2020 Patriots Mock Draft 1.0

With the 2020 NFL Draft fast approaching I thought it would be appropriate to run a few mock drafts with different websites and see what I end up with.

Round 1

Round 1, Pick #23 Overall – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

Chaisson is a top 3 EDGE rusher in this years class. The reason he falls to the Patriots at 23 is because of the specific team needs ahead of them. The draft is stacked with wide receivers and this year’s pool of offensive lineman are very close in terms of talent. Also there’s the fact that 4 quarterbacks will go top 20 this year.

Strengths: Chaisson is a VERY good pass rusher. He was extremely effective in 2019 posting 6.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss. Physically he has a good frame (6’4″ 250lbs) with a thick lower body and tremendous bend for such a long body. He played a bit of coverage in 2019 holding his own against running backs. High motor guy, gives a ton of effort and is only TWENTY (20!) years old. He was also given #18 by LSU coaches which represents a high character leader.

Weaknesses: This is probably the only time I would take Chaisson to go to New England because he lacks a few things that the Patriots covet. At this point he is a pretty one demential player, he rushes the passer effectively but has trouble against the run. He missed a good amount of time at LSU with a torn ACL in 2018 and an ankle injury in 2019. More of a finesse rusher, has trouble with physicality.

Pro Comparison: Bruce Irvin, Seattle Seahawks

Round 2

N/A

Round 3

Round 3, Pick #87 Overall – Adam Trautman, TE, Dayton

The Patriots biggest need is at tight end. After losing Gronk prior to last season they only got 37 catches and two touchdowns from the four tight ends they trotted out onto the field. This years draft is pretty weak at TE but I have Trautman as my #1 TE this year so it was a no brainer to pick him up at #87.

Strengths: Trautman has the size of an NFL tight end standing at 6’5″ and weighing 255lbs. He was uber productive putting up 916 yards on 70 catches with 14 touchdowns in only 11 games. He has great hands only dropping 2 balls in 2019. He is a two way tight end, being a good blocker and receiver, he has natural athletic ability and definitely looks the part.

Weaknesses: He played FCS football so obviously the level of competition was low. He played in a spread offense that allowed him space to run free and get open. That is not something the Patriots will do, he will have to play a lot more inline tight end at the next level. Though he’s a good blocker he’s not great. He had trouble with hand placement but the power and motor are there.

Pro Comparison: Greg Olsen, Seattle Seahawks

Round 3, Pick #98 Overall – Matt Hennessy, C, Temple

It is no sure thing that Joe Thuney and David Andrews start week 1 for the Patriots. This pick allows them to make up for the loss of Ted Karras and have a G/C that can slide in to either spot and play. Hennessy played in a similar system to that of New England, Temple ran a lot of screens and zone runs.

Strengths: Plays with great technique and balance. Can run with the best of the offensive lineman, moving well on screens which is something that will be asked a lot of him in New England. Has a violent punch that serves well in pass protection. Extremely athletic and was named an All-American in 2019

Weaknesses: He is undersized (can always put on weight) and has short arms that can allow defensive lineman the opportunity to get inside. Has also rarely played guard, he will need to learn all three IOL positions if he ends up in New England.

Pro Comparison: Ryan Wendell, New England Patriots (RETIRED)

Round 3, Pick #100 Overall – Matt Peart, OT, UConn

The tackle position is a bit of a dilemma for the Patriots. Isaiah Wynn was good last season and looks like the future at left tackle but other than that things look bleak. Marcus Cannon retirement rumors have swirled each of the past two offseason, Yodny Cajuste has still yet to practice with the team, and Korey Cunningham who the Patriots traded for last season played very sparingly. Peart gives the Patriots a bit of a sure thing at tackle.

Strengths: Peart is a mauler in the run game. He started for four years at UConn and has a large frame. Physically (6’7″ 320lbs) he can become whatever an NFL team needs him to be. Another highly athletic o-lineman that can be a swing tackle for most NFL teams.

Weaknesses: Punch is a bit weak and lacks the nastiness you look for in an offensive lineman. His pass blocking wasn’t quite where it needs to be and he needs to get stronger. Raw physical prospect who isn’t ready right away.

Pro Comparison: Oli Udo, Minnesota Vikings

Round 4

Round 4, Pick #125 Overall – Lynn Bowden Jr., WR/ATH, Kentucky

Watch a Lynn Bowden highlight tape and try not to fall in love. It’s impossible. Bowden played Quarterback, Running back, Wide Receiver, Kick Returner, and Punt Returner in his career at UK. He has a gift of making plays, you just need to put the ball in his hands. Bowden would allow Josh McDaniels creative freedom to open up the Patriots offense.

Strengths: Has appropriate size for an all purpose player, nearly impossible to take down with one tackler. Natural playmaking ability allows him to play just about every skill position. Both a strong and shifty runner. Strong leadership qualities and beloved by teammates. All-American as an all purpose man and won the Jim Thorpe award. Was involved in a pregame fight before the Belk Bowl (Defended a teammate, has a certain spark to him.)

Weaknesses: Not the fastest guy and can lack the separation skills needed by NFL slot guy. Not very careful with the ball in his hand, something Belichick HATES. Was involved in a pregame fight before the Belk Bowl (not necessarily a weakness but he could have controlled himself better)

Pro Comparison: Randall Cobb, Houston Texans

Round 5

Round 5, Pick #172 Overall – John Hightower, WR, Boise State

Hightower is the pick here for one reason, competition. Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry are the only two receivers that are locks to make the roster. (Mohammed Sanu will most likely be there as well.) Other than that this is what the roster looks like.

If Bowden is drafted Olszewski is as good as gone. Ross and Adeboyejo will most likely miss out so that leaves Meyers, who had a good training camp last season but faded hard during the regular season and Damiere Byrd, another slot receiver. Hightower represents a change in receiver type.

Strengths: Hightower is a deep threat. All eight of his touchdowns in 2019 came from more than 20 yards out. He has the speed (4.43 – 40 yard dash) to just outrun defenders.

Weaknesses: Catches almost exclusively with his body, lends itself too drops. Skinny frame that lets defenders bully him at the line of scrimmage. Had consistency issues and modest production in college.

Pro Comparison: Josh Doctson, New York Jets

Round 6

Round 6, Pick #195 Overall – Rodrigo Blankenship, K, Georgia

Admittedly I think the Patriots draft a kicker in the 4th or 5th round to ensure they get their guy. In this case I knew I could get Blankenship later so I waited. The Patriots released Stephen Gostkowski last week which almost guarantees they take either Blankenship or Tyler Bass. Blankenship is my guy.

Strengths: Was very good in college and a fan favorite. Hit 82.5% of his field goals at Georgia. Best kicker in the draft.

Weaknesses: Drives a lot of kicks which can lead to blocked attempts. Had 3 blocked in his career.

Pro Comparison: Stephen Hauschka, Buffalo Bills

Round 6, Pick #204 Overall – Dalton Keene, TE/H-Back, Virginia Tech

This is a bit of a risky pick. A lot of teams asked Keene to workout with the running backs because they project him to play fullback at the next level. I think he can stay at tight end and be pretty solid. Picking up another tight end allows the Patriots another chance at finding an NFL caliber player.

Strengths: Versatile, a “superback” type like Danny Vitale who the Patriots just signed. Strong at the point of attack as a blocker, uses his pads well. Not necessarily a receiving tight end but can catch the ball.

Weaknesses: Limited experience running routes. Feet get left behind during blocks. A bit small for a tight end and too tall to be a full time full back. Tweener.

Pro Comparison: Charles Clay, Free Agent

*These players will most likely be UFA if they end up in New England*

Round 6, Pick #212 Overall – Evan Weaver, LB, Cal

I may have waited a bit too long to take a LB but that doesn’t mean I didn’t end up with a good one. Weaver fills a spot in the middle and is a tackling machine, may allow Hightower to move outside again.

Strengths: This guy is your classic late round linebacker. Tackling machine that has a high motor and is beloved by his teammates and coaches. Plays smart but has reckless abandon.

Weaknesses: Not built like an NFL linebacker. Looks like an undersized center. Lack of speed makes him a mediocre pass rusher from inside. Plays upright and doesn’t have great athleticism to play laterally. Not great in pass coverage.

Pro Comparison: Kyle Emmanuel, Free Agent

Round 6, Pick #213 Overall – Josh Metellus, S, Michigan

Metellus is listed as a safety but plays like a linebacker. He would project as a backup/special team guy but he’s a good football player.

Strengths: Plays downhill and is a good tackler. Plays violently in coverage allowing him to knock away passes. High motor guy with good instincts.

Weaknesses: Doesn’t fit very well in what the Patriots already have at safety. Speed mismatch downfield and has trouble getting off of blocks.

Pro Comparison: Laron Landry, Washington, (RETIRED)

Round 7

Round 7, Pick #230 Overall – Binjimin Victor, WR, Ohio St.

Victor is very similar to John Hightower. Speedy deep threat with a small frame. He would be a good camp body to compete with the existing guys in New England.

Strengths: Definition of a big play threat, average a TD per every 5 catches. Has extremely long arms and good speed. Smooth and fluid runner who can make people miss.

Weaknesses: Very slight frame, doesn’t have great hands. Not a natural route runner. Never put together a great season despite showing bursts.

Round 7 , Pick #241 Overall, Jon Runyan, OT, Michigan

This second generation offensive lineman played well as a tackle at Michigan but project as an NFL guard.

Strengths: Legacy guy, father of the same name was a Pro-Bowl tackle. Smart pre-snap and physical post snap. Stays connected throughout play and experience at tackle will help at guard.

Weaknesses: Everything he does is just a bit off. Needs to improve technique and consistency.

Pro Comparison: Jon Runyan Sr., Philadelphia Eagles (RETIRED) (It was too easy to pass up)

So there it is. The first Patriot Mock Draft. Let me know what you guys think. Here’s how the draft played out in short form.

A look back at #BradyWatch

Tom Brady is going to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.

In a move that feels like a fever dream, Tom Brady announced on Tuesday that has tenure in New England was officially over.

That was followed by the announcement that he would be joining Tampa Bay per Adam Schefter.

Brady made the long awaited decision after a few weeks (that felt like a few years) of speculation from NFL personalities and insiders. Here is a rough timeline of the events that led to Tom Brady’s departure from New England.

*I followed along with my thoughts on Twitter @KeaganStiefel throughout the process using #BradyWatch

9/4/2020

Brady and the Patriots agree to an extension that allowed him to become a free agent in 2020, and disallowed a trade from the Patriots.

*Brady and the Patriots finished 11-6, losing in the Wild Card to Tennessee*

2/27/2020

Jeff Darlington makes a bold statement.

Then gives his explanation.

A couple of NFL reporters stated what they were hearing on the matter.

Then Adam Schefter backed up Darlington’s claims.

Then things got goofy for a few days.

2/28/2020 – 3/2/2020

IG comments.

Dan Shaughnessy columns. (I’m rolling my eyes.)

Deep dives on TV clips.

3/4/2020

Then, what many feel was the dagger in Brady’s decision.

Followed by a conflicting report.

Plus reports of the Patriots trying to make moves to aid in their pursuit of Brady.

and Bill Barnwell’s contingency plan if the Patriots lost Brady. (An especially good read now.)

3/8/2020 – 3/15/2020

Then there was more and more hope for Pats Nation . . .

3/17/2020

Until the daggers came. Two statements made by Brady.

The end of an era in not just New England, but the entire NFL.

.

.

.

.

.

We all owe Jeff Darlington an apology.

XFL Season Canceled/Season Review

Play this in the background while you read this blog. We all need to cry a little bit.

The News

Thursday afternoon the XFL released a statement regarding where the league stands in the light of the coronavirus news.

Devastating, heartbreaking, the worst thing that has ever happened. All words that have been used to describe the absolute travesty that this is. The XFL’s inaugural******* season has officially been canceled.

Where does the XFL stand?

Now let’s get serious for a brief moment. As soon as we saw major leagues start to suspend/cancel operations we new this was coming. The coronavirus has dictated the way the world has and will operate for the foreseeable future. Schools across the world are canceling classes and switching to an online format, cities are shutting down large gatherings, sports leagues are suspending operations. This has become something more than anyone ever could have anticipated.

When it comes to the XFL, I feel like they did the right thing. The safety of the players, staff, and fans is and should be priority number one. On top of that, the XFL made the decision to pay their players their full salaries and benefits, an incredible gesture that even though it feels like it should be a no brainer it isn’t. The AAF proved that by canceling their operations and filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, leaving players high and dry with housing and injury costs.

Former Salt Lake Stallion (AAF) and current Seattle Dragon linebacker Gionni Paul shared his story on twitter in real time.

Credit to the XFL for doing the right thing.

On the football side of things, everything looks like it will return to normal after what has now become a Pandemic (hopefully) dissipates.

So here’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to treat this like the NFL Honors, we will give out awards, pay homage to the greatest players around the league, and make decisions about things and act like the season is over before we even crown a champion.

Welcome to . . .

The 1st Annual XFL Honors

First we will start off with honoring the things that made the XFL so special.

Best on Field Interview

WINNER: Matt McGloin throwing a fit on field after playing like absolute garbage.

https://twitter.com/FTBeard1/status/1228795287403028480

Best All-Access Moment

WINNER: Josh Johnson ROASTING his OC Norm Chow.

*This is something that Johnson got a ton of flack for on social media but it was nice to see other players come to his defense. Stuff like this happens constantly on the sideline, it just happened to get picked up because it’s the XFL*

Bud Light Seltzer Lounge Celly of the Year

WINNER: St. Louis defensive lineman Jake Payne. If the name fits . . .

Absolutely psychotic behavior.

Now let’s get into a fun exercise. 5 XFL players that will make NFL rosters. Here you get to see me work on my best #DraftGuy impression, it’s very cliche you’re going to love it.

  1. QB Jordan Ta’amu – Ta’amu has all of the physical tools to be an NFL quarterback. At 6’3″ 215 lbs and only 22 years old, Ta’amu ran a NFL offense with St. Louis. He moves very well for his size and has a good arm. He struggles to stay consistent with his accuracy but that can always be improved on. NFL TEAM PROJECTION: Buffalo Bills Backup – The Bills would be able to slide a player with similar attributes to Josh Allen into their backup role, upgrading from Matt Barkley
  2. WR Cam Phillips – Cam Phillips was a production machine in his 5 games with the Roughnecks. He caught 31 balls for 455 yards and 9 TD’s. He already spent time with the Bills in 2018 but this go around I think it would suit him to spend time in a more spread out offense. NFL TEAM PROJECTION: Arizona Cardinals – Cam Phillips needs a Kliff Kingsbury offense to have that kind of production, the question is does Kingsbury need Phillips?
  3. TE Donald Parham – Parham is a big and strong receiving tight end. At 6’8″ 240 lbs he has ideal size and produced at the XFL level, but he hasn’t shown the improvement in his route running and blocking that people hoped for. NFL TEAM PROJECTION: Houston Texans – As much as I would have loved to put him on the Patriots I don’t think they have time to develop a tight end, I think putting him behind a guy who plays a similar style like Darren Fells is the best bet for Parham.
  4. S Kenny Robinson – This is a guy (extremely Jon Gruden voice) that is absolutely an NFL talent. He only played this past season in the XFL because he wasn’t eligible for the NFL Draft. He should be a mid round pick AT LEAST in the 2020 draft. NFL TEAM PROJECTION: New England Patriots – A lot of the draft experts have the Patriots drafting a Safety in the first round. In Robinson I think they can get a Top talent later in the draft, something Belichick LOVES to do.
  5. K Austin MacGinnis – Macginnis was superb in his short stint in the XFL, the only argument to be made against him for the NFL is the fact that he would need to win a training camp battle. He’s already worked out for the Patriots and Cowboys. NFL TEAM PROJECTION: Tennessee Titans – The Titans kicking situation was disastrous, in MacGinnis they get a strong, consistent leg.

Let’s get back into the awards shall we?

For The Brand Player of the Year

WINNER: Austin MacGinnis, K, Dallas

10/11 on field goals, dude is good!

Play of the Year

WINNER:

Trick plays are sick, I expect more out of the league next season.

Team of the Year

WINNER: Houston Roughnecks

June Jones’ squad went 5-0 and put up numbers! They had the leagues leading passer in PJ Walker and leading WR in Cam Phillips.

They also had the funniest moment in the history of the XFL.

https://twitter.com/DanWeiner/status/1234233859329359874

Coach of the Year

WINNER: Jonathan Hayes, St. Louis BattleHawks

Though Hayes led the BattleHawks to a 3-2 record, he did it through injury and while developing a TON of talent. He helped bring not just football but winning football back to St. Louis.

Now before we get to the big 3 awards, I will announce the first ever ALL-XFL team.

ALL-XFL TEAM

OFFENSE

QB: PJ Walker – Houston

RB: Jaques Patrick – Tampa Bay

WR’s: Cam Phillips – Houston | Nelson Spruce – Los Angeles | Austin Proehl – Seattle

TE: Donald Parham – Dallas

OL: Martez Ivey – Tampa Bay | Storm Norton – Los Angeles | Jon Toth – D.C. | Damian Mama – Los Angeles | Marquez Tucker – Houston

DEFENSE

DL: Cavon Walker – New York | Tracy Sprinkle – D.C. | Bunmi Rotimi – New York | Anthony Johnson – D.C.

LB’s: Steven Johnson – Seattle | Ben Heeney – New York | Will Smith – Los Angeles | Beniquez Brown – Houston

CB’s: Deatrick Nichols – Houston | Jamar Summers – New York

S’: Kenny Robinson – St. Louis | Will Hill – St. Louis

Now for the awards we’ve all been waiting for.

Defensive Player of the Year

WINNER: Kenny Robinson, S, St. Louis

Robinson is a starting NFL caliber safety. His story is interesting, he was dismissed from West Virginia due to grades and decided to join the XFL instead of transferring to help take care of his family. He did enough to ensure himself a spot in the NFL Draft. 21 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 interceptions. He was the backbone of the St. Louis defense.

Offensive Player of the Year

WINNER: Cam Phillips, WR, Houston

Phillips won 3 of the 5 XFL Stars of the Week awards and had NINE (9!!!) touchdowns in 5 games. He showed week in and week out that he was the best WR in the XFL.

MVP

WINNER: PJ Walker, QB, Houston

M. V. PJ.

He dominated the league from jump and got better as the season progresses. I mentioned that his size, and production in a non NFL system may prevent him from staying in the NFL but he is absolutely the MVP of the XFL season. Her’s to much more of this…

https://twitter.com/RoughnecksFans/status/1235355019228008448

We’re here folks. The OKJSBXFLPR for the final time.

  1. Houston Roughnecks (5-0) – The Roughnecks were a powerhouse start to finish. They dominated in most wins but even showed a ton of fight in a few close games. They deserve to be the second undefeated team in pro football history. Screw you 72′ Dolphins.
  2. St. Louis BattleHawks (3-2) – Despite having two losses, the BattleHawks showed heart in every game they played, they did a great job in bringing football back to St, Louis. Jonathan Hayes developed a ton of really good talent. Great job outta the KA-KAW!
  3. D.C. Defenders (3-2) – The Defenders won and lost in every way. They had that two week hiccup on the road but I don’t think that defined who that team was. They were a group of fighters. Pep Hamilton was the kind of a coach you rarely see, ruthless players coach. He made a ton of transaction but you could tell his players LOVED him.
  4. New York Guardians (3-2) – Kevin Gilbride did a great job. This team wasn’t very talented and had a locker room blow up in week two. He gathered the troops and won 2 of 3 to end the season.
  5. Dallas Renegades (2-3) – This was a very talented football team that got in their own way, Hal Mumme’s offense was hit or miss and Bob Stoops was just sort of there. They could have been much better.
  6. LA Wildcats (2-3) – They had a ton of stuff go on in terms of transactions. Josh Johnson lit into his OC and they scored points. I think that sums it up.
  7. Seattle Dragons (1-4) – This team wasn’t very good but fought through some really close games. They have a chance to build on what they did this year.
  8. Tampa Bay Vipers (1-4) – I know I said I’d give them three weeks without slandering them but the season is over. Marc Trestman STINKS!

That will do it for this season’s XFL review. Thank you for reading along. Here’s to a great XFL 2021!

*I miss it already*

XFL Week 5 Recap

We’re halfway through the XFL season. Here is everything that happened + an added element to the OKJSBXFLPR. (EXCITING!)

Game Analysis

Seattle Dragons 23 – Houston Roughnecks 32

Houston WR Cam Phillips scoring his 9th TD of the year vs. Seattle

The Roughnecks are still the only undefeated team in the XFL (5-0), pulling out a 9 point victory over Seattle.

Unfortunately, since it is the XFL, a late game timing mishap denied the Dragons a chance to tie the game with 0:02 left. According to XFL rules the clock is to be stopped after every play under 2:00 in each half. Houston QB PJ Walker took a knee on fourth down with 0:02 left at the Roughneck 20 yard line. This means the Dragons should have been awarded the ball with those 2 seconds remaining, and only needing to go 20 yards to score and have the chance to tie the game with a 3-point conversion. (another XFL specialty)

The bad news is they got this call wrong, no matter how unlikely it may seem, the Dragons could have scored and forced overtime. Then from there who knows what happens. We’ve seen crazier things happen on a football field.

They also had the ref explain the thought process in real time, making himself and the entire crew look lazy/incompetent.

The good news, as you may have seen above, the XFL actually addressed the situation and reassigned referee Wes Booker after the game.

I know a league that could use that kind of transparency.

In terms of actually game action, I still don’t know how I would describe the Dragons to people. I’ve called them bad, mediocre, not bad and I think I’ve settled on mediocre. Much like D.C. they play to the level of their competition but for the most part they can’t do enough to win games. B.J. Daniels was meh in his first start. He ran the ball well, scoring twice but only completed 14/22 for 114 yards.

Houston on the other hand played their game, they out gunned their opponents using that June Jones run n’ shoot offense to their advantage, and made just enough plays on defense to stay undefeated.

p.s. MVPJ and Cam are unbelievable.

Player of the Game: Cam Phillips, WR, Houston

That is 5 weeks in a row for Phillips/Walker. Cam totaled 122 yards on 10 catches and had 2 TD’s. I’m sure MVPJ will go off next week.

New York Guardians 30 – Dallas Renegades 12

NY WR Mekale McKay making a move on Dallas DB Josh Hawkins

Sometimes you just know.

I said this two weeks ago: “I hope they give former DII National Champ, Luis Perez some burn at QB. The kid showed that he’s better than McGloin and Williams.” Since then he’s gone 2-0 and done exactly what should be expected of him, he’s managed the game, limited mistakes, and made the plays that his team need him to make.

I also said this: “Dallas keeps on winning despite bad QB play from Landry Jones who threw 2 more interceptions this week. I’ll continue to say it, the better he plays the better this Dallas team will be. He is their most important piece.” Since then, Landry Jones has thrown 3 interceptions and suffered a possible season ending knee injury and the Renegades are 0-2.

The game itself was all New York from beginning to end. They moved to 3-2 with an impressive win, proving that Matt McGloin throwing a temper tantrum on the sidelines mid game Week 2 doesn’t have to ruin your season.

The boy Luis Perez did his thing.

and the NY defense absolutely balled out.

Player of the Game: Mekale McKay, WR, New York

This was a hard choice, nobody put up huge numbers but McKay has proved to be the leader this NY team needed, doing exactly what HC Kevin Gilbride asked of him. He’s been impressive for New York.

St. Louis BattleHawks 6 – D.C. Defenders 15

D.C. QB Tyree Jackson scrambling for a first down.

Cardale Jones has been benched.

After starting off the game with an ill advised pick. . .

. . . and was replaced with Jackson, who played well.

Despite the big QB change, the Defenders defense is what stood out. After two abysmal performances against bad teams with good offenses (TB and LA) they got back to playing solid defense.

They were able to put together a good run defense (after giving up 260 yards to Tampa) AND a good passing defense (after letting up 278 passing yards to LA)

They capped off the good defensive effort with a blocked punt that essentially sealed the victory.

(This was funny and I thought you should see it.)

Player of the Game: Tyree Jackson, QB, D.C.

Jackson came into replace a guy who was expected to be in the MVP race, in his first real pro action and played very well. He was protected a bit by the D.C. coaching staff, they called a very safe game, but he threw for a touchdown and picked up a couple of HUGE first downs with his legs down the stretch, including this one where he channeled his inner Lamar.

Tampa Bay Viper 34 – Los Angeles Wildcats 41

LA DT Boogie Roberts scoring in the 4th quarter, putting them up two scores.

WE HAD A SHOOTOUT LAST NIGHT FOLKS!

The Wildcats kept their playoff hopes alive with this shootout victory over Tampa, playing well in all phases. (despite letting up 34 points)

They started off SLOW with Josh Johnson throwing an INT on the first play of the game.

The Vipers ended up gaining a 24-6 lead with 2:00 to go before halftime, that’s when Joshy Johnson did this.

and . . .

After that the Wildcat started to pull away. Playing their most well rounded half of the season.

Player of the Game: Josh Johnson, QB, Los Angeles

Despite throwing an interception ON THE FIRST PLAY OF THE GAME, Johnson played very well. 288 yards, 4 TD’s, and 1 berating of an offensive coordinator.

Awards

Player of the Week: Josh Johnson, QB, Los Angeles

Not only did Johnson put up strong numbers but he made some really good throws.

*Insert deep ball that didn’t get posted to Twitter here*

Team of the Week: D.C. Defenders

After a horrific 2 game stretch, where they were outscored 64-9, the Defenders got a much needed win against a quality opponent. Despite having to cut Matt Elam and Benching their starting QB, the Defenders playoff hopes are very much alive as they are in a 3-way tie in first place of the eastern division.

Game of the Week: Tampa Bay @ Los Angeles

Sometimes you need an 18-point comeback/shootout. Thank god the Vipers where there to make both of those things happen with their (redacted) of a Head Coach and (redacted) QB ruining this game for them. It is going to be really hard not slandering TB for the next two weeks, why did I say I wouldn’t?

Uni Matchup of the Week: St. Louis @ D.C.

Oh baby this game looked so sweet.

Beer Snake of the Week: Defenders fans

S/O to Oliver Luck for being a #CoolDad

WORST Bud Light Seltzer Celly EVER: Cole Boozer #69

Usually I like to keep these awards positive but with that name/number combo you have to have a better showing than this.

Over/Under 3 ounces in his mouth?

Smash the under and cash those tickets.

Thoughts

  • Cardale Jones showed a ton of maturity with the way he handled being benched.

He’s come a long way from this.

  • To stem off of this, Pep Hamilton has been extremely impressive in holding this team together. He’s benched Cardale, Traded away two extremely likeable players, and cut a captain. He still has the respect of his locker room. Impressive stuff.
  • The St. Louis @ D.C. game was awesome, it would be a shame if those two don’t meet in the eastern division playoff game. It feels like the home team wins this matchup 9/10 times.
  • Does the XFL want it’s players to move on? I’ve seen this argument be had on Twitter and I am firmly in the “Yes” camp. Having players move on to the NFL, especially young guys who never got much of a chance (i.e. Cam Phillips, PJ Walker, Jordan Ta’amu, Kenny Robinson, Donald Parham, etc.) will prove that this league is a good place for player development. Something that the NFL has needed for a while. I would love to see the two leagues strike up some sort of deal that allows for teams to be connected in terms of player development. The details are tricky but it’s something I think is possible.

Official KJ Sports Blog XFL Power Rankings

(OKJSPXFLPR for short)

This week I’ll be adding an element to the OKJSBXFLPR. I will give each team one word to describe what I see from them, interpret it the way you want too. Sound off in the comments your thoughts on your team.

  1. Houston Roughnecks (5-0) – The Roughnecks will be here until they lose, possibly after they lose too. They have been far more consistent and shown a lot more flashes than any other team in the league. I believe it is them and then everyone else. – Powerhouse
  2. St. Louis BattleHawks (3-2) – Despite losing to a team below them, I believe the BattleHawks are the second best team in the XFL. They run the ball a ton and teams may be starting to catch on, it might be time to turn Ta’amu loose. – Contender
  3. D.C. Defenders (3-2) – They benched their QB after an ugly interception but that may be the spark they needed. Pep Hamilton has done a great job of keeping this team alive through adversity. I would love to see them win a road game but their bounce back win lands them at #3. – Inconsistent
  4. New York Guardians (3-2) – I don’t think this team is GOOD, but they’re not bad. Perez has been good and Kevin Gilbride has done just as good a job as Pep Hamilton. – Work-in-progress
  5. LA Wildcats (2-3) – Josh Johnson is this football team. What he does dictates how the team plays. – One-man-show
  6. Dallas Renegades (2-3) – Landry Jones is down and the backup is somehow worse than he was. The rest of this team is good and they have a good coach in Bob Stoops, I expect a 5-5 finish from these guys, supremely mediocre. – Decent
  7. Seattle Dragons (1-4) – This team isn’t very good but the good news is they took Houston to the limit. Bad news is they got screwed by the refs and they’re about to not have any fans. Tough week to be a Dragon. – *shrug emoji*
  8. Tampa Bay Vipers (1-4) – I know I said I’d give them three weeks without slandering the but Marc Trestman is back to being a (redacted). – Awful

That will do it for this week. Thanks for reading. Stay clean.

XFL Week 4 Recap

Back and better than ever. (Probably not better but definitely not worse.)

Game Analysis

LA Wildcats 14 – New York Guardians 17

New York Guardian QB Luis Perez

“I hope they give former DII National Champ, Luis Perez some burn at QB. The kid showed that he’s better than McGloin and Williams.” – Me in last week’s OKJSBXFLPR (trademark pending)

Perez is exactly what the Guardians need at QB right now. He’s a smart decision maker with enough talent to make plays.

Another thing I mentioned last week were the interesting words from New York HC Kevin Gilbride to WR Mekale McKay. Gilbride said this to McKay, “I may need you to be a leader here because there’s guys who I thought would be better at doing that are just not.” It seems that he liked what he saw out of McKay this week.

McKay also produced on the field this week scoring the Guardians only TD.

The game was tied heading into the fourth quarter at 14.

New York K Matthew McCrane went 3/3 on field goals including a 51 yarder and this 47-yard game winner.

New York played pretty well and had a couple of moments that could give their fans some hope, like this sick blocked kick.

Los Angeles on the other hand… I don’t know what they are. They played badly in W1 without Josh Johnson against Houston, They almost/should have beaten Dallas in W2, They sh*tpumped the Defenders in W3 by 30 points, and this week, they lost to a very mediocre NY team that has had a ton of locker room problems so far in this young season.

@XFLWildcats I don’t care if you’re good or bad just be consistent so I don’t look like an idiot.

Player of the Game: Matthew McCrane, K, New York

3/3 on field goals from 23, 47, 51 yards including the game winner. The crane-man had a big day.

Seattle Dragons 16 – St. Louis BattleHawks 23

BattleHawk WR De’Mornay Pierson-El braking away for a TD

The Dragons continue to be supremely mediocre. Another loss, their only win came against Tampa in week two.

THE GOOD NEWS: I couldn’t figure out if Brandon Silvers was good or not through the first few weeks but thankfully Seattle HC Jim Zorn made the decision for me.

He started BJ Daniels in the second half after Silvers could only muster up 27 yards in the first half.

THE BAD NEWS: BJ Daniels only had 100 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT so I don’t know if he is good or not. Around and around we go.

Now to the BattleHawks. This team is #wellrounded.

Passing TD
FG
Rushing TD
Game sealing INT

The final score makes this game looks closer than it was. The BattleHawks controlled this thing all the way.

Player of the Game: Jordan Ta’amu, QB, STL

Ta’amu is becoming my new XFL crush. Stay tuned for more info.

Houston Roughnecks 27 – Dallas Renegades 20

PJ Walker celebrating after a TD run.

The Dallas Renegades have a QB problem, and they had it before Landry Jones got injured.

Jones threw three first quarter interceptions. I’ve said it in previous blogs but I think the team was winning despite his performances and today they proved that was never going to last.

Jones was injured on a QB sneak late in there fourth which brought in Phillip Nelson who then went and did this.

Not necessarily his fault but considering his performance in week one, he’s not the answer.

The Roughnecks continued to be the Roughnecks. 239 yards and 2 TD for PJ Walker, he also had this PUNISHING run in the third.

Closest game of the week provided a few fun moments but the Roughnecks were able to seal it at the end.

Player of the Game: Nick Holley, WR, HOU

Houston WR Cam Phillips had a slow day with 1 catch but Legendary Kent State QB/WR, Julian Edelman I mean Josh Cribbs I mean Nick Holley picked up the slack with 8 catches for 97 yards and a TD.

sorry for the far angle no one posted it

D.C. Defenders 0 – Tampa Bay Vipers 25

Viper RB Jaques Patrick pointing to the sky after his first ever pro TD

Ali knocking out Liston, The Falcons blowing a 28-3 lead, Appalachian State knocking off #5 Michigan. They all pale in comparison to this. The Vipers beat the Defenders.

The D.C. Defenders (my team) are doing what New York was doing two weeks ago. They are falling a part. After week one I said they were the most complete team in the XFL. This week they were by far the worst.

The defense couldn’t shed block or tackle, the o-line gave poor Cardale Jones an average of about 1.3 seconds to get rid of the ball and the running backs ran directly into every pile they saw. They have become a disgrace to watch and it is embarrassing how far their play has fallen. It will be reflected in the OKJSBXFLPR (trademark pending).

Rant over.

The Vipers found an identity, Marc Trestman found out what worked well and used it to his advantage. He and his staff straight up out coached DC’s staff.

Enough of my words look at the highlights.

yadda yadda yada the Vipers win.

Player of the Game: Jacques Patrick, RB, TB

Patrick went off in this game, going for 108 yards and a TD only 9 days after he lost his father. He even scored his first pro touchdown in his first pro victory.

Thoughts with him and his family.

Awards

Player of the Week: Jordan Ta’amu, QB, STL

He’s been an absolute stud so far for the second best team in the league. His decision making gets markably better with each week and he’s impressive as hell on the move for a big guy. He’s every pro scouts biggest dream. (He’s probably going to be Aaron Rodgers backup next year.)

Team of the Week: Tampa Bay Vipers

25-0 over what I still believe is a good D.C. team. I am a firm believer in giving someone their flowers and the Vipers deserve a bouquet. Bravo to the boy Marc Trestman, I hereby rebuke all Marc Trestman slander until he loses 3 straight games, until then I am sans Trestman slander.

Game of the Week: Houston @ Dallas

This was a fun back and forth game between 2 of the top 4 XFL teams. This is a potential (insert championship game name here) matchup.

Why? of the Week: D.C. Defenders

Tweet of the Week: @XFL2020

#GoodOleWholesomeContent

Thoughts

  • The XFL may have an inconsistency problem. Despite still having an undefeated team, it feels as if 6 of the 8 teams don’t have an identity, they just trade off wins and losses. Having one great team and one good team and a bunch of meh probably isn’t the best thing for the league. Not a huge issue but something to pay attention to.
  • Jordan Ta’amu is the second best QB in the XFL, but I think he may get a real chance before PJ Walker. I’ll explain later. Ta’amu is a 23-year-old, 6’3″ 220 lb dual threat quarterback who plays in a well balanced NFL system. Walker plays in a run and shoot college type of offense. I would still take Walker first but I’m not an NFL GM.
  • It seems like every league in the world has a Will Smith.
XFL Will Smith
NFL Will Smith
MLB Will Smith

Maybe just three but isn’t that crazy?

  • Since the introduction of sideline interviews we’ve seen a lot of players talk about losing family members. Eli Rodgers in W1, De’Mornay Pierson-El in W2, and Jacques Patrick have all talked about losing family during the season and having to deal with that, It just made me think of what some players, who aren’t in a league with this much access may be going through.
  • On a more lighthearted note.

Official KJ Sports Blog XFL Power Rankings

  1. Houston Roughnecks (4-0) – This team is just straight up better than the others. It’s the worst game M.V.PJ and Cam Phillips have played all year and they still beat a tough Dallas team. The defense flies around, they are solid on special teams and they make plays on offense. That is a winning formula of clichés.
  2. St. Louis BattleHawks (3-1) – 2 straight weeks of good team football. They played Seattle who I think is bad but played well and that’s all that matters, I am very excited to see them face a good test in D.C. next week.
  3. Dallas Renegades (2-2) – Being at #3 here has nothing to do with their play and everything to do with play of the teams around them. Houston playing poorly on offense helped boost the way Dallas looked on D but their QB problems are evident and need to be handled, quickly.
  4. Tampa Bay Vipers (1-3) – The Tampa Bay Vipers won a football game. Marc Trestman isn’t a buffoon. Get wild Tampa.
  5. New York Guardians (2-2) – After calling out how bad his first 2 QB’s were and replacing them with Luis “The Legend” Perez, it seems like Kevin Gilbride has won back the locker room. The played well against LA and played great defense in crunch time.
  6. LA Wildcats (1-3) – Dude idek.
  7. Seattle Dragons (1-3) – I said this last week, “Honestly this is one of the most boring football teams I’ve ever watched. They’re just so bland.” I feel the same way.
  8. D.C. Defenders (2-2) – Awful, that performance made my head hurt. Maybe I’m being harsh because I expect more as a fan, maybe I should put them above New York and Seattle, the two teams they manhandled. Maybe you should mind your own business. F- for the Defenders. You stunk today.

XFL Week 3 Power Rankings

I wrote 1,200 words and embedded over 30 tweets so I Ould provide an in depth look at XFL Week 3 but WordPress is stupid and I hate it and they deleted all of it so here are my Official KJ Sports Blog XFL Power Rankings. (OKJSBXFLPR for short)

  1. Houston Roughnecks (3-0) – They still have some things that they need to work on defensively, but this team is rolling right now. Phillip Walker and Cam Phillips are extremely dynamic and make magic together. The rest of the offense showed up as well in this weekend’s opening game. It will be interesting to see how well they fare against a more competitive opponent.
  2. St. Louis BattleHawks (2-1) – The BattleHawks put it all together this week. The defense stepped up and their special teams played one of the most outstanding games I’ve ever seen from a ST group. They are sticking to their identity as a ground a pound team. If it aint broke don’t fix it.
  3. D.C. Defenders (2-1) – Cardale Jones was bad this week but he wasn’t the only problem for Pep Hamilton’s squad. The D.C. defense that balled out in weeks 1 & 2 didn’t show up this week, allowing 39 points to the LA Wildcats. If they weren’t so impressive last week they would have fell much further.
  4. Dallas Renegades (2-1) – Dallas keeps on winning despite bad QB play from Landry Jones who threw 2 more interceptions this week. I’ll continue to say it, the better he plays the better this Dallas team will be. He is their most important piece. Right now they’re winning despite his performances, they need to start winning because of them.
  5. LA Wildcats (1-2) – They finally got their first win and it came against a team who looked like a power house. I told you last week they were better than 0-2 and they proved it this week.
  6. Seattle Dragons (1-2) – Honestly this is one of the most boring football teams I’ve ever watched. They’re just so bland. They have a couple of good receivers in Keenan Reynolds (former Navy QB) and Austin Proehl (son of former NFL WR who always lost to the Patriots in Super Bowls Ricky Proehl) but the rest of the team is blah.
  7. Tampa Bay Vipers (0-3) – The Tampa Bay Vipers are not good, but they may not be as bad as I thought they would be. They came out and were not a disgrace to the game of football this week which is a major improvement. S/O Marc Trestman for finally not being the worst.
  8. New York Guardians (1-2) – Again, I told you last week, this team is falling apart. They are just straight up not good. I hope they give former DII National Champ, Luis Perez some burn at QB. The kid showed that he’s better than McGloin and Williams. They don’t have a QB and their HC Kevin Gilbride told WR Mekale McKay, “I may need you to be a leader here because there’s guys who I thought would be better at doing that are just not” The #PettyWars have just begun.

Sorry for such a boring blog but I got screwed by WordPress. Come back next week for the usual magic that you’ve become accustomed to.

XFL Week 2 Recap

XFL Week 2 baby. Catch the fever!

Game Recaps

New York Guardians 0 – D.C. Defenders 27

DeAndre Thompkins catching a first quarter TD pass from Cardale Jones.

The D.C. defense made Matt McGloin look so bad he looked like, well, Matt McGloin. The former Penn State QB went 8-19 for 44 yards and 2 interceptions.

McGloin said this before half.

Then he went and did this.

THEN he went and said this. (After being benched)

YIKES FOLKS. Can’t wait to see where he ends up by the end of the season.

The Defenders on the other hand….

Cardale Jones had another excellent game, 23-37 for 276 yards, 2 TD and a pick. The guy just makes plays.

The offense played well as a whole, a few too many penalties but they made up for it.

Also I’m all for the Defenders just being the trick play team.

Player of the Game: DeAndre Thompkins, WR, D.C.

6 catches, 92 yards and a TD. Not half bad. Cardale had a few questionable throws (including the pick) that knocked him out of the running.

Special Shoutout to Eli Rodgers who played today while his mother’s funeral was going on. Thoughts and prayers to him and his family. (He also played phenomenally.)

Tampa Bay Vipers 9 – Seattle Dragons 17

The Tampa Bay Vipers are looking like they could very easily lose every game.

So far, their three quarterbacks (in two games) are 36-70 with five (5!) interceptions.

Back to the lab is right.

It wasn’t just a bad day for Tampa, Seattle got off to a slow start but they picked it up in the second half.

RUMBLIN, BUMBLIN, STUMBLIN. (all be it not very far)

Former Navy QB Keenan Reynolds caught a loooonnnngggg TD pass from QB Brandon Silvers.

The game was pretty boring otherwise.

The most electric part of the day came courtesy of Seattle Head Coach Jim Zorn.

GET WEIRD JIMMY!

Player of the Game: Keenan Reynolds, WR, Seattle

3 catches for 87 yards and a tudder. Pretty good for a QB.

Dallas Renegades 25 – LA Wildcats 18

Renegade RB Lance Dunbar making a move on his 2nd quarter run in Sunday’s game.

The first 3 quarters were full of turnovers and missed opportunities.

First a Landry Jones interception.

Then two straight fumbles.

Then Halftime.

Then some more turnovers.

*****Josh Johnson fumble inside Dallas 5 that no-one posted on twitter*****

Sideline interviews are cool, but ON FIELD INTERVIEWS???? Those are sick.

It only took 48:10 of game time but we got a SWEET Josh Johnson TD pass to former Ram Nelson Spruce.

2:58 later we got another TD! What a treat!

LA went three and out and Flynn Nagel had a big 39 yard return that set up this 3 yard TD from Landry Jones to Donald Parham.

LA responded instantly with a 48 yard kick return, and then a 44 yard bomb from Josh Johnson to Nelson Spruce (who is quickly becoming my favorite player).

Then Dallas walked down the field and scored on a 14 yard TD run by Cameron Artis-Payne.

The Dallas defense made a stand and forced a turnover on downs.

Player of the Game: Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Dallas

14 rushes, 99 yards, 2 TD, 131 total yards and he did it when it counted. 77 yards and both TD’s coming in the 4th quarter. Big day from the Auburn product.

Special shoutout to Nelson Spruce. 6 receptions, 89 yards and 2 TD’s. Nothing to laugh at, he would have won PotG if LA could have pulled out a win.

St. Louis BattleHawks 24 – Houston Roughnecks 28

Roughnecks WR’s Camp Phillips (#14) and Khalil Lewis (#1)

Both teams moved the ball down the field easily on their first drives. Houston ended up settling for a FG but St. Louis drove down the field for a TD.

3:07 later PJ Walker threw a sidearm TD pass to former Bill WR Cam Phillips.

I know it’s annoying when announcers talk about it constantly but the arm angle on that TD pass was absurd.

There obviously aren’t going to be highlight videos and I sure as hell am not going to make them but damn Marquette King’s punts are amazing.

St. Louis DE Andrew Ankrah is a stud.

STL QB Jordan Ta’amu started 7/7 with a TD but threw a pick that led to a 1-yard Houston TD run.

PJ Walker did something absurd again.

(I know it was an 11-yard run but it was sick.)

Then he did this.

After halftime the BattleHawks started to fight back a bit.

Then this happened…..

Rest of the 4th stunk until this.

Player of the Game: Cam Phillips, WR, Houston

8 receptions, 63 yards, and 3 touchdowns. The guy throwing him passes was pretty good too, but if you account for this much of the offense you have to get PotG.

Week 2 Awards

Player of the Week: Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Dallas

Dude single handedly iced that game against LA.

Team of the Week: D.C. Defenders

Two weeks in a row, no I’m not being bias. 31-19 win last week. 27-0 this week. They’ve won two different ways, they have a top QB and Defense. They will get a chance to improve to 3-0 next week vs an 0-2 LA squad.

Game of the Week: Dallas Renegades vs LA Wildcats.

It was boring as hell through 45 minutes but that fourth quarter was awesome! Those teams are fun to watch.

“Shut up bro you’re not even good.” Guy of the Week: Matt McGloin, QB, New York

Interview of the Week: De’Mornay Pierson-El, thoughts with his family.

Thoughts

  • Cardale didn’t play great but he was solid again, got a little cocky with his decision making.
  • Defenders defense adding Anthony Johnson may be unfair.
  • LA should have won their game today, two red zone turnovers and an awful last possession, they’re better than 0-2.
  • Tampa Bay HC Marc Trestman is not a leader of men. Harsh I know.
  • Greg Olsen is VERY good in the booth. Doesn’t talk too much like some other announcers.
Jessica Simpson’s ex-boyfriend.
  • It’s easy and lazy to make the white WR to the Pats joke, but Roughneck WR Nick Holley gives me MAJOR Danny Woodhead vibes. The dude MOVES! (I know Woodhead was a RB.)
  • I’d like to see Holley on special teams, he’ll be 26 by the time the NFL season starts but there’s always room on a few rosters for versatile guys who play special teams. He also has to show he can stay healthy.
  • PJ Walker is nowhere near perfect, he needs to work on accuracy, BUT he could easily be an NFL backup. The question is does he want that?
  • Roughneck WR Cam Phillips was flagged for taking his helmet off after his second touchdown but not after his first? There shouldn’t be a penalty on either because that’s dumb at least give me some consistency.
  • WR’s Austin Proehl (Seattle), Nelson Spruce (LA), Cam Phillips (Houston), and DeAndre Thompkins (DC) are NFL talents imo.
  • I LOVE PUNTS!

OFFICIAL KJ SPORTS BLOG XFL POWER RANKINGS

  1. D.C. Defenders (2-0) – They have easily been the most well rounded team in the league. Offense, Defense, Special Teams they’re playing great all around.
  2. Houston Roughnecks (2-0) – They have some things that they need to work on defensively, second level missed a few tackles in the game against STL. Phillip Walker is easily the MVP through 2 weeks, he’s making that offense look better than other QB’s would.
  3. St. Louis BattleHawks (1-1) – The BattleHawks would absolutely be 2-0 if it weren’t for their turnover problems. Unlucky play on Ta’amu’s first pick, but bad decision making on the other. Jonathan Hayes is a great coach and should;d be able to help Ta’amu along. This is a good team.
  4. Dallas Renegades (1-1) – Dallas’ loss in WK1 came to a good STL team and without their starting QB. Their win today came with their starting QB who played awfully. If Landry Jones can pick it up, and I think he will, the Renegades will improve as he does.
  5. Seattle Dragons (1-1) – The Dragons played well in the WK1 loss to DC, they just had some mistakes that killed them, kind of like STL today. They’re not a great team, but they may be able to sneak in the playoffs if Dallas doesn’t improve.
  6. LA Wildcats (0-2) – “An 0-2 team in front of a 1-1 team? KJ Sports Blog what are you thinking?” LA’s first loss came without Josh Johnson their starter. Their second loss came in a game that they should have one and they improved a ton with the addition of Johnson.
  7. New York Guardians (1-1) – Maybe I’m over reacting but no I’m not. The Guardians are falling a part. Last week they beat a TB team that has failed to score an offensive TD this season, this week they got their doors blown off in DC and their QB called out their coach on live TV. That is #NotGood.
  8. Tampa Bay Vipers (0-2) – The Tampa Bay Vipers are not good. Their best QB started the season (2 weeks ago) as a RB. Their HC has proven to be a bad coach anywhere but Canada. They don’t have any real talent, their best player is their kicker. There is no hope for Tampa.

Your Guide to NBA All-Star Weekend 2020

The NBA will kickoff its annual All-Star Weekend festivities tonight at the the United Center in Chicago, IL. Here is a guide to everything you need to know for the upcoming weekend.

Friday – 2/14

Celebrity All-Star Game

I’ve become a bit of a NBA All-Star Celebrity Game connoisseur, the game has become a fun thing for me to watch at 2:00AM later that night because I can’t fall asleep and the only thing else that is on is that weird magic bullet commercial they’ve been playing since 2002.

The Head Coaches will be Stephen A. Smith and Michael Wilbon, with team Captains Chance the Rapper and Common.

There are some fun names playing in the game, Celebrity All-Star legend Quavo, Former NBA Stars Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles, and the big homie Spice Adams.

THE PICK: Team Stephen A. You saw the tweet, Spice for MVP. (Stephen A. also has a secret weapon on the coaching staff.)

Legend

Rising Stars Challenge

Team USA will take on Team World for the 5th straight year in the Rising Stars Challenge. (It’s a game not a challenge but whatever.)

This game also continues to have the coolest uniforms.

Team World is 3-2 all time under the Team USA vs. Team World format.

Luka and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are going to form an unbelievable backcourt but Team USA has more than enough to take care of business.

THE PICK: Team USA takes home the victory, Zion wins the games MVP award.

Saturday – 2/15

Taco Bell Skills Challenge

In the most looked over competition of the night the Skills Challenge has all it needs to be interesting this year. Three former winners (Tatum, Dinwiddie, and Beverley) will go against a lethal shooter (Middleton) and four future stars (Sabonis, Bam, Siakam, and SGA)

THE PICK: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – OKC, the kid has been unbelievable this year and isn’t getting the shine that other guys have. I expect him to go all out.

Mtn Dew 3-Point Contest

This 3-point contest is weird, I feel like half of these guys are either going to score 25+ or like 6. Harris and Booker have won the last two so expect their experience to edge out the competition.

THE PICK: Joe Harris – BKN, all he knows are sick beards and buckets.

AT&T Slam Dunk Contest

Dwight Howard is the only winner here but his win came TWELVE YEARS AGO. I don’t foresee him doing anything that will propel him to victory.

Pat Connaughton is explosive as hell and you know I’d love to root for a guy from Massachusetts but I can name four other Bucks that I’d rather see here.

Derrick Jones Jr. can jump out of the gym.

He easily could have won it the year Glenn Robinson III did. But this year he isn’t going against Glenn Robinson III.

Aaron Gordon.

This dude flies. He was, in many people’s opinions, robbed in 2016 in the Dunk Contest vs. Zack Lavine.

He came back in 2017 and put up a horrendous showing, scoring only a 38 and a 34, not even making the finals. So it’s pretty safe to say he’s been hit or miss. If he can capture the magic he had in 2016, he’s almost a lock.

THE PICK: Aaron Gordon – ORL, If he has an ounce of the creativity he had in 2016 he should walk away with the win.

Sunday – 2/16

69th NBA All-Star Game

nice.

Team LeBron will take on Team Giannis for the second year in a row. Team LeBron took home the victory last year 178-164.

The rosters have a lot of first time All-Stars.

Suns Guard Devin Booker will replace Damian Lillard on Team LeBron.

There is a new format this year that will honor Kobe Bryant.

The uniforms for this game are also sick.

Team LeBron Uniforms
Team Giannis Uniforms

Team LeBron will wear #2 to honor Gianna Bryant and Team Giannis will wear #24 to honor Kobe.

THE PICK: Team LeBron 149-129, MVP – Luka Doncic. I fully expect Luka to have 18 points and 40 assists.

Hope you enjoyed, have fun watching the celebrity game!

2 years ago. #NeverForget

Betts Trade Leaves Fans Puzzled

The trade that will send Mookie Betts and David Price from Boston to Los Angeles was finalized on Sunday.

HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 18: David Price #24 and Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox celebrate with the American League Championship Series trophy in the clubhouse after clinching the American League Championship Series in game five against the Houston Astros on October 18, 2018 at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)

After five days of deliberation between Boston, LA, and Minnesota, the original deal that was in place was scrapped in favor for a new deal that involves two separate trades instead of one three-team deal.

Here is a timeline of the overall situation.

Timeline

February 4th, 2020

Jeff Passan of ESPN reports the deal first.

ESPN Insider Kiley McDaniel reports on full terms of original deals.

McDaniel had a small typo. The pitcher involved on Los Angeles’ end was Kenta* Maeda

February 5th, 2020

A separate trade was then agreed upon between the Dodgers and Angels.


February 6th, 2020

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that the Red Sox are slow to approve of deal because of pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol’s medical history.

February 9th, 2020

Jeff Passan reports that new deals have been agreed upon.

Passan reports on the full deal here.

Rosenthal then announces the separate deal that will be completed along with the Betts deal.

Since the original deal fell apart, so did the Trade between the Angels and Dodgers.

Final Trades

Boston Gets:Los Angeles Gets
– Outfielder: Alex Verdugo
– Infielder: Jeter Downs
– Catcher Connor Wong		– Outfielder: Mookie Betts
– Starting Pitcher: David Price
– Cash
It is believed that the Red Sox will send the Dodgers $48M
Los Angeles GetsMinnesota Gets
Pitcher: Brusdar Graterol
Outfielder: Luke Raley
67th Pick in 2020 Draft		Pitcher: Kenta Maeda
$10M Cash

Reaction

The deal(s) were confusing from the start, ultimately the Red Sox ended up getting an extra prospect and a Top 50 prospect instead of Brusdar Graterol who had some medical concerns. There will for sure be retractors and there will also be the people who felt this needed to happen. I guess we’re just going to have to wait and see.

Check out the reactions from kids at UMass-Amherst in these threads below.

XFL Week 1 Recap

The XFL opened up their 2020 season this past weekend playing 2 games on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. Here is all that happened.

Game Recaps

Seattle Dragons 19 – D.C. Defenders 31

Defenders and Dragons lining up after halftime of Saturday’s matchup.

The Defenders opened up the XFL’s inaugural*** season with an impressive 31-19 win over Seattle. They showed why they’re called the Defenders, forcing 3 turnovers and scoring 2 ST/Defensive touchdowns including this blocked punt.

Seattle’s QB Brandon Silvers threw 3 TD’s but also had two ugly interceptions, including 1 that was returned for a Touchdown.

Player of the Game: Cardale Jones, QB, D.C.

Jones played very well, throwing for 2 touchdowns and having 319 yards combined through the air on the ground. (It doesn’t make sense but Cardale Jones is a very good scrambler.) One of his touchdowns came on a sweeeeeeeeet double flea flicker to TE Khari Lee.

Houston Roughnecks 37 – LA Wildcats 17

Roughneck WR Nick Holley making a great catch over the middle on Saturday night.

Houston sports fans got to smile and enjoy sports for the first time in a while as the Roughnecks dominated their matchup against LA on Saturday, pulling away easily in the second half.

PJ Walker played phenomenally throwing for 272 yards and 4 (FOUR!) touchdowns, getting them early and often.

Former Steelers third round pick Sammie Coates played well but struggled with consistency just as he did in the NFL. It will be interesting to see how he develops throughout the season. Also an interesting note, he was playing special teams, something that may help him crack a roster come the fall.

Although he played pretty well, Coates was overshadowed by fellow WR Nick Holley who made an unbelievable catch in the third quarter that helped the Roughnecks start to pull away.

Player of the Game: PJ Walker, QB, Houston

It was never going to be anything else. Walker is looking like the absolute TRUTH.

New York Guardians 23 – Tampa Bay Vipers 3

TB RB Jaques Patrick and NY LB Ben Heeney meet in the hole.

The Tampa Bay Vipers aren’t very good. Marc Trestman’s team could only muster up 3 points as QB Aaron Murray threw 2 INT in the first half, was benched, came back in and fumbled, and was benched again. Look for Quentin Flowers to get more playing time moving forward.

One of Murray’s interceptions was particularly brutal coming on 1st and Goal.

Other than that, the game was incredible boring.

Player of the Game: Jamar Summers, CB, New York

Summers had a very impressive scoop and score.

He is also hilarious.

St. Louis Battlehawks 15 – Dallas Renegades 9

Renegades RB Marquis Young making a defender miss.

Pat McAfee was on the sideline for this game and well…. he was pat McAfee

Landry Jones missed the game with a knee injury.

St. Louis RB Keith Ford had an impressive TD run right before the half.

The first half was low scoring with both teams tied up at 6.

Although there wasn’t much scoring there were some BIG hits.

Former Patriot Steve Beauhuarnis made a very un-Patriot like play.

St. Louis S Will Hill sealed the game with an interception.

The Battlehawks look like they’re going to be a fun team. They had a party after the game in the “Bud Light Seltzer Lounge”

Player of the Game: Marquette King, P, St. Louis

Despite Steve Beauhaurnis trying to ruin it for him, King almost downed a punt at the 1 without any help, he also made Jerrod Heard muff his last punt with the backspin. King will be in an NFL camp.

Week 1 Awards

Player of the Week: PJ Walker, QB, Houston Roughnecks

Walker did everything for Houston, he ran and threw the ball all over the place. He owns every single passing record in XFL history. How could I not pick him. The dude is ridiculous.

Team of the Week: D.C. Defenders

The Defenders where the lone team to be able to put it all together, scoring a touchdown on Offense, Defense, and Special Teams.

Social Media Team of the Week: @XFLDefenders

Weirdo Fan of the Week: Cheese Guy

Dummy of the Week: Ricky Walker, DT, Tampa Bay

HE’S WEARING! A HELMET!

Thoughts

  • I like most of the new rules. They all seem like they will improve the watchability of the product. The rule where the clock stops after every play under 2:00 is going to provide some outrageous moments.
  • The XFL is good at Twitter.
  • The 10 minute halftime is awesome. I’d much rather have that than listen to a bunch of former coaches and players bumble around for 20 minutes.
  • The sideline interviews are incredible. They provide for some funny and some very cool moments.
  • I don’t know if it’s an ESPN mandate but they are pushing the gambling aspects HARD. I barely noticed it from the FOX broadcast.
  • Football games in Baseball stadiums are what I live for.

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

Follow @ftbeard1 on Twitter, he provided a lot of the video tweets I used.

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