Sports

Joe Burrow: The NFL’s Next Big Thing?

Published

3 years ago

February 4, 2022

In a season full of possible fairytale endings, Joe Burrow is close to stealing the show. After lurking in the league’s basement, Burrow has led the Cincinnati Bengals to Super Bowl 56 against the odds. Before the game, most online sportsbooks had the Bengals as +800 underdogs to beat the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game.

The star quarterback was, as he has been throughout the last six months, unfazed by the oddsmakers’ predictions. His effectiveness lies in his ability to produce, no matter the conditions. Despite frequent poor play-calls, a lack of protection, and a defense that dedicates most of its resources to receiver Ja’Marr Chase, Burrow keeps it moving.

Time and again, the 25-year-old has avoided pressure and extended plays and drives to gift his team point-scoring chances. Although he’s not a supreme athlete, his clever movement has been the key to the Bengals’ resurrection in the last six months.

As news circulated that Tom Brady was thinking of retiring (with NFL sportsbooks even offering odds on it), Burrow stepped up to the plate against Kansas City to herald in the changing of the guard. Brady is seen by many as the heir to his hero Joe Montana. Now it seems the NFL has found an heir to ‘Tom Terrific’. Burrow has shown that he can raise his game in the biggest moments and keep a cool head under pressure to transform the Cincinnati Bengals franchise. Sound familiar?

Also, as only two quarterbacks have won the FBS National Championship and a Super Bowl title – Montana and Joe Namath – Burrow even has a chance to do something Brady couldn’t on February 14.

Another Underdog Win for The Bengals

Most Cincinnati fans will remember last Sunday’s AFC Championship game for Burrow’s incredible performance. Kansas City fans, however, will see it as a missed opportunity. Throughout the first half, the Chiefs looked unstoppable. Mahomes was living up to the hype, the run-game was in full flow, and their defense contained Burrow, Chase, and Joe Mixon by cutting the supply line from the quarterback to receiver with bodies at the line of scrimmage.

Yet, the game turned on its head. A poor fourth-down call from the Chiefs’ coaching staff made them go for a touchdown instead of a field goal that would have increased their half-time lead from 11 to 14 points.

Like in their Week 17 win against the Chiefs, the Bengals adjusted their defense in the second half to lure the Chiefs into running the ball. Once again, Patrick Mahomes opted to pass short, which slowed down proceedings. Cincinnati then eased off the pressure to make Mahomes hold onto the ball. Consequently, the Chiefs’ offense deteriorated into a freelancing mess – Mahomes completed just nine of 19 passes for 55 yards and failed to throw even one touchdown in the second half.

This spell zapped the Kansas City quarterback’s confidence. He became tentative in the pocket, slow in making decisions, and wandered into pressure. Before this matchup, he had only tossed one interception in a playoff game. In this game, he threw two: one to set up Burrow and the Cincy offense in scoring range to change the tide of the game; one in overtime to gift Cincinnatti a shot to walk off. Mahomes’ sloppy display let Burrow use his great movement to extend plays. The QB got four first downs on four rushing attempts to help the Bengals to a 27-24 victory over the pregame Super Bowl favorites.

Legendary Status

It’s only taken 21 months for the Ohioan native to win the hearts of Bengals fans. His performances on the field have impressed the older fan base, and his flashy pre-game outfits have wooed younger fans hungry for a player with personality.

Before the win on Sunday, Burrow built upon his growing legend status when speaking to the media: “I’m tired of the underdog narrative. We’ve got good players, good coaches.”

Since joining, the NFL’s new ‘Mr. Cool’ has worked his magic to take what was recently the worst team in the league to the biggest game in football. All that stands in the way of a fairytale ending for Cincinatti is Matthew Stafford’s LA Rams – who’ll be playing at home. Easy, it won’t be. But with Burrow in the team, some Bengals fans will already be making plans for the victory boat parade.

Sports

Prep Soccer Names Saint Louis University Men’s Soccer Player Jackson Delkus as the 2024 Nationwide #1 Soccer Player for Fall 2024

Published

2 months ago

October 9, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Photo courtesy of Jackson Delkus

By: Georgette Virgo

“Prep Soccer” crowned Jackson Delkus, a 6’0″ forward from St. Louis, Missouri, the top high school boys soccer player in the nation for 2024. The former Laurel Springs student and St. Louis City SC Academy standout earned this prestigious ranking through his skills, versatility, and dedication to the sport.

Delkus’ rise to the top spot is no surprise to those who have followed his journey on the soccer field. Last July 2024, Saint Louis University’s Men’s soccer team proudly announced Jackson Delkus as part of their 2024 recruiting class. “Top Drawer Soccer” recognized him as the #1 player for the Class of 2024 in Heartland.

A Versatile Powerhouse on the Field

His versatility and record-breaking speed characterize Delkus’ playing style. Primarily positioned as a forward, Jackson Delkus excels in multiple positions across the front line, including left-wing, right-wing, and striker. His seamless transition between these roles makes him a threat to any defense.

Saint Louis University head men’s soccer coach Kevin Kalish speaks highly of Jackson Delkus. He mentions, “Jackson is a powerful attacker with incredible speed and a high work rate who can make plays in the attacking half of the field. I have watched him for most of his youth career, and he is an intense competitor who thrives under the spotlight.”

His well-rounded skill set complements Delkus’s offensive skills. Despite his natural inclination toward attacking play, he has developed strong defensive capabilities, often tracking back to support his team’s defense and disrupt opponents’ plays. This two-way play style has made him an asset to his team.

Breaking Records and Pushing Limits

As a soccer player who always strives to bring his A-game, Jackson Delkus is committed to self-improvement, as highlighted in his weekly one-on-one striker training and impressive physical achievements. He holds the freshman record for sprints at Chaminade College Preparatory School, showcasing his exceptional speed of 11.72 in 100 meters and 25.17 in 200 meters.

His December 2023 speed record of 23.4 miles per hour at Legion of Strength, a training facility frequented by professional and amateur athletes in the St. Louis area, further strengthens his speed record.

From speed, Jackson Delkus also shows his ability to score. During the fall 2021 season, Delkus’s speed and skill combination made him the top scorer for the St. Louis City SC Academy U16 team.

These feats of athleticism are not mere numbers; they translate directly to Delkus’ performance on the pitch. His pace allows him to beat defenders, create space for teammates, and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Aside from improving his speed and scoring, a big part of Delkus’ training is to develop his weaker foot, resulting in a playing style that keeps defenders guessing. “Although I’m naturally right-footed, I’ve put in countless hours to improve my left foot,” Jackson Delkus shares. “Now, most of my goals come from my left foot, which gives me a significant advantage on the field.”

The young forward has also unintentionally created his signature look on the field with his terrycloth headband, making him easily recognizable to fans and opponents alike. This trademark has only added to his growing reputation in the soccer community.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Jackson Delkus joins Saint Louis University’s Men’s soccer program, expectations are high for his continued development. His combination of speed, skill, and versatility positions him as a potential game-changer at the collegiate level and beyond.

Despite his recognition and strong presence on the soccer field, Jackson Delkus remains grounded and focuses on his continued growth as a player. “Being named the top high school player by Prep Soccer is an incredible honor, but I know this is just the beginning,” he mentions. “I’m excited to join Saint Louis University and continue pushing myself to new heights.”

Delkus’ rising career as a soccer player, highlighted by his recognition as the nation’s top high school player, is a valuable addition to this portfolio and a crucial step toward his journey of playing professionally.

However, Jackson Delkus believes there’s still much to achieve. With his abilities and limitless potential, he looks forward to continuously impacting the sport today and in the future.