By Nunnie Robinson, Westside Gazette Sports Editor
Well, the Baltimore Ravens, my choice to win Super Bowl LVIIII, were eliminated in a hard fought defeat at the hands of the Buffalo Bills 29-27 in the frigid, snowy confines of High Mark Stadium. South Florida native, Lamar Jackson, committed two turnovers but otherwise played like the MVP front runner and leader he is. I was especially proud of his response at the post conference about usually sure handed Mark Andrews’ crucial fumble and drop, the latter could have tied the game, thus sending it into overtime. Basically, Lamar said that we win and lose as a team, that each player, particularly me, has to accept the responsibility for the loss, refusing to blame any one player or play for the defeat. Lamar is a young man with a strong moral compass who will accomplish much in the future, football related and otherwise.
So the four finalists for the AFC and NFC conference championships have been decided: the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Buffalo Bills to determine the AFC representative while the surprisingly, efficient Washington Commanders will travel to Philadelphia and compete against the Eagles to determine the NFC Champion. Usually the four best teams end up competing for the conference championship, but often a good team gets hot at the perfect time, plays exceptionally well, positioning itself for a title run. So it is with the Commanders and rookie sensation Jayden Daniels. It is highly conceivable that the Commanders could defeat, not upset, Philadelphia if their game (the Eagles) remains inconsistent and stagnant.
My picks: the Chiefs over the Bills and the Commanders in a major upset of the Eagles. When the NFL season finally ends, the Kansas City Chiefs will be crowned World Champions for an unprecedented third time.
Under any circumstances, there will be at least one Black quarterback in the Super Bowl, possibly two. Why is that so important you may be wondering. Race in America will always be a factor. Just look at the results of the presidential election and the attention given to the victims in the tragic aftermath of the California fires. You’ve heard about Palisades but are you at all familiar with Altadena. Only in America…..
Notre Dame and Ohio State played on Monday for the CFP Championship, a first involving twelve teams. Though OSU is a heavy favorite based on talent, the Fighting Irish are led by an Afro-Asian who has led his team to a 14 – 1 record and an opportunity to win the CFP, which would be their first since 1988. Go Irish!!!! OSU held on to win the 34-23, stymying a courageous Irish comeback. Here’s a caveat: a Buffalo loss guarantees a duel of two Black quarterbacks. The other finalists all start Black quarterbacks – Patrick Mahomes, Jayden Daniels and Jalen Hurts.
One impact of the NIL and player compensation on the NFL draft is readily apparent: fewer players are declaring for the draft based on previous years. And the reason appears just as obvious. Players don’t have to leave for the NFL because of financial concerns. Their compensation is sufficient to take care of personal living needs. They aren’t leaving early out of financial necessity, but because they are mentally and physically prepared. It makes for a better college football product on the field. My concern is the impact that the NIL and player compensation will have on FCS, D-II, and D-III. Pr
