Defensive End:
1) Chase Young-Ohio State
2) Yetur Gross-Matos-Penn State
3) A.J. Epenesa-Iowa
4) Jon Greenard-Florida
5) Bradlee Anae-Utah
6) Khalid Kareem-Notre Dame
7) Jabari Zuniga-Florida
8) Jason Strowbridge-North Carolina
9) Alex Highsmith-Charlotte
10) Alton Robinson-Syracuse
Defensive Tackle:
1) Derrick Brown-Auburn
2) Javon Kinlaw-South Carolina
3) Ross Blacklock-TCU
4) Marlon Davidson-Auburn
5) Neville Gallimore-Oklahoma
6) Jordan Elliot-Missouri
7) Justin Madubuike-Texas A&M
8) James Lynch-Baylor
9) Raekwon Davis-Alabama
10) Leki Fotu-Utah
Outside Linebacker:
1) Isaiah Simmons-Clemson
2) Patrick Queen-LSU
3) K'Lavon Chaisson-LSU
4) Zack Baun-Wisconsin
5) Terrell Lewis-Alabama
6) Curtis Weaver-Boise State
7) Anfernee Jennings-Alabama
8) Julian Okwara-Notre Dame
9) Darrell Taylor-Tennessee
10) Akeem Davis-Gaither-Appalachian State
Inside Linebacker:
1) Kenneth Murray-Oklahoma
2) Malik Harrison-Ohio State
3) Jordyn Brooks-Texas Tech
4) Logan Wilson-Wyoming
5) David Woodward-Utah State
6) Jacob Phillips-LSU
7) Francis Bernard-Utah
8) Evan Weaver-Cal
9) Markus Bailey-Purdue
10) Shaun Bradley-Temple
Cornerback:
1) Jeff Okudah-Ohio State
2) CJ Henderson-Florida
3) A.J. Terrell-Clemson
4) Trevon Diggs-Alabama
5) Kristian Fulton-LSU
6) Jaylon Johnson-Utah
7) Damon Arnetter-Ohio State
8) Jeff Gladney-TCU
9) Noah Igbinoghene-Auburn
10) Cameron Dantzler-Miss State
11) Troy Pride Jr.-Notre Dame
12) Bryce Hall-Virginia
13) Amik Robertson-Louisiana Tech
14) A.J. Green-Oklahoma State
15) Harrison Hand-Temple
Safety
1) Grant Delpit-LSU
2) Xavier McKinney-Alabama
3) Antoine Winfield Jr.-Minnesota
4) Jeremy Chinn-Southern Illinois
5) Ashtyn Davis-Cal
6) Kyle Dugger-Lenoir-Rhyne
7) Terrell Burgess-Utah
8) Brandon Jones-Texas
9) J.R. Reed-Georgia
10) Brian Cole-Miss State
Monday, April 13, 2020
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Broncos Re-sign Shelby Harris and Derek Wolfe Signs with the Ravens
In a surprise move, the Broncos and Shelby Harris agreed to a 1-year deal worth $2.5 million in guarantees. Harris comes back to Denver a week and a half after free agency began and the market for him did not materialize the way that he had hoped. All along, everyone thought that Harris was going to get a huge deal and leave the Broncos for another team, but this is a welcome surprise and I'm really happy to have him back in Denver.
On the other hand, Derek Wolfe is leaving Denver and signing with the Baltimore Ravens. I had hoped the Broncos could have kept him, and his market never really developed like he thought it would, but the Broncos decided to go in another direction and that is too bad. Wolfe has been with the Broncos since being drafted in the 2nd round in 2012, and he was apart of that great defense in 2015 that won Super Bowl 50. He played really well last year, but with his injury history combined with the trade of DL Jurell Casey and the re-signing of Shelby Harris, I guess the Broncos decided to move on. I think Baltimore will benefit from signing him and he should do well there on the field and in the locker room.
On the other hand, Derek Wolfe is leaving Denver and signing with the Baltimore Ravens. I had hoped the Broncos could have kept him, and his market never really developed like he thought it would, but the Broncos decided to go in another direction and that is too bad. Wolfe has been with the Broncos since being drafted in the 2nd round in 2012, and he was apart of that great defense in 2015 that won Super Bowl 50. He played really well last year, but with his injury history combined with the trade of DL Jurell Casey and the re-signing of Shelby Harris, I guess the Broncos decided to move on. I think Baltimore will benefit from signing him and he should do well there on the field and in the locker room.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
Broncos Free Agency Frenzy Continues
Broncos Signings:
Broncos Sign RB Melvin Gordon from the Chargers: This was being rumored the last few days and the Broncos signed Gordon to a 2 year deal worth $16 million. I like the move from a strategic standpoint. I think Gordon will be a really good 1-2 punch with Philip Lindsay, but I am concerned about the amount they gave him. I really hope this doesn't affect Lindsay's contract extension in the near future. Overall, a solid move.
Broncos sign TE Nick Vannett from the Steelers: Vannett slides in as the Broncos #2 TE after Noah Fant. Again, this is another solid move by Elway and I have no problem with it at all.
Broncos sign P Sam Martin from the Lions: The Broncos needed an upgrade at punter for Colby Wadman. They at least got that with Martin in this deal.
Broncos re-sign DE Jeremiah Attachou: Attachou played well down the stretch after he was signed by the Broncos early into last season. I like his play and I think this is a good depth transaction for the pass rushing unit.
Broncos Departures:
Will Parks signs with the Eagles: We all knew that Parks was going to leave because the Broncos are already paying Kareem Jackson and franchise tagged Justin Simmons. Parks is a solid player and good guy in the locker room, but there was no room for him to get paid on this team. It's a Shaq Barrett type of situation like last year.
Broncos release QB Joe Flacco: Not one Broncos fan loved or even liked the trade last year for Joe Flacco. Now, the Broncos have officially released Flacco and his era in Denver is over. It was a forgettable one from the start, so I'm glad this move was made and we can move on and put the full support behind Drew Lock as our franchise QB.
Broncos sign TE Nick Vannett from the Steelers: Vannett slides in as the Broncos #2 TE after Noah Fant. Again, this is another solid move by Elway and I have no problem with it at all.
Broncos sign P Sam Martin from the Lions: The Broncos needed an upgrade at punter for Colby Wadman. They at least got that with Martin in this deal.
Broncos re-sign DE Jeremiah Attachou: Attachou played well down the stretch after he was signed by the Broncos early into last season. I like his play and I think this is a good depth transaction for the pass rushing unit.
Broncos Departures:
Will Parks signs with the Eagles: We all knew that Parks was going to leave because the Broncos are already paying Kareem Jackson and franchise tagged Justin Simmons. Parks is a solid player and good guy in the locker room, but there was no room for him to get paid on this team. It's a Shaq Barrett type of situation like last year.
Broncos release QB Joe Flacco: Not one Broncos fan loved or even liked the trade last year for Joe Flacco. Now, the Broncos have officially released Flacco and his era in Denver is over. It was a forgettable one from the start, so I'm glad this move was made and we can move on and put the full support behind Drew Lock as our franchise QB.
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Broncos Free Agency Frenzy
Amid the Global Pandemic that has gripped our country and the world, the only distraction in the world right now outside of the Coronavirus outbreak is NFL Free Agency. The new league year has started and at least it provides a little comfort in this dark time. It gives us hope and something to look forward to-if the Coronavirus doesn't wipe out the start of the 2020 NFL season. Here are the moves and analysis of what the Broncos did so far in free agency.....
Broncos Signings/Trades:
-Broncos sign G Graham Glasgow from Detroit: The Broncos needed an upgrade on the interior of their offensive line and this addresses that. I like his durability and he is versatile enough to play guard or center. This is a good move.
-Broncos trade for CB A.J. Bouye from Jacksonville for a 4th round pick: Bouye is coming off a down year in Jacksonville, but two years ago he was an All-Pro and a top level corner. He is best remembered for having a career game in 2016 against Denver when he was in Houston and he shut down Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders on Monday Night Football. He is still young, 29, and has two more years on his contract, but the Broncos can cut him at anytime and not owe him a dime. Hopefully, he can flourish under Vic Fangio in Denver.
-Broncos trade for DT Jurrell Casey from Tennessee for a 7th round pick: I love this move. The Broncos give up a late round pick and they add a quality starter in Casey for their defensive line. I have liked Casey since he came into the league, and this is a solid move by John Elway.
-Broncos re-sign CB Devante Bausby: Bausby came to Denver last year from the defunct AAF, and by September he was getting a lot of reps and was playing really well until a scary concussion injury in October that shut down his season. I like him and think he can be very valuable.
-Broncos re-sign LB Joe Jones: Jones comes back to Denver and his role is mainly on special teams. Hopefully, he can continue to develop.
-Broncos sign QB Jeff Driskel from Detroit: Driskel signs with the Broncos, and he will be the backup to Drew Lock. Driskel is a slight upgrade over Brandon Allen, and this move signals the end of the Joe Flacco era in Denver. The Broncos probably could have used a more quality backup than Driskel, but if he has to start a game or two if Lock is hurt, then he might be able to keep the team afloat.
Broncos Departing:
-Chris Harris Jr. signs with the Chargers: We all had a feeling that Harris was going to leave this offseason, and he ends up going to the Chargers for 2 years and $20 million. It is tough to see Harris go-especially to a division rival-but the Broncos fans were bracing for him to leave. I'm just kind of surprised that the deal came in the way that it did. I feel like Denver should have pushed to get him to come back. I don't feel good about him leaving and it just sucks.
-Connor McGovern signs with the Jets: McGovern did a nice job for the Broncos the last two years, but with the signing of Glasgow, he became expendable. I think he is a nice player, but it is a replaceable part.
-Andy Janovich traded to the Browns for a 7th round pick in 2021: I understand that Janovich became expendable since Pat Shurmur was hired as the Broncos new offensive coordinator this offseason. Shurmur doesn't really use a fullback and Janovich became a player that simply didn't fit the scheme. I also think that the emergence of Andrew Beck as that H-Back might have paved the way for Janovich to be let go. I do think that there is value to Janovich as a football player and a special teams player-even though the fullback is not featured in this new offense.
Broncos Signings/Trades:
-Broncos sign G Graham Glasgow from Detroit: The Broncos needed an upgrade on the interior of their offensive line and this addresses that. I like his durability and he is versatile enough to play guard or center. This is a good move.
-Broncos trade for CB A.J. Bouye from Jacksonville for a 4th round pick: Bouye is coming off a down year in Jacksonville, but two years ago he was an All-Pro and a top level corner. He is best remembered for having a career game in 2016 against Denver when he was in Houston and he shut down Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders on Monday Night Football. He is still young, 29, and has two more years on his contract, but the Broncos can cut him at anytime and not owe him a dime. Hopefully, he can flourish under Vic Fangio in Denver.
-Broncos trade for DT Jurrell Casey from Tennessee for a 7th round pick: I love this move. The Broncos give up a late round pick and they add a quality starter in Casey for their defensive line. I have liked Casey since he came into the league, and this is a solid move by John Elway.
-Broncos re-sign CB Devante Bausby: Bausby came to Denver last year from the defunct AAF, and by September he was getting a lot of reps and was playing really well until a scary concussion injury in October that shut down his season. I like him and think he can be very valuable.
-Broncos re-sign LB Joe Jones: Jones comes back to Denver and his role is mainly on special teams. Hopefully, he can continue to develop.
-Broncos sign QB Jeff Driskel from Detroit: Driskel signs with the Broncos, and he will be the backup to Drew Lock. Driskel is a slight upgrade over Brandon Allen, and this move signals the end of the Joe Flacco era in Denver. The Broncos probably could have used a more quality backup than Driskel, but if he has to start a game or two if Lock is hurt, then he might be able to keep the team afloat.
Broncos Departing:
-Chris Harris Jr. signs with the Chargers: We all had a feeling that Harris was going to leave this offseason, and he ends up going to the Chargers for 2 years and $20 million. It is tough to see Harris go-especially to a division rival-but the Broncos fans were bracing for him to leave. I'm just kind of surprised that the deal came in the way that it did. I feel like Denver should have pushed to get him to come back. I don't feel good about him leaving and it just sucks.
-Connor McGovern signs with the Jets: McGovern did a nice job for the Broncos the last two years, but with the signing of Glasgow, he became expendable. I think he is a nice player, but it is a replaceable part.
-Andy Janovich traded to the Browns for a 7th round pick in 2021: I understand that Janovich became expendable since Pat Shurmur was hired as the Broncos new offensive coordinator this offseason. Shurmur doesn't really use a fullback and Janovich became a player that simply didn't fit the scheme. I also think that the emergence of Andrew Beck as that H-Back might have paved the way for Janovich to be let go. I do think that there is value to Janovich as a football player and a special teams player-even though the fullback is not featured in this new offense.
Monday, March 16, 2020
Corona Virus and Start of NFL League Year
The entire world is dealing with the global pandemic that is has shutdown the entire country and all sports. Everything is shutdown with the exception of the new league year in the NFL. The new CBA was approved by the NFLPA player vote, and the NFL is conducting the offseason without a delay. Whether that is the right approach in this difficult time is subject to an opinion, and I think they should delay it, there will be deals, trades etc...I'll keep updating the Broncos offseason moves as they develop, but in the meantime, stay safe and be well.
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
Super Bowl LIV Recap
The Chiefs won their first Super Bowl since the 1969 season and they broke their 50 year drought by coming back from a 10 point deficit in the 4th quarter to defeat the 49ers 31-20. Pat Mahomes won the Super Bowl MVP award to complete his amazing two-year run as the Chiefs starter, and Andy Reid broke through to win his first Super Bowl in his long career. The Chiefs are now at the top of the mountain in the NFL, and they might be there for a long time. Here is my recap of the game...
1) I thought this was a good Super Bowl. It was certainly better than last year's 13-3 Patriots win over the Rams. It was 24-20 Chiefs with the 49ers trying to drive to win the game with less than two minutes to go. That is all you could ask for in a Super Bowl. The final touchdown run by Damien Williams to make it 31-20 was more like an empty net goal to put the game away.
2) Make not mistake about it: The 49ers had this game and let it slip away. The game played out perfectly for them for the first 54 minutes. They were up 20-10 and they had frustrated Pat Mahomes, picked him off twice, got after him in the pocket, and they didn't let the Chiefs beat them with explosive plays. They were in control and then it fell apart. That will eat at 49ers fans for the rest of their lives. They had it right there.
3) Pat Mahomes was not good for the first 52 minutes of this game. He threw two really bad interceptions and he just wasn't playing well. He was playing the worst game of his career until they were down 20-10 and facing a 3rd and 15 with less than 7 minutes to go in the game. He hit Tyreek Hill on the big throw into SF territory and it set up the touchdown to Travis Kelce to cut the score to 20-17. The Chiefs were also aided by a pass interference call down to the 1 yard line. It helped KC eventually score on that drive. The pass from Mahomes to Hill turned the game and will be the moment from this Super Bowl that everyone remembers.
4) A lot of people were criticizing Kyle Shanahan for not killing the clock and running the ball more when they got the ball back, but I'm not going to go there. Shanahan had to be aggressive in my opinion and if it wasn't for Chris Jones being a force on the defensive line, then Jimmy Garappolo would have completed a few passes to George Kittle and the 49ers could have bled the clock.
5) Once the Chiefs got the 3 and out at 20-17, you just had a feeling that Mahomes was going to take advantage. You could feel it and then he hits the big pass to Sammy Watkins, who beat Richard Sherman, into SF territory, and you knew it they were going to score. Mahomes finished off the drive with a TD pass to Damien Williams, and the Chiefs took the lead 24-20 with only 2:44 left. The Chiefs were down 10 with under seven minutes to go, then five minutes later, they scored two touchdowns and were up by four. Amazing.
6) The 49ers got the ball back and had some hope by getting a couple big plays through the air, and they had the ball at midfield until the drive stalled. Garoppolo missed an open Emmanuel Sanders on a post route that would have given the Niners the lead. Sanders was behind the DBs, but Jimmy G just overthrew him. He has to make that throw in that spot. That throw will haunt the Niners all offseason, and if Jimmy G hit that throw, it might have put him on the map with one of the greatest clutch throws in Super Bowl history. He got sacked on the next play and the drive ended, and so did the hopes of the Niners.
7) Kyle Shanahan will have to live with the fact that his team was up 20-10 with under seven minutes to go in the Super Bowl, and they lost. He was also the OC in Atlanta when the Falcons were up 28-3 and blew that Super Bowl to the Patriots, so he has now been apart of two of the worst collapses in Super Bowl history. He has to live with that until he wins one.
8) The Niners defense was a really good defense all year, but they failed them in the last seven minutes of the game. Nick Bosa and the front was awesome, and I think Bosa could have made a case for MVP if the Niners had won. They have to shut the door on the Chiefs on 3rd and 15 in that spot. This game will be very tough for the entire 49ers franchise and fanbase to get over.
9) We now live in a world where the Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl Champions. It is always nice to see a team and a fanbase end a long championship drought, and I'm sure there are plenty of Chiefs fans that have suffered through some terrible losses, but I just can't be happy for them. As a Broncos fan, the Chiefs have been the biggest rival in my lifetime, so I just can't be thrilled for their fans.
10) The Pat Mahomes era has officially begun. The torch from Peyton Manning and Tom Brady has been passed to Mahomes and he is now the face of the NFL. It is scary to think about how this could be the beginning of the next dynasty in the NFL and the beginning of Mahomes putting together one of the greatest QB careers in NFL history. His time has arrived, and it is safe to say that Mahomes and Reid are not done winning Super Bowls together.
1) I thought this was a good Super Bowl. It was certainly better than last year's 13-3 Patriots win over the Rams. It was 24-20 Chiefs with the 49ers trying to drive to win the game with less than two minutes to go. That is all you could ask for in a Super Bowl. The final touchdown run by Damien Williams to make it 31-20 was more like an empty net goal to put the game away.
2) Make not mistake about it: The 49ers had this game and let it slip away. The game played out perfectly for them for the first 54 minutes. They were up 20-10 and they had frustrated Pat Mahomes, picked him off twice, got after him in the pocket, and they didn't let the Chiefs beat them with explosive plays. They were in control and then it fell apart. That will eat at 49ers fans for the rest of their lives. They had it right there.
3) Pat Mahomes was not good for the first 52 minutes of this game. He threw two really bad interceptions and he just wasn't playing well. He was playing the worst game of his career until they were down 20-10 and facing a 3rd and 15 with less than 7 minutes to go in the game. He hit Tyreek Hill on the big throw into SF territory and it set up the touchdown to Travis Kelce to cut the score to 20-17. The Chiefs were also aided by a pass interference call down to the 1 yard line. It helped KC eventually score on that drive. The pass from Mahomes to Hill turned the game and will be the moment from this Super Bowl that everyone remembers.
4) A lot of people were criticizing Kyle Shanahan for not killing the clock and running the ball more when they got the ball back, but I'm not going to go there. Shanahan had to be aggressive in my opinion and if it wasn't for Chris Jones being a force on the defensive line, then Jimmy Garappolo would have completed a few passes to George Kittle and the 49ers could have bled the clock.
5) Once the Chiefs got the 3 and out at 20-17, you just had a feeling that Mahomes was going to take advantage. You could feel it and then he hits the big pass to Sammy Watkins, who beat Richard Sherman, into SF territory, and you knew it they were going to score. Mahomes finished off the drive with a TD pass to Damien Williams, and the Chiefs took the lead 24-20 with only 2:44 left. The Chiefs were down 10 with under seven minutes to go, then five minutes later, they scored two touchdowns and were up by four. Amazing.
6) The 49ers got the ball back and had some hope by getting a couple big plays through the air, and they had the ball at midfield until the drive stalled. Garoppolo missed an open Emmanuel Sanders on a post route that would have given the Niners the lead. Sanders was behind the DBs, but Jimmy G just overthrew him. He has to make that throw in that spot. That throw will haunt the Niners all offseason, and if Jimmy G hit that throw, it might have put him on the map with one of the greatest clutch throws in Super Bowl history. He got sacked on the next play and the drive ended, and so did the hopes of the Niners.
7) Kyle Shanahan will have to live with the fact that his team was up 20-10 with under seven minutes to go in the Super Bowl, and they lost. He was also the OC in Atlanta when the Falcons were up 28-3 and blew that Super Bowl to the Patriots, so he has now been apart of two of the worst collapses in Super Bowl history. He has to live with that until he wins one.
8) The Niners defense was a really good defense all year, but they failed them in the last seven minutes of the game. Nick Bosa and the front was awesome, and I think Bosa could have made a case for MVP if the Niners had won. They have to shut the door on the Chiefs on 3rd and 15 in that spot. This game will be very tough for the entire 49ers franchise and fanbase to get over.
9) We now live in a world where the Kansas City Chiefs are Super Bowl Champions. It is always nice to see a team and a fanbase end a long championship drought, and I'm sure there are plenty of Chiefs fans that have suffered through some terrible losses, but I just can't be happy for them. As a Broncos fan, the Chiefs have been the biggest rival in my lifetime, so I just can't be thrilled for their fans.
10) The Pat Mahomes era has officially begun. The torch from Peyton Manning and Tom Brady has been passed to Mahomes and he is now the face of the NFL. It is scary to think about how this could be the beginning of the next dynasty in the NFL and the beginning of Mahomes putting together one of the greatest QB careers in NFL history. His time has arrived, and it is safe to say that Mahomes and Reid are not done winning Super Bowls together.
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Super Bowl LIV Preview and Predictions!
After the Chiefs dispatched the pesky Titans, and the 49ers thrashed the Packers on Championship Sunday, we have ourselves a very good Super Bowl matchup. The high-scoring Chiefs led by Pat Mahomes take on the young, well-built 49ers in a game that could set up to be a classic. Super Bowl LIV will feature a game between two teams that could be back here many times in the future. It's a classic offense vs. defense chess match. It's a tough game to call either way, and there are valid reasons for siding with one team or the other to win the game. Here are the storylines that I am looking at heading into the game...
Storylines
I) Andy Reid's Moment: One of the most successful NFL head coaches is still looking for his first Super Bowl win. The last time Reid got here was in Super Bowl XXXIX in 2004 with the Eagles and they lost to the Patriots. Now, he has a chance to get that elusive title, and this might be his time to get it.
II) Pat Mahomes Era Begins: Mahomes has been the best QB in the NFL the last two years, and he looks like he will be the face of the NFL for the next decade at least. He reached the Super Bowl in only his second year as a starter. This could be the beginning of his Tom Brady-like run on championships if he wins it this year.
III) The Niners Return To Glory: The Team of the 80s is back in the Super Bowl for the first time since 2012, and they return with a team that is loaded with young talent. They are 5-1 in Super Bowls all time, and they were 4-12 a year ago. Their coaches were coaching in the Senior Bowl last year, and now they are in the Super Bowl. If they win, it would bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the Bay area for the 6th time and return the Niners back to NFL royalty.
IV) Two Possible Dominant Forces: This Super Bowl could be a game that features two franchises that might be back a bunch of times over the next few seasons. Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and GM John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan have built a really solid team that could be the class of the NFC for years to come. In their preview for the Super Bowl, the Ringer staff called the 49ers a football battle station. I think they sums up this group of Niner players.
Onto the preview and predictions for Super Bowl LIV...
Last Week's Playoff Record: 1-1
Overall Playoff Record: 5-5
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
A Case for the 49ers: They have been the best team in the NFC wire to wire. From Week 1 to the domination in the NFC Championship Game win over the Packers, the 49ers have been the best team. They beat the Saints in New Orleans, lost a close game to the Ravens in Baltimore, swept the Rams, beat Seattle on the road to win the division, dominated the Vikings in the Divisional Round, and destroyed the Packers in the NFC Title Game. Their defense, especially their front seven, is built to stop Pat Mahomes and this Chiefs offense. In recent Super Bowl history, the top defenses have gotten the better of the top offense, so no one will be surprised to see the 49ers defense step up and slow down the Chiefs. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is a great play caller, and you have to expect him to get his team ready for a fast start. Pound for pound the 49ers are the better team, and they just might be too much for the Chiefs.
A Case for the Chiefs: It might finally be Andy Reid's time to win a title. He has been such a successful coach, and the last piece to his possible Hall of Fame resume is a Lombardi Trophy. You have to think he is due for a championship. Pat Mahomes has been so good the last two years that this might be his moment of glory. He is the face of the league, and this might be his crowning achievement as he ushers in his era. This Chiefs team got breaks to get here and it might just be their year. They got the bye in the first round when New England lost to Miami in Week 17, avoided the Ravens and the Pats in the AFC Playoffs, and got to host Houston and Tennessee. The franchise and their fans have waited 50 years to get back and win a Super Bowl, and now they are here and their opportunity with a golden opportunity to get it done. It might just be their time.
Prediction: KANSAS CITY (-1) over San Francisco: In a game that goes back and forth and is certainly more exciting than last year's Rams-Pats game, the Chiefs pull away at the end, and Pat Mahomes wins the Super Bowl MVP award and gives Andy Reid his first ever Super Bowl Title.
Final Score: Chiefs-30 49ers-22
Storylines
I) Andy Reid's Moment: One of the most successful NFL head coaches is still looking for his first Super Bowl win. The last time Reid got here was in Super Bowl XXXIX in 2004 with the Eagles and they lost to the Patriots. Now, he has a chance to get that elusive title, and this might be his time to get it.
II) Pat Mahomes Era Begins: Mahomes has been the best QB in the NFL the last two years, and he looks like he will be the face of the NFL for the next decade at least. He reached the Super Bowl in only his second year as a starter. This could be the beginning of his Tom Brady-like run on championships if he wins it this year.
III) The Niners Return To Glory: The Team of the 80s is back in the Super Bowl for the first time since 2012, and they return with a team that is loaded with young talent. They are 5-1 in Super Bowls all time, and they were 4-12 a year ago. Their coaches were coaching in the Senior Bowl last year, and now they are in the Super Bowl. If they win, it would bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the Bay area for the 6th time and return the Niners back to NFL royalty.
IV) Two Possible Dominant Forces: This Super Bowl could be a game that features two franchises that might be back a bunch of times over the next few seasons. Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and GM John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan have built a really solid team that could be the class of the NFC for years to come. In their preview for the Super Bowl, the Ringer staff called the 49ers a football battle station. I think they sums up this group of Niner players.
Onto the preview and predictions for Super Bowl LIV...
Last Week's Playoff Record: 1-1
Overall Playoff Record: 5-5
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)
A Case for the 49ers: They have been the best team in the NFC wire to wire. From Week 1 to the domination in the NFC Championship Game win over the Packers, the 49ers have been the best team. They beat the Saints in New Orleans, lost a close game to the Ravens in Baltimore, swept the Rams, beat Seattle on the road to win the division, dominated the Vikings in the Divisional Round, and destroyed the Packers in the NFC Title Game. Their defense, especially their front seven, is built to stop Pat Mahomes and this Chiefs offense. In recent Super Bowl history, the top defenses have gotten the better of the top offense, so no one will be surprised to see the 49ers defense step up and slow down the Chiefs. Head coach Kyle Shanahan is a great play caller, and you have to expect him to get his team ready for a fast start. Pound for pound the 49ers are the better team, and they just might be too much for the Chiefs.
A Case for the Chiefs: It might finally be Andy Reid's time to win a title. He has been such a successful coach, and the last piece to his possible Hall of Fame resume is a Lombardi Trophy. You have to think he is due for a championship. Pat Mahomes has been so good the last two years that this might be his moment of glory. He is the face of the league, and this might be his crowning achievement as he ushers in his era. This Chiefs team got breaks to get here and it might just be their year. They got the bye in the first round when New England lost to Miami in Week 17, avoided the Ravens and the Pats in the AFC Playoffs, and got to host Houston and Tennessee. The franchise and their fans have waited 50 years to get back and win a Super Bowl, and now they are here and their opportunity with a golden opportunity to get it done. It might just be their time.
Prediction: KANSAS CITY (-1) over San Francisco: In a game that goes back and forth and is certainly more exciting than last year's Rams-Pats game, the Chiefs pull away at the end, and Pat Mahomes wins the Super Bowl MVP award and gives Andy Reid his first ever Super Bowl Title.
Final Score: Chiefs-30 49ers-22
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