Dominate the Super Bowl

Upsets happen every year, but this year, there are especially many.

First, the New England Patriots unexpectedly lost to the Tennessee Titans after twenty-five years; then, the New Orleans Saints became the first team in NFL history to lose in the wildcard round with thirteen wins.

The Philadelphia Eagles, though not considered an upset, inexplicably suffered three consecutive home losses in the wildcard round, completely losing their home-field advantage.

Add to that the last-minute rollercoaster and thrilling moments of the Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills, even the fourth seed in the American League almost lost.

An unusual atmosphere hovers over this season's NFL head.

No exceptions.

No matter the team or the venue, even the legendary Gillette Stadium of the New England Patriots dynasty couldn't escape this looming curse.

This... is significant.

When the wildcard round ended, a rumor quickly spread throughout the league, heard by everyone, regardless of their involvement.

"Home field curse," meaning that in this extraordinary 2019 season, the playoffs saw players who usually excel at home face unexpected setbacks, falling into a strange cycle of underperformance.

Don't be skeptical, Brady and Brees have already become the first victims.

When the regular season concluded, who could have foreseen Brady and Brees both stopped at the wildcard round? The "old warriors dying on the beach" speed was indeed too fast, and the way it happened was too consistent, revealing an odd aura.

Perhaps someone might object now, what about the Houston Texans? How did they escape? Don't credit Watt's sorcery for banishing the curse.

The answer lies not with the Houston Texans but with the Buffalo Bills.

Since their unparalleled feat in the early 1990s of reaching the Super Bowl four times consecutively but tragically losing each one, the Buffalo Bills seem to have exhausted all their luck, remaining under the "four-time runner-up curse" for the next thirty years.

For years, despite finally breaking through the blockade of divisional rival New England Patriots to enter the playoffs, the Buffalo Bills inexplicably lost matches, hasn't it happened enough times?

Ignoring distant examples, just consider the wildcard game against the Houston Texans; the Buffalo Bills already had victory in hand yet bizarrely lost—

If it's not a curse, then what is it?

The only thing to say is that the thirty-year-old "four-time runner-up curse" is more seasoned than the "home field curse" swirling this season.

Before the "home field curse" defeated the Houston Texans, the "four-time runner-up curse" had already choked Buffalo Bills.

That's the right answer.

Moreover, in the professional league, despite everyone saying not to be superstitious, to trust science, practice is like this, competition is the same, the era powered by intuition and inspiration is gone, the league now trusts data analysis and tactical layouts.

However, in reality?

Competitive sports should be the most superstitious circle in all industries; almost every player has their little superstition and firmly believes that this stubborn belief can bring them victory or even a championship.

"Rather believe it exists than not," right?

Buzzing and bustling, everyone inside and outside the league casts their gaze, joking and mocking verbally, pretending disbelief; yet privately, rumors spread rapidly, unprecedented, and surround Kansas City like an isolated island.

After all, the "home field curse" targets Kansas City.

Since losing at home against the Buffalo Bills on November 26, 2017, Arrowhead Stadium has maintained a streak of twenty-one consecutive wins in regular and playoff seasons over two years, undeniably becoming the league's strongest home field, the ultimate stage everyone dreams of shaking and challenging.

If—it's only a hypothesis, if the "home field curse" that briefly takes effect in this season's playoffs does indeed exist, Arrowhead Stadium bears the brunt of the backlash, the Kansas City Chiefs may face an unprecedented challenge.

So, could this become a variable in the playoffs?

No matter if others believe it or not, the Tennessee Titans already believe it first.

"Hey, Derrick."

Amidst the chattering crowd, AJ Brown, the new Wide Receiver selected with the fifty-first pick in the second round by the Tennessee Titans this year, loudly called out to Henry, who was heading to the locker room for a shower.

"Do you believe it?"

AJ Brown asked, as nearby curious gazes all gathered towards Henry—

Undoubtedly, "Emperor Henry" has already become an iconic figure for the Tennessee Titans, this superstar running back becoming the team's most solid support.

Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans are about to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs away; the "Crimson Tide Storm Showdown 3.0", the clash between Henry and Li Wei, has early grabbed the league's focus. Who would've thought that a running back showdown could one day become the biggest highlight in a passing-dominant league?

Henry paused, met AJ Brown's gaze, and didn't immediately answer, rather stood still, seemingly pondering the question.

The air was somewhat silent.

Henry didn't feel it, but surrounding players were almost suffocating.

This scene caught the eye of quarterback Tannehill, who hesitated slightly—

Previously with the Miami Dolphins, he was the starting quarterback, team leader, locker room core, needed to voice himself; but back then, he was too young, didn't know how to express himself nor how to lead the team, and if locker room management was a course, he obviously failed.

Now with the Tennessee Titans, he's the backup-turned-starting quarterback, unsure of his future, who knows how long Mariota will sit on the bench, his age is insignificant against the backdrop of youth storms, even with some locker room management experience, he was unsure if he should stand out.

"Believe. Of course, believe."

Ultimately, Tannehill spoke up; he told himself, even if he's not the leader, he's still part of the locker room and needs to make some noise.

All eyes turned to Tannehill.

Including Henry, whose gaze held confusion.

Tannehill took a deep breath, "The entire league believes it; we have no need to stand out, obviously, just like everyone else, we also believe."

AJ Brown looked at Henry, then at Tannehill; why did this statement feel odd? Clearly saying it was belief, but seemed like disbelief.

"But why?" AJ Brown asked.

Tannehill, "These superstitions, the key is never about true or false, but about the player's mindset."

"Once convinced, drawing energy and gaining confidence, during the game or confrontation, it generates energy and triggers potential."

"At the same time, it can shake the opponent's confidence and resolve, if the opponent believes, they might doubt themselves in crucial moments."

"Superstitions. Rumors. The calculations all come down to human nature."