NIAGARA FALLS, NY – Happy, Monday! Taking a page from the Stupendous Sternbergs (Jackson and Jacob cover Fridays and Sundays, respectively), let’s just get to it. Here’s today’s framework: NFL Preseason, English Premier League , Mets Update
Jets vs Giants Preseason
I have not paid attention to much news so I can’t tell you why none of the Jets QBs were Rodgers, Taylor or Travis. Adrian Martinez started the game and looks like he is in line to be a practice squad QB. Israel Abanakanda Abanikanda had a good game and is hoping to make the team as the 4th running back – the speed-to-the-outside guy… On the Giants side, Dan Jones didn’t look as terrible as he did last game. However, that offensive line looked horrible and the 2nd unit that got out there when Tommy DeVito took over was terrible.
The Jets defense and especially the defensive line looked dominate. 3 of the players that looked most impressive were Leonard Taylor III, Takk Mckingley and Braiden McGregor, who were all undrafted free agents… As many expected, the Giants front five is solid but nothing to write home about. If there is an injury, their backups aren’t worth much… I don’t see this Jints team, with no RB, a dodgy O-line, and Dan Jones returning to pre-contract season form, getting more than 6 wins.
English Premier League
The English Premier League is back. Well it kicked off the season last week but I didn’t have room for it in my last piece. But I am excited, as my team – Man U – can make the top 4 and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The league’s biggest villains, Manchester City, are aiming for a record 5th straight title. They are the villains because they are facing 115 charges from the league for financial irregularities, (i.e. cooking the books). They are owned by the UAE, through a Sheik’s company – but essentially the country. They bought one of the best lawyers in England, like he is an actual Lord, to handle their affairs. There are a bunch of teams that have their own interesting storylines, but we don’t have enough time to get into those.
Mets Update
The Mets allowed the Padres to come back from behind to win on Sunday, splitting rhe series 2-2. Their supposed MVP candidate struck out with the bases loaded and Edwin Diaz gave up a walk-off homer in the bottom of the 9th. Had they not blown this one, they had a shot at my goal of 7-3 for the road trip. They now go to Phoenix before going to Chicago’s south side. They need to at least win 2 of 3 or sweep so they can reach the goal for this trip and stay in the hunt. They remain 2.5 behind the Braves, and need to go on a run again to have any chance of closing in and take the last spot. It is gonna be nip and tuck all the way and though my heart says Mets, my mind says Braves.
Thanks for reading and come tomorrow to hear from the Ben Whitney, who will tell why Aaron Judge is the best player in baseball history.
