, while possessing an astronomical +315 point differential. The individual team achievements were not too shabby either. Quarterback, Tom Brady, passed for an NFL record 50 touchdown passes, while adding over 4800 yards passing. The wide receivers, Moss, Welker, and Stallworth all caught at least 45 passes and gained at least 600 yards. However, it was Welker and Moss who had the stellar seasons – Moss caught 98 passes, for nearly 1500 yards, and an NFL record 23 touchdowns. Welker, led the team with 112 receptions, leading to over 1100 yards, and 8 touchdowns. The defense, also shined too. As a team, the Patriots forced 37 turnovers (19 interceptions, 18 fumbles recovered), scored three touchdowns, and allowed the fewest points in the league. To top of the season, Brady won NFL MVP honors, while Belichick was awarded coach of the year.

The Patriots were a team that could win in multiple ways, and in the postseason they proved it. Against Jacksonville, Tom Brady completed 90% of his passes to help lead the Patriots to 31-28 win. Against San Diego however, Tom Brady threw three picks, in arguably his worst game of the season. However, it was the Patriots stout red zone defense that kept the Chargers out of the end zone on all four possessions that helped them to preserve a tough 21-12 victory. At 18-0 the Patriots were one win away from the a perfect season, being hailed as the greatest team ever, and the perfect revenge sports story.

Despite playing against a Giants team that they were more than capable of beating, the Patriots got off to rough start and never recovered. On top of that, the Giants literally played their finest game of the year. The Giants defensive line, probably had the best pass rush in the NFL, but in this game they were unblockable, as Tom Brady had nowhere and no time to throw the football. Eli Manning, who was usually, turnover prone and skittish in the pocket, was accurate and in control. He was hitting all of his passes and possessing the ball. Despite the Giants flawless play, the Patriots had the ball late in the 4th quarter, trailing 10-7, needing one score to take the lead. Tom Brady did what Tom Brady does best. He was clutch as he led the Patriots on a go ahead drive hitting wide receiver, Randy Moss for 6 yard touchdown to go up 14-10.

The Patriots defense had played stellar not only all year, but also in this game. However, it would be three crucial mistakes that would do them in. The first one, cornerback, Asante Samuel, who led the team in interceptions, and had even built up a reputation as a clutch cornerback, dropped what would have been a game sealing interception from Eli Manning. The second mistake was a complete fluke. The Patriots pass rush got through and nearly sacked Manning. However, he got away, and threw to wide receiver, David Tyree, in the middle of the field (usually when you do that the ball is almost guaranteed to be intercepted). However, what happened next forever lives in NFL lure. Tyree became a Super Bowl legend as he caught the ball off of his helmet. Now with the Giants dangerously close to scoring the go ahead touchdown, the Patriots panicked. They blitzed and gave the game to the Giants. Linebacker, Junior Seau, looking back may have which he called a cover 2, but hindsight is always 20-20. This left Plaxico Burress unchallenged in the back of the end zone where he caught the go ahead touchdown pass that led to a 17-14 lead, and eventual Super Bowl title.

Once again, as fans we were robbed of an historical, once in a lifetime event in NFL history. The 2007 New England Patriots do not get nearly the credit they deserve. They won 18 straight games in a single season (only team in NFL history). And became the third team to finish 18-1 (joining the 1984 49ers and 1985 Bears). As far as I am concerned, this is the greatest team in NFL history.

Game 7, 2016 NBA Finals: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Golden State Warriors

This is the rivalry that literally defined the NBA for four straight years (2015-2018) as a finals match up. However, 2016 was its greatest chapter. Once again, just like the other two events this story starts prior to the actual game.

The year before, the Warriors made the questionable move of firing head coach, Mark Jackson, and instead hiring Steve Kerr to be head coach. Steve Kerr had been a successful player and general manager, so this was not about his level of knowledge. This move was made to get the team to the next level. Who knew if it would work, but it seemed questionable at best. Hopefully it would not backfire. Led by Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and an outstanding bench, the Warriors went 67-15, Steph Curry won league MVP honors, and the team obtained the #1 seed in the West. The Warriors swept through the West in the playoffs. They swept the Pelicans in four. Defeated Grizzles in 6. And knocked off the Rockets in 5. In the NBA Finals, they would face Lebron James, the best player in the world who was making his fifth straight trip to the finals, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Coming in Cleveland would be without their third best player, Kevin Love, and two games in, the Cavaliers lost their second best player Kyrie Irving. Even as shorthanded as they were, the Cavaliers built a 2-1 series lead and looked as if they had a real shot at winning. Cleveland played hard and spirited, but they simply were not good enough as they dropped three straight and lost 4-2.

Steph Curry did not have a stellar series, but he did enough. Andre Iguodala, won the Finals MVP for his defensive prowess on Lebron. Despite Iguodala’s great series, James stole the post finals spotlight with his gawdy numbers. James averaged nearly 36 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists, as he shot almost 40%. Having led both team in all three categories this caused a media steer as many said that had Lebron had Irving and Love, the Cavaliers would have won. Many NBA fans agreed and felt that the title had been handed to the Warriors. The Warriors now felt disrespected, but at this moment all they could do was let people talk.

Enter the 2016 season. The Warriors came in with a chip on their shoulder. Pretty much returning their entire roster, the Warriors blew the league up. With the same star lit cast of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, the Warriors went an unprecedented 73-9. Breaking the old regular season mark of 72 wins, set by Michael Jordan’s 1996 Chicago Bulls. Also, during the season Steph Curry took his game to another level. He not only broke the record for three’s in one season on the regular season’s final day, but he also won back-to-back NBA MVP’s. He proved his success was not a fluke by further dominating the league.

The playoffs were more difficult than last season, but they managed to dominate the first two rounds at they finished off Houston and Portland with back-to-back 5 game series. In the western conference finals was the long awaited battle with Oklahoma City led by Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Despite finishing 18 games in front of the three seeded Thunder, this was a legit heavyweight battle. The previous round the Thunder had knocked of the 67 win San Antonio Spurs.

The Thunder allowed that confidence to bleed into the West Finals as they ran out to a 3-1 series lead and had the defending champs one game away from elimination. Right when they could have fell apart the Warriors banded together and gave three inspired performances to return to the NBA Finals to take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. They wanted this series because they had something to prove.

All year the Warriors had been disrespected as a soft team who shot too many threes. Now they were four wins away from winning back-to-back championships and shaping their own piece of NBA history. This season the big three in Cleveland were all healthy as James would have Kyrie and Love. Nevertheless, It did not matter. The Warriors would win 3 of 4 and move one game away from redemption. However, despite a series tightening win in game 4, it was the Warriors who would pay for it. Draymond Green at games end picked up his 16th technical foul and would miss the next game, per NBA playoffs rules.

That call changed everything. The Cavaliers stayed alive in game 5 and sent a message in game 6 after they dominated the Warriors. Now it was the Warriors worst nightmare. An all-or-nothing game 7 for the NBA title. But, at least they were at home. Game 7 would go down as one of the greatest NBA games ever, but the last half of the fourth quarter, is what lives on. In a back in forth struggle to see who would win the NBA title, both teams down the stretch went surprisingly cold. Neither team could make that shot that would start a run. Even worse, MVP Steph Curry had lost his confidence. He had now turned into a turnover machine who could not muster any offense. Despite these poor circumstances the Warriors defense made a play that looked like it would give them the championship. Last year’s playoff hero, Andre Iguodala, had an easy layup and perhaps, an and one (a chance to make a free-throw after making a basket following a foul), if he was hit correctly.

In probably, the greatest play of the decade, Lebron James ran down Iguodala snuffed his shot against the class and once again gave his team a shot to take control. As a Warriors fan this felt like one too many chances for the Cavaliers. Kyrie Irving, who in his own right, was having an incredible three game stretch, got Steph Curry in a one-on-one situation. He sized him up and hit a cold blooded three pointer over Steph as the clock hit under a minute. That play ended the game. James went on to collect Finals MVP honors and his well-deserved fourth NBA Title.

Despite capturing over 150 victories over that two year span, I have never seen such blatant disrespect towards a great team in my life. Fans and media alike were saying, “we told you so.” In reference, not only to the only reason why the Warriors won the title the previous year was because of injuries, but because their style of play, as basketball purists, stated would not work because they shot too many three pointers. The disrespect that entire offseason was unreal and not fair.

The 49ers not getting a shot to win three straight Super Bowls. The Patriots not finishing a perfect season to go into the record books. And the Warriors being unable to finish the greatest regular season ever with a championship, while also, legitimizing their game changing style of the play on the game’s biggest stage were all heartbreaking. This is why I can no longer root for the underdog. I miss to many things I have never seen before. Therefore, whether the Buccaneers help Brady to obtain ring number 7, or the Chiefs become the first team since the 2004 Patriots to repeat, history this weekend will be made.