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The NFC sends only its best to the Super Bowl. Except when it doesn’t.
Seattle Seahawks teams excepted (guys, the Seahawks have won three [!] conference titles in the last dozen seasons), since the calendar turned over 17 years ago, which NFC Super Bowl representative was the worst?
Sure, there have been some juggernauts. There have also been some juggernots. (I’ll be here all month.)
In the interest of thoroughness, we’ll list ‘em all, even though I guess the 2012 49ers weren’t that bad. Hint: the 2002 Bucs are probably a poor choice too.
Poll
Which NFC conference winner was the worst Super Bowl representative since 2000? (Note: winning the title does *not* disqualify a team.)
This poll is closed
-
18%
2000 Giants (lost to Ravens 34-7)
(183 votes) -
0%
2001 Rams (lost to Patriots 20-17)
(6 votes) -
1%
2002 Buccaneers (def. Raiders 48-21)
(10 votes) -
1%
2003 Panthers (lost to Patriots 32-29)
(10 votes) -
0%
2004 Eagles (lost to Patriots 24-21)
(7 votes) -
27%
2006 Bears (lost to Colts 29-17)
(274 votes) -
3%
2007 Giants (def. Patriots 17-14)
(34 votes) -
3%
2008 Cardinals (lost to Steelers 27-23)
(36 votes) -
0%
2009 Saints (def. Colts 31-17)
(2 votes) -
0%
2010 Packers (def. Steelers 31-25)
(3 votes) -
2%
2011 Giants (def. Patriots 21-17)
(24 votes) -
1%
2012 49ers (lost to Ravens 34-31)
(17 votes) -
32%
2015 Panthers (lost to Broncos 24-10)
(315 votes) -
6%
2016 Falcons (lost to Patriots 34-28, OT)
(60 votes)
A 15-1 team doesn’t have to be better than a 9-7 squad. A division rival doesn’t have to be penalized for being a rival. A team of destiny (Saints) doesn’t have to get your sympathy. Be as ruthless as your inside voice allows.