It is estimated that 208 million-plus viewers watched Super Bowl LVII. Those who watched the 57th big game, did see a fireworks show, with score after score. In the end, it did seem like either team could win it, but, as we know, only one team can. The Kansas City Chiefs overcame the Philadelphia Eagles with a late-game field goal, triumphing 38-35.
Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts both deserved the MVP award, which this year went to the winning quarterback. Mahomes, with this victory, could retire tomorrow and be a first-ballot hall of famer. Still, there was lots of chatter that he is a faker about his injury. Also, some of the play calls left the QB with wide-open passes any NFL quarterback could make. With that said, Mahomes is exciting to watch and he showed up for this, the biggest game, in a big way.
The credit for the victory needs to be shared with head coach Andy Reid and his offensive coaching staff. They designed plays against what was supposed to be one of the best defenses that resulted in the Chiefs taking home the Lombardi Trophy.
In the fourth quarter, the audience could sense this game was destined to be an instant classic, but some believe this legendary game was ruined by one soft ticky-tac holding penalty, the only holding penalty called the entire game. Yes, most watching the game, want the refs to “let them play” in the final moments, but the contact and jersey grabbing was just enough to draw a whistle before we could see that the ball flying toward the endzone probably was not catchable. It is likely Kansas City gets the field goal anyway But it is true that Philadelphia would have had more time to march down and tie up the score or go ahead and win. The truth is, a game is never decided by one call, but Eagles fans might never forget that play. It was a bit of a letdown that the game ended the way it did, instead of with one of the many outstanding plays that took place throughout the game.
Even with that ending, the game was incredibly entertaining. So were many of the commercials. Here are the annual winning commercials that aired during Super Bowl LVII:
Creating the most excitement: Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
Although movies later in a series tend to underwhelm, we still get excited for the new ones coming our way. This super Bowl had plenty of movies to promote in this category and they did a solid job of exciting the audience. Fast X, The Flash (with Batman), Creed III, Guardians of Galaxy Vol. 3 and more.
However, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny looked like the best one of the bunch. The fifth installment of the legendary “Indiana Jones” franchise, staring Harrison Ford going up against a villain that is still a Nazi, with another powerfully composed score and edge-of-your-seat action scenes, looks like a ‘must see.’
Bringing back movie memories: New Year. New Neighbor.
Although Caddyshack is the funniest movie ever made, my 13-year-old daughter really liked the movie Clueless when we recently watched it for her first time, and I am annoyed by the movie Grease, the bet nostalgia play has to go to Zach Braff, Donald Faison and John Travolta singing a ‘Summer Nights” knock off.
The “tell me more” line played well with pitching T-Mobile’s home internet service. Some of the lines, facial expressions and dance moves were humorous and a now-bald Travolta can still hit the high note.
Best message: Be Childlike
Whether you believe in Jesus/God or not, one commercial made us pause, think and want to be like a child. We saw images of kids being kids, loving and helping animals and humans. The song lyrics played, “If I could see the world, through the eyes of a child, what a wonderful world this would be,” as seven black-and-white touching images showed, followed by a video of two kids running at each other to give a big embrace. Then the messages read, “Jesus didn’t want us to act like adults. He gets us. All of us. Jesus.” The ad ends with “HeGetsUs.com/BeChildlike.”
It was a good reminder to care for, help and love others. In today’s day and age, what a wonderful 30 seconds that was. The faith-based group also ran another powerful ad with a message to love your enemies.
Best Super Bowl commercial 2023: Dunkin' 'Drive-Thru' Starring Ben
Because there is so much star power in Super Bowl commercials, sometimes it is hard to pick a winner. But just like in this great game, only one can be the champion.
While it’s hard to beat Diddy creating an Uber One jingle, Ben Stiller and Steve Martin both possibly acting about their Pepsi Zero Sugar reactions (their teaser ad was actually better), Jack Harlow playing a triangle because of Doritos, and Bradley Cooper attempting to do a T-Mobile commercial with his mother, one ad did beat them all. The first commercial after the kickoff set the bar too high to overcome.
Bennifer, yes, the combination of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez stole the show. Something about Affleck goofing off by working in a Dunkin' drive-thru window seemed authentically funny. Then being busted by J Lo, who barks, “Is this what you do when you say you’re going to work all day?” Then sneaks in, “Grab me a glazed!” Although it’s hard to believe she eats a lot of donuts, she delivered the line beautifully and Affleck looked way happier than he did the night of the Grammy’s.
A special shout out to Your Cousin from Boston day dreaming about A Brighter Boston. I am trying to not be a homer Boston fan and give Sam Adams an award this year, but that commercial was a touchdown in New England and was one of my favorites!
Hope you enjoyed the big game and the commercials.
Mike Byrnes is a national speaker and owner of Byrnes Consulting LLC. His firm provides consulting services to help advisors become even more successful. Need help with business planning, marketing strategy, business development, client service and management effectiveness? Read more at ByrnesConsulting.com and follow @ByrnesConsultin.