The clock was showing quarter til eight o’clock on the morning of October 13th. For a few seconds, while my alarm sounding off, I could not figure out what all the fuss was about. Why am I not allowing myself to sleep in? Why am I not getting the most sleep possible before I put my body through the gauntlet of couch sitting while watching a full day of pigskin? Then, after approximately the time it takes to internally ask two questions, I remembered that it was the morning of the Panthers and Bucs London game. I raced to Bojangles, the official tailgating partner of the Panthers, to grab a ham biscuit combo with fries and an unsweet tea. And yes – unsweet. I drank enough sweet tea in my young life to surpass the amount that six southern grandparents who lived well into their 80’s could consume. I was 17 years old before I knew what a glass of water was. I drink unsweet now. Sue me. After I demolished the Bojangles breakfast, it was only a matter of time before Jameis Winston threw an interception. That took place on the FIRST play of the game from scrimmage, and the Panthers proceeded to bring a sweet victory back to the states. (The Carolina QB drama intensifies. Stage lights dim. Exit stage left. End Scene.)
The 49ers remain perfect, the Chiefs dropped one at home, Stefon Diggs had his breakout game of 2019 leading Vikings to a convincing win, the Saints are rolling with a backup QB of their own, and the Falcons continue to believe that they can spot a team 20 points before they begin to play. Dan Quinn has got to go if they want to win some games.
The Miami Dolphins pulled off a last-second win against the Washington Redskins. Now before you go all scoreboard on me “Oh Ben, actually the Redskins won the game…” False! The objective of this game was to take a strong position as the worst team in the league by losing. Both teams set out with this goal in mind. The Dolphins did that, but they made it close by scoring a touchdown at the end of the game to get within one point. Kick the extra point to tie and go to OT? Not a chance. They might accidentally win. Instead, they ran the worst play in the history of the sport for a two point conversion effort, and lost (or won??) If you are a potential number one overall pick next year in the draft, you might want to consider changing your major and pleading for an extra year of eligibility from the NCAA. Or maybe play golf instead. Or maybe get a good 8-5 job and quit sports altogether. Really turn the tables on the Dolphins, Tua.
Monday Night Football – Lions @ Packers
When it comes to this battle of the NFC North, I will admit, I am not up to date on my story lines and data and all that. That being the case, here is how I will pick tonight’s game winner:
Which coach would I rather have a beer with? Matt Patricia – he’s a rocket scientist, likes good old fashioned Number 2 pencils, and I want to know some insider info on Belichick. I can tell you right now that Matt LaFleur does not like me, so that’s a waste of a good beer. Advantage Lions
Which team has Aaron Rodgers? The Green Bay Packers. Advantage Packers
It’s October 14th, which is pretty much mid-winter in Green Bay. Advantage Packers
Lions are stronger than cheese. That’s just a fact. Advantage carnivores
That brings us to a tie, and since I hate the tie rule in the NFL with all my heart, I was going to go against Detroit with this tally since they already have one. But, I am also aware that my picks have been very poor recently, so I will take this opportunity to fade myself and give this final and deciding point to the Detroit Lions. (Also, I want to pull for the Lions because I am already looking at the wild card race for the Panthers.)
Tonight’s game will be viewed while sitting around a fire pit with the buddies and some brews. I may or may not print off a press pass for myself. Who else do you know that writes a blog in 35 minutes based on hardly-researched facts and mostly knee-jerk reactions while hoping that the whole project will be something fun to do a few times a week but also sees it as a get-rich-quick opportunity? I’m kind of a big deal.
Stay Crispy Friends!!!