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 Matter
- It takes all of us.
A few fans in attendance didn’t take kindly to the pregame showing.
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.
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.
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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.”
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.
Eleven months later history would repeat itself.
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.
This would lead to a top-ten Cam quote of all time.
“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.
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.
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.
Words can’t express the gratefulness felt now that Cam is back in all his glory.
Kyler Murray runs like a kid learning how to walk.
Welcome to the Bengals, Joe!
Trent Williams still has it. A lot of it.
LMAO what?
Philip Rivers is Tom Brady but in reverse.
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@ me madads14
As always, thanks for reading.
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