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2014's best ads include salutes to moms, Derek Jeter

Some of 2014's best commercials, according to ad expert Matt Miller, include separate tributes to a baseball legend and moms everywhere.Miller, the president and CEO of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, chatted with TODAY about why these TV ads, in particular, were able to cut through the noise.International soccer stars David Beckham of England and Zinedine Zidane of France are

Some of 2014's best commercials, according to ad expert Matt Miller, include separate tributes to a baseball legend and moms everywhere.

Miller, the president and CEO of the Association of Independent Commercial Producers, chatted with TODAY about why these TV ads, in particular, were able to cut through the noise.

International soccer stars David Beckham of England and Zinedine Zidane of France are among the soccer legends to face off in a spirited Adidas ad that redefines "home game."

As it turned out, It was the right ad at the right time.

"We really turned the corner in the United States," Miller explained during a Wednesday morning visit to TODAY. "Viewership was up 39 percent for the World Cup."

For those who prefer American football, perhaps Budweiser's Super Bowl ad is more your speed. If an adorable puppy isn't enough to melt your heart, its friendship with one of Bud's Clydesdales should do the trick — especially as Passenger's emotional "Let Her Go" plays in the background.

The ad is just the latest installment in a trilogy from the company.

"America loves this continuing story," Miller explained.

Expect the next installment to appear Feb. 1, during Super Bowl XLIX.

It's got to be tough living life with the name Ronald McDonald, especially if you have nothing to do with the famous mascot for McDonald's. Assembling a bunch of men by that name to try a new product by rival Taco Bell proved not only to be clever, but memorable.

"Not necessarily a great production, a great script," according to Miller, "(but) it just was sort of a fun idea where (Taco Bell) really got to slap the leader."

In addition to the baseball fans who saluted New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter during his final baseball season, ad agencies also said thanks. In July, Nike's star-studded "RE2PECT" campaign wowed viewers, but Miller showed respect for Gatorade's September ad, which toasted the likely Hall of Famer to the tune of Frank Sinatra's "My Way."

What made it work so well?

"This is all real — this isn't scripted," he said. "It's really heartfelt."

Another one of Miller's picks has a sports theme, but it focuses on the moms behind the scenes. In an ad that had lots of play — and praise — during the Olympics in Sochi, Procter & Gamble praised the love, encouragement of mothers for "teaching us that falling only makes us stronger."

Follow TODAY.com writer Chris Serico on Twitter.