Issue II - Super Bowl & Awards Review

Sons at Round Table

Issue II

Super Bowl & Awards Review

N: So, what did you three think of the big game?

LT (Lucas): Seattle choked, I knew it.

LK (Logan): Brady was spectacular when it mattered against a great defense that could be considered one of the best of this generation.  I know that it’s the best that I’ve ever seen, and Brady simply picked them apart when it mattered the most.

N: I’m not sure if he picked them apart, Logan.  He made the right reads, sure, but essentially he just kept picking on the same guy, over and over again.

LK: That’s what makes him special, dad.

N: Hmm.  Injuries are a part of the game, to be sure, but Seattle should’ve have known better than to not double Gronk when it mattered the most.

AW: Belicheck and Brady were just better.  They got lucky at the end there, that’s all I’m going to say, but I think I can speak for everyone when I say that Carroll and whoever else was making the decisions kind of blew it in the end for Seattle.

N: Let’s look at it a little more closely. Why do you think they threw instead of running the football? They had time and a timeout to burn if they needed it...

AW: Element of surprise, maybe?  The whole world knows how wonderful Marshawn Lynch is, and New England is part of that equation.  But like someone said (Trent Dilfer), why not at least throw in a play action, or a read option throw?  The whole play screamed pass, and I think that’s why Butler was able to make such a clean break to the ball.

LT: Dumb, just dumb.  There are random heroes in big games like these, so you just have to go with your strengths.  There’d be less questioning that way.

N: Fair point.  I understand why you throw at Butler, but ride the horse that got you through the war.  I’m not in disagreement, but I understand why they made the call.

LK: That kid just made a really sweet play.  Seattle’s receivers are kind of underrated though, and Wilson doesn’t get enough credit.  To be fair, I think he should have gotten a lot more flack than he did.  It’s a simple pass, and he threw it way too far out in front. Put it on the numbers like you teach us to do, dad.

N: Agreed. If you’re going to miss, miss inside on a slant.  That New England secondary is strong though, almost on the level of Seattle’s.  I just think they should have ran at their first level.  I know Wilfork is beast, but...

AW: Lynch is beastmode! I think he wins that situation more times than not! Remember that game when he did it to my Cardinals earlier this year?  We couldn’t do anything to stop him!

LK: I think that was the play that made Seattle the super bowl favorites.  Once they won in Arizona and regained home field, there really only should have been one champion.

LT: Eh, Pete Carroll? (high fives, Logan)

N: Switching gears... Aaron Rodgers, deserving?

AW: Yeah, I suppose.  Your team really sucks when he’s not in the game, dad.

N: ...

LT: Boom.  But that’s why I think you have to give it to Rodgers.  If the Texans make the playoffs, maybe things should be different, but MVP doesn’t stand for the cool, trendy pick.  It stands for most VALUABLE player.  He changes games, and seasons.

LK: I don’t know why Romo didn’t get more credit.  The Packers are built to last, and a lot of people had the Cowboys finishing in last place after the release of DeMarcus Ware and the loss of Sean Lee to injury.  Romo came off of a serious injury, and they were almost the best team in football. 

N: I think that’s a result of too much productivity from too many people.  If Romo and DeMarco don’t share the accolades, Romo may have had a shot.

AW: No.  Romo’s line is better, his running back is better, his receivers are better.  Plus, DeMarco and Dez wanted more cash, so they played at a peak level. 

LT: Agreed.  Give Rodgers a Dez, and oh Lord! 

N: Odell Beckham...

AW: Ha, you were wrong dad!  He’s really good! The best I’ve ever seen probably!

N: I still take Sammy.

LT: Fly alone, dad.  No one takes Sammy over Odell anymore.  Just another reason why Buffalo is Buffalo.

N: You guys don’t remember him at Clemson, so that doesn’t count.  But, yes, Beckham was really restrained in the LSU offense, so I don’t think anyone could see that coming.

LT: How do you not see that coming?  He can make any catch from any angle.  Give him some complementary receivers, and we’ll have another discussion about his Hall of Fame induction around the time I enter high school.

LK: I liked Mike Evans.  He had a great year with a bad team down in Tampa.  He might be a  touchdown machine in years to come.

N: I have a friend who would disagree with you.  Said he was too slow for the NFL.

LT: Come on Chuck, I thought we were friends!

N: I didn't name names, Lucas.

LK: Doesn’t matter how slow you are if you catch everything.  Just wait until he gets a quarterback.

N: What do you hope to see from your teams this off-season?

LK: Some sort of consistency at quarterback.  I like Locker as much as you do, dad, but he never ever plays.  Might as well just go with Mettenberger at this point.  I think it’ll be some time though, before they can think about playing on the level of New England or Seattle, dad.

N: True.  Nice pieces, but it’s like having 2 frames, and no engine.  Lucas?

LT: Last year was the year.  But since a catch isn’t a catch in the NFL, we have to hope and pray that Romo can give us another year at that level.  I think they should sign AP though.  I haven’t seen him run yet, but from what I hear, there’s no one close when he’s motivated.  Minnesota’s never had a line like this Dallas one.

N: Steve Hutchinson, Bryant Mc... never mind.

LT: Who?

AW: Carson has to stay healthy.  My team is already good enough to win a Super Bowl, in fact I think they would have if Palmer had just played all season!  They have to re-sign Larry Fitzgerald though he’s my favorite player.

N: Sorry to get your hopes up buddy, but I think the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots have eyes for your boy.  Could be a match made in heaven...

AW: No!  He can’t go! Then I won’t like the Cardinals anymore! (Aiden actually said this when I brought up the possibility of Fitzgerald leaving)