Preview:
Super Bowl LV will take place on Sunday, Feb. 7, with two of the most explosive offenses teams the league has to offer: the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Patrick Mahomes as the quarterback for the Chiefs and Tom Brady as the quarterback for the Buccaneers will go head to head as the greatest matchup in Super Bowl history. With that being said, Mahomes is looking to become the youngest quarterback in the NFL to win more than one Super Bowl. For Brady, if the Buccaneers win, this will be his seventh ring. Brady will be playing his tenth Super Bowl.
This marquee matchup is vital in the upcoming goat debate, especially when Mahomes retires in the future. A seventh ring for Brady arguably establishes him as the greatest QB of all time. On the other hand, a second ring and a win against Brady could boost Mahomes’ argument as the best quarterback of all time if he continues an illustrious career filled with impressive statistical seasons, a few more championship rings and some more awards to fill up his mantle.
Injuries could have a major impact on this game and decide who has an advantage coming into the matchup. Eric Fisher and Willie Gay are officially ruled out for this year’s Super Bowl match-up. Fisher is a big part of the Chiefs offensive line as he is a two-time pro bowler and a vital part of keeping Mahomes up in the pocket.
The Buccaneers also have come down with the injury bug as key players such as receiver Antonio Brown and safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead have all been limited in practice this week. Reports have come out that Brown and Whitehead are doubtful to play as they are both struggling with knee injuries. Winfield Jr. is questionable to play with an ankle injury. Since these players are not completely ruled out there still is a chance they suit up in arguably the biggest game of their careers.
The Chiefs are favored to win with a three-point advantage, but the Buccaneers might also be favored to win by some due to Brady, a six-time Super Bowl Champ on their team. Brady is one of the most experienced play-callers in NFL history who will help the young Buccaneers core that has not reached the postseason since 2007, win their next Super Bowl Championship. The Buccaneers last Super Bowl Championship was won in 2002. With Mahomes on the Chiefs, this could be a back to back Super Bowl run, which has not happened since 2003-2004 from the New England Patriots.
Predictions:
On Super Bowl Sunday, the viewer can expect Andy Reid and his fogged up face shield to use all of his offensive weapons and abuse the Buccaneer’s injury-plagued secondary. Also, the viewer may believe they are suffering from deja vu as it is highly probable that Tyreek Hill has a historical performance. Back in the regular season on Nov. 29, the Chiefs and the Buccaneers matched up and Hill exploded for 13 receptions, 269 yards and three touchdowns and even backflipped into the end zone for one.
With Whitehead doubtful to play and Winfield Jr. questionable, it may really make it a lot easier for Hill to find a seam and beat the Bucs defense deep. Even if these two safeties play, it is highly likely that they won’t be 100% and may struggle to keep up with The Cheetah. To be honest, fully healthy secondary players struggle to keep up with Hill. At times he runs past them so fast he throws up a peace sign as they try to chase him down.
Brady will attempt to keep up with the Chiefs’ potent offense but will come up short as Brown is doubtful to play with a knee injury, and even if he does play he will not be at full speed. Brady continues to amaze but his playoff stats have not been glamorous as he had three interceptions in the NFC championship against the Packers and against the Saints in the divisional round he was held to only 199 yards and two touchdowns. It will be a high scoring game that goes back and forth and keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat but Mahomes will end the night holding the Lombardi trophy and maybe even a Super Bowl MVP.
