CONTENDER OR PRETENDER
by Roc_2L2Q | 5 years ago | 1 Comments
As the confetti falls my dreams of being a champion seem to follow. My only Super Bowl appearance ended in a 7-0 defensive battle against Coach Astin and my hometown team the Baltimore Ravens. Given a talented 49ers team left behind by Coach Kelly, my adjustments to the league's style of play sent me on a remarkable playoff run. Only time would tell if I had the championship pedigree it took to go from one good user to another. Could I possibly maintain the legacy he built?
As a wildcard, the playoff run gave me nostalgic feelings. The same feelings I gained while watching Ray Lewis’s last ride. But this time it was the beginning of my own, as a member of Red Zone. I was fully LOCKED IN! The first game was against Coach Metal’s beloved Philadelphia Eagles which he already claimed 3 titles that cycle, my hands seem to be full. We came away with a game-winning touchdown. I remember the play call vividly, single back doubles north slot corner on 2. The play went as anticipated and I threw a complete dagger to the hearts of Philly. Next week in the divisional round we would match up against Coach Black Magic’s Washington team that was built off of speed and power. Black Magic and I had our battles with one another during our time in MEE I felt we were somewhat prepared for the challenge. The game plan was ball security and keeping an eye on the deep ball, which we successfully executed leading to a victory. To think that advancing past our previous opponents was enough to get me to my goal I had one more opportunity. An NFC championship game against Coach Ernest and his Detroit Lions. I must admit, I’ve never played someone that made every dink so accurate and totally dunk when you least expected it. But I had to do what I do best run the ball and play defense. That lead to a field goal in an OT thriller.
During that time leading up to the Super Bowl, I remember isolating myself from the chat. I like to cancel all the noise until the job is done. I'm the kind of person that doesn’t like things too high or too low. Even though we got to the big dance, just being there wasn’t enough. Even with all the love and support from the Black GM’s, I still sat and wondered going up against the league's top juggernaut who’s not accustomed to losing.... Did I reach my peak? Was the moment too big for the newbie? I’d chase that feeling again the next cycle almost joining the NFC East to play with Philadelphia but I went with my heart and chose to go with Baltimore. I couldn’t pass up on the chance to use “Action Jackson” Lamar if your nasty. I’d get a chance to play at home and build a team to my liking. Jackson won multiple AFC player of the week awards, an MVP candidate and Baltimore would sit at the top of North making the playoffs consistently. The third season of that cycle a Wild card weekend loss against the Titans would be my last. I would retire from the league.
After taking some much-needed time away from the game I got a call from Coach Ballard informing me about a coaching opportunity in Jacksonville. Max was the reason I joined the league; he knew my love for the game of football back when we use to have our NCAA rivalries Miami vs Florida St. I knew that I grew from my time away and accepted the job. I came into the cycle mid-season with a Super Bowl-winning organization as an intern coach. It was too far into the season to compete the way I’d like but the foundation was laid. In the last season of the cycle, we would make the necessary moves for the team to have us as the 2 seed in the AFC until losing 3 straight finishing as a 6 seed. Overtime in New York ended the season losing to the Jets.
With all the rumbling out of the way, heading into Madden 21 ironically, I’ll be coaching the Tennessee Titans. A team that has continuously ended my season on and off the sticks. Until then the goal is still the same but, when it’s all said and done the question will forever be is Roc really a contender or pretender?