Great points.I have no idea how consensus ever shifted away from that.
It's okay to watch games. The disastrous residue is to watch games and allow what you think you are seeing to overrule foundational realities.
I didn't watch the Chiefs all season. From the consensus low rating here and elsewhere you would swear either Mahomes was hurt, the offensive line was devastated by injuries, the defense was ravaged by injuries, or some combination of the above.
Yet nothing. What was their crime? Losing a few low scoring games?
The defensive stats were terrific. I emphasized that more than once.
I was a bit surprised the Chiefs didn't blow out the Ravens, once they got the early lead. But that Ravens defense really showed pride and toughness during the second half. The Dolphin defense is not close to the equal of those two teams in terms of run and snuff.
Mahomes realizes he doesn't need to get into a shoot out, given his current defense. But if it turns into a shoot out like last year he can seamlessly transition.
The 49ers have displayed vulnerability in both playoff games. Big deficits. Everybody remembers the Chiefs/49ers Super Bowl. Not many seem to remember the subsequent regular season game in which the Chiefs went out there and totally destroyed San Francisco in the second half, after a slow start.
My take from watching the Chiefs a few times. They definitely don't have great receivers, although Rice has come on. Lots of dropped passes overall this season. Kelce is obviously great. Pacheco runs hard.
Mahomes is magic. The best quarterback in football and he doesn't make many mistakes. That hasn't changed. He also has a great feel for when to run as well.
The KC defense is really good. I think it's better than during their first two championships.
One bad bounce that went against Detroit and the 49ers advance. Just goes to show how football can be a game of inches.
Detroit pass protected really well. If KC can do that, I think the Chiefs win.