It takes guts to perform in front of others, and I congratulate you on a byline well earned (Are you short a vowel or two in there?)
Not to sound too much like a high school English teacher (almost break almost break almost break), but
Style:
The personal detail about Abe's expression during the playoff game is great.
You consistently sound knowledgeable and interested in your topic, and have impressive depth comparing opposing players across their season. You don't sound like some fan just throwing their thoughts and observations at the wall; the interest in football itself comes through, and you are fairly objective (Julio's hands
) about the team, at least in my subjective opinion.
Your paragraph organization is very good; however, I'd like to see a little more structure variety in your sentence structure. That's me, a lit studies/creative writing major, speaking, and your journalism profs may say otherwise; I don't often write and have never trained in a journalistic approach to grammar.
Content:
I might mention Wilson's fumbling history and ATL,s difficulty with new back and quick backs, and he's both. They did a nice job against TB, but NY has a much better OL. However, you covered a lot of good ground in your piece.
Astute observation comparing McClain and Brown.
I'd really argue that Julio's hands and focus--especially at home--are big issues.
If it's a one-score game, I think ATL wins. I'd be really shocked if the Giants don't bring it, but ATL can hang if they all show up . . . DT, OG, . . . everyone. The 31-17 is a pretty good guess if ATL doesn't show up in all aspects.
Again, fantastic job, Emmitt: It's a strong analysis that covers the basics of the match-up and develops far beyond that into and interested, personal, and pretty comprehensive look at each player within the space allowed.
I offer my apologies if this is more response than you wanted, but it is what you offer yourself up to when you publish.
