Suspension Happy NFL’s Newest Set of Blunders!

This past weekend in the NFL, there were a handful of plays that drew the attention of the league office. Rob Gronkowski, Juju Smith-Shuster, and George Iloka all received one game suspensions for plays that occurred Sunday and Monday night. The NFL considered Gronkowski’s incident a blatant, dirty hit after an interception by the Buffalo Bills warranted the same level of discipline, as Smith-Shuster and Iloka’s plays that were not even close to being dirty plays. Is it fair to give the same consequence or penalty to events that were not on the same wavelength?

The NFL league office once again showed inconsistencies and lack of credibility by the decisions to suspend all three players. The Gronk hit was by all accounts, just short of assault. While the plays that cost Smith-Shuster and Iloka one game a piece, were plays that happen regularly in the NFL. The two may have deserved a fine at the absolute most, but of course Roger Goodell and league managed to fumble this decision.

Rob Gronkowski’s Cheap Shot

With under five minutes left in a game, the New England Patriots had a 20-point lead in, Tom Brady looked to connect down field with tight end Rob Gronkowski. There was some contact with Gronkowski by rookie cornerback Tre’Davious White; White would come away with the interception, and be out of bounds on his stomach. Gronkowski, who got up, visibly upset, adjusted his helmet and then proceeded to dive elbow first, with all his weight into the back of White’s head, causing a concussion. This is the type of cheap shot plays the NFL needs to take a hard stance against as there is no place in the game for them. How did the league respond you might ask? For concussing a player with visible intent to injure, one game suspension. One game. The NFL claims to be about player safety and improving the safety of the game, but in the words of Herm Edwards “come on man”!

Dicey in Cincinnati

Steelers and Bengals games over the last couple years have been wars on the field, to say the least. There is always a play here or there where the questioning of a hit or a call altered the game. On Monday night that was no different, an absolute battle and at times hard to watch with the level of violence. With time against them, on the drive where the Steelers would tie the game, JuJu Smith-Shuster, in a flow of the play laid Bengals Vontaze Burfict out. The block appeared to be within the rule, the taunting of Burfict by Smith-Shuster after the hit standing over the fallen linebacker was not.

The taunting and mixed with the way the play looked deserved a fine at most, but no the NFL suspended the Rookie WR for one game for the hit. Later, that drive when Ben Roethlisberger heaved a pass to Antonio Brown in the end zone, in a bang band play George Iloka met Brown helmet to helmet as Brown made the catch. Iloka was penalized for the hit which is understandable, but the play was not dirty in any way, shape, or form.  Instances such as these can surface at any point during a football game since we are talking about a contact sport. If the league wants to issue a punishment, at best these were fineable offenses but not suspension worthy.

Both Juju Smith-Shuster and George Iloka intend to appeal the league’s decision. If the league upholds these suspensions and bulls them in with what Gronkowski did, then it just goes to show how bad the front office is and how out of touch with reality the commissioner has gotten. If the plays that got Smith-Shuster and Iloka suspended warrant one game suspension, then Gronk should have been suspended at least three games if not more. Once again, the league mismanages the interpretation of the rules and blurred the lines of what will cost you a game and paycheck. The NFLPA really needs to look at things like these three plays and help draw a clear line of what is and is not an action that can result in suspensions. I repeat there is no place in the game of football for what Rob Gronkowski did. If the league is truly worried about player saftey, they sure dropped the ball on this one to prove that plays like that will not be tolerated. Hey what else is new in the Roger Goodell run NFL……inconsistency week in and week out.



Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by:
Daniel Bishop M.A.

Roger Goodell’s Time Has Come...... To Be Replaced!

The worst commissioner in recent NFL history, is currently in negotiations with the NFL for a contract extension. Goodell has taken a league that was once a cash cow that could not fail, and turned into one controversy after the other. The man sits atop his position and makes decisions that have cost the NFL money, ratings and most important the fans. What further proves that he is no long welcome or wanted in professional football, is more than half of the leagues owners are not in favor of giving the extension right now. The best thing that could happen to the NFL and football as a whole, is for Goodell to go back to bartending or garbage collecting or whatever his skills qualify him for. He is the worst thing about football and a league that once was the crown jewel of the sporting world!

What Goodell Wants

Reports all over the country are releasing Goodell’s extension demands. He reportedly wants $49.5 million, health insurance for life, and a private jet for life. The league is already over paying Goodell to the tune of $31.7 million. Under performing at his job and destroying the brand makes him feel he is entitled to 17.8 million dollar raise? In the real world it wouldn’t be a question of giving him an extension and a raise he would be gone. Jerry Jones is one of the owners leading that charge saying, “if the NFL wants to move past its multiple serious problems, the owners should not only refuse to extend Goodell and just replace him.” Jones has gone so far as to seek council to block and fight the commissioner getting an extension. The private jet request is just dumb, so I’m not even going to say anything about it. Lastly, this man wants health insurance for life, he doesn’t put his body on the line week in and week out but wants health insurance for life. To put that in perspective the players that play week in and week out, do not get health insurance for life, so tell me why Rodger Goodell deserves that privilege. The answer is, he does not, in fact the Players Union should take that from him and work it into the next collective bargaining agreement, then maybe the commissioner can be considered. You know, after the players that have potential health risks based on their profession.

League Issues Under

It seems since Goodell took over the control of the league in 2006 it has been one issue or controversy after another. The first big issue came when he went after the New England Patriots the first time in 2007 for “SpyGate,” where the Patriots were caught filming defensive signals from division rival New York Jets, the punishment was $500,000 fine for head coach Bill Belichick, a $250,000 fine for the team, and loss of 2008 first round draft pick. As we know New England is going to come up again later for air and footballs. The came “BountyGate,” where New Orleans Saints, players and coaches, were supposedly paying Saints players for taking opposing players out of games. Players and coaches were suspended and then reinstated by Goodell’s predecessor Paul Tagliabue.

Having the guy that had your job before you did change a decision that you made clearly showed how unqualified Roger Goodell was at his job. If that was let bad enough, the summer of 2014 ensured the entire country how bad Goodell was at his job. Ray Rice, who got in trouble for beating his then girlfriend in an elevator, the league reviewed it and deemed a fine and two game suspension was good enough, then a video surfaced a from the elevator that showed how bad the situation was. Goodell claimed that he had never seen the tape before, but the hotel staff, police, and Ray Rice all stated that Goodell had all the evidence in front of him when he made his initial punishment. After the tape surfaced, Rice and his contract with the Ravens, was terminated and he was suspended from the NFL indefinitely.

Then came “deflategate” once again Goodell was after Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. In 2015 he suspended Brady for 4 games for deflated football in the previous playoffs. Although the suspension was inevitably upheld, the whole entire situation was dragged out clear into 2016 and pretty much cemented the fact that Goodell is awful to be the commissioner of the NFL.

I do not know Roger Goodell personally, he might be a great guy outside of football. As a football commissioner, he is the worst thing to be in a leadership role in the NFL. It is time the owners do what’s best for the brand and for the league and just remove the stain of Mr. Goodell from the league. In closing, Roger do us all a favor and just go away find an island that has never heard of football, take enough food and water and never think speak or look at a football game for the at least one year. You sir are suspended from the NFL per the fans until further notice.

Written By
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited By:
Anna Riddle

References:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2017/11/14/nfls-roger-goodell-seeks-50-millionyear-contract-extension-sources.html
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.detroitnews.com/amp/107720186
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2017/11/15/nfls-roger-goodell-doesnt-deserve-raise-he-should-be-fired-commentary.html

Houston You Have a World Series!

Before the 2012 season, The Houston Astros where in a complete rebuild phase. Five years later, they sit on top of the Baseball world. The Astros built their team around young talent, and additional pieces at this year’s trade deadline. They showed they were all in this season, and it worked.  With the tragedy this past summer, this Championship is a bright spot, for a city that needed one. Beating a team that spent $93,676,188 more than you is sign that a shift is happening in Major League Baseball and the Astros are at the forefront. You don’t have to spend ridiculous amounts of money to compete, but you have to be willing to improve the 25-man roster when the opportunity presents itself.

The Road to The Championship

Ending the regular season, winning 6 of 7 games and cruising into the Divisional Round matchup with Boston.  Once the Astros defeated the Boston Red Sox’s 3-1, winning those games got them a date with the New York Yankees, what a series that would turn out to be. A back and fourth battle that saw the Astros come within one game away from elimination. Having to win game 6 and 7 to punch their ticket to the big dance, they would handle that task by a combined score of 11-1 over those two games. Then it was off to Los Angeles for a date with the Dodgers, another series for the ages, that would need 7 games to decide a Championship. The Dodgers looking for their first title since 1988 and the Astros who had never won a title in franchise history.  Charlie Morton who normally is in the starting rotation, came out of the bullpen in game seven for 4 innings of good work to get the victory 5-1, final score, franchise history made, and a city still working out of a natural disaster, had something to celebrate.

The Money Trail

The road to the World Series for the Astros saw the beat the three teams that spent the most money in 2017. The Red Sox’s end of the season payroll was $146,271,428 when the season was over the Red Sox’s saw a quick exit to the post season and parted ways with their Manager. Next up, the New York Yankees who spent $116,999,999. They came within one game of making it to the World Series, but also parted ways with their manager but have a young core group of players that make them a contender next year. Last stop on the road to the Championship was the biggest spender of 2017, the Los Angeles Dodgers spent $179,701,188 time will tell what the offseason will bring from LA but if the $2.8 billion that they have spent since 1988, the assumption has to be that they will spend more money and to build on this year’s performance.

The Pieces

This Houston team has the pieces to be a strong team for a long time, with the majority of the teams core being under the age of 29 things are looking good in Huston. They had 3 players with 20 or more home runs led by George Springers 34 dingers, the Astros could put up runs. José Altuve led the way with hits 204, batting average.346, and on base percentage .410. On the defensive side of the diamond, the team went out and made a big splash at the trade deadline, Justin Verlander went 5-0 in his role in the rotation for the Astros to end the regular season, and 4-1 in the postseason. Charlie Morton led the team with 14 wins and 163 strikeouts and of course the most important 4 innings of his career to close out game seven of the World Series.

The Houston Astros were pushed to the the brink of elimination and took down the finical giants of the baseball world to become champions. Just five short years ago the Astros were moving from the National League to the American League and completely rebuilding the team. This team when you watch them reminds you of why you watch sports, the players on the field look like little leaguers having a blast playing the game that they love. This team seems to be the new mold for Major League, using analytics instead of money they were able to develop a winning formula and turn it into a championship in just five years.
So, celebrate Houston go nuts, your team is the 2017 World Series Champion!



Written By:
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by
Anna Riddle

#2 Penn State vs #6 Ohio State: Battle for the Playoffs

A year ago, Ohio State was the favored team going into Happy Valley 6-0, and the number two ranked team in the country. Penn State came into that game 4-2 overall and 2-1 in Big 10 play. A blocked field goal with 4:27 seconds left gave the Nittany Lions the victory. Since that game, Penn State won the Big Ten championship, was left out of the playoffs, and lost one game in a thriller in The Rose Bowl at the hands of USC. Ohio State made the Playoffs losing to future champion Clemson 31-0. This season the Buckeyes lost at home to Oklahoma, but since the loss have looked dominant. This is a game for football fans of all ages. A Heisman Trophy Candidate, one team looking for revenge and won looking at the playoffs. Trust me you are not going to want to miss this one!

The Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State comes into this week fresh off a bye week and is currently 6-1, perfect in the Big 10. The Buckeyes leads the Big 10 with 577.3 yards per game and with 47.3 points per game. The Buckeyes have scored at least 54 points in their last 4 games and I am sure J.T. Barrett and the offense want to do that to the visiting Nittany Lions Saturday. Barrett has had himself a season thus far, leading the Big 10 in passing touchdowns with 21, points per game 22.6 and total yards per game 313.9. He is second currently in passing yards per game and completion percentage. The Buckeyes defense is only giving up 15.4 points per game.

The other huge factor that you have to talk about is 3-time National Champion coach Urban Meyer who is 43-2 in 6 seasons at Ohio State. There is no question Meyer knows how to win and has the 2017 Buckeyes looking a lot like the 2014 National Championship team. Scoring and dominating teams on offense and strangling team on defense. Rested looking for revenge and looking to make a statement could be the recipe for a win for the Buckeyes!

Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State come into Saturday’s game winning its last 15 regular season games. They have also won their last 13 Big 10 games, largely in part to Heisman Trophy candidate Saquon Barkley. Barkley, to this point in the season, has 1478 all-purpose yards: 757 running the ball and 448 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns. A lot of experts are saying that Ohio State have the tools to shut Barkley down due to an extra week to prepare for him and the talent that the Buckeyes have on the defensive side of the ball.

Barkley is not the only player the Nittany Lions have, Quarterback Trace McSorley who is not the 8-20 Quarterback he was a year ago. This young quarterback has improved every game and to this point in the season leads the Big 10 in passing yards per game (268.4) and completion percentage (68.8). McSorley is a true field general who can create plays with his feet as well as his are. McSorley likes to target his big tight end Mike Gesicki, who has caught at least one pass in 21 straight games. This is a team that is taking things one week at a time and playing a very high level especially coming off a huge 42-13 demolition of Michigan. If you are a Penn State fan, you must be happy with the way the Nittany Lions moves the ball on the number one defense in the Big 10 just a week ago.

Outcome
Ohio State is going to come out at home flying around, coming off the bye week and looking to ruin Penn State’s hope of making a run at the playoffs. The Buckeyes I am sure have had this game circled since day one of camp.  If Penn State is not careful, J.T. Barrett could be poised to have a big game both with his feet and his arm. Penn State is a very disciplined team, they have only being penalized 3.57 times a game. That discipline and getting either Barkley or McSorley or both going on offense, Penn State is poised to go in to Ohio State and come out with a victory.

Both teams are looking to make statements for Ohio State. It is expressed that they deserve to be a one loss team in the playoffs and that they are the best team in the big 10. For Penn State, it is that last year’s win was no fluke and that they should have been in the playoffs last year and will be in the playoffs this year. I think Penn State and company win a nail biter and move to 8-0. Regardless of who you are rooting for these 18, 19, 20-year-old young men on both teams are going to put on a show for pure football fans! I am telling you, at 3:30 on Saturday, you are going to want to tune in, and enjoy!

Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by
Daniel Bishop M.A.


Reference
https://www.google.com/amp/collegefootballnews.com/2017/10/penn-state-ohio-state-prediction-game-preview/amp
http://www.gopsusports.com/saquonbarkley/
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.usatoday.com/story/92626674
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21129720/revenge-factor-ohio-state-matchup-penn-state-urban-meyer-says

Time For Change at QB for Buffalo Bills

Is A QB Change Needed In Buffalo?

The question has been posed in Buffalo, “is it time to move on from Tyrod Taylor for Nathan Peterman?” With fair reason coming off one of Taylor’s worst professional performances this past Sunday in a 20-16 loss to Cincinnati. Taylor threw the ball 37 times against the Bengals, but only managed 166 yards total. He was sacked 6 times losing 27 yards. With all that, is it Tyrod’s fault or is the offense just making due with what it has? Could this be the beginning of the end of Taylor’s career in Buffalo? What does the quarterback need to change to keep his prime spot on the team?

 The lack of passing game has made nearly impossible to run for LeSean McCoy, who is only averaging 3.1 yards per carry. The Bills two biggest receiving threats, tight end Charles Clay and Jordan Matthews, are both out with injuries. That means the Bills and Tyrod are relying on Nick O’Leary who led the team last week with 5 catches for 54 yards, Andre Holmes, Brandon Tate, and Zay Jones a rookie. Plus, an offensive line who can not keep Taylor protected or off the ground. Does Tyrod need to play better yes, but is he doing the best with what is around him absolutely!

Coach Sean McDermott was asked of a possible move. Without hesitation, he proclaimed his confidence in his current starting Quarterback Tyrod Taylor. “Tyrod’s working hard to continue to improve. I’ve got all the confidence in the world in Tyrod Taylor.” McDermott went to say, “When you look at what we’ve done in the Jets game, in the Denver game, and then also in Atlanta those are what we want the standard to be.” The coach even took a moment to reflect on himself saying “obviously Sunday against the Bengals wasn’t the standard we want and that starts with me, we have to continue to grow and get better.” With coaching confidence behind him I just do not see a move for Peterman coming anytime soon. I also do not believe Peterman is a better Quarterback than Taylor.

This Week

This week, the Bills returned to action following a bye week, to their home field where they have yet to lose, to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. First year head coach Sean McDermott has come up with a simple phrase for his players, “Defend Our Dirt”, and with the offense needing a pick me up this week looks to be just that. If the Bills defense plays as well as it has thus far and the offense finds its rhythm, this week will set up nicely for the Bills and its Bills Mafia. The running game being successful will open up Tyrod Taylor’s passing opportunities. If the running game gets going, the Bills offense could be at its most explosive that we have seen this season. Either way, look for the Bills by 7 at home!

The facts

At the end of the day, with the talent that is on that offensive unit, Tyrod Taylor plain and simple gives the Bills the best chance at making the playoffs. His play has not been lights out but it also has not kept them from winning; his ability to create plays with his feet are what make him dangerous. Truth be told, the offensive line must play better and protect him, the running game needs to improve to open the passing game and the Bills need to get healthy. With all the components working together, this team could be a force to be dealt with.

The defense for the Bills is going to put them in position to compete and win football games. Tyrod just needs to manage the offense better. He not a go out and win you every game. He needs to be a game manager, and when the opportunity does present it self go out and win your team a game or two. The rest of the time Taylor should put the ball in players hands and learn from game situations. The running game improving goes hand and hand with the offensive line improving. Make blocks, open gaps for running lanes, if you do that the passing game will open up.

At this point in the season, you cannot make a quarterback change because the guy who gives you the best chance is already on the field. Come on Bills fans, your Bills are still at the top of the AFC East; get excited and stay with Tyrod and your Bills will be playoff bound in 2017.

Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited
Daniel Bishop M.A.

Reference
NFL.com/2017standings
Buffalorumblings.con

Looking For Answers: Pittsburgh Steelers 3-2

The Steelers started the season with drama and it has surely followed them through the first five games of the season. From an unhappy star running back, a tantrum from the star receiver, and a sub par five games from the aging franchise QB, things have not been easy for the Black N Gold. All of this, despite having all stars healthy for the first time in 3 years, having one of the best projected offensive lines, and a revamped young defense that has been doing their part in the passing defense. Uncharacteristic, the defense has struggled against the run, and the offense with all the weapons has just not clicked. Many in the media have placed blame throughout the team, but little have questioned the coaching. Mike Tomlin has shown that he does not have much control over the star players and Todd Haley has proven that his play calling is what we all thought it was questionable at best.

The Killer Bs
The season started with Le’Veon Bell holding out through all of training camp, after reportedly turning down a five year, $12 million per year contract that would have given him $30 million in the first two years of the deal. After a slow start to the season, the young running back Bell seemed to have a breakout game against rival Baltimore with 35 carries, 144 yards, and 2 touchdowns, while catching 4 passes for 42 yards in the AFC North win. Then this week, after only 15 carries he gets into a Twitter scuffle with former Steeler Ryan Clark. The distractions did not stop there; leading wide receiver Antonio Brown threw a temper tantrum on the sideline shortly before halftime in the Baltimore game when he did not get the ball while he wide open in the middle of the field. He later apologized after being called out by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. This action by Brown showed that there is tension behind the scenes in the Steel City. Lastly, all-season Ben Roethlisberger has been saying he must play better, but that was not the outcome this Sunday against Jacksonville. 5 interceptions, 2 returned for touchdowns, he threw the ball 55 times only completing 33 of them in a lackluster offensive performance. The 35-year-old quarterback stated after the game jokingly “maybe I just don’t have it anymore.” The truth of the matter is Roethlisberger is getting older and there were questions last year on wether or not he would return for 2017, but the coaching staff must call a better game and put the ball in the offensive weapons hands. Let Big Ben facilitate but not force or should create because the truth of the matter is the talent is there around him, USE IT!

Coaches Must be Better

Mike Tomlin seems to be having some issues controlling his younger star players and it is making the team look bad as a result. Tomlin has had issues with Antonio Brown; he had the Facebook live issue last year immediately after a victory that sent the Steelers to the AFC Championship. This year he had the Chicago National Anthem distraction and now against Le’Veon Bell and Ryan Clark Twitter scuffle is just another distraction facing Tomlin. It appears at times that Tomlin might be the Head Coach but does not always have control of his team. Then there is Todd Haley, who Sunday against the 32-ranked rush defense in the league runs the ball just 15 times but chooses against a young talented secondary to throw the ball 55 times. Where is the logic in that? How as an offensive coordinator with what looks to be a two-headed monster of finesse in Le’Veon Bell and power in James Conner do you not run the ball? Not saying that the interceptions are completely Haley’s fault because he is not the one on the field playing, but to quote Herm Edwards “Come On Man”, there is no reason that Bell should not have had 30 touches and Conner could not have gotten more involved. Just a poor performance all the way around.

Ultimately the Steelers lost an opportunity to separate themselves from a struggling AFC conference minus the 5-0 Kansas City Chiefs. But they are still in control of the AFC North division and are now aware hopefully of what needs to be fixed. The Steelers will travel to Kansas City for a 4:25PM showdown with the Chiefs. A year ago, Pittsburgh went into Kansas City and ended the Chiefs season in the playoffs. For that to be the case again Sunday, the Steelers will need to get back to the run game, which will allow the passing game to open up down field for players like Martvis Bryant and Antonio Brown. Stop forcing the ball and simplify the offense and get back to Steeler football or it could be another long Sunday afternoon for Steelers fans.

Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited:
Daniel Bishop M.A.

Three of a Kind: OKC Big 3

 There has been news all summer long coming out of the NBA; players are going all over the place. The move that had shocked the basketball world was Cleveland and Boston trading Kyrie Irving and Isaiah Thomas. That was the talk of the summer, until this past Saturday afternoon when Carmelo Anthony chose to join Russell Westbrook and Paul George. With this move, the Thunder, who saw a first round exit to the playoffs, have now jumped to the frontline of teams that can compete, and beat Golden State. If that is the case, the Thunder will have to strike as quickly as possible. All three All Stars George, Anthony and franchise face Russell Westbrook are eligible for free agency. This move could either be the beginning of securing a long-term team with OKC, or this could be players staging a tryout to earn themselves top dollar come next summer. Only time will tell, but putting these three super stars together gives the Warriors something to worry about. These two teams are on a collision course for each other which makes for good, exciting basketball!

2016 OKC Thunder

Going into the 2016 season, the Thunder had to play with only one of the two super stars that had made them a force in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant was gone, he was gone to play with the Warriors, a team that eliminated OKC just a year earlier. Speculation swirled around how the Thunder could even compete, let alone make the playoffs. Insert Russell Westbrook and the 2016 Thunder; Westbrook had himself a career year finished the season with 31.6 points per game, 10.7 rebounds per game and 10.4 assists. For those of you keeping track at home regarding a triple double a game average, he also had 42 triple doubles on the season which set the NBA record previous of 41 set by Oscar Roberts in 1961-62. As a team, the Thunder went 47-35 and lost in the first round in five games to the Houston Rockets.


The New Big 3

General manager of the Thunder, Sam Presti, was optimistic but also realized what he had to do at the end of the 2016 season. Presti reportedly told everyone in the front office that “like MacGyver” he would have to get creative to improve on the 3rd youngest roster in franchise history. The first addition was small forward/shooting guard Paul George; he brings 23.7 points per game. Coming over from the Pacers, George is in a rebuild in his career and could be using his year with the Thunder as a tryout for his upcoming free agency. Then three months later, this past Saturday the NBA world was stunned when it was announced that Carmelo Anthony joined the roster. Anthony, the 10-time all-star and 4-time Olympian brings 22.4 points per game, and pretty much looks like the most challenging opponent for the Golden State Warriors. Adding this proven talent, to a young team with a leader in Westbrook. The biggest question mark will be, can the egos of the three super stars coexist and can they square up and take on Kevin Durant and the Warriors?


The short and sweet ending to this is can the Thunder get the revenge they seek with the Warriors and Kevin Durant? Have we already seen the best of Carmelo Anthony and he is now a shell of the super star he once was? Can Paul George return to being dominant, with dominant players around him or will he just be a flash in the Pan stud, that had an injury and never fully returns to form? Are the Thunder in your opinion the team to unseat the defending Western Conference and NBA Champion Golden State Warriors? This year the West will be fun to watch and the Eastern Conference will be very lopsided as it has been for a few years now.

Written by:
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by:
Daniel Bishop

Reference
http://m.espn.com/nba/playercard?playerId=4251&src=desktop
http://m.espn.com/nba/playercard?playerId=1975&src=desktop
http://m.espn.com/nba/playercard?playerId=3468&src=desktop

The Cleveland WIndians: Path to the World Series

Starting on August 24th, the Cleveland Indians began a winning streak that Major League Baseball had not seen since 2002. Four games shy of MLB history, of a record set in 1916 the Indians lost to the Kansas City Royals 22 games after their last loss on way back on August 23rd. Terry Francona and his club out scored opponents 140-36 over 22 games; they trailed only 7 of the 181 innings. This team must be the favorite team to win the American League and is my favorite to win the World Series. The best thing that could have happened to the Indians was the streak ending; baseball is a game of waves. Having a little adversity with two weeks left in the season, it’s good to have some of that before entering October baseball.

The Streak

Out scoring opponents 140-36 over the 22-game winning streak brought the Indians total run differential to 220 only 6 teams have a differential greater than 100. To put it in perspective, the second closest team is 52 runs behind the Cleveland. The Indians win in dominant fashion only trailing for 7 of the 181 innings of the streak. They hit 41 homer runs during the streak, they only gave up 36 runs total in those 22 games. When asked about the streak manager Terry Francona said, “That day, for no particular reason, we decided to start winning a bunch of games in a row.” If that does not tell you the mentality of this team, how about the fact that although Corey Kluber is a potential Cy Young Winner, he was not the best pitcher during the streak, that title goes to third starter Mike Clevinger. Clevinger only allowed opposing batters to hit for a .159 batting average practically unhittable.

Historical Run

Although the Major League record was 26 games set in 1916 by the New York Giants, the Indians broke the American League record set by the 2002 Oakland Athletics. To show the dominance of the Indians, they were a full 7 runs above both the 1916 Giants and 2002 A’s. When the Indians won their 21st game, they tied the 1935 Chicago Cubs streak, which was the 2nd longest in baseball history. When they won 22, they moved into sole possession of the MLB second longest winning streak. The 22 games have come into question with the top streaks in sports ever. If you are going to say that, in my opinion the Indians would have had to win 26 or 27 straight games and own the record. The streak of 22 game is quite the impressive feat, it ranks up there with the 90 games the UCONN’s women had, the 17 games the Pittsburgh Penguins had or the 21 consecutive games the New England Patriots had. The reason being baseball is a game of waves, a pitcher can be on one game and 5 days later for their next start they just might not have it in the next game. The Indians’ starters and pitching staff managed to stump the teams they played over a 22 game stretch, impressive but not the most impressive streak in sports history.

Favorite to Win World Series

Half an inning and 1 run, that is all the separated the Cleveland Indians from a World Series Title. This year, the Indians look to have Home Field advantage throughout the Playoffs. They will have to at least go through either the Houston Astros or Boston Red Soxs. Once the Indians make it out of the American League they will have to get past the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Pitching for Cleveland could manage to stifle the Dodgers. Adding in the offensive production, from players like back up catcher Roberto Perez, who batted .382 during the streak and late season addition Jay Bruce, who hit the game winning double in win number 22 of the streak. Plus, the consistency of the everyday starters Carlos Santana who batted .365 during the streak and Carlos Carrasco who in four starts during the streak, pitched 34 strikeouts and had a 0.62 ERA.

The Indians where so close just a year ago, and now seem to be poised to make another run for the title. They are coming off the most impressive winning streak in recent baseball history and this team just seems to be the overall favorite. On top of that, Terry Francona seems to have made it possible for this team to just go out and continue to have fun. That is what makes the Indians so enjoyable to watch and easy to root for; they appear to be big kids just out there playing the game they love and having a good time doing it. My prediction is that Cleveland wins the World Series over the Los Angeles Dodgers in 6 games and that the Indians’ pitching staff will be the reason that the title comes back to Chief Wahoo and the tribe!

Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by
Daniel Bishop

References
https://www.si.com/mlb/2017/09/08/cleveland-indians-winning-streak
https://www.cheatsheet.com/sports/10-of-the-longest-winning-streaks-in-sports-history.html/?a=viewall
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/the-indians-win-streak-wasnt-mlbs-longest-but-it-might-be-the-most-impressive/
https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/the-indians-amazing-22-game-winning-streak-by-the-numbers/

The Battle for The Keystone State: Pitt vs Penn State A Rivalry Reborn

For the 96th time since 1893, the Panthers of Pittsburgh and the Nittany Lions of Penn State squared off on the gridiron Saturday afternoon. The rivalry was abandoned for 15 years, Pitt took the first game in the recent series revival last year at Heinz Field 42-39 in a classic rivalry type game and atmosphere. This year’s game went how most expected Penn State dominated in route to a 33-14 win at home in Happy Valley. The part of the game garnering the most attention is the post game comments of Penn State head James Franklin. The question I have is, is this even really a real rivalry anymore? Does it still hold the same weight as it used to with fans from both schools? Should it continue to happen?

2017 Game at Happy Valley

The Penn State Nittany Lions, lost two games a season ago. The loss that many experts believe kept them from making the College Football Playoffs came at Heinz Field to the Panthers of Pittsburgh 42-39 in a wild contest. Penn State welcomed the Panthers to Happy Valley with one goal in mind, win the game. Pittsburgh however led in all the important statistical categories, time of possession went to the Panthers 38:20 to Penn States 21:40. The Panthers had more yards and first downs than the rivals in blue and white, but the stat that jumps out is the turnover difference Pitt had three Penn State just one. The Panthers managed to keep one of the top running backs under 100 yards rushing as Saquon Barkley finished with 14 carries, 85 yards and one score. He also found his way into the end zone on a receiving touchdown, to go with his 4 catches for 45 yards. Just another ring added to this 96-year-old rivalry that saw Penn State win 33-14. Many experts say that the Nittany Lions dominated, but the stars tell a different story, what did you think of the game?

The History of the Battle for the Keystone State

The first meeting between the two schools came November 6th, 1893; a game that saw Penn State win convincingly 33-0. Penn State holds the all-time record in the series 51-43-4, but it is the Panthers of Pittsburgh that hold the longest win streak in the series at 14 games from 1922-1938. The rivalry has produced 12 players now in Canton in the football Hall of Fame, for Pittsburgh the notable names are Dan Marino, Tony Dorsett (a Hiseman Trophy winner) and Mike Ditka. On the Penn State side, there are six players also in the Hall of Fame most notably Franco Harris. If that is not enough of a reason to take notice to this rivalry, 24 times the game has pinned two AP Top 10 schools against each other, including a streak of 13 out of 15 years from 1968-1982. Also for those that want to say that this is not Penn States rival and that the title of rival belongs to Ohio State, the Panthers and Nittany Lions have met 96 times. The Buckeyes and Nittany Lions have met just 20 times. Lastly the rivalry has seen the winner of the interstate battle be in the AP Top 5 13 times in its 96 years.

The Rivalries Return

When the two schools met in 2016, it set the record for sporting event attended in the City of Pittsburgh’s history with 69,983 gathered at Heinz Field. In 2017, 109,898 fans filled Happy Valley to watch and cheer for there respected sides, and fans seem to be eating up. The coaches are doing their parts to keep the rivalry alive whether is was the 2016 season with Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi calling Penn State “arrogant” before the game, or calling them “whiners” after the Panthers won. Then this past weekend after the Penn State victory, Head Coach James Franklin said of Pitt, “Last year them beating us was like there Super Bowl, this year us beating them is like beating Akron.” The coaches are not holding back verbal punches, which is what you want in a rivalry like this. The other great thing about the return of the rivalry is what it does for recruiting in the state for both schools. Now when you sit down at the table with a 17 or 18-year-old High School prospect you can offer them the opportunity to be apart of a great rivalry, that has seen many football legends both between the white lines. It is great for the schools, for football and it is an amazing showcase of Pennsylvania football!

This rivalry is just that; the schools, coaches, players, and fans do not like each other, which make for great football atmospheres and better ratings which earns the schools and NCAA more money. Both teams will only continue to get better under coach Narduzzi for Pitt and coach Franklin for Penn State, which means this interstate battle is just heating up next will only grow and get better. Lastly, as stated earlier, it is a great recruiting tool, being a part of such a historic rivalry, getting to play on national television and play in front 100,000 plus people. The rivalry hands down sells the schools to potential recruits. Those are my thoughts, what are yours? Do you like the rivalry? Do you want to see it continue? Does the coaches verbal battle make it that much more appealing? Only time will tell.


Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by
Daniel Bishop M.A.

References
http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400935245
https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/9/9/16279242/pitt-penn-state-final-score-results-james-franklin-2017
http://www.pennlive.com/news/2017/09/penn_state_students_share_thou.html
http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/gallery/penn-state-pitt-rivalry-preview-history-facts-james-franklin-joe-paterno-090816
http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/news/pitt-penn-state-rivalry-2016-james-franklin-pat-narduzzi-james-conner/1aghm0ahufx1g1rlznbygiq8xa

2017 Pittsburgh Steelers: Super Bowl or Bust

The 2016 Pittsburgh Steelers season ended in New England in disappointing fashion; the Steelers fell 36-17. The secondary was picked apart by future hall fame quarterback Tom Brady and company. Since then there has been some uncertainty about the future of the Steel Curtain. How long will Ben Roethlisberger be the team before retiring? Will Le’veon Bell stay healthy for a full 16 games. How dangerous are the Steelers with Martavis Bryant and a healthy Cam Hayward? Lastly can the secondary players help the Steelers, rather than hinder them? The Steelers are at the point where it is a do or die situation. What do you think?

Uncertainty at Quarterback and Running back

Entering the 2017 season the Steelers had questions to answer, would Ben Roethlisberger return and would Le’veon Bell ever rejoin the Black N Gold? Roethlisberger was the first to come around, one day after losing the AFC Championship, the franchise quarterback had said he was not sure if he would return. Roethlisberger is signed through the 2019 season but was contemplating retirement after the 2016 season. For Steeler fans and the organization, this should be a scary thought as the depth at quarterback is nonexistent. Big Ben decided early in the offseason to return for at this point could be a last ride, all in season. The 14-year veteran understands that his window is closing to win, part of that window is having a dynamic two position running back.

All summer long, the question in Pittsburgh and around the NFL was what was going to happen with Le’veon Bell? Bell, a star both running the ball and catching the ball out of the backfield, was given a franchise tag earning him $12.12 million dollars, yet Bell was absent from training camp and the preseason. This action caught Bell a lot of heat, both from national and local media but let us look at it. For the first time in his career, Bell is entering the 2017 season 100% healthy and able to play. He himself said he did it not because he was upset with the franchise tag, but more he wanted to stay and be healthy for the season. This season being a do or die year for him, Bell is looking at the big picture he realizes this is a brand-new opportunity to prove himself, that he is worth being paid as a #1 running back and a #2 wide receiver. With the mentality of these two being out to prove something, Roethlisberger trying to win one more ring and Bell playing for a contract the offensive side of the ball for the Black N Gold and “Yinzer” nation looks very good.

Welcome back Martavis and Heyward

The Steelers will get an added boost on both sides of the ball, on offense fresh a year suspension Martavis Bryant and his 14 career touchdowns, and Cam Heyward the defensive team captain returning from injury on the defensive side of the ball. Martavis Bryant was suspended for the entire 2016 for violating the NFL substance abuse policy following his second violation of the rule. Which means the Steelers were without the 6’4 wide receiver who in 21 career games has 76 receptions for 1,314 yards and 14 touchdowns. With his return, you can open the offensive threats with a true number 2 receiver opposite Antonio Brown, who can stretch the field for the other offensive weapons in the Steelers arsenal. Bryant can stretch the field and keep defenses in check.  Also returning healthy for the Steelers in the middle of the defensive line is Cam Heyward, who only appeared in seven games before a season ending injury halted what looks to be a promising career for the six-year pro out of Ohio State. In 7 games last season, Heyward accounted for 3 sacks and 17 solo tackles. With the front Defensive line regain its leader the defense in Pittsburgh is poised to return to what was once know as the steel curtain with disruption up front which forces offensive units to become one sided. If the Steelers front seven can cause problems up front, it should be a good year for the defensive unit for the Black N Gold.

Young Linebackers and Improved Secondary

James Harrison enters the season as a backup to the younger unknown Watt and Ross Cockrell is out in the secondary with Pittsburghs addition of veteran Joe Haden at corner. In the draft, the Steelers drafted younger brother of All-Pro JJ Watt, TJ watt since being drafted has done nothing but be impressive. In his first preseason game, he registered 2 sacks and the sky has been the limit since. Earlier in the offseason, linebacker coach Joey Porter had already named him the starter over Veteran James Harrison who famously had the 99-yard interception for a touchdown in the last Super Bowl for the Steelers. To many, Harrison has been an ageless wonder has even been impressed by the young Watt’s performance. Time will tell, but the Steelers seem to have a good young group in the linebackers that can cause a lot of problems for opposing offensive units.
Late in the offseason and preseason, the Steelers needed to address the secondary; they did so in the tail end of the preseason adding, all pro corner and former Cleveland Brown Joe Haden. He will be responsible for most teams number 2 receiver which gives the Steelers two number 1 corners on the field with second year Artie Burns cover the number ones. The Steelers also added help and depth in the safety position trading for JJ Wilcox who can fill in for injured safety Mike Mitchel. All in all, the secondary is 10000 percent better than it was last year entering the AFC championship game.

The 2017 Pittsburgh Steelers have gone above and beyond to prove they are all chips in, Super Bowl or bust this season. Time will tell if they made the right moves and can get over the hump of that team up north in New England. As all roads always seem to lead there. I predict another AFC North title for the Black N Gold. My question for you, is did they do enough to beat New England?

This article is in dedication and remembrance of Chuck Kern 1958-2017. This year is for you Chuck all the best buddy I know you are going to have the best seat in the house for all the games this year!

Written by:
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited

References
http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/pittsburgh-steelers/ben-roethlisberger-3595/stats-valuation/
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BellLe00.htm
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BryaMa00.htm
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HeywCa01.htm

The 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates: When Hope and Disappointme Collide

The 2017 season for the Pittsburgh Pirates did not start off well, to say the least. It started in the summer, when the team was actively shopping around star center fielder Andrew McCutchen, almost dealing the center fielder for now Chicago Cubs starter Josè Quintana. Then the Pirates found out that third baseman Jung Ho Kang was having trouble receiving a visa, following some DUI problems in his native country of South Korea. If that was not bad enough, left fielder and two-time Gold Glove Winner Starling Marte was suspended 80 games for his use of performance enhancers. Through all that, the Pirates have remained in the thick of the National League Central race. The things that jump out as why they can not get over the hump are countless, but this season has not been all bad. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly are what we are going to look at. The basics are the fans of Pirates baseball are loyal but are getting fed up with the ownership, and that is apparent in the increasingly dropping numbers both in attendance and viewership. What do you think is it an ownership issue, refusing to spend money to improve? Could it be that Clint Hurdle has lost his power in the clubhouse? I think it is the first of the two but what do you think?

The Good
After many years of platooning players, the likes of Gabby Sanchez, Garret Jones, and that failed experiment with Pedro Alvarez at first base. The Pittsburgh Pirates seem to have found their long time starting first baseman, Josh Bell. Bell has grown in the position throughout the 2017 season and although he has not perfected it yet, the upside with Bell seems to be great. At the age of 24, the young first basemen has provided a much needed offensive spark to the Pirates lineup, batting .264 with 118 hits and 22 home runs. Bell has only 9 errors while posting a .991 fielding percentage, not to bad for an outfielder who was converted out of necessity. Look for Bell to continue to improve his fielding, while continuing to provide an offensive spark for the “Battling Buccos”.

The other bright spot for the 2017 Pittsburgh Pirates is the bottom 3rd of the starting pitching rotation and closer.  Trevor Williams and Chad Kuhl have provided stability at the bottom half of the rotation and continue to improve; they need to get better at working deeper into games would be the knock against them. What they provide the Pirates with is a chance to get a W on the 4th and 5th day when the top 3 starters on the mound. If these two can bring the earned run averages down from the slightly above 4.00 they are at now and work deeper into games, these two could be a dangerous end to a pretty solid pitching rotation the Pirates have. The other brilliantly bright spot has been closer Felipe Rivero. The 26-year-old Venezuelan has been all but lights out coming out of the bullpen. Rivero has a 1.25 ERA and is under contract with the Pirates through 2022. Things are looking up if the Pirates can utilize the young closer effectively.

The Bad
The Bad must start with Gerrit Cole, who wants to be called an ace and be paid as such and he is the outright ace for this Pittsburgh pitching staff. Cole has been inconsistent at best and seems to still allow small things to adversely affect him throughout the game. A call does not go his way, a play does not get made on the field or he gives up a homer, and it is a toss-up what Cole you will get on the mound for the rest of the game. I understand that his frustration level must be high given last season and this season out comes, but to be an ace you must be the man the club knows is going to give them the best chance to win. For a large portion of this season, it was a toss up between Cole and counter part Ivan Nova for the title of ace. Cole through this point has a 3.99 ERA and a 11-8 record. If Cole wants to be a true star in the league he will need to improve his numbers. It is also unlikely that Pirates fans will see Cole in a Pirate uniform after this season, as he has expressed little interest in returning when his contract expires in 2020. The Pirates have to hope that opinion changes or they will have to move him and get something worthwhile in return, not just prospects, the Pirates norm for star caliber players when moving them.

Lack of effort to improve the team at the trade deadline is the other Bad for this list and probably could and should be above the Cole issue. At the trade deadline, the Pirates were right in the thick of the Central race, sitting in third or fourth but within striking distance of the division title. Neal Huntington who has over priced and valued many of his prospects stood firm as the deadline approached. On the day of the trade deadline, the only moves that were made was adding Joequin Benoit from the Phillies, who has just been completely awful. Then while players like Neal Walker, and Jay Bruce were being claimed on waivers the Pirates decided to bring back a familiar face in Sean Rodriguez. This is pretty much par for the course for a General Manager who has had his budget from ownership and over value of prospects hinder his ability to improve the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Ugly

The inconsistency of the team, one week they can win 6 of 8 and the following week they will go 1-8. The fact that Clint Hurdle is forced to trot out the likes of John Jaso, David Freese on a regular basis, Sean Rodriguez and a handful of minor leaguers. These guys are good, solid bench players but are not every day players. The fact that Hurdle’s hand was forced after losing third baseman Jung ho Kang and Gold Glover Starling Marte due to off the field issues. Gregory Palanco, who when is in the lineup shows he can anchor the bottom part of the batting order, but has been injured and inconsistent at his best. You cannot blame Hurdle for this season because of what he had to work with, but some of his in game decisions making has been questionable at best.

This brings me to the biggest Ugly of them all, Bob Nutting refusing to do anything financial to improve the club, with a payroll of $109,154,936, ranking the Pirates 23rd of 30 teams. It is like watching the movie Major League in real life, and then to put the icing on the cake, Mr. Nutting and company have recently came out and publicly said they are disappointed in the Fan Base. No Mr. Nutting, the Fan base is disappointed in you. You continue to grow your wealth, but show no interest in improving your ball club and put a worth while product out on the field; it is an embarrassment and you should be disappointed in only yourself. What is next, are you going to hire Ricky “wild thing” Vaugh from the California Prison League and Lou Brown to manage after he sells those whitewall of course?

In closing, the Battling Buccos are not quite mathematically eliminated yet with 30 games left to play, but the window is closing and the things mentioned above are factors. The true fans will stick around for another year of hopes and dreams, but I think it is growing more and more obvious that the fan base has become disheartened and fed up with the lack of effort from the front office and above; the team and fans are suffering from the higher ups’ incompetence or just lack of care. That is what I think, let me know what you think!

Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by
Daniel Bishop


Reference
http://www.espn.com/mlb/team/_/name/pit/pittsburgh-pirates
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/belljo02.shtml
https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/riverfe01.shtml
http://www.spotrac.com/mlb/pittsburgh-pirates/payroll/

Back to Back Champions: “Elvis Has Just Left the Building”

The whistle heard around the hockey world. A non-goal that should have have been a goal early in the second period was not the straw that broke the Nashville Predators’ back, but the beginning of the end. The Pittsburgh Penguins led by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Matt Murray captured their third title during the “Crosby Malkin Era” and fifth in franchise history this past Sunday. The path for both teams was not an easy one. The Penguins, love them or hate them, played with a largely depleted lineup, and had to go through a Nashville Team that was 9-1 on home ice coming into Sunday's game. The controversy, the awful officiating and the hostile Nashville fans made for a great feeling back in Pittsburgh with 1:35 left on the clock. Patrick Hornqvist, the former Nashville Predators, sent his former team to the golf course on the 87th day of playoff hockey. How did he do it? The only way Hornqvist would, starting in front of the net and finishing with a goal from behind the net that banked off Pekka Rennee’s back and into the net. What did you think of the service? How did you feel about the NHL playoffs as a hole? Does this make this Pittsburgh Penguins team in the same category as other great NHL dynasties? Without a shadow of doubt this team deserves to be in the Conversation that's for sure.

The Whistle that Should Not Have Been
Kevin Pollok was out of position at 18:53 of the second period when a shot from Filip Forsberg rifled a shot to the left of Matt Murray. From Pollok’s vantage point that was the end of the play and Murray had frozen the puck. While Pollok was blowing his whistle due to losing site of the puck, Colton Sissons put the clearly loose puck in the back of the net. Pollok blowing his whistle early robbed the Predators of a 1-0 lead "You can discuss that all you want. Obviously 1-0 is better than a tight game. I think it should have been a goal but at the same time you can't do anything about it," Forsberg said. This was a shot to the heart of the Predators, but did not cost them the game. For 32 seconds of the third period the Predators had a 5-3 power play when they failed to capitalize, the momentum from killing that penalty carried the Penguins to the closing minutes of the game. That is when the former Nashville Predator struck with 1:35 left in a pivotal game six of the Stanley Cup Finals.

A Trade Comes Full Circle
On July 27th, 2014, the Pittsburgh Penguins traded James Neal to the Nashville Predators for Patrick Hornqvist. With 1:35 left to play in game 6 of the Stanley Cup final, that trade came full circle and Hornqvist broke the hearts of an entire city. Scoring a goal against his former team to win the Stanley Cup made it that much more special.  "This is where I've been playing most of my games and to win it and score that goal here, it couldn't end any better for me." How did he do it you ask? The same way Hornqvist has made a name for himself since his arrival in Pittsburgh, causing havoc in front of the net, chasing down a loose puck, and banking it off the back of Pekka Rinne. With 14 seconds left to play Carl Hagelin slammed to door shut on the Predators and locked up the Penguins third Stanley cup in the Crosby, Malkin era. They also become the first team to repeat as champions since the 97’-98’ Detroit Redwings, and the first team to do so in the salary cap era.

The best and worst thing that could have happened to the NHL was this final series. On one hand Sidney Crosby, the face of the NHL wins his third ring, back to back Conn Smythe trophy and having an atmosphere like Nashville a 16 seed who no one ever saw making it this far. The Predators all but pushed the defending and now reigning Champs to the brink. Nashville’s fans were loud, the atmosphere was amazing and two good hockey teams battled tooth and nail to hoist Lord Stanley's cup. That is the good. The bad was a playoff issue and that was the officiating, which was inconsistent and at times filled with make calls and no calls for all 16 teams involved. The NHL needs to strongly look at the way their officials conduct themselves in these playoffs. The biggest point for this need to reevaluate, is what occurred at 18:53 of the second period in game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. In the end , my title pays homage to the great announcer Mike Lange “Spit shine my shoes Sidney” and “you can tell your ma, you can tell your pa, I'm sending you back to Arkansas. The Pittsburgh Penguins are repeat champions”.

Written by:
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by:

References
https://www.google.com/amp/amp.usatoday.com/story/102756526/
https://www.nhl.com/news/pittsburgh-penguins-nashville-predators-game-6-recap/c-289884970
http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/19610362/nashville-predators-goal-game-6-called-quick-whistle
https://www.google.com/amp/www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nhl/2017/6/12/15780346/penguins-stanley-cup-champions-2017

King James vs His Airness Michael Jordan: A Tale of two different Giants!

For years now we have heard the debate about LeBron James and Michael Jordan, as questions have surfaced regarding who is better? There are those that say without a shadow of doubt that it is Jordan, and there are those that say it is James. Many on the Jordan side say rings are what make Michael the better of the two. This should not be the argument for two players who play completely different styles of basketball. Stats do tell a very loud argument that James is the better of the two. Again, these are two completely different basketball players. Putting biases aside, who do you think is the better all-around player?

His Airness
Michael Jordan hit one of the most iconic shots in NCAA history and thus, the legend was born. He was drafted with the third overall pick in 1984 by the Chicago Bulls as a shooting guard/small forward. Here are what Jordan's career stats look like: 30.1 points per game, 5.3 assists,2.3 steals, 6.2 rebounds. Let's focus on the second stat there, just over 5 assists per game Michael was a scorer we all know this, but was Michael out there to make his teammates better? From all accounts, Michael was not a “pass first player”, and he did not have to be when he wanted to, he could take over games and the other four players were along for the show.  When this happened, Jordan’s mentality was “give me the ball and get out of my way player.” So, was Mike a better basketball player and teammate then LeBron? The answer is yes because it was about winning and not just about stats. He had what a lot of experts call the killer instinct when Michael wanted to take a game over he did and the highlight reels show this to be true. Jordan could just be Jordan with a great surrounding cast that many people forget about Pippen, Rodman, Kerr, Harper, and Grant.
He had other players that were quite capable but at the end of the day, it was Mikes show. The 6-6 guard has the edge on James in scoring titles, rings, finals MVPs (currently). The other thing Michael had that James has never had in his career was a gambling issue that stained the NBA in 1993 an issue that some believe was an alternative factor in Jordan stepping away from basketball along with the loss of his father. Now there is no question that Michael left his mark on the game and made the game better at a time when the NBA was floundering. But, as a basketball player and a teammate, it still goes back to Michael only worried about winning, if that meant he had to score 61 in a playoff game, he would but he used his surrounding cast to the best of his ability. At the end of the game was Michael passing the on a game winning shot? Ask that question to the 1992 Detroit Pistons or the 1998 Utah Jazz, that killer instinct that fans loved so much was in full view. That same killer instinct has been questioned in LeBron James, but let us look a little deeper at the King.

King James
LeBron James drafted first overall in the 2003 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers has been chasing the “Ghost from Chicago” since he stepped into the league. Looking at James stats: 27.1 points per game, 7.0 assists, 7.3 rebounds, 50.1% field goal percentage, and can play every spot on the court at 6-8 250 pounds. Yes, LeBron only has 3 rings in 7 appearances but one of those 7 appearances is where I want to make my argument. 2007 Cleveland Cavaliers, can you name the roster? LeBron James took the likes of Eric Snow, Larry Hughes, Zydrunas Illgauskas. Yes, that is the supporting cast the LeBron James had when he went to and lost his first finals appearance. He finished that series with 22 points per game adding 7.0 rebounds a game and just under 7 assists, what he did not have and has not had constantly in his career is that killer instinct to go and take a game over and win it by himself. There should be no question LeBron makes his team better not just by scoring but by all the little intangibles he adds to the team on and off the court. The court vision, the freakish ability for a man his size, the knowledge and understanding of the game of basketball. Those are what make James a great basketball player.

The Decision
When Michael came into the league, he was the first of his kind and did not have to chase ghost or compete to be known as the greatest of all time. That title was placed upon his head due to the exceptional things he did. He had an entire generation of wanting to “Be like Mike”. LeBron has been chasing again from his own words “the Ghost in Chicago” since he stepped on an NBA floor. For me it still must be Michael Jordan as the greatest of all time. For one simple reason, everyone who grew up during the Michael Jordan Era wanted to “Be Like Mike” that includes LeBron James, the difference between the rest of us and James is LeBron did it better than the rest of us. On my list, it is Michael number one Kobe number two and LeBron number 3 for the simple fact the first two guys had killer instinct every time they stepped on the floor, sometime in my opinion that killer instinct is not there in LeBron. You know how I feel, who is in your opinion the greatest of all time? Let the debate continue.

Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by
Daniel Bishop M.A.

References
http://www.landofbasketball.com/player_comparison/lebron_james_vs_michael_jordan.htm
https://www.google.com/amp/sportsworld.nbcsports.com/michael-jordan-vs-lebron-james/amp/
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/CLE/2007.html

Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude

If you have played or watched high school basketball in Western Pennsylvania, when you hear the name Tim McConnell, three things come to mind: passion, intensity, and winning program at Chartiers Valley. Coach McConnell finished his 24th season as head basketball coach at Chartiers Valley. In those 24 seasons, 3 of the previous were not 20+ win seasons, 3 WPIAL Championships at the Triple A level and 3 at the Quad A level winning one with son TJ (now playing for the 76ers) and one with son Matty (currently playing at Robert Morris); success through hard work is a common theme for the McConnells. The phrase that he always instilled in campers, players, and students is “Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude”, he explains what that means plus much more in this week’s article.

The Culture 
His phrase “Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude” is a very simple explanation when it is put in his words “It is exactly what it means, the better your attitude is the better chance you have of succeeding. If you have a great attitude about something, you can accomplish it. If your attitude is bad you will be like a cancer spreading through your team and it will limit your success.” With all of coach McConnell’s on the court success, I asked if he had ever had an offer to move on from Chartiers Valley to coach at the next level, “ I have not had an offer to go to the college level. I am treated really well at CV and love this school district and the community.” Just think about this the year before Coach McConnell arrived at Chartiers Valley, the Colts went 7-15, since then 20 of 23 seasons with 20+ and 15 players who have scored more than 1,000 points.  How does that happen?  “I think the hard work of the players in the off season plays a major part in our team’s success.”

The Coach
Coach Tim McConnell is as successful of a basketball coach as he is a life coach. When asked what got him into coaching, “I got into coaching because I knew I wasn't good enough to continue playing after college and this was my way of staying involved and giving back to this great game. I love teaching young men and women to get better as people and players.” Then he gave simple advice to young coaches out there just getting started, “Some parents are unrealistic about their child's ability and when things don't go right the 1st person they look to blame is the coach.”
He also covered the the best and worst things in addition to who his coaching rivals are in the WPIAL, “Best thing is the relationships we build with our players that last a lifetime. Worst thing is all the outside distractions that could be possible pitfalls for young athletes. We love playing USC, Lebo and Montour every year.
Coaching rivals are Danny Holser of USC and Billy Swan of Hempfield, I love beating them every year.”

The Father
Father of three, Coach McConnell has two boys: TJ, point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers, sophomore guard at Robert Morris Matty McConnell and the youngest of the family his daughter Megan a freshman at Chartiers Valley. As a coach, it is special to watch players grow from young kids to young adults, as a parent you want to watch your kids reach all of their goals and more. I asked coach how many games of TJ and Matty does he get to watch, “I don't miss any of Matt's home games and I see about 10 of Tj's games because of my games and now Megan's games for the CV varsity girls.” Diving a little deeper, I asked coach of his sons, which ones playing style resembles his when he played, “TJ's because I was a pass first point guard like he is. Knowing the competitive drive of Coach and TJ and Matty, I asked him who he thought would win in a game of horse, he answered “Megan beats us all.” So, the youngest of the McConnells is the horse champion!

Coach Tim McConnell can teach you how to shoot and he can teach you how to play defense. The most important thing he instills in you is how to be a good person and how to succeed long after the lights are off in the gym and your basketball days are behind you. He without a doubt is one of the best people I have had the privilege of knowing, he has been one of my role models since I was in kindergarten. The tools that he gave me that had nothing to do with basketball, but with life and how to be a respectful human being, are some that I use still to this day. He coaches with intensity, knowing his players’ capabilities and expecting nothing but your very best. The last question I asked Coach was what's after basketball? Again, coach being the straight shooter that he gave a very simple response to that question. “I plan on dying on the basketball court.”

Special thanks to Coach McConnell for taking the time to answer my questions. As coach would say “Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude!”

Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by
Ethan Barnes
Daniel Bishop M.A.

Slapped in the face, The NBA product and its Fans!

$123.22, that is the price the average NBA fan will pay for a single game. The fans pay to see the likes of Lebron James or Kyrie Irving, but these players, and many more are choosing to rest their bodies for the playoffs. Coaches, former NBA greats, and the commissioner have all chimed in about the growing problem. Charles Barkley escalated the situation when he suggested that the fans to boycott attending games. The NBA is at the point now where the regular seasons game for teams and players are telling the league and its fans that the regular season does not matter. If that is the case, then why as a fan would you spend $123.22 for a 50/50 chance to see your favorite star play? Sounds to me like a direct slap in the face to the NBA fans who pay to see these athletes at the games that they anxiously attend. 

Lebron on Resting Player 

Lebron thinks the only reason this has become such a big issue is because he is involved. In an interview last Tuesday, James said “I just know the conversation gets a little bit more talked about when I'm a part of it.” This coming off the heals of James and the “Big Three” sitting out a nationally televised game over the previous weekend and the NBA voicing its displeasure last Monday. James did have a rebuttal to all the rest talk saying “listen Popovich has been doing this for 10, 12, 15 years now, and everyone was like you know what……?  That's the smartest thing Pop has ever done.” James continued “he gives his guy a couple of games off and just like that they win 5 championships, but in our league Pop has a stature that not all coaches have, our head coach doesn't have that and he gets killed for it.” The shame of the matter is Lebron just does not see it as a non-issue, but also has stated that the season should be shorter. When that is how the face of the league feels, there is an obvious problem and the NBA acknowledges that issue. 

Charles Barkley Sounds Off

Never one to keep quiet, Charles Barkley has sounded off on the issue stating, “the league needs to look into this “resting” players, I don't remember back in my day players needing rest late in the season.” He added “I know I'm an old guy hating on the young guys but if you have bad teams in the league today that aren't going to make the playoffs resting guys, For What!” Barkley pointed out that not only is it a slap in the face to the fans, but also to the TV partners who are making it possible for these players to make 10, 20, 30 million dollars. He called on the fans to boycott attending and watching NBA games to send the players a message.  He pointed out players like Tim Duncan and Michael Jordan played in college and then had long NBA careers without breaks. Jordan's team the Hornets with Jordan philosophy on the breaks coach Steve Clifford said, “…it's easy for me not to do it, I have an owner who just doesn't believe in it, and associate coach (Patrick Ewining) that would kill me if I started doing it.”  It's easy to see where the former generation of NBA stars feels about this new age NBA basketball.  How do you feel about it? 

NBA Commissioners Thoughts

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver sent a memo out to the league last Monday addressing the situation that he called a ‘significant issue’ to let teams know where the league stands on the practice. Here is what he had to say, “Decisions of this kind ... can affect fans and business partners, impact our reputation and damage the perception of our game.” Silver wrote in the memo, according to a release by The Associated Press “With so much at stake, it is simply not acceptable for governors to be uninvolved or to defer decision-making authority on these matters to others in their organizations.” “Please also be reminded that under current league rules teams are required to provide notice to the league office, their opponent and the media immediately upon a determination that a player will not participate in a game due to rest,” Silver continued. “Failure to abide by these rules will result in significant penalties.” The league has to do something, for the amount that they charge for a game and the money the TV networks are paying to broadcast these games, it is at the point a watered down product that owes it to the fans to put the stars on the floor every night. 

Written by

Carlo Guadagnino 

Edited by

Daniel Bishop M.A. 

References 

https://www.google.com/amp/www.cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-commissioner-adam-silver-says-players-resting-is-significant-issue/amp/

http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/charles-barkley-nba-rest-041816

https://nbalead.com/2017/03/21/charles-barkley-tells-fans-to-boycott-games-to-combat-nba-players-resting/

https://www.google.com/amp/s/charlotteobserver.relaymedia.com/amp/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article140395273.html

https://www.google.com/amp/www.sportingnews.com/amp/nba/news/lebron-james-admits-nba-rest-issue-is-significant-because-hes-involved/12bx6oysbhxgq17i05j14b7yn4

How Sweet is the Madness of March!

The defending National Champion is eliminated, Lavar Ball is enjoying his fifteen minutes of fame, plus Bob Huggins and the Mountaineers have pressed every team out of the gym so far. It's that time of the year everyone, whether a sports fans or not, most will fill out brackets for money and watch for their team to get hot and make a run. The 2017 men's basketball National Tournament is the most exciting thing in sports year after year.

Down go the Champs
Wisconsin came into the tournament with a lower end seed, the Badgers were only one of two teams in the Top 25 of Big 10 teams and yet they were still slated as an 8 seed. The seeding did not matter this past Saturday, as the Badgers downed the number one seed and defending national champion Villanova. The wildcats struggled in their first-round matchup against 16 seed Mount St. Mary 76-56, that score does not accurately show the struggle but it was anything but a good performance for the defending national champ.

The Badgers felt disrespected by the selection committee and took that out on the defending champs. With 11.4 seconds left, Nigel Hayes scored the winning layup. Josh Hart had a productive 19-point day for the Wildcats, but lost the ball to Vito Brown; Brown who would hit a free throw and miss the second one final score 65-62. Head coach of the Badgers had this to say when asked about seeding, “Seeds don't matter, I told these guys regardless we have to win six games let's start with two this weekend.” I' would say so far so good with that goal.

Parents just don't Understand
Lavar Ball is just like every other parent in America, my son/daughter is the best of all time, blah blah blah. The difference between most parents and Ball is that he has been given national spotlight due to his oldest son Lorenzo Ball staring at UCLA and youngest son scoring 92 points in a high school game as a sophomore. There is a lot of talent in the family, father Ball has even said he taught the best thing you can teach in basketball, “there is no such thing as a bad shot!” This coming from the man who said he could beat Michael Jordan one on one. Ball played one season in college during the 1987-88 season for Washington State, where he averaged 2.2 points per game and basically no other stats, I do not think I should remind you of Jordan’s greatness do I? Ask Patrick Ewing and the 1982 Georgetown Hoyas. This man is everything and I mean everything that is wrong with sports today. He has taught his sons to shoot from wherever they feel on the floor, from watching the three play none of them play defense, or give a damn about their teammates, the Ball brothers are out there for themselves and that's it. I will leave this topic with this, Golden State when asked about Ball’s comments had this to say, “I think it'd be better for them if they can just play and have fun and not have to hear that every day, but whatever. It's all part of him."

Press Virginia
Bob Huggins and the Mountaineers of West Virginia or “Press Virginia” as they have become known for this year never trailed on Saturday as they downed Notre Dame 83-71. The Mountaineers came out hot and continued that throughout the game. West Virginia’s full court press really threw a wrench into the Fighting Irish offense as the relentless pressure from WVU caused uncharacteristic mental mistakes from Notre Dame. The Mountaineers now turn their sights on No. 1 seed Gonzaga, who knocked off cinderella Northwestern amidst controversy over a block and technical that changed the course of the game. This game is going to come down to can Gonzaga play tight team defense for 40 minutes and for WVU can Bob Higgins get another complete 40-minute performance on both ends of the floor from his Mountaineers. West Virginia can rattle the best of them with their press and very active “in your face” defense, while Gonzaga has the advantage in size. For me I think you will see another WVU win in, this one in a close contest WVU 77-73, Mountaineers moving on.

For basketball fans, it is the greatest time of the year, basketball everyday teams leaving everything they have on the floor and the emotional rollercoaster that is the big dance. Lavar Ball-- sit down, shut up-- and let your kids play, it is not about you and the fact that every chance you get you make it about you is just sad, stop living vicariously through your children. Lastly, when watching the tournament and watching your bracket bust always remember they do not call it March Madness for no reason. The best part of the weekend had to be Duke and the immature Grayson Allen getting axed from the tournament by The fighting Gamecocks’ of South Carolina, the Gamecocks’ first sweet 16 since 1973. Expect the unexpected, embrace the effort of the student athletes, and realize why this is the best tournament in amateur sports!

Written by
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited by
Ethan Barnes
Daniel Bishop M.A.

References
https://www.google.com/amp/s/campusinsiders.com/news/gonzaga-vs-west-virginia-prediction-game-preview-03-18-2017/amp/
https://www.google.com/amp/ftw.usatoday.com/2017/03/lavar-ball-lonzo-liangelo-lamelo-stephen-curry-michael-jordan-craziest-comments-nba-ucla/amp
https://www.google.com/amp/ftw.usatoday.com/2017/03/lavar-ball-lonzo-liangelo-lamelo-stephen-curry-michael-jordan-craziest-comments-nba-ucla/amp
http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/18928205/steve-kerr-golden-state-warriors-lonzo-ball-dad
https://www.google.com/amp/www.foxsports.com/college-basketball/story/no-repeat-villanova-fails-down-stretch-while-carrying-crown-031917%3Famp%3Dtrue
http://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/lavar-ball-1.html
https://www.google.com/amp/www.smokingmusket.com/platform/amp/2017/3/18/14967832/west-virginia-advances-to-sweet-16-with-win-over-notre-dame-83-71

It's Charlie Hustle and Shoeless Joe’s time: Enough is Enough

Twenty-seven years ago, Pete Rose was banned from baseball, a 3-time World Series champion and the all-time career hits leader still cannot be inducted into the hall of fame. With all the steroid era issues now behind Major League Baseball, the likes of Roger Clemens, Rafael Palmeiro and Barry Bonds will be eligible for the enshrinement but a man who gambled will not be? It is time that Major League Baseball move forward with their changing stance on gambling, reinstating Pete Rose and allowing the baseball writers be the deciding factor on if Charlie Hustle gets into Cooperstown.

Major League Baseball is going to allow players like: Barry Bonds, the career Home Run leader, Roger Clemens, the oldest pitcher to even win a Cy Young (age 42), Mike Piazza, who admitted to using androstenedione, a steroid and many other who have or will become eligible in the years to come. Now, people who blatantly took a substance to cheat and give themselves an edge, will be and are eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame, but two of the greatest hitters of all time are not even able to be on the ballot, let alone get inducted. If you are going to allow the Baseball Writers Association to make the decision, they have done a decently good job with being the Gatekeepers into the Hall, ever since their beginning in the position in 1936.  Bonds, Clemens, and Sosa, who have been eligible for the past four years, have not gotten closer than 7th in voting. I think it is time Baseball let them do their jobs and decide who gets in and who does not.

For those that do not know how the MLB Hall of Fame voting works, “Only active and honorary members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, who have been active members for at least 10 years, shall be eligible to vote. They must have been active as Baseball writers and members of the Association for a period beginning at least 10 years prior to the date of election in which they are voting.” The electors can only vote for a maximum of 10 players they feel are the most deserving of election in to the Hall. They are not permitted to write in anyone's name that is not on the ballot. Voting is based on player’s record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character and contributions to their teams. If this is how it works, then let the organization reinstate Pete Rose and Joe Jackson, and allowing the Baseball Writers’ Association do its job.

“Shoeless Joe Jackson”
Jackson began his baseball career in 1909. Playing with the Philadelphia Athletics, he struggled in his first couple of seasons playing in the big leagues only making 10 Major League appearances in two seasons. By 1911, he was traded to the Cleveland Naps, who later became the Indians. In 1915, the Naps became the Indians and Joe Jackson hits for .408, which to this day is still a record for a rookie season. Late in 1915, Jackson was traded to the Chicago White Sox, two years later he batted .307 in the World Series and led the White Sox to a championship over the New York Giants. Two years later in 1919, the White Sox returned to the World Series, the very series that gets Joe Jackson banned for his part with 8 other players throwing the series for money. Jackson batted .375 and had a perfect fielding percentage in the series. The following year, while dealing with the allegations, he batted .385 and led the American League in triples. He was acquitted by a jury in 1921 of any wrong doing and yet was still banned from ever having the chance to be enshrined in Cooperstown.

Pete “Charlie Hustle” Rose
Charlie Hustle owns 14 Major League Baseball records, among them are Most Career Hits (4,256), only player in the history of the game to play 500 games at 5 different positions, Most Career at Bats (14,053), just to name a few. Rose also holds 12 National League Records highlighted by Most Extra Base hits by a Switch Hitter (1,041). He was a player manager from 1984-86 when he retired as a player, but remained as manager of the Reds. In 1989, then Commissioner Bart Giamatti banned Rose from baseball for life with the stipulation that he could apply for reinstatement after one year. Rose has reapplied twice, once in 1997 and most recently in 2015. Rose admitted to gambling in 2004, stating that he never bet against his teams.

It is time for Major League Baseball to change its stance on gambling. What a player does in his personal life is their business, just as long as it does not affect the on-field performance or decision-making capacities. Two of the greatest hitters of all time cannot be even voted on by the selection committee. Pete Rose, the greatest hitter of all time and Joe Jackson, arguably the third best hitter in the game's history, behind only Ty Cobb and Pete Rose. Both are banned for life from baseball due to gambling. The issue is both Rose and Jacksons stats show that gambling did not affect the passion and skill in which they played the game. Judge for yourself.

Written By:
Carlo Guadagnino

Edited By:
Daniel Bishop M.A.
Ethan Barnes


References:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2015/12/14/baseball-commissioner-rob-manfred-not-reinstate-pete-rose-cincinnati-reds/77290922/
http://www.complex.com/sports/2012/07/the-25-best-alleged-and-confirmed-steroid-users-in-baseball-history/steroids-14
http://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/hof_2016.shtml
http://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/bbwaa-rules-for-election
http://www.shoelessjoejackson.com/about/biography.html
http://www.peterose.com/about/

A Classic in Houston: Brady and Patriots Win 5th Super Bowl

The Atlanta Falcons played the perfect half of football they needed, and the well-oiled machine of Patriots stalled and hiccupped through the entire first half. Then, the master mind that is Bill Belichick and the “Terrific” Tom Brady fixed the ship and formed the best come back in Super Bowl history.
There have only been three times in the history of the NFL with a ten point deficit rally in Super Bowl contests, which was until the Patriots came back from being down 25 points. The Patriots created a 31 unanswered point rally to win the first overtime Super Bowl in NFL history. The New England Patriots are Super Bowl Champions in what can only be described as the best game of the season if not the century, it had everything a football fan could ask for and more.

First Half
A near perfect first half for the young Atlanta Falcons, while the seemingly well experienced New England Patriots stalled and sputtered throughout. The Falcons turned a forced LeGarrette Blount fumble that sparked the first Touchdown for the Falcons. A five play 71 yard drive caped off by a five yard touchdown run by Devonta Freeman to make it 7-0. Freeman sliced the Patriots defense for 11.8 yards a carry on six rushes for 71 yards in the half and one touchdown. Matt Ryan looked like a calm collected smart quarterback in the first half going 7-8 passing for 115 yards and one score through the air. Ryan connected with his tight end Austin Hooper for 19 yards and the second score of the game to make it 14-0 Falcons.

For the Patriots, Tom Brady and company never looked comfortable, and the Falcons generated enough pressure to take control of the game tempo against an offense that normally dictates the speed of the game. Tom Brady was pressured and the rest of the offense looked flat. Brady went 16 or 26 passing for 184 yards and one interception, which gave the Falcons their third touchdown of the night thanks to Robert who took it 82 yards to make it 21-0 Falcons. The Patriots running game was none existent in the first half. The Patriots did manage to move the ball down the field, with help of a couple Falcons defensive holding penalties. The Patriots looked to be going into the half with a touchdown drive, until a blatant holding call against Martellus Bennett with 12 seconds left forced the Patriots to settle for a 41 yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal bringing the score to 21-3.

Second Half
The Falcons continued to be strong as they added to their lead, Matt Ryan connected with Tevin Coleman for a six yard touchdown pass making the score 28-3. Even though it would seem impossible, that would be the last time the Falcons would find the end zone. Tom Brady and the Patriots would begin to dig themselves out of a twenty-five point deficit. A thirteen play drive capped off with a Brady-White five yard touchdown pass and after a missed extra point the score was now 28-9. The Falcons played well enough to take that lead into the fourth quarter, but the Patriots were slowly settling in and Brady was starting to pick on the young secondary and the Falcons defense as a whole. The Patriots opened the fourth quarter with a twelve play seventy-two yard drive that was capped off with a thirty-three yard Gostkowski field goal 28-12, and the Patriots creeped ever closer.

The big momentum switch came on a third down play where Matt Ryan was sacked by Dont’a Hightower; Hightower not only came up with the sack but also forced and recovered a fumble deep in Atlanta territory. Brady then cashed in on the turnover just five plays later; when he connected on a six yard touchdown pass to Danny Amendola cutting the score to 28-20. Following this drive Julio Jones made the single biggest catch of the season, when he caught a ball along the sideline high pointing the ball and toe tapping along the boundary. That catch put the Falcons in a position to go up by eleven with what would’ve been close to two minutes left, but a sack and penalty took the Falcons out of field goal range. This also put the ball back in the hands of Tom Brady and the Patriots with three and a half minutes left to play. The Patriots created a ten play ninety-one yard drive in a little over two minutes that forced the first overtime in Super Bowl history.

Overtime
After winning the coin toss it took the Patriots eight plays and nearly four minutes to win their fifth Super Bowl in the Belichick-Brady era. With a final score 34-28, Tom Brady finished going on to win his well-deserved 4th MVP, going 43-62 (Super Bowl record) 466 yards and 2 touchdown passes while orchestrating the best come back in Super Bowl history.

Congratulations to all the New England fans out there your team earned that one for sure, plus it was worth the look on Roger Goodell’s face when he handed the trophy to owner Robert Kraft!

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

Edited by:
Ethan Barnes
Daniel Bishop M.A.


References
http://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore?gameId=400927752

America's Game of The Year: Super Bowl LI.

The greatest week of the year for football fans have arrived, it's Super Bowl week! Returning for a seventh time in the Brady era and ninth time in franchise history are New England Patriots, and they will be facing the high-powered Atlanta Falcons. This makes it only the franchise's second ever appearance to the big dance. The playoffs this year have been very one sided, with one exception being the Packers/Cowboys game in the Divisional round, which saw scoring on both and a game winning drive for the Packers.

A lot of factors in will come into play come Sunday, can Matt Ryan out quarterback Tom Brady? Which team establishes the running game? If the stats tell us anything it's that there should be a lot of fireworks from both teams and it could come down to who has the ball last.

Backstory

The Atlanta Falcons will play in just their second Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. The last time the Falcons were in the Super Bowl, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick were not even a player coach tandem for the Patriots. Tom Brady was playing at Michigan and Bill Belichick was coaching for the New York Jets. This will be Belichick and Brady's seventh trip, already bringing four Lombardi Trophies home in the past. This will be an offensive slugfest if we go by the numbers. Going into Sunday's Super Bowl, the number one ranked Atlanta Falcons offense will go against the Patriots defensive unit that has given up the least amount of points. Another thing to watch with Brady and Belichick having two weeks to prepare, will the Patriots bring home trophy number five by dissecting the Falcons defense? Also, how will Matt Ryan handle his first appearance on Super Sunday?

Tom vs Matt

If Matt Ryan wants to have a good day, he will need to use the tight ends and running backs at his disposal in out of the backfield, complimented with a solid running day. The Patriots normally do a decent job utilizing Malcolm Butler to cover number one receivers; in the this case  it will be Julio Jones who is eating defensive backs and secondary’s alive. While Logan Ryan and other coverage will help cover the number two receiver in Mohamed Sanu. Therefore, Matt Ryan should build his passing game with the tight ends Levine Toilolo and Austin Hooper, this may cause mismatches that offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will look to exploit. The combination of taking what the defense gives the Falcons and a solid running game from Devonta Freeman and his counterpart Tevin Coleman who are both running backs can cause problems out of the backfield rushing and receiving.

 For the Patriots, they showed in the AFC Championships game if you sit back in zone coverage and do not disguise what your defensive schemes are going to be, Tom Brady will sit in the pocket and pick you apart all night long. The Falcons need to come out, pin their ears back and get after Brady from the opening whistle if they want to win the first Super Bowl in franchise history.


Prediction

The Patriots offense being led by Tom Brady with the experience he has, mixed with the Falcons struggling secondary, you can almost expect a great day at the office for Tom Brady, who seems to be on a mission this season. If Brady uses all the weapons he has at his disposal, mixing medium and deep passes early to challenge that Falcons secondary this might be a very one sided victory. The Patriots have to realize if Malcolm Butler gives Julio Jones any space, it could be a long day for the former Super Bowl hero. Expect a back and forth game, with Matt Ryan and the Falcons having the ball at the end of the game and Ryan leading the Falcons down the field, to set up the game winning field goal final score 34-31 Falcons win their first Super Bowl in franchise history. If I am wrong and the Patriots win,  I will wear a Patriots t-shirt the next day, and in my upcoming podcast 15 Minute Sports Break with Carlo Guadagnino.

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

Edited By:
Ethan Barnes
Daniel Bishop M.A.


References:
http://www.nfl.com/teams/newenglandpatriots/statistics?team=NE
http://m.espn.com/nfl/aggregates?groupId=9&season=2016&seasonType=2&split=0&statgroup=total&category=totalPoints
http://www.patriots.com/team/coaches/roster/bill-belichick
http://www.businessinsider.com/nfl-the-tom-brady-draft-2015-9
http://www.patriots.com/team/history/super-bowls
https://www.google.com/amp/www.sbnation.com/platform/amp/nfl/2017/1/1/14110286/2017-nfl-playoffs-schedule-bracket-results-scores?client=safari
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000779832/article/kyle-shanahan-pats-defense-best-falcons-have-seen
http://www.si.com/nfl/2017/01/22/nfl-conference-championship-wrapup-super-bowl-51-preview-falcons-patriots