For the first time in a long while, three of the four Philadelphia sports teams are making news nationally. The Phillies are in a tight series against the defending champions Atlanta Braves. The Eagles are 5-0 and are going to play the Dallas Cowboys this weekend on Sunday Night Football. And the 76ers are among the preseason favorites to go deep in the playoffs in basketball.
In baseball, in order for the Phillies to advance to the National League Championship Series, their offense has to consistently score more than three runs a game and, specifically, Kyle Schwarber and Rhys Hoskins have to start producing at the top of the lineup. It’s gonna be cool to see Citizens Bank Park so loud and all the rally towels waving in the air on Friday and Saturday. Go Phillies!!
This week’s game for the Eagles will be a good measuring stick of how good this team actually is, because the Eagle's schedule so far has been quite easy. Specifically, this will be a big test for their offensive line, because so far Dallas' defense has been sacking opposing quarterbacks on a regular basis. The Eagles also need to win this game to stay ahead of the surprising 4-1 New York Giants who beat the Green Bay Packers last week in London. Go Eagles!
I don’t usually put a lot of pressure on teams before the season starts, but I think this is an important year for the 76ers. They can easily make the Eastern Conference Finals, especially if James Harden follows through on his promise to stay dedicated to his weight loss diet and overall fitness. If he plays as well as he’s capable of, the Sixers will have a great one-two-three punch between him, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. I hope my prediction comes true. The basketball season starts next week. Go Sixers!
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A 2002 Cape grad and 2007 UD grad, Lewes resident Sumner Spence is one of the Cape area's biggest sports fans. Although he’s used a wheelchair his entire life, he has lived vicariously through his sports-playing father, brother, and friends, who gave him his love of sports. He hopes to provide new and interesting perspectives on the sports stories and issues of the day. Email Sumner at sumspence@gmail.com.
