That Aud Smell

I'd have no way of knowing. 8th in points scored last year, lower mid-pack in yards, and tops in fewest turnovers. That sounds not ungood? Guaranteed money, or GTFO with your updates, Florio.

It's a pretty steep drop-off from B-more and Seattle, though. Also, it seems more than fair to say that the team uses the pass to open up the run. It's interesting. The Seahawks were dead last in passes attempted last season, but they were 5th or 6th (not sure, tbh) in passing TD's. Right. And I wonder if part of their rushing attempt # is a function of how much offence they're able to run. They finished 2nd in total # of plays run on O last season. Fwiw, they were 11th in passing attempts. Balanced.

What do you make of Seattle? They run the ball a funk ton. Less so of interest (because I think their QB skewed the stat), but also same question re Baltimore.

Sure, and I'd submit that having Belichick encompasses knowing the rule book better, being better prepared, and pushing the envelope of lawful conduct. Over the last few years, I've heard multiple former NFL players speak to the fact that the Pats just work harder than (most) other teams. And probably work smarter, too.

I also saw on the wire that the Patriots very recently gave up on - released? traded for a 7th? - a DB that they took in a recent draft's 2nd round. Their personnel decisions are probably about the same as a lot of teams' decisions, on balance. Granted, we're probably talking the top third (or maybe just the top half) of the league. Having Brady and Belichick masks almost all of those mistakes. Also, not for nothing, it's a helluva lot easier to be a competent O-lineman for the Patriots because you have a guy back there who consistently gets rid of the ball after a quick three step drop.

^ I dig it all! Thanks.

Not sure who/what that is. My resident Swifties had fallen out with her over Reputation, but are swearing their allegiance anew over the new album. I haven't listened to it (I, of course, know about the "calm down" song), but the title track has a cool, languid, spare, smolder-y vibe.

I was in the car and tuned into some of the pregame with Schopp, Brown, and Wood. I didn’t know who Wood was initially. I’m here to say: He was really good. Smart. Insightful. Funny. Solid folksy voice.

Dunno. His mom on Twitter, Otoh, seems pretty great.

But there's a specific sort of crazy/stupid at play with the helicopter parents. And it extends well beyond this setting. Take for example someone who has worked in higher ed administration for 30+ years -- ask them how often they heard from students' parents in the 1990s about kids' grades and then how often they hear from students' parents about grades today. Stark difference. Not for nothing: Was there talk that Hodgson had some of this going on with his dad?

Dude. Did you see the footage (with the good audio)? Those people were totally booing Andrew Luck.

Well, yeah. It's a column, not a news report. He was providing takes, not really reporting facts.

Presumably deleted. And screen-capped.

His mom?! Oh, lord. Jones was running with the 3’s at one point in a preseason game. That seemed significant.

Also: The hell is going on with Zay Jones? His name is all over my Twitter TL, but I can’t divine why.

This is about where I landed. It was regrettable but somewhat understandable that several hundred (maybe 1000+?) diehard fans (they were still in the stadium during the walk off of a preseason game) would, in the moment, boo the face of the franchise for unexpectedly retiring on the eve of a Superbowl or bust season. Beer may have had a role too. Now, if Indy fans continue to boo Luck going forward? That’s gonna be a real problem.

Dude. That was awesome.

Having read the piece, it certainly has a certain angle and agenda about it. But it's fair game for the columnist to read body language and in between the lines. It's also sort of interesting to think that McDavid and Eichel are in somewhat similar spots --- max term deals with teams that have not become good around them. At least McDavid had a playoff run.

That dude who wrote the piece ... Cathal Kelly. His name and picture ring a bell with me. Has he written hack pieces in the past? Or do I remember him because he's good?

Where would he play? 3rd line?

^ Sheesh

@PASabreFan: I could not find any of the old threads where we discussed the nature of an owner's ownership of a pro sports club -- maybe they're gone forever? These were the threads where you talked about the Sabres as a community asset not unlike the BPO, etc. I was fairly contrary to that position. Anyway, this was the best match I could find, so I am plunking it here. The inimitable Arlo White and the good fans of Bury FC in England are of a mind with you. Thank God for subtitles.

they apparently did such a bad job that none of the fans would smile for the photos that were taken for the promotional campaign. ha. honestly, i don't have a take on what the canucks did for their 50th.

Metallica was at CMAC?!

Also: Your sitting neighbours are in-line with my gripe about the vibe there.