Not often do we watch both the winning and losing quarterbacks in the Super Bowl and feel so good about both.
Rightly, Patrick Mahomes, albeit with a highly different skill-set, lived up to his reputation as the premier new-age competitor of the now-retired Tom Brady, loudly touted as the “GOAT” in American football. Both Brady and Mahomes share the drive and ability to lead their teams when ahead but especially when behind. No one has been or likely will be as good as Brady as a dropback passer. But Mahomes was/is like a magician, with his uncanny ability to deliver the ball whether looking at his receiver or not, overhand or sidearmed, short or long, and dash like a deer, if necessary. And he showed all his skills and the physical guts to push/pull the Kansas City Chiefs to the win.
Jalen Hurts had a phenomenal game, with unparalleled personal achievement in both running (70 yards) and throwing (300-plus yards; three touchdowns). Not only did he lead Philadelphia to a substantial lead but clawed them back to tie late in the game. His single faux pas did not deter him or taint a great game for and with his Eagles. Unfortunately, time just ran out on them.
And Hurts and Philly will likely be back to duke it out with Mahomes and Kansas City again, to the delight of everyone, including themselves. Thanks to Jason Gay in The Wall Street Journal, we heard from Hurts that “you either win or you learn” after the game.
Who knows? With that in mind, maybe the tables will be turned the next time.
Dan Cannon
Seaford
