The AFC championship game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs proved that Super Bowl LVI was the game with no guarantee. Despite getting an 18 point lead in the first half, The Chiefs are not the ones going to the big game. The team violated two basic principles that cost them the AFC title.
Both these principles have little or nothing to do with gameplay or the coach’s strategy. It has to do with mindset.
There is No Comfort Zone in Football (or Life)
First, I think that the Chiefs were too confident they were going to be in Super Bowl LVI.
Most people wouldn’t blame them. The Cincinnati Bengals hadn’t been in the Super Bowl for 33 years before this season. In addition, the Chiefs had stacked up an 18 point lead in the first half of the game. They got comfortable and underestimate their opponents.
However, that all changed when they were going for their fourth straight touchdown against Cincinnati. It was this next mistake that ended up showing them that you’re never guaranteed a win.
You Need Points to Go to the Super Bowl
As a result of this next mistake, the tide of the game turned against Kansas City. The Chiefs had made it to the one-yard line and were going for their fourth touchdown. However, it seemed that in their over-confidence, they forgot one thing.
You need to score to win a football game.
Look, I support taking risks, but I am a coward when it comes to things that will cost me money. Winning football games is how these players make money. Kansas City quarterback Mahomes kept trying for the fourth touchdown instead of taking the field goal with seconds left in the first half.
The Bengals were able to then close the score in the second half and go on to win in overtime.
No Guarantees in ANY Game
What am I trying to say with all this?
I am saying two things that apply to all areas of life but can be illustrated in this football game.
- Don’t get comfortable and keep the competitive edge. It keeps you in the game.
- Don’t give up things of value you have for what might be. Risks are fine. But if you’re winning with something, don’t change it!
There was no guarantee that the Kansas City Chiefs would make it into Super Bowl LVI. Unfortunately, they realized that too late. You don’t need to make those same mistakes in your big games though if you follow the advice here.
Be great.
Grant Cardone