It's been a helluva year in Philly sports. We finally have some hope, after years of losing. We didn't win a championship, but we finally have a playoff team. We have superstars in town now, young guys to cheer for. Jerseys are being sold as Christmas gifts again. You can't take your eyes off players like Wentz, Embiid and Hoskins. There are reasons to go out to the games and watch on the tube again.
Here are my candidates for Philly Sports Guy of the Year. Doesn't have to be a player; could be a front office guy or coach.
* Doug Pederson-
Pederson has gone from questionable choice as a coach to maybe Coach of the Year in the NFL. He has kept the team together, despite numerous injuries, and has guided the Eagles to a league-best 13-2 record and home field advantage through-out the NFC playoffs.
* Howie Rossman-
The GM of the Eagles has built a winner from the trash that Chip Kelly left a few years ago. Along with Joe Douglas, Rossman has made more good moves than bad. Even during the season Rossman acquired running back Jay Ajayi form Miami. Ajayi has proven to be a valuable asset, and should be a key weapon for the offense even beyond this season.
* Carson Wentz-
Before he tore up his knee, Wentz was having a MVP season and leading the Birds to the NFC East title, with the best record in football. We miss Wentz even more so now, as the team has clinched home field advantage through-out the postseason. We can only dream about Wentz in the Super Bowl, going toe-to-toe with Tom Brady. But we will have plenty more seasons to look forward to on the "Wentz Wagon." Most of all, Wentz turned the team- and the city- into winners.
* Rhys Hoskins-
Not only did he give Phillies fans something to cheer about last summer during a season of despair, he is the promise of things to come. I can only imagine what Hoskins will do in 2018, a full year of Phillies baseball awaiting. Along with other young players such as Nick Williams, Hoskins is the foundation for the future. You have to stop and watch when Rhys is batting, like the old days with Schmidt or Howard.
* Joel Embiid-
The center has brought talent and a fun personality to the 76'ers. He is a must-see in person or on TV. And he will only get better, as long a she stays healthy.He is the core of the Sixers, along with Ben Simmons.
What is your pick for Philly Sports Guy of the Year? My choice is Carson Wentz. True, Rossman brought Wentz to Philadelphia. Pederson has coached him up and put him in a position to thrive. But it was Wentz to do it, often at times where it was his natural, God-given talent alone.
The Eagles are the most popular franchise in town. They are winners too, and the most important position in all of sports is quarterback. In Wentz, the Birds have one of the best at his position for a long time to come. He's a good kid, only 25, and has the city in his hands. He is a true franchise QB and a promise of hope for many autumns to come.
As far as the opposite, the Worst Guy in Philly Sports for 2017, sadly there are many more candidates to choose from...such as:
Brian Colangelo, The entire lying Sixers' management, Matt Klentak, Ron Hextall, Odubel Herrera, Mychel Franco and Markelle Fultz
No comments:
Post a Comment