TMQ: High School Confidential!

The Super Bowl rematch, plus prep football plays too many games

The thin line between success and failure in athletics was never better displayed than the final two minutes of the Super Bowl rematch, Eagles at Chiefs.

Philadelphia was ahead 21-17. Kansas City had first-and-10 at midfield with 1:50 remaining, holding a time out, positioned for victory. The defending champions’ offense was dominating the game statistically – yards, first downs, time-of-possession: all big edges to Kansas City.

A clean pocket gave Patrick Mahomes sufficient protection for the rarely seen seven-step drop. A Kansas City wide receiver got behind the defense, nearing the goal line. Mahomes threw a perfect strike that hit the receiver square in the hands – and he dropped it like a live ferret.

Now it’s fourth-and-25 with 1:28 to play. Another clean pocket for Mahomes, a wide receiver runs a “stick” – go to the first down stick and turn around. He’s open! Perfect pass! If Kansas City converts a fourth-and-25, this will be talked about by sports nuts for years to come.

Clang. Dropped again.

Now the Eagles have a clear inside track to the first seed and a second consecutive NFC title contest played in Philadelphia.

If the Eagles (the Nesharim to TMQ) defeat the Forty Niners in two weeks, they all but lock the first seed before Christmas. And Santa has already brought their present  -- a regular-season final three games of Giants, Arizona, Giants.

Of course in Philadelphia, Santa will be booed.   

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash