CLIFTON PARK, NY – As I lay on my parents’ couch to write this column, I have mixed emotions.
I should be ecstatic.
The Buffalo Bills upset the Arizona Cardinals to keep their season alive. It was a win that nobody but me – and even I had my doubts – thought would happen.
We also got to see Upstate New York native Chad Brown win the Pennsylvania Derby this weekend. It’s a big win for a trainer that’s mostly known as a turf specialist and someone who “can’t win the big race.” Brown continues to have a career year.
However, like I said, my emotions are mixed.
From a wider scope, Sunday was a rough day for fans of all ages. We lost a legend in Arnold Palmer less than 24 hours after Miami Marlins starter Jose Fernandez was killed in a boating accident. And for my Upstate New York readers, Capital Region high school football coaching legend Joe Grasso passed away Sunday as well.
Palmer was a legend that those much, much older than me have fond memories of while Fernandez was a budding star, and the same age as me. He might have been a top-2 starter next year.
After we saw the passing of the great Big Al Sternberg a month ago, Sunday was another example of how short life is. Cherish every moment you have.
On a brighter note… How bout them Bills? Remember last week when I said not to panic? Yup.
This move feels like when the Detroit Lions fired their OC last year, promoted Jim Bob Cooter and then set the NFL on fire. I know, it’s only one week and the Bills travel to New England Sunday, but I’m excited. And I should be. That was an impressive win!
Speaking of the Pennsylvania Derby… It was quite the race for 3 year olds.
The 3-year-old division was up for grabs heading into Saturday’s stakes race, and with the win by Brown’s Connect, the division is still open as we near the Breeders’ Cup.
For those in the industry, Connect’s win didn’t come as a surprise. Chad Brown told me himself this summer at Saratoga Race Course that he’s always known Connect has always had what it takes to win a big stakes race.
Now the question looms: What’s next for Nyquist and Exaggerator? We’ll soon find out.
Come back tomorrow for Bangin’ Ben Whitney and please follow us on Twitter at @ByDJEberle & @MeetTheMatts and like our Facebook page, Meet The Matts.
Here’s five-plus minutes of Jose Fernandez highlights to get your week started on the right foot.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXtAsA6wnyU
And then there’s the Arnold Palmer ESPN SportsCenter commercial.
