Tradition oblige, every second weekend in February is Super Bowl! Are you going to discover American football this Sunday but are you completely lost? Are you looking for keys to understanding the game and showing off in front of your loved ones?
Look no further, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s what effectively follow your first Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl, kesako?
The Super Bowl (and not the “Super Bowl Final”) is the annual final of the NFL, the most prestigious American football championship in the world. It punctuates a regular season of 17 games and a playoff phase of 3 games in order to designate the annual champion. In fact, the champion of the AFC (American Football Conference, here the New England Patriots) and the NFC (National Football Conference, here the Seattle Seahawks) meet for the last meeting of the NFL season.
Contrary to what one might think, the Super Bowl is not as old as the NFL itself. Its creation dates from 1967, during a period of merger of the AFC and NFC conferences. This year will therefore mark the 60th edition of the prestigious event (as the “LX” indicates if you follow the Roman numerals carefully). For the record, it was the Green Bay Packers who won the very first edition.
Or ? When ?
Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30 a.m. (French time) on the night of Sunday February 8 to Monday February 9. For the location, it will be in San Francisco (well not really). In fact, if we want to give the precise location, it is in the city of Santa Clara, 2 hours from San Francisco. But, you know, 2 hours across the United States, it’s like it’s a neighboring city.
In France, the match will be broadcast free of charge and in French on M6. You will not be entitled to the famous American advertisements. Luckily for you, the halftime show is still included.
For the purists you are used to it, it’s on DAZN that it’s happening for the VO, for only €0.99 !.
Comment ?
If you are completely new to the world of American football, we can only advise you to consult our instructions. If you don’t have time (or you’re too lazy), here are the main points in a few words:
- The main goal is to score a touchdownthat is to say bringing the ball into the opposing zone while having it in possession.
- The playing area is 100 yards (approximately 91 meters). To progress, each team has 4 attempts to advance 10 yards (or more). If she succeeds, she wins a new contract of 4 attempts, where the ball stopped, and so on…
- To move forward, it is possible to throw a pass (backwards or forwards, unlike rugby), or directly give the ball to the little guy who runs fast and see what he can do with it.
- A touchdown is worth 6 points, its conversion 1 point at the foot (or 2 if not at the foot), and a placed kick (field goal) is worth 3 points.
Furthermore, do not hesitate to be patient. If an American football match – all commercials included – usually lasts around 3 hours, know that it will take at least 4 hours for the Super Bowl (and again, if you are lucky enough not to be subject to extensions). And yes, it takes time to set up and take down a stage for a quarter-hour show during halftime…
Who are the good guys?
They return after 11 years of absence. Their quarterback was the laughing stock of the entire NFL. He was seeing ghosts and this year he’s going to see, and maybe have, the Super Bowl. Sam Darnold (photo), 28, is the great story of this season. We hope (for Seahawks fans) that it will not have a happy ending.
With him is his best friend, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN if you prefer). He’s the best receiver in the league this season. Then, there is this defense masterfully orchestrated by Mike Macdonald, their coach for 2 seasons. They will run and bang, like a hero who wants revenge for the defeat during their previous confrontation at this level of the competition.
And they will meet an old acquaintance…
They had easy level opponents like in a video game. Did you say as if by chance?
However, they are back to play a bad trick on you. They come back from the dead, like villains, since they have spent a long time rubbing shoulders with the bottom of the league. And to think we got rid of the Chiefs (and Taylor Swift). For what result in the end? Watch the Patriots again. Yes, them again.
To be more serious, the Patriots succeed where many teams have failed (hello Bills, Ravens). In 2 seasons with quarterback Drake Maye, 23, they have once again become a ruthless team, coached with an iron fist by Mike Vrabel. The team does not lack glamor, with in its ranks receiver Stefon Diggs (photo), a receiver accustomed to news stories and famous conquests, like a certain Cardi B. Besides, the latter will be at the Super Bowl, unfortunately, she will not sing. Too bad for his fans…
But then, if Cardi B doesn’t sing at halftime, then who will it be?
After Kendrick Lamar, the NFL’s choice is Bad Bunny. A Puerto Rican singer who sings Latin music, and who promises to make us dance.
Glitter, controversial clothes, challenge to power, in short, he is going to give us a show that will stay in our memories. Oh yes, I forgot that you can also watch Green Day for rock fans before the start of the match. I also forgot that Bad Bunny already did a halftime show with Shakira and Jennifer Lopez.
What if you don’t want to watch the show? Several activities are at your disposal, such as watching (again) the rules of American football, some notable actions of this sport, walking your dog, reading a book. Be careful of naps which can be fatal for those who are heavy sleepers.
