Tag: Super Bowl

My Super Bowl Prediction

im6footLeave a comment

Cincinnati Bengals vs Los Angeles Rams. Joe Shiesty vs Matt Stafford. I am really not quite sure how this year’s Super Bowl will pan out. Many people believe the Rams will steamroll the Bengals with the elite pass rush of Aaron Donald, Leonard Floyd, and Von Miller absolutely decimating a below-average offensive line. However, I believe Joe Burrow will somehow survive this defense pressure and only be sacked twice. It will be the passing game of the Rams that will win them this game. Having Cooper Kupp and OBJ will cause havoc in Cincinnati’s secondary. I believe both receivers go over 100 receiving yards and each score.

My Super Bowl MVP will go to Aaron Donald who will record both sacks for LA and will also have multiple tackles for loss, as well as a pass deflection and a forced fumble.

The final score will be 38 to 24 in favor of the Rams.

Super Bowl LVI preview - Rams-Bengals predictions, picks, odds, big questions, stats to know, key matchups, more

pc: espn.com

End of Brady Era.

hwan6031Leave a comment

This year’s Super Bowl was indeed interesting.

I’m Cowboys fan, but I knew they were not going to make it this year.

However, I thought the Ravens or Patriots would make it to the finals but it did not happen.

Ravens had phenomenal season, and most of the spotlights went to Lamar Jackson, Quarterback for Ravens whose running skills shocked a lot of people.

Lamar Jackson ended up winning the MVP award.

Patriots are known for having even stronger team during playoffs, and it is unfortunate that Tom Brady can’t get another ring this year.

It’s probably a good time for him to retire. He is not the greatest Quarterback anymore. Brady is old compared to other Quarterbacks.

Tom Brady was one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time but not anymore.

PC: Fox Business

Super Bowl Nation

mariethearistocatLeave a comment

On Sunday, February 5, 2017, many amazing things happened. There was the first overtime in Super Bowl history, in the last quarter of the game the Patriots came back from a 25-point difference, and Tom Brady was awarded his fourth MVP award. This year I was a lot more in tune with what was happening on the field, but I did stick to my roots as an avid commercial watcher. This year, there were many advertisements that caught my eye.

Featuring the faces of many and the simple message that “we all belong,” Airbnb’s #weaccept commercial took my breath away. Along with spending a bucketload of money on this commercial, Airbnb is donating $4 million to the International Rescue Committee, providing for over 100,000 people in need, like refugees, for the next five years. Airbnb’s efforts are a beam of light during a time when many people’s rights have been challenged.

Another commercial that stood out was Coca Cola’s #AmericaIsBeautiful. This minute-long commercial features people singing “Amazing Grace” in over five different languages. Interestingly enough, this commercial isn’t new – in fact, it was Coca Cola’s commercial in 2014  as well. However, the beauty of this commercial is only amplified by its meaning. I think the coming together of many different people is what makes America great, and that we, as a country, should embrace those differences.

This year, I was especially excited for the Budweiser commercial, especially because of the amazing #LostPuppy commercial back in 2015. In their 29th year of Super Bowl advertising, Budweiser featured the story of one of their founders, Adolphus Busch, coming all the way from Germany to make this famous beer. This was among the many commercials to tell stories of immigration and generally embracing different cultures. The commercial shows the rough conditions that entrepreneurs had to go through to make their dreams come true – a success story that I find truly inspiring.

Unfortunately, there was one commercial that got cut short: 84 Lumber’s story about the journey of a Spanish-speaking mother and daughter. After being hotly debated, Fox decided to cut off the end of the commercial, which shows the family encountering a wall, as it was “too controversial.” Since Fox has the right to deny any advertisements they choose, the private lumber company showcased a revised version of the commercial, and prompted viewers to watch the full version on their website.

Most articles that have come out about the Super Bowl commercials have described them as overly political. I understand how the commercials could be seen that way, but the messages of acceptance are ones that need to be spread. The leaders of our country can bring up these controversial issues, but companies and organizations can’t truly voice their opinions without being seen as controversial, as many people will fight back saying that these commercials are pushing a certain agenda. How are their agendas any different from ones being presented everywhere in politics?

Let’s Talk About the Super Bowl

Daphne PsaledakisLeave a comment

As a Colorado resident, watching the Super Bowl yesterday was a bit embarrassing. The Broncos haven’t exactly been the strongest team in the past, but this year they improved considerably. The fact that they made it to the Super Bowl is pretty impressive in itself. Their performance during the Super Bowl was not.

The commercials were the most interesting part.

The Chevy Silverado commercial was a riot, and the Maserati commercial was probably the deepest car commercial I’ve ever seen. And Budweiser, of course, left eyes watering with their adorable puppy commercial. I was impressed by the commercials, although some people have claimed them to be lackluster this year.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the halftime performance. I did not have very high expectations for Bruno Mars, but his dancing and attire made up for his cheesy lyrics. He was better than Madonna at least.

So basically everything about the Super Bowl except for the actual football part was pretty cool. The football was just sad. It left a lot to be desired for a much-talked about match up. And even though I was rooting for the Broncos, I can’t be completely angry at the Seahawks for bringing home their first championship.

Lights Out, NOLA!!!!

backinphillyLeave a comment

By now, you have all heard about the blackout at the Super Bowl that almost changed the outcome of the game. The Ravens were on a roll, opening the second half with a kick return touchdown by Jacoby Jones and extending their lead to 28-6. The game was out of reach, and the Ravens were showing no signs of stopping. This one was getting out of hand.

Then, in the middle of the 49ers’ ensuing possession, someone decided that it was a little too bright in the Superdome. Time to go green and go blind!

There are many theories regarding the blackout in the Dome. Some say that the generators that were supporting the lighting for Beyonce’s halftime show may have blown a fuse. Some say that the off-sight generators powering the Superdome may have malfunctioned. But as you all know, I like to come up with my own theories. Some of my theories are very farfetched. However, this one makes some sense.

Check this out. In the first three quarters, Mercedes Benz did not present a commercial to the many viewers. In the fourth quarter, what do we have here? A Benz ad.

The air time was collapsed in order to draw attention to the Mercedes ads. While viewers were taking wing and bathroom break, hopefully not simultaneously, other commercials were running. As commercial spots were booked ahead of time, Mercedes made an effort to have their commercials appear while the game was actually happening.

I don’t know, guys. Seems pretty fishy to me. It’s a little more valid than Beyonce and the Illuminati having anything to do with it.

The Finale/Beginning of the NFL Season

backinphillyLeave a comment

Well it’s all over now. The Super Bowl is finished and another season is in the books. The Baltimore Ravens have emerged as the Super Bowl Champions over the favored San Francisco 49ers. The Ravens were in control for most of the game, and for a moment, really lost their edge. However, the Ravens were able to get it together when it mattered, and held on to win. The Harbowl ended with John very badly outcoaching his brother, Jim. John went for some very gutsy calls all game.

His first was a fake field goal run for Justin Tucker that while did not result in a first down or a score, resulted in a 3 and out for the 9ers on their own 6 yard line. It was a win-win for John. The next gut-wrencher was when John decided to call a pass on a 3rd down and short that resulted in a 15-20 yard gain from Joe Flacco to Anquan Boldin. It was a great pass and catch, but was somewhat unneeded. The final one was the most impressive, however. With 13 seconds left in the game, the punter, Sam Koch, must have been told to HOLD ONTO THE BALL AT ALL COSTS. DO NOT PUNT. DO NOT FUMBLE!!!

The play resulted in the 9ers getting a safety. But the clock ran down so far, that Colin Kaepernick was not going to step on the field again. The game was left to the return game with only 4 seconds left. The kick off was taken and the rest is history. No score meant a ravens victory.

My shoutout goes to Ray Lewis, who has been an idol of mine since the very beginning. I gotta love that guy.

The 2012/2013 season has come to a close, but the new 2013/2014 season began at 12 AM eastern time. The new season is an hour and a half old. Time to get back to work. Many trades, contracts and player drama will occur in the coming months. Free agency opens in a month and a half, which is one of my favorite times of the league year. I love watching money go flying. Hopefully my Eagles can pick up some big names. But the night belongs to Baltimore. Congratulations to Ray Lewis on finishing his career on a high note, and congrats to the Baltimore Ravens. They earned it!

Super Bowl Week

backinphillyLeave a comment

This has been a somewhat ridiculous Super Bowl week filled with rumors, dumb comments and of course drama.

The rumors start with Ray Lewis and deer antler spray. For those that have no idea what deer antler spray is, you’re not alone. I don’t really know that much about it either. What I do know is that one ingredient in the spray is on the NFL’s list of banned substances. The ingredient is considered a performance enhancing drug.

Ray Lewis is rumored to have used the spray in order to heal faster from his torn triceps injury. One of his doctors has “confirmed” that he in fact did prescribe the spray to Lewis. However, one big piece of the story was left out.

Ray was never tested. There is absolutely no proof that he was or is currently on any form of PED. There was no test. There are only stupid rumors. Ray issued a denial (duh) immediately following the allegations. He’s still playing so don’t be upset. I guess the doctor must have been a San Fran fan.

Read More »

Brian Dawkins-The reason I am who I am

backinphilly2 Comments

I will cover the NFL Draft this coming week. But, being as my childhood hero just retired for the NFL, I feel obligated to discuss the retirement.

Brian Dawkins was a model football player. He was a leader on the field for his team and off the field for his dedication to the communities of Philadelphia and Denver when he signed with the Broncos.

“B-Dawk” as many refer to him, was one of the most loved athletes in the city of Philadelphia maybe only behind Rocky, who wasn’t even a real person. Brian Dawkins was the heart and soul of the Eagles for over 10 years. As long as I have been watching football, Dawkins has played. I was about just one year old when Dawkins made his debut in the National Football League.

My first memory of Dawkins is during that season, believe it or not. His rookie season, “Weapon X”, another popular nickname for the homicidal safety, made a successful open field tackle against a running back that I think you maybe have heard of, Barry Sanders.

Ya, you read that right. A rookie took down the great Barry Sanders in the open field. That was when the city began to believe.

I’d now like to share some of my favorite moments of Brian Dawkins.

I remember in an NFC championship game against the Atlanta Falcons, where the quarterback was still Michael Vick.

The Falcons were the fastest team in football with players like Warrick Dunn, Vick and Alge Crumpler.

One play in that game set the tempo early.

Vick dropped back and fired a dart about 40-50 yards down field.

Alge caught the ball. Dawkins caught Alge.

Dawk met Crumpler with a MASSIVE hit which left him down on the field for a couple minutes. While he wasn’t injured, the Falcons became demoralized, which led to an Eagles’ Super Bowl appearance.

There are so many Dawkins moments that I could dissect. But, I will randomly provide the readers with other Dawk moments as my blogs continue to come.

Thank you, Brian, for your years of service to this great game. You are the reason for my random yell into the air before every quarter of football or lacrosse that I play. You are the reason why I hit with such intensity. You are the reason that I strive to compete every second I’m on the field. Most importantly, you are the reason I have embraced a leadership role wherever I go. You taught me to be a leader. I couldn’t have asked for a better model.

Let’s talk Super Bowl!

backinphillyLeave a comment

I’m usually very excited for the Super Bowl. I love sitting down to watch the NFL’s best go head-to-head and duke it out for one last game for the Lombardi Trophy. Snacks on the table, soda and other drinks in plastic cups and tons of guacamole and other dips set the menu for the game of the year.

In my family, you never go hungry. Whether it be a giant Super Bowl Sunday feast, or a light mid-morning snack, you get filled up. It’s an Olivo tradition to just eat, and love to eat. Of course, it’s done in a sense of moderation. But, it’s the weekend of the Super Bowl. Screw moderation. Let’s talk football and food.

Let’s start with the game.

The Giants and Patriots are about to square off in a rematch of Super Bowl 42. As I’m sure many people remember, the Patriots were riding an 18-0 record into the game, where a win would secure a perfect 19-0 record. The Giants however were able to stop the Patriots and won the game due to the miracle David Tyree catch.

I gotta be honest. I don’t care about this Super Bowl. My family is coming up and a lot has happened in the past week. I had a personal issue that changed a lot of my Super Bowl plans, and the game simply has no appeal to me. I will root for the Patriots because I can’t stand the New york giants. When are the Eagles going to win a Super Bowl? it’s starting to get ridiculous.

Now to the food.

Nachos, burgers, hot dogs, ribs, Lay’s, onion dip, the list goes on. At the end of the day I better be stuffed.

Not much else to really say though. I’m pissed off at the game. I don’t wanna watch it. But, as an NFL crazyperson, I just simply can’t stay away. Enjoy the game. I know I won’t.

Worst Person #13-Jeff Lurie

backinphillyLeave a comment

Ya, ok another one about the Eagles. I bet you guys are starting to wonder why I even like this team. I can’t help it. Eagles till the day I die. But man, this just gets frustrating.

Since Steve Spagnuolo was fired from his job as the Rams head coach a few weeks ago, Eagles fans young and old were waiting to hear if he would be hired by the Philadelphia Eagles to coach the defense. However, last night, these same fans came across some very sad news pertaining to the highly popular coach.

Steve Spagnuolo signed a deal with the Saints.

Then why, might you ask, do I blame the Eagles’ owner?

Maybe because he had the power to stop this from happening!

Not only did the Eagles not get Spags (which I thought was wishful thinking from the start) BUT JUAN CASTILLO STILL HAS A FRICKIN’ JOB!!!!

I don’t get how that’s possible. He’s the worst coordinator the Eagles have had since long before Jim Johnson. I don’t know why this team continues to screw their fans. We just want to win a Super Bowl. Is that so much to ask?

I’ve seen them win a division. I’ve seen them win a conference championship. But I have yet to see them win a Super Bowl. I saw them lose one. And I’ll be honest, my story isn’t even the saddest one. My father was born in 1962. He hasn’t seen the Eagles win anything. The last time the Eagles won a league championship was in 1960, before the Super Bowl was born and before my dad was born. My dad will be 50 years old in October, and they still have no championships to show for 46 years of the Super Bowl.

WHEN IS IT GOING TO BE OUR TURN LURIE?!?!?!? SPAGNUOLO COULD HAVE HELPED US GET BACK ON TRACK! WHY DIDN’T YOU WANT TO PAY HIM?

There’s a long offseason to go. Alot of things can happen. But, I came up with a 6 step scheme that could win the Eagles a championship. FIRING CASTILLO WAS ONE OF THE STEPS!!! DON’T SCREW US LURIE!!!!