THE BLAST PICTURE SHOW
Final four set for Oscar-worthy drama
MANY experts were writing the obituary for America’s favourite pastime in recent years but the naysayers have been forced to eat their words.
It’s awards season in the world of film but the NFL deserves an accolade for its own stunning comeback performance as four teams get ready to realise their Super Bowl dreams.
Between Donald Trump and his personal crusade on players protesting against the national anthem and concerns about the game’s safety – the greatest show on earth appeared to be losing its lustre.
But a resurgent 2018 season has lovers of gridiron buoyant again with a championship weekend for the ages.
The New England Patriots face the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC title while the LA Rams face New Orleans Saints in the NFC – the winners of each heading to this year’s Super Bowl.
And the fixtures come with their own complex storylines and intrigue that even a Hollywood script could only dream of.
Playoffs never fail to deliver and we’ve already seen the drama and heartache that followed Cody Parkey’s missed kick for the Chicago Bears against the Philadelphia Eagles.
But there’s something comforting about the top teams battling at this semi-final stage.
It’s also hard to remember a season where more is on the line for the key characters involved.
The Saints – and their incredible 40-year-old quarterback Drew Brees – are nine years removed from their first Super Bowl triumph but have the chance to return to the big show when they take on LA’s favourite new team.
The Rams returned to their former home in 2016 and turned apathy into enthusiasm after their thrilling run this season.
Their success is guided by 32-year-old head coach Sean McVay and his explosive offence which is powered by star running-back Todd Gurley.
New Orleans edged a thriller between the pair in October, winning 45-35, and both teams do it all over again tomorrow in the Superdome.
Journalist Peter King described the atmosphere in the Big Easy last week as a cross between a jet taking off and the front row of a Metallica concert as Saints saw off defending champions Philadelphia.
And Bourbon Street is expected to run dry of the hard stuff if they book their flight to the showpiece in Arizona.
In the AFC it’s the ultimate battle of youth versus experience as second-year gunslinger Patrick Mahomes gets ready for a shootout with, arguably, the greatest quarterback of all time in Tom Brady.
Chiefs lost out 43-40 in a thrilling regular season clash and fans are salivating over the return in Kansas.
It’s hard to bet against Brady but the NFL legend has lost his last three AFC Championship games while playing on the road and second-year star Mahomes has passed for 50 touchdowns and is an almost certainty to be named league MVP next week.
For the Pats, who have reached a mind-boggling eight consecutive championship games, they have the chance to reach their ninth Super Bowl of the Bill Belichick-Brady era.
On the other touchline is Andy Reid – the bridesmaid but never the bride – who finally has the QB he always craved.
But perhaps the greatest story would be Brees and Brady, at a combined age of 81, facing off in the ultimate game for the first time. You couldn’t write it.
It’s hard to remember a season where there was more on the line for the key characters involved NFC CHAMPIONSHIP LA RAMS AT NEW ORLEANS TOMORROW 8.05PM AFC CHAMPIONSHIP NEW ENGLAND AT KANSA TOMORROW 11.40PM