AFC Championship Review
AFC Championship Review
The NFC Championship ended in overtime. Any game of that magnitude that ends in overtime should immediately be placed among the greatest ever played. As we know by now, the game will be overshadowed by what wasn’t done in the game. New Orleans will simmer for a long time because of that loss. It was taken from them. Stolen from their hands like the win was a base and the league was Rickey Henderson.
On the flip side, the NFL appeared to be saved by one of the greatest games ever played throughout its rich history. It was league MVP Patrick Mahomes going up against Tom Brady. It was the student facing the master and though it wasn’t the student’s time yet, Mahomes got the respect of Brady and may have been passed the torch in the process.
As it is, Tom Terrific, Bill Belichick and the rest of the New England Patriots irritated the rest of the league a great deal by getting back to the Super Bowl for a third straight time. I had a feeling this outcome was inevitable but I give the Chiefs huge props for coming back the way they did and forcing overtime. Get a defense and better coaching around Patrick Mahomes and we could watch the team of the 2020s unfolds before our very eyes.
However, this game was not without controversy. With about seven minutes left and leading by four, Chris Jones hit Tom Brady with his hand. For some reason, the refs felt this was enough to call a roughing the passer. You mean to tell me that play gets penalized but nothing happens when Dante Fowler hits Drew Brees? I smell a conspiracy, does anyone else? By the way, that penalty helped New England go up 28-24. What happens if that horrendous call doesn’t occur?
You know what? I’ve beat up on the NFL enough so far. I need to give the coach of Kansas City a piece of my mind as well. I mentioned last week that the coaching of Andy Reid might cost the Chiefs a trip to Atlanta. Much to my surprise, I was absolutely right. Andy Reid holds the record for most wins without a championship. He’s also one for six in Championship Games and play-calling like lasts nights demonstrates why.
Down by three with around 35 or so seconds to play, Patty Mahomes led the Chiefs down into field goal territory. There were a couple of chances the Chiefs had to go for the touchdown. Regarding the play in which 11 seconds remained and the Chiefs sent out Harrison Butker to tie the game, I feel the Chiefs should’ve taken a risk and gone for the end zone.
This has always been my biggest problem with Andy Reid. He doesn’t take chances. It appears the reincarnation of Marty Schottenheimer took over at Arrowhead as Reid was coaching all-out Marty Ball until the 4th. During that final drive, I thought for a moment that Reid had allowed himself to evolve by gunning for the end zone but he didn’t. He played it safe again and it cost him…again.
I understand you’re in field goal range and it’s better to play it safe in some instances but this was not it! Fortune favors the bold and Mahomes could’ve stolen this game from Brady. Why in gods name would you want to go to overtime against the Patriots? Do you realize whom you’re facing? Your defense was 31st in the league and it showed in overtime. They couldn’t stop the Patriots on third down to save their lives.
This was the first championship game ever played at Arrowhead. I feel the ghosts of NFL lore would’ve rewarded Kansas City for such a gunslinger’s decision. If it gets picked off, I still would’ve respected Andy Reid for the gutsy call. Had you gone for the end zone on the play in which you sent Butker in, I would’ve bitten my tongue if it didn’t pan out but you played it safe big guy.
This is the Super Bowl.
On a day in which so much greatness been enhanced, could’ve been a game for the ages, it was stopped by itself. Has football stopped evolving? Is this the point where we look at the sport and realize that it can’t grow any better? During a day in which officiating and coaching both held the game back, Patrick Mahomes was denied a chance at glory.
That’s because his team played not to lose while the other coach played to win. In Football, things will not always go your way. You may not lead in a game until the very last play. You may not get help from the officials or even your own players might drop a pass or fumble but to play it safe when momentum is on your side…that’s a tragedy.
Let this be a lesson to the Chiefs. The team on the sideline across for you would’ve gone for the field goal as a dead last resort. Until it’s time, to settle for a field goal…in the AFC Championship…against the Patriots…at home…with Patrick Mahomes…go for the end zone (win) always.
Good luck next year.
-By: Thomas P. Braun Jr.