With love from across the pond: 10 reasons why UK fans loved the NFL's centenary season

#7 Watching the Tennessee Titans overthrow the dynastic New England Patriots

Wild Card Round - Tennessee Titans v New England Patriots

Bill Belichick's New England Patriots have managed an unprecedented six Super Bowl titles in twenty years and been the dominant force in the NFL for two decades now (or one-fifth of the sport's history). With that kind of success comes a whole lot of jealousy, and fans on both sides of the Atlantic were keen to see them ousted from the throne this time out.

They finally got their wish.

Despite the efforts of Gilmore and co. on the defensive side of the game, things just didn't go to plan offensively, and last year's champions, led by legendary QB Tom Brady, were simply unable to rack up enough points to mount a challenge. They were beaten by a poor Miami Dolphins outfit in week 17 and exited the playoffs in the Wild Card Round at the hands of an inspired Derrick Henry and his supporting cast of Tennessee Titans.

The UK loves a giant-killing just as much as our friends across the Atlantic (besides those living in Massachusetts in this case) and for that reason, this game was one of the highlights of the sporting calendar for many of us.

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#6 Michael 'cantguardMike' Thomas

San Francisco 49ers v New Orleans Saints

The Associated Press named Michael Thomas as their Offensive Player of the Year, and it is easy to see why. The New Orleans Saints' wide receiver broke Marvin Harrison's long-standing record for the most receptions in the history of the league during the Saints' match against the Tennessee Titans, for one. Additionally, he finished the year with 1725 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, a figure that would likely be even higher had Drew Brees not been forced out of action during the early goings of the regular season with a broken thumb.

I heard Thomas' name mentioned over and over again during my late-night trips to bars to watch Sunday/Monday night NFL, and many Brits had the men from the Bayou penciled in to lift the Lombardi trophy. Of course, it wasn't to be but the Saints certainly had the talent.

One thing's for sure, though; if Brees re-signs and Kamara gets back to something like his best, they'll be back in the mix next season and when they do, Michael Thomas will be firing and the UK converts will be watching.