Here are the facts. On 46 occasions, an offensive player has been named Super Bowl MVP. In 31 instances, that selection was a quarterback. That’s followed by eight wide receivers, seven running backs, nine defensive choices and one kick returner. What’s the point? Limiting this piece to five offensive performances hopefully does not take away from so many other amazing efforts.
So where is Tom Brady’s 505-yard passing performance against the Eagles in Super Bowl LI? You may recall that the seven-time Super Bowl champion dropped the ball twice against the Birds, once on a trick play and another in the closing minutes via a strip sack.
What about Bills’ running back Thurman Thomas against the Giants in Super Bowl XXV? As we found out, Giants defensive coordinator Bill Belichick had a big say in Thomas having a big outing (via Ralph Vacchiano of the New York Daily News).
Here are five pivotal players that did not win Super Bowl MVP accolades.
5. RB Matt Snell, Jets (Super Bowl III)
It remains the biggest upset in the history of the 56- (soon to be 57) game series. Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath’s guarantee of a win in Super Bowl III over the Colts is one of the most memorable statements in sports history. Obviously, “Broadway Joe” knew what he had in the backfield. Weeb Ewbank’s club ran 43 times for 142 yards in the 16-7 win. Workhorse running back Matt Snell carried 30 times for 121 yards and the Jets’ lone touchdown.
4. WR Max McGee (Super Bowl I)
The Green Bay Packers were in the midst of a run that would see them win five NFL championships in a seven-year span. That fourth title came via a 35-10 victory in what would eventually be referred to as Super Bowl I. Veteran signal-caller Bart Starr would lead Vince Lombardi’s club to victory and earn game MVP honors. Wide receiver Max McGee came through in place of Boyd Dowler – catching seven passes for 138 yards and two scores.
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3. RB Timmy Smith, Washington (Super Bowl XXII)
There were so many big time offensive performances in Washington’s 42-10 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XII at San Diego. Quarterback Doug Williams was named the game’s most valuable player and rightfully so. However, rookie running back Timmy Smith would make quite the name for himself. He carried 22 times for a Super Bowl record 204 yards and a pair of touchdowns (58 and 4 yards) as Joe Gibbs’ club rushed for 280 yards.
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2. WR Ricky Sanders, Washington (Super Bowl XXII)
Back to Super Bowl XXII. Joe Gibbs’ team trailed 10-0 at the start of the second quarter when the game turned around on one huge play. Suddenly, quarterback Doug Williams found Ricky Sanders down the right sideline for an 80-yard touchdown and Washington was back in the game. Sanders would add a 50-yard TD reception and finished the game with nine catches for 193 yards (2 TDs). Gibbs’ club gained a Super Bowl record 602 total yards.
1. RB James White, Patriots (Super Bowl LI)
Yes, legendary Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady was the MVP of the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history. His team rallied from a 28-3 third-quarter deficit to stun the Falcons in overtime, 34-28. What more could running back James White do that day? He set a Super Bowl record with 14 receptions, good for 110 yards and a TD. He ran for a two-point conversion and he carried six times for 29 yards, the second a two-yard run and the game-winner.