There is only one game left in the 2013-14 NFL season and we have to wait two weeks for it! Luckily, Championship Weekend gave us enough to keep us talking until then.
The Patriots have overcame some major injuries all season. Once Aqib Talib, their best cover man went down, they were unable to recover and the Broncos took full advantage. Peyton Manning had a great game, throwing for over 400 yards and completely dominating the Patriots depleted defense. Talib was unable to comeback into the game, and according to Bill Belichick that might have been what Denver was hoping for. The play that Talib got hurt on was full of controversy.
Manning threw an incompleted pass to Demaryius Thomas, Thomas lined up as the sole receiver on the left while Welker lined up on the right side. Talib came up to guard Thomas in a man-to-man formation when Welker came across from the other side of the field and took out Talib in an open-field tackle. His leg looked like it extended to grab onto Talib’s knee and bring him down. There was no flag on the play, but it was clear the hit was questionable, especially in today’s league where almost every hit it a penalty.
After the game, Belichick delivered his season-ending post game press conference where he attacked his former player. “It was a deliberate play by the receiver to take out Aqib. No attempt to get open,” Belichick said. “I’ll let the league handle the discipline on that play, whatever they decide. It’s one of the worst plays I’ve seen. That’s all I’ll say about that.” It is telling that he refused to call Welker, a man he coached for six seasons, by name. He of course denied going after Talib, but it definitely the Broncos having him on the sidelines for the remainder of the game. Welker will more than likely receive a fine from the NFL later this week.
The absolute worst part of sports is watching any player get hurt, but for a great player to make a game changing play, get hurt, and then not have the play stand, is crushing. San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman is one of the best linebackers in football and he made a play for his team when they needed it. Bowman ripped the football out of Seattle receiver Jermaine Kearse’s hands, but unfortunately, his knee turned awkwardly and it was clear he had really done damage to his body. Somehow, Bowman held onto the ball, but officials ruled it Seattle ball and because of NFL rules, they were unable to review.
Bowman laid on the field in visible pain, it was found out later he tore both his ACL and MCL, and all of his effort was for nothing. Coach Harbaugh knew like the rest of us the officials had gotten the call wrong, but said he was unable to challenge the ruling. A ruling that could have easily changed the ending of this game. This play will likely spark debate about reviewing the rule that does not allow officials to review which team deserves possession of the ball.
The biggest controversy, however, came after the NFC Championship game when Erin Andrews interviewed Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman. Sherman was fired up after a big win against his team’s bitter rival and the emotions spilled out when Andrews asked his opinion on the final play. The play included a pass intended for Michael Crabtree that Sherman batted away and his teammate intercepted. It was just the play that showed why many consider Sherman the best corner back in the league.
Whoever expected these two teams to play nice together must have not seen the two previous match-ups this season or Sherman’s press conference earlier this week saying there would likely no handshakes at the end of the game or the pre game in which these two teams had to have others stand between them. He did not however take back his comments after the game at his press conference, but instead added further fuel to the fire calling Crabtree “mediocre” and saying his choking signs were meant for Kaepernick who was too scared to throw to him all game.
After a full day of reflection and probably very angry calls from the Seahawks PR team, he has admitted that he could have “worded things better”. He, however, is not taking back his comments and is standing by what he said. This rivalry is turning into one of the ugliest in the leagues.
