Which Team Scored First in the Super Bowl?

The question of which team scored first in the Super Bowl takes us back to the very first championship game, Super Bowl I, held on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. The honor of the first-ever Super Bowl score belongs to the Packers, who struck early with a 37-yard touchdown catch by Max McGee in the first quarter. This early advantage propelled the Packers to a decisive 35-10 victory, setting the tone for future Super Bowl contests.

How Scoring First Impacts Super Bowl Outcomes

Scoring first in the Super Bowl has proven to be a powerful advantage throughout NFL history. Of the 57 Super Bowls played to date, teams that score first have gone on to win 38 times, resulting in a winning percentage of approximately 68%. This trend highlights the psychological and strategic edge gained by taking an early lead.

For instance, in Super Bowl LI, the Atlanta Falcons scored first and built a commanding lead against the New England Patriots. While they ultimately lost in dramatic fashion, their quick start initially put immense pressure on the Patriots. Conversely, in Super Bowl LIV, the Kansas City Chiefs overcame an early deficit against the San Francisco 49ers, proving that scoring first, while helpful, is not always decisive.

Memorable First Scores in Super Bowl History

Over the years, many iconic moments have defined the opening scores of Super Bowl games. Some standout examples include:

• Super Bowl XXVII: The Dallas Cowboys’ early interception returned for a touchdown set the tone for their dominant victory over the Buffalo Bills.
• Super Bowl XLIII: The Pittsburgh Steelers’ opening field goal was the precursor to one of the most thrilling Super Bowls in history, capped by Santonio Holmes’ game-winning catch.

These moments showcase the importance of preparation, execution, and strategy right from the start.

Conclusion

Scoring first in the Super Bowl often provides a critical advantage, with teams frequently leveraging the momentum to secure victory. The Green Bay Packers, as the first team to score in Super Bowl history, set a precedent that continues to influence championship games today.

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