UNPACK This...Letting Go of Angerনমুনা

Quick-Snaps And Anger

Former NFL player, Domonique Foxworth once wrote an article detailing the successes of the Los Angeles Rams offense. The title of his article for The Undefeated was, “Yes, Sean McVay is an Offensive Genius – But What is the Rams Coach Doing That Others Aren’t? Let’s Break it Down.”

In it, he explained how one of the Rams’ keys to offensive success was the fact that they led the league in quick snaps:

“According to ESPN Analytics and NFL Next Gen Stats, the Rams rushed to the line and snapped the ball in less than five seconds after the ref set the ball 127 times this season. Most other teams didn’t quick-snap more than 40 times this season.”

Foxworth also wrote, “The advantage the Rams get from quick-snapping is obvious to even the untrained eye, which can see defenders scramble to get lined up properly, resulting in D-linemen getting blown off the ball on running plays and receivers going unguarded on passes.”

The Rams wanted to get the ball snapped quickly without giving the defense a chance to be set and ready to attack.

This pre-snap scenario can parallel our own lives when it comes to how we deal with anger. We can either do a “quick-snap” and not delay in getting rid of the anger, or we can hang onto it and give the enemy a chance to get in position to attack.

The advantage we have with “quick-snapping” anger is keeping the devil scrambling without giving him an opportunity to strike.

Ephesians 4:26-27 tells us to “Be angry [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].”

Today, let’s remember that as we turn to Jesus, He can help us “quick-snap” anger and not give the devil an opportunity to destructively invade our lives.

I’m Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I don’t want anger to fester in my life and cause me to sin. Please help me quickly snap out of anger and not give the devil any chance to grab ahold of me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.