The Big Yawn

Two great teams, two great quarterbacks, and one team—the Eagles—that I can not stand, you’d think that I would be invested in Sunday’s game.

It’s Super Bowl time again, and as we wait for Sunday’s “Big Game” between the Chiefs and the Eagles, I have to make an admission; this year, I just don’t know if I have it in me to care.

On the surface, that doesn’t make much sense. By all accounts, this should be be one of the more compelling games in recent memory, and that all stems from the quarterback situation; on one had, you’ve got Patrick Mahomes who, with the retirement of Tom Brady, is next in line to emerge as the generational quarterback who will be the face of the league for the next 10 years—if he isn’t already. On the other hand you’ve got Jalen Hurts, an undersized, unconventional quarterback with—and it pains me to say as a Giant fan—the sort of charisma and guts that turn a guy into a star in this league.

But I’m not; and maybe it’s just because I’m spent.

In years past, more than I’d care to count, I was a passive watcher of the NFL. Mostly, this is because the Giants were bottom-feeders, incapable of arousing any sort of passion in my fandom as they’d scuffle to another six win season. But this year, against all odds—and despite the obvious deficiencies of the roster—the Giants mattered, making the playoffs and even knocking off the Vikings in the first round.

The swings of the season, the ups-and-inevitable-downs, were a wild ride, especially for a fanbase that hadn’t had a whole lot to cheer about in a decade. But it also left me with a football-shaped hole when the Eagles eventually ended the Giants season three weeks ago in the NFC Divisional

Round game. With the Giants eliminated, I couldn’t muster more than a passing “meh” at the Conference Championship games, no matter how compelling the Bengals-Chiefs tilt was. I was simply a husk of a fan with nothing more to pour into the game.

Will things change before Sun- day? It’s unlikely.

Sure I’ll put turn the game on; it’s an event after all. But I think the likeliest outcome for me is plopping down on the couch, eating too many wings, and halfheartedly paying attention—unless of course my box numbers are in the mix.

All things being equal, I’d rather get to be early and wake up refreshed on Monday. Thanks, Giants; you did this to me.

I’m only hoping you can do it again next year.

Follow Mike on Twitter @LiveMike_Sports