Bucs Defense Dominate Chiefs in Super Bowl Matchup
After we were skeptical we would even get an NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers emerge as the 2021 Super Bowl Champions.
On Sunday night, we saw one of the more shocking one-sided Super Bowls in this era. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs didn't even score a touchdown as the Brady-led Bucs won 31-9 in their home stadium at Super Bowl LV with Brady winning SB MVP and his seventh ring. Brady was dialed in, throwing for 3 TDs with only eight incompletions (21-29, 201 YDs). The Bucs defense led by Todd Bowles was incredible as they frustrated Mahomes all night leaving him with a bad night (26-49, 270 Yds, 2 INTs) and his worst scoring performance as a starter for the Chiefs.
The game itself used up all its action and suspense in the first quarter. We got the normal filling out process we would expect from both teams as both punted on their first drive. The Chiefs were the first to get on the board with a field goal and then Brady and the Bucs immediately answered with a touchdown to Rob Gronkowski who finished with six receptions for 67 yards, all of which felt important, and two touchdowns. From there on the Chiefs struggled to get any momentum as the Bucs balanced attack kept applying pressure.
We got to our first big decision, and only, early in the second quarter when Bucs went for it on 4th down at the Chiefs' 1-yard line, playing it up to the belief that field goals don't beat Mahomes. After consecutive tries, they failed to cash in, but the Chiefs immediately squandered this opportunity by punting it right back to Brady after a quick drive failed to capture much-needed momentum with drop passes, which was a theme of the night for the Chiefs' receiver. Bucs however would capitalize on the Chiefs being out of sync, scoring another touchdown after the Chiefs punt but it was a controversial flag on this drive that had Chiefs fans upset. Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu, who had a bit of a day, caught a much-needed interception that was called back due to defensive holding. Fans argued they seen worse not flagged two-weeks ago when Bucs and Packers met in a physical encounter. One flag they couldn't argue though was an inexcusable offside penalty on a field goal attempt that kept the Bucs on the field for one more play that resulted in Gronk's second touchdown, making the score 14-3 in Bucs favor.
The Chiefs were able to get a drive going before the half, but it only resulted in a field goal. The Bucs continued pressing the issue of 'no risk it no biscuit' and were able to get another touchdown, this time to the returning Antonio Brown (his first in a Super Bowl) in the closing moments in the first half. After that, the game was over. The Chiefs showed signs of life immediately back from halftime but could only manage a field goal in-game that was threatening to run away at that time. Mahomes threw an interception in their second possession from half and the Bucs' defense just kept getting better in this game where they were the big story. Tyreke Hill who had a field day against the Bucs in Week 11 was held in check for the majority of the game (7 catches, 73 yards). Shaq Barrett and Bucs' pash rush was scary good getting pressure on Mahomes making him drop back to pass 56 times and getting pressure on him (29/56) times, a Super Bowl record. Bucs secondary, including Antoine Winfield Jr. and Carlton Davis, held their own against Chiefs weapons, making Mahomes throw 10-tight window throws (most in his career) which led to his two picks.
A lot of legacies were on the line tonight in this game. Many people began crowning Pat Mahomes as the GOAT QB for his spectacular play which led to Brady having to fight for his title he claimed years before. Not only was his GOAT title on the line but one of the greatest debates in pro sports, Brady or Belichick, was also in the works. A lot of pressure was on both QBs to play well in this game if they were going to win.
Mahomes will learn from this game, even though a majority of this loss can't be placed on his shoulders. His coaches were completely out-coached by Tampa's due to a lack of preparation. Whether that's due to the unfortunate events involving Andy Reid's son over the weekend or over-confidence from their last meeting, Chiefs coaches did not game-plan well. Also, we can't look over how Mahomes receivers let him down in crucial moments. Travis Kelce put to rest the best tight end of all time debate with some bad drops he normally catches and Hill and Mecole Hardman had a hard time getting open against Bucs secondary as I mentioned. And their defense was equally as sloppy accounting for 95-yards worth of penalties in the first half.
This was a clash beyond any we have ever seen. Of course, it would be a Brady-led team to host the first-ever Super Bowl in their arena and win it at that. Will we see these two teams again next season is everyone's biggest question. One thing for sure is Brady is the best there is, best there was, and the best there ever will be.
