Jason Haskins's Blog, page 25

NFL quarterbacks taken in first-round of 2018 draft: MVP talk

 

Five quarterbacks were taken in the first-round of the 2018 NFL Draft. This continuing series charts their progress, now thru season three, week 13.

Collect your thoughts. Center your breathing. Now gather that energy and scream from the rooftops: Josh Allen is an MVP candidate.

Allen is coming off another outstanding performance, leading the Buffalo Bills to a Monday Night Football victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Buffalo won 34-24, their first win on Monday Night Football since an October 4 victory in 1999.

Putting up numbers that earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week, Allen was dealing throughout the night. He finished 32-40 and threw for 375 yards without an interception. Allen tossed four touchdown passes, marking the third time he's reached that mark in 2020.

It was also the sixth time Allen surpassed the 300-yard mark after not doing so at any point in his first two seasons. The 375 passing yards are the third-best of his young career.

Allen's poise and growth are something to behold in 2020. The Bills are 9-3, with a one-game lead over the Miami Dolphins. They could easily be 10-2 if not for a Kyler Murray to DeAndre Hopkins Hail Mary pass. It was a game in which Allen led the Bills on the comeback trail, taking the lead with :34 remaining on a touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs.

The Bills can clinch a playoff berth with a win in week 14, plus losses by Baltimore, Miami, and Las Vegas (The Patriots lost 24-3 to the Rams on Thursday night to aid the Bills cause.)

Allen has already thrown for a career-high in yards (3,403) and is completing 69.9 percent of his passes, good for fourth-overall in the NFL. He's thrown 26 touchdowns against only eight interceptions and has only been sacked three times in the last three games.

He hasn't had to run as much but is still second on the team with 322 rushing yards. Allen's six rushing touchdowns leads the team.

Fumbling can still be an issue with Allen but even that number has improved in 2020.

Fun things are happening in Buffalo. Getting back into the playoffs and winning a game are the next steps, a journey that continues this coming Sunday night when the Bills host the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Next four weeks: vs PIT (12/13), @ DEN (12/19), @ NE (12/28), vs MIA (1/3/21)

Baker MayfieldThe renaissance of Baker Mayfield continues here in 2020 as the first-pick in the 2018 NFL draft has the Cleveland Browns at 9-3 and in the thick of the playoff race.
Mayfield and the Browns had been winning ugly in five of their last six games. Much like the post office, the Browns deliver in rain, sleet, snow, wind, and sunshine. 
Hoping to prove their naysayers wrong, the Browns went out and laid a first-half hammer on the Tennessee Titans last week. The Browns put up a franchise record 38 first-half points, holding on for a 41-35 victory. 
Mayfield has the Browns two games back of the Steelers in the AFC North and two games ahead of the Ravens.
The numbers of Mayfield aren't overtly impressive with 2,442 passing yards and 21 touchdowns. He's completing 62.7 percent of his passes.
He is, however, coming off one of his best games of the season against the Titans. Mayfield completed 25-33 for 334 yards, his first 300-yard passing game of 2020. He completed passes to nine different receivers and threw four touchdown passes.
Most importantly, Mayfield did not throw a pick (though he did have a costly fumble near the end of the game when Cleveland was trying to run out the clock). Mayfield has not thrown an interception in five-straight games and, a season after throwing 21, has only seven in 2020.
The Browns and Mayfield will get a chance to showcase their improvement in primetime the next two weeks, with games on Monday Night Football this week and Sunday night the next.
Next four weeks: vs BAL (12/14), @ NYG (12/20), @NYJ (12/27), vs PIT (1/3/21)

Lamar JacksonLosers of three straight and four of their last five, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens were reeling and fighting for their playoff lives.
A little bit of getting back to basics and a matchup against the Dallas Cowboys had the cure for what ailed them.
After missing the previous game due to a positive COVID-19 test, Jackson was back on the field in the Ravens 34-17 victory. Baltimore used a punishing running attack to the tune of 294 yards, with Jackson accounting for 94 yards and a score.
This was Jackson's highest total since week 6 and he did so while doing just enough in the passing game. He was 12-17 for 107 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
Jackson has been more hit-and-miss in 2020, whether it be by missing open receivers or ailed by dropped passes. Still, he's managed to throw for 2,055 yards in completing 63.8 percent of his passes. The reigning MVP has 17 touchdowns and 7 interceptions in 2020.
He also is again the Ravens leading rusher with 669 yards and has found the end zone four times on the ground.
Baltimore is very much in the thick of the playoff race. They should finish at the very least 9-7 but it's also entirely possible they win out from here. Jackson rounding back into form is a must and if the Ravens are running the ball like they did on Tuesday, they will again be among the teams vying for a Super Bowl come January.
Next four weeks: @ CLE (12/14), vs JAX (12/20), vs NYG (12/27), @ CIN (1/3/21)

Sam DarnoldEntering Sunday's game against the Raiders, Sam Darnold had not thrown a touchdown pass in 142 pass attempts.
He remedied that situation six attempts into the game with a three-yard strike to Jamison Crowder. And if it weren't for a last-second touchdown pass from Derek Carr to Henry Ruggs III, Darnold and the Jets would have had their first win in 2020.
Instead, the losing streak continued as the Jets fell to 0-12.
After the close of last season on a high note, the Jets seemed poised to make some noise this year. That's all been but an afterthought as the Jets have been in disarray since week one.
Darnold has regressed in some areas. Part of the blame can be put on his shoulders but much of that can also be placed at the headset of head coach Adam Gase. Gase himself even admitted he hasn't helped Darnold develop as a NFL quarterback.
Darnold has not thrown for at least 200 yards since week 4 and has also missed four of the eight games since then. He finished with two touchdowns in the air and one on the ground against the Raiders, but also threw an interception, had two fumbles, and was sacked three times.
In 2020, Darnold is completing 58.9 percent and thrown for 1,428 yards with five touchdowns and nine interceptions.
A fresh start for Darnold might be best going forward, whether that's with a new team, a new head coach, or both. For now, he'll look to keep the Jets from joining the 2008 Detroit Lions and 2017 Cleveland Browns as teams to go 0-16 in a season.
Next four weeks: @ SEA (12/13), LAR (12/20), vs CLE (12/27), @ NE (1/3/2021)

Josh RosenJosh Rosen continues to be on the practice squad for the 7-5 Tampa Buccaneers. He has not played a snap and it's looking like it won't be until 2021 that we likely see Rosen on the field again.
Next four weeks: vs MIN (12/13), @ ATL (12/20), @ DET (12/26), vs ATL (1/3/21)
photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org
Season 3 Outlook Season 3: Thru week 4 Season 3: Thru week 9

Christmas and holiday tourney: Island of misfit (songs)

 

A look at some of the songs that didn't quite make the cut in this tournament of favorite holiday songs. Plus, a listing of songs that advanced into the round of 64.The earliest Christmas albums I owned – not counting those from my childhood – were classics. Bing Crosby, Alvin and the Chipmunks, and The Beach Boys were among the favorites that were worn out from use.
After that? Well, it was a love of 1990's rap that led me to the Christmas on Death Row, a collection of Christmas songs by the likes of Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Tha Dogg Pound, to name a few. 
It's an album I'd forgotten about until this tournament began, and led me to regret in not including any of those classic songs in this tournament.
The same can be said about a handful of Christmas carols and other songs.
In laying out the brackets for this ultimate tournament of holiday and Christmas songs, there were plenty of versions by various artists to go around. This fact is evident in the upcoming round of 64, where versions of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Silent Night will be duking it out against one another.
On the outside looking in? A fair amount of representation by Christmas carols and a collection of other misfits that failed to finagle their way into the tournament.
Songs such as Away in a Manger, Joy to the World, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, and O Come, O Come Emmanuel were just a few of the carols that missed the cut.
These are worthy songs in their own right – with plenty of artists delivering their own spin – and Christmas carols are usually some of the more well-known holiday songs. Some were just missed and only remembered when the bracket was complete. Others, well, came down to a personal preference of having five different versions of Silent Night gracing this tournament. (ACC vs mid-majors, anyone?)
And sometimes one just forgets a song that should have probably been entered, like Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from The Nutcracker:

In researching chart-toppers and favorites from across the world, there were songs with little notoriety and songs that I'd really never thought of as Christmas songs.
Like a certain song by Tom Waits that even has the word 'Christmas' in the title.
Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis is a fantastic song in its own right. One that tells an intriguing story and involves Waits' gravelly voice pouring his out. And while this is one of my favorite artists and songs of all-time, it didn't quite feel right putting it a tournament of this nature.
In the process of research, I also discovered Christmas songs and albums by the likes of Dio, Korn, Twisted Sister and GWAR, bringing a heavy metal spin on holiday classics. 
Take a listen, if you never have before. It will be worth your while. For now, it's onto the round of 64 in this year's tournament.

Santa Claus regionKicking things off last week, the Santa Claus region witnessed no major upsets. There were higher-seeded versions of Frosty and Rudolph that took the 'L' but for the most part, versions of classic Christmas songs by Gene Autry, Frank Sinatra, and The Ronettes – to name a few – advanced to the round of 64.
Round of 64 matchups:
1) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry16) Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra
8) Sleigh Ride - Leroy Anderson9) Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys
4) Santa Claus is Coming to Town - The Jackson 520) Frosty the Snowman - The Ronettes
5) Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt12) Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms
3) Run Rudolph Run - Chuck Berry19) Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives
6) Jingle Bell Rock - Brenda Lee22) I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - The Jackson 5
7) Sleigh Ride - The Ronettes10) Father Christmas - The Kinks
18) Up on the House Top - Gene Autry2) Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen

White Christmas regionIn the White Christmas region, most of the higher seeds held strong in advancing to the next round. The highest seed to fall was the sixth-seeded The Chipmunks Song (Christmas Don't Be Late). The Chipmunks bowed out Let it Snow by Boyz II Men and Brian McKnight.
Will the bracket continue to hold to form? The matchups for the next round:
1) White Christmas by Bing Crosby17) We Need a Little Christmas by Johnny Mathis8) Happy Xmas (War is Over) - John Lennon9) White Christmas by The Drifters4) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Rosemary Clooney13) Merry Christmas Baby - Chuck Berry5) The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole21) It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Michael Bublé 3) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland19) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - The Carpenters27) Let it Snow - Boyz II Men/Brian McKnight 11)  I'll Be Home for Christmas - Bing Crosby7) Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney and Wings10) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Darlene Love15) Winter Wonderland - Leona Lewis2) Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley

Silent Night regionTournament surprises began in this region. While most of the higher seeds took care of business, it was a victory by David Archuleta's Angels We Have Heard on High that shook things up. The number 30 seed defeated Christina Aguilera's O Holy Night and held the title of lowest seed to advance for exactly one day. (That's when the Candy Cane region entered the chat.)
Round of 64, Silent Night region matchups:
1) Silent Night - Bing Crosby17) Adeste, Fideles - Enya8) O Little Town of Bethlehem - Jim Reeves24) First Noel - Andy Williams4) Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid20) Here We Come A-Caroling - Perry Como5) Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy - Bing Crosby & David Bowie12) Christmas Canon - Trans-Siberian Orchestra30) Angels We Have Heard on High - David Archuleta14) I Have a Little Dreidel - Barenaked Ladies6) O Holy Night - Neil Diamond11) Believe - Josh Groban7) O Tannenbaum - Vince Guaraldi Trio23) Little Drummer Boy - Anne Murray15) Silent Night - Taylor Swift2) Silent Night - Frank Sinatra

Candy Cane regionBefore the tournament started, this region was considered the wildcard region and also held the tournament's top overall seed.
Now, it's truly a wildcard region, thanks to an upset that was called in the early moments of voting: 

Dominick is going UMBC this opening round. https://t.co/KQm8UWSTvw

— A.J. Black (@AJBlack_BC) December 5, 2020

True to form, much like when the Do you have a favorite song that didn't make the tournament? Or was upset in the first round? Feel free to comment and keep the discussion going.
Photo credit: Commons.wikimedia.org
Part 1: Holiday and Christmas favorite songs tournament

Christmas and Holiday songs: A massive tourney of Yuletide favorites

 

It's the most of wonderful time of the year. And by that, it's time for another tourney of favorites, this time involving some of the best holiday songs of all-time.

There's a strong possibility that every single musician, band and so many more have had their attempt at a Christmas or holiday album. 
Imagine narrowing the many songs produced down, to fit in a tidy little tournament.
It's nearly impossible to do, but it's not impossible to try. And so I did, landing on a supersized bracket to determine which is the favorite out of 128 Christmas and holiday songs. 
In setting out to create a tournament similar to the "The number 128 seemed perfect until I started really digging in.
It might have been easier to simply create a tournament with only the songs and carry no regard for musician or band. Except we end up with a top song that leads into an argument of "yeah, but which artist or which version?"
In the end, a variety of resources (see bottom of this post to see a few) were used in determining which songs to use for this tournament. and roughly where they'd be seeded. Many favorites will likely have been left off and I didn't use anything released in 2020 (sorry Leslie Odom Jr. I do enjoy your Christmas album, though). I did my best to not use too many versions of certain songs and in most cases, artists, but with over 100 years of song versions to sort through, sometimes it's simply unavoidable.
So, without further adieu, the first-round matchups:Santa Claus regionIn the Santa Claus region, we have versions of songs dedicated to the jolly old elf himself, plus songs related to his cohorts and the North Pole. Mixed in are songs about sleigh rides, Frosty, and a couple of wildcards. The top-seed belongs to Gene Autry singing a little ditty about our favorite red-nosed reindeer.
The bracket:
1) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Gene Autry32) Santa Baby - Macy Gray16) Jingle Bells - Frank Sinatra17) Santa Tell Me - Ariana Grande8) Sleigh Ride - Leroy Anderson25) Ain't no Chimneys in the Projects - Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings 9) Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys 24) Santa Baby - Ariana Grande 4) Santa Claus is Coming to Town - The Jackson 529) Jingle Bells - Barking Dogs13) Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Lou Rawls20) Frosty the Snowman - The Ronettes5) Santa Baby - Eartha Kitt28) Sleigh Ride - Sufjan Stevens12) Jingle Bell Rock - Bobby Helms21) Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Michael Bublé3) Run Rudolph Run - Chuck Berry30) Santa Claus is Coming to Town - The Four Seasons14) Frosty the Snowman - Gene Autry19) Holly Jolly Christmas - Burl Ives6) Jingle Bell Rock - Brenda Lee27) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Ella Fitzgerald11) Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Temptations22) I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - The Jackson 57) Sleigh Ride - The Ronettes26) Santa Claus is Back in Town - Elvis Presley10) Father Christmas - The Kinks23) Up on the House Top - Alvin and the Chipmunks15) Little Saint Nick - She & Him18) Up on the House Top - Gene Autry2) Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - Bruce Springsteen31) Santa's Beard - The Beach BoysWhite Christmas regionThe majority of these songs in this region have – you guessed it – the word ‘Christmas’ in the title. Songs sung by Bing Crosby, John Legend, Judy Garland, and NSYNC are but a few of the musicians and singers you'll find in this region.
The bracket: 
1) White Christmas - Bing Crosby32) I'll Be Home for Christmas - Joy Williams16) 12 Days of Christmas - Straight No Chaser17) We Need a Little Christmas - Johnny Mathis8) Happy Xmas (War is Over) - John Lennon25) Let it Snow - Dean Martin9) White Christmas - The Drifters24) Christmas Time is Here - Ingrid Michaelson4) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Rosemary Clooney29) I'll Be Home for Christmas - Kacey Musgraves13) Merry Christmas Baby - Chuck Berry20) It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Bing Crosby5) The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole28) Christmas Mem'ries - Rosemary Clooney12) White Christmas - Otis Redding21) It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas - Michael Bublé3) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Judy Garland30) Silver Bells - Bing Crosby14) Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24 - Trans-Siberian Orchestra19) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - The Carpenters6) The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't be Late) - Alvin & the Chipmunks27) Let it Snow - Boyz II Men/Brian McKnight11) Ill Be Home for Christmas - Bing Crosby22) Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - John Legend7) Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney and Wings26) Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays - NSYNC10) Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Darlene Love23) I'll Be Home for Christmas - Frank Sinatra15) Winter Wonderland - Leona Lewis18) Christmastime is Here - Vince Guaraldi2) Blue Christmas - Elvis Presley31) Snow in Sun - Tracey ThornSilent Night regionDid Bing Crosby just grab another number one seed? You bet he did. It was actually tough to not include his entire catalog of holiday songs in this tournament, though he sure does show up a lot. He'll have plenty of "Silent Nights" to contend with in this region, however.
The bracket: 
1) Silent Night - Bing Crosby32) First Noel - John Fahey 16) First Noel - Vienna Boys Choir17) Adeste, Fideles - Enya8) O Little Town of Bethlehem - Jim Reeves25) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing - Frank Sinatra9) Silent Night - John Denver and The Muppets24) First Noel - Andy Williams4) Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid29) What Child is This? - Burl Ives13) O Come All Ye Faithful - Nat King Cole20) Here We Come A-Caroling - Perry Como5) Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy - Bing Crosby & David Bowie28) What God Wants for Christmas - Darius Rucker12) Christmas Canon - Trans-Siberian Orchestra21) Go Tell it on a Mountain - Mahalia Jackson3) O Holy Night - Christina Aguilera30) Angels We Have Heard on High - David Archuleta14) I Have a Little Dreidel - Barenaked Ladies19) Silent Night - Sarah McLachlan6) O Holy Night - Neil Diamon27) Let There Be Peace - Carrie Underwood11) Believe - Josh Groban22) Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel - South Park7) O Tannenbaum - Vince Guaraldi Trio26) O Little Town of Bethlehem - BeBe Winans10) Mary Did You Know - Pentatonix23) Little Drummer Boy - Anne Murray15) Silent Night - Taylor Swift18) Little Drummer Boy - Perry Como2) Silent Night - Frank Sinatra31) Good King Wenceslas - Mel TormeCandy Cane regionThis region is really a hodgepodge of songs, many that could have fit within any of the three other brackets and some with no discernible theme at all, outside of being about Christmas or the holidays.
And this region is represented by Mariah Carey and the top-overall seed.
The bracket:
1) All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey32) Dominick the Donkey - Lou Monte16) Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer - Elmo & Patsy17) I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas - Gayla Peevey8) It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Andy Williams25) Underneath the Tree - Kelly Clarkson9) Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree - Brenda Lee24) A Marshmallow World - Dean Martin4) Feliz Navidad - José Feliciano29) Same Old Lange Syne - Dan Fogelberg13) Please Come Home for Christmas - The Eagles20) Hard Candy Christmas - Dolly Parton5) Christmas in Hollis - Run DMC28) Happy, Happy Christmas - Ingrid Michaelson12) Chanukah Song - Adam Sandler21) Mele Kalikimaka - Bing Crosby/The Andrews Sisters3) Mistletoe - Justin Bieber30) Lonesome Christmas - B.B. King14) Christmas Wrapping - The Waitresses19) Wintersong - Sarah McLachlan6) Last Christmas - Wham!27) Baby It's Cold Outside - Louie Armstrong and Velma Middleton11) What Christmas Means to Me - Stevie Wonder22) Please Come Home for Christmas - Bon Jovi7) Where Are You Christmas? - Faith Hill26) Deck the Halls - Mannheim Steamroller10) Fairytale of New York - the pogues23) Grown up Christmas List - Amy Grant15) Somewhere in My Memory - John Williams18) Snoopy's Christmas - The Royal Guardsmen2) You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch - Thurl Ravenscroft31) All I Want for Christmas (is My Two Front Teeth) - Spike Jones & His City SlickersVoting will begin on Twitter (@jasonrh_78) December 1 and continue throughout the month until there is only one song remaining. Check back here for more posts as the tournament continues.
Feel free to comment with some of your favorite versions that did not make this list. Perhaps a second batch will need to be voted on in 2021.
picture credit: Commons.wikimedia
The following were used in helping decide rankings and used for reference:
Newsweek: 20 Best-Selling Christmas Songs Pop Sugar: Christmas songs of 1990's/ early 00's Vulture: 10 Best Versions of Sleigh Ride Learn Religions: 10 Best Versions of  'O Little Town of Beth lehem' The Guardian: 50 Greatest Christmas Songs Rolling Stone: Readers Poll of Best Christmas Songs

The Undertaker: Ode to the Deadman

 

Retirement didn't arrive in the form of a post-match stunning announcement, but the apparent end of The Undertaker's in-ring WWE career was a celebration nonetheless.

Retirement in the world of professional wrestling is never really etched in stone and can often take on many forms. It can be as fleeting as a short break, simply written as part of a storyline or to allow for time off for a hard-working wrestler.

It can also be long term, whether due to injury, like with Edge or Daniel Bryan, or simply because a wrestler wanted to walk away from the game for a bit. Or retirement can simply stick because of the previous reasons or simply because a wrestler 'x' is past their prime.

For The Undertaker, this past Sunday's celebration at Survivor Series in honor of a career well-spent seems a fitting end to his storied in-ring career.

'Taker. The Deadman. The American Bad Ass. One half of the Brothers of Destruction. The Phenom. The Lord of Darkness. He was known by many names and feared, appreciated, and adored as them all.

The Undertaker a.k.a. Mark Calaway is a legend among the greats whose impact on the world of professional wrestling over the last 30 years will not easily be forgotten. There are very few wrestlers – from the Attitude Era on – with only a few notes of entrance music that could make someone stop what they’re doing and rush to the television screen. The shattering of glass. "If you can smell...". Break the walls down. (*These are only a few examples. As I started writing, I couldn't stop. So I narrowed it down because there are A LOT more iconic entrance songs than I originally thought.)

There was always one, however, who got the juices flowing.

To this day, the first chimes indicating The Undertaker had arrived still sends chills down the spine, more so in recent years when appearances were few and far between and sometimes, a surprise.

These are chimes we will no doubt hear again. And while they will likely elicit the same reaction there will be a tinge of sadness knowing a new program isn't on the horizon. There will be no story on the road to WrestleMania or Summer Slam.

There will likely be a day in which that siren song again blares. Let's hope Vince McMahon can avoid making that call and Calaway can avoid temptation if the the call indeed arrives. This prolonged exit has had a nice closing arc, stretching from the Boneyard Match to Undertaker: The Last Ride and finally the retirement ceremony at the closing of Survivor Series 2020.

A better ending could have been played out in 2017 with The Undertaker's match (and loss) to Roman Reigns. Rumors of retirement were already swirling and the send-off he received – plus shedding and leaving behind his ring gear – from an adoring crowd meant a near-perfect ending, if it weren’t for the pesky ‘L’ that accompanied the match.

At that point, it seemed like The Undertaker was on his way out; a journey that began with is first-ever loss at WrestleMania three years prior to Brock Lesnar. Calaway, as it turned out, had three more years of sometimes good, sometimes bad, wrestling and storytelling to deliver fans.

The supernatural champ

On November 22, 2020, The Undertaker announced that it was time for him to "rest in peace". It was 30 years to the day – also at Survivor Series – that The Undertaker made his debut. Back then, I was at the tail end of my first love affair with what was then called the WWF.

My interest in the sport may have waned but that didn't stop me from knowing about The Undertaker and the late Paul Bearer. The ins-and-outs of the sport no longer mattered to me but The Undertaker simply transcended the world of wrestling and was an entity that was no likely known even if you knew wrestling or not.

Nine years later, I again slowly immersed myself into the world of professional wrestling once again. While some of the stalwarts from the 1980's were still around, it was The Undertaker who was part of the contingent of wrestlers who kept me entertained.

Even when he did switch things up as The American Bad Ass for that brief period. But with wrestling, it's often we see wrestlers flip from heel to face and back again. Or try out knew characters altogether. Sure, he rode in on a motorcycle and rocked a bandana, but he was still The Undertaker. The American Bad Ass only helped build on the lore.

Lore that is now legend. A legend who was a 7-time world heavyweight champion, a tag-team champion, winner of the Royal Rumble and winner of multiple Slammy Awards. (You're a nobody unless you take home a Slammy). 

And 21 straight wins at WrestleMania, finishing his career at 23-2 in wrestling's grand event. 

Many wrestlers are more decorated than The Undertaker. Many displayed for pizazz. With The Undertaker, however, it was rarely about the belts. It was about making a statement. It was about defending the WrestleMania house. It was about wreaking havoc. Most importantly, it was about telling a story and doing it in an interesting way.

And for that, The Undertaker will always be on top, no matter how rarely we see him in the coming the years.

Thank you, 'Taker. Thank you.

picture credit: en.wikipedia.org

NFL quarterbacks taken in first round of 2018 draft: Mid-point of 2020 season

 

Five quarterbacks were taken in the first-round of the 2018 NFL draft. In this continuing series tracking their careers, we are now through nine weeks in season number three.

Rolling with efficiency, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills put on a show on offense in last Sunday's victory over the Seattle Seahawks.

They were so effective, Allen had just as many incompletions has times sacked.

Now, the alarming fact is that he went down seven times, but it was about the only thing that went wrong for Allen. He completed 31-38 passes for 415 yards – tying a career-high he set way back in week two – and tossed three touchdowns in the 44-34 victory. 

The latest stretch for Allen and the other quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft was not the prettiest. Three of the quarterbacks found ways to keep winning, however, while one quarterback battled injuries.

And it is Allen who continues to top this select group so far in 2020, rising to the cream of the crop and leading the Bills to a first-place record in the AFC East.

His 2,587 passing yards currently place him third in the NFL. If you've been living under a rock this season, you'd be surprised to find that Allen is completing 68.9 percent of his passes while throwing 19 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He's also still going to work in the ground game, with 241 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Despite being sacked seven times against the Seahawks, these had actually been going down. Heading into the game, the Bills only allowed four sacks in their previous four games.

Allen is outpacing himself in most regards as compared to this point in 2019. At 7-2, the Bills are one game better than they were through week nine last year. His passing stats have all improved, including passing yards (roughly 900 more), touchdowns (+9) and that dreaded completion percentage ( a nearly eight-point jump). 

Having a receiver like Stefon Diggs (63 catches) certainly helps, but Allen has shown a maturity as he continues to master the Buffalo offense. It also means there is a new sheriff in the AFC East, where the Bills have a 1.5 game lead over the Miami Dolphins. 

Next four weeks: @ARI (11/15), BYE, vs LAC (11/29), @SF (12/7)

Whereas Allen has crossed the 300-yards passing mark five times in 2020, the next two quarterbacks on the list have had much more trouble reaching that threshold.

Lamar Jackson

At 6-2, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens own the exact same record as they did through week nine in 2019.

They haven't exactly been doing it with the same excitement and authority, especially in their last four games. At first blush, one wonders what might be going on but the team is still 3-1 over that stretch, showing that style points still don't mean as much as long as the team is winning.

There's been talk of Jackson not playing like an MVP, but in reality his numbers are only slightly off pace from the 2019 season. His completion percentage is down (64.3 to 62.9) and he's thrown for exactly 300 hundred less yards (1813 to 1513), meaning Jackson and the Ravens are connecting on less downfield plays. There has been some accuracy problems on these deep plays but also plenty of dropped balls to go around.

Jackson has the same amount of touchdown passes, 12, as he did thru week 9 of 2019 and one less interception (5 to 4).

Only three times in 2020 has Jackson thrown for 200 or more yards, including only once since week two's victory at Houston, which was a 13-28 for 208 yards performance against Pittsburgh.

Jackson has been effective in the ground game, carrying the ball 79 times for 469 yards and scoring three touchdowns. Both down from last year, but that's partially because of the trio of JK Dobbins, Mark Ingram III, and Gus Edwards combining for 850 yards on the ground.

The Ravens should be playoff-bound still, but are currently looking up at the 8-0 Steelers.

Next four weeks: @NE (11/15), vs TEN (11/22), @ PIT (11/26), vs DAL (12/3)

Baker Mayfield

The Cleveland Browns (5-3) find themselves only one game back of the Baltimore Ravens and in the thick of a playoff race. A steadier hand from Baker Mayfield, despite a season-ending injury to Odell Beckham Jr. and a Nick Chubb injury, has made the difference.

Yes, Mayfield has managed to be inconsistent, throwing five interceptions in his last four games after only throwing two in his first two. And yes, the Browns have only gone 2-2 in that stretch, pulling out victories over the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals.

Mayfield has also failed to throw for 300 yards or more in a game in 2020. He has not done so since a week 12 victory against Miami in 2019.

Part of this reason is because of a solid running attack, led by Kareem Hunt and Chubb. Chubb, after missing the last four games could be back this week against Houston.

There haven't been a whole lot of 200-yard games this season for Mayfield, either, doing so only three times. He was pulled in a 38-7 loss to Pittsburgh (partially because of bruised ribs) and struggled to a 12-25 for 122 yards performance in a loss to Las Vegas (though the weather was abysmal that day as well).

Mayfield has thrown for 1514 yards in 2020, completing 61.4 percent of his passes, which is higher than it was at this point a season ago. Also impressive is that he's thrown 15 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, numbers that were at 7 and 12, respectively, thru week 9 in 2019.

Mayfield had an outstanding game against the Bengals, going 22-28 for 297 yards and five touchdowns. More games like that we'll be needed if the Browns are to finally get back in the playoffs.

Next four weeks: vs HOU (11/15), vs PHI (11/22), @JAX (11/29), @TEN (12/6)

Sam Darnold

There hasn't been a lot of good to go around for the 0-9 New York Jets in 2020, including for Sam Darnold. The injury-bug has taken its toll on Darnold yet again and he missed three of the last five games due to a shoulder injury.

The results haven't exactly been spectacular when Darnold has played.

He hasn't had a touchdown pass since week three and threw for a combined 253 yards in the last two games he's played. And he wasn't even in the game when the Jets played their closest game of the season, a narrow 30-27 loss to the New England Patriots.

One wonders if he'll even be in Jets uniform next season. New York seems primed to get the number-one pick in the 2021 draft, which could mean the selection of Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence if the junior decides to leave school.

Darnold has thrown for 1,045 yards and three touchdowns in 2020. He's completing 58.6 percent of his passes while throwing six interceptions.

Next four weeks: BYE, @LAC (11/22), vs MIA (11/29), vs LV (12/6)

Josh Rosen

Josh Rosen has not taken a snap in 2020 and is still on the practice squad of the 6-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Next four weeks: @CAR (11/15), vs LAR (11/23), vs KC (11/29), BYE

Be sure to check in on the next update in this series following week 13 action.

photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org

NFL quarterbacks taken in 2018 1st round: third-season part 1 

NFL quarterbacks taken in 2018 1st round: third season, part 2

Finding solace in the memories

 

Writing about sports has always been a passion of mine. What happens when that passion is interrupted by things beyond your control?

It has been a little over a year now since my father unexpectedly passed away at the age of 70. This is not young by any means but still early in some regards. Yes, when one's number is called, there is usually no warning. And we all know about grabbing life by the horns, carpe diem, etc., etc., etc. Still, there is a shock to the system when there is hope of having your father around to influence and provide support in your endeavors for at least another ten years.

I am blessed for the 40 years I did have with him, knowing so many people in this world have had less – or none at all – with a father of their own.

In writing about sports – ranging from Boise State football to the Boston Celtics and many topics in-between – my father was an ardent supporter (and serial Facebook liker of all my posts). Not only that, were quick to discuss sports and the sports world every Sunday when we spoke on the phone.

When he passed away, so did part of my fire and desire to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

This wasn't something I was initially aware of in the early months following his passing. I was writing less, yes. An adjustment period in dealing with the loss and new responsibilities in life was to be expected. In turn, there were less sports articles written by me and a waning motivation to even be adamant in making sure to watch sports. I stuck with the basics, Boston sports and Boise State athletics, but outside of that I just didn't really have a care to watch and follow other teams within those sports.

By the time renewed interest began to take shape, the pandemic happened and the sports world was put on hold.

Upon re-start over the summer, my interest level never quite returned. The Boston Red Sox weren't very good. The Boston Celtics made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals but I gave up on basketball after they were eliminated. Even when they were still playing, I almost had to force myself to watch games, leading to even more of a general lack of caring.

Introspection took over. My earliest memories of sports took me back to the basketball court; a child who could barely fit his arms around a basketball, trying to dribble with his father a few feet away, coaching his players. For someone who loved sports his entire life – both watching and playing – I was lost.

It turns out that writing about sports is difficult to do when you have trouble even watching games. And it's made even tougher when the person you shared the passion with is no longer around.

I was still writing about sports, but the posts were infrequent. I'd turn on a game, only to find myself easily distracted. There were points that I even had ideas for a new post or article, only to let lack of motivation drag me away. With my dad, I always knew I had at least an audience of one and I even found myself sharing less of the work I did do because that sole audience member was no longer present.

Slowly, however, the last month or so has brought a renewed spirit to my soul.

I'd like to say there was a big epiphany; a moment where lightning flashed in the sky and clarity fell into place. There wasn't, at least that I recall. I even managed to even watch part of the World Series, something I didn't do at all in 2019's classic.

There is a certain gratitude to be said about players even playing in this environment for our entertainment. Notably at the college level. Gratitude can also be given to the memories I have spread out over the 40 years I had with my dad. The shared fields and courts. The viewings of Super Bowls and NBA Championships. A simple game of catch between father and son.

These are a few reasons to enjoy sports again. And to write. To always remember a father who is constantly with you, even if he is no longer a phone call away.

Five quarterbacks from 2018 NFL draft 1st-round: The rise of Josh Allen

 

Five quarterbacks were taken in the first-round of the 2018 NFL draft. This is the continuing series following their careers, now through four games of their third season.

The ascension of Josh Allen into the top tier of NFL quarterbacks continues. 
In 2020, he is putting up the numbers and the wins to prove it.
Allen and the Buffalo Bills are off to the races, putting up a perfect 4-0 record. They are winning behind an array of weapons and the arm of Allen, with a little bit of close-game magic to boot.
Allen has thrown for 1,326 yards through the season's first four games, with an impressive 12 touchdown passes and only one interception. More importantly, Allen has taken his accuracy to a whole new level, something that has haunted Allen in the first two seasons of his career. 
Only once has Allen dropped below the 70 percent mark en route to a 70.9 percent completion percentage, good for ninth in the league.
His passing yards rank him second, behind Dak Prescott (1,690), and his QBR rating of 87.1 places him third, behind Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes. 
Allen started things off smoothly, passing for 300 or more yards for the first time in his career. How did he follow up his 312-yard performance in week 1 against the Jets? Simply by throwing for a career-high 415 the next week in a victory over the Miami Dolphins. He added a third 300-yard+ game against the Los Angeles Rams in week 3. 
After carrying the ball 14 times in week 1, Allen has totaled only 11 carries since. In the first two seasons, Allen's legs did much of the talking for the young quarterback. In season three, he's still using his legs, except so far it's been to extend plays within the pocket. In doing so, he's saving some wear-and-tear on his body and for the most part, making something positive happen.
Sometimes, however, he does find himself doing a little too much as was the case against the Rams. His only interception of the season occurred in this game. This, and a fumble, helped the Rams claw back from a 28-3 deficit to take a 32-28 lead. Of course, Allen also led the Bills on the comeback trail, throwing the winning touchdown with 15 seconds remaining.
Allen has also been sacked nine times and has lost three fumbles.
Still, things have gone swimmingly through four weeks for Allen and the Bills. If he continues down this path, he will hold the spot in 2020 among the five quarterbacks taken in the first-round of the 2018 NFL draft.
Allen's next five games should give a true barometer of where he and the Bills stand in 2020.
Next 5 weeks: @TEN (10/11), vs KC (10/15), @NYJ (10/25), vs NE (11/1), vs SEA (11/8)Lamar JacksonThe reining MVP isn't putting up quite the same numbers as he was in 2019, but Lamar Jackson still has the Baltimore Ravens sitting pretty at 3-1.
If only he could figure out how to defeat those pesky Kansas City Chiefs. 
Jackson has only six losses, including the playoffs, in his young career as a starting quarterback. And three of those have come at the hands of the Chiefs, who defeated the Ravens 34-20 in week three.
The Ravens are still putting up 30.5 points per game, but Jackson's numbers have fallen back to earth here in the early going of 2020. He's thrown for a little more than half the yards Allen has thrown for, with 769. He threw for only 97 against against the Chiefs and followed that up with 193 in a victory over the Washington football team. 
Jackson has seven touchdown passes against only one interception while completing 68.4 percent of his passes. He missed on only 11 of his passes in the season's first two weeks but had 20 in the next two games. 
The passing yards are down but Jackson is certainly still getting production out of his running game. He leads the Raven with 236 yards on the ground and is averaging six yards per carry. Jackson also got his first rushing touchdown last week, a 50-yard scamper.

J.K. waved goodbye to Lamar.

Gale Sayers: A few words on the Chicago Bears legend

 

Chicago Bears legend and NFL Hall-of-Famer Gale Sayers, who was legendary on the field in an injury-shortened career, passed away earlier this week.

In the seventh or eighth – the specific year escapes me – the movie Brian's Song was shown to me for the first time. Back in the formative Junior High years, P.E. and Health classes were one in the same, with two days of the week devoted to health class.  Educational videos and afterschool specials were often the lessons of the day, where we learned stuff about all sorts of things, ranging from the kid who died from smoking marijuana to our first introductions to sex education.

And of course, there was that special movie about football, friendship, and death, starring Billy Dee Williams and James Caan.

Being the lifelong fan of the Chicago Bears I had been at that point in my life – thanks to Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, William “Refrigerator” Perry, and the Super Bowl Shuffle – I was well aware of the great Gale Sayers. I knew his stats and his highlights and knew that Sayers was a Chicago great. Somehow as an early teenager, however, I was unaware of his friendship with teammate Brian Piccolo. 

Piccolo passed away at the age of 26 in 1970 and here, 50 years later, the football legend Sayers joined his old friend in the afterlife.

A Hall of Fame careerSayers had his NFL career cut short due to nagging knee injuries but his time on the field was well-earned and well-accomplished.

A pro football player has a short-self in the league as is. Playing in 68 games in parts of seven seasons is a nice career. The immortals and the legends, however, are supposed to last 10 seasons or more. (Or they can keep playing forever, like Tom Brady is apparently attempting to do.) Sayers had injuries take away that attempt at longevity yet found greatness, leaving an indelible mark upon the NFL. His impact was so great that became the youngest ever to be elected to the NFL Hall of Fame, doing so at the age of 34.

Sayers played 55 of his career games in four seasons, totaling only 13 more in the three other years. An all-around talent, Sayers rushed for 4956 yards and also totaled 1307 receiving yards on 112 receptions, combining for 48 touchdowns. He added eight more touchdowns on returns (2 punt, 6 kickoff). Sayers was so adept at returning kicks, averaging 30.6 yards per return during his career.

In 1966, Sayers rushed for 1231 yards but one can likely point to his rookie season as the one that truly cemented his status as 'legend'.

Late in that season, in a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sayers tied a *single-game record by scoring six touchdowns. Four came via the ground game, while one each was recorded in the air and on a punt return. This tied him with Dub Jones of the Cleveland Browns, who scored six touchdowns against the Bears in 1951. (*This record is for non-quarterbacks. The record for passing touchdowns is seven, held by eight different quarterbacks.)

A game like this are what sports dreams are made of. Some are simply a one-off, in which the player is forgotten about over time, except for this one feat. Others, like Sayers, have a game like this to cap off an outstanding rookie season and does so while the opposing teams extensively game-plans simply to stop one player.

Sayers, soft-spoken, let his play speak for itself. Rightfully so, he's a legend that will never be forgotten, whether it's by a diehard Bears fan who knows every inch of his story or a kid seeing Brian's Song for the first time.

No matter the way one learns about Sayers, much like what happened when hearing of Sayers' passing, a tear will be shed. And that's all right by me. 

photo credit: commons.wikimedia.org

NFL: 1st-round quarterbacks taken in 2018 draft prep for 3rd season

 

This upcoming week kicks off the 2020 NFL season, thus beginning the third season in the series that follows the careers of the five quarterbacks taken in the first-round of the 2018 NFL draft.

Embarking on year three of their pro careers, four of the five quarterbacks taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft have set sails for successful careers. The fifth could very well be at an early-career crossroads, but collectively, this group could rival the 1984 and 2004 quarterback draft class at the best ever.
First, the 2018 class needs to win a playoff game.
Baker Mayfield (1st), Sam Darnold (3rd), Josh Allen (7th), and Lamar Jackson (32nd) have all unlocked varying degrees of promise and achievement in their brief careers. It is the 10th pick of that draft, Josh Rosen, who is looking for stability. Released by the Miami Dolphins, Rosen, according to sources, joined his third team in as many seasons when he was signed to the practice squad of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 
Third-year progress is expected from all five, even as opportunities to perform may not even be given to Rosen in 2020. This goes for Jackson as well, who is coming off an MVP season. The Baltimore Ravens were a runaway train in the 2019 regular season, dominating opponents from week 1 and finishing 14-2. Jackson was a huge reason for this and has plenty of weapons returning to help him succeed. 
The same can be said for both Allen and Mayfield. Allen and the Buffalo Bills were young in 2019 and now have a season of growth under their belts. The Bills return John Brown and Cole Beasely and have (hopefully) gained a star in Stefon Diggs. Add a couple of young running backs in Devin Singletary and Zack Moss, Allen and the Bills should be even more productive on the offensive side of the ball.
Mayfield, too, has an arsenal of returning playmakers to work with on the Cleveland Browns. However, the Browns will be playing under their fourth head coach since Mayfield's arrival. Perhaps it will be under new coach Kevin Stefanski that Mayfield becomes a complete quarterback.
The New York Jets return their top receiver in Jamison Crowder. Darnold, however, has a new set of receivers behind Crowder so it will be interesting to see how he gels with them early. 
It's not outside the realm of possibility that all four quarterbacks reach the playoffs. (Or all five, if Rosen sticks on with Tampa Bay and sneaks onto the roster sometime during the season). The Ravens and Bills have the best shot, with the Browns not too far behind. The Jets would need to get on a run, but in this new NFL where seven teams from each conference now make the playoffs, it wouldn't surprise me.
The season opens on September 10 when the Houston Texans battle the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.Lamar JacksonCareer record as NFL starter: 19-3
MVP. Madden cover. Leading a top-rated offense. Jackson has done this and more in his first two seasons in the league, including leading the Ravens to the playoffs in both seasons.
Now it's time to pick up that first playoff win.
Jackson and the Ravens are primed to make a run again in 2020, even as they contend in a tough AFC North. Pittsburgh is looking to build off a solid end to 2019 and the Browns hope to meet the expectations lauded upon them a year ago, while the Cincinnati Bengals have a young team that likely won't factor into the playoff race.
In last season's 28-12 divisional playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans, the Ravens fell behind early and Jackson was forced to pass the ball 59 times. He threw for 365 yards but had a couple of picks, something he'd limited throughout the season by only throwing six. Jackson kept things spicy on the ground, running for 143 yards, but the Ravens offense was out-of-sync all day. Baltimore's defense allowed Titan running back Derrick Henry to run through them to the tune of 195 yards. 
The ground game of Jackson will be a factor again in 2020. He may not run for 1206 yards like he did in 2019, placing him sixth in the league, but Jackson could very well top the 1,000-yard mark. If he does that, and continues to be an accurate passer who doesn't try to do too much, Baltimore should easily find themselves in the playoffs once again.
First 4 weeks: vs CLE (9/13), @TEX (9/20), vs KC (9/28), @WAS (10/4)Josh AllenCareer record as NFL starter: 15-12
Allen, too, reached the playoffs in 2019, leading the Buffalo Bills to a 10-6 record. The Bills fell to the Houston Texans 22-19 in overtime in the wildcard round. 
Allen improved his numbers across the board in 2019, regressing only slightly in the playoff game. He was 24-46 for 264 yards while also carrying the ball nine times for 92 yards.
One knock against Allen has been his accuracy, which improved to 58.8 percent last season. If that number continues to rise and can jump to at least 62 percent, the Bills will be primed to win the AFC East. The Patriots will be there as always, even with the departure of Tom Brady. The Jets could make some noise, while the Miami Dolphins will most likely be relegated to the role of spoiler.
With three solid receivers, a young running game, and an up-and-coming tight end, this offense could provide fireworks in 2020. Buffalo's playoff chances depend on Allen and his success in the air. We've seen him use his legs to make magic happen. Now is the time to let his arm do the talking as well.
First 4 weeks: vs NYJ (9/13), @MIA (9/20), vs LAR (9/27), @LV (10/4)Baker MayfieldCareer record as an NFL starter: 12-17
Mayfield's 2019 was one he and the Cleveland Browns would like to mostly forget. Both quarterback and team were streaky, picking up a win over Baltimore and putting together a nice 4-1 stretch, but also having separate four and three game losing streaks.
Part of Mayfield's growth will depend on limiting turnovers, especially in the red zone. Mayfield has already thrown for 7.552 yards and 49 touchdowns in this young career. Interceptions have plagued him though, throwing 35.
The red zone was a big problem, where efficiency was not there for Mayfield. He threw three interceptions and completed only 40.5 percent of his passes.
Completion percentage was a problem overall for Mayfield, falling below 60 percent at 59.4.
Cleveland has the talent on offense to compete with Baltimore and Pittsburgh for the AFC North title. It's easy to picture the Browns getting on a fantastic roll. Now, it's a matter to putting those expectations to work. 
First four: @BAL (9/13), vs CIN (9/17), vs WAS (9/27), @DAL (10/4)Sam DarnoldCareer record as NFL starter: 11-15
Darnold's main focus in his third season will be cutting down on turnovers and bumping up his completion percentage.
And staying healthy, of course.
Despite missing three games due to mono in 2019, Darnold posted a 7-6 record in his starts. Encouraging signs as the Jets look to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2010.
Darnold had a respectable 13 interceptions last season, but also had 11 fumbles (losing 8). His completion percentage of 61.9 was 2nd only to Jackson among these five quarterbacks but Darnold was limited to 19 touchdown passes.
Given that he's dealing with a mostly new crop of receivers, Darnold might display some early season struggles. How quickly the group becomes acclimated could dictate the entire season. Darnold has shown flashes of brilliance in seasons one and two, meaning season three could be the breakout seasons Jets fans have been waiting for. 
First four: @BUF (9/13), vs SF (9/20), @IND (9/27), vs DEN (10/1)Josh RosenCareer record as NFL starter: 3-13
Dating to 2015, back when he was in college, Rosen has had 7 offensive coordinators. And while talent can take a player so far, so, too can having a steady hand to guide a player's career.
Consistency means a lot when it comes to a quarterback's progress. Just look what Coach Eric Taylor did with Matt Saracen and Vince Howard in expanding their production.
Friday Night Lights references aside, Rosen has had no stability among coordinators, or teams for that matter, in his young NFL career. He had three starts in 2019 and threw for only 567 yards in those starts and sporadic mop-up duty throughout the season.
Rosen could very well still make a name for himself in this league. He has the arm strength, something always coveted by coaches. The journey back could be a long one -- practice squad is not where many imagined he would be -- yet Rosen finds himself with a fantastic opportunity to learn in Tampa Bay. Brady is one of the best of all time and if Rosen soaks it all in, the chances will once again arise. 
First four games: @NO (9/13), vs CAR (9/20), @DEN (9/27), vs LAC (10/4)
Be sure to follow their progress here throughout the 2020 season, with updates after weeks 4, 9, 13, and 17. 
picture credit: wikimedia.commons.org
5 quarterbacks series, 2018. 5 quarterbacks series, 2019.

The unwritten rules of baseball, part deux

It wouldn't be a Major League Baseball season without the book of unwritten rules making an appearance.The old guard and the new guard of Major League Baseball are at it again.
Unwritten rules are plentiful in every sport and usually spoken about accordingly as the situation arises. One might hear about an unwritten rule every now and then, in passing, and forgotten about until the next go-around rears its multi-sided head.
In baseball, however, it seems not a single season can pass without factions of players, managers, and fans taking a side in the "great unwritten rule" debate.
It is a very topic I've spoken about before, back in July of 2017. Rick Reilly once devoted the entire back page in an issue of Sports Illustrated on the very subject of unwritten rules in sports. This debate, especially in baseball, has oft divided fans, with many taking up sides like the very life support of the game depended on it.
The latest "controversy" involves rising star Fernando Tatis, Jr of the San Diego Padres. Tatis is blistering opposition in this shortened 2020 MLB season, delivering on the hype that has surrounded him since his arrival in the majors.
In 26 games this season -- the 27th was still in progress at the time of this writing -- Tatis has 12 home runs, 29 RBI, and is batting .317 with an OPS of 1.124. Fantastic numbers in any season.
The breaking of unwritten rules stems from a Monday game in which Tatis hit a moonshot grand slam with the Padres leading the Texas Rangers by a 7-run margin late in the game. The problem is, according to those pesky unwritten rules, was that Tatis swung at a 3-0 pitch with the Padres leading by seven or more runs after the 7th inning.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

El Niño.

The face of baseball. pic.twitter.com/Y5VF5EIBKt— Slam Diego Padres (@Padres) August 18, 2020

Manager Chris Woodward of the Texas Rangers, himself a former player, believes in these unwritten rules. And perhaps that's why the next batter, Manny Machado, was thrown at, an action that eventually landed Woodward a suspension by MLB.
Even Padres manager Jayce Tingler appears to follow these same rules, calling the it "a learning opportunity" for Tatis.Moving onGranted, even as the "old school" fellas of baseball live and die by these unwritten rules, it does seem we are moving forward in letting the "new school" simply play the game. Many veteran players -- retired and otherwise -- came to the defense of Tatis.
One of the things that makes baseball unique are these unwritten rules. They add extra intrigue and provide excitement on occasion. But if the old guard isn't careful and they continue to follow these unwritten rules to a 'T', they will deflate the energy the young guard is bringing to the game.
As much as I have respect for the history of the game and even some of the "rules", what Tatis did was not wrong. He's getting paid to play a game he loves and should take every opportunity to hit a grand slam.  (Not to mention, maybe the Rangers should avoid loading the bases in the 8th inning in a game they trail by seven. Or maybe don't fall behind in the count 3-0 and decide to groove a fastball. As long as I've known and loved baseball, it's always up to hitter/manager discretion whether or not to swing away on a 3-0 pitch.)
Scoring runs and making plays in this shortened 60-game season, I say all the players should pack in as much excitement as possible. Collect as many hits and home runs, no matter the score. If that means hitting a grand slam with a large lead in a empty stadium, so be it.
This isn't to say that this type of fun and atmosphere should stop in the course of a normal March thru October season. Far from it. Tatis and the rest of the league should be able to celebrate home run in a joyous manner. Are there moments that go too far? Yes (mostly involving batters/pitchers staring down each other), but players have earned the right to go out and play they game they love. Tatis is by no means doing the game "dirty". Plenty of players using pine tar and steroids, plus the coke-fueled 1980's, have already done that.
Unwritten rules still have their place in the game. Having a teammate's back and not driving in the tying run in the last inning of a spring training game among them.
Tatis is simply playing the game. Let the new generation respect the game and honor history in their way while paving the way for a fruitful and exciting future. 
Most importantly, let the kids play. 
photo credit: publicdomain.net