Heading into the 2020 NFL season, the Chiefs and 49ers have the advantage of bringing back many great young players and solid veterans from their Super Bowl LIV roster.
With free agency and salary caps, it’s hard for teams to remain intact, but the Chiefs rank 2nd and the 49ers 4th in a continuity ranking on ESPN.com.
The list ranks all 32 NFL teams based on the number of players/total snaps returning to the same team, with Buffalo first and Carolina last.
In a corresponding piece on ESPN.com, with the headline, “Chiefs, 49ers Feel Familiarity May Aid Return to Super Bowl,” writers Adam Teicher and Nick Wagoner explain how the top two teams from a year ago are positioned well to make another run.
With organized team activities, mandatory minicamps, and in-person off-season workouts at facilities eliminated because of the Coronavirus, the teams returning with the same players and coaches should have an advantage.
Chiefs' General Manager, Brett Veach, acknowledged, “...I think it certainly plays in your favor for the continuity and knowing the playbook and knowing what's expected.
"Whenever we get back into the swing of things with camp, whether it be shortened or whether we start at the original start date, I think guys just knowing how things operate and knowing the terminology and the playbook, I don't see how it could be a disadvantage. I think it would certainly put us in a good position here."
The Chiefs and 49ers are already two of the most talented teams in the league. When you throw in the fact they have more familiarity with their playbook, the coaches, and their teammates, they're set up to handle the unique and challenging upcoming season.
This concept of being familiar with the playbook, “knowing what’s expected,” and “knowing how things operate” parallels how we put ourselves in a good position when familiar with God’s Word.
When we study, memorize, and meditate on scripture, we become familiar with God’s character, grace, love, will, heart, principles, and commandments. We understand how to live, how things operate, and know what God expects from us.
Psalm 119:1-7 (NLT) says, "Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey His laws and search for Him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in His paths.
"You have charged us to keep Your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect Your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with Your commands. As I learn Your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!"
The more familiar we become with the Bible, the more equipped we’ll be to handle the unique challenges of life. When scripture is in our hearts and minds, we have an advantage and ability to thrive and live with character and according to God’s playbook.
I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that I'd have a hunger to know Your Word and be familiar with Your instructions and commands. I pray Your Word would be at the forefront of my mind and heart. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What is your approach to God's Word?
How familiar are you with the Bible?
Why is it important to know scripture in a deep way?
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