Chris Paul: League Leader

 

        Chris Paul, in year 16 of his NBA career, has the Phoenix Suns at the top of the Western Conference as the NBA regular season nears its conclusion. With the young stud guard Devin Booker and up-and-coming big man in DeAndre Ayton, the Suns are looking to make a deep
run in the playoffs. However, this article isn't really too much about the statistical impact of Chris Paul in 2021, it's about the impact of Paul's leadership and how it's something that didn't get talked about enough prior to this season. 

One of the things that athletes are measured on through there careers is if they had won a championship or how many finals appearances they have. Paul, like other superstars, has been criticized for that most of his career. With not having an NBA Finals appearance, thus far, some believe that he can't be classified as one of the top-tier Point Guard's of all-time. I believe the criticism to be fair but at the same time unfair. The qualities of Paul's game that, in my opinion, put's him in amongst the greatest Point Guard's in NBA history is two things: Consistency and leadership. For his career, he is averaging 18.3 points per game, 9.4 assists and 4.5 assists. Never being a "scoring guard" and more of a "traditional guard" these are top-tier numbers. The game has changed since Paul's arrival in the league and now you see more of the scoring guards like Dame Lillard, Stephen Curry, Donovan Mitchell, etc. But, even with that, what Paul has accomplished and with the statistics it's no doubt that he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame when he decides to walk away from the game. 

He has won consistently through his career and been a vocal leader on-the-court and off. Also, to note, he moved into the top 5 list in all-time assists and steals this season. 

In 2020, Paul was traded to from the Houston Rockets to the Oklahoma City Thunder for superstar guard Russell Westbrook. It was said, when the trade happened, that his [Paul's] career was going to die there. No more Westbrook, a team of young players and no other all-star players. There wasn't much complaining from him through the media, he did what he always has done in his career. This team had battled through the season and you saw a great amount of team unity and chemistry grow, especially in the bubble. Paul helped lead this team to a 5-seed in a star-studded western conference with a record of 44-28 (shortened season - not a full 82-game season).  

Beyond what numbers Paul put up on the court, I'm honestly one to say his impact on teams chemistry and his off-the-court impact. I think that people really developed a greater appreciation for what he [Paul] does off the court during last summer inside the NBA bubble (which was created to help isolate the NBA during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic) after the murders of George Floyd and Breanna Taylor, by the police in their hometowns. But, the NBA players and the league used their platform as nationwide protests started to take place. The teams took some days off to keep attention on the social injustice that has been happening throughout the United States with hopes to address that more. Also, players did interviews and took to social media to voice their opinions and their feelings about how they felt on the state of country. As the league is made up of majority minority players, I believe this held a lot of weight and helped push the conversation even more. The players like LeBron James, Donovan Mitchell, Jamaal Murray, Paul and many others used their platform through their entire time in the bubble and even beyond. However, while everyone used their platform to talk about social injustices and bringing more attention the country's divide, what Paul had been doing was a little more unique.

 He [Paul] was bringing more attention to Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's) through his apparel. Every day you could see him wearing a hoodie or some sort of article of clothing that was from an HBCU and would even have the school displayed on his signature Jordan's. This was something that gained a lot of attention and was one of the most memorable things from the bubble season of the NBA. It was something that hasn't really been done by a player of his stature and it was refreshing and encouraging to see that type of representation for those Colleges and Universities. It's not something that has been displayed much through NBA history. Most of these players, like Paul, don't come from HBCU's and normally the NBA doesn't market those schools as they many players haven't come from there. And this is important to see a player consistently promote those school and explain the importance of those schools. However, he didn't only wear HBCU apparel, even more important to the significance of his leadership, he also announced that he would continue his education at North Carolina A&T, a prestigious HBCU.

Chris Paul hasn't had the storied career of guys like Magic Johnson or Isaiah Thomas and doesn't have the dynamic shooting and scoring history of Stephen Curry or Dame Lillard, hasn't been able to advance to an NBA championship. But, the leadership and consistency he's displayed through his lengthy career has been nothing short of remarkable! Every organization he has been with has made the playoffs while he was there and for the most part has been the key component of the team and their success.   Currently, Paul and the Phoenix Suns have the second best record in the NBA and the best record the franchise has seen in over a decade ( best winning percentage since 2006-07 season) after they missed the playoffs last season. And while I don't know if this team will dominate in the playoffs or win a championship. I know that the leadership that Paul has added has help elevate the young players on the team, brought toughness, work ethic and a winning mentality to an organization that has been in desperate need of it for over a decade. 

8 Must-See NFL Games In The 2021-22 Season

   

        The NFL just released the schedule for the upcoming 2021 season on May 12. This was highly anticipated as we just wrapped up the NFL draft. Now that we have had time to see the additions to every team and have had time to calm down from the Super Bowl, it is time to look into the 2021-22 season. 

In this list, I have stayed away from using in-division games. So, with that that being said here is the list:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New England Patriots - Week 4 - Tom Brady will have a chance to return to Foxborough for the first time since leaving. Brady and the Buccaneers are coming off a very impressive Super Bowl win against the Kansas City Chiefs and the Patriots had one of their worst seasons in the past two decades. However, the Patriots spent a lot of money in free agency, will have key players returning who opted out due to Covid-19 in 2020, drafted key pieces who could contribute in year one. And with a possibility of either having Cam Newton or rookie Mac Jones starting at quarterback, it'll be a very intriguing game with all of the storylines. 

Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens - Week 2 - This could be a preview of the AFC championship game, it really has that type of potential. The last time these two teams met, 2019, and the Chiefs walked off the field victorious 33-28. But with this game being early in the season. It'll be important to see if the Super Bowl hangover, for losing teams, is real or just a myth as the Chiefs look to keep their winning ways with hopes of returning to a championship team. And the Ravens, led by Lamar Jackson, are looking to get over the playoff woes they've suffered the past two seasons.  

Tamp Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Rams - Week 3 - This will be a highly anticipated game in the early part of the season. The Rams will have a new look on offense after acquiring Matthew Stafford, quarterback,  from the Detroit Lions. Stafford will have an opportunity to join the ranks of the elite quarterbacks in the league with the Rams who will look to make a deep playoff run. And of course Brady vs the defense led by All-Pro and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald. 

Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys - Week 10 - These teams played in 2020 and it was one to talk about for Cowboys' fans. Dallas trailed for almost the entire game and Atlanta, in Atlanta style, blew the lead and ended losing the game 40-39 . However, most interesting part of this is, the head coach of the Falcons who blew the lead, Dan Quinn, is now the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys.  I'm sure the Falcons roster will like to avenge the loss they took in 2020. And I'm also sure Dan Quinn would like to get the one over his former team. I expect a high-scoring game again in 2021. 

New York Jets at Carolina Panthers - Week 1 - This will be a great way to start the season! It'll be a redemption game for Panthers' quarterback, Sam Darnold. This will be a good opportunity for us to see if the New York Jets quarterback, Zach Wilson and no. 2 overall draft pick in 2021, was worth moving on from Darnold for. Darnold was the former first-round selection by the Panthers in 2018. Now, with both having moved on, it's time to see what the new-look Jets have for us. And the Panthers seem to have their quarterback in Darnold. Both teams are looking to move from the basement of the National Football League and turn their organizations around. 

Green Bay Packers at Kansas City Chiefs - Week 9 - This could potentially be a Super Bowl preview. But more than that, this would be the first time we could get Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers on the field in the same game. Last time the Chiefs and Green Bay met in the regular season, Matt Moore was at quarterback for the Chiefs. This is all assuming that Aaron Rodgers is still with the Packers and both are healthy. Aaron Rodgers is the reigning NFL Most Valuable Player and both teams have a similar expectation for the season. Both teams have a loyal and probably the most historic fan bases in the league. 

Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals - Week 4 - It's being talked about as the "battle of no.1 picks" as Joe Burrow (Bengals no.1 overall pick in 2020) and Trevor Lawrence (no.1 overall pick 2021) are expected to take the field. The Jaguars are now under former college football head coach, Urban Meyer will look to show they are improved from last year. This was the first team that Burrow got his first win over in 2020. I think the most interesting part of this could be the coaching. While Meyer was successful at the collegiate level, will he repeat that success in the NFL? And will Zach Taylor finally show that he was the right coaching hire for the Cincinnati Bengals? This game should show us which direction that both teams are going in. 

Los Angeles Rams at Baltimore Ravens - Week 17 - This is strictly a revenge game for the Rams. The last time these two teams met in 2019, the Ravens dominated in Los Angeles with a final score of 45-6.  Lamar Jackson, Ravens' quarterback, had an outstanding 5 touchdowns in that game! I anticipate this game will have huge playoff implications and could impact seeding. We will see if former league MVP Jackson can have repeated success against this Rams' defense that finished no.1 in 2020.

I'm not saying that these will be the greatest games of the season. However, based upon what we know today, these games listed should be exciting and have intriguing storylines going into them. We are officially heading into the 2021 NFL season. The season officially kicks off on Thursday, September 9. The Dallas Cowboys visit Tampa Bay to face the reigning Super Bowl Champions Buccaneers. 

2021 NFL Mock Draft 2.0

 

        The 2021 NFL draft is finally here. I felt it would only be right that I, like many others, follow up my original mock draft with a 2.0. So many things have happened since I did my original, there are sure to be a few changes. I will not be including trades in this mock draft. 

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence QB, Clemson - This was the pick even before the college football season was over. The Jaguars will start a new regime under Urban Meyer with college football's best quarterback. 

2021 NFL Mock Draft: 1.0

 

        We are less than 30 days away from the NFL draft, in Cleveland, OH and it's going to likely be another very interest and unpredictable draft. However, based off team needs, I will be attempting to predict what teams will do in the form of my own personal mock draft. Now, while I don't put a lot of stock in drafts. I still believe that they're fun to do and read over. 

 Here we go...

1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence QB, Clemson - Obviously it's the start of a new era with first-year head coach, Urban Meyer. The Jaguars are needing a face of the franchise and the consensus pick for the no.1 pick usually the best player in the draft or the best quarterback. Lawrence just might be both. 

What's Next For The Cincinnati Bengals in 2021? Ft James Rapien

James Rapien of Sports Illustrated joins me to talk about the expectations for the 2021 Cincinnati Bengals, what the Bengals could look to do on draft night and the future of AJ Green. 

Cam Newton: Return of The Machine

 The New England Patriots have embodied the energy that Cam Newton has brought to the team since signing with the team. Through the first three weeks, the Patriots have have a record of 2-1 behind Cam and have been one of the biggest talking points of the league so far. 

Newton has over 700 yards passing, 2 passing touchdowns, 2 interceptions and is currently leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 4. 

People wrote Cam Newton off after being released from the Carolina Panthers. Injuries plagued Newton over the past few years and some wondered if he'd be the same after suffering a serious shoulder injury and having some back and leg problems as well. However, Newton stayed consistent this offseason with his training. There was actual doubt that any team would sign him after the draft. The Patriots and Chargers were front-runners to sign him [Newton]. However, after Chargers drafted Justin Herbert it became clear that they had an idea of what they were going to do at quarterback. The Patriots were the last hope and it was unclear if they would be the team to do so based on their history. Newton is flashy, charismatic and not very Patriot-like when it comes to his approach to the game. 

Late June, it happened, the Patriots announced that they were signing Newton to a one-year deal. It was questioned if he would be the starting quarterback before the season. However, we knew it was never really a question. Newton a former NFL MVP and

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has shown that he trusts Newton and has embraced everything that comes with him. He allows him to play his style of football, doesn't require for him to water down his personality on-or off-the-field.

Through three weeks, Newton has just 2 passing touchdowns and a league-best 4 rushing touchdowns while completing 68 percent of his passes. The numbers aren't astronomical, by any means. But, in my opinion, Newton has already proved that he still has plenty left in the tank still and a lot of value remaining in his football life. 
 

Top 10 Takeaways From the NFL: Week 1

   

Tom Brady

The NFL is back. Week 1 of the season was entertaining to say the least. There was a lot of old faces in new places, a few highly anticipated debuts and plenty of empty stadiums. I will give the top 10 things that stood out to me more than anything. 

1. The Colts overpaid for Philip Rivers - Philip Rivers was paid over $20 million for the 2020 season. He is coming off of his worst season and people thought 2020 he would redeem himself and help the Colts compete for one of the top spots in the AFC. Well, after the performance against Jacksonville, I can officially tell you that it will be another season of BAD Philip Rivers. 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions and only producing 3 points in the second half against a team that everyone believed to be "tanking". 

2. Russell Wilson is still as good as advertised - Russell Wilson might get him a well-deserved MVP trophy this season if he puts on this type of show every week. 31 of 35 passes completed 322 yards passing and 4 touchdowns. Not only did they beat Atlanta in the dome, they made it look fairly easy and most of it was the Russell Wilson show. 

3. DeAndre Hopkins wasn't the problem he is just a problem - The Houston Texans traded away their star wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins, over the summer to the Arizona Cardinals. In his Cardinals debut, Hopkins only caught 14 passes for 151 yards. Kyler Murray is my MVP front-runner for the 2020 season and Hopkins is the reason why. With five 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his first six seasons, I am still trying to rationalize why the Texans traded Hopkins, he was clearly the best receiver the franchise had seen since Andre Johnson. New team, new quarterback, same great receiver. 

4. The Washington Football Team showing coaching can makeup for talent - In their debut with the new team name, new coach in Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio,  Washington came from a 17-point deficit and scored 27 unanswered points to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 27-17. Many people have been saying that Eagles quarterback, Carson Wentz lost this game for the Eagles. I saw a Washington defense win the game. 8 sacks, pressure on nearly every passing play and they held the Eagles to under 60 rushing yards in the game. I was very impressed with what I saw from what I saw from a Washington defense that doesn't have much star power on it. Jack Del Rio is one of the greatest defensive coordinators I have seen. 2020 could be a season that Washington becomes a team that begins to trend up. 

5. Cleveland is a work in progress - The Cleveland Browns got embarrassed by the Baltimore Ravens. While people can say that Cleveland is still Cleveland, I'm the optimism that the Browns need for 2020. I believe that Baker Mayfield will get things corrected, head coach Kevin Stefanski will continue to find out what works for the offense and they still have running backs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Even though the Ravens won 38-6, the Browns had both Hunt and Chubb average over 5 yards per carry. Cleveland can still have a good season, there's a lot of football left to play. Also, they don't have to play the Ravens every week, so there's a bright spot. 

6. The Lions aren't making the playoffs with that performance - A lot of analysts have been on this "Lions are going to be a surprise playoff team in 2020" and based on the 23-6 lead they gave up to the Bears, I can't buy-in. I like Matt Stafford and believe he's wasting his best years trying to help the Lions become a competitor in the NFC. They haven't made the playoffs since 2016 and have had a worse record every year since. This could be the final year for head coach Matt Patricia, if he doesn't show improvement with this ball team. They won't have to make the playoffs but they have to win at least 6-or-7 games coming off a 3-win season in 2019. 

7. Tom Brady is getting older and is no longer playing for the Patriots - Tampa Bay was probably the most hyped-up team entering the 2020 season. In his Buccaneers debut, Brady looked like he was playing for a new team. The Saints are a very good team, the defense is serious this season, and they showed Brady who is the superior team in the NFC South. Tom Brady completed 23 of his 36 passes with 2 touchdowns through the air (also, had one rushing). However, the 2 interceptions, one for a defensive touchdown, is what hurt Tom terrific in his debut. Brady at times looked like he was on opposite pages with the receivers and didn't look like he trusted some of his teammates. Maybe they get things turned around as the season progresses. But, honestly, I believe this is an average team with a 9-win season being the ceiling. Maybe I'm wrong. 

8. Kickers need crowds - I saw a handful of games with kickers missing what are seen as "chip-shots" or fairly easy field goals. The Cincinnati Bengals were a field goal away from taking the Los Angeles Chargers to overtime and then kicker Randy Bullock went to attempt a 31-yard field goal, missing it wide to the right. The Cleveland Browns waived kicker Austin Seibert on Monday after he missed a field goal before halftime. There were kicks missed all around the NFL in the opening week. I don't know if they need the crowd or if it was due to the lack of the offseason. I guess it's safe to say "kicking ain't easy". 

9. The Baltimore Ravens are ready - Already in mid-season form, the Baltimore Ravens are playing like they have something to prove. The rich obviously got richer this offseason. When you already had to worry about this team running the ball on offense, finishing first in that category in 2019, they went out and drafted former Ohio State Buckeyes stand-out running back J.K. Dobbins in the second round. Putting up 38 points in their opening game against Cleveland leads me to believe that they still have a sour taste in their mouth from the loss to the Tennessee Titans in the 2019 playoffs. I expect Lamar Jackson to run less in 2019 and have more passing touchdowns. 

10. Aaron Rodgers is like wine - The Green Bay Packers traded up in the 2020 NFL draft and with their first-round pick took quarterback Jordan Love, from Utah State, to potentially be the successor to Aaron Rodgers. In week 1 of the season, against the Minnesota Vikings, Rodgers proved that he still has a lot left in the tank. 36-year-old Rodgers threw 4 touchdowns, 364-yards passing and made it look easy. Rodgers had 24 touchdowns through the air and only 2 interceptions in 2019... 2020 can he repeat that type of performance or even better? 

The opening week of the NFL season was entertaining... I can't wait to see what week 2 has for us.