Bishop Media Sports Network
The Empire Strikes Back
By: JJ Lanier
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The NBA had Bill Russell’s Boston Celtics. Major League Baseball has the New York Yankees. The NFL has the New England Patriots.
Now, before I get too deep into this rabbit hole I’m about to go down, let’s go ahead and get the obvious out the way. After five months and over a few hundred games played, that was the game that is supposed to get us through until September? The only thing less entertaining than the game itself was the halftime show, except for the Big Boi/Sleepy Brown appearance.
Now that those four hours I would’ve rather spent watching Wolf Blitzer doing “Breaking News” segments on Adam Levine’s tattoos have passed, what does it all mean for New England?
As much as it pains me to say, what the Patriots have accomplished over the past eighteen years has to be one of the most impressive feats in sports, if not the most impressive.
The run the Celtics had in the 60’s when they won eight NBA titles in a row, and ten in eleven years, is something I feel pretty confident won’t be happening again anytime soon.
However, it did take place in a period where the level of competition wasn’t quite like it is today. It’s similar to the dominance UCLA had over college basketball for all those years.
The Yankees have been the standard in baseball, but they have a number of advantages that have played in their favor, mainly the market they play in and the lack of a salary cap.
I’m not taking anything away from either of those franchises, but when you are talking about the greatest dynasty in sports history, those type of things matter.
In New England’s case they have achieved unrivaled success over the past two decades in a league that is set up specifically to prevent that type of dominance.
To have done what they have been able to do, with the cavalcade of players over that time frame just adds to the legacy.
Yes, the two constants just happen to the two people who are arguably the best at their respective titles, but it doesn’t dampen it any less.
And look, I get it, I have a hard time saying anything nice about the Patriots. They’re about the most pretentious franchise I’ve seen, and I’m Duke fan for crying out loud.
But if I’m being completely objective, this run they are on- no matter how much longer it lasts- is probably the most impressive run in professional sports history.
This particular victory wasn’t pretty by any means, but it was vintage Bill Belichick. Make no mistake about it, the Rams offensive struggles were not self-inflicted; the Patriots shut down the league’s second ranked offense and made it look easy.
Even though the game gave us all plenty of reasons to turn away, or turn the channel for that matter, New England was the better team, once again.
So here we are, six Super Bowl victories in nine appearances, over an eighteen-year span. As much as Tom Brady wanted to tell us the Patriots are “still here” and that nobody believed in them, are any of us really surprised with the outcome?
It may not have been the outcome most of us wanted to see, but based on history it was the outcome most of us predicted.
And much like the final score and the game itself, we may not be fans of the Patriots, but they are doing something we may not see again in our lifetime.
Braves Get Real-Muto?
By: TJ Hartnett
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
For what seems like the 15 gazillionith time this offseason, the trade market for Miami Marlins All-Star Catcher JT Realmuto has apparently started heating up.
The Padres, Dodgers, Reds and Braves are all in the mix to be Miami’s dance partner. He’s a hot commodity and it’s no surprise that he’s being highly sought after by teams looking to compete in 2019.
It’s also no surprise that trade talks have stretched into February, with less than two weeks remaining before Realmuto has to report…somewhere. After all, the top free agents – Bryce Harper and Manny Machado – have yet to land anywhere either.
Over the past several months, the Realmuto trade talk has been a roller coaster, with teams being reported as in, then out, then in again.
The Braves in particular have been linked to the catcher days before reportedly passing on him altogether. Now, the rumor is that they’re back in the mix, though the Padres and Dodgers are the strongest contenders.
But personally, I’m getting a little tired of hearing about him maybe or maybe not coming to Atlanta. Do I want the guy? Yes. Would he improve the team? Of course. But is he the last piece that makes the Braves a complete team and threat to Washington, Philadelphia, and New York? He is not.
It’s not that the Braves couldn’t use an upgrade at catcher. Brian McCann was a feel-good addition to the roster, but his days as an All-Star backstop are behind him.
Tyler Flowers signed a two-year deal signed after the 2017, but that was the Braves betting on the wrong horse (while Kurt Suzuki is now a National).
The excitement of Realmuto coming to Atlanta had a lot to do with his bat, along with his position. While his bat would still be a hell of an asset, when the Braves signed Josh Donaldson to a one-year deal they made Realmuto’s offensive skills redundant.
In fact, if Donaldson is healthy and produces up to his normal level, he’ll be a better bat than Realmuto would be, and he only costs the Braves cash. Realmuto would cost prospects. And that would be prospect capital that could be used elsewhere.
And that’s the real reason I’m getting tired of hearing about Realmuto. He fills a need the Braves don’t really need addressed at the moment.
The Braves biggest hole last year was their bullpen, and beyond that, the move that would make the biggest difference to their contender status is acquisition of a stud pitcher to either serve as the team’s ace or as a solid number two behind Mike Foltynewicz.
Despite those needs, the rumor mill about the Braves trading or otherwise acquiring pitching help has been nearly nonexistent over the past several months.
Meanwhile, the Washington Nationals picked up arguably the best free agent pitcher on the market in Patrick Corbin and the Mets shored up their bullpen by trading for Edwin Diaz (with a pinch of Robinson Cano). Dallas Keuchel is still available, but the Braves haven’t been linked to him in a substantial way; Cory Kluber hasn’t been traded, though the rumor mill surrounding him seems to have quieted altogether.
Relief pitchers are always available. Yet, Atlanta hasn’t picked up anyone to throw the ball.
Is there still time? Sure. But it is frustrating to hear constant rumors abound that the Braves might make a play for an unnecessary position player when it’s a pitcher or two that would keep them at the top of the pile.
With the improvements that other teams in the NL East have made, it’s easy to think that the Braves may have fallen back in the pack, despite winning the division last season.
If they can bolster their pitching staff, they might even be considered the favorites to win again.
Foles Flying To Jacksonville?
By: Kipp Branch
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
As we embark on Super Bowl weekend, I think back to just one calendar year ago when the Jacksonville Jaguars got “Bradyed” just like the Kansas City Chiefs did two short weeks ago.
Everyone was talking about how close Jacksonville was to being an elite team and many, including this writer picked them to go to the Super Bowl this past season. Unlike Jason Bishop this writer owns up to his bogus predictions.
After that playoff run the Jaguars gave Blake Bortles a contract extension through 2020, and banked their future on continuity with Bortles, instead of making an upgrade at the QB position at the time.
That move was a disaster as the Jaguars finished in last place in the AFC South. It got so bad the Jaguars benched Bortles at the end of miserable 5-11 season. Now, it appears almost certain that the Jaguars and Bortles will part ways.
Where do the Jags go at the QB position in 2019? There are rumors that Jacksonville is in talks with Philadelphia to acquire Nick Foles.
The Eagles confirmed that Carson Wentz will be the starting QB once he returns from the back issues he suffered in 2018.
Where does that leave Nick Foles? Apparently as a back-up in Philly, unless the Eagles make a trade. Foles makes perfect sense for the Jaguars. Foles is an instant upgrade at the position for Jacksonville and with the pieces in place already on defense the Jags become a playoff contender again in 2019.
Bringing in Foles could allow the Jaguars to draft a future QB like Drew Lock in the first round and have him learn and develop under a seasoned veteran like Foles. With Foles the team could win now and also be a bridge to the future until the future is ready. That proposition is a win-win for Jacksonville moving forward.
If you watched the Eagles last season you know that Foles was the best performing QB on that roster. Yes, we all know Wentz is the future in Philly, but Foles just has an “it” factor when he is inserted into a football game.
He started five games down the stretch for the Eagles, got them into the playoffs, beat the Bears on the road, and gave the Saints fits in the divisional playoff game. FYI, in case you forgot, Foles was the MVP of Super Bowl LII, as the Eagles upset the Patriots to win Philadelphia’s first Super Bowl.
What would the Jags have to give up to land Foles? Many are speculating that Leonard Fournette could be part of a deal to land Foles. Fournette appears to be on shaky ground in Jacksonville.
Fournette had an injury plagued 2018 season and some of his sideline antics appear to make him expendable at this time. Time will tell on how it will play out. The Eagles need help at running back.
One thing is for sure, if the Jaguars want to be a playoff team in 2019, they need to seriously address the QB position. Yes, I’m stating the obvious, but the obvious has been the obvious for three seasons now. The Jacksonville Jaguars need a playoff quality quarterback.
Make a deal Jags and bring in Nick Foles and trade Fournette if you have to. You can find a quality running back in this year’s draft. The NFL is a QB driven league.
The New Clubs
By: Rich Styles
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
In January of every year, 40,000 people within the golf industry gather in Orlando, FL for the PGA Merchandise Show. I was one of those.
It is always amazing to me each year how many companies pay thousands of dollars to set up booths, bring in staff and products to show off what they have that is new for the year.
The audience walks around, when you can get through the crowds and lines, to look at all that is new in equipment, training aids, apparel, golf cars, snacks, etc. All related to golf. It is quite overwhelming to say the least.
After spending weeks setting appointments for interviews on the back9boys golf show, there are always a a few surprises. Here are a few….
I got to spend a few minutes talking with Sir Nick Faldo, Masters Champion and currently one of the best announcers on the Golf Channel. Sir Nick wanted to talk about a course, Bella Colina, he designed and will not make it easier to play through a renovation. Sir Nick called the course “a brut”.
He talked about the athletes that now play the game. They are all built, in shape, eat right, workout regularly, have great swings and are mentally tough. By the way, they can hit the ball a mile, sometimes more.
I asked Sir Nick why he wasn’t playing on the Champions Tour, he said he can’t play
like he did years ago, winning tournament on both continents. He would have to put in long hours practicing and basically get in “golf shape”.
He is grateful and blessed to be able to stay close to golf with his gig on the Golf Channel. He was a pleasure to spend a few minutes with but you go away with many more questions that you would have liked to ask. Next time.
Then I had another surprise….John O’Hurley, who played Mr. Peterman on
Seinfeld. Can you believe that was twenty years ago. He loves the game of golf and belongs to two country clubs in LA. He was there with his wife, who works with a travel golf company, Garmany Golf.
John was gracious to spend time with me to talk about his love for golf. He plays in a lot of Pro-Am Tournaments all over the world. He has seen good swings and I am sure not so good swings of the amateurs.
He said the Mr. Peterman role was incredible. He got to work with the staff who all were in their prime and loved being in a show about nothing. Many still call him, Mr. Peterman. He was delight and I hope we cross paths again, this time on a golf course.
Another surprise was having a few minutes with Lexi Thompson. Winner of many LPGA tournaments. She was much taller than I thought, but I guess that means I am shorter than I thought I was.
She was being asked by many to sign autographs, pose for pictures (yes, even with me) and do interviews. She visited several booths of which she endorses their clubs, apparel, product or service. Very nice lady who can hit the ball a mile.
By the way, now members of her family, now her brother, caddie for her on tour.
Yes, I did my seventeen miles of walking from one end of the convention center to the other doing interviews and taking in all that is new in golf equipment, apparel, golf cars, training aids, energy bars, etc.
Every year I say I will skip next year. But I have gone five years in a row so I guess I will be back in 2020. After all, there will be new stuff to see, feel and touch. Yes, samples are appreciated.
Bee Killer
By: Kenneth Harrison Jr.
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
The Josh Pastner era at Georgia Tech has not been successful thus far. Since taking over as head coach in 2016, he had his best record during his first season, going 21 – 16. The following 2017 – 18 season Tech was 13 – 19.
At this point it might be time for Tech (11–9, 3–4 ACC) to pull the plug. Judging from his previous track record the Yellow Jackets are in for diminishing returns. Pastner replaced John Calipari at Memphis in 2009 and he initially had success.
He led the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament in four of the seven seasons he coached. In his final two seasons his teams went 18 – 14 (2014-15) and 19 – 15 (2015-16).
He has struggled to have consistent success in Atlanta and that has caused the program to accept mediocrity. He has a losing record against Clemson, only beating them once. Clemson is not a basketball powerhouse so that is alarming. The Tigers lost their first three ACC games going in to the Tech game and they won, 72 – 60.
The Ramblin’ Wreck has actually lost their last 14 games at Clemson. Tech has to win games against these types of opponents in order to have a chance at making it into the postseason. I can understand not having success against Duke and UNC but they have to beat the average ACC teams.
Before conference play began, they lost games against teams that are also struggling. In the ACC/Big Ten Challenge they lost to Northwestern. This is a program that just made their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2017 and they are currently ninth in the Big Ten.
They also lost to St. John’s, Gardner-Webb and Georgia. St. John’s is sixth in the new Big East. A non-power five team like Gardner-Webb should not be able to come to Atlanta and win by ten points like they did. The Bulldogs (12-9) are seventh in the Big South so they are not one of the elite small school teams.
Losing to UGA is not acceptable because that’s obviously Tech’s biggest rival. It’s also alarming because the Dawgs (10-9) are struggling and are 11th in SEC play.
It’s going to be an uphill battle to have a winning record in conference play. They lost a close game to No. 12 Virginia Tech 52 – 49.
Georgia Tech beat Syracuse (14-6) on the road so that is a good win. The next game Syracuse beat No. 1 Duke. That gave fans hope that maybe they have a chance against the Blue Devils.
We saw that game this past weekend and Tech played much better than I expected. They played at Cameron Indoor Stadium, which is probably the toughest venue for road teams. They actually led No. 2 Duke at halftime by two points. They held the Blue Devils to a season-low 27 first-half points.
Then the Yellow Jackets extended the lead to eight points early in the second half. After that, Duke’s superior talent took over and they won 66 – 53.
“That’s our only way of survival in this league,” Pastner said. “We have to be really, really good defensively, and that’s who we’ve been in our time here. … That’s just kind of who we are and what we do, and if we don’t do that, we’re not going to have any chance of success.”
The next game is at home against No. 9 North Carolina. At this point we can almost guarantee another season without a tournament appearance. Once that happens, it’s time to make a coaching change.
A Louder Bark
By: JJ Lanier
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
I was a sophomore in high school, driving around in a lime-green Chevy Chevette with a neon orange bumper sticker that read “Save gas, fart in a jar” the last time the Georgia men’s basketball program “officially” won a game in the NCAA tournament. (I’m sure I don’t have to remind you the 2002 win has been vacated, but just in case, that’s why it’s not counted.)
It’s been twenty-three years since the ‘96 team advanced to the round of 32 and while I don’t think that feeling of loss is going to change this year, there are definitely signs the streak could come to an end within the next two years.
Normally when a program has suffered through this type of drought, especially when playing in a major conference, it has to do with some mixture of coaching, talent, and sanctions. In Georgia’s case they hit the ineptitude trifecta.
It’s always been difficult to recruit top level talent to Athens, but I know the hope was all that would change when Tom Crean was hired; finally, a coach with the cache to bring in that top tier talent.
Crean has already started to show promise on the recruiting trail with two commitments from 4-star recruits and could really bolster things if he is able to land Anthony Edwards, a 5-star guard out of Atlanta. (Edwards is a heavy Florida State lean, but stranger things have happened.)
That being said, the likelihood of the Bulldogs making and winning a NCAA tournament game in the next two years isn’t based on who is entering the program, but rather the three standout sophomores currently on the team.
I doubt there was much fanfare when Nicolas Claxton, Rayshaun Hammonds, and Teshaun Hightower arrived on campus, but the trio are proving to be a sturdy foundation on which Crean can rebuild the program on.
Claxton is having an all-conference season this year and Hammonds isn’t too far behind and should be mentioned in the conversation of all conference player next year.
Hightower on the other hand has that aura of a being the player who tends be an afterthought when compared to the other two, but is quietly one of the most vital players on the team.
Really, besides injury or someone leaving early for the NBA, the only thing I see preventing them for turning things around is the fact the SEC has become a very good basketball conference. If I’m not mistaken it was just a few seasons ago where you had Kentucky in the Top 25 and maybe one other SEC team, but that was about it.
Now the conference has two to three legitimate top 10 teams and about six or seven that deserve the be in the top 25.
Georgia could arguably have their best team in years when the season starts next year, but struggle because the rest of the league has upped their game.
The talent is starting to show, as evident in Georgia’s recent victory over Texas, but it’s still a young team.
Tom Crean was brought in to bring respectability back to the men’s basketball program. Entering this season, it would’ve been easy to think he would need to bring in his own players to achieve that, but there are a few current players who don’t want to wait.
I parted ways with my old Chevette years ago; I think Georgia’s basketball team will be parting ways with their years of futility soon, too.
Braves Find Their Mark-akis
By: TJ Hartnett
TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services
Nick Markakis’ four-year stint in an Atlanta uniform was a consistently solid one.
For a guy who came in on the wrong side of 30 and replaced hometown hero Jason Heyward in right field, he managed to endear himself to Braves Country. He did that by staying on the field, playing Gold Glove defense, filling any spot in the lineup he was needed to fill, and being a veteran clubhouse leader.
Markakis finished up his four-year contract ($11 million per year to produce a far superior run than Heyward has been having for $23 million, I might add) with a stellar campaign that saw him earn his first-ever All-Star selection (a starter, no less) along with his first Silver Slugger and third Gold Glove.
When the season came to a close, it seemed like the Woodstock native would move on to another team as the Braves cast a wider net to fill his roster spot with a power hitter. Besides, after a career year, Markakis would likely be able to net a 3-year deal and the Braves probably wouldn’t want to offer him such a contract.
Then the Braves surprised the world and signed Josh Donaldson, who will play third base and serve as the protection for Freddie Freeman. Atlanta has only sporadically provided that over the past few years.
This meant that the hole in right field needn’t be filled by a 25+ home run player. Then the New Year passed, most of January, and the outfield market that seemed to be waiting for Bryce Harper to sign somewhere just didn’t move.
Michael Brantley had signed a contract earlier in the offseason, but the top free agents remain unsigned and possibly impatient.
I admit I didn’t have a clue where the Braves were going to go to fill right field for next season. Markakis resigning was always a possibility. He is loved by the fanbase and well-liked by the players and the organization but given the season he had it just seemed unlikely that he’d fit into the Braves financial and long-term plans.
Imagine my surprise when I see the headline that Markakis was returning to the Braves on a one-year, $6 million-dollar contract (with an option for 2020).
I was sufficiently shocked, but also delighted. Markakis’ performance had earned him far more money, if not years, but a slow market or a desire to continue playing in Atlanta (likely a combination of both) led to a heavily discounted contract being agreed upon.
In addition to getting a solid and respected player for at worst his age 35 and 36 seasons (as opposed to having to take on his age 37 and/or 38 seasons), the Braves also spent so little money that there is still room in the budget for a bigger splash between now and July 31st.
Part of me suspects that Markakis sent his agent to the negotiating table with the mandate that he’d take less money if Alex Anthopoulos uses the excess funds to find pitching help.
Another nice piece to Markakis’ return is the role he’ll need to play. After spending a year-and-a-half hitting cleanup, not a natural spot in the batting order for a player of his type, he’ll be able to relinquish that role to Donaldson and slide into either the five or two holes. This will stretch the lineup and make it more dangerous (for proof, look at the team’s offensive output in the second half of 2017, when Matt Kemp took over batting fourth). It’s a better spot for Markakis and also protects the team from being hurt if/when he eventually shows his age.
It’s a good signing that opens up possibilities for Atlanta without rocking the status quo of what worked in 2018.
Super Running Back U
By: Kipp Branch
GeorgiaSportsEdition.com news services
When the Patriots selected Sony Michel in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft you just knew he would come in and have a great year with the franchise of the century.
Michel along with Nick Chubb had great rookie seasons in the league which is no surprise as the both came from the University of Georgia or better known as Running Back U.
Now, you have a marquee matchup with Running Back U legends in Super Bowl LIII in Sony and Running Back U legend Todd Gurley or TG3 as superstars have their own tag line.
Other than Herschel, I have never seen a more talented back at UGA than Gurley. He has the size, speed, and vision that is makes him a generational running back.
TG3 is currently the best running back in the NFL, which makes him the best running back in football period.
TG3 just has a knack for scoring touchdowns. Gurley has been a major factor in the resurgence of the Los Angeles Rams as they make their first Super Bowl appearance in 18 years.
Sony Michel is a beloved player in UGA circles. The Rose Bowl performance against Oklahoma makes him an all-time great with just that game alone. Sony always had a knack for making big plays a key time in big games during his UGA career.
My wife has his #1 UGA jersey hanging in the closet and puts it on every Saturday for UGA games. Sony is not big, sneaky fast, but has great vision and just seems to always make someone miss and he just makes plays.
Now the two RBU legends face each other in the Super Bowl next week. TG3 had a huge 100-yard performance against a Dallas Cowboy run defense that looked like Swiss Cheese in the divisional series, which sent the Cowboy nation back into their 23-year annual hibernation.
That alone makes him a hero in my book. He didn’t play much due to being banged up in the NFC title games against the Saints, but he will be ready in the Super Bowl. Look for him and the high-powered Rams offense to have a good day.
Sony, in my opinion is the biggest reason why the Patriots are back this year. Sony has been a steady threat in the run game and teams can’t just focus on stopping Tom Brady they now have to stop a balanced offense. That makes New England ever more dangerous as the Chargers and Chiefs just found out. Sony ran wild against the Chargers and Chiefs with back to back 100-yard games.
Running Back U will be on full display in Super Bowl LIII with Gurley and Michel. Any high-profile high school running back looking for a place to get ready for the NFL, look no further than the University of Georgia. RBU puts backs in the league.
I don’t really care who wins Super Bowl LIII, so I will be pulling for Running Back U to have huge games. Wouldn’t it be great if UGA produced another Super Bowl MVP?
What college has produced more Super Bowl MVP’s than UGA? Gator and Auburn fans look that up and let me know.
A Brave Division?
By: Mike Anthony
GeorgiaSportsEdition.com news services
In recent years, the Major League Baseball offseason has routinely fit into a pattern of ebbs and flows.
With ‘Moneyball’ and sabermetric zealots convincing many teams to focus on building a farm system and putting the MLB club fortunes on hold for years at a time, the offseason has become a slow dance between teams that figure to contend in the coming summer and fall.
And while the biggest names – Bryce Harper and Manny Machado – that figure to move before opening day are still question marks, it’s very possible that the Atlanta Braves have done enough to solidify their spot atop the National League East without breaking the bank or grasping for headlines.
The Braves were the surprise winners of their division last season. After the dust settled, the Braves’ title looked much more like the payoff of shrewd front office moves and the requisite luck to win a hard-fought division than the anomaly that they were treated as while the 2018 season was in motion.
Simply put, the Braves weren’t overly flashy (Rookie of the Year Ronald Acuna notwithstanding) in advancing to the postseason for the first time since 2013. The key to Atlanta’s success was that it had a seemingly never-ending supply of guys who could get the job done on any given day.
So, while big headlines are sure to be made as the offseason’s marquee free agents sign blockbuster deals in the coming weeks, the Braves can sleep easy knowing that they’re as prepared to make a deep playoff run as any team that signs a potential MVP through free agency.
Atlanta enters 2019 with a perennial MVP contender in Freddie Freeman and having added a former American League MVP in Josh Donaldson to play third base.
Acuna will play a full year in left field, Nick Markakis has just been resigned to play right field after a huge 2018 campaign, and the trio of Ender Inciarte, Ozzie Albies and Dansby Swanson forms a middle of the defensive lineup that is as dominating as it is young.
The starting rotation may lack nationwide name recognition without a recognized frontline guy, but the Braves’ top five was as effective as any in the National League last season.
The bullpen was a question, but everything points towards the Braves digging in and mounting a strong defense of last year’s division championship.
So, there is the optimism for Braves fans. And for fans of any MLB squad, optimism is what this time of year is all about.
The Big Game
By: Kenneth Harrison Jr.
GeorgiaSportsEdition.com news services
The teams for Super Bowl LIII are New England and the Los Angeles Rams. The game is February 3rd in Atlanta. Both teams were the number two seed in their conference and they had to go on the road to beat the top seed. Both conference championship games went into overtime as well.
This is a tale of two completely different franchises. The Patriots are the best dynasty this century and maybe in NFL history. They have appeared in the Super Bowl 11 times, the most of any team. Since 2001 they have made it to the big game 9 times, winning 5 of them. This is their third consecutive appearance.
Ironically the Bill Belichick and Tom Brady dynasty started with a win in 2002 against the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.
The Pats have been counted out most of the season even though they are 11-5. Statistically they are not as impressive, as we have seen in the past. Brady is seventh in the league in passing yards and tenth in passing touchdowns.
New England lost their biggest playmaker, wide receiver Josh Gordon in December. He was suspended indefinitely by the league for violating the terms of his reinstatement under the league’s substance abuse policy.
Rob Gronkowski is also having a down year with only 47 receptions, 682 yards and 3 touchdowns on the season.
The Rams are the best team money can buy. They have two players that are the highest paid player at their position, defensive tackle Aaron Donald ($22.5 mill per year) and running back Todd Gurley ($14.375 mill).
They both were worth the money. Gurley was third in the league in rushing with 1,251 and first in rushing touchdowns with 17. He also had 59 catches, 580 yards and 4 receiving TD’s. Donald led the league in sacks with 20.5.
The Rams also added former Pro Bowlers Aqib Talib, Marcus Peters and Ndamukong Suh to the defense in the offseason.
Jared Goff is only in his third year and he is one of the best young QB’s in the NFL. He was fourth in passing yards and sixth in passing touchdowns.
This is a homecoming for Rams head coach Sean McVay. He grew up in Atlanta and was a four year starter at QB for Marist.
On paper LA is the more talented team. I believe there are several teams that are more talented than New England but they continue to overcome that with superior coaching. For example, both of their playoff opponents, the LA Chargers and Kansas City had superior talent.
We have two recent examples of the Pats playing talented yet inexperienced teams in the Super Bowl with different results. In Super Bowl LI the Atlanta Falcons raced out to a 28 – 3 lead in the third quarter. As we all know New England came back to win 34 – 28.
Last season, against Philadelphia and backup quarterback Nick Foles, they lost 41 – 33. Foles threw for 373 yards and 3 TD’s.
The reason I point that out is because I would have expected a Belichick coached defense with two weeks to prepare to perform better. I also don’t view Foles as a great quarterback. Going in to the NFC Championship I did not have much confidence in Goff. Now I think he can actually lead LA to victory.
Both defenses have played well in the postseason. The Rams are second in yards per game and the Patriots are fourth.
I can never bet against New England in a big game so I give them the edge to win.
