The next few days are a major cause of withdrawal for NFL fans as the Super Bowl officially ends the season. You’ll have to wait a few days before I decide on my official Super Bowl prediction. But right now I can tell you who I’m most happy for as we approach LI. It begins with Rich McKay, the President/CEO of the Atlanta Falcons, and the general manager of the Buccaneers for 10 years. He’s one of the brightest minds in the NFL, named one of the ten most influential people in pro football by Sports Illustrated writer Peter King, and one of my all-time favorite people and interviews.
He’s media-savvy, comes across great on camera, and knows what he’s talking about. And in the instances, like his annual pre-Draft news conference he used to do with the Bucs, when he wouldn’t divulge anything, he would still be glib and erudite without saying anything. Born for television. I’m also happy for former Bucs’ head coach Raheem Morris, who’s now the assistant head coach/wide receivers coach for the Falcons. Rah was always friendly to me, a good interview, readily available and tight with his players… sometimes to a fault.
Falcons’ kicker Matt Bryant has never been better in his 15-year career, even better than his 4 years with the Bucs. They shouldn't have gotten rid of him. There are former Florida Gators Dan Quinn, formerly the DC in Gainesville and now Falcons’ Head Coach; and rookie defensive backs Keanu Neal and Brian Poole. And even former USF quarterback B.J. Daniels, who’s now on the Falcons’ practice squad as a wide receiver. But don’t go by my favorite people, as an indication of who I like to win Super Bowl LI. That’s coming next week.
