Super Bowl LVIII brought viewers a rigmarole of emotions this Sunday.
As a lifetime Bills fan, I hated every second of it.
However, I must put my biases aside in order to give a rating of the final game of the 2024 NFL Playoffs fairly.
Gameplay: 8.5/10
There is no question that the end of the game was quite thrilling, but the first half was abysmal. Neither offense could get going due to a mix of confusing turnovers and good defense.
Unfortunately, no one really likes a defensive battle. I’m glad that the game started to get hot as the second half rolled around. But for a game that built up so much suspense, the ending felt a little flat. There wasn’t anything massive or unexpected that led to the ending — it just kind of happened.
Referees: 9/10
No complaints from me here. I feel this was a very equally called game. There weren’t any bad ball placements or questionable personal fouls. The most concerning call of the game was 49ers’ fullback Kyle Juyzchek’s catch in overtime. I personally think that it was a catch, and the fact that the clock didn’t stop when all plays are supposed to be booth reviewed makes me think it was a reception.
Commentating: 8/10
I find it difficult to enjoy any commentary when the Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes is playing. I don’t blame Tony Romo for wanting to be excited about the game, but his history when it comes to calling games lives in infamy. Romo did heat up in the second half when the game started to get good. His ability to call plays before they happen is very impressive. Unfortunately for Romo, I can’t stand the sound of his voice, no matter how insightful it is.
Halftime show: 5/10
If I was born before 1995, I’m sure this would’ve been awesome. However, I’m 22 so it wasn’t. As far as choreography goes, I thought they killed it. That is one of the main reasons this score isn’t lower. Bringing out Alicia Keys, will.i.am and Lil John sounds good in theory. I can never understand why artists wouldn’t play their best songs. I can understand why people would enjoy this performance, but I am not one of them.
Memes: 10/10
The internet wins again when it comes to being endlessly creative. Here are some of my favorites:
Overall: 8/10
I wish this game was less cool. Patrick Mahomes is solidifying himself as a top-three quarterback in NFL history. The San Francisco 49ers are frauds once again. During the season where the Bills had their best chance of winning, who else would be the one taking home the trophy, but Taylor Swift?
Evan Hilbert is a sports editor and can be reached at evan.hilbert@ubspectrum.com
Evan Hilbert is an assistant sports editor at The Spectrum. He also is a three-season student-athlete with UB’s DI cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track team. He’s a fan of the Milwaukee Bucks, Newcastle United F.C., and the Buffalo Bills.
