I love watching people perform in play-off situations especially when it is œone and done.  It is also interesting how quickly the media wants to hang œhero or goat tags on the performers.

So what makes a œhero?  Exceptional performance, you say.  Maybe.  Or, is it performing at their usual level of performance despite the circumstances?  People cant perform beyond their talent level.  They may appear to because of the situation or out of comparing what they did today to their history.

On January 24, 2010 four quarterbacks teed it up for their respective teams.  I thought all four played very well yet two will be evaluated on whether they lost or not.  It has to be that way no matter what they did.  Its in the design of any game; to produce a winner and a loser.

Mark Sanchez (Jets), Payton Manning (Colts), Drew Bledsoe (Saints) and the aging Bret Favre (Packers) all did their jobs and did them well.  Their performances matched how they saw the opportunity.  The opportunity to play in the Super Bowl.

I have always felt that getting to the final game was tougher than playing in the game whether it be the Super Bowl, NCAA Basketball finals, World Series, etc.

Congratulations to all four men and their teammates.  They gave everything they had.

Is there anything to learn here?  I think there might be.  Be sure that each  and every member of the team has a clearly defined role and the preparation to consistently deliver.

They also need to know that the coach, their leader, believes in them.  The higher the level of trust the more consistent the players performance.

One other factor for the coach.  To fully give your trust to another you need to fully trust yourself.  Any lack there will show up in your relationship with others.

You dont need heroes to be the best.  You just need consistent  performance, regardless of the circumstances.  Being good every day;  now that takes courage.