Super Bowl Rematches: How Teams Prepare for a Second Showdown
The Super Bowl is the pinnacle of American football, where the two best teams in the NFL face off for the ultimate prize. But what happens when these teams meet again in a rematch? How do they prepare for a second showdown? In this article, we will delve into the strategies and mindsets of teams that have faced each other in multiple Super Bowls.
One of the most memorable Super Bowl rematches occurred between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI. The Giants had previously upset the undefeated Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, and the rematch was highly anticipated. Patriots coach Bill Belichick, however, focused on the current iteration of the Giants rather than seeking revenge for their previous loss.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman recalls how they studied film from their first Super Bowl meeting, hoping to gain insights into the Giants’ tendencies. “You can use film of the last time. It could be a completely different team, but you can pull from those,” Edelman said. The Patriots understood that while teams may change, there are still valuable lessons to be learned from previous matchups.
Super Bowl rematches are rare occurrences, with only four head coach rematches in history. Interestingly, in each of these rematches, the winner of the first game also emerged victorious in the second. This trend suggests that the psychological edge gained from winning the initial matchup carries over to the rematch. San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan hopes to break this pattern as he faces off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
Teams are rarely identical from season to season, with changes in rosters and coaching staff. However, when Super Bowl rematches occur within a short timeframe, the core of the winning team remains intact. For example, in the previous three rematches, all teams started the same quarterback in both Super Bowls. This familiarity adds an extra layer of intensity to the rematch, as players and coaches are well-acquainted with each other’s strategies.
The Dallas Cowboys and the Buffalo Bills had one of the most notable Super Bowl rematches in history. After defeating the Bills 52-17 in their first Super Bowl meeting, the Cowboys faced them again in Super Bowl XXVIII. Despite their previous victory, Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman emphasized that their preparation remained consistent. “We know them, we know us, let’s do what we know how to do,” Aikman said. The Cowboys’ confidence stemmed from their belief in their own abilities rather than focusing solely on the opponent.
In contrast, the Bills approached their rematch with the Cowboys differently. After three consecutive Super Bowl losses, quarterback Jim Kelly was unsure how his teammates would respond mentally and emotionally. The negativity surrounding the team and the public sentiment against their fourth Super Bowl appearance fueled their determination for a rematch. Their motto in 1993 was “Let’s piss everybody off,” reflecting their desire to prove their critics wrong.
Tom Coughlin, former head coach of the New York Giants, believed that each rematch is an entirely different ballgame. The Giants had stunned the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII but faced a different defensive coordinator and a more balanced team in their rematch four years later. Coughlin stressed the importance of assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the current team rather than dwelling on past victories.
In each of these Super Bowl rematches, both teams had faced each other in the regular season as well. These regular-season matchups provided valuable insights into the opponent’s strategies and weaknesses. However, both coaches and players acknowledged that every game is a new game, and adjustments must be made accordingly.
As Super Bowl LVIII approaches, the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for their rematch. Both teams have undergone changes since their last meeting, with new defensive coordinators and key offensive additions. Former Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman believes that the challenge lies in finding the right balance between sticking to what works and introducing new strategies.
The rematch between the 49ers and the Chiefs offers an opportunity for 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan to change history, both for himself and the Super Bowl. With a quarterback he trusts in Brock Purdy, Shanahan has the chance to craft a different game plan and finally break the trend of rematches favoring the winner of the first game.
Super Bowl rematches are a unique spectacle in the world of sports. They bring together teams with a shared history and a desire to prove themselves on the grandest stage. As we await Super Bowl LVIII, we can only wonder what surprises and strategies these teams have in store for us.