Friday, January 30, 2015

Match-ups Between the Patriots and the Seahawks

     The general argument made by the associated press in the article "Gronk, Chancellor bearing down on a collision course"," is that out of all the individual match-ups between the Patriots and the Seahawks, the most difficult one is between Gronkowski and Chancellor. Whether or not the Patriot's defense can stop Marshawn Lynch or if LeGarrette Blount will be stopped by the best defense in the NFL is being questioned. However, most people are questioning the match-up with Gronk and Chancellor. Concerns with Gronk are that he is not as good as he was in 2011. But, considering his several injuries that he has had to overcome, I agree with the article when it states, "2014 could be his most impressive season." Statistics from the article state that Gronk had 51 receptions and 8 touchdowns in the last 8 games of the season. He also had 10 receptions and 2 touchdowns in the playoffs, and only once he had less than 3 receptions in a game. Gronk has arguments from his teammates about his capability. Brandon LaFell said, "You know, when Gronk is out there doing his thing he is demanding a double team and if he's not being double teamed, he's out there making plays for us." Regardless to what people say about Gronk not being as good as he used to be, I think the Patriots would not have had as successful of a season without Gronkowski.
     Chancellor is a safety for the Seahawks. The article states, "The difference with Seattle is it has Chancellor-a safety with a linebacker build and cornerback speed- who can match up with Gronkowski." Some feel as though Chancellor should have been last year's Super Bowl MVP instead of Malcolm Smith. This argument was made due to Chancellor's huge hit on Demaryius Thomas on Dever's second possession to set the tone for the game. Chancellor's size and agression is a large factor in the intense match-up against Gronkowski. In my opinion, I think Gronk's athletic ability and skill will allow him to beat Chancellor. Yes, Chancellor is fast and huge, but so is Gronk. The two's competitivness should be thrilling in Super Bowl 49. 

Monday, January 26, 2015

Defining a Sport


A sport can be defined in several different ways. To me, a sport is when two or more people or teams are engaged in physical activity in a competitive atmosphere. Many people across the world play sports for enjoyment or to stay physically fit. Some play sports to get involved in their school. Also, some athletes continue to play their sport because they are too good at it to quit. Whatever your reason may be, a sport is a sport no matter what you play. Many athletes argue over what activities can be considered a sport and which activities cannot. 

Some controversy of which activities are a sport come from the intensity or level of the activity. For example, it is argued that track is a "hobby" unless you are good at it. People say that track is only a hobby because you are simply running. However, it is argued that if you are good at it (state qualifying level for example), the training and dedication it requires allows track to be a sport. The deciding factor in this argument is the intensity or level in which the athlete is on. On the contrary, football has always been considered a sport due to its extreme physical contact and competitiveness between teams. There has always been debates over which activities can be classified as sports and which ones cannot. As stated in the given definition, a sport is any activity that requires physical activity in a competitive atmosphere.