Andy Reid’s Guts for MVP
This one had so many storyline’s to choose from: Patrick Mahomes getting knocked out of the game, Chad Henne, the fumble out of the end zone rule. The best moment of the Divisional Round, though, came from a bold decision by Andy Reid.
With the best player in the NFL sidelined and an uninspiring backup QB Henne under center, Reid still coached his team with full confidence. Two minutes left in the 4th quarter leading by only five points, the Chiefs faced a 3rd & 14. Credit to Henne for making magic happen with his legs and almost picking up the 1st down on a scramble.
Inches to go, the Chiefs came out in shotgun. Remember, this play is at midfield and the Browns have no tiemouts remaining. Even on a 4th and short, many coaches would choose to punt right away. Most would take the option to try and draw the other team offsides, call timout, and then punt. That’s exactly what it looked like the Chiefs were going to do, too. Even with a backup QB in and time remaining on the play clock, Reid called for a pass play which Henne completed to Tyreek Hill. Game over. The Chiefs go to their third straight championship game.
The boldness cannot be overstated. Yes, he would be eviscerated by the media had Kansas City failed to pick up that first down and lost the game to the Cleveland Browns. That, by definition, is why it’s bold.
Brady and Brees Overshadowed in Bucs Win
Here are the names which tell the story of this game: Deonte Johnson, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Devin White, Antoine Winfield Jr., Tyler Johnson, Tre’Quan Smith, JAMEIS WINSTON! In a game rightly hyped up as an old man Hall of Fame QB showdown, lesser known players stole the show.
White may have been the best player on the field but the play of the day came from Winfield Jr. After dropping an interception, which would have been a tough one to haul in, he jarred the ball lose from Saints TE Jared Cook who had just converted on 3rd down. This was crucial as New Orleans was up 20-13 and driving for more points on a day where scoring was hard to come by.
In the old days, a turnover against Brady in New England was essentially a death sentence. Turns out the new days in Tampa Bay are the same. The Buccaneers not only finished off the ensuing drive with a TD but outscored the Saints 17-0 after the fumble recovery.
Still, the passing offense was off all day long and Brady will need a better performance to take out the eventual MVP of the NFL, Aaron Rodgers. The Bucs have been the most boom-or-bust team in the league this season. They’re an inconsistent mess or an offensive juggernaut. Tampa has boomed all the way to the NFC Championship game. Do we see Jekyll or Hyde on Sunday in Green Bay?
Struggling Actor Sports 