NFL
By Jeffrey Newholm
Once upon a time, the Chiefs were the pride of football. With many experts attempting to dismiss Joe Namath’s guaranteed win as a fluke, KC proved the AFL’s legitimacy heading into the merger. They easily defeated the tough-luck Vikings 23-7. There’s just one problem with the triumph. That was Super Bowl IV. A passionate fan base may finally enjoy two week’s anticipation towards the Big Game. But standing in their way is the Cleveland…of course not! It’s the despised Foxborough Patriots, the standard bearer of the conference for a decade.
PAST FAILURES INHIBITING PRESENT?
The Pats have been here so many times fans can practically book title tickets in advance. 2018 marks the ninth straight year New England made it this far. The issue is it’s not on the east coast this time due to an embarrassing finish in Miami. And with Patrick Mahomes (AKA Gumby per Chris Collinsworth), past failure isn’t indicative now, right?
Indeed, Mahomes very quickly dispelled myths about Texas Tech system QBs. But demons never die without a fight. Surely one win against the 6 seed Colts isn’t quite enough. Just last year the Raptors overcame their ten game series opener losing streak by beating Washington. Four buzzer-misses later, the slippery slope to a sweep was on again. But the same Indy franchise offers hope that inspired play can break down barriers (with no holy water necessary).
PRECEDENCE OF SUCCESS
Peyton Manning and the Colts couldn’t succeed in the playoffs despite great regular season results. In 2005, the once 13-0 team lost a stunner to Pittsburgh on Mike Vanderjagt’s way-wide-right boot. The next year Indy had to fight to push past #2 Baltimore and luck into a Chargers blunder against the Pats. But when Asante Samuel scored on a Manning pick, the 3-21 deficit seemed fatal. But Manning and the Colts declared, “enough”. The team battled back to victory, earning the city’s first Super team. But the Pats are still in the race, albeit with a fading Brady and suspect defense.
A NIGHT OF FEAR
But that’s for the best. A too easy victory would be only a tease portending future failure. Seattle’s 43-8 title triumph only set up future heartbreak and mediocrity. With a 23-year-old gunslinger, the Chiefs play to be more than a forgettable fluke. 60 minutes seperate a benighted franchise and unthinkable glory. Either the beleaguered fans sulk out into the cold, or a cursed city finally celebrates for the first time in the millennium of the pass-thrill offense.
