I watched the Superbowl today in which the Denver Broncos played the Seattle Seahawks. The Broncs were overwhelming favourites to win, so much so that Floyd Mayweather put $10 million on them to win!
However, the Seahawks spanked them 43 to 8 bringing to life one of the biggest upsets in NFL history. This got me thinking…..
Did the Broncos and their MVP quarterback Peyton Manning choke? Or, did the Seahawks just play too well? This further confused my pea sized intellect and I wandered down another digression. What are the biggest chokes/upsets I can think of?
1996 US Masters springs immediately to mind. Greg Norman led the tournament going in to the last round with rounds of 63, 69 and 71. A six shot buffer had him well placed to win a first Green Jacket, for him and Australia. Most journos and other peeps labeled Norman a choker after a last round 78 finished him second. What most people don’t mention or realise is that Sir Nick Faldo shot a flawless round of 67. FLAWLESS!!
Yeah Greggles shot a 78 but Faldo went and beat him.
1995 Rugby World Cup Final. Mandela, South Africa, the All Blacks, Jonah Lomu…holy shit!!!!
The Boks won in extra time 15-12. The All Blacks inexplicably seemed to depart from their game plan. Mehrtens misses drop goal. All Blacks lose. Choke!!!!
Well, South Africa have been our most fierce rivals at rugby for 4000 years (well close) and this was their big moment. The All Blacks went into the game with the ability to score from all over the park and the Boks stopped them. There was talk of good poisoning. The Boks and the magnificent boot of Joel Stransky WON the game. This was their proudest national moment in years. They won.
Remarkably similar to the 2003 final when England triumphed over Australia. England played better.
Perhaps another golf example. The US Masters in 1986. Nicklaus’ 18th major at the age of 46. Norman again leads and loses to Nicklaus. What we don’t hear too much of is the fact the ageless Golden Bear shot 30 on the back nine and WON the tournament.
In sports anything can happen and usually does. I’m sure the Broncos wi be monikered with chokers name badges, but the Seahawks actually played really f@&$&ng well. It’s more sensational to paint a choker but sometimes the other side just plays better.
Peace
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