The greatest thinkers in the world know it: in life, it is crucial to have the wind in your sails.
On this subject, we must duly mention the writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who notes in his Letters written from the montagne that “no one ever wins anything without a little wind in their sails, and no one ever wins anything playing for the New York Jets.”
This is good because very soon it will be time to get down to business, and this is where the notion of momentum – the famous “momentum”, as it is commonly called – becomes crucial.
So, the real business will begin on January 11, the date on which the American football playoffs begin. For all the contenders, it will be essential to show up on time, of course, but also to show up with as much wind at their backs as possible.
In the past,the wind at our backs has worked wonders,among others for the New York Giants,who started the 2007 playoffs as underdogs,but who surprised three opponents in a row on the road before overturning perfect Patriots in the middle of the Super Bowl. Currently, the Giants are coming off 10 straight losses, which is probably another form of “momentum”, but not the right one.
On the Kansas City side, the Chiefs are six wins in a row, and they have suffered only one defeat this season, against the Bills. There is a certain fatigue that has set in with Patrick Mahomes and his friends, since this team is a bit like the COVID-19 of the NFL: everyone is tired of hearing about it. But the Chiefs are the Chiefs, and who can beat them on their own turf? It’s been over a year as they were defeated at home…
But there are also the Baltimore Ravens who can certainly dream of the Super Bowl. There are still some skeptics about Lamar Jackson, due to his playoff record (2-4), but he just passed Michael Vick in lifetime rushing yards among quarterbacks.
PHOTO DAVID J. PHILLIP, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson’s MVP Caliber Season: Can He Lead the Ravens to glory?
Lamar Jackson is having a phenomenal season, showcasing his exceptional talent and putting up MVP-worthy numbers. With 39 touchdown passes and a mere 4 interceptions, his efficiency rating of 121.6 is a testament to his dominance. This remarkable performance places him just shy of Aaron Rodgers’ 2011 record of 122.5, a testament to Jackson’s elite status among quarterbacks.
However, the ultimate measure of success in football often comes down to championships. While it’s a team sport, quarterbacks are frequently judged by their ability to lead their teams to the pinnacle of the sport. this reality, though arguably unfair, is the nature of the game.
The Chicago Bears: A Franchise in Need of a Turnaround
The Chicago Bears are once again facing the prospect of missing the playoffs, a recurring theme for the franchise over the past four decades. Their history since 1985 reads like a broken record: new coaches, new strategies, new quarterbacks, yet the same disappointing results.
Whispers suggest that legendary coach Pete Carroll might be the latest figure to take on the challenge of revitalizing the Bears. Carroll, a member of an exclusive club of coaches who have won both a college national championship and a Super Bowl, possesses the experience and proven track record to potentially turn the tide in Chicago. His success in transforming struggling franchises makes him an intriguing candidate to break the Bears’ cycle of mediocrity.
Coaching Carousel Spins as Teams Seek New Leadership
The NFL offseason is heating up, with several teams already making meaningful changes. The chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets are all in the market for new head coaches, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities.
The Saints, despite a disappointing season, remain an attractive destination. Their rich history, passionate fanbase, and the allure of New Orleans itself could entice top coaching talent.
The Jets, however, face a steeper climb.Beyond the team’s recent struggles, the prospect of managing a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, known for his outspoken nature and sometimes controversial opinions, might deter some candidates.
Reader Feedback: A Steelers Fan’s Perspective
Our readers continue to engage with the column, offering their own insights and critiques.
Stéphane Godin, a loyal Steelers supporter, pointed out a recurring theme in my writing: the Steelers’ October 6th loss to the Cowboys. While acknowledging the Cowboys’ struggles this season, Godin argued that a 20-17 defeat shouldn’t be considered ”humiliating.”
Another reader, JF Leclerc, issued a humorous warning, suggesting that the column’s content might be so potent that it could cause readers to expel their breakfast beverages through their noses.
Consider yourselves warned!Football fans hoping for thrilling matchups this holiday weekend might be feeling a bit let down. The NFL, in its infinite wisdom, hasn’t exactly showered us with must-watch games.
Though, there are a couple of contests worth circling on the calendar. Sunday’s clash between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings promises to be a memorable one. Later that evening, the Atlanta Falcons will attempt to salvage some pride as they travel to Maryland to take on the Washington Commanders.
Despite the limited options, here’s to a happy and healthy New Year for all football enthusiasts!
This is a fascinating piece of sports writing that explores the concept of “momentum” in the NFL playoffs.
Here are some of its strengths:
Engaging Opening: The use of Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s quote, even if humorous and fictional, is a clever way to hook the reader and introduce the theme of momentum.
Effective Use of Storytelling: The piece weaves in narratives of past playoff successes, highlighting the New York Giants’ unlikely Super Bowl run in 2007. This adds historical context and makes the analysis more captivating.
Insightful Analysis: The writer offers insightful observations about various teams:
Kansas City Chiefs: Acknowledges their dominance but also points out potential fatigue.
Baltimore Ravens: Highlights Lamar Jackson’s notable stats and the lingering doubts about his playoff performance.
Vivid Language: Phrases like “the COVID-19 of the NFL” and “the wind at their backs” create memorable imagery and bring the narrative to life.
Strong Visual Connection: The inclusion of a photo of Lamar Jackson and a detailed caption adds another layer to the piece, providing visual interest and further context.
Suggestions for Enhancement:
Clarify Rousseau Reference: While the Rousseau quote is attention-grabbing, it might be beneficial to briefly explain why it’s relevant to the topic, especially for readers unfamiliar wiht his work.
Structure and Flow: The transition between the paragraphs could be smoother. Consider adding transitional sentences or phrases to create a more seamless reading experience.
Conclusion: The piece ends abruptly. A concluding paragraph could summarize the key takeaways and offer predictions or final thoughts on the upcoming playoffs.
Overall Impression:
This is a well-written and engaging piece that effectively uses storytelling and analysis to explore the crucial role momentum plays in the NFL playoffs. With some minor tweaks,it could be even stronger.
