the Kansas City Chiefs versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Dream Matchup
Who could have asked for a more compelling matchup earlier this year than the one we have? Of course my favorite team is not there; however at this point that is only a dream – not the dream matchup. Instead, fans everywhere – especially all of us here in Missouri – get a matchup between Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes – arguably the GOAT of football against the up-and-coming, Super Bowl LIV champ.
The game itself is a toss up. I have my prediction below, but my guess is that it will be tight. COVID and injuries have hurt the Chiefs more than the Buccaneers. Without the recent injuries and COVID, Kansas City Chiefs are clear favorites. But, that is not the case. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also get homefield advantage – the first ever in Super Bowl history. I think this plays into the outcome as much as anything.
The other fantastic matchup issue this year focuses on the two coaches. Kansas City Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid (62 years, 325 days) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ head coach Bruce Arians (68 years, 127 days) are the two oldest coaches to square off in Super Bowl history. Their combined age is the oldest matchup in history. Further, Reid could become the oldest coach to win back-to-back Super Bowls in history; Arians would become the oldest coach to both debut in a Super Bowl and would be the oldest winning coach. Either way it goes, history is in the making regarding the coaching matchup. Between the two coaches, they have 56 years of NFL coaching experience.
The Super Bowl boasts the record as the most watched television broadcast in the United States every year with nearly 150 million viewers. Although the biggest audience of course hails from the United States, the game is broadcast in over 130 countries and in more than 30 languages.
All-in-all, this promises to be a great matchup between great teams.
Football – Halftime – Commercials
When you ask what people like most about the Super Bowl, for some it is the football. I fall into this camp. The game’s X’s and O’s, the strategy, the plays, the football talent, and the sports commentators all make it part of a fun time. Outside my favorite team, usually the teams involved just make it a bit better or worse. The storylines of the teams, the players, and the traditions combine together for a great time.
For others, they watch the Super Bowl for the halftime show. This Super Bowl halftime show sponsor is Pepsi, as was last year’s too. Many people around the country really look forward to this part of the broadcast; however, the past two years have left many Christians totally disappointed and even offended. You can read all about last year’s halftime show here.
Many people also love the Super Bowl because of the commercials. Each year these seem to garner much attention. However, this year several large corporations have chosen to not advertise for various reasons including financial, the pandemic, and politics. No one wants to anger already-weary consumers on a national scale with one $5.5 million dollar per 30 second ad or become the object of social-media scorn. But, no doubt as always, there will be some great commercials to see.
Because of ministry obligations, I have had to miss several Super Bowls with family and friends at church, like last year when I watched it with brothers- and sisters-in-Christ in the Dominican Republic. So, any time I get to watch the game rather than listen to it online, watch it in an airport, or somewhere else, this makes for a fun time.
People and Prediction
On this Sunday… let me make a suggestion for all of us during today’s game. Although the football, halftime show, and commercials all interest most people, make people your priority this year. If you are with others (either if only your own family or others), make them more important than the game, the show, and the commercials. Engage in a conversation. Seek to make your time with others meaningful. Try to encourage someone who made need it. Thank people around you for watching the game with you. Strive to make those who are closest to you feel your love and excitement to be with them. As much fun as today may be for a variety of reasons, make people most important.
If you know of friends or family who cannot get out due to COVID concerns, pick up the phone and call or text them in the game to just say “Hi.” Maybe Facetime with them and watch a few plays with them. In your own fun, do not forget others who may be a bit lonely today.
Some people choose not to watch the NFL at all. If that is you and you are still reading, then take time to invest in someone like you. If you know of someone else not going to participate at all, then by all means, seek to reach out to that person and enjoy some of the day with him or her.
Ok, the prediction. I honestly do believe this is a total toss up – last year’s Super Bowl Champions with injuries and COVID against the homefield advantage of the veteran Tom Brady! Earlier this year when they played, it was a very close game. Two weeks ago, Tampa Bay’s defense handled Aaron Rogers and the Green Bay Packer’s in the NFC Championship game. With key injuries on both sides of the offensive line, Patrick Mahomes may struggle getting plays off against a stronger-than-usual corner rush. They key to the game is Tampa Bay’s defense and whether or not they can keep the score low enough for Tom Brady to keep up with the offensive play of Patrick Mahomes. However, since I do live in Missouri, I will allow my proximity to Kansas City to weigh out. I predict Kansas City 38 – 34 over Tampa Bay.
If you do not have a church home, feel free to worship with us either in-person or online at 10:00 AM CST. You can get directions online at www.sonrisebaptist.com or can join our service online.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together