By “Nunnie” Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
To the victor belong the spoils. The loser is left with derisive criticism that comes, warranted or not. I was consumed with the thought that Lamar Jackson was trying to prove his ability and progress as a pocket passer which led to hurried and errant throws, turnovers, and offensive ineptness/indecision. Lamar didn’t have anything to prove as he did so in the season ending annihilation of the 49ers. The pocket clock is real, meaning you must instinctively realize when getting the ball out of your hands or running to avoid a loss is a necessity. And sometimes the opponent just makes outstanding plays at crucial times in the game. The Chiefs did and the Ravens didn’t. What if Zay Flowers hadn’t extended the ball in an attempt to score, but instead secured the ball one yard short of goal line. It is fairly certain that the Ravens would have scored and tied the game. Or what if Lamar had not thrown into triple coverage, leading to a game clinching interception. Remember folks, the final score was only 17-10. However, as we all know, that’s not what happened. Lamar will have numerous opportunities in the future, as will Josh Allen and Tua Tongavailoa, to win Super Bowl titles. Kansas City deserved to win because they made more plays including Travis Kelce’s 6 yard catch for first down on a play that Mahomes, with his escapability, extended over 9 seconds. What about the very first score of the game, a perfectly executed back shoulder throw when kelce was actually well covered by the Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton who played a great game. Or finally and ironically, the same player (La’Jarius Sneed) for which Zay Flowers received a taunting penalty was the same player who punched the ball out, causing a touchback. Sometimes it’s just not your day.
Obviously I wanted Lamar and Zay to win because of their South Florida connections. I also wanted Detroit to win, but it wasn’t meant to be. The undeserved criticism heaped upon Lions coach Dan Campbell just proves the hypocritical fragility of sports. You win and get the praise and accolades; you lose and get the manure piled on. He coached the way he had all season and lived with the results, There were plays that should have/could have been made. That’s just nature of the beast we know as the NFL.
We must stop referring to Brock Purdy as a systems quarterback. He made plays with his arm and legs to propel the 49ers to victory in a game that the Lions should have won. Now on to Super Bowl LVIII(58).
I like Kansas City because of Mahomes, Kelcy, and Chris Jones in what should be a high scoring shootout. Let’s hope so.
In Dolphins news Tyreek Hill and Tua Tongavailoa have been named AP finalists for the Offensive Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year respectively. I wander why Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio left after only one year for the same position with the Washington Commanders. In my humble opinion and despite the avalanche of injuries, the defense outperformed the offense in the playoffs. “I want to thank Coach Fangio for his contributions in 2023. When we assessed the season, it became apparent that this was the best path forward for all parties involved,” said Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.”
I really don’t know what to make of that other than disaffection or dissatisfaction by the two coaches or a Dolphin administrator.
The Miami Heat are in the throes of a seven game losing streak, the latest loss coming at the hands of the Phoenix Suns. The Terry Rozier trade for Kyle Larry and a number one pick hasn’t paid dividends yet, but it’s a long season. Hopefully, better days are ahead.
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