Niagara Falls, NY – Happy Monday, everybody. Well, thankfully, Christmas is over, and now the only thing left is New Year’s. For us, that means the post-Christmas family gift exchange. I’m not sure when this tradition started, but it was decided it’s best just to have Christmas, then the in-laws meet-up and adults exchange their gifts, instead of trying to get to everybody’s house in the area on the same day. With that little bit of information, here are the topics for today: the AFC North, an NY Knicks update, and an NY Rangers review.
AFC North
I guess I can admit when I’m wrong and Ward is right.. There’s nothing to talk about with the Jets, as they just got shellacked by the Patriots. But the AFC North has gotten real interesting.
On Saturday night, Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken finally came to his senses and gave the running game—specifically Derrick Henry—the ball. Of course, it’s towards the end of the season that he’s coming to his senses. And if it wasn’t for Pittsburgh losing yesterday to the Browns in an ugly affair, it might be too late. When I checked the game at one point, it was 21 rushing plays to 7 passes, and surprise, surprise, Derrick Henry had 216 yards and four touchdowns. The Ravens called almost 50 running plays to 2o or so pass plays. I know Ward has been complaining about this I’ve been talking to my friend about the lack of touches for Henry, and he tries to explain for eons. I have also been discussing this with a friend. Since I never played organized football, my friend dismisses my argument and keeps making excuses. But after the win by Baltimore, I just texted him: “If you want to win, gotta give King Henry a spin.” (If you know what movie that’s from, congrats to you.) Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is my favorite NFL coach, so I’m sad to see this battle between him and the Ravens, for the final spot, but I’ll root for the winner.
NY Knicks
The New York Knicks had a good week, going 2-1. They had a close loss to the Timberwolves, but on Christmas Day, they had a massive comeback—including a 41-20 fourth quarter—against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The comeback was led by Jalen Brunson, who had another great game, but the second-year player coming into his own, Tyler Kolek, had another solid game and made a big late block that was reviewed and called not a foul. Then on Friday night, with Josh Hart injured, some guy named Kevin McCullough Jr., a two-way player meaning he is also on the roster for the G-League team in Westchester, came up with 13 points and six rebounds. I didn’t know you could keep a 17-man roster now—my mind was stuck on 12—but apparently, that’s the NBA thing. When he was interviewed, he just kept preaching Mike Brown’s whole philosophy: “Guys 1 through 17 have to be ready at any time; everybody’s key to winning.” I don’t know if the Knicks are going to win the title, but I can see Brown’s concept of making sure everybody’s ready and keeping minutes moving is really starting to pay off.
NY Rangers
The New York Rangers had a short week, playing only two games. They won at home against the Capitals, but then lost on the road to the Islanders—which of course makes me sick, since the Islanders are a rival.
It’s interesting, and at times frustrating, watching the Rangers search for consistency and a long win streak. I’m waiting to see them go on a 5-game streak where they’re winning at home and on the road, which would really get them ready for a shot at the playoffs. But we haven’t even seen that yet. Still, there’s plenty of time
That’s all for now. Come back tomorrow for Ben Whitney, Hopefully he will aaddress the question of what do the Giants do at QB. Keep Dart? Trade him and draft Mendoza or some other move.
