MMMD 2.8.16 Injuries not an excuse Everyone wants the game decided between the white lines. No one wants the “what ifs” of an injured key player or a referee’s blown call. Although Super Bowl 50 was not a mistake free game, fans got what they wanted. The better team (or should I say the better defense) won and no one is making excuses. This was an essentially healthy Super Bowl. Sure there were key players from both teams that were on injured reserve, like Kelvin Benjamin, Charles Tillman, and Ryan Clady (all three out from ACL tears). However, key injuries on both clubs played and all were able to contribute. There were no excuses coming from the Panthers. Thomas Davis played well as expected just two weeks after breaking his forearm. Jared Allen played despite a fractured foot. Coach Ron Rivera dismissed the ideal that Corey Brown leaving with a concussion changed the game. The Broncos trio of injured defensive backs, T.J. Ward, Darian Stewart and Chris Harris all played. Peyton Manning played without obvious effects of his plantar fasciitis. Concerns about the grass field at Levi’s Stadium being suboptimal or causing injury were unfounded. Sure there were some slips but a loose turf/poor footing actually helps to reduce traumatic injury. Even with the halftime show and the post-game trophy presentation, the field seemed to hold up to my post-game inspection. I am happy Super Bowl 50 involved no cart offs and few injuries. There was no concussion controversy like last year with Julian Edelman that led to the new medical timeout rule. Corey Brown did enter the concussion protocol, despite originally the calf being the main concern. A positive injury spin for the golden Super Bowl is the way I like it. I wish every game would be more like this one. MMMD 1: MVP for a reason Of course Von Miller’s game changing play is what earned him the Most Valuable Player award. His 2.5 sacks and two forced turnovers were key. The reason for his spectacular play is that he is finally 100% Although he played well last season, the second season back from ACL is usually the better year. I tell my patients it takes a minimum of 18 months to forget about your knee. When I asked Miller about his knee last year during Super Bowl week, he claimed his knee was good, but when pressed, admitted there was more improvement to come. No matter how hard someone works, you just can’t speed up the biology of the ACL graft incorporating and becoming a ligament again. MMMD 2: Ups and downs of being there in person Although I sorely miss seeing the broadcast and don’t have access to replay, there are up sides to being in San Francisco. I learned a lot by being there asking the right medical questions and observing first hand. There were reports of a laser healing Jared Allen’s foot fracture. When asked about it, the Panthers DE said he didn’t know if it was the laser that helped him or the myriad of other treatment modalities. Thomas Davis had no swelling and no protection on his forearm during the week. I doubt the picture circulating of his “football-like” forearm was a current one. The photo Davis posted seemed to be taken well before arrival in the Bay area.
