After a miserable rookie season under Jeff Fisher where he threw more interceptions than touchdowns, few would have predicted that Jared Goff would be a starting quarterback in the Super Bowl just two years later. Instead, many were tossing around the “bust” term.
Things certainly changed once Sean McVay took over the Rams and quickly resurrected Goff’s career and reputation with his innovative offensive schemes. This past season Goff completed 64.9% of his passes for 4,688 yards, 32 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions.
We’ve seen this movie before. For a generation, NFL fans have grown accustomed now to seeing Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and some version of the New England Patriots find their way into the Super Bowl. They’re also usually favorites as well apart from their first appearance where they were huge underdogs against . . . the St. Louis Rams. This year they’ll face the now Los Angeles Rams led by young coaching phenom Sean McVay and young quarterback Jared Goff. The current line has the Patriots favored by 2.5 points, which has grown from a slightly smaller opening spread and money jumped on the Patriots.
We’ve seen this movie before. The Patriots have some early season struggles, people questions whether Brady and company have started to slip, and then Belichick & co. make adjustments and get back to dominating most opponents.
The latest “adjustment” involves featuring first-round draft pick Sony Michel in the running game. He rushed for over 100 yards last week against the Dolphins and followed that up with another solid performance last night against the Colts. Meanwhile, Julian Edelman returned last night, catching 7 passes from Brady, and Josh Gordon caught his first TD pass from Brady as well.
The Chiefs and Jaguars certainly look like two of the best teams in the weaker AFC, but don’t count out the Patriots just yet.
The NFL has had a rough year, but the league keeps delivering with incredible Super Bowl games and great finishes. Last night was no different as Nick Foles and the underdog Eagles defeated Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the Patriots dynasty in an instant classic.
The 41-33 win came down to another excellent game plan by Doug Pederson who has established himself as one of the best and most innovative coaches in the NFL. Last night he was able to beat the master and Nick Foles played just as well as legendary Tom Brady.
They’ll be celebrating this one in Philly for a LONG time . . .
