Big prediction for the Big Game
The wait for the Big Game is nearly over. Sunday will either mark the continuation of a dynasty or the completion of one of the greatest underdog stories in the history of American sports.
Can Patrick Mahomes further solidify himself as one of the all-time greats? Or can Brock Purdy, the last pick two years ago, become one of the most unlikely quarterbacks to win it all?
All will be decided when Kansas City and San Francisco meet in Las Vegas on Sunday night.
While debating the more talented team is difficult, determining who had the more impressive road through the postseason is rather simple.
Not having a first-* round bye and needing to win on the road are things Kansas City has not had to do often in the Mahomes-era. Nevertheless, they did not look bothered when they topped Buffalo on the road, albeit with help from a missed field goal.
Few players are accustomed to having to win in arctic conditions. Yet Kansas City prevailed over Miami in a game that seems semi-mythical.
Neither Jack Frost nor Josh Allen could dethrone the reigning champions, but most thought a trip to Baltimore to play Lamar Jackson would end their hopes of a repeat.
Quite the opposite.
The holders frustrated top-seeded Baltimore and made a team that looked practically unbeatable seem far less formidable. Still, the hosts managed to pull back within a score, and it looked as though they were about to get the ball back one final time.
With Baltimore out of timeouts, Mahomes did something he has done countless times: complete a clutch pass to put the game beyond doubt.
The golden arm of Mahomes, coupled with the playmaking prowess of Travis Kelce, has won the team a lot of games over the years.
This year, however, hope is not lost if the offense does not deliver. That is because their defense has been outstanding.
In the playoffs, teams have only averaged 13.7 points against Kansas City. That defensive stubbornness could make the difference on Sunday.
An ugly loss at home to Las Vegas on Christmas Day gave some the impression that the squad might be in its ‘downfall-era’.
Needless to say, they are completely fine.
Most stories contain either protagonist versus antagonist, protagonist versus self or protagonist versus nature. All three apply to the San Francisco story.
The protagonist versus antagonist aspect is presented by the quality of the opposition they will go up against on Sunday.
Many of the issues that have made the run to the big stage eventful for San Francisco are self-made. While not taking anything away from how Green Bay and Detroit played in the two previous games, San Francisco made mistakes that will likely cost them in a big way this week if repeated.
San Francisco faced second-half deficits in both contests. If not for the questionable game management by Dan Campbell two weeks ago, Detroit would likely have been the ones to square off with Kansas City.
Their defense looked a bit vulnerable in both games. There were some occasions where the defense looked very vulnerable, giving up a number of big plays. They were able to compensate for much of that by generating crucial turnovers in the second half.
In this case, ‘nature’ pertains to the perception of one person in particular: Purdy.
For as impressive as his rise in the Bay Area has been, many have labeled Purdy as a “game manager” since he is surrounded on offense with stars such as George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
He was shaky at times against Green Bay and Detroit, but made plays in crunch time to help win both games.
It is entirely possible that a win this weekend will do little to change his image for most people. On the other hand, it could elevate him to being considered an elite quarterback.
One thing is certain: San Francisco cannot make the same mistakes they have in the past two games. It would be difficult to imagine them overcoming a sizable deficit in this contest.
When predicting the outcome, it becomes too difficult to pick against the team that has won it all twice before and has looked far steadier. As much as most neutrals would want to see Brock Purdy- the 262nd pick in 2022- lift the trophy, it seems like Mahomes may have that moment again.
If he does, it would be the second time he has done so at the expense of San Francisco.
Do not expect this game to be one-sided, though.
Prediction: Kansas City 35-San Francisco 27
Who do you think will win? Let us know your predictions by emailing sports@decaturdailydemocrat.com.