Do what we perceive is the actual truth?
There’s been much debate about the two Championship games on Sunday. Are the favourites (according to Vegas odds) actually worthy of being favourites? Is Nick Foles going to be the undoing of what might have been a truly dominant Season? Does the Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive line have what it takes to rattle Tom Brady? Are the Patriots as dominant as people think, or have they just made the most of an easy schedule? Some of these questions will be answered, and some might still be on our minds come Superbowl. For what it’s worth, I’ll do my best to answer them now. Using the knowledge, understanding, and research I’ve done on the subject. Of course a little bit of luck would also be welcome. Well here goes!
David versus Goliath
The AFC Championship
You could have probably asked 100 football analysts at the beginning of this Season, who would be playing for the AFC Championship? Not one of them would have predicted it would be the New England Patriots hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars. Most, myself included would have probably predicted that the New England Patriots would be playing the Pittsburgh Steelers. The safe pick to win would have been the New England Patriots. Well they still are the safe pick. As sexy a pick as the Jacksonville Jaguars are. It would take some serious stones to pick them. It’s not like they are completely outmatched. They definitely have the better Defence. I mean it isn’t even close. Most of the Patriots Defenders wouldn’t get much playing time if they were with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars star Running Back Leonard Fournette is by far the most talented RB that will be on the field in that game. He’s a beast of a Runner, capable of tiring out a Defensive line with his bruising style. If Jacksonville can limit New England’s effectiveness with a strong Defence, and time sapping Running game then they can win. Seems like a smart strategy to me. I remember that particular strategy working before actually. There was something very different about the teams that employed that strategy before. They weren’t led by the most unpredictable signal caller in the NFL, Blake Bortles. Blake Bortles who barely beat the Buffalo Bills. Blake Bortles who went the distance with two time Superbowl Champion Ben Roethlisberger, and came out on top. Who is this guy? Which version of Blake Bortles will show up on Sunday? If you are considering betting on this game? Just don’t! Bortles could throw a wrench into whatever you think you know. Unfortunately for me I have to make a prediction. It comes with the territory I’m afraid. I’d like to pick the Jacksonville Jaguars. I find them to be a far more exciting team to watch actually. I enjoy high scoring games, but I prefer hard hitting defensive wars. The problem is that I can’t pick them because I expect the New England Patriots to have a plan in place to give Blake Bortles fits. The Jaguars will keep this game within reach though.
New England Patriots by 6
Will the real NFC favourite please stand up?
The NFC Championship
I’m beginning to think that the Philadelphia Eagles are thoroughly enjoying being labeled as underdogs. I have always believed that being perceived as an underdog was a bonus. The team that is expected to win has seemingly more to lose. So even though Philadelphia is playing at home. Being labeled as the underdog has placed additional pressure on the visiting Minnesota Vikings to display early dominance. Not an easy task considering how well the Eagles have played all Season long. Even though there are a number of star Players on the Offensive side of the ball for both teams. This game is actually about Defence. There are a few specific Players to watch for though. Pay close attention to Zach Ertz, Nelson Agholor, Adam Thielen, and Jerick McKinnon. Both Quarterbacks will have to deal with constant pressure this game. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of them misses a snap or two after taking a hard hit. Emotions will be high in this one, and I do expect it to be a bit choppy. Key penalties will play a role in who wins this one. The Eagles playing in front of a home crowd looking to finally earn the respect they deserve, and the Vikings one win away from playing in a Superbowl in their home stadium. Another game I just don’t want to make a prediction for, but I must. I’m going with the more dominant Defence in this one.
Minnesota Vikings by 3
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