New England Defeats Los Angeles 13-3, Super Bowl LIII Champions

Last night was a great SuperBowl.  I know I’m in the minority on that but in an era when the offenses are handed so many advantages it was great to see two defenses play so very well.  NewEngland was able to move the ball some but Wade Phillips’ defense played so well limiting the Patriots to 13 points.  No matter how great they were they were outplayed by the Pat’s defense who befuddled Los Angeles all night long.  It was an amazing game plan for the Pat’s defense and Jared Goff seemed lost all night.  But don’t be fooled.  So props to the New England coaching staff and the players who executed the gameplan.  While the offenses did make mistakes what you really saw was the defenses getting pressure on the quarterbacks and covering receivers very well.  So good on both defenses.  

As for the Rams, Sean McVay has to take blame for the offense’s inability to adjust during the game and to his credit admitted he was out coached.  I also have to wonder why Todd Gurley wasn’t given the ball more. He is a rare talent at running back but ran the ball only 10 times for 35 yards and caught one pass.  The game was 3-3 going into the 4^th so they had plenty of time to run it and maybe create opportunities for play action.  Maybe try some screen passes?  I was at a loss as to Los Angeles’ lack of direction and creativity.  

The Patriots deserve a ton of a credit on defense but the offense did do enough when needed to win the game.  Julian Edelman starred and took home the MVP.  He seemed to be open so much in this game and it wasn’t until late they Gronk really got in a groove.  To be honest the defense deserved the trophy.  Again I think it is awesome a team could scheme so well as to shut down an offense that stood among some of the greats all-time.  You have to hand it to New England.  Bill Belichick figured out a way to win even when his offense wasn’t at its best.  It is just amazing what he and Tom Terrific has done.  I enjoyed the game and ate lots of good food in the process so it was a win all around for me. 

AFC and NFC Championship Games - Just Wow!

"Are you not entertained?"  Great games yesterday.  The first time both conference championship games have gone into overtime.  Did the Saints get hosed?  Oh yes.  That was a horrible call.  The easy answer is to say don't put yourself in that position.  Don't go silent for almost two quarters while the Rams get back into the game.  Don't call for a pass on first down with under two minutes to go and definitely don't let it go incomplete.  It will be so hard to think of this game though and not think of the non call at the end of the 4th quarter.  Still New Orleans had the ball in overtime and failed.  Congratulations to the Rams.  They adjusted on offense to the stadium noise and their offense came alive.  I'm still confused as why Todd Gurley wasn't in the game more.  The touches he did have weren't great but when you have a beast like him you have to ride him.  This is great young team and I can't wait to see what they can do in the Super Bowl.

    We keep wanting to pick against the Patriots and they keep snubbing their nose at everyone.  This will be their 8th Super Bowl appearance in the Tom Brady era and 10th overall.  Just crazy.  Give it to their defense for shutting down Mahomes and the crazy good Kansas City offense long enough to give New England a 14-0 lead at the half - and they needed it.  The KC offense finally appeared and the rest of the game was back and forth never quite knowing which was it would end.  Again we went to overtime and the Pats made sure the Chiefs revitalized offense didn't get a chance to steal the game.  This was a fun game to watch.  I was hoping the Chiefs would win even though I have a self proclaimed man crush on Michigan alum Tom Brady.  They don't call him the G.O.A.T. for nothing.  Hopefully Kansas City will be back in force again for years to come.  For now we'll see what greatness the Pats can dial up in the Super Bowl.

2018 Buffalo Bills Preview

The 2017 Buffalo Bills made a surprising run to the playoffs last year winning 4 of their last 6 games after going on a 3 game losing streak.  Now the Bills will likely be helmed by Josh Allen.  It seems like a good fit for this team.  He has the talent and Buffalo has been dreaming of a franchise quarterback since forever.  Not saying he might not get knocked around.  His receiving corps is thin and outside of LeSean McCoy the offense doesn't have a ton to get excited about.  The offensive line is also in flux.  Still this was a playoff team so hopefully the transition for the young quarterback won't be so tough.  There are many thoughts about putting a young signal caller at the helm but I'm all for it.  Let him learn and hopefully he can pick up on things quickly.  Tyrod Taylor, for all the chatter about him not being the guy, he at least protected the ball which can be a struggle for rookies.

  The passing defense didn't give up many touchdowns which was a huge plus but outside of that, the defense needs to make more strides.  They did go heavy on defense in the draft so there is definitely hope the unit can make strides this season.  Hopefully they can stay strong while the offense transitions to a new leader under center.  

  While it seems unlikely Buffalo returns to the playoffs I can see a path with their schedule.  Many opponents are in the same place they are - talented but not world beaters.  That said, they will probably be happy with 8 wins.  No matter how the season ends there is a great feeling of excitement going into a season with a player who really has a chance to be the guy for years to come.  Excitement and Buffalo haven't gone together for a long time.  I am looking forward to seeing what Buffalo and Josh Allen can do with an eye towards the future.

2018 Atlanta Falcons Season Preview

The 2017 Atlanta Falcons were able to parlay a 10-6 record into a playoff berth and upset the Los Angeles Rams before losing to the eventual Champion Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.  There's no reason to believe this team can't post double digit wins again as well as compete for the division title.  The offense which already has stars Julio Jones, Matt Ryan, and Devonta Freeman added star Alabama receiver Steven Ridley to the mix.  There is too much talent on this team to think their offense won't keep them in most games.  Despite 4,000 yards passing Ryan wasn't the player who won MVP in 2016.  Devonta Freeman fought through injuries and didn't put up big numbers and Julio Jones just couldn't find the end zone consistently. This offense is too good to struggle again or second year offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian may find himself looking for another job.

  The bend but don't break defense played admirably.  I can't really fault them for the Falcons issues.  They need to get after the quarterback more and improve on getting turnovers.  The Falcons didn't invest heavily on defense in the draft nor pick up any major players for that side of the ball so they'll need to scheme better to see any real improvement.  

I like coach Dan Quinn and based on the team's ability to reach the Super Bowl two years ago I have faith this team can turn it around.  The offense was historically good in 2016 but changing coordinators on that side of the ball seemed to make a huge difference to the negative.  I can't see that trend continuing.  The Falcons are in a tough division but I can see 11 wins for this team and a playoff berth.  Hopefully this season will see a team that is again worthy of a Super Bowl appearance.