For that matter, the 1968 Baltimore Colts are given their due as the second best team not to have won the big game, although it should be noted that the Colts did win the Super Bowl just two short seasons later, with mostly the same lineup.
There are a few teams that raise eyebrows here for being on this list. The 2012 Falcons, for example, were not nearly as solid by my estimation as numerous teams that came closer. I can think of some other teams, including the Denver Broncos of the 1980's and the Buffalo Bills of the 1990's, as well as a few others, as well. Also, how can the 2012 Falcons make it, when the 2012 49ers, who actually beat the Falcons in Atlanta after falling behind 17-0, and then almost winning the Super Bowl, not be on the list? I am not a Niners fan by any means, but come on!
Now, I guess we have to add this year's Carolina Panthers to that list, as well as last year's Seattle Seahawks. Seattle came within one horrendous call and, yes, poor execution of one crucial play in particular very late in the game from winning back-to-back championships, and taking a clear lead in the race for "Team of the Decade" honors. As for the Panthers, it seems incredible that they started the season of 14-0, barely lost to the Atlanta Falcons, then finished off the regular season at 15-1. They had their doubters, but after dominating both Seattle and Arizona in the NFC playoffs, people began to really believe that this was a team of destiny. But then, in this last Super Bowl, they were simply physically dominated and worn down by an aggressive Denver defense with a chip on their shoulders. Just like that, a historically great season was compromised in an instant, and the level of pain from that loss was clear in the way that a frustrated and angry Cam Newton handled (some might say mishandled) himself after the game.
NFL's greatest teams not to win the Super Bowl: 1-20 by Jay Clemons Jan 27, 2014:
NFL's greatest teams not to win the Super Bowl: 1-21-40 by Jay Clemons Jan 27, 2014:
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