The New England Patriots are Super Bowl Champions again, but last night's game was definitely different from their other Super Bowl performances. The lackluster game turned out to be the lowest scoring Super Bowl in NFL history with the Patriots beating the Rams 13-3.
There are some fans who enjoyed the defensive battle, but it really ended up being a punting duel. Although both teams have strong offenses, neither team could get much going and the punters kept being sent out on the field.
According to the New York Times, “It was the first time since Coach Sean McVay took over the team that the Rams were shut out in a first half, and it was just the second time in 36 games (including the playoffs) that they were held without a touchdown.”
The Rams were actually penalized for 65 yards and only rushed for 62 yards during the game.
Tom Brady played fine last night and led his team to the win, but he surprisingly threw an interception without throwing a touchdown and didn’t have a standout game.
So, on the biggest stage in sports, both teams' punters were showcased and heavily relied on. The Rams punted on 9 of their 12 drives and punter, Johnny Hekker, set a record for the longest Super Bowl punt with his 65-yarder.
After a slow game and tough broadcast up to that point, announcer Jim Nantz declared, “That’s the highlight of the game...it’s getting exciting now!”
Hekker actually broke former teammate (at Oregon State) and current Patriots' punter Ryan Allen’s record of 64 that he's held since 2015. Allen also punted a great game as he pinned the Rams back on the 6, 2, and 7-yard lines.
Normally, punts don’t warrant much excitement or get too much attention because they mean the offense’s drive has ended. After three downs of failing, teams decide to punt as a result of their offense not going anywhere and just not clicking.
Just as we don’t cheer for a Super Bowl filled with punting, we don't like choosing to punt in our own lives because it represents having to surrender.
Oftentimes, we’re stubborn and keep doing things our own way even though we’re failing “down after down.” The reality is, there are times when life isn’t clicking and not going anywhere, and we simply need to punt. Instead of choosing our selfish ways and engaging in sin, we need to repent...turn from our sin...and punt!
Romans 2:5-8 (NLT) gives us a clear picture of this:
"But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.
"He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers.
"But He will pour out His anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness.”
It's hard to admit that we're living for ourselves as we refuse to let go. But when we punt and daily surrender to Jesus, He forgives, restores, leads, and transforms us.
Today, let's choose to experience His glory, honor, and eternal life. Let’s stop being stubborn by embracing the punt!
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for living for myself and for being so stuck in my ways. Help me let go and live for You and in Your strength. Thank you for Your grace through Jesus. It’s in His name I pray, Amen.
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