While many NFL fans are probably hoping for a rematch between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, there are a lot of hurdles in the way. In fact, between the dreaded Super Bowl slump that could adversely affect both teams and the target on their backs due to their success, it could be anyone’s Lombardi trophy in 2022.
Now, this doesn’t mean the Chiefs and the Buccaneers won’t both put up good records this season and make the playoffs, but there are other teams in the league that deserve consideration. Teams that have waited an entire offseason to finally slay the giants of the NFL and pave their own path to the Super Bowl
Finally, you must consider the fact that both Super Bowl teams are very vulnerable at this point in time. For example, Tom Brady is 44 years old and not the elite player that he used to be. Of course, he has the help of Rob Gronkowski, an elite running game and a great defense, but one bad hit to Brady and their championship chances could come crashing down.
And then there’s the Kansas City Chiefs, who were reduced to 9 points in the Super Bowl, exposing Patrick Mahomes in the worst way possible. If nothing else, the holes found in Mahomes’ game and Brady’s age are going to make it difficult to get back to the big game. That’s why these two teams stand the best chance instead.
The biggest thing the Tennessee Titans have going for them is their offense. Not only is that evident by a steady passer like Ryan Tannehill, who has improved in his time with Tennessee, but also due to Derrick Henry’s ability to dominate the ground game. This team also beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the regular season last year, making them a true threat.
There is also good news for the Titans defense, who have used Julio Jones to prepare their cornerbacks. Not only is that very valuable experience for their defense, it also could be what gets them back to the Super Bowl. Football comes down to the little things at times and preparing your cornerbacks to cover against the best Wide Receivers in the NFL is one of them.
“That’s great for us because we get to see our guys against two of the best receivers in the league, and many teams don’t have that ability,” Titans cornerback coach Anthony Midget said. “We can have that and practice against those guys every day to see where we are against those guys.”
Think about it! Tannehill is one of the most consistent passers in the NFL and knows how to get the ball down the field. If he is unable to, Henry and the rest of the run game is usually able to go beast mode and eat up yard after yard. It’s this kind of deadly combination that could lead the Tennessee Titans to their first Super Bowl victory as an organization
There are two reasons why the Seahawks are on the verge of another championship. The first is Russel Wilson, who continues to put up some of the best numbers in the league and great mobility to make plays. Secondly, the Seahawks have one of the best wide receiver combinations in the league with Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, making them a versatile offense.
According to Pff.com “Lockett has developed into one of the league’s best deep threats over the last couple of years, ranking behind only Tyreek Hill and Julio Jones in deep receiving since 2018. Metcalf also proved doubters wrong last year when he put together a respectable rookie campaign that ended in a PFF grade of 73.4. Don’t be surprised if we see a big-time breakthrough for him in year two.”
The only two downsides the Seahawks have are their running game and their defense. With that being said, they did notch crucial wins over the Pittsburgh Steelers, The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and even the Eagles in the playoffs. The Packers did defeat them in the Divisional round of the postseason, but the Packers probably won’t be the same threat they were a year ago.
