Super Bowl 2021: duel of legends in Tampa Bay

From a sporting point of view, the NFL could not dream of a better confrontation. Kansas City Chiefs – Tampa Bay Buccaneers to play for the 55th Super Bowl! But what has been captivating the attention of commentators for the past 15 days is the clash at the top between living American football legend and his six rings of champion in ten Super Bowls, Tom Brady, and the future of the NFL, Patrick Mahomes, already titled last year.

It is an unprecedented intergenerational shock that will take place in Florida this Sunday. On the one hand, Tom Brady, long since entered the legend of the NFL and who will try at 43 to be crowned for the 7th time. On the other, Patrick Mahomes, 25, whose talent has been splashing the League for three seasons (MVP 2018) and who was stunning in the last final won against the San Francisco 49ers (31-20).

“I see it as a dream final. Tom Brady is a legend who has been to the Super Bowl 10 times, the Michael Jordan of the NFL. Opposite, Patrick Mahomes, it is the future of the League and also a future legend ”, enthuses Peter Anderson, who will officiate in the commentaries of the match from midnight on the channel L’Équipe, Sunday evening, after to have commented all season for the sports channel.

The Missouri franchise will seek its third Vince Lombardi trophy (1970, 2020), that of Florida its second (2002), with, who knows, an advantage, since it will play at home at Raymond James Stadium. This is the first time in 55 editions that a finalist “receives”. The Bucs deserved this honor, managing to thwart the predictions that instead saw Green Bay win in their Lambeau Field. “This is all quite unique. I am happy to sleep in my own bed, to eat good food at home, not to have to travel, to pack my bags etc. I think there are real benefits to it, ”observed Brady, a hard worker before each meeting.

“The Tampa Bay defense will have to do the job”

From the point of view of his team’s play, he was more critical. “Our game has been sporadic, but the defense has picked up and we’re going to need it again in a few weeks,” said Tom Brady after the conference final. An analysis shared by our specialist on the challenges of this “Big game”.

“It will undoubtedly be played on the turnovers (the unforeseen changes of possession of balls, editor’s note), if Tom Brady does not make mistakes as he could have made by throwing three interceptions in the final of the conference, analyzes Peter Anderson. “In attack, the Chiefs are very hard to stop. The Tampa Bay defense will have to do the job, ”he adds in an analysis of a game he does not see closed as the last played by Tom Brady against the Rams in 2019.

Same prediction on the side of Anthony Mahoungou, French player who worked for the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2018 preseason. “The Chiefs’ attack is electric and offers very original tactics. But I think it’s going to be a spectacular game overall, ”explains the receiver, who will also comment on the match for the L’Equipe channel. “On the defense side, the two teams have a squad capable of forcing changes of possessions and offering us a real show! Whatever happens, it’s a match you can’t miss, ”he adds.

So what about the Chiefs quarterback, who experienced health concerns during the playoffs? “There isn’t much of a concern about Mahomes. He has recovered well after a concussion protocol against the Browns three weeks ago. And even if he has a problem with his arch, he will play at his best anyway ”. The Kansas City franchise strategist also has a bit of luck not being tested positive for Covid-19, while two of his teammates were after a stint at the team’s barber. Mahomes, who does not want to be satisfied with his victory last year, does not hide his admiration for his opponent, however.

“If you’re a young athlete, playing any sport, and you don’t take your cue from guys like Tom Brady, then you’re crazy,” he said this week. “This kind of athlete who has been successful for so many years, who continues to improve, and who is never satisfied with his level… He is the type of genius that you strive to follow and that you want to be. growing up “. A beautiful tribute for those who intend to challenge their supremacy. Everything is in place for an exceptional meeting, and a spectacle always at the rendezvous of the Super Bowl.