Niagara Falls, NY: Happy Monday, Got to sleep in this morning—well, right now it’s Sunday night, I guess—so I’ll be sleeping in on Monday thanks to summer school (or “extended school year,” or whatever they’re calling it). But I’m waking up happy. Today’s topics are a New York Mets update, Jets vs. Giants preseason review (from a Jets fan’s perspective) and College football season ramblings.
New York Mets Update
After a horrid two-week stretch where the Mets lost 12 of 15 games, they managed to win two straight against the Mariners and take the series.
Yesterday’s game was part of MLB’s Little League Classic in Williamsport, PA—home of the Little League World Series. I’ve never paid much attention to this event, probably because the Mets haven’t been involved before. The players visited the Little League complex, and the Sunday night game was played on a modified field. The crowd? Mostly Little Leaguers and their parents. I’ll admit, it tugged at the heartstrings seeing big-leaguers mobbed by kids for autographs. Great PR move by MLB.
As for the Mets, it was just nice to see them jump out to an early lead (7-1) and hold it for once. Sure, they gave up nine runs during this awful stretch, but they closed strong. Now, with about 30 games left, we’ll see if they can get hot and close the gap on the Phillies. During this slump, they fell five games back—will that be too much to overcome? We’ll take it one game at a time.
One bright spot: Top pitching prospect Nolan McLean looked sharp in Saturday’s win. Gives some hope for the rotation next year… but we all know how Mets pitching prospects tend to go.
Jets Preseason Review
The Jets vs. Giants preseason game was a bit of a wet blanket. Not exactly thrilling, but as a Jets fan, you’re watching for depth pieces and role players.
Defense: The first unit looked solid in limited reps—a positive—but they didn’t generate much pressure like they did in the first game. Consistency will be key.
Offense: The biggest concern remains the O-line, which has plagued the Jets for two years. They appear to have solved that over the off-season, as long as they stay healthy. And look, I know it’s just preseason, but nothing about this unit screams “dynamic.” The play-calling and execution near the red zone still feel shaky—the same issues that held them back last year. Because the skill-position weapons are there. The running backs and receivers can be a handful if the play-calling tightens up.
QB Situation: They brought in Nathan Peterman (yes, really) as a camp arm. If the Jets are smart, they’ll keep an eye on the Giants’ QB room—Tommy DeVito or Jameis Winston could be odd men out. Cleveland’s also carrying five QBs; someone there might shake loose.
College Football Season Returns
I haven’t kept up with college football as much lately—adulthood has a way of doing that. But now, with Coach Prime and Syracuse not being a complete disaster, I’ll probably tune in for highlights.
NIL money has changed everything. It’s wild seeing traditional powerhouses struggle while smaller programs land big talent. One Northern Illinois coach recently ranted about the “college experience” and how some NIL deals are “overrated” because some kids don’t even play.
My reaction? If you’re broke, just say that. Instead of complaining, why not offer financial literacy classes? Teach these kids how to manage their newfound money—especially since their earning window (for most) slams shut after college.
Thanks for reading! Drop your thoughts in the comments.
Coming tomorrow: MTM’s very own Paul O’Neill (aka Ben Whitney). Some call him passionate; others say he complains too much. You decide.
