Round Two for the AFC North Crown

Open the history books and get ready to add another chapter to one of the best rivalries in the NFL. Baltimore and Pittsburgh are meeting for the twelfth time since 2000 for AFC supremacy and it happens on Christmas Day. Six out of the last seven meetings have gone to Baltimore including earlier this year. The Steelers have more AFC North titles since 2000, at seven, with Baltimore owning just four titles in that span. Both teams are relatively healthy, which means this clash of North super powers should be one for the ages. If you are looking at both teams' paths to this point since their last meeting, the cards have to be leaning to the Steelers, what do you think? Who are you rooting for?

“A lot of guys are treating these games like the playoffs already started”. That's what Steeler linebacker Ryan Shazier had to say, following Pittsburghs 24-20 victory eliminating the defending AFC North champion, Cincinnati Bengals, this past Sunday. The Ravens come in sneaking out of last Sunday with a 27-26 win over the Eagles. Setting the stage for these two giants to clash, for the Steelers they would love to win, clinching both the playoffs and fifth AFC North title, under head coach Mike Tomlin. For the Ravens, it's a chance to extend their winning streak to six games, a streak that dates back to Thanksgiving day 2013. Ravens saftey Eric Weddle said of the upcoming game against Pittsburgh “this is what we live for, it's all the hours, sacrifice and time for a chance to win the division and get into the dance.” If the Ravens want to come out of Pittsburgh Sunday with a win, they will have to contain Le’veon Bell and that means the Steeler's offensive line. A task the Ravens were up for in the first meeting between the two teams back in November. 

Here's what the Christmas Day game holds in the balance, for the Steelers it's an easy win, and they are the AFC North champions and more than likely the third seed going into the playoffs. The Ravens have a bit of a tougher path, they will have to win this week and next week against the Cincinnati Bengals to win the AFC North title and get into the playoffs. Jim Harbaugh said to win the Ravens will “need to play complete defense” as an old football coach of mine said “you have to get 11 hats to the ball if you want to win” meaning it has to be everyone on defense flying to the ball. This was the case for Baltimore in the first game between the two back on November 6^th. The Ravens held Bell to his season low only 57 total yards on the day, but the Ravens will have to stop a guy who, just two weeks ago, had three touchdowns, a franchise single game record of 236 against Buffalo. Baltimore has had Bell's number in four of the six games he's played against them limiting the phenom back to less than 75 yards in those games. For both come in healthy for the most part. 

The Steelers have two big question marks on the injury wire: Ladarius Green left Sunday's game against the Bengals after taking a hit in the fourth quarter, he will need to complete all of the NFLs concussion protocol before a determination can be made on his playing status. The other big name on the injury report is Stephon Tuitt, who left Sunday's game after the first series with a knee injury. It's still early on in the week to have a decision made on either of these guys, but if you are Todd Haley and the offense, Green is someone that could be a huge factor in this game. The tight end has come into his own as a Steeler since coming off the Physically Unable to Prefrom list. Tuitt is the third Defesive tackle to go down for the Steelers. If the Steelers could get Javon Hargrave back from the concussion protocol the Steelers will be in good shape. 

Three big questions for both teams, first for the Ravens: Can they stop the run? Can they contain Antonio Brown and the rest of the receiving core? Which Joe Flacco shows up for the Ravens? For the Steelers: Can they establish the run game early? Can they play a complete football game? Can the Steelers avoid get to emotional and play with out commuting costly penalties? The stage is set for another instant classic between these two powers. Christmas Day in Pittsburgh kickoff is at 4:30 wether in front of the tv or going to the game, this is not a game you want to miss. Who do you think will win? Is this the best rivalry in football right now? Is there anything better than December football in the AFC North? 

Written by:

Carlo Guadagnino 

http://cguadagn.wixsite.com/carlo-guadagnino

Twitter: @TheDINGOhimself

Edited by:
Alaina Roberts
Daniel Bishop M.A.

References:

http://m.baltimoreravens.com/s/38541/ScoresandSchedule

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2016/12/18/13999804/steelers-injury-report-big-names-question-marks-heading-into-week-16-stephon-tuitt-ladarius-green

http://triblive.com/sports/steelers/11653128-74/steelers-ravens-game

http://www.espn.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/90329/for-ravens-containing-steelers-leveon-bell-takes-a-mob-mentality

http://www.vegasinsider.com/nfl/history/afc-north/

http://www.pennlive.com/steelers/index.ssf/2016/12/steelers-bengals_taught_leveon_bell_a_le.html

http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/nfl-pittsburgh-steelers-news/2016/12/19/14000420/afc-playoff-picture-steelers-playoff-hopes-remain-strong-after-week-15-raiders-chiefs-ravens

http://www.espn.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/90325/ravens-pumped-for-biggest-regular-season-meeting-ever-with-rival-steeler

Army vs Navy: End of the 14 Year Drought for West Points

The most American game of the year in college football enjoyed the 117^th installment as the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen squared off in Baltimore this past Saturday. There was a lot going on with this game, President-Elect Donald Trump was in attendance, it was only the 8^th meeting in 117 years that the game was played in Baltimore, this year was also the highest TV ratings the game has received in 22 years. All of those things combined for one hell of a story, but don't forget chuckleheads there was also something to play for in this game, ending a 14 year streak dating back to 2001. 14 years of Army losing, of Midshipmen domination, 14 years of mediocre football. The game this year was exactly what the rivalry needed.

Three years ago, Jeff Monken was named the 37^th coach in Army’s history. He's now 13 and 33 at the helm, has a winning season for Army under his belt with this years 7 win season, no win bigger than the 21-17 victory over the Midshipmen of Navy. Monken has done some big things in his career, both at Army and before. He joined Army as the head football coach after a successful head coaching stint at Georgia Southern, where he went 38-14, while thrusting Georgia Southern into the spotlight of the Football sub-Bowl division. Throw an even bigger wrench in the rivalry, from 2002-2007 Monken was on the other side of the Army-Navy rivalry, serving as the running back and special teams coach. In fact, Monken was there at Navy 12 weeks after 9/11, when Army last beat Navy by the score of 26-17. Fast-forward 9 years, and he has brought victory back to the Black Knights locker room over the fellow Servicemen.

A year ago, the game between the Black Knights and the Midshipmen ended in the same score but for the Midshipman, a 50 yard bomb from Keenan Reynolds put the Midshipmen up for good in 2015. In 2016, all signs really pointed to the Black Knights and this being their year. Navy was without the help of starting QB Will Worth, slot Toneo Gulley, and wide receiver Tyler Carmona, all three were lost in the prior weeks 34-10 loss to Temple in the American Athletic Conference, formerly the Big East. The Black Knights also had 3 weeks to rest and boy did it show. Army took a 14-0 lead into halftime, and throughout the first half, made the first start of Sophomore Zach Abey a nightmare to say the least. Abey did settle down enough to have 73 rushing yards and two scores while briefly giving the Midshipmen the lead, 17-14. With 6:05 left to play QB Ahmad Bradshaw scored from 9 yards out and with the extra point the Black Knights were back in front 21-14, with 6 minutes to play. The Black Knight defense came out and forced Navy to punt, the defense would not be needed again. Two first down runs by sophomore Andy Davidson and just like that Army was able to kneel and end a 14 year drought in the best Army-Navy game in recent history.

Finishing up, let's look at the facts that come with having such a historic rivalry. The two teams combined for just 14 passing attempts. Army lost the turnover battle 4-3, normally not the formula to win, but the Black Knight did avoid the laundry committing no penalties. Army rushed the ball 70 times and ran a total of 74 plays. Navy's Jamir Tillman was the only receiver to go over 30 yards for the game, had 3 catches for 33 yards. The Black Knights had the ball 40:32 compared to Navy's 19:28. That is a huge stat because Navy is normally a team that, like the boa constrictor, wants to have the ball for most of the game. The teams combined for 14 pass attempts totaling 124 yards, no touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Navy leads the series all time with a record of 60-50-7. The final stat for you chuckleheads out there is that this past Saturday is the first time that Army has beaten Navy in the state of Maryland since 1944.

For college football this is great but more importantly for the rivalry of Army- Navy this was incredible. Two teams came into the game Bowl bound, with winning records, and they did not disappoint, for those that watch football for passing and little offense between the tackles, this was not the game for you. For those fans out there that love old school knock down smash mouth football, this was a game for them. Heavy running, little to no passing, our guys and their guys who wants it more and that's what the game of football is all about. Army will be in action again on December 27^thin the Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl against North Texas. The Midshipmen of Navy are back in action December 23^rd, when they take on Louisiana Tech in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl. Could this be the change in this rivalry that swings towards Army for a few years? Only time will tell.

Written by:

Carlo Guadagnino

http://cguadagn.wixsite.com/carlo-guadagnino

Edited by:
Alaina Roberts 

References:

http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/page/cfpbowls2016/2016-17-college-football-playoff-bowl-schedule

http://www.ncaa.com/game/football/fbs/2016/12/10/navy-army/recap

http://m.espn.com/ncf/playergamestats?playerId=3916251&gameId=400868921

http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/jeff-monken-1.html

http://awfulannouncing.com/2016/army-navy-draws-highest-rating-in-22-years.html

http://www.goarmywestpoint.com/coaches.aspx?rc=240

http://armynavygame.com/sports/2016/11/10/the-rivalry.aspx

https://www.google.com/amp/www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/army-vs-navy-score-football-game-live-blog-updates-highlights/amp/?client=safari

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.ncaa.com/amp/news/football/article/2016-12-10/army-navy-game-full-recap-armys-21-17-victory?client=safari​

Strike a Pose: It's Heisman Time

Thirteen quarterbacks have won the Heisman since 2000. Last year, with running back Derrick Henry winning, a five-year straight streak of QB’s being named the Heisman was snapped. The five finalists are: Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield, Jabrill Peppers, Deshaun Watson, Dede Westbrook. Who is your pick for the Heisman this year? This year will add another QB to the list. The two front- runners going into Saturday should be Deshaun Watson of Clemson and Lamar Jackson out of Louisville. The two best players in the ACC are only the second two ACC players to be named finalist for the Heisman. It happened back in 2013, with Heisman Jameis Winston, and Boston College running back Andre Williams, who would finish fourth. Never in the history of the conference has the ACC had two players finish 1 and 2 in the final Heisman vote, that could quite possibly happen this year with these two stand out QB’s.

Update: Lamar Jackson was named the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner. Jackson becomes the youngest player to ever win the award.

Lamar Jackson:
Only a sophomore! Has he made his mark on college football or what? The 6’3, 218 lbs, QB led Louisville to a 9-3 record, racking up 4,928 total yards of offense, 51 touchdowns total. He threw for 3,390 and 30 passing touchdowns while rushing for 1,538 and 21 scores. He's Louisville first Heisman finalist in program history. Jackson is the first player in the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) with 3,300 yards through the air and 1,500 yards on the ground in a season. He's the third player to throw for 30 and run for 20 touchdowns in a season. All that amounted to Jackson being named the 2016 ACC player of the Year. This is the 2016 Heisman Trophy winner by far, but could there be a dark horse in the pack?

Deshaun Watson:
This will be the Clemson Tigers Quarterback’s second straight trip to New York for the ceremony. Last year, Watson finished third in the selection for college football most coveted individual award. The junior for the Tigers had himself a year as well: 3,914 passing yards and 37 passing touchdowns, while adding 529 rushing yards with 6 touchdowns, with stats like this and Jackson’s you can see why the ACC thinks that it could be two ACC players at the top of most experts’ boards. For the second straight year, Clemson with its 6’2, 210 lbs, Quarterback, are in the FBS playoff and for the second straight year they are ACC champs. Will this be enough for the members of the Heisman to overlook Jackson for Watson?

Jabrill Peppers:
The first Michigan Wolverine to make the finalist for the Heisman since Chris Perry in 2013, Peppers plays all over the field, he's the first defensive player to make the list since 2012 when Notre Dame’s Manti Te’o made it. A junior standing at 6’1, 205 lbs, Peppers had himself a heck of a year, finishing the season with 71 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 1 interception and a forced fumble. On the offense and special teams side of the ball Peppers showed his versatility, racking up 197 rushing yards and 3 scores, and returning punts for 1 score and 310 yards and kickoffs for 260 yards. The man was everywhere, a poor showing in the Ohio State vs. Michigan will be the biggest obstacle with naming Peppers the 2016 Heisman, some experts are even questioning why he made the list.

Baker Mayfield:
The most efficient passer in college with a rating of 197.75, which if it holds up, would break the record set by Russell Wilson in 2011 of 191.8. Mayfield and teammate Westbrook are the first Sooners to make this list since 2008 when Sam Bradford took home the hardware. Mayfield helped lead Oklahoma to a 10-2 record, a Big 12 title game while throwing for 3,669 and 38 touchdowns as a junior this season. If that is not enough, Watson is returning for the second year in a row. In 2015, he finished fourth in the voting and with the looks of the finalists he could be in the same place this season.

Dede Westbrook:
The only senior in the group, Westbrook joins the list of finalists, along with Mayfield, is one of eight Sooners who have made it to this point. In 2016, Westbrook hauled in 74 receptions for 1,465 yards while also setting a school record with 16 touchdown catches. He averages 19.81 yards per catch which is phenomenal and is also a finalist for the Biletnikoff award for best receiver in the country. He's also the first receiver to be on the list since Amari Cooper was in 2014. This could be, and chuckleheads that is a very loose could be, the dark horse but it is safe to say as of now this is a two-man race.

Bo Jackson, Charles Woodson, Tim Brown, and Cam Newton are all members of one of the most exclusive fraternities in the world, they are all Heisman winners. The Heisman is given “once a year to the most outstanding college football player in the United States, based on the performance throughout the season that exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity.” On Saturday December 10th 2016 at 8pm on ESPN, one of five Student athletes will be placed in that exclusive class of top notch college football players. The five finalists are: Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield, Jabrill Peppers, Deshaun Watson, Dede Westbrook. Who is your pick for the Heisman this year?

Written By:
Carlo Guadagnino
http://cguadagn.wixsite.com/carlo-guadagnino

 Edited By:
Daniel Bishop M.A.
Lani Roberts

References:
http://heisman.com/news/2016/12/5/heismancentral_1205165900.aspx?path=heisman_winners
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.yahoo.com/amphtml/sports/news/5-heisman-trophy-finalists-revealed-000743357.html?client=safari
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.ncaa.com/amp/news/football/article/2016-12-05/heisman-trophy-finalists-announced?client=safari
http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman.html
http://www.espn.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/97182/lamar-jackson-deshaun-watson-give-the-acc-a-big-heisman-moment
http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/heisman-trophy-presentation/tv-listings/299488/
https://www.google.com/amp/www.si.com/college-football/2016/12/05/heisman-trophy-finalists-lamar-jackson-deshaun-watson%3Famp%3D1?client=safari

The College Football Playoff: Controversy on The Horizon

What a college football season it has been; ups and downs, Heisman watch list and some surprises along the way. Here is what we know.  Alabama, Ohio State and Clemson are all in the College Football Playoffs, as the fourth and final spot is still up for grabs. This Saturday current holder Washington, one of the surprising teams to emerge this year, will look to beat Colorado on their way to a playoff birth. The other championship everyone will be watching is the Big 10 Championship between Wisconsin and Penn State, two teams not many expected to be matched up in the big game. Especially when the two Big 10 teams ranked ahead of them; Michigan and Ohio State. Four teams separated in the rankings, Michigan has lost 2 of its last 3, both the Badgers and the Nittany Lions both should be ranked ahead of Michigan. That is if one is basing it off the rule and outline the College Playoff Committee provides. It is definitely that time of year chuckleheads, one more week to debate this great game, the question is what or who do you think the four in the playoffs should be?

Let's look at the way the committee makes selections and what all goes into the committee. The purpose of the playoffs is to “preserve the excitement and significance of college footballs unique regular season where every game counts.” That statement contradicts itself in the current situation but we will come back to that. The goal of the playoff systemic to take four teams to start the new year, number one in the ranking will play number four and the number two and three teams will play. The winner of the two semifinal games will play for the College Football National Championship. This game by rule will be played in a different city and always on a Monday night. The Committee is comprised of “
A talented group of high-integrity individuals with experience as coaches, student-athletes, college administrators and journalists, along with sitting athletics directors, comprise the selection committee. These are the members of the 2016 College Football Playoffs committee are:Kirby Hocutt, Barry Alvarez, Jeff Bower, Herb Deromedi, Tom Jernstedt, Bobby Johnson, Jeff Long, Rob Mullens, Dan Radakovich, Condoleezza Rice, Steve Wieberg and Tyrone Willingham.” Let's just say they are going to have their hands full this year.

As stated earlier, with the season winding down the way it has there is a slight contradiction to every game counts. If that is True when Ohio State beat Michigan, think about it, losing this late in the season, two out of the last three week nonetheless, it should have killed the wolverines. However, this event has only just put them on the outside looking in. If Washington loses, as the board sits now, Michigan would benefit from them losing in the PAC 12 Championship on Saturday and would all but eliminate Washington’s hopes of being in the playoff. The other Championship game on Saturday will be Wisconsin vs Penn State. Penn State goes into Saturday riding an eight-game winning streak, a streak that was started when the Nittany Lions beat Minnesota on October 1st and have not lost since then. Since October 1st the Lions have beaten the #2 Ohio State Buckeyes, which is the only loss for the Buckeyes. How do you tell Penn State if they win the Big 10 Championship? If Wisconsin wins, the committee is in the same position; how do you tell a conference champion congratulations but sorry to a team that did not even win their division or possibly two teams are in and you are not? As one can see there is trouble on the horizon as we will all find out Sunday following the conference championships.

When the college football playoff was established three years ago, the stage was set for college football fans who were tired of the old Bowl Championship Series (BCS). Four teams battle it out for college football supremacy. “The selection committee ranks the teams based on conference championships won, strength of schedule, head-to-head results, comparison of results against common opponents and other factors.” After this weekend, it is quite possible that the Big 10 Champion could be on the outside looking in for this year’s football playoffs. The Big 10 has four teams in the top 8, #2Ohio State, #5Michigan, #6Wisconsin, #8Penn State, Penn State and Wisconsin will play Saturday in the Big 10 Championship. Let this sink in reread the quote earlier in the paragraph on how the committee selects the teams for the playoff. Some fans are screaming foul (yes I'm talking about Michigan fans), but there is definitely controversy on the horizon. It is that time of year chuckleheads, one more week to debate this great game, the question is what or who do you think the four in the playoffs should be?

Written By: Carlo Guadagnino
http://cguadagn.wixsite.com/carlo-guadagnino

Edited By: Daniel Bishop M.A.



References
http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/mich-m-footbl-body.html
http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/m-footbl/osu-m-footbl-body.html
http://www.uwbadgers.com/schedule.aspx?path=football
https://www.google.com/amp/www.mlive.com/articles/19751066/michigan_cfp.amp?client=safari
http://www.collegefootballplayoff.com/overview
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/#/0

Pittsburgh vs Baltimore: Heavyweight Fight for First in the North

According to its definition, a rivalry is a competition for the same objective or for supremacy on the same field.  An example of a rivalry in its truest form can be found in the AFC North, between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. These two teams are no strangers to each other or the implications of their match up this coming Sunday. The Steelers and the Ravens will once again square off in the first of two games, this one being for supremacy in the AFC North. There are a lot of question marks for both sides; for the Steelers will Ben Roethlisberger will play? Another is how will a healthy Baltimore team handle a depleted Steelers roster? Lastly, will the Ravens continue their streak against the Steelers dating back to November 2013? The Steelers and Ravens, as they do every year, will meet twice; on November 6th in Baltimore and on December 25th in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh and Baltimore since 2000 have accounted for eleven of the fifteen division titles. The Steelers have won seven of those titles. The Ravens have had the Steelers’ number five out the last six times they have played, stretching back to their Thanksgiving Day game in 2013. In that five-game stretch, which includes a playoff road victory for the Ravens, they have outscored the Steelers 144-123. On top of the stretch of games that the Ravens have had success in, coming off their bye week, the Ravens expect to bring back five big name players. Steve Smith Sr, Terrell Suggs, CJ Mosley, Marshal Yanda, and Ronnie Stanley are all expected to make their returns to Baltimore. Add those guys to a team that is underperforming to this point and it is a recipe for Ravens to have a big day in front of their home crowd.

The Steelers have several walking wounded players; Ben Roethlisberger highlights the top of that list. Roethlisberger could miss his eighth game in twelve seasons against the Ravens. Ben, who was injured in a game early this season in a loss to the Dolphins, is also coming off a bye week as well looks as if he could make his return to the lineup. The Steelers have a tough choice ahead of them. On the one hand, Landry Jones has proven he is not the quarterback of the future and the game is for first place in the division. On the other side of things, is it worth Ben getting hurt in a game that is known for its ugliness and physicality? The weapons that the Steelers have mixed with a semi healthy Roethlisberger, expect the Steelers to start Landry Jones and for the bulk of the work load to fall on the run game and the defense. The Steelers have not thrown the ball efficiently when Roethlisberger is not under center.

Regardless if you are a Steelers fan or a Baltimore fan, one thing is for certain it is going to be a chippy slug fest with one team claiming the top spot in the AFC North and one team who must wait for revenge till they play each other again. The Steelers and Ravens are on each other's Christmas list for their second contest, but all eyes will be in Baltimore this weekend for this clash of AFC North powers.

Written by:
Carlo Guadagnino
http://cguadagn.wixsite.com/carlo-guadagnino

Edited by:
Cody Yocca
Daniel Bishop M.A.

References:
http://m.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/With-First-Place-On-The-Line-Ravens-Hone-In-On-Their-Division/4918a389-b987-4b7f-bfb1-2f48e6bb7243
http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/2673261-pittsburgh-steelers-vs-baltimore-ravens-betting-odds-analysis-nfl-pick#
https://www.google.com/amp/www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-preston-column-1101-20161031-column,amp.html?client=safari
http://www.pennlive.com/steelers/index.ssf/2016/11/steelers_ladarius_green_ravens.html
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2016/10/31/ravens-have-won-5-of-their-last-6-games-vs-steelers/
http://www.vegasinsider.com/nfl/history/afc-north/
http://m.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-21-18-all-time-vs-Ravens-in-regular-season/725785bb-cfa4-4a08-ac9a-558753aed078
http://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/teamvsteam?opp=3
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/teams/injuries/PIT/pittsburgh-steelers

The Year of the Land, Cleveland.

The scene has been set, sitting in a bar watching the Cleveland Indians play the Chicago Cubs in Game one of the 2016 World Series. The history for the Cubs, the atmosphere of championship rings and banners being hung right across the street for the NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers. This is as good as it gets for the atmosphere, but there was something else game one gave to the fans. The Chicago Cubs may have been the best team in the 2016 regular season, however, the best team in baseball in the month of October has been the 2016 Indians, Cleveland proved this with 6-0 victory in game one.

Starting for the Tribe, Corey Kluber through the first three innings Kluber as he etched his name in the history books. Through the first three innings Kluber struck out eight batters, something no other pitcher had ever done. The Indians ace looked calm as could be while he was out on the mound and it reflected in the way Cleveland played behind him. Reporters asked teammates how they felt about Kluber and his calm demeanor, as left fielder Brandon Guyer was quoted after the game as saying “He’s always the same guy. He is even-keeled. It makes him such a good pitcher. He is a fun guy to play behind, even though it gets boring sometimes.” It is very easy to be relaxed when the final line on Kluber was six innings giving up no runs, nine strikeouts, four hits and no walks. The confidence showed with his teammates on the offensive side as the Indians went on to put up six runs, for the 6-0 win. As of now Kluber is 3-1 this post season, with a 0.98 earned run average. You can guarantee that Kluber will pitch again in Game four with the same results.

The offense did its part early for the tribe, scoring two in the first from John Lester, one in the fourth, and three in the eighth, the Indians ran away with Game one of the World Series. For catcher Roberto Perez, it was as good of a night as anyone could hope for; Perez extended the Indians lead to 3-0 in the forth inning with a home run, and played the long ball again with a 3-run shot in the 8th inning to give the Indians the 6-0 victory. Everything that could go right for the Tribe did, they now have a 1-0 series lead with game two set back in Cleveland. For game 2, the offense must be at the top of its game for the tribe, they will face Jake Arrieta. Arrieta has not had the best post season 0-1, 4.91 earned run average, but has 10 strike outs. Wednesday  night baseball will certainly not disappoint for game 2 of the World Series.

This series is everything that is great about the world of sports; this year’s World Series sees two teams who have waited a long time for the big win. Cubs fans have been waiting 108 years to get back to the World Series, while Cleveland fans have been waiting just 68 years. Two teams who in recent history. Both teams saw some very low years but they are now kings of their respective leagues and one of them will be crowned the kings of baseball. For me, it is hard to not want to witness 108 years worth of history come to an end with a ring. With that being said in the sports world (minus the Browns), this seems to be the “Year of the Land”, Cleveland. It is tough to say but after game one of the World Series my prediction is Cleveland Indians in five games. The Cubs will win one at home and the games will be close but the sports higher powers have touched Cleveland with greatness.

Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited
Cody Yocca
Daniel Bishop M.A.

References
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/10/25/sports/baseball/world-series-preview-chicago-cubs-cleveland-indians.html?_r=0&referer=https://www.google.com/
http://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/125490/the-interesting-and-unusual-stats-of-the-2016-postseason
http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/chicago-cubs-team-stats?season=2016&category=BATTING&group=1&time=2
https://www.google.com/amp/www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/mlb/2016/10/25/13413692/indians-cubs-2016-results-score-mlb-playoffs-world-series?client=safari
https://www.google.com/amp/www.oregonlive.com/articles/19531595/world_series_game_1_chicago_cu.amp?client=safari
http://m.mlb.com/player/453562/jake-arrieta

Burfict Crime: Anger, Aggression, Football

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When the Cincinnati Bengals signed Vontez Burfict as undrafted free agent in 2012, they knew what they were getting. Burfict has been under the microscope since he was in high school and from the way his career has gone, that is precisely where he likes to be. Burfict is again under review from the NFL for a hit in the 4th quarter Sunday on Martellus Bennet.That was not the only play under review; a late touchdown by LeGarrette Blount was followed by Burfict allegedly stepping on the ankle of Blount. The game of football is one that comes with a certain level of anger, aggression and reckless abandonment. With that being said with the NFL focusing on player safety, it is time to drop the hammer on dirty unnecessary plays that could result in players being injured.

Vontez Burfict was a five star recruit out of high school, he played college ball at Arizona State University. His temper got the best of him in 2011; the Preseason All-American was involved in a “Blindside attack” on fellow teammate at the time Kevin Ozier. This type of behavior and other behavior like it, dropped Burfict from a sure first round draft pick, to an unsigned free agent in 2012. Burfict faced a 3 game suspension to start the 2016 season, the result of being a repeat offender after a hit on Antonio Brown earned him league attention. Now you get this week’s hit on Martellus Bennet, which could easily be seen as unnecessary and potentially targeting. That is first and foremost. Secondly with the ball not even being in the area of Burfict or Bennet, the play looks malicious with intent to injure the leg. There is no place for plays like this in football.  Later on in the game, coaches’ film showed Burfict stepping down on running back LeGarrette Blount’s leg after a late fourth quarter score.

Burfict’s work ethic has always been visible; in his first year with the Bengals, recording 127 tackles and only being penalized four times. Since that season, Burfict and his wallet have taken a major hit. In fines alone he has had to give $204,875, not to mention the nearly $700,000 he has forfeited in pay. The NFL should hit Burfict and his wallet again this week, and he really has no one to blame but himself. He is getting paid large amounts of money to play a game that others in the league do not want him in. Offensive lineman throughout the AFC North have said this week that “He's endangering others livelihoods, by his reckless play.” The fact of the matter is that the NFL is so concerned with player safety; this man has manifested into a danger for player safety. As a football fan aggression is great, but when it is visible that a player is deliberately trying to injure or potentially end the career of another player(s), a line must be drawn.

A decision on what will happen with Vontez Burfict was made early  Wednesday morning, the NFL fined Burfict $75,000 for unnecessary roughness in relation to the LaGarrette Blount incident. One former NFL official called the league gutless, for not suspending Burfict, if the league is really serious about improving player safety, this would have been the type of play that must be eliminated. How does one even go about righting this? The only way you can is to issue a huge fine and suspend the player; simply make an example out of him so that other players in the league will be persuaded to not engage in such tackles. In Burfict’s case, the league came up short,  like they have so many times before.

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Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by
Daniel Bishop M.A.
Cody Yocca

References
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/nfl/bengals/2016/09/03/cincinnati-bengals-vontaze-burfict-suspension-officially-begins/89836312/
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/17815082/nfl-reviewing-hit-vontaze-burfict-cincinnati-bengals-martellus-bennett-new-england-patriots
https://www.google.com/amp/deadspin.com/nfl-will-review-vontaze-burficts-latest-dirty-hit-1787874962/amp?client=safari
http://www.espn.com/nfl/draft2012/story/_/id/7821147/nfl-asu-linebacker-vontaze-burfict-draft-most-misunderstood-player-espn-magazine
http://archive.azcentral.com/sports/asu/articles/2011/08/07/20110807asu-football-vontaze-burfict-punch-teammate-report.html
https://www.google.com/amp/www.foxsports.com/nfl/story/vontaze-burfict-cincinnati-bengals-suspension-fines-nearly-one-million-dollars-steelers-011116.amp.html?client=safari

Roger Goodell: Tyrant of the NFL

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As the NFL season rolls into week 6, a trend from NFL officials is becoming more apparent. Commissioner Goodell and the League are going to fine players for whatever they want. Antonio Brown has found this out, along with his wallet. Brown was fined $12,154 for twerking because it was deemed inappropriate sexually explicit behavior. Which under league rule is a fineable offense. Excessive celebration is one thing, but fining players based on personal messages or the cleats they wear, it seems like personal preferences are starting to take over actual offenses. Roger Goodell continues to shove as Steeler Guard Ramon Foster stated “this is what happens when you give someone total control of power.” Goodell proves almost weekly that he is the worst thing to happen to the NFL since the Janet Jackson Super Bowl wardrobe malfunction.

 There are those who remember the days of Joe Horn 03’ Saints who was fined $30,000 for having a cell phone stashed under the goal post. Everyone can agree that excessive celebrations are something that the game of football can do with out. Most fans would rather see players score and hand the ball to the official and be done with it. The twerking in week one and the excessive celebration call Brown received against the Chiefs in week four, are for the most part excessive fines but fineable offenses nonetheless. However, fining a player over his black and gold cleats? In the win against the Chiefs, Brown wore a pair of cleats similar to those he wore vs the Jets. One week he was not fined, the following week the NFL went so far as to threaten to have Brown benched if the cleats were not removed. This leads one to believe that Roger Goodell could wake up on any given Monday, and decide he did not like the specific attire of one player, fining them whatever amount he sees fit.

This is not the first time that Goodell has gone after players for expressing themselves. In 2015, three Pittsburgh Steelers were fined for messages they were trying to represent for their own personal reasons. Cam Heyward was fined $5,787 for “IronHead” appearing on his eye black. Iron head was Heyward’s way of paying his respect to his late father. Goodell fined him the following week $11,576 for a repeat offense. William Gay came under fire when he was fined $5,787, for wearing purple cleats to raise awareness for Domestic Violence. Gay’s mother was killed as a result of domestic violence at the hands of his stepfather; Gay was 8 years old. The last Steeler on the list of obscure fines, DeAngelo Williams was in Goodell’s crosshairs. Williams was fined $5,757 for the phrase “We will Find a cure” on his eye black to support breast cancer awareness. Williams mother passed away as a result of breast cancer.  Now, you can add Antonio Brown to that list, who was threatened to be ejected from the game for wearing Black and Gold spikes with Ali’s face on them. A week earlier Brown received no issues for the same Black and Gold spikes with Arnold Palmers likeness on them. So the question must be asked why is Palmer acceptable and Ali is determined to be inappropriate?

The examples given go to show that Roger Goodell is the worst thing to happen to the NFL and football in general. You have examples of players trying to shed light on important issues and being punished as if they have done the most awful thing in the game. It does not make sense that he would punish players, who are expressing themselves on a national stage while they are playing a childhood game, and getting paid very well for it. Mr. Goodell, you are the worst thing to ever happen to this great game. The best thing for the NFL and football in general is for you to go to an island far, far away and never look at, talk about or have any involvement in the game of football again. Seeing as that suggestion unfortunately will never happen, football fans will have to continue to watch Rodger Goodell destroy the game they love.


Edited by:
Cody Yocca
Daniel Bishop M.A.


Sources
http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2015/10/28/nfl_fines_deangelo_williams_and_william_gay_for_trying_to_raise_awareness.html
https://www.google.com/amp/www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/antonio-brown-draws-a-ridiculously-large-fine-for-his-latest-end-zone-twerk/amp/?client=safari
http://www.espn.com/blog/pittsburgh-steelers/post/_/id/20659/antonio-brown-vs-the-nfl-cleats-pumps-and-the-american-way
http://operations.nfl.com/football-ops/fines-appeals/
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2015/10/19/Steelers-Cam-Heyward-wants-NFL-to-allow-players-to-honor-more-than-just-breast-cancer-victims/stories/201510190147

Tom Brady's Return to Football

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After serving his very controversial four game suspension,  Tom Brady will make his 2016 debut this Sunday. Minus the 16-0 loss at home this past week, the Patriots using their 2nd and 3rd string quarterbacks are 3-1, surviving the first 4 games without Brady. The Patriots will travel to Cleveland for a 1pm start against the Browns. If you are a Patriot’s fan you have to be happy knowing Brady gets to get back in the swing of things against a struggling 0-4 Browns team. What does this mean for the rest of the NFL and the AFC East? It's a little scary. Brady has had an extra 4 weeks to stay healthy and workout. It could get very scary once the second half of the season starts.

In 225 career games played, Tom Brady has 58,028 passing yards and 428 passing touchdowns. If you look at the way that the Patriots run game has produced, averaging 4.2 rushes per carry. Defenses will have to respect the backfield which should opening things up in the passing match ups. Brady in his career average throws for 257.9 yards per game, with the run game just under 5 yards a carry.  The Patriots will face 2nd and short of 3rd and short with Brady under center.  This could cause match up problems for defenses with Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and the big tight end mismatch Martellus Bennet. Adding Brady to the mix, with these offensive weapons among others it's crazy to think where this team could go by the end of the season. As long as Brady returns to the field as the Brady of old, defenses could be in for long games against him and the Patriots.

This recent suspension wasn't the first time that Brady, Belichick, and company have had their fair share of on the field controversy through the years. January 9th, 2002 Patriots vs Raiders, Charles Woodson sacks Brady and forces what he thinks is the game winning fumble for the Raiders. After further review it was determined that Tom Brady's arm was coming forward in a throwing motion and therefore was ruled an incomplete pass. The game ends on a Vinatieri field goal to send the Raiders home and eventually sending the Patriots, back to  New England as Super Bowl Champions.

September 9th, 2007 the Patriots are caught filming the New York Jets defensive coaches’ signals. Belichick later admitted to violating the rules, but said there was no intent to hide what he was doing and that he made a mistake. Obviously the most recent was “DeflateGate” in a 45-7 beating of the Indianapolis Colts. All but one of the footballs the Patriots were using, were slightly under inflated, it was decided by NFL commissionerRodger Goddell,   that a suspension was needed. Break up the sentences. To be completely honest if you get beat 45-7 the weight of the football is not going to make that big of a difference. Thankfully this chapter in the NFL is closed and Tom Brady can get back to playing football and we can all go about our business either loving or hating Tom Brady.

The Patriots were faced with adversity, losing Tom  Brady four games, and they responded about as well as a team can. With the next man up mentality, Jimmy Garoppolo looked like a poised, season veteran and his stats show it. In two games this season Garoppolo completed 71% of his passes for 496 yards and 4 touchdowns. If you are a Patriot fan, the future after Tom Brady looks just as bright for the Pats. Garoppolo quickly can get himself in rhythm and his accuracy would make one question why he is only a backup. The brightest spot is the amount of football IQ the young QB out of Eastern Illinois, he had the ability to dissect a play almost before it happens. All in all, the Patriots showed the team can rise above not having their star QB or that Gronk guy and still be OK. The Patriots also found that they have a QB of the future when Father Time inevitably catches up with the 39 Brady.

What does all this mean for the Patriots remaining schedule? Going 3-1 without Brady gives the team a lot of confidence, one would have to assume when most were writing them off at the beginning of the season. Coming off of a loss to division foe Buffalo 16-0 for the first time being shut out at home since 1993, one would assume Belichick and his coaching staff will have the Patriots focused and ready to play in Cleveland. Which brings the last point up, the Patriots are playing the Cleveland Browns who have continued to struggle as an organization, look for Brady and the Patriots to roll all over the Browns in Cleveland righting the ship with captain Tom back at the helm.

Sources
http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/deflate-gate-england-patriots-controversies/story?id=28373420
http://www.patriots.com/schedule-and-stats
http://www.nfl.com/teams/depthchart?team=NE

Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by
Cody Yocca
Anna Riddel

3 Reasons the Pittsburgh Pirates Missed the 2016 Post Season

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The 2016 season for the Pittsburgh Pirates can be summed up in one word, disappointment. There are many reasons that one could point out in this disappointing season, these are three areas that can be looked at as reasons why. It was not all bad however for the 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates. There are two major keys to why the Pirates will once again be in the Post Season in 2017.

    The Good

      Leading things off for the Battling Buccos, Josh Bell the 24 year old first baseman, made his debut on July 8th, 2016. Taking a 1-1 pitch from Adam Warren out of the ball park and almost to the Allegheny, for a pinch hit grand slam to beat the NL Central champion Chicago Cubs. He has shown that the merry go round at first base might be over. In 115 at bats Bell is batting .278 with 3 home runs and 18 runs batted in. In 22 games at first base he has committed 3 errors all and all with the power an plate vision Bell has mixed with his size and defensive ability, the future looks bright at first base for the Pirates. 

     The other bright spot that has to be talked about is Ivan Nova, acquired at the deadline Nova has gone 5-2 with  a 3.49 earned run average in 10 games started. In 156.2 innings of work, Nova has thrown 122 strike outs and 2 complete games. Pitching coach Ray Searage and the Pirates have to once again resurrect another struggling pitching career. The big question in the off season will be,does Neal Hunington and the Pirates make a push to resign Nova or if they will go with the young upcoming pitching staff?

The Bad

3)     The veteran pitching staff for the Pirates never got comfortable throughout the season. Fransisco Liriano went from a 12 win workhorse in 2015 with and earned run average of 3.38. In 2016 that was not the story, Liriano only managed 6 wins with a 5.46 earned run average. The entire season seemed to show that father time had caught up to Liriano who just never quite had the same magic as in the past season with the Buccos. Along with Liriano, Gerrit Cole had a career fumble this year, 1 year removed from winning 19 games and a 2.60 earned run average in 2015. Cole's 2016 season was filled with injury and just never quite looked like the Cole Pirates fans had come to know. Going 7-10 with and earned run average of 3.88, just looked as of Cole was never really comfortable during 21 starts this year.

2)    Andrew McCutchen had his lowest production year as the leader for the Pirates since 2011. Cutch had a batting average of .258 a career low and 139 strikeouts which is a career high. He started the season very slow while dealing with a hand injury and a move into the number 2 spot in the batting order, Cutch did not look like the Cutch that many fans had come to expect. He did have flashes of the All-Star that fans have come to expect him as but it was a very inconsistent season for the aging center fielder. 

Another veteran player that under performed and had an injury plagued year, the man behind the plate Francisco Cervelli, he also saw a dip in numbers going from 133 hits, 7 homeruns, 43 runs batted in, .295 in 2015. All of those numbers were down in 2016, 1 Home run that came about a week ago, to go with only 88 hits, 33 runs batted in, and a batting average of .264. The 30 year old catcher had to battle the injury bug and like the rest of the Pirates offensive numbers which were at the best inconsistent to say the least.       

1)    The Neil Walker trade for many reasons is the number one reason the Pirates did not make the playoffs. First of all in the end the Pirates ended up giving Walker away after the trade deadline with John Niese who was traded back to the Mets at deadline for Antonio Bastardo. That even in itself should make Pirates fans mad. 

        The Pirates replaced Walker with Josh Harrison who  in 2016 batted .283 with 4 home runs and 59 runs batted in. Neil Walker batted .269 with 18 home runs and 71 runs batted in during the 2015 season, so the pirates lost a lot of offensive production on the table when Walker left. In 2016, Walker showed that he is in the prime of his career batting.286 while hitting 23 home runs and batting in 55 runs. All in all this deal seemed to be the nail in the coffin for a team that struggled all season long to produce runs.

        These are the reasons why the 2016 Pirates did not make the post season. The big take away that Pirates fans should be thankful for is that this year is a minor set back. This isn't like the years when the Pirates were losing 100 games in a season. This is a team that has great young talent both in the field and in the pitching staff. The Pirates will  be back to the post season in 2017.

All stats for this blog from 

Pirates.MLB.com

espn.com/mlb/Neil Walker

Baseball Reference.com

Written by

Carlo Guadagnino