I’m a little late to the party on this one, but man, this Super Bowl was a stinker. I have some opinions I just have to get off my chest.
The score of the game was 31-9 in favor of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who claimed their second Super Bowl in franchise history. After years of meddling futility, the Bucs’ investment in the likes of quarterback (QB) Tom Brady and tight end (TE) Rob Gronkowski paid dividends in their first year moving on from QB Jameis Winston.
On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, which many believed was unstoppable, failed to even reach the end zone. While QB Patrick Mahomes stats weren’t great, he is by no means why the Chiefs lost the Super Bowl, and I’ll get into why.
Mahomes completed 26 of 49 passes for 270 yards and two interceptions. Running back (RB) Clyde Edwards-Helaire was efficient on the ground for KC, as he picked up 64 yards on carries, averaging over seven yards per carry. Mahomes himself ran the ball five times for 33 yards, mainly due to having to run for his life on nearly every snap.
The most productive receiver for KC was TE Travis Kelce, who amassed 113 yards on 10 receptions. However, the Chiefs’ receiving corps was prone to dropping the ball in crucial situations, including Kelce and wide receiver (WR) Tyreek Hill. The Chiefs’ defense was flat as well. Linebacker (LB) Damien Wilson led the way with 10 total tackles. Defensive end (DE) Frank Clark registered KC’s only sack, and no Chief defender managed a (legal) interception.
The story was much, much different for Tampa. Brady had himself a solid outing, completing 21 of 29 passes for 201 yards and three touchdowns. RB Leonard Fournette, in his first season after being cut by another Florida-based team, racked up 89 yards on 16 carries. Fellow RB Ronald Jones was also solid with 61 yards on 12 carries.
On paper, nobody from Tampa’s receiving corps really stand out aside from Gronkowski, who recorded 67 yards and two touchdowns on six receptions. But, like most of Brady’s offenses, it was balanced and surgical. Five Tampa receivers reached double-digit yards, with former Pittsburgh Steeler superstar Antonio Brown catching the other touchdown.
Once again, the Bucs’ front seven stole the show, especially LBs Devin White (12 total tackles, interception) and Lavonte David (six total tackles). While the Bucs only registered three sacks, the combo of LB Shaquil Barrett, DE Jason Pierre-Paul and defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Vita Vea made Mahomes’ life hell in the backfield. The Chiefs’ offensive line was without key starter Eric FIsher and a couple of other pieces, leading to changes that doomed any chance of Mahomes having any chance in the pocket.
So, why did the Chiefs lose? Was it solely due to their offensive line? I don’t believe so. The Chiefs’ receiving corps was prone to dropping pass after pass throughout the game, primarily in the first half. Not to mention that KC’s defense was picked apart like a doctor performing surgery. There was almost nothing that the Chiefs could really do. Come the final quarter, KC needed to overcome a 20+ point deficit and hold the Bucs completely off the board, but that was a pipe dream.
By no means are the Chiefs done; they’ll make a return to the postseason in the 2021 season without a doubt, especially when they share a division with the Broncos and Chargers. But will other AFC powers like Buffalo, Baltimore and Tennessee overtake them? It’s a legit possibility.
The Bucs, despite being beaten out by their divisional rival in New Orleans twice during the regular season, took care of business when needed to. The Brady effect carried that squad all the way and I’m happy for them. At this point, there really isn’t another player in the greatest of all time (GOAT) conversation anymore, now that he has seven rings and 10 Super Bowl appearances.
Most of all, I’m relieved that the league managed to make it though the 2020 season without all out calling everything off. It wasn’t always easy, but they did it. Hopefully, 2021 will be an easier year for the league, the country and the world.
