Four Down Territory: We Snatchin’ Chains

First Down It was never about the flag. It was never about the troops. It was never about the anthem. Before Thursday’s kickoff between the Texans and Chiefs both teams decided to meet on the field for a moment of unity. During this moment of unity the scoreboard at arrowhead displayed a message that both teams, including Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes, agreed to. We support equality.We must end racism.We believe in justice for all. We must end police brutality. We choose unconditional love. We believe Black Lives MatterIt takes all of us. A few fans in attendance didn't take kindly to the pregame showing. https://twitter.com/TheSportsman/status/1304341596549324800 Of all the anthem protest that have occured since Kaepernick started in 2016 this has been one of the most palatable. Seriously, it's not even a protest and it didn't happen during the anthem. It's players showing a sign of UNITY. How can one boo that? It's the easiest thing to get behind. It's what many in this country have been calling for. Answer: it's not the manner in which people protest, it's the acknowledgement, and calling out, systemic racism and police brutality. That will always be the heart of the issue. J.J. Watt seemed confused by the entire scene. https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1304424237780930567 The thing is, J.J. fully understands why they booed. He's too smart to not see the truth. The hard part is acknowledging the truth. The truth that a portion of NFL fans see black athletes as a form of entertainment and don't give a damn about the things that they, or their communities go through. People that "use sports as an escape" and would prefer they focus on scoring touchdowns over everything else. But why is it so hard for J.J., and others, to acknowledge that truth? Because it's an admission that the land of opportunity comes with a clause. It's acknowleding "lacing up your bootstraps" is a myth for certain groups of people. It's acknowledging that maybe, just maybe, they've been conned. You want to see some real heat? Check out the Dolphins' response to the NFL's "activism." https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1304191252838055936 You see; that's how to put pressure on the issue. Again; the only way for true change is squeeze the owners. They have the resources, not players. Until then it is indeed all fluff and empty gesutres. Second Down Januaray 1, 2017. Denver, Colorado. The AFC West was on the line. The Raiders needed a win to wrap the division. They lost a lot more than the game. They lost their quarterback. One person even lost their pride and status. Well, the tangible version of pride and status for athletes A chain. https://twitter.com/fanviewfootball/status/816258224244555777 Eleven months later history would repeat itself. https://twitter.com/CamGronkNandez/status/1303720442147082249 There aren't words to describe how disrespectful it is to snatch someone's chain once let alone twice. It's Allen Iverson stepping over Tyronn Lue, backpeddling, pushing him on the ground, stepping over him again, then laughing in his face on the other end. It's like when teams don't block the backside end because they know they are lazy and won't chase a run on the other side. It's like rolling the safety to the strong side on a cover one look then blitzing the weakside corner. You get the picture. Back to Sunday. After losing 21-11 to the Patriots a few Dolphins channeled their inner Talib. https://twitter.com/FootbaIIism/status/1305531730120581122 This would lead to a top-ten Cam quote of all time. https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/1305258086869987328 "I got two of 'em." Put that in Cam's hieroglyphic font and hang it in the hall of fame TODAY. Let the record show that Cam is talking about Christian Wilkins, the former Clemson tiger that's famously known for doing splits after the national championship game in 2017. 2017 was a wild year when you think about it. Anyway, Shaq Lawson responded. https://twitter.com/brgridiron/status/1305509324165451779 Translation: "Yeah, we tried to snatch his chain but failed. You got us." If this is the new Dolphins/Patriots rivalry then they can play each other all sixteen games. Chain snatching protocols for those crazy enough to try. Make sure the chain you are attempting to snatch isn't attached to someone who has that heat on them. Make sure the chain you are attempting to snatch isn't attached to someone who is with a person or group of people that have that heat on them. When snatching the chain make sure you have a tight grip. Pull down quickly and with force. The goal is to remove the chain in one piece. Be prepared to fight or run like hell beforehand; you cannont freeze after the action has started. Don't be outnumbered. That won't end well. Third Down Week one overreactions? Absolutely. Reaction: The Eagles lost to a team with no name. You'd think after seeing your quarterback get sacked five times you'd call plays that would help mask your terrible offensive line. The sky is falling and the Eagles are in for a long season. Reality: The Eagles' offense will get better with time but the offensive line depth is a major concern. Coach Pederson needs to rethink the playcalling or it's going to be another offseason of questioning Caron's health. Reaction: Lamar Jackson wasn't a fluke and will be in the running for another MVP trophy. https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX/status/1305236816614887424 Reality: Yup. Reaction: The Cardinals are really good and the NFC West is a legitmate four team race. Kyler Murray will make the jump and DeAndre Hopkins is as good as he's ever been. Reality: Yes but not so fast. The win over the 49ers is impressive but we still need to see a few more weeks of this production before crowning the Cardinals as contenders. Reaction: Cam Newton and Patriots won't skip a beat and will win the AFC East...again. Reality: We really let the Patriots get their hands on Cam Newton? It's not fair. Reaction: Tom Brady's arm is toast and the Bucs are in trouble. Reality: Is this supposed to be news? Reaction: The Titans are going win ugly all year. Reality: Outside of their games with the Steelers, Texans (2), Ravens, and Packers the Titans should be able to win without scoring a lot of points. At some point and time, though, they're going to need to win a shootout and they aren't equipped for that kind of battle. It will eventually be their downfall. Reaction: Paying top dollar for a running back is a big mistake. Reality: This one is tricky. In a league where the running back is asked to do essnetially everything it's fascinating how their monetary value has decreased over the years. That trend is changing, though. Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook, Alvin Kamara, Derrick Henry, Zeke Elliott, and Joe Mixon have received massive contracts over the past few years. Next up? Saquon Barkley. Yeah, the trend of not paying elite backs is over. Fourth Down Time for picks! The yearly record so far is 11-5. Winners are in red. Thursday Night Football Cincinatti at Cleveland Sunday Games New York Giants at Chicago Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Atlanta at Dallas Carolina at Tampa Bay San Francisco at New York Jets Denver at Pittsburgh Jacksonville at Tennessee Detroit at Green Bay Buffalo at Miami Minnesota at Indianapolis Washington at Arizona Balitmore at Houston Kansas City at Los Angeles Chargers Sunday Night Football New England at Seattle Monday Night Football New Orleans at Las Vegas Extra Points Your weekly Aaron Donald appreciation post. https://twitter.com/LedyardNFLDraft/status/1305348715369070592 Words can't express the gratefulness felt now that Cam is back in all his glory. https://twitter.com/BrooksSimba/status/1305607579947728899 https://twitter.com/PFF/status/1305176973795303426?s=20 https://twitter.com/MichaelRyanRuiz/status/1305180823935737859?s=20 https://twitter.com/Eric_Emanuele/status/1305178323174256640?s=20 Kyler Murray runs like a kid learning how to walk. https://twitter.com/Nate_Tice/status/1305278604159234048 Welcome to the Bengals, Joe! https://twitter.com/picksixpod/status/1305286484254167040 JAMEIS! https://twitter.com/trinadelasuerte/status/1305291096126361600 Trent Williams still has it. A lot of it. https://twitter.com/SharpFootball/status/1305255475299180544 LMAO what? https://twitter.com/cjzero/status/1305250959208132609 Philip Rivers is Tom Brady but in reverse. https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1305231248768536576 Don't forget Goingfor2 has EVERYTHING you need to dominate your league. Daily content gives you the most up-to-date info on your players, waiver wire suggestions, and lots more. https://twitter.com/GeoffLambert77/status/1302210225269805056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1302210225269805056%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fgoingfor2.com%2Ffour-down-territory-preseason-walktrough%2F6%2F @ me madads14 As always, thanks for reading.

Four Down Territory: We Snatchin’ Chains

The GoingFor2 Live Podcast

Matthew

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