Let. Lynch. Live.

Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks running back, is often criticized for his responses—or lack thereof—to the media. Since Super Bowl XLIX is just days away, the media has become a frenzy and it is not going to change.

Tuesday was Super Bowl XLIX Media Day, a time in which reporters have the opportunity to interview players and coaches prior to the big game on Sunday. Even though the Seahawks have a 53-man roster, Lynch is the one player reporters insist on questioning.

On numerous occasions, Lynch has expressed his dislike of the media, but knows that he has to speak with them. However, he addresses them in a manner uncommon to his counterparts.

This season, some of Lynch’s most famous responses to media questions were “Yeah” and “Thanks for asking.” Then on Media Day, he switched it up to “I’m just here so I won’t get fined,” which he repeated 29 times.

Then the unexpected happened. Today, Lynch addressed the media one final time before Sunday’s game. In a five minute speech, he blatantly informed reporters that he was not going to give them what they wanted because he feels unbothered with it.

“I don’t know what image y’all trying to portray of me, but it don’t matter what y’all think, what y’all say about me because when I go home at night, the same people that I look in the face—my family, that I love—that’s all that really matters to me,” Lynch said.

So why exactly does the media consistently aggravate him with questions?

As an aspiring reporter, I understand that the media is just doing their job. I recognize that a part of Lynch’s contract is to address the media, and the media needs him to successfully do their jobs.

But why all this extra hoopla about it? No party is truly benefitting from this situation, and writers and reporters are just making it tougher on themselves.

A key part of being a journalist is telling a story—preferably the unknown—and informing your audience. By now, the entire world knows of Marshawn Lynch, what he does, and how he is going to respond to media. There is no point in harassing and forcing more out of him. Nobody wants to keep reading an unchanging story, so move on to the next guy.

Also, I believe the NFL is just trying to make a mockery of Lynch, but he’s not going to concede. Lynch has become a household name, making him an easy target for the league to capitalize from.

Quite frankly, I think the league, and others, are misinterpreting his image, unwelcoming of his persona, resulting in an insult to his intellect.

At the end of the day, Lynch does what he is really supposed do: play football. He wasn’t drafted based upon his articulation to the media off the field, but rather for his beast mode abilities on the field.

So, in his honor I’ll end with three words: Let. Lynch. Live.

AFC and NFC Championship Picks

Today, the 2015 AFC and NFC Champions will be crowned, but who will they be? Clearly, each team is capable of winning it all since they’ve made it this far, but I feel some have a bigger advantage.

I’ll begin with the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks (13-4) hosting the Green Bay Packers (13-4). These two teams met in Week 1 of the regular season when the Seahawks won 36-16 at home. But a lot has changed since that week.

The Packers were the No. 6-ranked offense during the regular season and are having a good post-season start. Though quarterback Aaron Rodgers is dealing with a calf injury, his arm is just fine—as proven last week in their 26-21 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Meanwhile, the Seahawks have the best defense in the league and are going to bring pressure from all angles. The “Legion of Boom” defensive backs have incredible speed and coverage of the backfield that the Packers should feel a tad worried. Plus, quarterback Russell Wilson has excellent passing efficiency, and is on the verge of rushing for 1,000 yards this season himself.

Thus, I believe the Seahawks will win because they are explosive on both ends of the ball, whereas the Packers are mainly stronger just offensively. My score prediction is 34-24.

In the AFC, the New England Patriots (13-4) are preparing for the franchise’s eighth Super Bowl appearance in the event of a win over the Indianapolis Colts (13-5). Back in Week 11, the Patriots destroyed the Colts at home 42-20, and are hoping to do it again.

The Patriots are the top-seed in the AFC, but statistically are ranked lower than the Colts in both offense and defense—respectively the Colts are 3^rd and 11^th respectively; Patriots 11^th and 13th. So what does this mean?

Well, I think there will be another upset, seeing as though the Colts made it this far, beating the Denver Broncos last week 24-13. I’m sure this is a stretch since the Pats are at home and have a great home record and home crowd. But I’m going out on the limb for Luck to come through and lead his team to the Super Bowl, plus I believe in the numbers.

However, I do not expect a blowout. So, my score prediction is 27-24, Colts on top.

Let’s get ready for some football!

Division Playoff Predictions: Part II

As promised, I am making my second half NFL Divisional Playoff predictions for Sunday’s games. There has been so much back-and-forth about the teams playing today that I am just ready for the action and will keep my commentary brief.

The early afternoon game will be the Green Bay Packers (12-4) hosting the Dallas Cowboys (13-4). During the 2014 season, the Packers were undefeated at home, and the Cowboys have been undefeated on the road. But guess what, one team’s streak must come to an end.

By the numbers, the Packers are ranked No. 1 in points, averaging 30.4 per game, and No. 6 in yards, averaging 386.1 per game. Their quarterback Aaron Rodgers has passed for over 4,300 yards and just 5 interceptions.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys are coming off one of their best seasons since 2009. Their offense is ranked No. 7 overall, primarily led by quarterback Tony Romo, wide receiver Dez Bryant, and running back DeMarco Murray.

Essentially, I believe this will be a high scoring game because both offenses have the potential to be explosive. But I don’t think the Cowboys defense will be steadfast enough in preventing Packers wideouts Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb from getting to the end zone.

So, I am predicting a Packers victory, 34-28.

The last game of this Divisional Round is the Indianapolis Colts (12-5) versus the Denver Broncos (12-4). This game is already being called “The War of 1812,” referencing Broncos Peyton Manning and Colts Andrew Luck’s jersey numbers.

Both teams are close in ranking offensively, the Colts resting at No. 3, Broncos No. 4. Also, both teams played each other in Week 1 of the 2014 regular season, in which the Broncos were victorious 31-24.

With two great quarterbacks like Manning and Luck, I expect this game to be a showdown of the two like it’s been in the past. But the Broncos have an edge defensively, being the third overall best defense, especially when stopping their opponents run game.

My winner for this game is the Broncos, 41-30.

Now, who’s ready for some good Sunday football?!

Division Playoff Predictions: Part I

Super Bowl XLIX is quickly approaching, but of course there will only be two teams to make it, and one to win it all. With the Divisional Playoff games occurring this weekend, I decided to make picks and share my reasoning.

Now, I want to preface my commentary by informing you that I am a very statistical person. I believe the maxim “numbers never lie” is a valid statement, especially in the world of sports. Of course I could spit stats for days, but for the sake of time I will spare you.

Let’s begin with Saturday’s games…

The first AFC game will be the New England Patriots (12-4) hosting the Baltimore Ravens (11-6). Since the Patriots led the conference, they were rewarded a bye-week, while the Ravens fought for their spot in the Wild Card Round last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Based on regular season statistics, the Patriots and Ravens were neck-and-neck offensively, ranked 11^th and 12^th respectively. But defensively, the Ravens had the Patriots beat, ranked 8^th in the league while the Pats were 13^th. Thus, it is a little hard for me to pick here because both have had rather decent seasons.

When I think about these teams, I first think about their primary leaders: quarterbacks Tom Brady and Joe Flacco. Patriots Brady is in his 15^th season with the NFL, with five Super Bowl appearances and three wins. But Ravens Flacco is in his 7^th season, with one Super Bowl appearance and win.

I think that Brady and his team being at home, having rested for almost two weeks, and him being a more efficient passer, will aid the team in winning. However, I am not sleeping on Ravens linebackers Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil, who led the team in sacks this season, recording a combined 29.0 sacks this season, and bringing extra pressure to the pocket.

Nonetheless, I expect a close game, and I am picking the Patriots to win over the Ravens 28-27.

On Saturday evening, the NFC’s Carolina Panthers (8-8-1) will battle the Seattle Seahawks (12-4). Everybody knows the phrase “Defense wins championships,” which was proven last year when the Seahawks destroyed the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl.

The Seahawks are No. 1 in defense, again, this season, and I have no doubt it will continue during the postseason. Plus, they are led offensively by quarterback Russell Wilson who has passed for nearly 3,500 yards, and rushed for over 800.

Meanwhile, the Panthers’ biggest weapon is their multi-dimensional quarterback Cam Newton. Though he got his first playoff win under his belt this season, I don’t think Newton will be able to gain many yards against this Seattle defense, especially in front of a raging home crowd better known as “The 12^th Man.”

My score prediction for this game is 24-17, Seahawks on top.

There you have it, stay tuned for my Sunday picks, too.