Well, the game was entertaining for a half but Tampa Bay was just too good. SU congratulates long-time subscribers Mark L. (Bucs 34-24 and Jeff – Bucs 28-17) for being closest on the predicted scores for the game. So, what happened out there?
- Todd Bowles’ defensive strategy was pretty much perfect. The Bucs pressured Mahomes on almost every pass play and he was running for his life – especially as the game wore on. You could also see that his turf toe was hampering some of his movement although he got off some passes that no other NFL QB ever does.
- Brady was efficient and took what the defense gave him. The only mistake was not trying the QB sneak on 3rd or 4th down in the 2nd quarter but Tampa Bay ended up scoring on the next possession so no harm done. He was basically untouched in the pocket. I can’t even recall him scrambling on any pass play. Credit to his offensive line which also opened up holes for the running backs.
- A lot of outrage on Twitter and by the half-time crew about the pass interference calls in the 2nd quarter against KC but holding and grabbing are holding and grabbing. I must say the one in the end zone in the last few seconds of the first half was likely an uncatchable pass but it did not change the outcome of the game. The call on the long pass to Evans was legit and he could have caught that one. Tony Romo suggested perhaps it might not have been catchable. Btw, he had a pretty mediocre night.
- You can see why it’s so hard to repeat in the NFL vs. other sports. So much comes down to player health. The Chiefs’ offensive line was down 2 players and it showed big time. Tampa Bay played all of its playoff games on the road and if there are fans in the stands, you wonder if that’s even possible in most seasons.
- SU liked some of the stats that Romo was throwing out there about the probability of scoring a touchdown on a drive based on the number of penalties on the defense. Some type of table would have been interesting to see as I had never heard of that before. Missed opportunity.
- I must say that luxury suite where the Brady clan was watching the game was quite crowded at the end of the game. I believe both of his parents already had COVID but SU did not see a lot of masks in there and certainly no social distancing.
Bottom line: the game did not live up to the hype but Tom Brady solidified his hold on the GOAT. At 43, it’s just not that easy. SU is glad the NFL made it through the season and the quality of play was equal to any other season.
Any surprises for you?
Sports Update Intergalactic 
Tampa Bay’s offensive line was unbelievable. Every lineman blocked with no penetration most of the time which gave Brady’s line of vision DOWNFIELD. Can you even picture the Giants having that luxury or most QBs. Though Gronk may not be the best tight end in the game he might be the best blocking tight end. He kept KCs defensive end at Bay and helped open up some running holes on the outside. Furthermore, he allowed the O linemen to concentrate on blocking the interior. What a luxury.
Two surprises
1. Tampa’s touhness vs KCs non toughness, except on the goal line stand.
2. Tampa’s secondary glued to their receivers with no long passes completed. Mahones passing stats where added midway to late in the 4th quarter when the game was out of reach. They still did not score a TD. Wow!!!
Yeah Mahome’s turf toe took some of his running ability away but not nearly enough to change the game. Some of the pass interference calls were definitely bad ones but KC did hold alot and those calls were legit. The killer was Tampa’s center baiting one of the KC lineman into a personal foul.
PS. Early team ratings for next season has it as KC, Buffalo, Green Bay and then Tampa Bay at #4.