"NFC & AFC Championship Recap: What More Did You Expect?"

After the cheers, screams, yellow laundry has been washed; we've watched 
both conference championships play out. Two teams have etched their slots 
for the Super Bowl. Two teams are recovering from the losses taken. Allow 
me to explain what happened on Sunday afternoon/evening. Grab a seat 
and relax your mind as your eyes dive into the recap.

We start in Philadelphia, as the Eagles flew mighty high over a young 
kickstart Washington Commanders team who wasn't supposed to be there. 
But... We knew this game would be close and highly competitive.  
Philadelphia had the better roster with running back Saquon Barkley. The 
Commanders kept it close as possible, but Philadelphia flexed their wings 
and clawed to a 55-23 victory.

A rushing attack led by Barkley, Philly had seven rushing touchdowns. You 
may ask: "Madden cheat code?" Nope, especially when a team can play to 
their strengths in running the ball. Quarterback Jalen Hurts played mistake 
free without getting too erratic. It's basic schematics and game planning for 
number 26 in the backfield. Defensively, you couldn't ask for a better front to 
get home and create turnovers. 

As a Dallas Cowboys fan, it was very discouraging seeing both of my
division rivals in a winner take all for the Super Bowl. I watched bits and
pieces of this game, but once the claws appeared Washington had no
chance. Rather rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels could orchestrate a
miracle comeback, it was out of reach. With a rookie manning the ship and
his playmaking capabilities, Philadelphia clamped down in ensuring they
wouldn't suffer any mishaps.

For the Washington Commanders, what a magical season winning 12 games
with first year head coach Dan Quinn. Doing a lot with less talent and
dismantling the heavy favorite Detroit the week prior and everyone was

raising eyebrows. Could they had done this and shocked the world? Rookie
quarterback Jayden Daniels has shown his clutch genes, poise and never
scared of big moments. There's reasons he was a highly touted top pick in
the 2024 NFL Draft.

In a season of hype surrounding his peer and number one pick Caleb
Williams, we witnessed Daniels' progression and development early on.
Staying the course, comeback wins and understanding moments of
separating yourself from the field. Washington has their franchise
quarterback for a decade plus. Question will be can they become a big
spender in free agency? A rookie quarterback playing with house money;
make the moves needed and contend now.

Offensive line was bad, worst run defense in football and still made the NFC
title game with far less talent. Washington has nothing to be ashamed of in
losing this game. From being a dumpster fire under former owner Dan
Snyder to Magic Johnson and being one game away from reaching the
Super Bowl, Commanders fans have a lot to cheer about moving forward.
They've waited for this moment and expectations will only be higher as this
team grows. Youth, strong coaching and building a culture of winning.
Something they haven't experienced in multiple years.

We head to the Midwest; where Kansas City hosted Buffalo in a prequel
matchup between Patrick Mahomes vs Josh Allen. The hype around this
game was: "Could Buffalo finally breakthrough and get over the hump?"
Nope, as Buffalo fell 32-29 in what was a game of "refs favoring KC."

A fourth down which decided the game in which Buffalo "may" have gotten
the first down. But... Bills fell short based on the angle of how you seen the
play. It was like: "first down, Bills about to win this game." Not so fast...
Kansas City flexed their championship pedigree and cancelled out Buffalo
once again. The bigger story is Buffalo's inability to close the gap; Josh Allen
reverting to old habits while trying to compete for a Super Bowl.

This was the closest Buffalo has been since 2020 in coming up short one
game in eclipsing Kansas City. Allen is now 0-4 against Mahomes in the
postseason. Buffalo's defense couldn't stop Kansas City when it matters.
What should've been an incomplete pass or interception was made a catch
(in favor of Kansas City). Buffalo beat themselves by falling behind early and
not cashing in touchdowns. As you know by now, if you're going to beat
Kansas City, playing keeping away and scoring touchdowns is the formula.

And we make our way to the Chiefs, are we witnessing the final leg of this
dynasty? The best season in Mahomes' tenure despite not having high
potent stat lines, being snubbed by the Pro Bowl and hearing his luck will
eventually run out. Tight end Travis Kelce has been a consummate
teammate and making plays when it's needed. This offense has all the speed
and power to run up any scoreboard.

Let's give Kansas City's defense their flowers (cue applause). What a year
it's been for the number 1 defense in pro football. Coordinator Steve
Spagnola has done an amazing job with this unit and having rotational guys
who can rush, intercept, blitz and make it exotic for offenses to figure out.
That's what you need in competing for championships. Keep the game out of
reach and flip field position giving your offense a short field.

Be sure to be on the lookout for my Super Bowl preview article in the coming
days. We'll dive into the rematch between Kansas City versus Philadelphia
from New Orleans, Louisiana. Trust me, you don't want to miss my
"introspect" on Super Bowl 59. Also, be sure to check out my previous
articles as well. Like, share, comment and subscribe to The Gryd Network.
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Stai tuned.