Pursuit of the Golden Foot

I’ve been consciously following National Football League for almost 40 years and cannot recall a season where games ended in sweetness of victory or agony of defeat from one player’s accuracy. We’ve watched weekly highlights of place kickers across the NFL perform shanks, doinks, and far right gaffes on both point after touchdown attempts and field goals that ultimately may have played a role in a team’s win-loss record.

Between injuries and performance consistency, teams across the league are facing significant challenges in securing a viable place kicker. If there were ever a case re-thinking the power ranking of kickers on a team's roster, we’re seeing it time after time… game after game in the last two years.

If I could get ‘cheeky’ for a moment- NFL may want to take a look at contracting rugby kickers. All kidding aside, we can no longer glaze over or assume a kicker is ‘automatic’ from any distance these days. I’ve experienced the heartbreak front and center being a proud member of the faithful San Francisco Forty Niner fan base. The two games the team has lost this year ended in failed kicks. Robbie Gould, the starting kicker for San Francisco has been 93% -95% accurate in the previous two years in field goal attempts. For 2019, Gould’s current accuracy on field goals this year is at a disappointing 63%.  Statistics are not noted regarding missed point after attempts, but I do know there was a game earlier in the year where Gould did miss 3 point after attempts. Thankfully, those short-distance point-after gaffes did not affect those game results, where San Francisco ultimately ended up winning. Gould has been affected this season as well by injury. Gould’s replacement, Chase McLaughlin has made 13 of 17 field goal attempts, giving him 76% accuracy. Unfortunately, one of those misses affected a game outcome, where Chase ‘McMissed’ a game winning field goal attempt in overtime against NFC West rival Seattle Seahawks. Robbie Gould recently missed a field goal in regulation against the Baltimore Ravens, where the added three points may have culminated in a tie score for an opportunity to go into overtime, and a chance to win the game.

San Francisco is not alone in missed field goal woes. Adam Vinatieri now the starting place kicker for Indianapolis Colts has seen better years. Vinatieri’s most famous boot to win a game occurred in 2002 while kicking for the New England Patriots. He kicked an overtime game-winning field goal in blizzard conditions to catapult the Patriots in the Super Bowl as the AFC Champion team. Indianapolis can only hope Vinatieri could see such accuracy and performance now. The kicker once known as Mr. Automatic has been incredibly ‘not-so-matic’, causing some painful losses this year. The Oakland Raiders has experienced cringing misses with their main kicker on their payroll, Daniel Carlson as well.

Football fans and sports analysts must be as perplexed as I, wondering what has changed in the last year creating doubt and questions with a teams’ kicking game. A player taking a spot on the special teams roster that’s been overlooked and taken for granted for many decades has now been shoved in the spotlight (not always for shiny happy moments). Teams across the NFL may be hiring ‘special scout’ specifically to pursue “The athlete with the golden foot” to boost a part of special teams that’s witnessing a mysterious decline.

For now, enjoy a supporting piece on the kicker regression of 2019:

https://www.theringer.com/nfl/2019/11/22/20976974/nfl-kicking-regression

And enjoy some noted recent kicking snafus:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn_42ROO75Q

NFL Draft: Hope from Aspirations!

Layman sports enthusiasts and those apathetic about sports will never get it- Why is there such a fan frenzy for National Football Draft Day?

One word: Hope!

Of all professional sports leagues in the United States, National Football League (NFL) has proven their league more competitive than the rest. One draft class could mean the difference of worst to first within a year. No other professional league has proof or ability to take their team to front of the pack with free agency and prime NCAA Division I prospects acquired in a Draft other than NFL.

Of course, a team can't just 'pick' the 'best' athlete available... It's about fit. Each of the 32 teams in the National Football League lays out their strengths, weaknesses, and strategy out on a board, and flow chart. Depending on strengths, weaknesses, and personalities of free agency and draft eligible prospects, each college prospect is given a ranking, based on their system. From that ranking and slots on the flow chart, a list strategically comprised on every team's Draft war room! Ready.... Set... Draft!!!

Clash of Ole Opry and OT offspring meet in the streets of 'Music City' USA, Nashville, Tennessee!

Of course there are all the analysts, projections, mockers bouncing about researching and studying each scheme, each coach, each players' 'Pro-Day' and Combine results to give the fanatics perspective of what to Google and expect the Commish to call out to fill in holes of our faithful's team receiving an iconic bear hug and collectible #1 Jersey.

Whose stock has risen? Who's stock has plummeted? What was his Wonderlic score again??? Personality, tweets, and displayed peacock talent all are calculated in to the phone buzzing in his hand...

Of all informants and supposed professional draft prognosticators, Adam Schefter seems to be the man with the most valid information. Hard work, being available 24/7 and a fistful of cell phones has paid off for the premier sports fan and analyst.

As expected, 1^st Draft pick of the 2019 NFL Draft goes to newly adorned and 'heartthrob' Head Coach of Arizona Cardinals, Kliff Kingsbury. The former Texas Tech coach finally gains the player that he's lost out on in his college coaching career, Heisman toting Oklahoma Quarterback, Kyler Murray! A head coach whom was a quarterback himself, has a weapon to install in his revolutionary offense he will bring to Arizona Cardinals. The Arizona Cardinals now have picked quarterbacks back-to-back in the first round. Cardinals 10^th pick in the 1^st round, Josh Rosen is being shopped around. So, definitely may see a trade transaction transpire in later rounds between one of the prospective teams needing a prime quarterback to either start, or groom for their aging starter. Top teams that have been mentioned are Washington Redskins, New York Giants, and possibly Buffalo Bills. Rosen may be a member of different NFL team by the end of the Draft.

The 2^nd pick in the draft is Defensive End out of Ohio State Nick Bosa to the 49ers (My team!). Its quite the bitter sweet pick for the Sanctuary City by the Bay. Bosa definitely does not come without controversy of his political and race supremacy outlook that has been bantered around media on earlier social media opinions, likes, and shared posts. Will we embrace him? Or not care, as long as he produces expectations on the field? Its going to be quite an interesting proving third year for John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan. The General Manager a defensive minded man, and Kyle, an offensive minded head coach, and touted wondrous offensive coordinating genius. There are significant holes in the team's defense, and offensive line. So, one piece has been drafted with high expectations. Will the remaining choices in the draft fill in the other gaps?

3^rd Pick for New York Jets is, Quinnen Williams out of the greatest college program in NCAA Division I football, “Roll Tide” Alabama – his nickname is 'soap' due to being so slippery off the line, and backfield. Jets need so many components. One of them, stopping the opposing quarterback from destroying your chances of holding a lead....

Raiders are on the Clock! What will Gruden (affectionately nicknamed Chuckie by many Raider Nation fans) do?! From recent retirement of Marshawn Lynch, we definitely know they have a RB need... As well Defense line! Linebacker, Defensive End, Defense Secondary.... So many pieces they need to acquire before moving to Las Vegas for “ The Black and Silver Show” …..The pick is in! Gruden comes with a wild card pick, Clelin Ferrell Defensive End from Clemson – Will the pick pay off? Obviously Chuckie wanting to fill a gap in the rush defense...

On the clock with the 5^th pick is Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their Defense is ranked easily as top 5 in the NFL... The one suspect position is the ongoing oscillating question, “Will he? Won't he?” about their quarterback, Jaimes Winston. I personally would not be surprised if Tampa Bay opted for a quarterback, if they feel there is one showing promise in this draft class... If not, what? Will they trade down and acquire Josh Rosen from Arizona? Arizona has been shopping Allen for a few months now – Tampa Bay shores up their already staunch defense, with Outside Linebacker, Devin White out of LSU! Now let's see if later in their picks they can do something about improving their stale bland offense -

With an aging quarterback, Eli Manning, New York Giants have been suspect of heavily hunting for eventual replacement of Eli Manning. New York Giants also need to shore up chasms in both their Offensive lines, and secondary core on Defense side. Sure enough! Daniel Jones Quarterback out of Duke University! There you have it folks... The man that will be groomed to replace Eli Manning! Side note about Jones- he has participated in the Manning quarterback camps.

Next on the board are the Jacksonville Jaguars. Known for Defense, and gaining on the offensive side. With their pick, they shored up continued Defense success, picking Josh Allen, Defensive End out of Kentucky.

Detroit Lions in dire need of weapons for veteran quarterback, Sam Bradford to choose targets, they chose a strong candidate out of Iowa, TJ Hockenson, a big Tide End that will be difficult to take down or miss! His range must be up there with another big Tide End Lug, recently retired tide end from New England, Rob Gronkowski. A converted basketball athlete on to the gridiron, he can block and come down with the ball down field. This definitely is a positive directions for Detroit to gain offensive weapons needed to move in to being a play-off contender in the black and blue NFC North conference!

Next up, Buffalo Bills! Anything will help the Bills! So... The Ninth pick is in, and Ed Oliver, Defensive Tackle out of Houston is on its way to the faithful fans of Northern New York. Will he be able to find a Ranch to fit his needs, with his stable of horses! I am sure Real Estate agencies associated with the Bills are chomping at the bit to show him around prospective properties to stable his galloping hooved friends' needs!

Denver has an aging Defense, and wait... Aging team! I would not be surprised if Denver leaned in on a Defense choice – They need to think about replacing an aging core – They may also look at shoring up offensive line positions as well - Whoa! Denver trading pick to Pittsburgh Steelers! Steelers definitely need a back up quarterback, and continue to improve their defense! Let's see what goes down for Steelers! They also need running back, as well as wide receiver, with the loss of Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell... Pick is in! What?!!! Devon Bush Inside Linebacker out of Michigan! This is definitely unexpected! They have so many needs! The Alabama Running Back available... The Ohio State Quarterback, Haskins available! Oh my.... Devon Bush definitely wins for most interesting suit, for sure!

The stripes of the Cincinnati Bengals is coming up! Bengals go with shoring up protection for their quarterback, Andy Dalton, and offensive rushing game, Jonah Williams, Offensive Tackle out of Alabama. They call him a strategy mega machine, creating detailed flow charts for every opponent he's faced. The acumen appears to be blowing up any potential measuring test or chart. Mr. Williams appears dedicated beyond means to his craft.

Green Bay Packers has the next pick, and select Rashan Gary, Defensive End/Linebacker out of Michigan! Green Bay definitely have been suspect in the last few years, on the defense side of the ball. Aaron Rogers out of California with already fired front man, Mike McCarthy always appeared to be in the position of needing to outscore opponents, versus holding opponents. Matt LaFluer has been named head coach of one of the original football franchises, and looking to turn around recent challenges of a weak defense inability to shut down opposing offensive schemes.

Dolphins on the board with new head coach, and choose a Defensive Tackle out of Clemson, Christian Wilkins! A known and expecteded first round pick for a team needing his talent! Miami I believe is in need of many components. This pick may be an instant hole filler for the Dolphins. A member of the Clemson Power Rangers, Wilkins will definitely bring a winning no holds bar intensity of improving Dolphins' defense.

Atlanta Falcons – Chris Lindstrom, Guard out of Boston College A football legacy family from Boston on to the NFL! Do not forget the mighty Eagles of Boston College. Doug Flutie, Boston College! Luke Kuechly drafted in first round to Carolina Panthers! Do not overlook the success of the Boston College program, and how well their college program translates to success on the next level.

Redskins out of the Nation's capitol is looking for that difference maker on a team that has seen its share of bumps and bruises in that last years. Dwayne Haskins, quarterback of 'The' Ohio State and son of the backyard of DC, raised in Potomac, Maryland. There are some suspect and risky questions about choosing a quarterback from Ohio State. He seems to have the throwing capabilities, yet most quarterbacks lately coming out of Ohio State, have been heavily slanted as an option quarterback, and not the best at foot work, or accuracy. This will be hopefully a 'wild card' that pays off leading the Redskins to a Wild Card or better birth in upcoming NFL post season.

Carolina Panthers seriously need to shore up their quarterback pass and rush protection! Its been a significant hindrance, affecting effectiveness of Cam Newton and their play options. Lets see if they help out their offensive weapons in a protection pick – And, its a Defensive End – Brian Burns, Outside Linebacker out of Florida State – Oof... Hopefully they have some picks stacked up in 2^nd, and 3^rd round to help out their offense! Hopefully this will translate to a sack master to boost up a defense that has been inconsistent in holding opponents from scoring -

New York Giants have a second pick in the first round! Let's see what they choose – I know Eli has been not protected well... As well, their defense is ineffective.... What is their best direction in top prospects in their first round of the draft? Well, well, well! Defense is the choice! Dexter Lawrence, Defensive Tackle out of NCAA National Champion team, Clemson Tigers! All components can definitely be points of improvement for New York Giants with many holes to fill on both side of the ball!

Clemson, now has three picks in the first round from their defensive line! A first in NFL draft history! Congratulations Clemson Tigers for having an incredible 'Power Rangers' core transitioning to professional ranks in the professional sports league that has taken over Sundays from God...

Minnesota Vikings has selected a Center, Garrett Bradbury from NC State. A two – sport athlete, and academic star, with a 3.7 GPA graduating with his Bachelor's degree in three years... One thing overlooked by many fans and critics of the NFL, is an assumed stereotype, all football players are dumb, or not the greatest of scheming or analytical minds. A prospect and first round pick, such as Andrew Luck, or Christian McCaffrey, and now Garrett Bradbury challenge the stereotype of a destructive and controversial professional league. Many competitive and successful athletes have quite the mind on top of their Trojan stature shoulders!

The host town finally on the clock! Tennessee Titans now has their pick in. Will they shore up protection for their famed quarterback,Marcus Mariota??? Jeffery Simmons Defensive Tackle out of Mississippi State and comes with controversy.... He plead no contest to malicious assault when he was in High School and protecting his sister and his mother from another woman. The circumstances are complex, according to analysts, and others involved in reviewing the incident. Its an incredible risk, I am sure it will be assumed by many on this pick – will talent outweigh his past? He's been a model student at Mississippi State, as well as volunteer on campus to curb violence and assist in others coping with family matters, and stress. Lets hope the newly turned leaf and role model behavior continues on the next level!

The Denver Broncos now are up on the board after trading their earlier pick to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Let's see what direction they go toward with a lower pick in the first round of the draft – They choose to shore up targets for their veteran quarterback, Noah Fant, Tide End out of Iowa – A big target at that and another dual athlete with basketball being his other sport! A big target roaming the field, as well as blocker for the evolving rush game for Denver.

We now have Seattle Seahawks on the clock – There's a top tier running back on the board , that may be tough to pass up, as well as other defensive pieces to help fill out options for the Seahawks 12 man core – Of course, there are offensive line needs by the team as well. Of course, those could be filled in by later picks as well as free agency signings they may have acquired (since I haven't investigated thoroughly the Winter meeting outcomes of all 32 teams... Hmmph, call me slouch! It's okay... Not that I don't have other work responsibilities between then and now...). Oh wow! Seattle wagers a trade to Green Bay!!! Green Bay select Darnell Savage Jr, Safety out of Maryland! Well, if anything, Green Bay definitely needs help with their secondary. They've had holes bigger than O-zone! Hopefully this can be an immediate impact player for the Packers in their secondary.

The Philadelphia Eagles finally make the first round board on a pick! Let's see what direction they go in! I am attempting to recall their running back game? I've played fantasy football now for almost twenty years, and for some stinking reason, I cannot recall who they have in their prime running back core? Of course, it could be my menopause middle-aged fog taking over... That and Sauvignon Blanc...

Eagles choose to help out injury prone quarterback, Carson Wentz, selecting Andre Dillard, Offensive Tackle out of Washington State (Wazzu!) There are incredible successful transitioning prospects that come out of the Pac-12 later becoming pro bowlers and career phenoms on the next level of football. Good luck in Philadelphia Andre!

Houston Texans are next up and will be interesting what direction they go in adding to a great up-and-coming team out of Texas. Will they get the top running back prospect still left on the board, Jacobs? 62 sacks recorded last year to DeSean Watson. They need offense protection... They select Offfensive Tackle, Tytus Howard out of Alabama State! This is a great addition to Houston to shore of a siv of an offensive line. Lets hope he has immediate effectiveness to help out Texans in protecting their offensive weapons!

Oakland Raiders back on board with another late first round pick.... Josh Jacobs, running back out of Alabama still out there as top prospect, will he fit the Raiders need? Or will Gruden look elsewhere for speed and needs to improve their offensive intimidation for Vegas? I am RIGHT!!!!! They take the Crimson Tide RB Josh Jacobs!!! Yup... Gruden all over this pick!

Okay, The Baltimore Ravens now on the clock for a late first round pick – where will they go? Best pick on board, or a hole they want to fill? It appears they may be looking at the offensive core, wide receiver – let's see! Sure enough! Wide Receiver out of Oklahoma, Marquise Brown, cousin of Antonio Brown! They are building a weapon to be as strong as their known Defense! One question is his sleight size , and susceptibility for injury... He needs to bulk up a bit to remain relevant in the next level of football, the NFL.

Next up, the Indianapolis Colts – honestly, I need to rack my brain of what they need to build on their recent success of Andrew Luck coming back from long injury of his shoulder. Colts trade their pick to Redskins, and select Montez Sweat Defense End Linebacker out of Mississippi State! Sweat's value definitely dropped in the draft due to a chronic heart condition he has under control through his football career. Another angle, was his interviewing and personality evaluations were not deemed very well in taking the next step in defense schemes, possibly balking about taking critical coaching very well... Obviously, Washington, feels he would fit well enough to overcome in conditioning and personality challenges withing their system and coaching.

Oakland Raiders with another pick and select Johnathan Abram, Safety out of Mississippi State to help out a very holey secondary of the Raiders! ------ Already graduated with his Bachelor degree and working on his MBA. This kid has momentum and direction!

San Diego Chargers are on board and see what they pick up on who's available to build on an already well oiled offense and defense system. The Chargers choose to work on the defense side of the ball, selecting Jerry Tillery, Defensive Tackle out of Notre Dame. I am always suspect of most prospects coming out of Notre Dame, feeling their football program is overrated for the talent they present on the field. Let's see how it pans out for him in San Diego and his future performance for the Bolts.

Seattle Seahawks now have two trades in a row now at the end of the first round – Lets see how this pans out, where they have an aging defense, as well as a suspect offensive line – I can see them shoring up their defense to begin, and look at offense filler in picks coming up in later rounds of the draft. There are two top OT available – Ugh! They go with LJ Collier Defensive End out of Texas Christian University.... I dunno... Russel Wilson has been so beat up and scrambling for his options these last two years, I thought they go in the OT direction.... Maybe they feel can get the needed help in later picks, as thought in previous opinion.

NY Giants attain pick from Seahawks and acquire Deandre Baker, Corner-back out of Georgia! Actually I can see this going down. The defense has not been very strong at all in last few years for New York Giants. They have not been able to defend against the deep threat or deep route coverage at all. Hopefully this young talent can quickly attribute to stops and success for the Giants in the defense secondary.

Second to last pick in first round of draft picks (I think!) belongs to the Atlanta Falcons. Lets see who they go with! The LA Rams had this pick and gave it to Atlanta – Okay! Here we go about shoring up your offensive lines, Atlanta goes to Kaleb McGary, Offensive Tackle out of Washington! This dude sounds like he has survived a country song of catastrophes! Losing house, losing dog, girlfriend breakup, trailer house in trailer park going up in flames! If he can persevere after all those incidents taking place at a young age... Yeah, he's ready for anything bulldozing his way on an O-line!

Finally, New England, the final pick in the first round is ON the clock! Hmmmmmm...... They had a Tide End retire.... Always looking for fillers to continue to protect Brady.... They always can add to their options in substitutions for their defense.... Brady may need a back up to take under his wing... Hmmm..... There is top prospect quarterback still on board, in Drew Lock.... Lets see where New England goes with this late first round pick – Well! New England goes with Wide Receiver N'Keal Harry out of Arizona State! Another underlie in the midst of Belichick fore lore going to a Superbowl laden franchise! This kid has to be elated, knowing he's going to a program that is definitely tagged to go to another Super Bowl in the next few years! He has to be elated getting picked up in the tail end of the first round! He has to be proud going down as an under-the-radar first round pick for one of the greatest franchises in the 20^th and 21^st Centuries, New England Patriots!

Another First Round of the NFL Draft in the books!

Now, it's a waiting game to see whom pans out, and who will end up on the practice squad or worse, cut! Or, career ending injury! One aspect you have to keep in the back of your mind- You cannot measure success or failure in a Season... you cannot measure a draft prospects' ultimate impact for years to come... Maybe three to five years could be best time measurement of outcome of a first round pick. In this millennial instant gratification world we now experience, patience definitely has fallen out of virtue. There are those out lyres where even that amount of time was not enough to give them best opportunity of their impact on the game. Johnny Unitas was cut several times, before career success with Baltimore Colts. Jim Plunkett was cut from previous programs before leading Oakland Raiders to Super Bowl wins. Alex Smith persevered a different offense coordinators, and coaches before finding success under Jim Harbaugh, as well as Andy Reid. He's tasted the post season, and did win several games in San Francisco Super Bowl appearance before an injury side-lined him for Harbaugh's choice, Colin Kaepernick. Jared Goff was assumed a bust after one year with a fading out of favor former head coach, Jeff Fisher for the Los Angeles Rams. Goff now has been top tier quarterback leading the Los Angeles Rams to Super Bowl LIII appearance versus New England Patriots.

On the flip side, there have been significant disappointments as well with high draft picks. The Forty Niners have had their share of heart break with trouble off the field picks such as Aldon Smith, and Reuben Foster. I would even place Jaimes Winston as suspect pick for Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

So.... All we have are aspirations... Hope that the minds overseeing direction and success of the NFL franchises we root for, have vetted and and picked prospects that will add value and contribute towards either continued success of a program, or improved results from previous mediocre or lackluster outcomes.

Now, off to the next round! NFL Draft Weekend is mighty, not mundane!

Unanimous...

Bonds Boo Birds' Major League Hall of Fame voters Icing out one of the greatest players of a generation.

Congratulations to the first ever first ballot unanimous entry to Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, Mariano Rivera. I am not sure what's more surprising- Rivera being the first unanimous vote? Or the voters continuing for the 7^th time denying entry to one the greatest baseball sluggers in a generation? It's my humble opinion that baseball beat writers and sports writers holding the 'Golden Ticket' of entry have become perversely subjective, short-sited, and hypocritical regarding Barry Bonds. The collective needs to sit down, and be humble.

If you would like to take the 'high road' argument, about cheaters inducted in to the Hall of Fame? I truly hate to disappoint you. Cheaters and poor characters have been inducted going back to the yester-years of Ty Cobb and every year of segregated baseball. Some of the greatest baseball players never had an opportunity to play on a National stage to prove their valor, based on fear of dominance. There were players that used amphetamines and other products in earlier years to gain any advantage possible for an edge over their competition. The more outlying question should be exactly when regulation of banned substances initiated, and when exactly regulation began in Major League baseball of listed banned substances. Major League Baseball placed a banned substance policy in 1985. This policy was never strictly enforced. Even with updated supposed regulation and policy in 2002, Bud Selig and the remainder of owners in Major League Baseball failed to actively regulate banned substances taking advantage of a spike of popularity following a detrimental player strike in 1994. Only after the Mitchell Report was published in 2007, and retirement of Bud Selig, was there a followed regulation policy that was enforced in Major League Baseball.

I find it difficult to punish a generation of particular deserving players, where the commissioner whom looked the other way was inducted in to the same Hall of Fame. The other hypocritical factor regarding this freeze out of two most dominant players (Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens) is there are inferior contributors playing at the same time that were conveniently voted in to the exclusive Hall of Fame. There is no way Mike Piazza and Ivan 'Pudge' Rodriguez have numbers and production minutely close to the performance of Barry Bonds.

Another factor hardly taken in to consideration is the ambiguous accusation of what are PEDs and were PEDs used by these players even banned under the collective bargaining agreement during their playing career. Time and time again, you hear the term, 'steroids' as the banned substance. So, many players named in the Mitchell Report, have openly admitted to 'Andro' or 'Steroid' use, and others ultimately ended up testing positive of such 'Steroid' and 'Andro' subsances (i.e. Pudge Rodriguez, and Mike Piazza). During the full career of Barry Bonds, never has he admitted or tested positive regarding any banned substance. Bonds may have used some type of PED to assist him in recovery, to maintain consistency and performance, but it wasn't a substance that was particularly banned during his career. Majority of population become short-sited regarding definition of performance supplements. Steroids is an antiquated and poor choice. Steroids ultimately a destructive substance that will ultimately induce breakdown and aggressive side-affects for any athlete using it. Barry Bonds never displayed those side-affects.

There were memoirs written and reports that came out advising of an epidemic taking over the pristine green grassed diamonds perfectly pruned across the nation. It became apparent, practically every athlete competing for a spot on a major league team took advantage of an unregulated policy. The outlying question should be, if PEDs were such an 'advantage', why weren't there more breakout performances? Why weren't there more athletes having year in and year out career numbers? The reason you won't find year-in-and-out performances throughout major league baseball, would be they did not posses other abilities required to succeed in a diverse demanding sport.

Barry Bonds was playing above his competition at a time where majority were taking banned substance, according to laid out (yet loosely regulated) rules of Major League Baseball. Barry Bonds persevered, and usurped upon his competition. Steroids (which I am 100% sure he did not use) does not give any advantage over a player with natural ability to spot a ball coming out of a pitcher's hand, or his instinctual swing...Not that I am condoning the use of performance enhancing products, I just cannot deny the fact: Barry Bonds, hands down outplayed everyone in the Major League... You cannot put an asterisk on a player that has flat-out dominated his peers, and most likely was ahead of the competition regarding choice of performance supplements not banned in sports.

Barry has learned and was taught by the best-of-the-best in baseball history! His godfather is Willie Mays... America- Wake Up!!! He grew up among the greatest players known in baseball- 'Stretch' Mccovey, Bobby Bonds, Willie Mays... Let alone, Bonds learned from all the pitchers surrounding the greatest hitters. Maybe the only unfair advantage he did have, was his father, who knew everything you could know about predicting pitches from pitchers, based on the count and base runners... Bonds' father taught his son about strategy, and used that to his advantage... Imagine... having a mental edge, and knowledge what a pitcher is going to throw, based on, knowing his game?! Maybe that is why he was able to hit home runs off of over 400+ different pitchers...

You say he's arrogant? You say he isn't nice?! He's a 'Richard Cranium'?! How do you know ? I don't know him... you don't know him... Players aren't paid to be 'nice'. I never expected a player I admire to be my hero, or be my friend. Barry Bonds has been paid to perform and be the ultimate of sports entertainers... He has definitely fulfilled more than my moneys' worth! Bonds is legend of my generation. Bonds is an anomaly, a talent we should embrace. Barry Bonds by far has been one of the rare gifts to baseball.

All of the whiners, sit down... Shut up! Tip your hats to a phenomenon that's given some of the most historic highlights in baseball history!

The Great Debate: Offense versus Defense Wins Titles

I'm sure in passing, you've heard the vintage conundrum- 'Which came first, the chicken or the egg?”

Years of  argument and theory regarding the National Football League recipe obtaining world titles have always began with the default admission, 'Defense wins Titles'.

As we progress in to the third decade of the millennium, there are analysts sprouting in many media outlets challenging the status quo theory. Spurts of sports media platforms across the nation are beginning to dismiss this absolute theory, challenging what exactly is the formula concocted by franchises leading to world titles?  A new theory has hit center stage, that it's the offense on display that will duke it out for the trophy. Decades have progressed where there was ne'r a challenge of the original theory of a team's defense being the formula to winning.

Sports analysts are challenging the antiquated default argument. Are they accurate with their argument?  Taking closer look at the most explosive football game in 2018 NFL season between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams, as well as viewing the performances throughout current playoff season, Defense (with an effervescent and dynamic defense coordinator who knows how to adjust and expose unknowing offenses) lead to titles.

On Monday Night Football November 19, 2018 between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams, there were 14 touchdowns scored between both teams. Three of those touchdowns were scored by Defense on turnovers, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. The team that ultimately came out on top, the Los Angeles Rams, had two of those defense scores.  The result of this one game ignited the sports airwaves touting a transition away from the value of defense segwaying to offense firepower as the must haves to acquire the Lombardi Trophy. Yet, as the remaining NFL season played out, there were only two other offensive powerhouse offerings to add. Surprisingly, they featured the teams now playing to go to the Super Bowl.  New England beat Kansas City in week 6 of the regular season, 43-40; and the New Orleans Saints beat the Los Angeles Rams in week 9 45-35.

Another supposed argument siding with the offensive minded, is the most dominating offensive player in the millennium, New England quarterback, Tom Brady. Regardless of receiving core suiting up, year-in-and-year-out, Brady is the most precise and prolific offensive weapon.  He is New England's Trojan horse, as well. New England's offensive versatility often sidetracks analysts and opposing defensive coordinators. Two factors regarding New England's success overlooked by the masses are their sneaky running game, and its diverse defensive planning between head coach Bill Belichick and his various defense coordinators (Brian Flores has taken over this year from parting DC master, Matt Patricia).

Viewing five various sports sites ranking NFL defenses in 2018, not one had the New England Patriots in their top five (most placing them between 7th and 18th ). Yet, the New England defense literally shut down a powerhouse offense in Phillip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers.  In the first half of the AFC Championship game, New England defense shut down Kansas City from scoring. You may refute that Patriots allowed Mahomes and Kansas City back in game, as they did come out and score 31 points in the second half, which was whole heartedly disappointing. To advise, Kansas City defense did have a winning game interception, if it weren't for a neutral zone line up infraction made; thus, a defense play made to secure a victory moving towards a title. Alas, New England overcame fiascos to prove again, that behind that precise multi – option offense machine, is a defense that allows them opportunity to overtake time of possession and patiently maneuver down past all the hash marks in to the end zone.

In Sunday's earlier championship game, Los Angeles Rams displayed an expected top ranked defense performance stopping one of the most prolific offenses for the past decade lead by Drew Brees for the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans averaged 31 points this past 2018 season in scoring.  During the regular season, the New Orleans Saints beat Los Angeles Rams 45 to 35. Needless to say, defense was suspect in the earlier regular season encounter. Los Angeles defense coordinator Wade Phillips knew going in to the NFC Championship game, he had to come up with a score stopping strategy if the Rams had any chance of winning in a hostile high octane scoring environment in New Orleans.  The defensive line, the pass-rush all- pro duo of Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh set out the game plan and came up big. The Rams defense held Drew Brees and Saints offense (drawn up by one of the better offensive minds in Sean Payton) to 23 points.

As we head in to Super Bowl 53 between the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots, offense will show up on both sides to place points on the board. Don't be fooled by the rushes, catches and flinging passes athletically nabbed out of the gridiron air; a championship will be secured by the defense showing up stalling and denying progress in their opponent's forward scoring scheme.