Attention, Attention, Attention

Sports

RyanBy Ryan “The Goose” Gosiker

We all know someone in our lives that truly cannot live without the spotlight and attention. They crave it and must have it! Well, in sports, the NFL is that attention-seeking person because they cannot function without the spotlight. The Super Bowl was February 11th, just about a month ago, and already the league year has begun with the legal tampering period which started Monday and now, with free agency. There is never a shortage of storylines and drama surrounding the league. Surprise moves will be made by many, and fans will have a few months to find out who some of their favorite players now play for. As an avid football fan, I love the excitement and studying the new rosters and may we not forget, the NFL Draft is just a month and a half away. I love the thrill of free agency and the surprise roster cuts that teams have to make due to salary cap restraints. In last week’s article, we discussed the excitement around baseball season which starts on March 28th for the locals, but a huge free agent signing, or several minor moves can swing anyone’s attention away from the diamond. Especially since this offseason is franchise-altering for both local teams and even Buffalo. Buffalo is a team with a brand-new stadium coming to town soon and a roster that is getting older and more expensive by the day. They started the offseason $40 million dollars OVER the salary cap and that included a cap spike announced by the league. They have already released multiple veterans that have been key contributors. The Jets need a brand-new OL. If you have a friend who is a Jets fan and they tell you they need any other position, you might need a new friend. Their OL was an atrocity last season and that feels insulting to the word atrocity. Alijah Vera-Tucker is the only locked in starter and even he has massive injury concerns. Luckily, you can address the OL in free agency and the draft. The Jets and their fanbase need to secure that group before considering anything else, especially since they have a playoff-caliber defense already and the Lord and Savior at QB. The Giants have more holes than Swiss cheese. They need OL help in the worst way. Also, a #1 WR is something they’ve been missing since they traded away Odell Beckham Jr. They need a pass rusher and defensive back help. Many of these issues for all 3 teams can be solved in free agency. It is crazy that it is March, and we are already talking about football that doesn’t matter until September. The NFL is that attention-seeking friend or acquaintance we all have in our lives. Check out my sports show: “Game Time with The Goose” every Saturday from 8:00 to 9:00 AM on WTBQ AM 1110 FM 93.5 and on WGHT Radio with co-host Zach Kruk, Sports Director of WTBQ and WGHT!