There is no question about that.
And the thing is, ALL teams are vulnerable to trap games. Every single team.
A really mature team that has won rings and lots of playoff games is LESS vulnerable, because it is less reliant on emotion and more consistent in its productivity. But, such a team can become jaded and less than inspired. Elite teams lose trap games every year.
Now, I have said repeatedly that I trust this coaching staff and team to come in prepared and to compete.
But, there is no guarantee of a win. As D'Marco says, the other team gets paid too and can make plays.
What people often forget is the incredibly fine line between execution and breakdown. A team can be focused, prepared, and intense ... but the mojo slips just a bit. A strong hand doesn't quite grip the QB in a sack. A ball flutters out of a WR's hands. A RB stumbles slightly making a but. A borderline call goes the other way. A few of these add up and suddenly a team is chasing the game as it slips away.
You know, I often get a strong sense of upsets brewing when I watch games. At any level. The better team misses a few chances early. The lesser team hangs around and makes some plays. And you can feel the energy flowing against the favored group. It happens.
Which is why they always bet on games and nobody ever really knows.
So, right now, I expect us to beat the Cards on Sunday. I don't fear that we will tank it. We don't do that anymore. McV will have us ready. And we are a better team.
But, yes, it is a trap game. It will remain a trap game even if we win comfortably. And there's a decent chance we'll lose it.
I do say that because of the past. Not the S O S A R past. I don't believe we are that team any more. But because of the 5 decades in which I have watched sporting events and NFL games. And, yeah, we might very well lose this one. We are good, but I don't know if we are good enough, mature enough, to reduce the odds of losing this one to where seasoned champions would have them.
It will be a good test. And if we pass it ... all the better for our resume!
