Stephen A. Smith did not hold back in his latest tirade, calling out Shannon Sharpe for his controversial pick as the best team in the AFC. In a heated segment on “First Take,” Smith demanded that Sharpe be “tested” for his audacious choice, which notably excluded powerhouse teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.
Sharpe’s unexpected selection of the Pittsburgh Steelers as the top team in the AFC raised eyebrows. During the discussion, he highlighted the Steelers’ coaching and discipline, asserting that they “don’t beat themselves.” However, Smith was quick to counter this assertion, labeling it as “nonsense.” He emphasized the impressive performances of the Bills, particularly quarterback Josh Allen, who has been a standout this season.
Smith’s Passionate Defense of the Bills
Smith passionately defended the Bills, stating, “Forgive me for saying this on national television at the top of the 10 o’clock hour this early in the morning.” He expressed disbelief at Sharpe’s choice, insisting that it was ludicrous to overlook the Bills, especially after their recent victory over the Chiefs. “You’ve got to be crazy to say something like that,” he exclaimed, underscoring the importance of acknowledging the Bills’ capabilities.
The Bills showcased their strength in a recent matchup, defeating the Chiefs 30-21. Smith pointed out that despite some interceptions thrown by Allen in recent games, his overall performance has been spectacular. “I know he’s been throwing some interceptions over the last four games, but the bottom line is this brother has been playing spectacularly throughout most of this season,” Smith declared.
Chiefs’ Struggles and Fan Frustration
The Chiefs, who were considered the favorites to win the AFC Conference, faced a setback with their first loss of the season against the Bills. Fans were left fuming after a critical fourth-down pass intended for tight end Travis Kelce was intercepted by Bills’ Terrell Bernard, sealing Kansas City’s fate. This moment was particularly frustrating for fans, as it came with just over a minute left in the game.
Kelce’s performance in that game was subpar, finishing with only two catches for eight yards, marking one of his lowest outputs of the season. Following the game, CBS captured Kelce walking off the field to a mix of applause and criticism from fans. Comments like “Kelce is such a loser” and “Kelce is such a tool” flooded social media, reflecting the frustration of Chiefs supporters.
Sharpe’s Justification and Smith’s Rebuttal
Despite Sharpe’s rationale for choosing the Steelers, which included their nine wins this season—one more than the Bills and Chiefs—Smith was unconvinced. He pointed out that the Steelers’ recent performances, including a game where they managed only six field goals, did not warrant the title of the best team in the AFC. “You can’t get in the end zone and you’re gonna come up here and say that that team would be the favorites? Stop that nonsense,” Smith exclaimed, clearly frustrated with Sharpe’s logic.
Smith’s passionate defense of the Bills was not just about stats; it was about the eye test. He highlighted Allen’s impressive 26-yard run during the game against the Chiefs, showcasing his dynamic playmaking ability. “We’ve seen the Buffalo Bills answer the call yesterday,” he said, reinforcing his belief that the Bills deserve recognition for their performance.
The AFC Landscape and Future Implications
As the AFC playoff picture begins to take shape, the debate over the best team is heating up. With the Bills, Chiefs, and Steelers all in the mix, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the remainder of the season unfolds. The Chiefs, despite their recent loss, remain a formidable force with a talented roster led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes. However, the pressure is mounting as they look to bounce back and reclaim their status as the top team in the conference.
Meanwhile, the Bills continue to build momentum, and their victory over the Chiefs could be a turning point in their season. With Allen at the helm and a strong supporting cast, they are poised to make a deep playoff run. As for the Steelers, while they have shown resilience, the question remains whether they can compete with the likes of the Bills and Chiefs when it matters most.
In the end, Smith’s passionate defense of the Bills and his critique of Sharpe’s pick have sparked a lively debate among fans and analysts. As the NFL season progresses, one thing is certain: the competition in the AFC is fierce, and every game counts. Who will emerge as the best team in the conference? Only time will tell, but the excitement and drama of the NFL are what keep fans coming back for more.
