And media consensus proves that we have become addicted to bright shiny objects, the latest, the coolest and the most transient. In football terms it's the touchdowns, the long FGs, the amazing catch, the dazzling run, and ultimately the big play. None of this was on display for more than 3 quarters. Instead you had a product of high defensive quality - from both teams. While we rightly vaunt the success of our defensive team, it is only fair to praise the opponent's defense, which was effectively as good until the Three Musketeers' TD drive in the 4th quarter. By the time Michel and Burkhead delivered the final slashes on the last FG drive, the Rams' game plan and effectiveness had been worn down by fatigue and a sense of futility.
It certainly was a game for aficionados of defensive strategies and execution. Hightower and Van Noy were outstanding, but not far behind in production were Flowers, Gilmour, Wise and Jones (and a shout-out to JMC for saving the blown coverage). However the real star was the game plan, which all members of the defense executed almost to perfection. The same could be said for Wade's game plan, which stymied our offense and kept them from all but one possession in the Red Zone. While BB is renowned for taking away the opponents strengths, the Rams concentrated on the screen pass and removing James White from the equation. With no wideouts (Hogan could not get sufficient separation, nor could he make a catch in close coverage), the Rams covered the seams and crossing patterns for most of the game. With Donald causing his habitual disruption and some outstanding plays by Littleton and Brockers, and excellent coverage by Talib, Peters and Barron, there was little time and few gaps for Brady to exploit. Until of course mid way through the 4th quarter. If anyone disappointed on the Rams side it was Suh and Fowler, but that would detract from the awesome work of our O-Line, which prevailed in keeping our QB intact and upright (only 1 sack - although the fumble should be regarded as another, saved by the OL, (cant remember the player).
One other shoutout is called for. I was discomforted by Chung's injury, as I felt that he was the general of the back field (Romo called him the defensive QB). My concern was that the continuity of the game plan execution would be interrupted. But no - other than the blown coverage on Cooks, the DBs kept all in front of them, and thereafter Cooks was contained. Harmon might not be spectacular but it was entirely appropriate for Romo to point out his nickname in the locker room - "The Closer".
It was not a comfortable game to watch because at any moment a "big play" could have changed the complexion of the game. So when we had the ball it was concern for the overturn, and when they had it, it was fear of a wide open Cooks, Woods or Reynolds, in space. The fact that we were the ones with the early turnovers just made that anxiety sharper. That anxiety dissipated in the fourth quarter, because history told us that TB was most likely to deliver, and Goff never really found his rhythm.
As a previous poster opined - this was a Superbowl to savor, especially for those that focused on the defensive prowess on both sides of the ball.
The low score did not detract from watching a masterclass from two well rehearsed defensive game plans. It is a pity that the MVP has to go to an individual, though I am more than glad that Jules won it. In reality it was the defense that contributed most to this title, and should have the award. But it was the 3 musketeers breaking the oppositions back that we will all remember most. They might be shiny objects, but they are my shiny objects.
