I think you would have to agree that Super Bowl XLIX (I like that they use Roman numerals because it helps me when I do crossword puzzles – I always confuse fifty and five hundred) was terrific. And that was just the commercials! The game was one of the best, but you can read about the game anywhere. It’s the commercials that need to be discussed. I thought there were some classics among the many and very few real duds. Here were my top five:
- The Fiat 500X Blue Pill – I hope I just didn’t select this one because I’m old, forgetful, and, well, because I’m old. I just thought this was the most creative of all the ads. It certainly kept you watching as the mini-drama unfolded and went right to the (dare I say climax) end until you realized the Fiat was promoting a newer and bigger crossover vehicle. It was ingenious.
- Settle It the Usual way by Skittles – This one was a classic. Everyone in town – men, women, children, babies, and dogs all had, obviously, “settled it the usual way” by arm-wrestling. I wonder, too, if there was a little NBC arm-twisting with Skittles since the candy got so many free plugs during the playoffs. You know Skittles are Marshawn Lynch’s favorite pre-game snack (he ate some on camera right before game-time). I laughed throughout the commercial.
- The Tortoise and the Hare by Mercedes – I both liked and disliked this one. I really thought the animation was excellent and, again, told a good story from beginning to end. I really dislike the fact that I certainly cannot afford this beautiful Mercedes sports car. Much like the tortoise, I felt like a loser after watching this one.
- First Draft Ever by Avocados From Mexico – This was a great concept for an NFL game – First Draft Ever. Doug Flutie and Jerry Rice were really good, the spot was humorous, and the choices were even funnier. However, I am not sure how I can help the company, Avocados from Mexico. I do put avocado on my burrito and now feel it’s my way of helping Mexico.
- Loctite Glue –I never heard of the product, but I know it now and I would think that’s what a commercial is supposed to do. This featured very ordinary people dancing, gluing, and saving their marriage. I now think Loctite!
There were certainly many others that were outstanding – “Like A Girl”, the Budweiser dog, the Jurassic Park promo, etc. I would have probably loved the Kim Kardashian, Kate Upton and Victoria’s Secret commercials, but I was probably discussing the “Daddy” ads with my wife. I may just have to go online to check those out.
ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSINGS)
- Just when it looked like the Patriots would be done in again by a spectacular catch, the Seahawks coaching staff outsmarted itself by calling a pass play on the one-yard line. Marshawn Lynch is nicknamed “The Beast” because of the way he runs. It was second down. Give him the ball twice and then get clever. Oh, well.
- It figures that right at the beginning of the Super Bowl there is a call that is questionable and NBC, unlike CBS and FOX, does not have a former official to call upon for an interpretation. Was it “roughing the kicker” or “running into the kicker”? I believe Chris Collingsworth, but an official would have had more credibility.
- Be honest – Did you know who Malcome Butler and Chris Matthews were before the game? I never heard of Butler and only knew Matthews because he recovered the onsides kick in the Green Bay NFC title game. They were the least likely to be the stars of the game, but each was.
- Are the Patriots’ four Super Bowl victories tainted by the cheating accusations? Think Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, and A-Rod. More to come on “Inflate-Gate”.
- I have basketball games on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. And NFL football is over. Any suggestions as to what to do on Sundays, Monday nights, and Thursday nights?
NFL PICKS FOR THE YEAR (Last week – 0-1) (179-85-1 overall – 68%)