Ravens vs Chiefs preview

 The NFL is finally back, so it's time to talk about the first game of the year, Ravens vs Chiefs. This is a rematch of last season's AFC Championship Game in which the Chiefs won 17-10. I'm gonna talk about this game and who I think will win. Let's go!

The Chiefs won the Super Bowl for the second straight year, the first team to repeat in almost 20 years, as well as their 3rd Super Bowl in the last 5 years. Patrick Mahomes had a mediocre season for his standards, but still had a good season with 4,183 yards, 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. However, he had an incredible playoff run, with 1,051 yards, 6 touchdowns and only 1 interception, on the road to his 3rd Super Bowl MVP. The Chiefs re-signed Chris Jones and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and brought in Hollywood Brown. However, coach Andy Reid confirmed Brown wouldn't play week 1. It was a great off-season, but can they do what no team has ever done and go back-to-back-to-back?

The Ravens fell short to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship despite shutting them out in the second half. Lamar Jackson won his 2nd MVP with 3,678 yards, 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. The Ravens brought in Derrick Henry, the leagues best running back. However they lost defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to the Seahawks, which was crushing for them. We'll see what they can do.

Now for my predictions. This will be a hell of a game, but I see the Chiefs winning 31-30. Mahomes and Jackson will both have amazing games, and Henry will also dominate, but Travis Kelce will have a really good game, and Isiah Pacheco will have a solid running performance.

Weston Wilson hits for cycle

Weston Wilson of the Philadelphia Phillies hit for the cycle in yesterday's (August 15) 13-3 win over the Washington Nationals. It's the 10th cycle in Phillies history and first by a rookie. Wilson's first hit was a triple to right in the 4th inning. Later that inning, he hit an infield single. The reason Wilson was batting twice is because the Phillies hit around, meaning every batter got a chance to hit. They scored 5 runs that inning. Wilson then homered in the 7th. He then came up in the 8th just needing the double to complete the cycle. He hit the ball to right, and it ticked off the glove of right fielder Alex Call. He ran to second base to complete the second cycle in Citizens Bank Park history. The crowd went wild, and the Phillies broadcasters sitting in the stands gave him a standing ovation. 

As a Phillies fan who was there that night, I can honestly say that was one of the best games I've ever been to. I've seen triple plays, playoff games, inside-the-park home runs, but I'd never seen a cycle until last night. I couldn't believe I'd seen baseball history, and the Phillies offense was unstoppable. They killed the Nationals. The team has sucked these past few weeks, and they need a boost in confidence, and a boost in play. They've gotten some these past two games, with Kyle Schwarber's grand slam and now Wilson's cycle. Let's see if they can keep winning. I want to see them win the NL East.

Best moments from 2024 Paris Olympics

 

Now that the 2024 Paris Olympics are over, it's time to talk about some of my favorite moments from these games. Please know that this is my opinion. If your favorite moment wasn't listed, let me know in the comments. Also, this isn't a ranking, just a list. I'm not Watchmojo. Let's begin.

Starting off with one of my favorite moments of these games. Before August 4, the Americans hadn't won a gold in the 100m since 2004. Then came Noah Lyles. Lyles was in last place when the starting gun went off, and even halfway was in 7th place out of 8, but then he came alive. At the finish, Lyles and Kishane Thompson of Jamaica were so close that neither of them knew who had won. But then it was announced that Lyles won, as he ripped off the bib and shouted, "I told you!" into the camera. His mom went crazy and he was emotional as he was given the gold. Lyles went on to run the 200m-while having COVID-and won bronze. Letsile Tebogo from Botswana won gold.

Next is one of the most viral moments from this year's games. In the 10m air shooting competition, most shooters are supposed to wear protective eyeglasses and earplugs. But Turkey's Yusuf Dikec didn't need any of that. He walked up in a white t-shirt, normal glasses, and one hand tucked away in his pocket. He looked completely relaxed. The 51-year old went on to win the silver medal and viral attention for his badass look. He later went on to say, "I never needed that equipment. I am a natural shooter."

The opening ceremony for the Olympics was a wild one. Everyone from Celine Dion to Lady Gaga performed, but the craziest of them all was French metal band Gojira. The band performed the French patriotic song "Ah! Ca Ira", featuring a beheaded Marie Antoinette. Many people believed the performance was Satanic, but the band said, "It's French history. It's French charm, you know, beheaded people, red wine, and blood all over the place. It's romantic, it's normal. There's nothing satanic."

Katie Ledecky is one of the best swimmers in the world right now, and this year, she added on 2 more gold medals. As impressive as that is, that's not the main story. She has now tied the record from most gold medals won by a woman in any sport, set by Larisa Latynina 60 years ago. That is unbelievable, especially for someone who's only 27 years old. 

Speaking of 27-year old female superstars, Simone Biles. Oh my God, Simone Biles. She won 3 gold medals, adding to her total of 11 gold medals, solidifying her legacy as the greatest gymnast ever. 

That's my list of the best moments from this year's games. Sorry if I couldn't fit everything in, there were so many great moments, and I didn't want to make this too long. On to Milan in 2026 and LA in 2028!