The Super Bowl

Nothing bigger, nothing more overwhelming. The World Cup unfolds over years and days, other sports go best-of-seven but the NFL puts the title on in a single game.

This is where the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons find themselves. The Patriots are looking for a fifth title in the dynastic rule of coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, while the Falcons would like to claim one NFL title after 51 NFL seasons.

It’s fair to say almost everyone will watch. The Super Bowl drew 112 million viewers last year, down from almost 114 million the year before. Yes, people pay attention. Up or down a million or two is simply a fluctuation based on the matchup – if the Dallas Cowboys or Green Bay Packers were in the Super Bowl instead of the Falcons – this year’s viewership would be higher. The Falcons, with their spotty record over the decades, bring no national fan base. Their last Super Bowl appearance: 1999, following a splendid 1998 season. Their first Super Bowl appearance: 1999. They could hardly be more anonymous, especially when compared with the Patriots.

So here’s one Super Bowl story: The Patriots, NFL royalty on the basis not only on the basis of championships but also of business genius, try to stave off the next challenger. The Falcons are good, and young, and are moving into a $1.5 billion stadium next season. New England’s Bob Kraft made his fortune with International Paper; Atlanta’s Arthur Blank co-founded The Home Depot.

Interesting matchup, on and off the field. The Pats are the model for winning. The Falcons haven’t delivered in more than 50 NFL seasons, and the city hasn’t boasted of a championship in a major sport since the Mesozoic Era (better known for reptiles than birds).

We’ll talk more about his as the week unfolds.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman