NIAGARA FALLS, NY – Happy Monday! After a long weekend, we’ve got a packed slate ahead—so let’s dive right in. Today’s topics: a deeper look at the Mets’ brutal stretch and some early thoughts on the Jets’ first preseason game.
Mets Deep Dive
I texted a good friend of mine about the Mets because, let’s be honest, I already knew how this would go. I asked, “Did they blow it again?” His response? “Oh yeah.” I followed up: “More painful than yesterday?” He replied, “Yep.” His next question summed it all up: “Why do we even do this to ourselves?” All I could say was, “It’s the hope that kills us.” Then I checked the score to confirm the misery.
The Mets have now lost 11 of their last 12, inventing new ways to collapse nightly. The pitching staff is imploding, the defense is unreliable, and clutch hits are nonexistent. Take Saturday’s disaster: Ronny Mauricio’s error handed the Brewers a free run, and a pitch-clock violation forced a redo on what should’ve been an inning-ending pop-out. Instead, the next pitch was launched for a homer. Up by one in the 8th? They choked. Tied in the 9th? Walk-off loss.
The biggest issue?
This skid is happening way too late in the season. With just 35 games left, they need a miracle to salvage a playoff spot. Last year, they snuck in as a Wild Card—but relying on that again is playing with fire.
The trade deadline additions for the bullpen and centerfield speed haven’t moved the needle. The problems are everywhere: sloppy fielding, pitchers issuing walks, and lifeless at-bats when it matters most. Even team leaders like Lindor aren’t stepping up.
Bottom line? The Mets have one month to fix this mess, chase down the Phillies, and secure a home playoff spot.
NY Jets Update
Let’s be clear: I’m not saying, “Get ready for a Jets Super Bowl run.” Longtime fans know better. But there were positives in their preseason opener.
The defense looked sharp, flying around with energy. Sure, there were dumb penalties (fixable), but the defensive line harassed QBs, and the secondary played with rhythm. For a unit that was a disaster two years ago, “solid and competent” is a win.
Aaron Rodgers hasn’t hit his stride yet (no panic), – OH WAIT – that was last year! Change that to JUSTIN FIELDS! But the second- and third-stringers kept the intensity high. The team didn’t look rusty—they played hard, a credit to coaching and preparation. If they clean up the offensive line penalties (still a concern), this group could flirt with 6-7 wins.
The rebuilt O-line and running game showed promise, which is critical. Outside of a few lapses (like the costly missed tackle that led to Packers points), it was a strong all-around performance.
Come back tomorrow for MTM’s own Connecticut Yankee, Ben Whitney.
