This weekend, we get to see the NFL’s top four teams compete for a chance to play in the Super Bowl. But what if, rather of going up against one another, they joined forces?
We did a little daydreaming and put together what we believe is the strongest team made up of players plucked from the rosters of the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams. A Final Four Super Squad, if you will.
The premise is simple: 11 players on offence, 11 on defence and a trio for special teams. No contracts, no cap considerations. Just football, and a whole lot of fun.
First, we need to address the GOAT in the room: It feels weird not to pick five-time Super Bowl champ Tom Brady, but Patrick Mahomes’ dynamic playmaking this year (5,097 passing yards, 50 TDs and So. Many. Highlights.) gives the young gun the edge simply for entertainment’s sake. Plus, giving him weapons like Michael Thomas, Julian Edelman and his usual targets, Tyreek Hill, sets the stage for all the no-look, wrong-handed, on-the-run, sidearm TD passes we can handle — though, with this rock-solid offensive line, he’d probably have all the time in the world.
Tight ends Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkoswki can both change the outlook of a game, but Kelce’s offensive production this year – 103 receptions for 1,336 yards and 10 touchdowns – makes him the obvious choice. (Hey, this is our dream team, and we want touchdowns!) Meanwhile, though the Saints led the league in rushing touchdowns (26) this year thanks to their dynamic duo, Rams running back Todd Gurley has enough boom and zoom all on his own to make him a no-brainer pick to run the ball here.
Seriously, how fun would this lineup be?
Imagine having Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh on the same– oh, right. It’s hard to dream up a defensive line much scarier than L.A.’s in terms of QB pressure, but including versatile defenders like Dee Ford (the Chiefs’ lone representative this side of the ball) and Cameron Jordan makes this defensive squad straight-up scary. Pairing up Saints star Marshon Lattimore with Stephon Gilmore makes for a pretty deadly secondary.
Good luck putting together a successful drive against this powerhouse.
Of the kickers remaining, the Saints’ Wil Lutz had the best regular season showing, splitting the uprights 28 times in 30 attempts for a 93 per cent success rate. And Tyreek Hill returning kicks is a no-brainer.
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