Be careful, being the best of all time does not exclude that Brady can also be the best of the moment, Sunday night.
If the Buccaneers ‘defense manages to limit the damage in the face of the Chiefs’ explosive attack, he has all the tools at his disposal to go for his seventh Super Bowl ring.
In three playoff games, Brady threw touchdown passes to six different players and the Buccaneers’ rushing offense is forcing opposing defenses to stay on their toes.
Leonard Fournette carried the ball at least 12 times per game, but he also caught 14 assists, a record for the Bucs.
Tom Brady
Photo : Getty Images / Grant Halverson
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If the Buccaneers manage to run with the ball, that would put their receivers in a one-on-one game and Brady could take advantage.
In addition, efficient ground play allows time to flow faster and forces the Chiefs’ offense to stay on the bench.
Prevent the Chiefs from exploding
The two teams have faced each other once this year and the Chiefs had the first and last say in a 27-24 victory.
The score does not indicate the pace of the game.
The Chiefs struck like lightning. By the time the Buccaneers realized there was a game, it was over.
Tyreek Hill had one of the best starts in NFL history with 203 yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter.
Patrick Mahomes had already accumulated 359 passing yards at halftime.
Except that this game took place on November 29 and the Buccaneers have not lost since.
Their defense arrives at the Super Bowl with exceptional momentum. In three playoff games, all played on opponent’s home ground, Tampa Bay had seven sacks and caused seven turnovers.
The Buccaneers are able to put pressure on in a number of ways, thanks to their defensive linemen and quick linebackers. Veteran Jason-Pierre-Paul (No. 90) will be one to watch, as he had 9.5 sacks during the season and added 3 in the playoffs.
The Chiefs will have to try to protect Mahomes with a battered offensive line. Only center Austin Reiter will be in the same position as in the Super Bowl last year. The loss of tackle Eric Fisher in the American final could certainly complicate their lives.
The good news for Chiefs fans is that they can count on Patrick Mahomes, a true magician to escape his pursuers.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes
Photo : Getty Images / Mike Ehrmann
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Under pressure, Mahomes often turns to his tight end, Travis Kelce. The two men regularly show that the best improvisations are those that have been repeated.
Kelce is often too fast for opposing linebackers and too imposing for defensive backs.
And if the Chiefs give their quarterback a little time, he can take advantage of Tyreek Hill’s speed for long plays.
Kelce and Hill have caught 29 of Mahomes’ 42 touchdown passes since the start of the season.
Despite catching 17 balls and passing 282 yards in two playoff games, Hill has yet to visit the end zone this year. It is from…
For posterity
Brady is looking for a seventh Super Bowl title, Mahomes is looking for a second in a row.
Like the book takers, I have a little penchant for the Chiefs. But can we really bet against Tom Brady?
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