Early on our Sunday of Conference Champions, men in red and gold from the west entered the arena — then lost two leaders in one dreadful spurt. Those 49ers got a volunteer from the ranks — one who could play quarterback — but the rest of their day wasn’t Purdy.
 
On the eastern squad, Jalen the Valiant ignored his hurts and led his Eagles to victory. The Niners seemed to have everything — a rising star at QB, a coveted running back, storied receivers — but that ferocious Eagle defense was too much. 
 
Later on Championship Sunday, Chiefs entered the ring with hungry Bengals, as two teams from the middle region clashed. Above the deafening roar of the crowd, the warriors’ limping leader evaded those ravenous tigers to win a cliffhanger, a real crowd-pleaser.
 
Recently, I had postulated that the Bengals — the healthiest contender — had the best chance to reach Super Sunday and devour the remaining contestants. After all, they had mauled mighty buffaloes just a week ago. But in the coliseum, nothing is certain. To my surprise, the Bengals decided not to run the ball — and the clock. In the final four minutes of a heavy passing match, I thought they might mix it up by calling on Mr. Mixon. But no. With the score tied and Cincinnati holding an advantageous second-and-three, they inexplicably elected to have Joe Cool attempt a deep pass. It was intercepted, and the stage was set for Mr. Magic Mahomes.

So, now, the stage is set for Super Sunday. In two weeks, fearless gladiators will once again enter the coliseum for the final battle of the season — Chiefs vs. Eagles. The citizenry will count down the hours until their heroes take the field — one last time — with the rest of the world watching.
 
In this coliseum we call the NFL, young men chase dreams of great fortune and fame, while past warriors train them and advise them. A few aging gladiators, longing for another taste of glory, ignore peril and reenter the battlefield — sometimes long after they should have sheathed their swords and hung up their cleats. But one aging gladiator has decided to leave the arena again. Tom Brady. Is it for good this time?

The stops and starts, injuries and comebacks, champions rising and falling — aren't they all part of the melodrama? Aren't these performances what the citizenry talks about? These escapes from our worldly cares? 

Until Super Sunday, our gladiators have two weeks to sharpen their weapons and nurse their injuries. I will spend some time evaluating their progress before I put pen to paper once more to assess each team's chance of claiming the ultimate glory.
 
After the final exploits, after the last clouds of confetti rain down onto the coliseum floor, only memories will remain. Will they fuel future dreams?  Future heroes? Future treks to the grand coliseum?
 
Perhaps. But right now, citizens, it’s back to the day-to-day grind. Stay safe.