So, the season is ending; fans anticipate playoffs with glee and the opportunity for a big betting pool. Pools are available just about everywhere. And the I.R.S. knows it is powerless to stop it. Well, not completely powerless. They always get a call or two from the losers or those who split with the pot and didn't pay the winner(s). Another favorite American sport: cheating on pools.
But the final regular season game: Ravens v. Steelers, whetted the appetites of millions of fans. The game was an instant classic as called by pundits. Had lots of drama: aging qb Rodgers, trying to subdue the flashy Lamar Jackson, the scrambling passer with a good offense and a capable defense. Birds jumped out to an early lead, 13-3. Rodgers wasn't making the throws; his were off target-short, long, high, low; receivers were not in the patterns. My, oh, my. Mike Tomlin was pacing, shaking his head, with little to say. He mumbled mumbles, spoke to miscreants who failed to perform as planned.
Then the 2nd half show began and what a show: everything a dedicated fan could have asked for: penalties providing new life; dropped passes, completed passes, and then the show stoppers of show stoppers: missed extra points. Late in the 4th quarter, the Steelers provided drama. The Ravens had gone ahead after a Jackson TD pass. The clock was ticking as always and the situation entered the cardiac realm of anxiety. Could Aaron do it? Do it again? Can he still function under pressure? One of the NFL's great quarterbacks proved he could. And he did it with a beautiful pass. Then, the point after attempt that failed. Now, the Steelers lead is only 2 pts. Enough to win, but still lots of time left for heroics. Now clock management.
A great kickoff return places the Ravens at midfield. Then they advance the ball well within field goal range on about the 27 yard line. Run the clock down telling the ref to stop at 2 seconds. The rookie, Loop, comes on the field, anticipating all the accolades due after the kick. The ball is up------------and wide right: missed field goal. Ravens go home, Steelers advance to the playoffs. Aaron Rodgers carries the team forward. Lamar Jackson resigns himself to the loss and the end of the 2025 season, an also ran.
Will Rodgers end up in the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, CA?
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