Commentary

NFL Season Stirs Discussion at Susky

By Christopher Norris, Reporter|December 7, 2017

Students are making cases for their favorite NFL teams as the playoffs quickly approach.

These Susky favorites–the Philadelphia Eagles (10-2), Pittsburgh Steelers (10-2), and Baltimore Ravens (7-5)–are looked at as real contenders to win Super Bowl LII.

The emergence of second year quarterback Carson Wentz has made many fans, including senior Conor Custer, believe the Eagles can win it all.

Eagles’ quarterback Carson Wentz examines the field in search of an open receiver. Photo by @philadelphiaeagles on instagram

“[Wentz] is a young athletic quarterback who has incredible playmaking abilities,” said Custer. “He showed flashes of it last year and is really letting it shine through this year.”

The Eagles’ Sunday night loss to the Seahawks has tied them with the Minnesota Vikings for best record in the National Football Conference (NFC).

In the American Football Conference (AFC) North division, The Steelers have put together an impressive string of wins that would make them the first seed in the playoffs if the regular season ended today.

Senior Kyle Orndorff believes he knows what to attribute for the Steelers’ success this season.

“A big reason has been the improved defense led by linebacker Ryan Shazier,” said Orndorff. “He embodies the old steel curtain.”

Shazier suffered a back injury Monday against the Cincinnati Bengals, which means someone else will have to step up and take on the leadership role.

Steelers’ running back Le’Veon Bell stiff arms a defender. Photo by @steelers on Instagram

On the offensive side, running back Le’veon Bell, receiver Antonio Brown, and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger make for a trio that is arguably unmatched around the league.

However, the Steelers aren’t the only team turning heads in the AFC North, as the Ravens stay hot coming off a three game win streak.

Senior Dylan Burke believes the Ravens should not be judged based on their average record (7-5).

“The offense got off to a slow start resulting in some unexpected losses,” said Burke. “The offense is finally getting going, and the Ravens should be a real contender for the rest of the year.”