The Inconsistent Narative of Athletism.


As I watched Barkov carry the cup as the captain of a championship team I had an epiphany. The thing is, I have always had my issues with his game. Despite winning the cup, all the very same issues occurred, costly turnovers in the defensive zone, clumsy puck creativity in the offensive zone. Just then I remembered how I view Basketball, how it offends me that a two-way sport is only perceived from an offensive lens. Barkov is the Giannis Antetokounmpo of Hockey, a devastating athlete with size, speed, and length, playing a two-way sport. The two most demanding two-way athlete sports are Basketball and Hockey. The size of their playing field and the pace of the sports punishes inferior athletes eventually


And Yet

The NBA and the NHL do not obsess over athleticism, there is no NBA/NHL RAS Score. I believe that a RAS score for NBA/NHL players would be far more valuable than that of the NFL. The narrative of ELITE athleticism in the NFL is OVERWHELMING. A Perspective that pollutes all observation; when in fact the NFL (not being a two-way sport, more players, bigger field, slower pace} is far more forgiving to mediocre athletes. 


I could list you an impressive roster of Hall of Fame players who were RELATIVELY mediocre athletes in the NFL. The "Accountant" Steve Largent was a first ballot Hall of Famer and third in yards per touch in NFL history. 

Talking points such as Arm Strength and Size, while witnessing Joe Burrow severely outperform Josh Allen in the playoffs is one of many examples of the "Narratives" contradicting observation. The “Narrative" marvels over Devon Achanes speed, I marvel over his vision and instincts. What is more important? Who is to say?


Barkov was a sobering message, but one without regret. A hypocrisy check, a reminder to be consistent and forthright to my philosophies. I was viewing the NHL from my NFL lens when I should have always observed it under the NBA lens. 


I tip my hat to the captain Barkov he will forever have my respect for being an elite athlete and a messenger of change.



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