The Patriots, Jaguars, Vikings, and Eagles are the final four teams remaining in the NFL playoffs, and are all preparing for the Conference Championships on Sunday.
As they have their sights set on making it to the Super Bowl, everyone else is analyzing how these teams have made it this far.
Other NFL teams are wondering what the formula for success is...or what type of offenses work best...or what defenses lead to the most winning.
Fans of non-playoff teams are hoping their favorite franchise will begin to follow the Patriots' model...or take steps that lead to a dramatic turnaround like the Jaguars had.
Based on the four quarterbacks remaining, one of the theories now being discussed is whether or not a team really needs an elite quarterback to win big.
People have said that Nick Foles is a backup, Case Keenum is a journeyman, and Blake Bortles isn’t consistent - yet their teams are one win away from the Super Bowl. (Of course there is also Tom Brady, but he’s in a league of his own!)
Although having a franchise quarterback has always been recognized as the key to on-going success in the NFL, this year that theory is being challenged.
Having said that, once we look a little deeper into the success of the playoff teams, we see that the Eagles wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for their franchise QB Carson Wentz playing most of the year (before getting injured).
The Jaguars may be having an amazing season without relying on Bortles, but how long is that sustainable? Case Keenum is proving that he could actually be a franchise QB, despite not being viewed as one before this year.
From my perspective, thinking an NFL franchise will have regular playoff runs without a legitimate and reliable franchise QB is foolish, and the idea that a team doesn’t need one just isn’t true.
In unpacking whether or not there is a need for a team to have a great QB, I am reminded of similar foolish perspectives in our own lives. We can easily convince ourselves that we don’t need the help of others when we’re struggling, and that we can get through tough times on our own.
Sometimes we don't think we need prayer because we're not sure God is going to listen...and don't think we need church and fellowship with other believers because we're self-sufficient.
The reality is, many of us allow our pride to get in the way of seeing our true needs in life. When we don’t acknowledge the need for advice and community, or think we can get through life without a “franchise quarterback,” the words in 1 Corinthians 3:18 (AMP) are a wake up call:
"Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool , so that he may become wise.”
Today, let’s stop being foolish like a team trying to win without a great quarterback. Instead, let's remember our need for wisdom, help from others, and most importantly, our need for Jesus as our Savior.
Let's cling to Jesus' words in John 15:5 (NLT): “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess I’ve been deceived at times and have believed that I can do things apart from You. I pray I’d be fully surrendered to You and dependent on You. I know I need You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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