Super Bowl XLIV: The Top Three Fan Excuses to Watch Out For

It seems so long ago that we were crowning the NFC and AFC Champs., but in reality it was only two weeks ago.  Now we're left with a four day wait before the big game, the big game that could make it or break it for either team.

For those fans out there that are dedicating their Sunday to their respective team, or are going all out in the hope of throwing the most whacked out "shin dig" imaginable, there will of course be the handful of fans that come up with crazy excuses to save their team the embarrassment of a loss.

We've seen it in past years, and I am 100 percent sure that we will see it this year.  Forums will be packed, blogs will be written and at the end of the day, there will be more excuses than need be to fill a book.  Here are a look at the top three to watch out for.

3. "The Tampa Bay Curse Screwed Us"

This one is predominantly for Saints' fans, as the curse of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looms over their heads. No team has won the Super Bowl after losing to the Buccaneers in the regular season, however with that said, this statistic is the Saints' to break.

If the possibility occurs that the Saints don't get the victory, you can guarantee that some fans will take the "spiritual" style of excuse, and claim that the Saints' loss was due to the gods. Whether or not you believe in the mystical hoodoo is your own call, just be prepared to hear about it.

2. "We Simply Missed Dwight Freeney"

This one is more down to earth, but it is a talking point. Whether or not Freeney plays or even is effective in this game is a question nobody can answer. If Freeney doesn't show up and barely makes an impact in the game, we'll see another Colt McCoy and Texas scenario as one of their star players cost them a trophy.

Colts' fans aren't the most loudmouth fans going, and for the most part they are fairly civilized and well mannered when it comes to accepting defeat. Dwight Freeney is a loss that even the toughest of fans would complain about though, and the big man is an easy target for excuses and blame should the Colts go on to lose.

1. "The referees rigged it"

I always crack up when I hear this one, and I am positive we'll hear it again in four days' time. When the Steelers won it all, the referees were barraged with questions on fair play calling and good judgements;  Super Bowl XLIV will be no exception.

With two powerhouse offensive teams playing, there will be some big pass interference calls. I think it goes without saying that the referees will have to go to a booth review more than once on Sunday. The color red will be seen a fair bit, as both coaches are wise enough to challenge a play should the opportunity arise.

Either teams' fans will pull this card out of their sleeve, and will present it in a mix of verbal abuse and insults. "The referees screwed us" is an instant classic.

It may not be as intense as previous years, but the 2009 Super Bowl packs a punch.  Both teams' fans are rowdy, and will come up with any wacky reason to save their team from getting criticized. 

You've been warned, so be ready for them.