In the aftermath of a Super Bowl, the victor is left to celebrate and enjoy the spoils of having a nearly intact roster going into the following season. But what about the losing team? Following the world’s most-watched sports spectacle, what happens to the little team that couldn’t?
Seattle fans may be wondering the same thing in light of their team’s loss Sunday to Pittsburgh. They sat staring at their televisions in dismay after the game, wondering if their beloved franchise’s roster can endure falling short of football’s highest ground and worrying about whether they can return the same personnel for an encore title season. If they aren’t, they should be.
In this age of $20 million contracts, bought championships and bronze sometimes looking better than silver, losses in a title game can be a killer for a club’s roster.
Look at last season’s Philadelphia Eagles – a testament to how far a team’s deep pockets can take it in a postseason. The Eagles had a productive offseason, highlighted by signing everyone’s favorite 81, Terrell Owens. They already had the weapons to reach the Super Bowl without T.O. (who was injured for the playoffs), but his addition guaranteed the Eagles a place in Jacksonville, Fla., last February.
Philly lost to New England that year in Super Bowl XXXIX, prompting one thing for the Eagles: fallout.
With the exception of Owens, who returned despite his notorious offseason shenanigans, the team’s receiving corps was overhauled. Headlining departures included wideout Freddie Mitchell, linebackers Ike Reese and Nate Wayne, defensive linemen Corey Simon and Derrick Burgess and right guard Jermane Mayberry. Philly was also without a running back that could stay healthy. The Eagles limped through a 6-10 season.
The St. Louis Rams went through a similar process following their 2002 loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVI. Heading into the 2002 regular season, the Rams lost several standouts on defense, a veteran offensive line and the team’s near invincibility. Az-Zahir Hakim left the following year.
The 1998 Atlanta Falcons, 2003 Oakland Raiders, 1995 San Diego Chargers and 1996 Steelers all took similar paths.
What leads players to don different jerseys after a Super Bowl loss? My guess is money. It’s understandable that attractive job offers find their way into the hands of Super Bowl-caliber players. Perhaps they want to move on because switching teams offers a change of scenery and the chance to show you can win with any franchise.
Don’t worry Seahawks fans, not every Super Bowl Garfunkel goes through an offseason overhaul. Remember the Buffalo Bills in the early and mid-1990s, the Denver Broncos in the 1980s, the Minnesota Vikings in the 1970s and Michael Jackson in the 1990s.
There’s always time for a comeback.
[email protected]
To the victor go the spoils; to the loser,
Daily Emerald
February 7, 2006
0
More to Discover