While sports media waits with bated breath as Tom Brady pulls a Brett Favre to contemplate his next career move, it's nice to move on to a Patriot-free Super Bowl for a change.
This year's edition features the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, two franchises with six titles between them.
Kansas City won their only title in their 2nd attempt, 50 years ago. They hadn't been back to the big dance since, despite the plethora of top talent that has passed through. Today, they have one of the most exciting players in the league in 3rd year QB and part-time State Farm agent Patrick Mahomes, who is one of an increasing number of players whose fathers played in other sports. Mahomes' father, Pat, Sr., pitched for the Mets & Twins, among others, during his career.
Under the younger Mahomes' direction, Kansas City erased a 1st quarter deficit vs. Houston, then snuffed Tennessee's Cinderella dreams with a quick strike offense that scores in bunches, and a defense that bends, but doesn't usually break.
The last time the Niners were in the Super Bowl, Jim Harbaugh was the coach, and lost to brother John and the Baltimore Ravens. Jim Harbaugh is now facing greater scrutiny at Michigan, unable to win the big games (i.e. vs. Ohio State). Second generation coach Kyle Shanahan is hoping to join his father, Mike, who won 2 with Denver, as the first father & son team to win championships. QB Jimmy Garoppolo won 2 as Tom Brady's caddy in New England, but now sees a chance to step out permanently from behind Brady's long shadow. Defensive back Richard Sherman won one and lost one with Seattle, the latter vs. the Patriots due to coach Pete Carroll's late game bumbling. The Niners have revived their dormant run game in the post-season, having dismissed Minnesota and Green Bay to get to this point.
The last time Chiefs coach Andy Reid was in the big game, he, too, was a victim of the Patriots as coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. For Reid, this is a long time coming, and, for that matter, we wouldn't be surprised if this was also his coda, retiring and going out a winner.
Both teams have solid defenses, but Kansas City has too many weapons on offense, Mahomes included.
The pick: Chiefs, 41-38. Of course, I could be wrong.
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