Only a couple of days away from the Super Bowl and we are all breaking down the matchup and trying to figure out who has the advantage. There is an endless amount of analysis about how each team got to this point and what makes them successful.
Domonique Foxworth wrote an article for The Undefeated with the headline, “Yes, Sean McVay is an Offensive Genius – But What is the Rams Coach Doing That Others Aren’t? Let’s Break it Down.”
He describes the Rams’ style, play-calling, unique formations, and talent. He also gives this explanation about how the team leads the league in quick-snaps:
“According to ESPN Analytics and NFL Next Gen Stats, the Rams rushed to the line and snapped the ball in less than five seconds after the ref set the ball 127 times this season. Most other teams didn’t quick-snap more than 40 times this season.”
Foxworth also writes, “The advantage the Rams get from quick-snapping is obvious to even the untrained eye, which can see defenders scramble to get lined up properly, resulting in D-linemen getting blown off the ball on running plays and receivers going unguarded on passes.”
The Rams don’t give the defense extra time to get in position or make switches. They want to get the ball snapped quickly without giving the defense a chance to be set and ready to attack.
This presnap scenario can parallel our own lives when it comes to how we deal with anger. We can either do a “quick-snap” and not delay in getting rid of the anger, or we can hang onto it and give the enemy a chance to get in position to attack.
The advantage we have with “quick-snapping” anger is we keep the devil scrambling without giving him an opportunity to strike. We don’t want anger to linger or build or lead to sin.
The Bible talks about anger in Ephesians 4:26-27 (NLV): “If you are angry, do not let it become sin. Get over your anger before the day is finished. Do not let the devil start working in your life.”
I think these other two translations of the same verses can help us understand the importance of quickly letting go of anger:
Ephesians 4:26-27 (AMP) tells us to “Be angry [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].”
Ephesians 4:26-27 (CEV) tells us, “Don’t get so angry that you sin. Don’t go to bed angry and don’t give the devil a chance.”
Today, let’s remember we can’t do this in our own strength, but as we turn to Jesus, He can help us “quick-snap” anger and not give the devil an opportunity to destructively invade our lives.
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I don’t want anger to fester in my life and cause me to sin. Please help me quickly snap out of anger and not give the devil any chance to grab ahold of me. Thank you for Your peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
