“(L)ouisiana (S)unday (U)niversity

AFC Championship

(4) Cincinnati Bengals at (2) Kansas City Chiefs

Bengals: It wasn’t pretty, but here they are. If there was ever a display of winning ugly, that’s exactly what you saw last Saturday afternoon in Nashville. I remember saying I haven’t been necessarily sold on their defense because at times, they’ll give up some big plays here and there and they depend on the offense to bail them out so they don’t have to spend much time on the field. Last weekend against the Titans was the best I’ve seen them look because they made sure to bottle up the run and force Ryan Tannehill to beat them. It worked because he threw three interceptions. I still remember seeing all of the playoff failures and them being labeled as a regular-season team only. Now, look at them. Coming into the game on Saturday, I said the winner of this game would have the coach of the year. I think Zac Taylor has done enough to deserve the world. One area I’m concerned with when it comes to the Bengals is the offensive line. You knew it was coming. Let’s take it back to the draft when they had the fifth overall pick. I wasn’t against them taking Ja’Marr Chase because he’s worked with Joe Burrow before. The offensive line however was such a glaring need and it showed in the divisional round because the quarterback was sacked nine times and their offensive front was dominated at the line of scrimmage. The Bengals’ future is so bright and if they want that light to shine forever, keep your quarterback protected! On Sunday, they will look to shock the world with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.

Chiefs: What a game that was on Sunday! In such an amazing weekend of NFL Football, that was such an ideal way to end the weekend. Two young and upcoming quarterbacks did everything they could to keep their teams in the game. Now, before I get into anything else, let me address the overtime rule that both teams should have a chance to touch the ball because that was such a major discussion after the game. I think you keep it as is because your defense should clamp down and make a stop, plain and simple. Okay, let’s get back to football! This was a maturation year for Patrick Mahomes. I say that because he’s not just depending on pushing the football up the field with a deep pass. Instead, he’s taking what a defense gives him as I’ve said the last few weeks. You still see teams with the safeties playing high and forcing the Chiefs to play an underneath game and the entire offense has adapted to it. Patrick will throw the ball in the flat or check it down to a running back for a screen pass. The entire dynamic of that game changed on Sunday when Tyrann Mathieu went out with a head injury. He’s the glue that keeps the entire secondary together and he does so many things for this defense such as playing in the box, picking up slot receivers, running backs in the flat, and making tackles. Tyrann is also the heart and soul of this entire football team. His presence speaks volumes. This Sunday, they will host their fourth consecutive conference title game.

Bengals X-Factor: Tyler Boyd– Burrow has his pick of weapons to get the football too. Ja’Marr is going to get his, that’s not even a doubt. He can get the ball to Tee Higgins and he also has a serviceable tight end in C.J. Uzomah. Don’t forget the guy that wears the number 83. When Joe feeds him the ball, One thing that flies under the radar is his versatility. They can get him the football on jet sweeps, screens in the slot and he can even throw a pass here and there. As a defense, you can’t let him fly by you.

Chiefs X-Factor: Jerick McKinnon– When he’s on the field, he’s a factor. As I said, when teams play the Chiefs, it’s two safeties deep, man coverage underneath, and have you all ever noticed that teams don’t load up the box necessarily? This is where Jerick comes in handy. He has the shiftiness to get by the defense and squeeze through lanes. Jerick has become a safety valve for the quarterback

Final Thoughts: When these two last met, it was one of the best games of the year. It was also a tale of two halves. The Chiefs dominated the first half. However, in the second half, it was all Cincinnati and Ja’Marr Chase solidified his Offensive Rookie of the Year award. I even predicted we could see these two play again. 28 days later, they will battle for a trip to Inglewood. This Bengals offensive line will be tested. This Kansas City front four is a group of guys that can each get to the quarterback. I can’t wait to see what they do to keep Burrow better protected. It’s key for the Chiefs to slow the game down. That’s what I feel this game comes down to. Ball control and who can keep the opposing quarterback on the sideline more. The Bengals will win with consistent pressure on Mahomes. Keep him in the pocket the entire game. It’s key for the Chiefs to continue to run the ball. They’ve been consistent in doing so.

Prediction: Chiefs 31, Bengals 24

2 thoughts on ““(L)ouisiana (S)unday (U)niversity

  1. This is such an amazing feature! So we’ll put together with what it seems a high degree of accuracy! I believe you know something! Let’s see… if not I will be back!

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