I really missed Case Keenum this season.
Cousins was so supposed to make us better. We were so clearly worse.
sigh
I wonder if the Eagles will ever figure out that the red-headed QB who looks like Prince Harry is NOT their best quarterback.
Two seasons of late season miracles is not a fluke.
Monday, December 31, 2018
Sunday, December 30, 2018
Vikings
One last chance to prove they belong in the playoffs.
They still could get in if others lose, but let's face it, if they lose today, getting into the playoffs would be a gift they don't deserve.
I can't wait to see if their newly rebooted running game even has a chance against Chicago's rebuilt defense. I don't expect it to, but that's where most of the fun should lie to day.
If we can run the ball AND if Cousins isn't stupid AND if we don't miss any kicks, we have a real chance.
Thats a lot of ifs, though.
And I'm always wary of referee's calls...
Skol Vikings!
They still could get in if others lose, but let's face it, if they lose today, getting into the playoffs would be a gift they don't deserve.
I can't wait to see if their newly rebooted running game even has a chance against Chicago's rebuilt defense. I don't expect it to, but that's where most of the fun should lie to day.
If we can run the ball AND if Cousins isn't stupid AND if we don't miss any kicks, we have a real chance.
Thats a lot of ifs, though.
And I'm always wary of referee's calls...
Skol Vikings!
Alabama and Clemson
If nothing else, the college play-off system gives us a couple of more great games to watch.
Yesterday, number 1 and number 2 proved to everyone that they were the top two teams in college football this year. Oklahoma looked good in losing to Alabama, but number three Notre Dame looked soft against Clemson.
The battle for best is still a ways a way, but it should be a good one.
Yesterday, number 1 and number 2 proved to everyone that they were the top two teams in college football this year. Oklahoma looked good in losing to Alabama, but number three Notre Dame looked soft against Clemson.
The battle for best is still a ways a way, but it should be a good one.
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Wolves Lose
They had a big comeback but missed crucial free throws in OT.
Learn how to shoot under-handed if you have to. Missing free throws is stupid.
Stupid.
Learn how to shoot under-handed if you have to. Missing free throws is stupid.
Stupid.
Friday, December 28, 2018
Nelson Cruz
Though I haven't heard anything official, Nelson Cruz, 38, former Mariner who has averaged around 40 homers the last few years, has posted a picture of himself in a Twins uniform on Twitter. Rumors say the Twins have signed him to a 1-year deal to be our new DH.
Just so he doesn't have to play in the field, this could be a good thing.
Just so he doesn't have to play in the field, this could be a good thing.
Wolves Win!
That's two straight.
Okay, they still haven't went on the kind of streak good teams go on. At the same time, Golden State has LOST two in a row, so I guess not even great teams are great all the time.
16-18 on the season.
Still better than I expected at this point.
Go Wolves!
Okay, they still haven't went on the kind of streak good teams go on. At the same time, Golden State has LOST two in a row, so I guess not even great teams are great all the time.
16-18 on the season.
Still better than I expected at this point.
Go Wolves!
Thursday, December 27, 2018
Gopher Football Shows Signs of Life
They beat Georgia Tech last night in another meaningless sponsor name game thanks to the incredible running skills of freshman Mohamed Ibrahim. 224 yards. His best.
The Gophers also finish with a 7-6 record on the season after winning 3 of their last 4 games,
Gopher football is not dead. It's been on life support for more years than I care to remember, but it's still got a heart beat.
Let's continue to improve next season!
The Gophers also finish with a 7-6 record on the season after winning 3 of their last 4 games,
Gopher football is not dead. It's been on life support for more years than I care to remember, but it's still got a heart beat.
Let's continue to improve next season!
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Twins Note
It's interesting to note that Phil Rogers, of Forbes magazine, writes that the Twins have more flexibility with payroll than any team in baseball.
They have exactly ZERO dollars in guaranteed commitments for the 2020 season and beyond.
That means they could conceivably let anyone go or sign anyone they want between the end of this coming season and the beginning of the next.
Of course, it also means that they don't have anyone, currently on the roster, signed beyond this coming season.
That opens up a great deal many possibilities, more than any team in baseball history.
Or it could mean that the Twins aren't planning on doing anything other than bringing up cheap minor leaguers, and signing one-year free agents for the foreseeable future.
Which, I guess is one of those many possibilities.
They have exactly ZERO dollars in guaranteed commitments for the 2020 season and beyond.
That means they could conceivably let anyone go or sign anyone they want between the end of this coming season and the beginning of the next.
Of course, it also means that they don't have anyone, currently on the roster, signed beyond this coming season.
That opens up a great deal many possibilities, more than any team in baseball history.
Or it could mean that the Twins aren't planning on doing anything other than bringing up cheap minor leaguers, and signing one-year free agents for the foreseeable future.
Which, I guess is one of those many possibilities.
Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Broncos Look Bad
A 99-yard punt return by Oakland illustrated the Broncos season in one play last night.
A Raider picked up the ball on the 1-yard line after two Broncos failed to down it, and he basically just ran it all the way.
Case Keenum deserves a better team. Sadly, he doesn't have one.
Monday, December 24, 2018
Vikes, Eagles Win
With one week to go, the Vikes are still in the driver's seat.
The first half wasn't very good until that last pass.
The second half was much better.
Skol Vikings!
The first half wasn't very good until that last pass.
The second half was much better.
Skol Vikings!
Sunday, December 23, 2018
NFL
Adrian Peterson went over 1000 yards for the season yesterday, but the Redskins lost.
If Seattle and Minnesota win today, Washington will be eliminated from the playoffs. Peterson proved this season that he can still go, but, as always, he's not good enough to get his team in the playoffs. That's why you can't rely on running backs, or a particular running back, for playoff success.
The Vikings must keep winning to have any hope themselves. They're heavily favored against the Lions, but we all know that means nothing. Experts don't know how football works. All it takes are a couple of turnovers or bad ref calls to make a a certain win into a horrible loss. And let's not forget missed or blocked kicks.
I should see most of the game today, unless it turns ugly early. I'm not a die hard any more. I want to watch a winning team.
Skol Vikings!
If Seattle and Minnesota win today, Washington will be eliminated from the playoffs. Peterson proved this season that he can still go, but, as always, he's not good enough to get his team in the playoffs. That's why you can't rely on running backs, or a particular running back, for playoff success.
The Vikings must keep winning to have any hope themselves. They're heavily favored against the Lions, but we all know that means nothing. Experts don't know how football works. All it takes are a couple of turnovers or bad ref calls to make a a certain win into a horrible loss. And let's not forget missed or blocked kicks.
I should see most of the game today, unless it turns ugly early. I'm not a die hard any more. I want to watch a winning team.
Skol Vikings!
Saturday, December 22, 2018
Friday, December 21, 2018
NFL
With two weeks to go in the season, there was no football last night.
The Saturday games will have to make up for it.
Other than that? It's a slow week for sports...
The Saturday games will have to make up for it.
Other than that? It's a slow week for sports...
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Writing This
I noticed that Google, which owns this site, has updated some of the software that runs it.
I hear that it works well with the Google Chrome browser. But it's caused other browsers, like Safari, to have a few problems.
I use Safari exclusively, I feel it's safer, more secure, and less intrusive.
Google makes its money by being snoopy.
I don't fault them for that, it's just that I'm more wary of them.
Anyway, somewhere, in the not to distant future, I may not be able to write this blog anymore, because I won't be able to make it work.
That almost happened yesterday. Today seems to be better. This is just a warning. If you don't see me some day. Or if I don't post regularly. That could be the problem.
I don't want you to think I vanished without a reason.
I hear that it works well with the Google Chrome browser. But it's caused other browsers, like Safari, to have a few problems.
I use Safari exclusively, I feel it's safer, more secure, and less intrusive.
Google makes its money by being snoopy.
I don't fault them for that, it's just that I'm more wary of them.
Anyway, somewhere, in the not to distant future, I may not be able to write this blog anymore, because I won't be able to make it work.
That almost happened yesterday. Today seems to be better. This is just a warning. If you don't see me some day. Or if I don't post regularly. That could be the problem.
I don't want you to think I vanished without a reason.
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Twins Retire Number 7
Joe Mauer was informed yesterday that the Twins feel he is worth something more than most players who have worn a Twins uniform.
No one will wear his uniform again.
A very nice move by the Twins.
Of course no one will expect anything out of the Twins for years to come, but that's a story for another day!
No one will wear his uniform again.
A very nice move by the Twins.
Of course no one will expect anything out of the Twins for years to come, but that's a story for another day!
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Wolves Score 132!
Even better? They won!!
That snaps another long losing streak. 14-16 on the season.
Not worth watching yet.
That snaps another long losing streak. 14-16 on the season.
Not worth watching yet.
Monday, December 17, 2018
Vikings Wow!
The Vikings decided to go with a new offensive coordinator this week.
I'd say most fans would say he made a great deal of difference, especially in the first and 4th quarters.
I'd have to agree. BUT Miami has been a terrible road team the last couple of years (1-12 in their last 13) and despite having upset New England a week earlier, they looked terrible yesterday.
The only time they really looked good was when Cousins threw that awful interception.
However, I think the Vikes really are in the same position as they were going into yesterday's game. It's not about just getting INTO the playoffs, its about being good enough to beat the top teams in the league.
Winning the next two weeks would go a long way toward proving that.
Go Vikes!!
200 yards of offense in the first quarter.
WOW!
I'd say most fans would say he made a great deal of difference, especially in the first and 4th quarters.
I'd have to agree. BUT Miami has been a terrible road team the last couple of years (1-12 in their last 13) and despite having upset New England a week earlier, they looked terrible yesterday.
The only time they really looked good was when Cousins threw that awful interception.
However, I think the Vikes really are in the same position as they were going into yesterday's game. It's not about just getting INTO the playoffs, its about being good enough to beat the top teams in the league.
Winning the next two weeks would go a long way toward proving that.
Go Vikes!!
200 yards of offense in the first quarter.
WOW!
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Football
With the Vikings season all but finished (yes, I know three straight wins will probably get them into the playoffs, but what are the odds of that happening?) I'm just looking for good match ups to watch the rest of the way.
Our best hope? The Vikes and Packers win today to make those last two weeks more interesting.
Even bad NFL is better than practically everything else. Just so it's not the Vikings getting beat. That's something I just can't watch...
Our best hope? The Vikes and Packers win today to make those last two weeks more interesting.
Even bad NFL is better than practically everything else. Just so it's not the Vikings getting beat. That's something I just can't watch...
Saturday, December 15, 2018
Vikings Correct
The league finally ruled that blocked field goal by Seattle should have been a penalty on the Seahawks.
IF there was a penalty called, the outcome of the game could have been totally different. It was only at the end, in desperation, that the Vikes lost.
I've always said ref calls determine more wins and losses in close games than anything players do on the field. That's one of the many reasons I don't watch sports as closely as I used to.
Of course the league's admitted guilt changes nothing.
Isn't that great news?
IF there was a penalty called, the outcome of the game could have been totally different. It was only at the end, in desperation, that the Vikes lost.
I've always said ref calls determine more wins and losses in close games than anything players do on the field. That's one of the many reasons I don't watch sports as closely as I used to.
Of course the league's admitted guilt changes nothing.
Isn't that great news?
Friday, December 14, 2018
Football
I'm over the idea that the Vikings aren't going to make the playoffs, and decided to watch a GOOD football game last night.
The Chargers came back and now they AND the Chiefs are both 11-3 with two games to play.
THAT'S what good football looks like.
The Vikings haven't resembled a team like that since last year.
When I was younger, I wanted the Twins, Vikings, And Wolves to make the playoffs.
Now that I'm older, I want to see them win championships. Making or not making the playoffs is no longer a big deal. If they aren't good enough to win it all, I just don't want to watch them that much.
I'm not a bandwagon fan, or a fair weather fan. I am a fan that likes to watch the very best.
It's like movies or TV shows. I don't watch all of them. I watch the ones that are great.
Why watch mediocrity?
Yes, my home teams have nostalgia value. Yes, I root for them. But watching a full game, especially when they're losing, is just a waste of time.
There's always something better to do, and that's what age has taught me.
Time is important. Losing teams are not. Even if they are home teams.
The Chargers came back and now they AND the Chiefs are both 11-3 with two games to play.
THAT'S what good football looks like.
The Vikings haven't resembled a team like that since last year.
When I was younger, I wanted the Twins, Vikings, And Wolves to make the playoffs.
Now that I'm older, I want to see them win championships. Making or not making the playoffs is no longer a big deal. If they aren't good enough to win it all, I just don't want to watch them that much.
I'm not a bandwagon fan, or a fair weather fan. I am a fan that likes to watch the very best.
It's like movies or TV shows. I don't watch all of them. I watch the ones that are great.
Why watch mediocrity?
Yes, my home teams have nostalgia value. Yes, I root for them. But watching a full game, especially when they're losing, is just a waste of time.
There's always something better to do, and that's what age has taught me.
Time is important. Losing teams are not. Even if they are home teams.
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Smackdown
With the Vikings going nowhere but down, and the Wolves currently on a two game losing streak, I thought I'd talk about Smackdown last night.
I really liked it. Even the "rap battle" was entertaining.
They brought up one of 205's best to battle Daniel Bryan at the beginning and they ended with one of the few credible women's match ups on the roster.
RAW is still their worst show, but Smackdown surprised me. It was good for a change.
I really liked it. Even the "rap battle" was entertaining.
They brought up one of 205's best to battle Daniel Bryan at the beginning and they ended with one of the few credible women's match ups on the roster.
RAW is still their worst show, but Smackdown surprised me. It was good for a change.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Vikings Lose
Anybody think the Vikings will win even one more game this season?
Me either.
Cable cancellation imminent...
Me either.
Cable cancellation imminent...
Monday, December 10, 2018
Bears
It's funny.
Experts had the Vikings as NFC Super Bowl favorites before the season began.
I never fell for the hype. I was optimistic about Kirk Cousins, but had already watched an enjoyed Case Keenum have one of the best seasons ANY Vikings QB had ever had, and thought he would have been the better choice.
Green Bay was supposed to give us a run for our money with Aaron Rodgers healthy once more while the hightest paid QB for the Lions was going to give both teams fits.
The Bears? They were going to be the also-rans in the division. Dead last, groveling at the feet of their more powerful North division foes.
The reality is that last night the Bears won again, against one of the leagues's best teams, the Rams, and they are decidedly in the middle of Super Bowl consideration.
And the Vikings, after getting beat (probably) by Seattle tonight, will have to face the same Miami Dolphins team that BEAT the Patriots yesterday. The same Patriots that just CLUBBED us.
Football is wackier than experts let on.
And preseason picks aren't worth the paper they are printed on.
Experts had the Vikings as NFC Super Bowl favorites before the season began.
I never fell for the hype. I was optimistic about Kirk Cousins, but had already watched an enjoyed Case Keenum have one of the best seasons ANY Vikings QB had ever had, and thought he would have been the better choice.
Green Bay was supposed to give us a run for our money with Aaron Rodgers healthy once more while the hightest paid QB for the Lions was going to give both teams fits.
The Bears? They were going to be the also-rans in the division. Dead last, groveling at the feet of their more powerful North division foes.
The reality is that last night the Bears won again, against one of the leagues's best teams, the Rams, and they are decidedly in the middle of Super Bowl consideration.
And the Vikings, after getting beat (probably) by Seattle tonight, will have to face the same Miami Dolphins team that BEAT the Patriots yesterday. The same Patriots that just CLUBBED us.
Football is wackier than experts let on.
And preseason picks aren't worth the paper they are printed on.
Sunday, December 9, 2018
Vikings
My prediction this week is pretty much the same as last week. I'm hoping for a Vikes win, but I don't really expect it.
I'm also expecting a tailspin by the Vikes to end the season.
I'm not saying we would have been a better team this year with a different QB, I'm just saying Cousins hasn't really helped us. Nothing about the Vikings this year gives me hope for next season.
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Vikings
The Vikes have 4 games left.
To make the playoffs, they need 3 wins. Seattle, this weekend on Sunday night HAS to be one of those wins. The Seahawks will have wildcard advantage if they beat us.
Something they have been very good at the last few years.
Then we have Miami, the Lions and the Bears.
I don't see 3 wins out of those 4 games.
I see 2-2 or even 1-3.
This is NOT the Vikings year.
To make the playoffs, they need 3 wins. Seattle, this weekend on Sunday night HAS to be one of those wins. The Seahawks will have wildcard advantage if they beat us.
Something they have been very good at the last few years.
Then we have Miami, the Lions and the Bears.
I don't see 3 wins out of those 4 games.
I see 2-2 or even 1-3.
This is NOT the Vikings year.
Friday, December 7, 2018
Twins Sign Second Baseman
In 2017 Jonathan Snoops had 32 homers for Baltimore. Last year he was awful.
Let's just say, the Twins got him on the cheap, hoping for more seasons like 2017.
We also got a utility infielder by the name of Ronald Torres from the Yankees. He doesn't have very much major league time so we got him cheap, too.
There's also a good chance that both players will be gone before I see them enough to remember their faces.
That's modern day baseball.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Wolves Win!
Again.
This is starting to become a habit. They're over .500.
It all turned around when they got rid of Butler.
Go Wolves!!
This is starting to become a habit. They're over .500.
It all turned around when they got rid of Butler.
Go Wolves!!
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Thoughts
The Vikes are at best average. Even if they make the playoffs as a wildcard team, they can't run the ball with that offensive line, and Kirk Cousins still looks like a QB who is not comfortable behind that same line.
So few people realize that your defense is only as good as your offense is at controlling the game and keeping the other team off the field.
When your running game is bad, your defense is going to look much worse than it is.
I have no hope for the Vikings this season.
The Twins?
Yuck.
Mauer retiring was a good thing. But, suddenly we have very little options at first, and those we do have strike out a lot and can't field. The Twins did not plan for any kind of smooth transition there.
I don't expect much from them this year either.
The Wolves.
Let's put it this way, if the the Wolves are the best option for Minnesota sports fans, it tells you how low our franchises have sunk.
The reason I used to like WWE was because they gave me fake sports I could enjoy in the meantime.
It's amazing how bad writing on fake sports shows can destroy your enjoyment of those as well.
Smackdown and Raw are both unwatchable.
So I've stopped watching those shows as well.
It's a good thing I have old Doctor Who reruns to watch.
Oh, and the NEW Doctor Who?
It's worse than the Twins, the Vikings, Wolves, and WWE combined.
Entertainment isn't as entertaining as it used to be.
So few people realize that your defense is only as good as your offense is at controlling the game and keeping the other team off the field.
When your running game is bad, your defense is going to look much worse than it is.
I have no hope for the Vikings this season.
The Twins?
Yuck.
Mauer retiring was a good thing. But, suddenly we have very little options at first, and those we do have strike out a lot and can't field. The Twins did not plan for any kind of smooth transition there.
I don't expect much from them this year either.
The Wolves.
Let's put it this way, if the the Wolves are the best option for Minnesota sports fans, it tells you how low our franchises have sunk.
The reason I used to like WWE was because they gave me fake sports I could enjoy in the meantime.
It's amazing how bad writing on fake sports shows can destroy your enjoyment of those as well.
Smackdown and Raw are both unwatchable.
So I've stopped watching those shows as well.
It's a good thing I have old Doctor Who reruns to watch.
Oh, and the NEW Doctor Who?
It's worse than the Twins, the Vikings, Wolves, and WWE combined.
Entertainment isn't as entertaining as it used to be.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Monday, December 3, 2018
Sunday, December 2, 2018
College Football
Even I have to admit yesterday's games were intriguing.
Number four Georgia lost to number one Alabama in their conference championship.
Ohio State should move up since they won the Big Ten Title.
Those top six are shifting.
Still not as cool as getting beat and being done, though...
Number four Georgia lost to number one Alabama in their conference championship.
Ohio State should move up since they won the Big Ten Title.
Those top six are shifting.
Still not as cool as getting beat and being done, though...
Saturday, December 1, 2018
College Football
The new playoff system for college football has officially wrecked my viewing of college football.
Before the 4 -game playoff, I used to watch nearly every game featuring an undefeated major team.
I KNEW that a loss in any one of those games could cost the team a championship bid. Every single game like that was do or die. Every game could mean sudden death for the season. And watching a top team get upset was an unbelievable reason to tune in.
This year, after just a few seasons of the new play-off system, I haven't watched any big game for more than a couple of minutes.
Why?
Because nothing was at stake in any of those games.
A loss wouldn't hurt any of the top 4 teams.
It no longer mattered if they won or loss.
College football doesn't matter.
Maybe I'll watch the last game of the season.
Maybe.
Now only one game, the whole season matters. And that game isn't as cool as it used to be.
I knew this would happen.
Before the 4 -game playoff, I used to watch nearly every game featuring an undefeated major team.
I KNEW that a loss in any one of those games could cost the team a championship bid. Every single game like that was do or die. Every game could mean sudden death for the season. And watching a top team get upset was an unbelievable reason to tune in.
This year, after just a few seasons of the new play-off system, I haven't watched any big game for more than a couple of minutes.
Why?
Because nothing was at stake in any of those games.
A loss wouldn't hurt any of the top 4 teams.
It no longer mattered if they won or loss.
College football doesn't matter.
Maybe I'll watch the last game of the season.
Maybe.
Now only one game, the whole season matters. And that game isn't as cool as it used to be.
I knew this would happen.
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