By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Football on all levels is consuming, unabated, in unimaginable ways, in its epitome of the American fascination with sports. The game’s popularity has skyrocketed, overshadowing the WNBA playoffs and MLB’s steady march toward the World Series. As a sports fan, football has always been my favorite, but its overwhelming, meteoric rise seems surreal at times. MNF has evolved to 2 games played simultaneously. Sports shows’ lead stories are football dominant. Legal betting/gambling via advertising has increased both fans and fan interest. And it’s a sport that is constantly giving. Damar Hamlin symbolizes the very prominence of the game. Coming on the heels of the not too distant cardiac arrest episode, he makes his first NFL interception in last night’s MNF game against Jacksonville and Trevor Lawrence. A humble, God-fearing young man, he has used his platform to promote the importance and benefits of CPR/AED nationally. Admiration for him is effusive and sincere.
I heard a former NFL player, Mark Schlereth, on Fox state that his preference is a pure drop back, pocket NFL quarterback because they have the advantage when it comes to winning Super Bowls. My question to him: Does he consider Patrick Mahomes a pure pocket qb or would he prefer Atlanta’s Kurt Cousins over Buffalo QB Josh Allen. Today’s game demands a duel-threat qb who can operate (pass & run) in and out of the pocket.
I was disappointed in Carolina’s decision to bench Bryce Young, a young gifted signal caller who has enjoyed success on the high school and collegiate levels. The Panthers, however, placed him in an untenable situation, one that Allen or Mahomes wouldn’t survive. He began to play listlessly, desperately, emotionally drained from the negative experience – 2 years of constant sacking and losing. Though the benching appears on the surface to be successful- Panthers handily defeated the disappointing Las Vegas Raiders behind replacement Andy Dalton, who has been in Young’s shoes- I caution you to monitor the success re sustainability.
Chicago’s Heisman Trophy winner and #1 pick, Caleb Williams, is having a tough time right now while Jaylen Daniels, after last night’s performance, is the toast of the town -presently. The question as to when or whether teams should begin playing their rookie, superstar quarterbacks is extremely difficult and perplexing. New England has chosen to protect their number one pick, QB Drake Maye, starting veteran Jacoby Brisett instead to avoid a similar atrocious outcome.
Teams usually make that determination based on the strengths and weaknesses of the surrounding personnel and talent. You recall that Patrick Mahomes sat his first year in Kansas City. In the NFL winning obviously serves as the barometer for success. How do you think Justin Fields is feeling right now in Pittsburgh? What a difference has been wrought by a change of scenery: self-confidence, a coach’s support and success. Keep hope alive Bryce Young. Better days are ahead.
