What awaits us in the Conference Finals in the NFL playoffs?
Dear friends of ESPNwe only have three games left for the 2020 season of the NFL.
Next Sunday the Conference Championship Games.
Fate wanted the two finals to face teams playing in the regular season, in the same week, the sixth. Let’s see.
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
Next Sunday they will be the first and second in the sowing of the Americana. On their own merits and without surprises, the two best have arrived.
In the regular season, these two met in week 6. They were the Chiefs those responsible for snatching the undefeated from the Accounts in that meeting that ended on 26-17.
The defense of the Chiefs managed to stop Josh Allen, and they dropped only 122 meters through the air. On the ground, the quarterback’s Buffalo he could record only 42 yards. But what was really strange or unusual about that race was the 245 meters on the ground that the Chiefs.
That figure accounted for the most grass level for the team since 2012, and it was also the first time at that time. Patrick Mahomes, showing the current champion Kansas City I add more feet on the ground than in the air. Mahomes he had 225 in that game.
Buffalo finished with 50 offensive plays for 76 of Kansas City.
In other words, save Allen it usually gives you a greater chance of success.
In fact, the formula could be applied backwards Accounts, to neutralize Mahomes. The ground offensive of Buffalo It doesn’t exist, so on closer inspection, Allen he will have to be inspired to be able to defeat the champions.
The Chiefs come into this competition as favorites, but the concussion protocol he introduced Mahomes this Sunday leaves a question mark that has even put gambling on hold.
Chad Henne, Replacement for Mahomes, He didn’t look “that” bad, even though he was intercepted by a bad pass.
But there are differences and if it Most valuable player of the year 2018 is not available, the door will undoubtedly open for Buffalo.
It may be until Wednesday that we find out about the progress of Mahomes to see if the final of the Conference.
An area where Kansas City He is also superior in the position of head coach.
Andy Reid, the head coach of the reigning champions has sent his team to the End of the conference home for the third year in a row. Reid is one of the brightest minds in the world NFL and his experience and knowledge are beyond dispute.
For their part, Accounts have a younger coach in this position, less experienced, but also talented Sean McDermott.
He was responsible for the development and explosion of Allen this year. The sensational evolution of the young quarterback is stamped McDermott.
I’ll definitely stick with Reid, but McDermott he is one of the best exponents of the new generation of coaches.
Conclusion: Chiefs They are favorites, of course, but we will have to wait for evolution Mahomes, while his defense will have to repeat what was done in week 6 in order to strive for victory.
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
While Aaron Rodgers be the quarterback of Green bay, you should always use the Packers as contenders. Others End of the conference for that of the Green Bay, without surprises, and beating a defense of it Los Angeles Rams supposed to be the best in the competition.
On the other hand, the third time was the charm for the Buccaneers. They lost both of the regular season games New Orleans Saints, but they won the main game.
Incidentally, this game will face the two quarterbacks with the most touchdown passes in the regular season; Rodgers (48) and Tom Brady (40).
He suffered from the five interceptions Rodgers in the regular season, two met the Bucs.
Rodgers finished that encounter with 160 yards, no touchdown passes, and less than 50 percent completions (16-35)
The defense of Tampa Bay, which finished best against the run, I allow only 94 rushing yards.
That match was won by Tampa Bay, 38 to 10, though Brady He threw just 166 yards, but with two touchdown passes.
What is certain is that no party is like another. To think so Bucs can repeat the dose to whoever finished as the best team in the NFC, it would be absurd. The two teams arrive at the best time, and in the case of Tampa Bay, doubted the convenience of his calendar.
For his part, Brady – who started the season with a lot of mistakes, including several “pick-6s” – rose to the level we knew him a few years ago. Many believed that Brady He was ready that he had no mobility (when did he have it?), That he didn’t gain weight in his long strides, and he finished No. 1 in strides of more than 20 meters, with a total of 36.
Those bad matches from Brady they had their reason for being: the lack of understanding by their recipients. Let’s not forget that no team could have regular practices until two weeks before the start of the season.
For next Sunday, two teams face each other with a very balanced attack, great quarterbacks and excellent running attack. So the difference must be made by defenses.
The from Tampa Bay looks better against the flight, but the outline is fragile and has in front Rodgers it can lead to a very long afternoon.
Playing at home and being a more experienced team gives a small advantage to the Packers. Next Sunday we will let go of the doubt.