By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Cleveland Browns 5th round draft pick Shedeur Sanders’ initial NFL start, a pre-season exhibition encounter against the Carolina Panthers, proved pleasingly successful, perhaps an omen of a bright NFL future. My exuberance for Shedeur is assuredly tied to his draft debacle, perpetuated by the league’s propensity for power and control.
Rated as one of the top five quarterbacks throughout the year, his fall to the fifth round was palpable, puzzling and profoundly dubious. Even more insidious was being the second rookie quarterback picked by the Browns, behind Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel. Shedeur acquitted himself quite well, completing 14 of 28 passes for 138 yards and 2 touchdowns. The criticism that followed him like shackles – holding on to ball too long/ taking too many sacks – emanated from a Colorado inferior offensive line combined with his penchant for wanting to make a play for his team. Additionally, the Buffaloes’ defense was still in the developmental stage. The assumption that those habits would continue to plague him at the next level was prejudicial and grossly inaccurate. Keep grinding and growing and stay humble young man.
The Marlins have a talented but young and developing team. In third place in the East Division of the National League after the All-Star break, they traveled to Atlanta to play the Braves in a five game series, lost four of the five, dropping precipitously in the East. The first place Phillies have accrued an 8-2 record since the break while the Mets and Marlins are trending downward, the Mets 1-9, 6 games back and the Marlins 4-6, 12 games back. Losing streaks usually involve poor hitting, pitching and defense converging simultaneously for a prolonged period of time. The Marlins’ Performance the remainder of August will greatly determine their 2025 destiny.
Major League Baseball made history again as the first female umpired a NLB professional ball game. The honor belongs to Jen Powal, initially as the first base umpire in a doubleheader between the Braves
and Marlins in Atlanta, then in a subsequent game served as the home plate umpire calling balls and strikes. Her performance received high marks, and she subsequently donated the cap that she wore to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Jerry Jones’ obstinance in refusing to sign Micah Parsons is an unnecessary distraction. Perhaps longtime Cowboys fan, Denzel Washington, can add a little sauce to this unappetizing conundrum.
The prohibitive favorite to win the BCS is loaded Texas with Arch Manning – yes, Archie’s grandson and nephew of Peyton and Eli – leading the way.
I believe that former Benedict coach, Chenis Berry, may be the best coach in HBCU circles and South Carolina State, under his tenacious leadership, may win the MEAC and the Black National Championship. Remember my prediction…..