Seahawks Still Haven t Recovered From Malcom Butler s Interception
Malcom Butler Super Bowl interception. | Jamie Squire/Getty Images
It s incredible how much one play shaped the destiny of two franchises. For the Patriots, Malcolm Butler s goal-line interception of Russell Wilson s pass in the closing seconds of Super Bowl XLIV propelled the Patriots to their second dynasty, as they went on to appear in three of the next four Super Bowls and win two of them. For the Seahawks, that play was disastrous, ending their hopes of a second consecutive Super Bowl title and terminating their own dynasty in the making.
The Seahawks still haven t recovered.
As One NFL Quarterback Era Dies, Another is Born
Patrick Mahomes and Ben Roethlisberger. | Joe Sargent/Getty Images
The end is near for arguably the greatest generation of quarterbacks in NFL history. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger enter the playoffs with at least one foot out the door as the retirement clock counts down the final seconds of their illustrious careers.
Standing in the path of the storybook ending each hopes to author is a new generation of quarterbacks who want nothing more than to dash their predecessor s dreams of being the next Peyton Manning or John Elway. How the next five weeks unfold will determine legacies and prestige, but it will also signal an official passing of the torch from one group of all-timers to their presumed successors.
Giants Ownership Lied About Dave Gettleman
Dave Gettleman. | Michael Hickey/Getty Images
When asked in September what it would take for woebegone general manager Dave Gettleman to keep his job after the 2020 season, Giants co-owner John Mara cast a wide net. Despite two straight embarrassing seasons with Gettleman at the helm, Mara didn t pinpoint a specific number of wins. Instead, he offered the following outline for what he expected.
We need to feel like we’re building something that is going to compete for a championship. If we are able to play meaningful games in December, that would be a sign that we are doing that.
Bruce Arians Has Become the Biggest Troll of the Playoffs
Bruce Arians. | Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
While most players and coaches avoid providing bulletin-board material for opponents during the playoffs, a select few have mastered the art through the years. Deion Sanders, Hollywood Henderson, and Joe Namath come to mind. Now, it appears, Bruce Arians wants to add his name to that prestigious list.
Over the past few days, Arians has been on a smack-talking tour de force, firing back at Washington star rookie Chase Young and, for some reason, trolling now-released Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins ahead the Bucs Wild Card playoff game against the unnamed team from our nation s capital.