By: GARLAND
FORMAN
Publisher, Gazette
RAYMOND PARTSCH III
Sports Editor, Gazette
AND TONY MARKS
Sports Editor, Oakdale Journal
It is time once again for some of the greatest minds in sports journalism, all members of the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, to peer into their crystal ball for their Super Bowl preview. But, first comes the unual disclaimer. Remember, money lost on wagers placed because of this prediction is not the responsibility of these three intellectuals. (Unless you win, in which case there will be a 20% prediction fee.)
Garland’s obvious key player – Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City quarterback: Just like last year his quick thinking can put a defense in trouble in a single play. He is not the best of all-time yet but he is the best in the NFL today. His decision making gets better each year but he does force the ball at times when he is throwing because he believes in his ability. Then his speed is enough to escape the pass rush and gain yardage running the football. A key in the game will be how Mahomes reacts to the Tampa Bay pass rush with his decision making on plays.
Raymond’s obvious key player – Travis Kelce, Kansas City tight end: Even when he has a defender draped over him, the Chiefs All-Pro still hauls in the catch as he did in the AFC Championship Game where he set a new Super Bowl-era record for most receptions in a conference game (13). If Kelce has a Travis Kelce-type game then the Chiefs will repeat. If he doesn’t or has a slow start then the Bucs could spoil the Chiefs’ repeat bid.
Garland’s not so obvious key player – Devin White, Tampa Bay linebacker: The former LSU first-round pick uses his speed and athleticism to make plays. He will be important against a fast Chiefs offense, including Mahomes. He has the ability to chase down those jet sweeps the Chiefs love to use. His play making will help other members of the Tampa Bay defense in trying to slow down the Kansas City offense.
Raymond’s not so obvious key player – Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City safety: The former LSU star is the most versatile and dynamic player on the Chiefs defense. The Honey Badger’s playmaking ability allows defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to be aggressive with his play calling. Don’t be surprised if Mathieu comes up with a game-changing play like a strip sack-forced fumble or interception of Tom Brady.
Garland’s key to the game -- Which team wins will depend on the defense that can get constant pressure on the opposing quarterback. Another key issue will be the running game and which team can establish a good running game for the entire game because it will take the pressure off the quarterback.
Raymond’s key to the game -- Kansas City’s offensive line against Tampa Bay’s pass rush. The Chiefs will be without Pro Bowl left tackle Eric Fisher who tore his Achilles in the AFC Championship Game. The Bucs’ strength as not only a defense but as a team is their pass rush. How Patrick Mahomes deals with Shaquil Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul and the rest of Tampa’s front seven will determine the game.
Garland’s prediction -- Kansas City 38 - Tampa Bay 35. Each team will score throughout the game but the key will be which defense will rise up and make key stops throughout the game on third and fourth downs.
Raymond’s prediction -- Kansas City 34 - Tampa Bay 31. The two offenses will have no issue scoring because of the wealth of playmakers on that side of the football. The key will be which defense can make a key third-down stop or force a turnover. I believe that the Chiefs have a better chance of doing that against Tom Brady, slightly more so than the Bucs do against Patrick Mahomes.
Tony’s obvious kep player, not so obvious key player, key to the game, and prediction - One name provides the answer to all these questions - Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. He is in his 10th Super Bowl, which is the most all time. As a result, he is arguably the greatest of all time. There are some doubters and naysayers out there, but a win in the Buccaneers home park would cement his status. If the Chiefs, with their years of experience playing against Brady while still under center for the Patriots, can find a way to contain ole number 12, then Kansas City will hoist the Lombardi Trophy for the second consecutive year. But, don’t worry, the NFL won’t let that happen. Brady will lead Tampa Bay to glory and ride off into the sunset into the merry land of retirement.