Super Bowl XXXI had something Super Bowl XLIII didn't, and I'm not talking about the Packers (even though I am STRONGLY biased). I can't quite put my finger on it, and I wish I could.

But when the highest-scoring first quarter in Super Bowl history ended, New England had erased Green Bay’s early 10-0 lead and pulled ahead, 14-10.

That's eight touchdowns, or one every two games, from even approaching that 1996 defense. The clincher for XXXI, though, is simply the context. * * The Packers hadn't gone to a Super Bowl in 29 years.

Classic Replay: Super Bowl XXXI How to watch the Green Bay Packers win their first league championship game after a 29 year hiatus May 01, 2020 at 09:00 AM ...

Although Favre would shine in Super Bowl XXXI — throwing for two touchdowns and running for another — return specialist and former Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard earned the game’s MVP ...

Super Bowl XXXI was dedicated to former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle, who died Dec. 6, 1996, at the age of 70.

FILE -In this Sunday, Jan. 26, 1997 file photo, James Brown performs during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXI between the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots, in New Orleans.