Eagles Win Super Bowl 40-22

Phi 40 - KC 22:  Not much to say about this one.  I knew the Eagles defense was really good but wow.  They dominated the line of scrimmage and made life a nightmare for Patrick Mahomes.  Good on Philly.  Huge win for the Eagles who get their second Super Bowl victory.  You have to be happy for all these guys.  They had a great year and were pretty dominant when it mattered most - the playoffs.   

 

Super Bowl LVIII: San Francisco at Kansas City

SB LVIII:  Great Super Bowl to look forward to this year.  I'll be rooting for Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers.  I really want McCaffrey, my favorite player in the league today, to get a ring.  Hard betting against Mahomes though.  He seems to burn you when you do that.  That said the Chiefs offense has struggled at times this year including doing nothing in the second half of the AFC Championship.  That said, the Ravens D is excellent against the pass where the 49ers D can struggle against the pass.  The 49ers just feel more even across the board.  This could end up being a slugfest.  The fun is we won't know until tomorrow night.  I'm rooting for the 49ers and I'll take them to win it.  Maybe 23-20.

 

Tampa Bay Wins the Super Bowl!

Super Bowl LV wasn't the game any of us were hoping for but come the end of it we had a definitive winner.  Really the Bucs defense deserved the MVP trophy.  The scheme worked perfectly.  Kansas City couldn't get anything deep and Tampa Bay's front four provided consistent pressure making life for Patrick Mahomes miserable.  Great coaching by the Tampa staff.  And yes Tom Brady and the offense were excellent.  I was rooting for Tom Terrific and he didn't let anyone down.  The Chiefs on the other hand didn't adjust to the defensive scheme of the Buccaneers.  I get that the defense was playing great but you had to think short quick passes would have helped.  I didn't see KC do that consistently.  Great win for the Bucs.  I'm happy for Brady and Gronk but also for Leonard Fournette and the Buccaneers players who helped make it all possible. 

Kansas City Wins Super Bowl LIV!

Super Bowl LIV was a fun game.  We knew San Francisco had a great defense and they had KC's number for 3 1/2 quarters but the Patrick Mahomes and that offense would not be denied.  And at the same time the KC defense found what it took to slow down the 49ers consistently.  The Chiefs had to feel lucky to be tied at 10 at the half with the way San Francisco's defense seemed to be chasing Mahomes every play.  Given how the third quarter was much of the same and the start of the fourth was a disaster they were darn lucky to only be down 10 with 7 minutes to go.  Still I thought, when it was 3rd and 15, that the 49ers were ripe for victory.  Like many I was wrong but that set up the improbable comeback that was great to watch.

Andy Reid at his Monday morning press conference: "I didn't spend the night with the trophy. I spent it with my trophy wife." 

Kansas City was just too good to be denied.  The San Francisco defense finally seemed to slow down after that big catch by Hill and the Chiefs could do no wrong.  San Francisco deserves all the props they get.  They were a great team this year and looked like the eventual world champions for much of this game.  Rooting for the Chiefs I'm really happy for Texas Tech alum Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, and and ex-Buffalo Bill Sammy Watkins.  They had a ton more stories on offense and defense - Damien Williams, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, that defense, etc, etc...  I'm happy for Chiefs fans who waited exactly 50 years and the franchise who have had many good teams throughout the years but couldn't get back to the big game.  Good NFL season and sad to see it end but it won't be long and we'll be back here doing all over again.

Eagles Win Super Bowl in a Thriller

What a great game.  I like defense as much as the next guy but this game kept me on my toes and I never knew which way it was going to go.  And with all that offense it came down to the only sack of the game and a Tom Brady fumble.  Wow.  Give it to Nick Foles and the Eagles - they deserved this championship.  For New England, Tom Brady gave it everything he had, everything, and still came up short.  Tells you what kind of game that was.  I mean Philly went for it on 4th down in two situations where if they don't make it, there are huge repercussions - you either take points off the board or you give New England the ball with great field position with a chance to sew up the game.  

Doug Pederson has guts, the likes of which we may never see again in a Super Bowl.  I was beside myself when he made each of those calls because of what was on the line each time.  And he threw it to his quarterback for a touchdown in the first instance - what?  Great stuff.  You have to be excited for Philly for getting their first Super Bowl win.  Doesn't get much better than that for an NFL franchise who has been around as long as them.  My man crush aside, I can't be sad for Brady and the Pats.  Brady played out of his mind and they had a chance at the end.  In fact who didn't think they were gonna march down the field and take back the d game to watch which is all we can ask for, right?

Super Bowl XLIX: Seattle Seahawks vs New England Patriots

Great matchup in the Super Bowl this year and I can't wait.  My wife called this matchup before the season.  Don't ask what I predicted.  I just hope the game lives up to the expectations.  I think Seattle wins the Super Bowl in a close game.  I am very surprised Seattle isn't favored in more forums.  True they barely beat Green Bay but I look at that as their offense playing horribly for 43 minutes, turned the ball over five times and they still won.  How many times does that happen?  I thought the Seattle's defense was excellent giving up only 22 points and allowing the offense to finally get on track sending the Seahawks to their second straight Super Bowl.  New England should make this a good game.  Their offense was the fourth best scoring offense in the league this year but like the rest of the NFL should struggle against the Seattle defense.  The other issue I see is New England dealing with the Seattle run option.  They haven't seen it much this year and I worry about how they can defend it.  Marshawn could have a big day. 

 

All that said I'm rooting for the Patriots.  I want to see Brady (my man crush) and the Patriots get their fourth Super Bowl ring and join the all-time greats in rarified air.  I just think it will be tough.  Seattle can always shoot themselves in the foot again like they did in the Green Bay game but I think that is too much to ask for.  New England is great at game planning their offense but I doubt Seattle really has to do much different no matter what is thrown at them.  Their corners allow them to just play their game without much concern on the outside.  Hopefully Gronkowski can be the disruptive force New England will want him to be and maybe make Seattle do things they don't want to.  Again I think Seattle wins this but I don't see a blowout - 23-17 Seahawks.  

Super Bowl XLVIII - Seattle vs Denver

Seattle did a job on the 49ers and go into the Super Bowl with the number one defense and confidence.  I was surprised they beat San Francisco much less how they did it.  It wasn't easy but they took over the second half and put away doubts anyone should have about them as a team.  Their defense is no joke and I don't think it is overrated.  I keep wanting to poke holes in this team but they are for real.  With Marshawn Lynch leading the way the offense can control the ball and wear you down.  Russell Wilson is a young guy I didn't want to like but how can you not?  He is a smart quarterback and how can you not like him when you hear him talk.  Side note.  He sought out Terry Bradshaw and asked him what he needs to do to win the Super Bowl.  Kudos young man.  That is understanding your place and respecting those who went before you.  That aside his receivers won't scare most defenses but again they have made it work.  I think Seattle is poised to upset the Broncos to win their first Super Bowl.

Denver surprised me in how easily they beat the Pats.  No matter how I and everyone else knows the New England offense is lacking any weapons other than Tom Brady, stopping that offense has not been easy for anyone.  Of course the Bronco offense did well too.  They marched up and down the field like they owned the place.  Again the Patriot's defense won't be talked about as one of the all-time best but New England has gotten where it has by coaching to their strengths and exploiting weaknesses.  And it didn't look like Denver had any on Sunday.  The offense  scored at an historic rate this season and while the defense was 22nd in points allowed the team's overall 12.9 points a game positive differential were first in the league.  What that tells us is you had better shut down that offense or it will be a long day.   

 

This is definitely a tough one.  You have to love the defense, running game and quarterback in Russell Wilson that Seattle brings to the game.  But Denver brings an offense that seems capable of putting up enough points on anyone to win games.  Turnovers will be the key.  Yes, that could probably be said of any team.  But Denver had eight turnovers in their three losses this year.  They had only 21 in the other 13 games.  And with the defense Seattle has they are setup to cause turnovers by sacking Peyton Manning, interceptions or stripping the football from any ball carrier.  Still I think Peyton will figure out a way to score enough points to win this game.  Doesn't mean it will be easy.  Seattle's defense should give him and his receivers fits.  I'm just thinking that given two weeks to prepare that the Broncos will be ready and have some new wrinkles in their offense to offset the coverage.  I won't be surprised by the score unless Seattle wins.  Denver could win by one point or thirty.  It is all on the table.  They get on a roll and Seattle could press to stay close and shoot themselves in the foot in the process.  I'm also thinking the weather shouldn't be as big a factor as some are playing it up to be.  If weather is bad yes it will affect how the game is played but both teams are used to cold weather and will be ready for it. 

 

I'll be "rooting" for Peyton.  I'd love to see him get that second Super Bowl ring and be the first quarterback to ever win the Super Bowl with two different teams.  Would also love to see Wes Welker win one after coming so close in New England.  There are other on the Broncos as well who I'd like to see win.  That said if Seattle wins I'll be happy for Seattle's fans and the franchise as it would be their only Super Bowl win.  Every franchise and fan base should get the opportunity.  It is a feeling that can't be described.  So while I may be leaning one way I'm just hoping for a good game.  

Super Bowl XLVII Thoughts

Alas my Falcons fell to the 49ers in a tough game.  I really thought Atlanta was going to take that game at the end.  The 49ers played the better game while Atlanta once again fell asleep at halftime and had to battle at the end of the game.  New England played Baltimore tough for a half but the Ravens showed they truly are the better team. 

 

I think this is a great match up.  Two teams with good offenses but defenses which will probably be the difference in the end.  I won't make you wait.  I'm going with Baltimore.  Joe Flacco has caught some flack in the past but this guy has won a playoff game every year for his five year career and has been to the conference championship three times finally getting over the hump this year to reach the Super Bowl.  How many quarterbacks can say they've done that?  A quick look shows he didn't play great in every game but he outplayed Tom Brady in the Championship game last year and if Lee Evans doesn't drop that touchdown his reputation has a different look to it.  I like what Kaepernick has done for the 49ers but I'm leery of a quarterback starting the ninth game of his career in the Super Bowl.  He has been on a great run but I just don't have the confidence that he can do again on the biggest stage of all. 

 

The rushing games are about a push for me though I'd say Frank Gore is the better runner while Ray Rice is more dynamic in the passing game.  I think Baltimore's receivers are better but it isn't a big edge.  The 49ers' defense is slightly better but again not a big edge there.  I'm not worried about either punter but kicker David Akers has to be a concern for San Francisco.  He only hit 69% during the regular season and missed again in the playoffs.  Ravens' kicker Justin Tucker is a rookie and has had a great year but again this is the big stage so you never know.  I like both coaches but I tend to think John Harbaugh's experience against the big boys of the AFC may be an advantage.  Jim is no slouch but again the resume just isn't the same. 

 

So not much of a edge for Baltimore overall in my mind.  I like that they are hot at the right time.  The change of offensive coordinators has breathed new life into that offense and I think they'll see the dividends tomorrow.  I think it will be a close game but to be honest if Baltimore can get a lead and make Kaepernick play from behind they could pull away in the second half.  I'll say Baltimore over San Francisco 27-26. 

 



Super Bowl XLVI

I really enjoyed the Super Bowl.  I had no rooting interest per se.  I do have a man crush on Michigan alum Tom Brady so going into this game I wanted to see him grab ring number four.  I stated to friends that New York was the better all-around team and gave the edge to the Giants in this game.  Their running game was healthy, they were peaking in the playoffs, the defense was playing very well and Eli was a stud this year.  On the other hand I woudln't make a career of picking against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.  

New England was no slouchin this game but they did themselves in with mistakes.  Tom Brady started it off with the intentional grounding call.  You just had to know those two points would be critical  in this game and they were.  Then a critical 12 men on the field penalty by the Pat's defense on third and three at the New England 11 was huge.  NY fumbled though it might have been overturned but still three points would have been better than the eventual touchdown the Giants got.  Huge mistake.  Then Brady threw the interception on first down.  He basically threw it up for grabs.  I don't understand that when it was a first down play.  On third down maybe as you'd have to punt if it didn't work for you.  Last but not least the Patriot's receivers dropped some passes on New England's final drive.  As good as the Patriots are I have to believe they will drive themselves crazy all offseason thinking about what could have been.

New York on the other hand won this game.  They played very well on both sides of the ball.  With zero turnovers they played the game they had to play to win.  Eli had a wonderful game completing 30 of 40 passes for 296 yards and one touchdown.  Add to that another signature moment hitting Mario Manningham on their late fourth quarter touchdown drive for 38 yards and this team was meant to win.  New York added 114 yards rushing keyed by a healthy Ahmad Bradshaw and his 72 yards.  The MVP though should have been punter Steve Weatherford.  He had four punts and three of them were inside the New England 10 yard line.  Wow.  I thought this was huge to the game making the Pats go 90+ yards putting them at a disadvantage.  His fourth punt also had a chance to be downed inside the 10 but the New York Giant player downfield was unable to make a play on the ball. 

Some seemed critical of Tom Brady and wonder if his star is fading.  What?  This was his fifth Super Bowl and he has won three.  Add to that this year's 13-3 season and he has no reason to hang his head.  That kind of talk is ubsurd.  He is one of the great quarterbacks of this era hands down.  On the other hand it may be too early to start the bust in Canton for Eli Manning but I will say you must start the discussion.  While his career hasn't been marked with greatness he is only 31 and if he adds some addtional years like this one (Super Bowl ring or not) I think he'll have to be in the disucssion.  Very few quarterbacks have two Super Bowl rings to their name so it will be interesting to see which side of the argument he lands on when his career is over. 

I thought this was a very good game.  New England players and fans will think they were one catch or non-mistake away from winning the game.  I think New York just won it.  They capitolized with a touchdown after the 12 men on the field penalty and made the long touchdown drive in the fourth quarter.  That is winning football.  Congratulations to the New York Giants.  Now I can't wait for next season!