JFLANland 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Round 3

Round 3 it is!  Keep on rolling.  As the rounds go along, I won't do as much breakdown.  From now on, if there is something important to say, I will say it.  Otherwise, I'll just list the picks.  Cleveland starts us off again.

Round 3

1. Cleveland Browns: Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma

Well, what is there to say?  Mixon punched a woman in the face, was suspended, came back, played well.  The NFL has issues when it comes to dealing with domestic violence or any kind of assault on women.  They just don't get it.  Anyway, Cleveland needs a running back, and Mixon would be in the first round if it wasn't for these issues.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Derek Rivers, OLB, Youngstown State

3. Chicago Bears: Dorian Johnson, OG, Pitt

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Larry Ogunjobi, DT, Charlotte

5. LA Rams: Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State

6. New York Jets: Fabian Moreau, CB, UCLA

7. LA Chargers: Antonio Garcia, OG, Troy

8. New England Patriots: Duke Riley, ILB, LSU

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Alex Anzalone, LB, Florida

10. Baltimore Ravens: Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado

11. Buffalo Bills: Zach Banner, OT, USC

It can't be a JFLANland Mock without me insisting the Bills take O-line.

12. New Orleans Saints: Connor Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington

13. Arizona Cardinals: Josh Jones, S, NC State

14. Baltimore Ravens: Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama

15. Minnesota Vikings: Jaleel Johnson, DT, Iowa

16. Indianapolis Colts: Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma

17. Washington Redskins: Pat Elflein, OC, Ohio State

18. Denver Broncos: DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State

19. Tennessee Titans: Desmond King, CB/S, Iowa

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Dalvin Tomlinson, DT, Alabama

21. Detroit Lions: Carlos Henderson, WR, LA Tech

22. Minnesota Vikings: D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas

23. New York Giants: Davis Webb, QB, California

The possible heir to Eli Manning?  Why not?

24. Oakland Raiders: Jake Butt, TE, Michigan

25. Houston Texans: Anthony Walker Jr, LB, Northwestern

26. Seattle Seahawks: Will Holden, OT, Vanderbilt

27. Kansas City Chiefs: Montravias Adams, DT, Auburn

28. Dallas Cowboys: Carl Lawson, DE, Auburn

29. Green Bay Packers: Kareem Hunt, RB, Toledo

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Joshua Dobbs, QB, Tennessee

Big Ben has now considered retirement for two offseasons in a row.  At some point, the Steelers have to think about a next option. Dobbs has a bunch of potential, and showed flashes of brilliance this past season.

31. Atlanta Falcons: Eddie Vanderdoes, DT, UCLA

32. New England Patriots: Damontae Kazee, CB, San Diego State

33. Miami Dolphins: Taywan Taylor, WR, Western Kentucky

34. Carolina Panthers: Sidney Jones, CB, Washington

35. Philadelphia Eagles: Tarell Basham, DE, Ohio

36. Tennessee Titans: Trey Hendrickson, DE, Florida Atlantic

37. Denver Broncos: Mack Hollins, WR, UNC

38. Seattle Seahawks: Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State

39. New Orleans Saints: Cameron Sutton, CB, Tennessee

40. Kansas City Chiefs: Malachi Dupre, WR, LSU

Not sure why, but one of my favorite names in the draft.

41. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jordan Legget, TE, Clemson

42. Seattle Seahawks: Justin Evans, S, Texas A&M

43. New York Jets: Bucky Hodges, TE, Virginia Tech

The Day 3 rounds will be coming up later today!  Thank you all, so much, for reading.  Hopefully this will foster some debate for all of you that care enough.

JFLANland 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Round 2

Back at it with Round 2 of the Mock Draft.  Now that Round 1 is posted, I am of course expecting massive trades that would shift everything around.  If that happens, I may try to make some edits.  Or not.  I don't know yet.  Anyway, Round 2 begins the same way Round 1 did, with those pesky Browns.

1. Cleveland Browns: Obi Melifonwu, S, Connecticut
The only things more spectacular than Obi's name was his Combine.  He wowed everyone with insane measurables. 6'4, 32.5" arms, 4.40 40 yard dash, 44" vertical, 141" broad jump.  He is a freak.  He is also a raw talent, which is why he slips to Round 2.  If the Browns can coach him up and mold him into a NFL player, he will be something special.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Mahomes II, QB, Texas Tech
Call it Kirk Cousins insurance.  Everyone expects the Redskins QB to leave DC after this season and reunite with former OC Kyle Shanahan.  However, there is always a chance the Skins come to their senses and pay Kirk the way he deserves.  Drafting Mahomes gives them a developmental QB that can make all the throws, but still needs to adjust to a pro-style offense.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: David Njoku, TE, Miami (FL)
The current starting TEs for the Jags are Mychal Rivera and Marcedes Lewis.  Neither are the game-breakers that Blake Bortles needs.  Jacksonville continues their offensive upgrade with Njoku, who is only a step or two below OJ Howard.

4. Chicago Bears: Evan Engram, TE, Mississippi
Same deal as the Jags.  The Bears are in need of an upgrade over Zach Miller.  I am sure new QB Mike Glennon would appreciate a great target like Engram now that his best WR is in Philadelphia.

5. LA Rams: Tre'Davious White, CB, LSU
The team with all the needs in the world goes with one of the best players on the board.  White is a top-tier coverage man who, if he bulks up and works on tackling, can be a prototypical CB in the NFL.

6. LA Chargers: Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina
Name the Chargers best WR...  The oft-injured Keenan Allen?  The inconsistent Travis Benjamin?  Dontrelle Inman?  They need help.  Zay Jones is 6'2, 200, with star potential.

7. New York Jets: Tyus Bowser, OLB, Houston
I don't know how a team that has had rather good defenses can always be in need of pass rushers, but that's the Jets for you.  Bowser can rush the passer and drop into coverage with the best of them.  Maybe the Jets finally find their guy on the edge.

8. Carolina Panthers: Jordan Willis, DE/OLB, Kansas State
A super-productive (26 sacks) edge rusher added onto that Panthers D would be terrifying, especially with future Hall of Famer Julius Pepper there to teach him.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Taylor Moton, OG, Western Michigan
The Bengals lost some big pieces of their OL in free agency.  Moton is a consistent starter who can play any position on the line.  The perfect plug-and-play guy for a team with many needs up front.

10. New Orleans Saints: Budda Baker, S, Washington
One of my favorite players in the draft going to a team that needs all the defensive help.  Budda Baker may be the best center fielder-type safety in the draft.  Great ball skills, and can lay a hard hit too.  The only concern is his size, but comparisons to Bob Sanders (also on the smaller side) could mean an excellent pro career.

11. Philadelphia Eagles: Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee
The Eagles pass on McCaffery in Round 1, and get their RB here.  Great agility and burst out of the backfield, plus an above-average receiver, gives the Eagles a true 3-down back.

12. Buffalo Bills: Juju Smith-Schuster, WR, USC
They pass on a WR in Round 1 and get a guy who has the potential to be their best WR in Round 2.  Juju's 2016 wasn't the best, but he was also heavily covered.  He isn't a speedy game-breaker like Sammy Watkins, but would be a perfect compliment to him.

13. Arizona Cardinals: DeShone Kizer, QB, Notre Dame
I have been saying the Cardinals have needed to draft their next QB for years.  Carson Palmer's age showed last season.  Kizer is raw, but would have at least a year to learn the system.  He may have the most raw potential of any QB in this draft.

14. Indianapolis Colts: Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida
If they aren't protecting Andrew Luck, they have to make sure that they are able to stop the other team. Brantley is a top guy inside, and can stop the run well.  He can also occupy enough guys inside to help the edge rushers a lot.

15. Baltimore Ravens: Tim Williams, OLB, Alabama
He has some off the field issues, but he may be the best pass-rusher left, and Terrell Suggs will turn 35 in October.  They need an heir-apparent on the edge.

16. Minnesota Vikings: Dion Dawkins, OG, Temple
He started 43 games at left tackle, but may be a better guard in the NFL.  The Vikings address their biggest need with their first overall pick in the draft.

17. Washington Redskins: Marcus Williams, S, Utah
A SAFETY FOR THE REDSKINS!  My Skins signed DJ Swearinger, and are transitioning Su'a Cravens to full time safety, However, both of them are strong safeties.  Marcus Williams is a big time center field safety who will be able to cover the back end well.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Marcus Maye, S, Florida
A good weapon against the run and in coverage for a team that could use some help on the back end of their defense.

19. Denver Broncos: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt
A first round talent that has just fallen due to his position.  The Broncos sweep him up and plug him into that front 7 right away.

20. Cleveland Browns: Curtis Samuel, WR, Ohio State
The Browns pick again, and take a Buckeye that they can plug into the slot to make a ton of plays.  Cleveland needs a ton of help at WR with Terrelle Pryor now in DC.

21. Detroit Lions: Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State
Upgrading that defense is their top priority.  Taco Charlton off the edge is a start.  Shoring up the middle with McMillan is the next step.

22. Miami Dolphins: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida
Great ball skills, though some concerns about his speed.  Still, every team needs guys that can cover.

23. New York Giants: Kendall Beckwith, LB, LSU
He is coming off of an ACL injury, but Beckwith was a 3-year starter for a top defense, and fits the Giants biggest need at this point.

24. Oakland Raiders: Chris Wormley, DT, Michigan
A big run-stuffer in the middle to occupy space, and free up Khalil Mack on the edge even more.  The Raiders could be the team that makes that big step a la the Falcons in 2016.

25. Houston Texans: Nathan Peterman, QB, Pitt
Another Pitt QB to compete with Tom Savage.  Peterman may be pro-ready right now, and would instantly be in the discussion to start.  Bill O'Brien may have finally found his guy here in the second round.

26. Seattle Seahawks: Jourdan Lewis, CB, Michigan
Natural cover guy who is super competitive.  He'd fit into the Seahawks atmosphere.  They have been looking for that nickle corner that can become their next starter.  Lewis is that guy.

27. Kansas City Chiefs: Adoree Jackson, CB, USC
Another cover guy who can also return kicks if Tyreke Hill needs a breather.

28. Dallas Cowboys: Adam Shaheen, TE, Ashland
6'6", 278, small-school superstar.  Jason Witten won't play forever, and giving Dak another big weapon could make that offense even better.

29. Green Bay Packers: TJ Watt, OLB, Wisconsin
It is almost too perfect, isn't it?  JJ's little brother, who is also super-productive, going from Madison to Green Bay?  Why not?  Lots of mocks are now having the Packers taking him in the 1st round.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Anderson, OLB, Alabama
ESPN's best scouts call Anderson a tweener-type, perfect for the Ravens or Steelers style of defense.  Here are the Steelers taking him.  Tough, great intangibles, and a fit for the team.

31. Atlanta Falcons: Carlos Watkins, DT, Clemson
If the Falcons had a great rusher off the edge, or a push up the middle, they could have gotten to Tom Brady and won the Super Bowl.  They got their edge rusher in Harris in Round 1.  Watkins can penetrate up the middle, and moves great for his size.

32. Carolina Panthers: Jermaine Eluemunor, OT, Texas A&M
The Panthers need help across their offensive line.  Eluemunor played both guard and tackle in college.  He will find a niche and fit it well.



Rounds 3-7 coming later today!  Thanks for reading!

JFLANland 2017 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Welcome, friends, to NFL Draft week!  For some of you draft nerds like me, this is one of the best weeks of the year: speculation, rumors, teams getting better, mistakes, and Mel Kiper's hair.  There is nothing better!  Below is my humble attempt at Round 1 of this mock draft.  I did not project any trades, though I am sure there will be some.  I just took the players I thought may be the best fit for the given team, or take who I thought a team would reach for based on need.

Check back later for Rounds 2-7!

And with that, the Cleveland Browns are on the clock:

Round 1

1. Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett, DE, Texas A&M

They can't take a QB here.  They just can't.  Garrett seems to be the consensus #1 pick and #1 player in the Draft.  The Browns need help everywhere.  He has to be the pick.  Let's just hope he isn't another Courtney Brown.

2. San Francisco 49ers: Solomon Thomas, DE, Stanford

This is a defensive draft, for sure, and Solomon Thomas may be just as good as Garrett.  He has risen up the ranks a bit until settling in as the potential #2 pick across most mocks, and I don't disagree.  Again, the 49ers need everything, so why not start with a workhorse D-Lineman?

3. Chicago Bears: Jamal Adams, S, LSU

An amazing safety is hard to find (I know. I am a Redskins fan. We still haven't replaced Sean Taylor). Jamal Adams may be the best overall safety in the draft.  Chicago needs quality guys in the secondary to play against Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford, after all.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

Back to back LSU players go.  I think this may be the biggest no-brainer outside of the #1 pick.  The Jaguars need to know what their offense can really do, and that means it has to have some balance.  Their rushing attack isn't great, and Fournette would instantly be their top back.  Doug Marrone was the coach of the Bills when they had the #1 rushing attach in the NFL.  He will bring that to Jacksonville.

5. Tennessee Titans: Marshon Lattimore, CB, Ohio State

The Titans sprint up to the podium with this pick.  Their biggest need is for a true shut down corner, and Lattimore is the best in the draft.  Easy pick.

6. New York Jets: Mitchell Trubisky, QB, UNC

Oh, Jets.  You have no QB.  That isn't to say that I like Trubisky that much.  I much prefer Deshaun Watson.  And I could definitely see another team that likes Mitch trading up to the Jets, which I am sure they would love.  But for now, it is their biggest need, and Trubisky seems to be everyone's top guy.

7. LA Chargers: Jonathan Allen, DL, Alabama

Another team that needs a bit of everything.  Allen's value here is too much to pass up. I just won't get used to calling them the LA Chargers anytime soon.

8. Carolina Panthers: Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State

For some odd reason, folks seem to be saying that Dalvin Cook is falling.  I have no idea why.  I have said for two years that I think Cook must cover himself in non-stick spray or something, cause he is impossible to bring down.  If Christian McCaffery is the pick instead, I wouldn't be surprised.  The Panthers need another weapon to take some pressure off Cam.

9. Cincinnati Bengals: Derek Barnett, DE, Tennessee

Bill Polian hates him because he is slow.  I counter with the argument that he broke Reggie White's sack record, which means he can play.  The Bengals add another weapon on that defense to team with Vontaze Burfict.

10. Buffalo Bills: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

I've seen just about every position mocked to the Bills, from passer to pass rusher to receiver.  But, Malik Hooker has better ball skills than Jamal Adams, and would instantly be an impact player in a depleted secondary.  Plus, this draft is deep enough in WRs where the Bills can get a solid one in Round 2 (spoiler).

11. New Orleans Saints: Hassan Reddick, LB, Temple

Has anyone risen up the ranks since the season ended like Reddick?  He is just the type of player that the Saints need in that defense, and one they haven't had in the middle since Jonathan Vilma retired.

12. Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson, QB, Clemson

Why trade up and get Trubisky when you can stay put and get a national champion QB?  As I said before, I am a Watson guy.  I think he has that "It" factor that will make him a solid QB, if not a star.  He also has the ability to keep plays alive with his legs, which he may need in that division with those pass rushers.

13. Arizona Cardinals: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama

Foster's talent is only overshadowed by his potential off-the-filed issues.  He got in a shouting match at a hospital at the Combine.  He apparently had a diluted urine sample, which may mask drug issues.  However, the Cardinals have dealt with these kinds of players before in Tyrann Mathieu, and it payed off.  I think it will again.

14. Philadelphia Eagles: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State

Well... I think that the Eagles biggest need is in the secondary.  However, Conley may be facing rape charges off the field, so his placement in the first round is now somewhat questionable, or at least would be if the NFL actually cared about women's issues at all.  They don't, so Conley stays in this spot.

15. Indianapolis Colts: Forrest Lamp, OG, Western Kentucky

PROTECT ANDREW LUCK!  That is the name of the game.  The Colts are nothing without him.  Lamp is the best offensive lineman in the draft.  And I do not buy into the "don't take guards in the first round" nonsense.  Take the guy that best suits your biggest need.  That's how you get better.

16. Baltimore Ravens: Corey Davis, WR, Western Michigan

The Ravens offense hasn't really been the same since it lost Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin.  True, they haven't had a solid running game either, but going with a super-productive player like Davis to help stretch the field for Joe Flacco and that offense will help immensely.  I could also see another O-lineman here as well.

17. Washington Redskins: Christian McCaffery, RB, Stanford

Positions the Skins do not need to address with this pick: OLB, WR.  Everything is in play.  As a Skins fan, I am praying that Adams or Hooker falls to 17, but there is no way that is happening.  I think McCaffery is the guy because of what he brings to every facet of the offense.  However, if he is gone and Dalvin Cook is here, I still say the Skins go RB.  The really interesting thing will be if all the RBs are gone.

18. Tennessee Titans: Mike Williams, WR, Clemson

That light blue blur you just saw whizz by was the Titans running up to the podium again.  A big, super-talented possession receiver with amazing hands is exactly what they need to pair with Marcus Mariota.  Williams may be the best wideout in the draft.  The Titans have an A+ first round adding him and Lattimore.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: OJ Howard, TE, Alabama

That's right, an Alabama offensive player going with all these amazing defenders.  Jameis Winston gets the top tight end in a draft, who by all accounts is also a high-character guy.  He could instantly become a Greg Olson-level weapon.

20. Denver Broncos: Garrett Boles, OT, Utah

The Broncos need all the help they can on the O-line to protect whoever is their starting QB.  Boles may have the biggest upside of any tackle in the draft.

21. Detroit Lions: Taco Charlton, DL, Michigan

Taco Time in Detroit!  They need to be able to put pressure on Aaron Rodgers, so drafting the top pass-rusher available is the answer.  He can play any position on the line, and imagine the built in jersey sales for a Michigan player going to Detroit.

22. Miami Dolphins: Takkarist McKinley, DE/OLB, UCLA

The Fins add a great end rusher who will be able to disrupt offenses in the AFC East.  Takk has an amazing motor, and will make sure to give maximum effort.  Team him outside with Wake, with Suh inside, and you'd have quite the defensive front.

23. New York Giants: Ryan Ramczyk, OT, Wisconsin

Erick Flowers hasn't been what the Giants thought he would be yet.  Ramczyk may not be spectacular, but he may be the safest and most consistent OT in the entire draft.  That is what the Giants need.

24. Oakland Raiders: Kevin King, CB, Washington

The Raiders are only a few pieces away from being a top notch NFL team.  They have drafted so well recently, it should be a surprise.  David Amerson is solid, but King's size and skill could make him their best CB from Day 1.

25. Houston Texans: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

First round talent, second round effort.  Seems like pick 25 may be a perfect spot for the Texans.  I don't think they go all in on a QB yet, since they like Tom Savage enough to start him.  Maybe they will learn from their past mistakes and finally draft OL to protect a young QB.

26. Seattle Seahawks: Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State

The Seahawks get the most out of their defensive players as possible.  McDowell's effort is a little touch and go.  Once he gets to Pete Carroll and that locker room, he will turn into a Pro Bowl talent.

27. Kansas City Chiefs: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida

He is Mel Kiper's top LB.  He is apparently an awesome guy.  I think he is a great fit for an aging defense.  Their linebacking corp is getting old and oft-injured.  Davis is the kind of guy to rejuvenate it.

28. Dallas Cowboys: Jabrill Peppers, S/LB, Michigan

Big name, super-talented, super-versatile player?  Sounds like a fit for the Cowboys.  They need help in the secondary, of course, and Peppers can cover or move up in the box and tackle.  He could also find a way to work his way into some offensive sets.  How about a fun single wing with Dak and Zeke on the goal line?  I also don't really buy his diluted sample as being a red flag, since he stated at the time he was sick and was over-hydrating.

29. Green Bay Packers: Quincy Wilson, CB, Florida

The Packers cannot cover at all.  Secondary is their biggest need.  Wilson is the best pick right here.  Furthermore, (spoiler alert) the player many have going here may find his way to Green Bay in Round 2.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: John Ross, WR, Washington

Best player on the board, perfect compliment to take pressure off Antonio Brown, and 4.22 speed?  If John Ross can stay healthy, that Steelers offense will be great yet again.

31. Atlanta Falcons: Charles Harris, OLB, Missouri

The Falcons were a few stops or first downs away from being Super Bowl champions.  Adding a premiere pass rusher in Harris could be that final piece to the championship puzzle.

32. New Orleans Saints: Marlon Humphrey, CB, Alabama

Another Crimson Tide defender to finish out Round 1.  I don't think the Saints are going to get Malcolm Butler from New England, so they need to add a playmaker in the secondary.  Humphrey and Reddick instantly boost an otherwise woeful defense.

Rounds 2-7 coming tomorrow!  Thanks for reading!

Coming Soon- The 2017 NFL Mock Draft

Hello there friends,

Baseball season, NBA and NHL playoffs, the NCAA Tournament, and the real world.  Too much to talk about.  So, you may continue not hearing much from me until I actually have time to finish my labor of love, my 2017 NFL Mock Draft.  I hope to have it up the weekend before the draft, so keep an eye out for it.  As always, if you want to keep up to date with my thoughts on sports (and everything else) on a more "real-time" basis, follow @JFLANland on twitter.

Official JFLANland Super Bowl 51 Prediction

The big game is finally here.  Patriots vs Falcons. #1 scoring defense vs the most explosive offense in football.  Tom Brady, possibly the greatest of all time, vs Matt Ryan, the NFL MVP.  Storylines abound, but you have had two weeks of all that.  What is my pick?

Patriots 27, Falcons 24

I don't even know who I want to win this game, to be honest.  I, like the rest of America, am tired of the Patriots being so good.  It isn't that we hate them, it is just that most of us will never see our team (in any sports) be as dominant as the Patriots have been over the past 15 years.  Yes, Brady may be the best ever.  Yes, Bill Belichick may be the best coach ever.  But every great empire has to come to an end eventually.  Will I be angry if the Patriots win?  Nope.  But I won't be thrilled either.

Then there is Atlanta.  The plucky underdog.  The only team with a player from Syracuse (go Dwight Freeney!).  I wouldn't be angry if they won either.  But, Atlanta is an awful sports town.  It is, I'm sorry.  If you can't sell out World Series games, you don't deserve a championship in any sport.  That said, the Georgia Dome sounded pretty loud during the playoffs.  I also dislike Matt Ryan, since he went to Boston College (What? I hold grudges, and they killed the Big East. Let me be angry!).  However, it is easy to overlook my grudge and admit how fantastic he and that offense have been this season.  He deserved the MVP once Derek Carr went down.  I'd be fine if the Falcons were hoisting the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the night.

In the end, I just don't think it is wise to bet against Brady and Belichick.  That said, I won't be upset with the outcome, either way.  This is the most unenthusiastic I have been about a Super Bowl in a while.  Let's just hope it is a great game, much like all the other Super Bowls these Patriots have been in.

Enjoy the game!

When the Real World Gets in the Way

Hello friends.

The past 2ish weeks have been pretty awful in America, huh?  Well, 2017 seems to be off to a pretty dismal start.  So, as you have seen, I haven't been writing.  I know I come on here every few months and apologize for it, but this time I just haven't been thinking about writing at all.  Sure, I have started looking at some NFL mock drafts.  I have some ideas for things to write this week too.  But, on the whole, I can't concentrate as much on sports as I would like due to current events. So, I will try to do a bit better as we move forward.  It is a good escape for me, and hopefully a couple of you like reading it as well.

Cheers!

The Importance of Sports as a Temporary Escape

Hello friends.

It has been almost exactly 3 months since my last post.  In it, I discussed how the sporting achievements of the Rio Olympics (and there were many amazing ones) may have blinded us from the very real concerns about Rio as a viable host, the IOC selection process, and Ryan Lotche being a moron of epic proportions.  Since then, I have been distracted by the real world.  Sure, I have still been following sports.  I got to enjoy my Nationals playoff push before they lost in the first round... again.  Both my fantasy football teams are doing well.  The Skins are being competitive, and have a winning record at the moment.  Syracuse football, while probably not going to a bowl this year, at least has been more exciting to watch, and NCAA football has been quite compelling.  NCAA basketball, the NHL, and NBA are all underway. Hell, the friggin Cubs won the World Series! So, sports have been there while I have been busy with work, and the election, the depression from that result, and trying to push forward.  I have missed writing, but haven't really had much to say.  I think that may change in the coming months.

You may not have the same political or world views as me (though you should, cause I'm awesome), but I think we can all agree that having sports as a means of escapism is exactly what the world needs right now.  The entire Washington DC area, my home, has been walking around in a daze for the past week.  The only things that seem to have snapped anyone out of it were the Skins' win over the Vikings this past Sunday, and the very exciting game between Georgetown and Maryland last night.  It has helped us restore a bit of normalcy in what we fear may become increasingly frustrating and dark times.  Sports are something familiar, with happy memories, even in cities like DC that haven't won anything since 1992.  They are a security blanket that we can rely on to shield us from the Boogey Man of reality, even if just for a few hours.

This isn't to say that sports cannot play a very important part in the real and political worlds.  History has given us many examples of how sports can be ahead of the curve when it comes to social issues, even when it lags further behind on some others.  Recently, stories like the protests during the National Anthem, the gender pay gap in US Soccer, and leagues failure to act with immediacy regarding domestic violence issues have all been part of our national sports discussion.  This is a good thing, because it means the conversations about these issues are at least being had in a wider forum, as they should be.  What makes sports so special, though, is that after the off-field issues are discussed, there is still the on-field product to enjoy.  We can sit back in our chair and yell at the refs instead of at each other.  We can be united, temporarily, in the love of the game.

We shouldn't ignore the very real issues facing our country and our world.  Lord knows there are a lot of them.  We shouldn't accept the (my opinion) upcoming potentially-awful administration and the abhorrent platform it represents as the new normal.  Americans, especially those in my generation and younger, should stand up and help make change whenever and however we can.  But that can be exhausting, and sometimes we need a break.  That is where sports can come in.  We can rest, relax, recharge, and enjoy the games we have loved our entire lives.  We can come together, with thousands of strangers, and actually agree on something for a while.  And who knows, maybe we can even be inspired.  That Cinderella team making the Final Four can show us nothing is impossible if we work hard enough.  That improbable comeback in the final minutes can remind us nothing is over as long as we keep persevering.  That cursed franchise that finally wins it all can prove to us that no matter how impossible it may feel, no matter how many times we are beaten down, we can still be victorious in the end.  Sports can give all of this to us, and that is why it is such an important escape.

I'll be writing more soon, and I hope that my posts may help momentarily take your mind off your troubles.

The Cubs managed to get through 108 years of troubles.  I bet we can make it through the next 4.