The Never Weres

Tom: Hi Tim

Tim: Hey Tom

Tom: Big storm coming.

 Tim: Sure is. Hopefully, you got bread and milk. 

Tom: I did go to the grocery store but didn’t get bread…shit. So, Tim, I wanted to ask you what you think about the games coming up this weekend. But, let me start here: do you think this is the best weekend for football or do you think it is the Divisional Round. 

Tim: That’s tough especially after this past weekend but both games this week are going to be great. Plus there is so much pressure this week so I would have to say the Conference Championship is the better weekend. 

Tom: Oh really. I think the Divisional round is better because you get two more games and the chance to watch a team coming off the bye get upset.

Tim: I have nothing against the Divisional round but this weekend is for Conference supremacy and we are going to have two good games. 

Tom: OK, last thing before we start talking about the games. When was the last time you actually wrote something? An essay, a book report, anything?

Tim: Jeez I’d have to say 2009. Didn’t do much senior year.

Tom: But you really got after it as a junior. Alright, let’s start with the first game Bengals at Chiefs. I think there is a consensus that this one might not be that close and Kansas City is going to walk away with it. What do you think?

Tim: I disagree the Bengals beat them 3 weeks ago and the Chiefs were playing for the number 1 seed. Their defense showed they couldn’t stop the Bengals also, I could see the Chiefs coming out slow after the big game against the Bills and sort of overlooking the Bengals which is a recipe for disaster for them. 

Tom: I understand that. But, what do you think about the Bengals needing a 200+ yard game from Chase to pull out a three-point win? And in the end, the Chiefs are hosting this game so the number 1 seed didn’t matter.

Tim: It’s easy to say it doesn’t matter now but at the time it did. I agree that it took that huge game from Chase but I think they are a team that shouldn’t be overlooked especially with a slow starting Chiefs team. 

Tom: I think the only chance for the Bengals is another monster game from Chase. I think they need Chase and Higgins to run wild and if they win it will be a shootout. But, I just don’t think they have the firepower to keep up with Kansas City.

Tim: At the end of the day I will be taking the Chiefs but I don’t see it being a blowout. If the Bengals can score early and make a play on special teams or big defensive play it should come down to the final minutes and with McPherson kicking who knows what happens. 

Tom: I know what is going to happen. The Chiefs are going to win this one running away. It’s crazy to think that Mahomes only losses in the playoffs have been to Tom Brady and this could be his third Super Bowl already.

Tim: Yeah it is. The AFC is getting better and better so his opportunities may start to taper off. Especially with the Bills playing the way they have, the Bengals coming along and if the Titans or Steelers could get a QB they could be trouble, and the Patriots will be right there. 

Tom: The late game is the better game. This will be the third time that the Niners and the Rams play each other. They played the last week of the season and the Rams had a chance to eliminate San Fransisco but the team that wouldn’t die came back and won. What do you see happening in this game?

Tim: I’m excited about this game.  Shannahan has owned McVay recently and the 49ers have played awesome defense but the offense has sort of stalled with Jimmy G. Stafford showed he could make big plays in pressure situations but the Rams haven’t been putting people away convincingly and this 49ers team is someone you can’t let hang around. They make huge timely plays. I lean toward the 49ers but, with the Rams at home I think their offense could be in a good position. 

Tom: I think this one comes down to turnovers. Jimmy G has been known to throw an awful interception at the absolute wrong time. Matthew Stafford sometimes has a little too much confidence in his arm and will throw a bad pick too. Both teams have great front fours and if they can get into the backfield I wouldn’t be surprised if we see some awful passes thrown.

Tim: I agree but that’s why I like San Francisco – because of how dynamic their offense is. They don’t rely on Jimmy G the same way the Rams rely on Stafford.

Tom: I get that but much like with the game against the Bucs, I think the stars on the Rams defense are enough to cause too much havoc for the Niners offense to get going. If the Rams get a lead, I can’t see San Fransisco mounting a comeback.

Tim: Maybe but they also came back against the same team 3 games ago which gives me confidence in the 49ers chances plus with the 49ers strong defense I think it would take a defensive or special teams play for the Rams to take a big lead.

Tom: That’s true. I just think that the Rams’ offense is clicking right now. As long as they avoid another 4 fumbles they should be in a good spot. So I am predicting a Rams vs. Chiefs Super Bowl. Which offensively would be awesome to watch. You?

Tim: I’m riding the hot teams the Chiefs and 49ers rematch of 2 years ago.

Tom: Alright. I’m surprised we got through the end of this project after hearing the news that Tom Brady retired. I’m going to spend my night rewatching Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVII, XXXIX, XLIX, LI, and LII

Tim: I watched the first episode of Man in the Arena today. Who would have thought Bledsoe never gets his job back and this is where Brady ends up the Greatest of All Time. 

Tom: It’s an unbelievable career that can’t be put into words. It will also be the main topic of our next episode of the Never Weres Podcast. So please look out for that and Tim thanks for getting back into the writing game and doing this with me.

(Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)