Joe Murray’s Weekend Thoughts
It was Championship weekend in the NFL with the final four teams battling it our for a chance at going to the big game in Vegas. What we got were two total meltdown in the Ravens and Lions. Baltimore had the best defense in the league, the potential MVP of the league in Lamar Jackson. And had home field advantage and it didn’t matter. Patrick Mahomes and Tavis Kelce continued their run of dominance connecting on 11 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. Mahomes will be playing in his 4th Superbowl in he last seasons after throwing 30/39 for 241 yards and a touchdown. Jackson struggled all day against the blitz and was sacked four times. Rookie Zay Flowers had a taunting penalty, fumbled on he goal line and then lacerated his finger slamming it off the bench. The former Boston College stand out had a great rookie year, but in the teams biggest game made rookie mistakes. Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monkon had a tough day after a great regular season. The running game finished with 16 carried for 81 yards with Gus Edwards only having 3 rushing attempts. Jackson is now 2-4 in his playoff career while knowing Mahoes will be in his way for years to come.
The Detroit Lions had a 17 point lead in the first half. Jared Goff and the running game were attacking the 49ers defense who had no answers for the high powered offense. Watching the Lions meltdown was so Lions watching them go for it on fourth down and not converting. Followed by a deep pass off a defenders helmet to the red zone and a Brandon Ayuik touchdown. On the following drive, a Goff interception turned into a Christian McCaffrey touchdown to the tie the game. They went on to take a the lead and next looked back and on their way to the Superbowl. The Starts will be on display in Vegas. Mahomes and Kelce vs McCaffrey and Kittle. Brock Purdy has a chance to knock off Mahomes in the biggest game as Mr. Irrelevant.
The Royal Rumble took place in Tampa Bay on Saturday night. The winner of the Women’s Royal Rumble was Bayley who was mentioned as the constant in the division. She will go on on to main event WrestleMania and no one is more deserving. On the men’s side, it came down to CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, of course. The two former AEW stars battled in out with Rhodes throwing punk over the top rope and winning consecutive rumbles. He will go on to main event WrestleMania in a rematch with champion Roman Reigns.
Finally, Providence was at the center of the basketball world this weekend. Ed Cooley was making his return to the Dunk’ as the head coach of Georgetown. Cooley endured a very hostile crowd and his team hung around in the Fryars 84-76 win for the +10 cover!!!
