By “Nunnie” Robinson, Westside Gazette Sport Editor
Now that the NFL scouting combine has come to a close, the free agent frenzy unofficially begins on March 1. The Dolphins, mildly over the cap limit, has an immediate concern: resigning Christian Wilkins. He is a baller, a high energy guy and a great player who deserves a contract worthy of his performance. In terms of draft, offensive line is always in play as is an athletic backup quarterback with skills antithetical to Tua’s.
The recent incidents involving Tyreek Hill, the house fire and a broken leg suffered by a female client during a tutoring session hopefully are not harbingers of poor judgment or decisions by a precocious, gifted athlete. Or was money not the only reason Kansas City traded Tyreek?
The Chicago Bears, based on their indecision, may be shortchanged as they contemplate whether or not to draft Caleb Williams while simultaneously looking at trade offers for Justin Fields. It appears that the longer they wait weakens their bargaining position. I personally believe that Justin Fields is on the rise, and with a better supporting cast could prove worth keeping. With only 5 draft picks, that improvement won’t happen overnight unless they do a blockbuster deal and maximize their picks. Will Caleb Williams make the Bears exponentially better with the same team? I don’t think so. The draft will prove compelling but field results are what matters and that’s next football season. The Bears will need to upgrade at receiver and on the offensive line. Creativity for both the Dolphins and the Bears will be key.
After the Bears decide whether to stick with Justin Fields, they’ll likely look to make upgrades on the offensive line. Chicago will probably bank on tackles Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones having a bounce-back 2024 season, but the team can’t settle on the interior offensive line. The Bears allowed 50 sacks last season.
The Miami Heat currently stand at sixth place in the Eastern Conference, behind a talented Boston Celtic team that appears prime to win the NBA championship. The Terry Rozier trade hasn’t fully paid dividends based on his shooting woes. He is obviously a gifted player but his performance and scoring production must improve if the Heat are to advance deeply in playoffs. Injuries to key players like Tyler Herro, Kevin Love and Josh Richardson have also hampered team performance though their 34-26 won/loss record is commendable. The Heat must contend with other good teams in the east, particularly the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and the Philadelphia 76ers, especially if Joel Embiid returns.
Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce announced his retirement Monday in an emotional farewell conference that left many in attendance teary-eyed, remorseful and upbeat at the same time. How is that possible? Because he was authentic, credible, honest and personified the best human qualities that we admire and revere in pro athletes.
I also express deep sadness and remorse at the passing of ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the absolute epitome of professionalism and class as a writer and broadcaster. Though I never met him personally, his qualities of love, compassion and respect for his comrades was evident even on television.
With a 42-16-4 record the Florida Panthers are currently in first place in the Eastern Conference of the NHL and are in definite position to compete for the Stanley Cup. Key players for the Panthers have been forward Alexander Barron and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, both of whom have been key in leading the team’s successful run thus far.
Be the first to comment