Growing up with a father who played professional basketball in the MBA, I’ve always been fascinated by how sports cultures differ from one country to another. When I moved to the United States, I quickly realized that while basketball is huge in the Philippines, here it’s football that captures the nation’s heart. I remember watching my first NFL game and being blown away by the sheer intensity and strategic depth—it felt like a chess match played at 100 miles per hour. That’s why I’ve decided to dive into the top 10 football teams in the USA and explore the winning strategies that set them apart. Let’s start with a team that’s practically synonymous with American football: the New England Patriots. Under Bill Belichick’s leadership, they’ve won six Super Bowls, and their strategy often revolves around adaptability. They don’t stick to one style; instead, they analyze opponents’ weaknesses and adjust game plans on the fly. For instance, in their 2017 Super Bowl comeback against the Falcons, they shifted from a pass-heavy approach to a balanced offense, exploiting Atlanta’s tired defense. It’s like how my dad used to say in basketball—sometimes you have to change your shot mid-air to score.

Next up, the Kansas City Chiefs, led by the electrifying Patrick Mahomes. Their offense is a masterclass in innovation, blending deep passes with tricky plays that keep defenses guessing. I once attended a game at Arrowhead Stadium, and the energy was infectious—fans roaring as Mahomes launched a no-look pass for a touchdown. Statistically, they averaged 415 yards per game in the 2022 season, thanks to coach Andy Reid’s creative play-calling. Compare that to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who rely on a “ground and pound” running game and a stout defense, and you see how diverse strategies can lead to success. Speaking of defense, the Baltimore Ravens have built their identity around it, with players like Ray Lewis in the past setting a tone of relentless pressure. I’ve always admired how they use data analytics to optimize player rotations, something that’s becoming more common across the league. On the other hand, the San Francisco 49ers focus on a strong rushing attack, which reminds me of how some basketball teams dominate the paint—it’s all about controlling the game’s tempo.

Then there’s the Green Bay Packers, a team that’s thrived with quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers who excel at reading defenses. Their strategy often involves long, methodical drives that eat up the clock, frustrating opponents into mistakes. I recall a game where Rodgers led a 10-minute drive that ended in a touchdown, essentially sealing the win. It’s a stark contrast to the Dallas Cowboys, who prioritize flashy, big-play offenses but sometimes struggle with consistency. Personally, I lean toward teams that balance offense and defense, like the Seattle Seahawks with their “Legion of Boom” era, which brought them a Super Bowl win in 2014. Their emphasis on physicality and teamwork resonates with me because it echoes the camaraderie I saw in my dad’s basketball days. Another favorite is the Denver Broncos, whose defensive prowess led them to a Super Bowl 50 victory—they held the Panthers to just 10 points, a testament to their strategic blitz packages.

Moving down the list, the Philadelphia Eagles have embraced a high-risk, high-reward approach, like their famous “Philly Special” trick play in Super Bowl LII. I love how they incorporate underdog mentalities into their strategy, often using it to fuel comebacks. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills have risen recently with a pass-oriented offense led by Josh Allen, averaging over 28 points per game in the 2023 season. Watching them feels like seeing a well-oiled machine, where every player knows their role—similar to how my dad’s team would run set plays to perfection. Lastly, the Los Angeles Rams round out the top 10 with their “all-in” philosophy, trading future picks for star players to win now. It’s a gamble that paid off with a Super Bowl LVI win, but it also shows how strategies evolve with the times. Reflecting on all this, I think what makes American football so captivating is the blend of individual brilliance and collective strategy. Whether it’s the Patriots’ adaptability or the Chiefs’ creativity, each team offers a lesson in how to chase victory, much like the basketball games I grew up watching in the Philippines.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.