The race for the Lombardi Trophy is down to just four teams, and if you’re anything like me, there’s only one team left to root for: the NotPats.
It’s an annual tradition in the Schubert household — one whose roots date all the way back to the fall of 2004, when flip phones were a thing, excessively long beards were for Soggy Bottom Boys and the New England Patriots were on the verge of winning their third Super Bowl title in four years.
The premise of NotPats fandom is simple. No matter what team is involved, always root for whoever is playing the Patriots. Short of that, root for whoever has the best chance of beating the Patriots in the next round.
So, in the case of this year’s NFL conference championships, that would mean my allegiances lay with the Kansas City Chiefs and, in the case of their inevitable loss, the New Orleans Saints. Because the only thing that can fill the empty hole inside me is a NotPats win.
Unfortunately, there are a few problems with cheering for the NotPats.
First and foremast, the Pats have arguably the best big-game coach (Bill Belichick) in the history of football and one of the best big-game quarterback (Tom Brady), as well. Even worse, the NotPats have an uncanny ability to do the worst possible thing in the most critical moments.
For instance, remember when the NotPats’ quarterback kept trailing by two scores late in Super Bowl XXXIX? Or what about when the NotPats at the end of Super Bowl XLIX? More recently, who could forget the time the NotPats blew a 25-point lead in the second half of Super Bowl LI, ?
Heartbreaking moments, each and every one of them, especially when all you want to see is a sad Tom Brady.
There just aren’t enough of those moments in the world.
Then again, .
— , The Denver Post
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What’s on Tap?
- Nuggets: Golden State Warriors, 7 p.m. Tuesday, ALT |
- Avalanche: At Ottawa Senators, 5 p.m. Wednesday, ALT |
TV/RADIO: Here’s what sports are airing today
Scoreboard
NHL: Avalanche 6, Maple Leafs 3
Full story |
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Must-Read
Kiszla vs. O’Halloran: Whatap the Broncos’ best answer for Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes?
What do two of Denver’s most-hated rivals have that the Broncos don’t? Well, a quality quarterback, for starters. Going forward, how does Denver best compete with young Patrick Mahomes in the AFC West? Read more…
“All eyes are on him”: Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic scores season-high 40 in MVP-caliber performance
The Nuggets are the proud owners of the league’s most dominant home record at 18-3 and that includes 12 consecutive wins at the Pepsi Center. Read more…
Why Colorado State’s AD supports Mike Bobo “without a doubt”
You better believe Joe Parker read Izzy Matthews’ reddit posts, too. But the Colorado State athletic director told The Denver Post Monday that it didn’t change his opinion of Rams football coach Mike Bobo — or his opinion of the direction Bobo is taking the program. Read more…
Mike Munchak named Broncos offensive line coach; Kubiak joins Vikings
Munchak, a Pro Football Hall of Fame player and former Tennessee Titans head coach, was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive line coach the last five years but his contract was set to expire this offseason. He was the runner-up to Vic Fangio for the Broncos head coaching job. Read more…
Quick Hits
+ Broncos Mailbag: Should Denver go with a quarterback or defensive player with 10th overall pick?
+ Broncos’ offensive coordinator search: Five candidates to consider for the job.
+ Nuggets mailbag: Why don’t we hear more about Isaiah Thomas and Michael Porter Jr.?
+ Once considered a strength, team depth is thinning for CU Buffs basketball.
+ The CU Buffs football team added two more recruits to the Class of 2019.
+ Northern Colorado men’s basketball kept pace in the Big Sky standings with a win over Montana State.
+ Congratulations to our own Patrick Saunders, who was named Colorado Sportswriter of the Year.
+ The crazy eyes of Adam Gase took the internet by storm Monday in New York.
+ The White House spared no expense for the national championship-winning Clemson Tigers.
+ Kyler Murray declares for NFL draft: A’s 1st-round pick’s final decision between baseball and football looms.
Post Mailbag forms
+ Broncos Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Nuggets Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Avs Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
+ Rockies Mailbag: Have a question about the team? .
By The Numbers
6
The number of Coloradans — five women and one man — who were named to Sports Illustrated’s list of fittest athletes in the world.
Parting Shot
Kiszla: Drew Lock or Kyler Murray? Unshackled from Gary Kubiak’s outdated offense, possibilities endless for Broncos’ quarterback of future.
“At long last, the Denver offense can join the NFL revolution. The Broncos can get on with the business of firing back at division rivals Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City and Philip Rivers in Los Angeles.” Read more…
Get in Touch
If you see something thatap cause for question or have a comment, thought or suggestion, email me at dboniface@denverpost.com or tweet me .
