Opinion
And then there were two, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Two generational quarterbacks going against each other in what may end up being one of the greatest Super Bowls in recent memories.
Will we see the passing of the torch between the two quarterbacks to crown Patrick Mahomes as the next GOAT? Or will we see Tom Brady lead this Buccaneers side to victory and walk away with his seventh ring?
Tampa Bay defeated the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field last Sunday, in a close victory 31-26. Many were surprised by the win by Tampa Bay last Sunday as it just showed the difference in mentality between both teams. Brady threw for three touchdowns but also had three interceptions, but luckily did not cost them the game.
They won on not only the experience of Brady but their defence once again stood up tall against the best offensive team this season. Tampa Bay won all their playoff games away and now are rewarded with a home Super Bowl.
While Kansas City defeated the Buffalo Bills in convincing fashion at home last Sunday, winning an impressive 38-24. For Kansas City it was the same story as usual, Mahomes controlled the game well and threw for three touchdowns.
Both Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce had over 100 receiving yards and ran all over the Bills defence. Kansas City now have the opportunity to be the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since the New England Patriots of 2003-2004.
All eyes will be on the two quarterbacks but there is more to look at then those two. Of course, they will generate the most interest going into this year’s Super Bowl, but let’s examine the rest of the offence. When it comes to the passing game and the receivers between both teams, Kansas City win this category.
Kelce is the best tight end in the NFL right now and Hill is one of the best wide receivers in the league. Both recorded over a 1000 receiving yards this season and are two of the more consistent receivers in the league.
Patrick Mahomes (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay have had a lot of receivers miss game time and have never seemed to find much of a general flow. Good enough to win majority of games of course, but Kelce and Hill are elite receivers respectively, two players no one wants to defend.
When it comes down to the run game, I have to give this one to Tampa Bay – but only just. Both teams prefer to pass the football with Kansas City leading in overall passing yards this year and Tampa Bay ranked fourth in passing.
Between Ronald Jones/Leonard Fournette and Clyde Edwards-Helaire/Darrel Williams, Tampa Bay’s running backs were more consistent in rushing this season then the running backs for Kansas City. But I don’t think the run game will be much of a factor next Sunday but what will be the passing game and defence.
When you look at both teams in defence for this season, both ranked in the top 15 in defence, with Tampa Bay ranking eighth and Kansas City ranking 12th.
Both teams finished closed in every defensive category but Tampa Bay finished with a slightly better overall defence. Throughout the playoffs, when a stop has been needed more than ever, Tampa Bay’s defence has consistently showed up and is a big reason why they are playing next Sunday.
Will Tom Brady win another Super Bowl? (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Red zone defence is something that Kansas City struggled with a lot this season and is something to watch out for.
I was wrong to bet against Brady and the Chiefs last week and now going into the Super Bowl, it makes it even tougher to predict who is going to win. Kansas City boast the best offence going into this game and talk about a big three with Mahomes, Hill and Kelce running the offence.
That gives the defence of Tampa Bay enough to deal with it, but Tampa Bay go into this game with the better defence and may end up proving the difference in the final minutes in the Super Bowl.
Many will disagree with me, but I not going to bet against Brady again. This is a Super Bowl for the ages and I am predicting a close game as well.
I won’t be shocked if Kansas City win and go back-to-back but I’m going to pick Brady to led the Buccaneers to their second Super Bowl championship and to walk out of Tampa Bay with his seventh ring.
Prediction
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat Kansas City Chiefs
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