“…fatalist Russian peasant approach to Cousins: like winter, he will return, bringing a hardship which has at least grown manageable and familiar. “. This is why I’m here! And It’s great to read you freed from the shackles of SEO and click bait!
I love this series; the annual offseason nonsense index. Too bad last year's is scrubbed from THIS universe; in another one messenger.com is still around and in a 3rd its dead but all its archives are still up like grantland.com
What it is that the Seahawks love to get the last season of Hall of Famers?
Franco Harris as you mentioned, but also Jerry Rice, recent inductees Devin Hester and Dwight Freeney, future inductee Jason Peters, potential inductee Greg Olsen. The list goes on. Maybe Derrick Henry to the Seahawks is the Franco Harris to the Seahawks of this era.
The predictable tragedy of the Vikings fan is the knowledge that if The Kirkster's achilles stays intact they likely woulda' made the playoffs, to be easily crushed in the divisional round at the latest, and that failure to re-sign him will likely mean no better than 5-12 next year, but "success" in resigning him likely means no better than 8-9. Ah, the nihilist in me says to burn it all down, just for the spectacle!
This is the unanswerable question re NFL team-building in the modern era. Teams at 8-9 are on the cusp of success and, in theory, only need to improve in two to three areas to be on the verge of Super Bowl success. That's as little as one or two good drafts that find impact players in the later rounds. Is that likely? Or more likely, at least, than going backwards and becoming a 5-12 team that now has even more needs and more roster construction work to do, but has a better chance at catching lightning in the bottle with a new impact player (i.e. star QB) at the top of the draft?
Well, the Vikings don't currently have any replacement level pass rushers under contract, nor do they have a adequate talent in dbs. They are not young. The only possible reason to devote a new contract to Cousins is because you either franchise or sign Jefferson to a new deal, and don't want him to go full wr prima donna by having a Nathan Peterman equivalent throwing him the ball. It's a mess, top to bottom, brought on mostly by too many bad draft picks. Let it burn!
I'm a Ravens fan. Hard to pass up on that one. Plus you never said anything about the passing of Norm Snead, four-time Pro-Bowler, and holder of several interesting records.
“…fatalist Russian peasant approach to Cousins: like winter, he will return, bringing a hardship which has at least grown manageable and familiar. “. This is why I’m here! And It’s great to read you freed from the shackles of SEO and click bait!
Awesome. Long form is where its at.
So you're saying Rodgers has McAfee building him a back-lit shelf for the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year award trophy?
He is building a back-lit "Aaron is coming back from haters and doubters who tried to cancel him" narrative.
Exactly what I signed up for. Entertaining and insightful.
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
I love this series; the annual offseason nonsense index. Too bad last year's is scrubbed from THIS universe; in another one messenger.com is still around and in a 3rd its dead but all its archives are still up like grantland.com
Bills fans are aware, and most will actually be furious if WR isn't addressed. But, you know, tables will still be smashed.
Also, I used to work occasionally at a location off of Paterson-Plank Road, and I can confirm its inter-dimensional gateway-ness.
I once left Giants training camp for lunch in Rutherford and drove 45 minutes to get back.
Yeah, first time I was there was my first time driving in Jersey. I got lost for 2.5 hours when they sent me to get lunch, so I feel you.
What it is that the Seahawks love to get the last season of Hall of Famers?
Franco Harris as you mentioned, but also Jerry Rice, recent inductees Devin Hester and Dwight Freeney, future inductee Jason Peters, potential inductee Greg Olsen. The list goes on. Maybe Derrick Henry to the Seahawks is the Franco Harris to the Seahawks of this era.
I could totally see that happening!
Great article Mike! Highly informative and engaging!!
Thanks!
The predictable tragedy of the Vikings fan is the knowledge that if The Kirkster's achilles stays intact they likely woulda' made the playoffs, to be easily crushed in the divisional round at the latest, and that failure to re-sign him will likely mean no better than 5-12 next year, but "success" in resigning him likely means no better than 8-9. Ah, the nihilist in me says to burn it all down, just for the spectacle!
This is the unanswerable question re NFL team-building in the modern era. Teams at 8-9 are on the cusp of success and, in theory, only need to improve in two to three areas to be on the verge of Super Bowl success. That's as little as one or two good drafts that find impact players in the later rounds. Is that likely? Or more likely, at least, than going backwards and becoming a 5-12 team that now has even more needs and more roster construction work to do, but has a better chance at catching lightning in the bottle with a new impact player (i.e. star QB) at the top of the draft?
Well, the Vikings don't currently have any replacement level pass rushers under contract, nor do they have a adequate talent in dbs. They are not young. The only possible reason to devote a new contract to Cousins is because you either franchise or sign Jefferson to a new deal, and don't want him to go full wr prima donna by having a Nathan Peterman equivalent throwing him the ball. It's a mess, top to bottom, brought on mostly by too many bad draft picks. Let it burn!
the Snooki comparison has me ROTFLOL. just amazing! being a packer fan, every critique of the cowboys is a joyous occasion.
great piece, and I laughed out loud at "Pickett's Blarg" (it took me a 2nd read)
Man am I a slow reader but no complaints plowing through this one… Rewarding! Thanks 🙏🏻!
This is so good…
I'm a Ravens fan. Hard to pass up on that one. Plus you never said anything about the passing of Norm Snead, four-time Pro-Bowler, and holder of several interesting records.
Enjoyed this as always :)
Gregg Knapp? Had to look him up, and, my condolences to his family.
I fixed that one. I have a bad name-mixup problem.