Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.
Patrick: If I weren’t a football fan prior to this year’s Super Bowl between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals, I imagine I would be one now. I thought this game was one of the best Super Bowls I can remember. Russ: Why? Patrick: I guess because I didn’t know who’d win. I know who I wanted, but in regard to who was going to win, I had no big leanings until the near-sack of Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow at the end. John: I thought it was a decent game—not great. Also, the commercials were awful.
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Donald: John, a lil’ less cheer, please! John: Well, two things did stand out: Aaron Donald got better as the game went on. He put pressure on Joe Burrow, including the final stop mentioned up above, when the Bengals had an opportunity to at least tie—if not win. The second thing that stood out for me was Cooper Kupp. In the fourth quarter, with the Rams trailing 20-16, Cupp caught everything thrown at him, and this despite the Bengals knowing he would get the ball.
Donald: I agree with you, John, about that defense led by the Rams’ Aaron Donald. Seven team sacks and two for Donald against a quarterback who’s crafty in getting away from the defense says tons about how hard the defense is playing. The game could’ve been more exciting, but, obviously, it’s not about excitement if a victory can be gotten. Let me add before I pass the mic that I loved the halftime show. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige—Awesome! Russ: I enjoyed the game. I found myself rooting for Cool Joe B as he led Cincy into and through battle. Unfortunately—but somewhat expected—the Rams got 'em. On a side note, I won a square, liked a few commercials and kinda dug the halftime show. So, all in all, a good Sunday.
Patrick: And neither team should hang its head. So what do you guys think about the upcoming NFL season based on this season? Russ: Well, with Joe Burrow, the sky’s the limit; as for the league in general, man, with the way the season has gone with all of these great games, including this Super Bowl, I’m hoping and believing that next season’ll be the same. Better even. Teams will know that you can go nearly undefeated during the regular season and still not get that trophy. Patrick: Keep on churning, right? Donald: Until it’s done. As for the upcoming season, I can’t wait. I love to see these young cats not being afraid of anything or anyone. Currently, every team has a shot—or, at least, feels they have a shot to get the big one. Not mad at that.
John: For me, my focus for the upcoming season is on the Packers and Aaron Rodgers. What happens there is big in determining what’s going to happen in the upcoming NFL season. The Bears still feel way incomplete for me, so not expecting the world from them. No telling who’ll be in the Super Bowl. Patrick: I believe in our Bears. We’ve made changes, I believe, that show a commitment to righting this ship. As for the overall NFL landscape, I believe Dallas is ready to do some things. San Fran will get back to it. Buffalo could be ready. And every other team will come hard because this year proved that the trophy truly is there for the taking by any team.
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