Super Bowl LVI Pick ‘Em

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What a year it has been!!

    It may have taken the mass majority of the season, but I did pull off my perfect week during the Conference Championship round by predicting a Bengals upset of the vaulted Kansas City Chiefs. While it may have been my second year making these picks, this is my first full season including playoff picks. My record as it stands is a respectable 180-103-1. I accomplished this record picking my Tennessee Titans to have an undefeated season so that means the absolute world to me. 

   Forget the statistics and analytics, you NEVER pick against ya boys. That is the rule of law. There are very few guarantees in this life, but one is that if you don’t believe in nothing, you will fall for anything. Another is, in the words of the genius B.o.B, if you don’t control your own mind, somebody else will. I say these things to hit home the fact that you can’t count on anyone except yourself and the ones you love. Adulthood has taught me that although we consider ourselves an advanced species in a technological renaissance, it’s still jungle guidelines in dem societal streets.

   That brings us to the game we’ve all been waiting for. A game that just so happens to include a team that’s a fierce jungle predator…. The Bengals from Cincinnati. Now I would like to start by referencing that it is the Year of the Tiger. That may not mean much to a lot of you, but for a superstitious individual such as myself, it’s quite telling.

    In Chinese culture, they say you summon the spirit of the majestic tiger when you are facing adversity or need to summon more confidence. That the spirit of the tiger infuses courage and fiery determination in your heart. In totality, the tiger represents strength and commanding respect of others. You can’t tell me that doesn’t speak to Joe Brrr and this Bengals team that has been doubted all season long.

   I’m well aware of the Los Angeles Rams prowess. How they possess the best defensive lineman and cornerback in the league. How Odell is having a season to quiet every single one of his critics and Cooper Kupp will be open no matter the defensive scheme. How Von Miller, Leonard Floyd and journeyman Eric Weddle bring a wealth of experience and leadership to that already potent defense. I’m no fool.

   I said on my Facebook last week, I don’t care who wins this Super Bowl. There’s no Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes so I believe the entire football watching world has been given a gift. We are allowed to explore two QBs that are both Number 1 picks and have losing regular season records throughout their drastically different careers. The media pundits tell me Joe Burrow is the youngest Number 1 pick at QB to start in a Super Bowl and Stafford is the oldest Number 1 pick at QB to start a Super Bowl. They love their juxtaposition. 

 

Courtesy of New York Post

 

   I say that age, draft position, regular season record or outcomes, hell anyone’s opinion on this game is irrelevant. This is a one-game season. 60 minutes between greatness or oblivion. You can say whatever you feel, but it all comes down to execution and grit. 

   While the Rams have players and coaches with Super Bowl experience, the Bengals have something indescribable. I’ve seen it since last year. They play with no fear or hesitation. They have supreme confidence in their leader, and a defense that plays well together as well. Then factor in that they are so youthful and….

 

Bengals complete Cinderella season!!!

Why?

   It all comes down to the QBs. I love Matthew Stafford and if I’m wrong, I will be supremely happy for him. He endured the same punishment Joe Burrow has been subjected to in his first two years for over 12 years. He never once complained. So for him to go to LA and reach this point in his first year is a testament to his greatness. I foresee many more good years for him, health permitting. Today however, he’s playing a man that I have 100% faith in. I saw it at LSU. It’s like he never panics. No matter the situation, Burrow just goes out there and executes. 

  I was one of the naysayers when the Bengals passed on Penei Sewell in favor of Ja’Marr Chase because I had witnessed Joe get destroyed his rookie year with no O line. I didn’t want his career going the way of Andrew Luck, although I am happy he’s gone for personal reasons. I am man enough to admit I was completely wrong. Chase has added an explosive element to this team that is the game-breaker all the analysts see Odell as. That relationship they have cannot be calculated by any known metric. It has been poetry watching the two make plays all year and we are all blessed to witness it under the brightest lights.

  The LA Rams have a ferocious D Line and that is the only thing that gives me pause. Then I remember the Titans sacking this man Burrow 9 times AND shutting down JaMarr Chase, but still not being able to pull it out. Then I saw the very next week down 21-3 against a high-flying Kansas City offense how they held Patrick Mahomes to 55 yards and 2 INTs in the second half/OT in route to an amazing comeback. That’s all the proof I needed to convince me that this is our future Super Bowl Champions. The bet has been placed and there is nothing to do now but sit back and enjoy the festivities.

Courtesy of Today Show

 

AND with that…the 2021-2022 comes to a close!

 

I thank all my faithful readers for giving me a little bit of your time each and every week and want to reward you with an announcement!

    Hip Hop Therapy, my new podcast, is recorded and edited! It seems the Lord is truly behind me as it came at a time where Kanye is actually on a rampage as I type. I pray it reaches his ears and you all enjoy it as well. Make sure to follow me @brotherbearblanchard on Instagram and @TheDenChillin on Twitter. SoundCloud and FB Group are getting a makeover and coming shortly. I will also be uploading the Best of The Bear Den/Dinner Time with Bear Blanchard as well so make sure you stay tuned and download our Tiger Communications app. A huge thanks to Jovan Cutler for making this possible and being the coolest dude I know! Love you all!

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