12/7/2023 0 Comments 1996 packer rosterWhile the Patriots were preparing to battle for their first Super Bowl title, coach Bill Parcells' mind was elsewhere. And by cruising through the playoffs and landing a spot in Super Bowl XXXI, the Packers ended the 49ers' and Cowboys' reign on NFC championship contention. The Packers' defensive lineup wasn't lacking either, boasting players like the "Minister of Defense" Reggie White and defensive back LeRoy Butler, who amassed 6.5 sacks and 65 tackles. Yet, Green Bay's talents spread far throughout the team's roster, including kick returner Desmond Howard (875 punt return yards), wide receiver Antonio Freeman (nine touchdowns and 933 yards), and running back Edgar Bennett (899 rushing yards, leading the team). The former 49ers offensive coach Mike Holmgren accepted a coaching position, and the Packers gained a skilled player that didn't hesitate to play in such a windy, Wisconsin city - quarterback Brett Favre.įavre proved to be an asset to the once lacking Packers, earning his second-ever NFL MVP award after capturing 3,899 yards and a conference-best 39 touchdowns. However, the 1992 season brought change that Packers fans had only dreamed of. Green Bay Packers (NFC)Ī winning record wasn't the norm for the Green Bay Packers, historically known for disappointing seasons after winning the first two Super Bowl titles in NFL history. But despite repairing a team once seen as a lost cause, the Patriots were expected to lose Super Bowl XXXI by a huge 14-point margin. Meanwhile, Willie McGinest (49 tackles and 9.5 sacks) and Willie Clay (72 tackles) successfully held the team down on defense. Bledsoe's impressive on-field coordination with wide receiver Terry Glenn (1,132 yards over 90 receptions) and running back Curtis Martin (1,152 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns) allowed the Pats to amass the second-most points in the NFL while ranking 7th for most offensive yards. 1 draft pick in 1993 - who racked up 4,086 yards and touchdowns on the season. Guiding the Patriots to their 11-5 regular-season record was Drew Bledsoe - New England's No. The rebuilt New England Patriots didn't qualify for Super Bowl XXXI solely because of a coaching staff overhaul. Bill Parcells, credited for rehabbing the New York Giants and turning them into Super Bowl contenders in 1987, accepted the head coach position in Boston.Īlong with Parcells came the addition of Bill Belichick to the coaching staff in New England, an assistant head coach moonlight as the unofficial mediator between Parcells and the new team owner, Robert Kraft - famous for butting heads with his team's coach. The 1996-97 New England Patriots were on an undeniable upward swing, once known for losing streaks, empty stadiums, and a lack of local networks broadcasting their games. The Lead-Up to Super Bowl XXXI New England Patriots (AFC) ![]() By the time you're done reading this article, you'll know which new television network broadcasted the game, how a last-minute accident forced a halftime show overhaul, and how future Hall of Famer Brett Favre solidified his spot in the history books during the match-up. ![]() January 26, 1997, marked a Super Bowl of unexpected feats: Most total points scored in the first quarter, the first "push," and a special teams player clinching the highly sought after MVP title. This unprecedented match-up featured the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers, who hadn't laced up for the league championship since 1967. But the 31st Super Bowl brought together two teams who had successfully rebuilt their franchises after years of ineptitude. Super Bowl XXXI didn't deliver any high-profile 90s teams like the Cowboys or the 49ers, who had both held de facto monopolies over Super Bowl titles in recent seasons.
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