Sports

Did Messi Deserve The Ballon D’or?

February 1, 2016 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

Staff Writer Micah Henry

The Ballon D’or, or the Golden Ball, award is given to the best male soccer player of professional world soccer from the previous calendar year, for this year, it is awarded on January 11th, 2016. Each nominee receives votes through national team coaches, captains, and journalists from around the world of soccer. Every soccer player dreams of getting this award. The award was founded in 2010 when France Soccer Ballon D’or and the FIFA World Player of the Year combined to create the one award for the best overall male soccer player. The FIFA World Player of the Year is now strictly a women-only award for the best overall women soccer player of the year.

Every soccer player dreams of winning this award, but as long as players such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta, and Franck Ribery are alive and well, the award will continue being dominated by the select few. Specifically, dominated by the great Cristiano Ronaldo and the world class player, Lionel Messi. Since 2010, Messi and Ronaldo have won every award, from 2010-2012, Messi won, for 2013 and 2014, Ronaldo won, and this year, 2015, Messi won once again. Oddly enough, for runner ups, in 2011 and 2012, Ronaldo earned that title, for 2013 and 2014, Messi earned the title, and this year Ronaldo respectively earned the runner up place. They dominate this award.

The question being, however, did Messi deserve the award over the great Ronaldo, and the unsurprising third place winner, Neymar Junior who is taking the soccer world by storm at age 23, to be 24 in a few weeks, on February 5th. In 2015, between La Liga and Champions League, Messi total 39 goals, and when averaged, it showed that Messi scored a goal in all competitions every 61 minutes, in comparison to Ronaldo’s 64 and Neymar’s 83. Beyond that, Messi totaled 19 assists, two more than Ronaldo at 17 and five more than Neymar at 14. This correlated with him recording a whopping 2,008 total passes, Neymar not even close with 1,191 and Ronaldo way for back with 1,262. This stats helping support the notion that Messi did deserve this award.

In interviews with respected world soccer fanatics, their opinions on the Ballon D’or winners were given in very different fashion.

Senior Rafi Hares shared his opinion.

“I do not think Messi should have won the Ballon D’or. A guy like Philip Lahm should have. He has one of the best defensive records in the world with no fouls last year, and just a technically sound distribution of the ball that is top class. The Ballon D’or is a popularity contest for forwards and offensive players. There is more to soccer than fancy tricks and goals.”

In contrast, Senior Tomy Fleurine viewed Messi as the clear cut winner.

“Messi should have won because he carried his national team, Spain, to the Copa Final, and led his club team, FC Barcelona, to win every tournament they played in last season. He led Barcelona in scoring, tied for most goals in Champions League and most assists in La Liga. He is simply the best overall player by far and deserved this award.”

As one can see, their opinions differed and were both just. Rafi essentially stated that the Ballon D’or favorites certain players and Tomy contrasted that argument by saying the players that win ultimately deserve to win. Rafi brings up the premise for an entirely different conversation, but the question is, did Messi deserve to win the 2015/2016 Ballon D’or? Based upon raw statistic, his influential play for his club and world team, and who Messi is as a player, there is no doubt he earned this award. Who wins next year? Only time will tell but Messi and Ronaldo are seemingly already leading the pack.

First Podcast For The Sports and Statistics Analysis Club

January 16, 2016 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

Aaron Watson-Sharer

Staff Writer

Hey Rocket Nation,

The Sports and Statistics Analysis Club is a club that analyzes and talks sports which holds its meetings every other Tuesday including this Tuesday January 19th. Led by juniors Aaron Watson-Sharer, Jared Bauer and Jason Greene are three people who are looking for new members to join us either X or Y band this Tuesday.

One critical activity performed by this club is our own podcast The Honest Breakdown. This podcast reviews many sports topics going on today and we would love for everyone to listen and enjoy!

The link is right here to The Honest Breakdown.

It’s Time For a New Playoff System in the NFL

December 25, 2015 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

Aaron Watson-Sharer

Patrick Smith, Getti Images — Patrick Smith, Getty Images

The NFL playoff format has been flawed for quite some time. Since the rearrangement of divisions in 2002 and the current playoff format from 1990 has led to mediocre and on occasion below average teams to make the playoffs. These teams can make the playoffs with an even, (8-8) record or sometimes an even worse record. What’s worse is they get to host a home game in the playoffs despite their poor record. The NFL should feel embarrassed that every year, a team or two gets in the playoffs while a real contender lucks out. The NFL playoff system needs real reform to have a reasonable and exciting playoff format so teams can get the playoff sport they deserve.

As of right now, the NFC East and the AFC South are taking advantage of the playoff system. Every year since 2010 besides 2012, there has been a division winner with eight wins or less along with a team with a better record who was unfortunate to not make the playoffs in result. In 2010, a losing Seattle Seahawks team got lucky enough to earn a home playoff game against an 11-5 Saints team. The game was won by Seattle which was a crime to have them apart of the playoffs. The 10-6 Giants and Buccaneers missed the playoffs despite having 3 more wins than the Seahawks. The Seahawks were entitled a home playoff game, which in CenturyLink field makes all the difference.

In 2011, the Denver Broncos clinched the playoffs in the 4th seed with an 8-8 record. The result left a superior Tennessee Titans team from the postseason and once again… entitled Denver to a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. This game was in Mile High stadium. The Steelers at the were 12-4 and had players sit out because of the inability to breath well enough to play in Denver. The Broncos won a game that should have never occurred. This with the exception the 2013 Green Bay Packers eight win team means every losing team team to get a home game in the postseason walked away victorious. The NFL can’t let teams get in the playoffs solely because of ratings and the region of the country they happen to be in.

In the present moment, the NFC East and AFC South have all four teams without a winning record. Right now that means 2 divisions in the NFL make for over a third of the losing franchises. These divisions all have multiple teams within striking distance for a playoff spot. For any of these teams to have a better record than their wild card competitors, those teams would have to lose for the rest of the season and the NFC East and AFC South teams would need to win their games.

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 11: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to throw a pass against the New England Patriots during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2014 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) — (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Colts and Texans, currently tied for their division have shown that they can’t compete in quality games. Yes, the Texans got the best of the Bengals and the Colts took down the Broncos but there i no other game that convinces you they deserve to win. The Colts in the past two weeks have been outscored 96-26. That’s an average of being beaten by 35 points per game. The Texans have lost three times by 21 or more points. The Texans have only beaten two winning teams. The Colts have beaten one winning team and have a worst 10 team in every major offensive or defensive statistical category. It’s a shame that one of the Chiefs, Bengals, Jets or the Steelers will miss the playoffs with being superior so one of these bad teams get a home playoff game.

Onto the NFC East, which is just as bad if not worse than the AFC South. The three competing teams, the Giants, Redskins and the Eagles. The Giants have the worst ranked defense in the NFL and it isn’t very close. Offensively the pose a poor running game with a one dimensional passing attack which leads to the not being able to finish games. The Giants have beaten no winning teams while having a very easy schedule and they have only played two good teams. This team has shown that they are not worthy of being a playoff team. Now the Eagles, Chip Kelly seems to be hated and loved on a weekly basis. This team is using popsicle sticks to fix their offensive line injuries but it is still no excuse for being dominated in countless games. When your special teams is several times better than any other component of your team it’s depressing. The Eagles have more potential in this division but Sam Bradford can’t even show that he can be a game manager. Lastly, the Redskins led by Kirk Cousins and not Robert “sweats and clipboards” Griffin III have done just enough to get to 7-7. The Washington Redskins also have not beaten a winning team and finally won a game on the road against a bad Bears team. The Redskins lost to a Dallas Cowboys team a week ago on a muffed punt and more importantly Matt Cassel. On the field that offense looks like is couldn’t score on the Alabama Crimson Tide. This division has a combined 19 wins. The next worst division not named the AFC South would be the AFC North with 25 wins, who have the Browns.

I suggest the NFL make a new playoff format. There are two systems that would be preferable but I prefer an eight team playoff system. With divisions getting a team in but they must earn a top spot, they can be placed anywhere. This would bring a true bracket. All good teams would get in and earn a spot to really see who the best is. No more bye weeks, just more football. It would make for an exciting weekend. Three games saturday, three sunday and two more monday. This would be similar to the NBA format, but unlike the NBA the NFL is more competitive, where you don’t already know who’s going all the way.v

(Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

What would this look like? It would look like the best against the worst based on conference order. The bracket would mean the best team has the easiest road to becoming champions. As it stands now, if a 16 team playoff occurred it could be a bit unique. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons would all qualify for the playoffs. The Washington Redskins and Colts would make it as a lower seed due to tiebreakers. This would bring more hungry teams into the mix to become champions.

In the NFL, lower seeds have won championships. In the past 25 years, three have came to become the champions. The 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers, 2007 New York Giants, and the 2010 Green Bay Packers. These teams, like others had to fight to earn a playoff spot just for the chance to be great. More teams need this chance.

Getty Images. AFC Wild Card contenders. Ben Roethlisberger, Brandon Marshall, Alex Smith.

The NFL can’t sit by and reject the truth, division champions in poor divisions shouldn’t be entitled home playoff games when the team they play is far superior. To get into the postseason is an achievement, so let’s make it one. No team should be entitled a spot just because they sucked a bit less than their division rivals to leave a great team going home. The NFL can’t expect people to be satisfied with the competition until the rules are changed and the postseason is expanded to 16 teams.

Eagles Fans: Relax!

December 21, 2015 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

Micah Henry Staff Writer

Oh man, oh man not again. Another offseason with expectations soaring high, have so far soared very close to the ground, according to many eagles fans. “We are going to the Super Bowl this year!” “We have the most talented and deep team in the league!” Comments like this suffocated social media over the offseason, and what an offseason it was to remember.

In 2014 the eagles ranked #2 overall in the NFL for their offensive line. Ranking 10th in pass blocking, and 1st in run blocking, however a blemish was 27th in penalties, yet that could have been a factor of injuries. At week 3 during the 2014 NFL regular season, the eagles offensive line situation was kind of a mess. Lane Johnson was in the midst of serving a four game suspension, which he had one more game left to serve, potentially returning in week 5. Jason Kelce suffered a sports hernia and was expected to miss 6-8 weeks. Thankfully he managed to return in week 9 vs. the Texans and after week 9, Mccoy had four games of 99 or more rushing yards for the rest of the season. In total the Eagles finished with 6,348 offensive yards in 2014. Amazing due to the fact, that Evan Mathis was out from week one till week 10 in which he returned and the Eagles trampled the now 12-0 panthers, 45-21. Allen Barbre was also injured, out for the season, but he would most likely be a non factor if he were healthy. In all, the Eagles offensive line suffered greatly yet still managed to have the 3rd best total offense in the NFL in 2014, incredible. Now, the question is what happened to the Philadelphia Eagles? Eagles fans scream, “Chip Kelly has ruined the Eagles!” Yet in reality, he has just made it his team, a team that is learning to play together one game at a time.

In 2015, the Philadelphia Eagles are 5-7. Not what fans expected. Yet that raises another question, what should the fans have expected for this season? Fans should have expected rebuilding. Fans should not have expected a 12-0 start, 500 offensive yards per game, allowed two points per game, melodramatic examples, but the point is understood. We released an offensive lineman, who wanted to leave, in Evan Mathis. Mathis wanted more money but the Eagles, and Chip Kelly, thought it was better for the team to not spend so much on a guard. Mathis is a very talented player, yet Chip thought the Eagles’ money had better use. Another guard to leave the flock this past winter, Todd Herremans. Who was also a great guard for the Eagles. Yet once again, it saved the Eagles money. Also in the offseason, in short, we traded Lesean Mccoy for Kiko Alonso, Nick Foles for Sam Bradford, released the heart of the Eagles defense in Trent Cole, for reasons understandable, released Cary Williams, signed Byron Maxwell, signed Ryan Matthews, signed Demarco Murray, let Jeremy Maclin sign with the Chiefs and sent Brandon Boykin to the Steelers. These being just some of the offseason transactions, but clearly the most important. For as anyone can see, Chip Kelly is making his own team.

Looking around sports, you see teams such as the Kansas City Royals, the Golden State Warriors, the Carolina Panthers. All teams who three or some years ago, were irrelevant as top teams in their respected sports, baseball, basketball, and football. Yet they knew the talent they had and their coaches and GM’s knew it would not all come together in one year, or even two. Building a successful, championship team is a process that could take 3 years or ten, but it will happen if you have the right person behind the scheme, and Chip Kelly is that person for the Eagles.

In an interview with loyal Eagles fan, Jesse Shutter, he stated his firm opinion on Chip Kelly and the 2015 Philadelphia Eagles.

“Chip Kelly is an intelligent guy who devotes his life to football. However, sometimes he makes stupid play calls that might cause the Eagles a game.”

“The Eagles are good guys, as an organization, yet they tend to be choke artists and mess up at the worst times.”

“The Eagles, however, will make the playoffs because they will win their last two games.”

It is rebuilding time for the Philadelphia Eagles. This will be a process, we are not the best team this year, but we have been improving. In a few years the Eagles will be legitimate playoff contender. As everyone noticed, the Eagles lost this past Sunday night to the Cardinals 40-17, the third time the Eagles have allowed 40 or more points in the last four weeks. Amazingly, if we win the last two games of the season, we are in the playoffs. Most likely, we will not do much in the playoffs if we get there, but we will be able to say we did and Chip Kelly would then most likely return for the 2016 season. The whole team is rebuilding. The defense, offense, and coaching staff. In two or three years, the Eagles will come together, and will be a Super Bowl team. Eagles fans, just please, be patient.

NFL Mock Draft 2016 First Edition Into December 2015

December 4, 2015 by lpahomov Leave a Comment

USA Today Sports, Getty Images. From ESPN — USA Today Sports, Getty Images.
From ESPN

***This mock draft does not include the outcome of the MNF game between Baltimore and Cleveland. Also will not include Week 13 Packers and Lions game.

It’s that time of year again. Where NFL fans have hopes, but others have seen their team’s’ fate as they turn towards the NFL Draft. The NFL Draft, where teams based on winning percentages pick players to fill spots on their teams. All of the names we revere today were once selected. With the order being more clear with the losing trends of the Browns and Philadelphia’s own Eagles, we can picture what could come this spring.

Every team has a need. You have 53 players, 22 which are starters and seven assigned picks based on the standings unless trades occur or teams forfeit or are rewarded a draft pick. North of 250 NFL hopefuls will be selected this May and they will have their chance to find a home in the NFL.

Round 1

Round 1 Pick 1: Tennessee Titans (2-9) DE Joey Bosa, Ohio State

Defensive End Joey Bosa is exactly what the Tennessee Titans could want. The Titans are in the cellar of the NFL, sitting at (2-9) with little hope of getting out. Last year, they took Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota and he appears to be their quarterback of the future. Bosa hasn’t had as good this year as he was his sophomore campaign but that shouldn’t worry teams, his five sacks are just a preview of his potential. His ability to disrupt the line of scrimmage with absolute power make him attractive to any NFL team need a franchise pass rusher. Joey Bosa has had character issues off the field, he was arrested prior to this season but not charged. A Jurrell Casey and Joey Bosa combination is too good to pass up on. When division rival Texans have J.J. Watt, why wouldn’t you want your own J.J Watt.

Round 1 Pick 2: Cleveland Browns (2-8) QB Paxton Lynch, Memphis

With all of the struggles we see from quarterback Johnny Manziel on and off the field, we continue the yearly tradition of selecting a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. The Browns since their renewal as a franchise in 1999 have yet to get a quarterback that can lead them to legitimacy. Paxton Lynch, who stands at 6’6’’ has great vision and can make plays happen from the pocket. He is a true passer who can make plays with his feet as well. His size and abilities had him flying up board in 2015. There is no reason he wouldn’t be worth an early pick to a needy team in 2016.

Round 1 Pick 3: San Diego Chargers (3-8) OT Laremy Tunsil, Ole Miss

Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil might be the best prospect in the draft. The big left tackle has done everything in the SEC to be worth a top pick. San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers deserves better. He needs help from someone and Tunsil could be the guy. The Chargers defense ranks low statistically across the board but they need to know to take the best non quarterback available, and Tunsil is just that.

Round 1 Pick 4: Dallas Cowboys (3-8) OLB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame

Easily one of the most snake bitten teams this season, the highly regarded Dallas Cowboys now sit at 3-8. Tony Romo’s injuries have led to their demise and Philadelphia natives couldn’t be happier. Linebacker Jaylon Smith comes in to save their defense. If teams are looking for the next Luke Kuechly, they should look no further than Smith. He has all five tools a linebacker needs to be successful in the NFL. Ability to tackle, rush the passer, drop back in coverage, spy the quarterback and speed.. Coach Brian Kelly said NFL scouts have been “drooling” over him and this shows that there is a demand for Jaylon Smith in the NFL.

Round 1 Pick 5: San Francisco 49ers (3-8) QB Jared Goff, California

The San Francisco 49ers traded quarterback Alex Smith away because believed that quarterback Colin Kaepernick could be their future. Now that the Kaepernick experiment is over and they must start fresh and look to the draft. Goff is a pure shotgun passer who hits his receivers. He is capable of making every throw an NFL quarterback needs to be successful and he has the ability to read defenses well. He has franchise quarterback written all over him but the 49ers must develop him. He isn’t ready to be thrown in the fire and they would be smart to coach him into their QB.

Round 1 Pick 6: Baltimore Ravens (3-7) CB Jalen Ramsey, Florida State

The Baltimore Ravens are in the bottom fourth of passing defense, and with the injury to Matt Elam, a pick like this could drive that secondary up. Receivers won’t like a Jimmy Smith and Jalen Ramsey combination. They may need some or any kind of offensive playmaker for Joe Flacco, but keep in mind that their first round pick from last year, wide receiver Breshad Perriman has yet to play and they haven’t given up on him. A top defensive back like Ramsey can make any secondary better.

Round 1 Pick 7: Philadelphia Eagles (4-7) OT Ronnie Stanley Jr, Notre Dame

What? No quarterback? No defensive back? No wide receiver? Yes I turned to perhaps the Philadelphia Eagles’ biggest need, the offensive line. Jason Peters and Lane Johnson are good, but Peters is running out of time. Stanley has elite left tackle potential and could protect the undetermined quarterback of the future. Ronnie Stanley has been a consistent player for the Irish his whole career. Laquon Treadwell would also be a great pick but any QB would be a reach and recent history shows reaching at the QB position has been unsuccessful.

Round 1 Pick 8: Miami Dolphins (4-7) CB Vernon Hargreaves III, Florida

Miami Dophins cornerback Brent Grimes can’t be a premier player forever. He’s about to be 33 and their other cornerback, Jamar Taylor is a number two cornerback at best. Vernon Hargreaves has received the same praise as elite cornerbacks like Darrelle Revis and Deion Sanders because of his elite coverage ability. He got noticed early his freshman year and has dominated the SEC. Every year we get good cornerback prospects but he is the best since Patrick Peterson.

Round 1 Pick 9: New Orleans Saints (4-7) DT Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss

Nkemdiche was once the consensus top high school recruit and he has lived up to those expectations. The 6’3’’ 300 pound defensive lineman makes trouble where there should be none on offensive lines. The New Orleans Saints have the worst defense in the NFL, except for maybe the Giants. The 3-4 defense they run needs elite talent, and Nkemdiche is the most impactful defender left. Cameron Jordan and Robert Nkemdiche could be a lethal duo.

Round 1 Pick 10: Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7) OT Taylor Decker, Ohio State

The Jacksonville Jaguars have their long-term investment in quarterback Blake Bortles. Protecting him should be the priority. This offense found its tailback and its wonderful wide receivers. Games are won at the line of scrimmage. It’s time for them to move Joeckel over so Decker can be the next left tackle.

Round 1 Pick 11: St. Louis Rams (4-7) WR Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss

Round 1 Pick 12: Detroit Lions (4-7) DT A’Shawn Robinson, Alabama

Round 1 Pick 13: New York Giants (5-6) CB Mackensie Alexander, Clemson

*Round 1 Pick 14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6) DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson

Round 1 Pick 15: Oakland Raiders (5-6) CB Tre’Davious White, LSU

*Round 1 Pick 16: Buffalo Bills (5-6) ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama

The Buffalo Bills miss what they lost in Kiko Alonso. He was great fit in Buffalo but LeSean McCoy has been worth it. They must replace him. Reggie Ragland is a true defensive leader amongst the best college football defense of the past decade. C.J. Mosley was the previous inside linebacker from the Tide and he has been nothing short of stellar. Ragland has impact potential.

Round 1 Pick 17: Chicago Bears (5-6) OT Jack Conklin, Michigan State

Round 1 Pick 18: Atlanta Falcons (6-5) OLB Myles Jack, UCLA

Round 1 Pick 19: New York Jets (6-5) OLB Leonard Floyd, Georgia

*Round 1 Pick 20: Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) CB Eli Apple, Ohio State

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a good defense everywhere but the secondary. The Steelers secondary ranks 30th amongst 32 teams. Antwon Blake may be the worst starting cornerback in the NFL. The Steelers haven’t drafted a defensive back since 2003, Troy Polamalu. Last cornerback taken in the first round was in 1997. If the Steelers want to contend they need a premiere cornerback.

Round 1 Pick 21: Washington Redskins (5-6) DT Andrew Billings, Baylor

Round 1 Pick 22: Houston Texans (6-5) QB Connor Cook, Michigan State

Round 1 Pick 23: Seattle Seahawks (6-5) DT Kenny Clark, UCLA

Round 1 Pick 24: Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) OT Germain Ifedi, Texas A&M

Round 1 Pick 25: Indianapolis Colts (6-5) CB Kendall Fuller, Virginia Tech

Round 1 Pick 26: Green Bay Packers (7-4) OLB Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State

Round 1 Pick 27: Minnesota Vikings (8-3) DE Jonathan Allen, Alabama

*Round 1 Pick 28: Denver Broncos (9-2) RB Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State

Round 1 Pick 29: Cincinnati Bengals (9-2) WR Tyler Boyd, Pitt

Round 1 Pick 30: Arizona Cardinals (9-2) DT Adolphus Washington, Ohio State

Round 1 Pick 31: Carolina Panthers (11-0) SS Jayron Kearse, Clemson

The Carolina Panthers are shocking everyone with the undefeated record they have. The team has needs but great coaching from Ron Rivera has led them to greener pastures. Roman Harper and Charles “Peanut” Tillman are pretty much on their last legs and Jayron Kearse gets around the field and could pair well with Kurt Coleman.

*Patriots forfeited their pick due to Deflategate.

Teams are in desperation mode to appease their fans and hunger for a championship. There are many great players for 32 teams to consider. Let’s hope mine and your’s make the pick that sets them up for success.