Super Bowl Domination

Chapter 1698 All Roads
Expectations have been rising steadily, and the 2020 NFL season has indeed reached a new peak, with its popularity continuing to soar.

Whether it was the Kansas City Chiefs' push for a four-peat, or the league-shaking events caused by the Brady and Watt trades; whether it was the thrilling regular season matchups, or the unpredictable addition of playoff spots for the first time, all these factors were setting the stage for a surge in viewership and popularity.

The wildcard matches were fierce and intense, sending adrenaline levels soaring, and everything was converging on the Super Bowl final.

However, the theory of universal equilibrium proves that highs and lows, tension and relaxation, are the inevitable course of development—

After the wildcard tournament's peak of excitement and climaxes, the regional tournaments saw a complete decline and a complete collapse. The ever-increasing expectations were doused with a bucket of cold water, and the fervor and passion cooled down rapidly. The extreme contrast between the height of summer and the depths of winter caused the entire league to briefly freeze.

On January 16th, the first two matches of the regional tournament were played. In terms of results, the higher-ranked seeds won, and there were no upsets, but the results were still not satisfactory.

In Game 1, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 32-18.

The Los Angeles Rams, who were expected to perform well, were completely lost throughout the game and failed to provide any effective resistance. Aaron Donald's aggressive pressure on Aaron Rodgers was expected. The Green Bay Packers were well prepared, and Rodgers continued his strong performance from the regular season, delivering a perfect performance.

Despite Donald's all-out effort, he ultimately couldn't carry the team alone, and the weakness of the Los Angeles Rams' offense was exposed once again. Following Wentz's disappointing end with the Philadelphia Hawks, his fellow 2016 draft pick, Goff, also faded from the spotlight and revealed his true colors.

In just five seasons, there were peaks and troughs, struggles and hesitations, but in the end, Goff was not the cornerstone quarterback that the Los Angeles Rams had hoped for.

Whether it's Wentz or Goff, their future next season is uncertain. In the face of the cruelty and ruthlessness of the professional league, the former duo is truly a cause for lament.

The Green Bay Packers showed championship potential, which was undoubtedly encouraging, but the Los Angeles Rams failed to pose a real threat, which was disappointing.

Rogers led the Green Bay Packers to the NLCS for the second consecutive year with his head held high. Under the threat of rookie quarterback Jordan Love, this mid-generation pillar of the team undoubtedly demonstrated the style of an elite quarterback, and his relationship with the team will be a key point to watch in the future.

In the second game, the Buffalo Bills swept the Baltimore Ravens, 17-3.

The alliance was in an uproar.

To be fair, this was the only match in which the league believed that lower-ranked seeds had the ability to upset higher-ranked seeds, and the result was a huge surprise.

Lamar Jackson has once again faltered, seemingly sleepwalking throughout the game and unsure how to play, even worse than last season. If this is what is meant by a "perfect quarterback," then other teams' yearning and pursuit of the perfect quarterback is not so intense.

Following last season, the Baltimore Ravens' playoff run once again started strong but ended poorly, exiting in a bizarre and inexplicable manner. Jackson's talent and ability have always been there, beyond doubt, but if Jackson cannot perform well in the playoffs, it will all be in vain.

Could it be that... Jackson is about to follow in the footsteps of Big Manning?
The Baltimore Ravens losing the race was already an accident, but losing it in this way was even more astonishing.

Rather than saying the Buffalo Bills were too strong, it's more accurate to say the Baltimore Ravens were underperforming.

After the game, Hubble frankly admitted, "We need to reflect and think. We have many problems to solve, not just tactical ones."

Although Hubble didn't say it explicitly, the implication was clear: Jackson's mental constraints were becoming a shackle on the team's ability to make further progress.

Look at Jackson, then look at Levi; comparisons are odious.

When a reporter asked Hubble if he would follow the remaining games and the Super Bowl, Hubble paused for a moment, not giving an immediate answer. After thinking carefully for a while, just when the reporter thought he wouldn't get an answer, Hubble finally spoke. "Yes. I'll be watching the whole thing. My bet is on Levi."

After saying that, Hubble laughed, his smile spreading wide.

In terms of results, both regional tournament matches saw higher-ranked seeds emerge victorious, which wasn't unexpected. However, the process, the outcome, and all the attention and expectations that had been building this season were completely dashed. It wasn't just a victory, but a resounding, uncontested triumph. The pent-up frustration from the wildcard tournament suddenly felt like it was stuck in their throats.

Damn it!

So what about the other two divisional matches? Will this season still be good?

On January 17th, two more matches were played in the regional competition. As for the results... well, it's hard to describe; as for the process... it's also hard to describe.

In the first game, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cleveland Browns, 36-10.

Sweep. Crush. Destroy.

No one was surprised by the Kansas City Chiefs' victory, nor was anyone surprised that the Cleveland Browns were unable to apply more pressure. But the entire league was collectively silent, unable to believe that the Kansas City Chiefs had ruthlessly and coldly slaughtered the Cleveland Browns and advanced with their heads held high.

From before the game to after the game, Levi and the Kansas City Chiefs never responded to the Cleveland Browns' provocations.

Regardless of Mayfield's boastful remarks, Garrett's determination to win, or the attacks from other teams, Levi remained calm and composed throughout.

Surprisingly, Li Wei didn't get involved in the verbal battle. He remained smiling and polite throughout, repeating the usual social pleasantries. Netizens expressed disappointment, speculating that Li Wei was either scared or had learned his lesson, or that the sponsors were asking him to be mindful of his image.

Despite facing attacks from social media, the Kansas Chief remained calm.

Now, the answer has finally been revealed—

Actions speak louder than words.

The Kansas City Chiefs swept the Cleveland Browns in a clean and decisive game, proving that there was no need to play language games with clowns like the Cleveland Browns and that they refused to lower themselves to the level of the Browns.

Look at Mayfield, how smug he was before the game, how pathetic he became afterward. His previous glory, pride, and confidence have all turned into a slap in the face.

The Kansas City Chiefs' victory was a foregone conclusion, but the entire league fell silent after witnessing such a lopsided massacre in the divisional playoffs.

Now they finally understood what Hubble meant.

All three divisional series have ended in disaster, with the Kansas City Chiefs' pursuit of a fourth consecutive championship seemingly faltering. Regardless of the process, the offseason, or the regular season, things that people don't want to see are gradually unfolding.

Will the 2020 season end in the same place and with the same ending? Will the NFL's fate ultimately follow the same path?
All roads lead to Rome. No matter how you detour, change direction, or adjust your route, the final destination is still Rome.

(End of this chapter)