Denver's Von Miller puts pressure on Panthers QB Cam Newton during Super Bowl 50 Sunday in Santa Clara, Calif.
We tend to get wrapped up in the extreme.
Something happens, something comes about that grabs our attention, and we typically go the hyperbolic route with how impressed or pissed off we are with what or who created the commotion. Super Bowls often bring out the most of this. Never fear, once that game is here each year, it suddenly yields commentary about the greatest ever, the lamest ever, the never seen before and anything else of that ilk. Obviously, 2016 was no different. From claims of Cam Newton’s athletic ability as a quarterback being other-worldly for the NFL’s signature event to his actual performance setting a new standard for overwhelmed by such a stage … ummm, c’mon, get a grip. All the hype leading up to the game and the analysis following it is nothing if not embellishment. MVP Von Miller’s defensive effort tops all as far back as anyone can remember? Guess so if you only recognize what goes on with the winning side. No doubt Miller was critical to Denver’s 24-10 victory, forcing fumbles that led to touchdowns with two of his 2.5 sacks. But, sorry, his performance wasn’t any better than Kony Ealy’s three-sack, one-interception, one-forced fumble, one-fumble recovery outing for Carolina. The Broncos’ defense as a whole put on a show that would be impossible to beat? Umm, hate to tell ya, but Denver surrendered 315 yards while the Panthers only allowed 194 in this one. No doubt, the D delivered for the Broncos and brought them a third Super Bowl title, but it didn’t outplay Carolina’s D. It outplayed Carolina’s O, making Newton look pretty pedestrian in the process. Newton was the most incomparable athlete to play QB on this stage? Nah. Still takes a back seat to Steve Young, and did so before Sunday’s poor showing displayed his flaws. Get the size/strength factor with Newton, but, nope, he doesn’t have Young’s speed, elusiveness or passing touch. Peyton Manning, likely walking into the sunset as a winner, is now the greatest NFL QB of all time because he grabbed a second crown? He completed 13 of 23 passes for 141 yards, tossing one INT, against Carolina. Just stop. It’s embarrassing. In the grand scheme of things, sure, no biggie. Any of this stuff. Just seems to get outta control around this time of year. Too much of it. Almost like all the fuss about McDonald’s fries, Lada Gaga’s rendition of the national anthem, Doritos’ baby bailing during a sonogram commercial or Sam Bradford’s second half of the 2015 regular season. Get some level of appreciation for all, but proclamations of best or worst EVER for any? No. - Jack Kerwin | ydkjack1@gmail.com RELATED |
NOT A BIG DEAL
Good news.
For me, it was. Not being the biggest Sam Bradford fan, was a relief to hear reports that the Eagles were not going to slap the franchise tag on their 2015 starting QB. Will never understand the hullabaloo surrounding him or his play, especially here in the Philly area – although it is very obvious those touting him and pushing for his return are imminently and infinitely affected by his having been a No. 1 draft pick. The Eagles’ completion percentage record that he set this past fall … yeah, it’s nice and it might mean something if the guy who previously held that mark wasn’t the most vilified player on the Eagles’ roster for his performance. Why, hello, Mark Sanchez … Never really made any sense to me, the affinity for Bradford and even more so the excuse-making on his behalf. For me, was never about money. He’s just not that good. He’s average. At best. If you’re placing him ahead of Nick Foles, and scoffing at the idea the Eagles would try to re-acquire the latter, then you’re not going by facts or actual play. You’re going off propaganda, and the promise of what might be … with a guy who has shown repeatedly that he will never, ever touch that promise. Numbers alone from their NFL careers shoot down any and every debate to the contrary. Reality is, it’s pointless to state “who care about the money, just sign Bradford” when money plays a factor. He’s not worth even a fraction of the money that being “franchised” would yield, a number likely in the $20-22 million range. But when you have a league-imposed salary cap and other players to consider in regards to contracts, puh-leeze. The best view here is for him to just walk, but, being fair, an acceptable one would be to see him return at a reduced rate and actually made to compete for the starting job. BIG DEAL
Want something fuss over?
Try the Villanova University men’s basketball program, which earned a No. 1 ranking in the regular season for the first time in its history. Hard to believe … Timing is everything, obviously, because the Wildcats certainly have had better squads throughout the years, starting with the 1985 national-title team and continuing with Final Four outfits in 1971 and 2009. Kinda partial to the John Pinone-led crews in the early ’80s as well. Still, gotta recognize these ’Cats, who have a 20-3 record and are fresh off a revenge victory against Big East rival Providence, which is ranked 20th in the latest poll. ’Nova is veteran-laden with an infusion of highly-touted talent headed by Jalen Brunson, a Chicago area product who just happens to be the son of former Temple great Rick Brunson. |
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