#Tom Brady traded down

[kingsoverjacks]

Stunning Bridget Moynihan

[sportsconvergence]

"Chapel Bill" - Belichick to UNC

I may be proven wrong, but I think this is destined to fail.

Bill Belichick certainly knows football.  There is no debating that.  However, regardless of what he has shown he can do between the sidelines, it’s the stuff that happens outside the sidelines in the college game he’s never had to face that will drive him nuts, including:

Having to deal with the never-ending meat grinder of recruiting 16- to 18-year-old kids (and their parents and NIL handlers) to sign with your team.

Having to make sure those same kids go to class and do what’s necessary to stay eligible.

Having to go down to the Chapel Hill police station at 2am on Saturday morning to bail your starting left tackle out of jail after he threw a sophomore through a window at a frat party.

Having to go on the “rubber chicken” lecture circuit and glad-hand all the boosters.

Having to go before the faculty senate and answer questions about how his program has brought lots of undisciplined thugs to campus.

Having to do the weekly radio show where the “Tyler from Spartanburg” types call in and question in-game decisions and the overall direction of the program.

Having to share the spotlight with another varsity team on campus that is immensely more popular and has a longer pedigree of success.

Bill Belichick has NEVER coached a day in college and has NEVER had to do any of those things.  I can’t imagine a man who won six Super Bowl rings is going to put up with all that peripheral activity for very long.

Beyond that, there’s a much more important reason why I don’t see this working out for UNC.

Long-time NFL coaches struggle to achieve sustained success at the college level because they are not used to managing a 100+ player roster.  They don’t understand the importance of building depth for future years.  In the NFL, they can build a roster from scratch every off season.  College coaches cannot do that.  You cannot use the transfer portal in the same way you use the NFL draft and free agency to build a team.  The players in college aren’t mature enough to handle that.   And there’s not an option to trade for a player to upgrade your roster in the middle of the season, something Belichick did frequently in the NFL. A younger coach might be able to adapt to the realities of the college roster.  But a 72-year-old coach whose ENTIRE CAREER (50 years) has been in the NFL?  I highly doubt it.

And lest we forget, his head coaching record is 85-102 when he doesn’t have Tom Brady at quarterback.

My guess is Belichick will put up with it for a year, maybe two, and then turn over the program to his son, who has no experience as a head coach.  

As I said before, I could be wrong about this and he succeeds in Chapel Hill. But it's more likely that five years from now UNC fans will be saying, “we should have hired Jeff Monken instead.” 

[anthonybialy]

A Timeout on Buffalo Bills Mismanaging Games

The Bills are in the zone.  That’s not praise unlike how Seymour Skinner uses the term.  A rather rotten couple days for the non-lacrosse portion of Buffalo sports features the common unappealing aspect of refusing to adapt.  Stubbornly sticking with a defense that put turnstiles to shame is like not trading away traffic cones posing as defensemen.  Franchises sharing common traits isn’t necessarily comforting.

Who blew it first?  The study of cause and effect can help prevent future letdowns even if it’s not fun itself.  The lack of rushing offense can rightfully be blamed on the utter lack of defense.  I’ve been told the Bills have a defensive-minded head coach.  They might’ve given up 50 if they didn’t. 

Matt Ellis might as well coach special teams for the Bills, too.  With countless variables on every play, the difference comes down to one spectacular play.  A punt block is as rare as Tom Brady saying something interesting.  I would rather listen to him bitch about a quarterback being protected because of his precedent.  Clearing his throat on the air sounds as terrific as his alleged insight.

The defensive line is undersized but not quick enough.  There’s supposed to be upside with that conjunction.  Lucky Bills fans get to decide if A.J. Epenesa notably making bad decisions is as regrettable as Ed Oliver not noticed at all.  The latter is the Dylan Cozens of the Bills who did the hard work of getting a spectacular contract and figured his job was done.

An interior defensive linemen’s impact can’t always be measured statistically.  The monolithic Ted Washington dominated games where he’d only stop a few plays directly.  But a 3-4 nose tackle’s role differs entirely from the club’s present style where members are supposed to be directly disruptive.  Oliver is shifty in the wrong way.  Buffalo’s richest deadbeat is presently averaging fewer than one tackle per game and one sack per season.  

The secondary plays along by not playing particularly well.  Rasul Douglas defends like Owen Power, but at least the football version wasn’t a waste of a first overall opportunity.

Buffalo gambled the Rams would tire of throwing to Puka Nacua.  Trying to get ahead on trends is common amongst visionaries who anticipate a future.  But the urge to change first can backfire if a certain tendency remains.  To the shock of all, the Rams kept throwing to the player who found the softest spots in a cushy zone.

Teams can’t overtake earlier screwups when they keep committing them.  Rushing the ball at the goal line when they needed every timeout was one of those infuriating decisions that every fan could see constituted a grievous miscalculation as it happened.  Hindsight is unnecessary to see what failed in progress.

Diners who cite previous hunger as excuse for lousy meals tell you to shut up and eat your Domino’s.  Consistency means one coach holds the team back.  It’s true in losses and wins that are too close.  Sean McDermott not only does too little to help Allen but also makes maddening decisions that squander the greatest gift he’ll ever be given.  Ralphie may as well have left his BB gun in the yard to rust.

It’s so unfair that Buffalo teams have to play ones based near palm trees.  Yet the all-time excuse doesn’t quite hold up.  The People’s Republic of California’s Rams are taxed like New Yorkers, which means the outcome doesn’t make sense.  The only way the hockey side could get worse is if the general manager responsible for assembling such a useless roster is inept, smug, and defiant.  Kevyn Adams knows just how to fix football problems.  It’s not part of his job tasks.  But he’s a team player.

I prefer when the clubs distract from each other with at least one victory.  Instead, only the Bandits provide relief as the city’s other two teams found different aggravating ways to lose.  The erstwhile hockey school supervisor’s stirring Herb Brooks-esque press conference motivated everyone in and out of sports.  But it backfired by motivating the Utah hockey club, which is also known as the Utah Hockey Club.  Blowing a smaller lead against the Red Wings than the epic meltdown versus the Avalanche will have to suffice as progress.

Wasting incredible moments is less common for the football department than the hockey one, but that doesn’t make it less frustrating when it happens.  You may have heard about Buffalo’s quarterback making spectacular plays on his lonesome.  Josh Allen creating half a dozen touchdowns in a loss summarizes the worst fear of Bills fans.

Buffalo’s sole hope didn’t again score on a pass to himself, but his personal results were still acceptable.  Those around him letting him down is part of his accepted burden.  McDermott is a terrific coach if he’s the one telling Allen to evade every attempt at tackling and either throw it to someone semi-open or cut out the middleman.  Khalil Shakir played spectacularly in reliability.

The Bills better be desperate to prove losing to the Rams was an exception.  The upcoming trendy Super Bowl pick won’t happen if the visitors continue to indulge in a troubled version of themselves.  A loss resonates if it shows opponents how to inflict more.

Top teams don’t allow lapses this often.  A multiple choice test where the taker gets 10 out of 13 correct is good enough to make the NFL honor roll but not speak at graduation.  The valedictorian gets to hoist a confetti-streaked trophy.  If the Bills consider themselves a candidate to finish at the top of their party school’s class, they need their coach to learn how clocks work.

Trying to overcome earlier mishaps is an unwelcome theme.  A Bills game featuring a fruitless effort to eliminate a sizable deficit is reminiscent of the semiannual vain Sabres attempt to make the playoffs after putzing early.  Allen is a dual threat who often looks like he’s surrounded by no other threats.  Citing their impressive record as a case against ingratitude is an excuse for poor management and nonexistent adjustments.  Good enough isn’t great.

[ozzyscollectiblehub]

Randy Moss: The Unstoppable Force of the NFL

When you think of the most electrifying and game-changing players in NFL history, one name that undoubtedly comes to mind is Randy Moss. The 6'4" wide receiver out of Rand, West Virginia, was a once-in-a-generation talent who revolutionized the game with his speed, size, and playmaking ability. From his legendary rookie season to his Hall of Fame career, Moss left an indelible mark on the NFL, creating a legacy that still echoes through football fields across the world.

Early Life and College Dominance

Randy Moss grew up in Rand, West Virginia, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track. His raw athleticism and competitive nature made him a standout, but it was football where he truly shined. Despite his obvious talent, Moss’s path to the NFL was far from smooth. After an initial commitment to Notre Dame, legal troubles derailed his plans, and he ended up transferring to Marshall University.

At Marshall, Moss’s abilities were on full display. He dominated the college football scene, leading the Thundering Herd to a national championship at the Division I-AA level. His explosive speed, leaping ability, and natural instincts made him nearly impossible to defend. In just two seasons, Moss caught 54 touchdowns and amassed over 3,500 receiving yards. By the time he declared for the 1998 NFL Draft, he was widely regarded as one of the most talented wide receivers ever to enter the league.

Rookie Sensation with the Minnesota Vikings

Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 21st overall pick in 1998, Randy Moss wasted no time making an impact. In his rookie season, he set the NFL on fire, catching 69 passes for 1,313 yards and an astonishing 17 touchdowns. Moss’s combination of speed and size was unlike anything the league had ever seen. He was the ultimate deep threat, able to outrun defensive backs and leap over them with ease. His rookie season culminated in an unforgettable performance on Thanksgiving Day, where he caught three passes — all for touchdowns — showcasing his game-breaking potential.

Moss was the perfect fit in the Vikings’ high-octane offense, led by quarterback Randall Cunningham and fellow receivers Cris Carter and Jake Reed. His arrival propelled Minnesota to a 15–1 record and an NFC Championship appearance. Though they fell short of a Super Bowl appearance, Moss’s rookie campaign cemented his status as a superstar.

The “You Got Mossed” Era

Throughout his career, Randy Moss made jaw-dropping catches look routine. His ability to make circus catches, often while blanketed by defenders, became so iconic that “getting Mossed” became a common phrase in football vernacular. Whether it was outjumping two defenders or snagging a ball with one hand, Moss’s athletic feats seemed otherworldly.

He became the ultimate deep-ball receiver. With the flick of a wrist, quarterbacks could launch the ball downfield, confident that Moss would find a way to come down with it. Defensive coordinators struggled to devise schemes that could stop him, and cornerbacks dreaded matchups against him. His presence alone changed how defenses played, often requiring double or triple coverage just to slow him down.

The Move to New England and Record-Breaking Season

After successful stints with the Vikings and a short period with the Oakland Raiders, Moss was traded to the New England Patriots in 2007. In what would become one of the most memorable seasons in NFL history, Moss and quarterback Tom Brady formed a lethal partnership. The Patriots went 16–0 in the regular season, with Moss setting a then-record 23 receiving touchdowns, surpassing the previous mark held by Jerry Rice.

Moss’s contributions were crucial to the Patriots’ offensive dominance, but they came up short in Super Bowl XLII, losing to the New York Giants in a stunning upset. Despite the loss, Moss’s 2007 season remains one of the greatest by a wide receiver in NFL history, and his chemistry with Brady made that Patriots team one of the most dominant ever assembled.

Legacy and Impact

Randy Moss retired with 982 receptions, 15,292 yards, and 156 receiving touchdowns — second all-time in NFL history at the time. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, a testament to his game-changing abilities and impact on the sport.

Beyond the stats, Moss’s legacy is etched into the culture of football. He redefined what it meant to be a wide receiver, setting the standard for future generations. His signature “Mossed” moments, combined with his larger-than-life personality, made him one of the most popular and influential players of his era.

His dominance on the field also paved the way for future stars who, like Moss, possessed a combination of size, speed, and athleticism. Players such as Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, and DeAndre Hopkins owe a part of their success to the trail blazed by Randy Moss.

Life After Football

Since retiring from the NFL, Randy Moss has remained in the public eye as a football analyst, appearing on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” and other NFL programming. His insights and passion for the game shine through in his media career, making him a fan favorite off the field as well.

Moss has also dedicated time to his charitable foundation, the Randy Moss Foundation, which focuses on giving back to underprivileged children and communities. His work in philanthropy highlights the impact he continues to have beyond football.

Randy Moss will forever be remembered as one of the most electrifying players in NFL history. His unique combination of speed, size, and athleticism redefined what was possible for wide receivers, and his legendary performances have become part of football folklore. From his record-breaking rookie season to his unforgettable run with the Patriots, Moss’s career is a testament to the power of pure talent and the indomitable will to be the best.

In the words of Randy Moss himself, “Straight cash, homie.” He was a player who did things his way, and in doing so, changed the game forever.

[proudnerd]

Additional story from an eagles fan. In 2012 the Philadelphia Eagles drafted Nick Foles. 2012 was an ROUGH year. Eagles went 4-12 and their head coach Andy Reid got fired. Remember Reid, he'll come up again later.

In 2013 under new head coach Chip Kelly, Foles and the Eagles did pretty well. Went 10-6 and made the playoffs...

but in 2014 Kelly traded him to the Rams for a different QB named Sam Bradford. And unfortunately for Foles the Rams head coach at the time was Jeff Fisher the renown QB killer. Like all Qbs under Fisher, Foles did not play well and was actually considering retirement after he was released after 2015.

in 2016 Foles decided to stay in the league after all as a backup QB for the chiefs under, look at that Andy Reid. While all that was going on Chip Kelly also got fired because Foles wasn't the only guy Kelly got rid of and it turns out getting rid of all your core players isn't great roster management especially when the rest of the NFL has figured out your gimmicks. So the eagles end up hiring Doug Pederson a qb coach who was previously working for, look at that! It's Andy Reid again. The eagles also trade Sam Bradford and use the picks to draft qb Carson Wentz in the 2016 draft. Wentz has a meh rookie year but shows potential so folks are hopeful for next season.

Before the 2017 season starts the eagles sign some really good free agents in the offseason. Oh and in relatively minor news they also sign a backup qb who is, guess what Nick Foles! He's back in Philadelphia. And the eagle have a fantastic 2017 season. Until we play the Rams. Who are also having a great year with new head coach Sean McVay. So it's a competitive game Carson Wentz attempts to dive in the end zone for a touchdown and due to a freak tackle Wentz tears his ACL, and the soul is torn out of eagles fans everywhere. Wentz had been eagles fans Superman that year, with him down nobody had any hope. The eagles just barely manage to hold onto the top seed, and nobody really feels overly optimistic going into the playoffs. But then they beat the Falcons. Which while Foles played alright was mostly because of the defense....but then the Vikings game happens, and suddenly Nick Foles is on fire. Eagles win 38-7, and suddenly anything is possible. The eagles go into the Super Bowl with a back up QB against Bill Belichick and Tom Brady! Who happen to be the exact same head coach and QB they played against the last time they went to the Super Bowl and lost. And Nick Foles fucking wins it! In one of the best Super Bowls ever. And for eagles fans who watched all of that develop over the course of five years it was absolutely glorious. And I didn't even get into the decades of history that came before it. Andy Reid was the longest tenured head coach in eagles history he was the head coach when the eagles lost their last Super Bowl there is SO MUCH that I could get into there.

it's kind of sad how people who dismiss sports as like distant from and duller than other forms of entertainment don't understand the narrative nature of anything involving a team or a league or any other kind of shared history. bengie molina was the giants' star catcher for four years; he caught their phenom pitcher tim lincecum to both of his cy young awards (tim would go on the record saying he felt half of each award belonged to bengie). then in 2010 he was abruptly traded to the texas rangers to make room in the giants for rookie catcher buster posey, who ended up being an utter sensation, both behind the plate and beside it; he was recognized as one of the best players in the whole mlb at the time.

the rangers and the giants won their respective leagues in the 2010 postseason to become the two contenders for the world series. molina caught for the rangers. he squatted behind his former teammates and worked to trick them and evade them and take them out. he caught while buster posey batted. he batted while tim lincecum pitched to him

[pint4punt]

And the Lombardi goes to:

What NFL Fanbases’ Bullshit Sob Story Deserves it All

Championship Sunday is finally upon us and boy have the scriptwriters got compelling stories this go round! With the playoffs narrowed down to the final four, we’ve got unforgettable narratives for…….almost all of the QBs still in this! Statistics, scheme, and matchups be damned (let’s be honest you’ve heard every prediction imaginable since these matchups were set).

Today we’ll be focusing on what really matters. Who has the most compelling sob story for quality Super Bowl ratings! Who could forget classics such as ‘Tom Brady Builds a Super Team to Prove it was Him All Along’ or the all star cast of Matthew Stafford, Odell Beckham Jr., and Von Miller in ‘The NFL Really Wants the Robust LA Market!’ featuring Snoop Dogg on the original motion picture soundtrack! You see a ‘may the best team win approach’ is fine for a place setter, but storylines put asses in the seats! And don’t worry, as bad as our jokes are, Jo Koy had little to no involvement in this article! So which Lombardi win makes the best headline? Here are the nominees:

Lamar Jackson

Since he declared for the draft Lamar Jackson has had to overcome widespread perception that he was closer to a skill position player than a signal caller. Many scouts questioned his ability to cut it in the pros at the Quarterback position. This stigma was so strong that Lamar fell all the way to the last pick of the First Round.

John Harbaugh believed in Lamar so strongly, that he reinvented himself and rebuilt his entire Offense around Jackson’s skill set. Shit, I would roll the dice too if my job was on the line after several middling seasons with an aging Joe Flacco! Either it works and you look like a genius or it fails catastrophically and you go out with a bang. Luckily for Harbaugh and Lamar, it was the latter with the now presumably 2x MVP set to play in his first AFC Championship game. Lamar has already shaken off the narrative of him not showing up in the playoffs just by making this game. But knocking off the QB who owns a 3-1 record over him for a trip to Sin City would be Oscar gold! Not bad for a running back.

Jared Goff

Everyone loves a comeback story. An underdog achieving in the face of adversity. A character finding a new lease on life and showing all the doubters they were wrong about him. There may not be a better archetype of that narrative than former 1st overall pick Jared Goff and the historically downtrodden Detroit Lions.

After being sent to die in Detroit, a franchise that has seemingly been in a perpetual state of rebuild for damn near the entirety of its existence, Goff watched from afar as Sean McVay gushed over his new QB Matthew Stafford and his old team held up the trophy he could never give them. Following two seasons with no playoff appearances, Goff seized the opportunity to prove to McVay that he’s not a virgin anymore by out-dueling his replacement to give Detroit their first playoff win in 30 years and keep Stafford winless in Ford Field in the post season.

Now he has the Lions on the precipice of a Super Bowl appearance with a chance to give Detroit its first ever Lombardi. Apparently the grass isn’t always greener on the other side……except in this case where it totally is seeing as how the Rams already won their second Super Bowl like two seasons ago thanks specifically to the Stafford trade, while the Lions are still fighting the good fight for Lombardi number one. But hey, everyone’s happy now right?

Brock Purdy

Is there a more inspiring yet polarizing figure in the NFL than Brock Purdy? He’s like a ‘Make a Wish’ kid that the media wants to beat the living shit out of on sight. In fact, we’re fairly certain Ryan Clark has his picture on a punching bag in his home and regularly unleashes a fury of blows onto an 8.5 x 11 cut out of Mr. Irrelevant. But why? Why does the NFL version of Michael Cera incite as much vitriol as….well Michael Cera?

As the last pick of the draft, Purdy was lucky to even make the final roster of a team that was coming off its 2nd conference championship appearance in 3 years. The depth chart in front of him featured a veteran who had taken the Niners to a Super Bowl and a guy Shanahan gave up his left nut for the year before. But Purdy was like that one sperm that ultimately reached conception, despite overwhelming odds, he just wouldn’t be denied!

Following season ending injuries to both Trey Lance and Jimmy G, Purdy took over a Super Bowl contender mid season…..and might have led them to a Super Bowl were it not for a devastating elbow injury in the NFC Championship that ended San Francisco’s dream run. One year and one UCL repair later, Purdy and the Niners picked right up where they left off and now find themselves back in the Conference Title game as if nothing happened. That’s like Greta Thunberg single-handedly fighting off an army of Exxon Oil’s greatest assassins or Joe Biden finishing a Dr. Seuss book with no assistance. We don’t know what’s up the media’s ass, but that seems pretty impressive for a game manager!

Patrick Mahomes

And then there’s Mahomes. The Meryl Streep in all of this. The one who had the least impressive performance with the least impressive story who you just know is going to spoil all the fun of the more deserving nominees. On paper, this fucker shouldn’t even be here let alone have a puncher’s chance with the way their regular season looked. But that’s what makes Patrick Mahomes, well Patrick Mahomes.

He’s like the Lebron James of football. Or better yet, the Tom Brady….of football…. Poor analogies aside, Mahomes defies all logic and drags inferior teams to the promise land. Sure the script doesn’t favor him this year, but guess what? It didn’t favor him last week against the Buffalo team that finally had him their house this postseason! Or in the Super Bowl last year against Jalen Hurts who mostly outplayed him before…..whatever this season was!

The simple fact of the matter is anyone who pays attention already knows how this ends. Mahomes is going to win the god damn Super Bowl….again. Why?!!! Because the academy, the scriptwriters, and the NFL writ large are lazy as all hell! And dynasties keep the fans coming back, just on the off chance that their pessimistic hopes of a downfall might finally come to fruition….even though they probably won’t until the NFL’s new golden boy is well past his prime. And the Lombardi goes to…….the same son of a bitch it always goes to!!!!! Hopefully we’re wrong and we get a fresh story this time around. Otherwise tune in next year for another crappy sequel with a few minor tweaks. Happy Championship Sunday!

[pumathoughts]

Super Wild-card Weekend Rundown

It’s that time of year again, NFL Playoffs! We begin as always with Super Wildcard Weekend, here is my rundown of all the games:

NFL Super Wild-card weekend: Jan. 13, 14 and 15

NFC

(7) Green Bay Packers at (2) Dallas Cowboys

Sunday, 4:30 p.m. ET on Fox

These are 2 teams with different expectations on the season. Jordan Love has played well and the Packers the last 2 games of the season played good defense and got the most out of their young core to make the playoffs. The Dallas Cowboys are Super Bowl or bust, CeeDee Lamb is arguably the second best WR in football and the defense overall is a take away machine. The Cowboys I think will try to pressure Love into bad throws, and be opportunistic in creating take aways. This to me is the Cowboys game to lose, only question is can Tony Pollard get going in the run game because he is the home run threat on the ground in space. Green Bay went on a 3 game win streak to end the season and Dallas leaving a lot to be desired to end their season. Dallas won impressively in week 14 against Philadelphia, then a bad loss to Buffalo, another loss to Miami, an illegal touching penalty win against Detroit and a dismantling of Washington to maybe get right? The Cowboys are the better team and they are home. Even with the struggles Dallas should get past the Packers and into the Divisional round.

(6) Los Angeles Rams at (3) Detroit Lions

Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET on NBC

This one is going to tug on the heart strings. Matt Stafford returns to Detroit to face his old Lions and frankly the Rams might spoil Detroit’s first home playoff game in ages. The Rams are a hot team coming into the playoffs, 7-1 since a week 10 bye, only loss was an overtime loss to Baltimore in week 14. Puka Nacua came out of nowhere and is shattering expectations. He and Cooper Kupp are a formidable duo at WR, and Kyren Williams has brought stability to a ground game that have made the Rams a really tough matchup for anyone and unfortunately it has to be the Lions. I want good things for Detroit, and they deserve to go far in the playoffs. I just don’t see how a defense that is susceptible to the pass can slow down this Rams passing offense. The Lions will have Sam LaPorta but not at 100% which could hinder what the Lions do passing the ball. The 2 headed monster at running back in David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs is what the Lions need to control this game. The biggest X factor is how aggressive will Dan Campbell be? Hopefully just enough to get the win, but this is Jared Goff’s chance for redemption. He was traded for Stafford but not only that the Rams GAVE a first round pick just to get rid of him. I want Detroit to win this game because I like feel good stories but the Rams seem to have put it together at the right time and I think will spoil the party in Detroit.

(5) Philadelphia Eagles at (4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Monday, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, ABC, ESPN2 and ESPN+

The Eagles are dragging their asses into these playoffs. Rumors are swirling Nick Siriani might lose his job if the Eagles piss this one away. Crazy to think a team a year removed from a Super Bowl appearance would fire the coach but this is a crazy world we live in. The Eagles also get dealt another low blow by stud WR AJ Brown likely being out for this game due to a knee injury. The hits just keep coming. The Buccaneers on the other hand haven’t been spectacular but haven’t been average. 5-1 in their last 6 to close the season and Baker Mayfield might have found a home in Tampa Bay. Mayfield had 4,044 yards 28 TDs and 10 INTs on this season. Tom Brady last year for these Bucs had 4,694 yards 25 TDs and 9 INTs. The Bucs I think have a better chance to win this game because of the weapons at receiver. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin should give Philly all they can handle. The Eagles need to get D’Andre Swift going to take the pressure off of Jalen Hurts. For the Eagles to win they have to establish the run and control clock. I think the Eagles are desperate enough to win this game but it will be closer than people think.

Bye: (1) San Francisco 49ers

AFC

(5) Cleveland Browns at (4) Houston Texans

Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET on NBC

To me this is the most intriguing matchup of the playoffs. The upstart Texans and CJ Stroud against the resilient Cleveland Browns. The Browns are the first team in NFL history to win at least 10 games in a season with four different quarterbacks earning at least one win, according to OptaStats. They’re also the first team to make the playoffs after starting four different quarterbacks, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Joe Flacco is a timeless wonder, and survived a tenure with the New York Jets, EVEN MORE IMPRESSIVE. But Cleveland with a steady hand at QB and a stout defense get a rematch with a team they creamed in week 16 BUT CJ Stroud is playing this time. I thought CJ Stroud should’ve been the number one overall pick in the draft but Bryce Young gets to fall on the sword and waste away in Carolina while Stroud thrives. Stroud threw for over 4000 yards and had 25 TDs. Impressive for a team that had 2 wins last season. DeMeco Ryans has transformed this team into one who believes in itself and they are young and growing together. Even Buffalo Bills cast off Devin Singletary took over the starting RB spot and is the steady hand in the backfield. Tank Dell being hurt is a loss but the Texans have other playmakers that have carried them to this point. I like Houston to shock the world and Beat Cleveland at home to advance.

(6) Miami Dolphins at (3) Kansas City Chiefs

Saturday, 8:15 p.m. ET on Peacock

Now there is a joke in here somewhere involving Swifties and Peacock…I’m not the one to make it, but there has to be. Now for those of you wondering as you see above it says this game is on Peacock. Yes, Peacock is a streaming service by NBC Universal. Yes, this is streaming ONLY. Yes, the NFL is a money hungry organization that does what it wants and will continue to do so until the end of time. So, get ready to pay $5.99 for this game or just hope a friend or family member has it. ANYWAY, this game is more about 2 teams who are not where everyone thought they’d be. The Chiefs are just reaping what they sewed by not upgrading at WR. This group leads the league in drops. Taylor Swift has garnered a lot of attention and I think it has somehow manifested itself into affecting this team. The Chiefs just don’t have that same mojo this year. Travis Kelce is having his worst statistical year in what feels like forever. If KC survives this game they are likely going on the road to play what would be Patrick Mahomes first ever road playoff game. The Dolphins again fail to reach expectations this season. Did you know they scored 70 points on Denver this season? That was a different time. The Dolphins are “the greatest show on surf” but have been hobbled as of late. Tyreek Hill has been hurt, Jaylen Waddle has been hurt, and the speed the Dolphins were killing people with has been somewhat neutralized. Miami squandered a golden opportunity win the AFC East and to get the 2 seed in the playoffs, all they had to do was win 2 of their last 3. They got waxed by Baltimore at home, and Buffalo beat them for the division and the 2 seed. Ouch. My wife tells me Mike McDaniel is a player’s coach, I say he can’t close. The temperature is expected to be around minus-2 degrees with a wind chill approaching -30, according to the National Weather Service. If that projection remains to be then this will become the coldest game that the Dolphins have ever played in. The Dolphins have lost 10 straight games when the kickoff temperature is 40 degrees or below. With all the struggles this season I think the Chiefs will win this game by the slimmest of margins because of Isiah Pacheco.

(7) Pittsburgh Steelers at (2) Buffalo Bills

Monday, 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS (Postponed due to weather)

We all know my feelings on the Buffalo Bills, I love and hate them all at the same time. But what really grinds my gears is everyone acting like the weather is a real advantage for the Bills. It’s projected to be 40MPH winds, and somewhere between 1-3 feet of snow. I don’t know if you know this but Pittsburgh plays in cold weather too. As does Cleveland, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, New England, Jets, Giants, Baltimore, Washington, Green Bay, and other cold weather teams who play outside. Let’s stop pretending Buffalo weather is different. Cold is cold, snow is snow. The new stadium should be a dome, not have an overhang that causes wind confusion. Who know what else causes wind confusion? A DOME! ANYWAY, this game is moved to monday because of the weather but is a classic Bills trap game. The Steelers are currently a +10 point spread for this game (take the points). The Steelers and Mason Rudolph have found their stride on offense after a tumultuous season the Steelers made their way to the playoffs. They don’t turn the ball over and they don’t commit penalties. George Pickens is my player to watch because he’ll either have a huge day or not be heard from. The Steelers will be able to establish the run but if the Bills can keep a lid on the receivers the Bills will have a great chance to win this game. The Bills problem will be can they get points when points are there to get? The Miami game left potentially 21 points on the field with 2 Josh Allen INT’s and a James Cook fumble all in the redzone. Josh Allen catches a lot of shit for his turnovers, but the national narrative that he’s a liability for his turnovers in outlandish. In his first 6 seasons he has 102 total turnovers, 78 being interceptions. Did you know Peyton Manning and Jameis Winston have 111 total turnovers in their first 6 seasons? In their first 6 seasons Peyton Manning had 110 INT’s, Winston and Eli Manning had 88, Jay Cutler had 86, and Matt Stafford had 85 INT’s. Gun Slingers through INT’s, shit happens. But to lay it all on Josh Allen like he’s a turnover machine is asinine. Josh Allen is the solution to the problem of not having truly elite weapons around him outside of Stefon Diggs. The Bills will win this game if Diggs can get loose and get chunks of yards and you get James Cook in space. The defense needs to keep a lid on the speed of the Steeler receivers. I think the Bills get the win by a field goal.

Bye: (1) Baltimore Ravens

[defensefilms]

NFL 2024 Wildcard Round Preview & Predictions

While I haven't posted any NFL blogs this season I have been sure to keep an eye on the happenings throughout the league, and we're finally in the part of the season that matters.

So lets dive in to the full plate of nuggets and preview this weekend's games.

1. Detroit Lions vs Los Angeles Rams

Of all the games that will be played on this weekend, this one has the most storylines and subplots.

Starting with quarterbacks who traded places 3 years ago and now face off. Fortunately, this matchup will likely be decided by more than just the quarterbacks.

The Rams appear to have found a remedy to thier run game through Kyren Williams, who is 3rd in total rushing yards, and in contrast the Lions have a more balanced attack with David Montgomerry leading their run game and Amon-Ra St. Brown leading thier pass catchers.

This is a situation where I am opting to pick with my head over my heart, and while I'll actually be rooting for the Lions to win the game because thier story in 2023 has been phenomenal, I am going to pick the Rams and Sean McVay to win in Detroit and upset the team with a better record.

MY PICK: Rams Win 27-24

2. Tampa Bay Buccanneers vs Philadelphia Eagles

I am in a state of near-catastrohic horror at what has happened to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.

What started out as a promising season and Philly repeatedly executing the greatest play ever executed in NFL history, has turned into a late season collapse that started with that really bad loss to the 9ers in week 13.

Thier defensive back issues have now spiralled in to a team that leak points so badly, they lost to the New York Giants in week 17, and it's crept it's way on to the offense, and the Eagles were shutout and put up 0 points.

Then you have to factor in Philly's history against Tampa Bay itself. Flashbacks to 2002 when Gruden's defensive juggernauts domniated Donovan McNabb and the Eagles, as well as the more recent 15-31 demolition at the hands of Tom Brady's Buccaneers in the 2021 playoffs.

I will say this, I am glad that Bruce Arians isn't calling plays in Tampa because he'd air it out on these Philly db's.

My biggest concern though, is that Jalen Hurts has 9 fumbles this season and Tampa safety Antoine Winfield, is joint-leader in forced fumbles with 6, and Tampa have been good at that as a team with 18 on the season.

I'll pick the Eagles to win here, only because I still think the Eagles offense has some life left in it and I am a Jalen Hurts believer.

MY PICK: Eagles Win 21-16

3. Kansas City Chiefs vs Miami Dolphins

Honestly, I don't root for the FIns and I don't even enjoy watching them play neccessarily, but I do enjoy the schadenfreud of watching Tua Tagovailoa, lead the league in passing yards and quarterback a team in the playoffs.

The Chiefs are different story and to be honest with I have enjoyed watching the Chiefs more this year, than any other season of the Mahomes era, at times it's been kind of comical.

The Dolphins are dealing with a bunch of injuries. Jaylen Waddle, Bradley Chubb, Xavien Howard, Raheem Mostert were all out in week 18 and likely in the Wildcard round too.

The Chiefs have to like thier chances and thier recievers can breath a little bit easier, knowing the Dolphins won't be thier usual high-scoring selves. I fully expect the Chief's recievers to drop passes, but this particular opponent can't make them pay them when they do it on 3rd down.

The only issue I see, is Kansas City are not a high scoring team in thier own right either, and while the Fins'injuries are worse.

I want the Fins to win but their too injured and will likely lose a close low scoring game in Arrowhead on Tyreke Hill's return.

MY PICK: Chiefs win 21-17

4. Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers

I honestly think that the Pitburgh Steelers are doing is winning games via witchcraft because just as recenty as week 14, the entire state of Pennsylvania wanted him fired.

The Bills for thier part, started the first 10 weeks of the season with a 5-5 record and have since ripped off a 6 game winning streak that sees them in the 2 seed.

The Steelers offense sputtered badly midway through the season, but since week 16 and putting Mason Rudolph on the field, things have been looking up.

It sucks that TJ Watt won't play, he leads the league in sacks and that matters because the Bills are the best team in 3rd down percentage this season with 49%.

Buffalo finally appear to have found some balance between Josh Allen heroics and establishing the run. To make matters worse, Buffalo also rank as one of the best pass defenses in the league, ranking 7th in opponent passing yards.

What this comes down to, is that the Bills have Josh Allen and the Steelers are quarterbacked by Mason Rudolph, and in contrast to most of the weekend's games, you can't convince me that the favorite isn't winning this.

MY PICK: Bills Win 28-16

5. Cleveland Browns vs Houston Texans

The Browns have been my guilty pleasure all season long, and those sideline-to-sideline videos on thier Youtube channel are honestly awesome.

A team whose defense has been lead by Myles Garret, and has had to find thier identity on the offensive side of the ball becasue of injures to 3 different quarterbacks this season, and while I don't love Kevin Stefanksi's play calling, he does deserve credit for the circumstance he was in this year and how his team kept winning.

The Houston Texans have undergone a rejuvenation in thier own right with newly drafted CJ Stroud under center.

While Deshaun Watson will have to watch his current and former teams from the sidelines as a result of a shoulder injury, Joe Flacco will quarterback the Browns and has since week 14, and with him has come a new confidence to the Browns' offense.

I'll gladly take the Browns and thier newly minted Joe Flacco offense, alongside the best defense in the NFL to win this one.

MY PICK: Browns Win 27-20

6. Dallas Cowboys vs Greenbay Packers

The Packers are in a unique position because of how quickly they've gotten back to playoff contention.

I get that Jordan Love has been given the mantle as appears to have been the plan since he was drafted, and I don't know what to make of him getting the Packers to the playoffs in his first season. It's kind of unreal that the Packers got over Aaron Rodgers this quickly, add to that Love isn't the finished article yet.

The other major storyline is Cowboys head coach, Mike McCarthy playing host to his former team and that will surely dominate the headlines and previews going in to the weekend.

Dak Prescott leads the league in passes completed, as well as passing touchdowns, and CeeDee Lamb leads the league in passes caught.

Plus I like the idea of Dallas' defense against a young quarterback, playing in thier home building and Dallas corner DaRon Bland leads the league in interceptions.

I'm picking Dallas to win, but beware because anyone who picks the underdog is not crazy. Jordan Love is completing 64% of his passes and the sneaky Packers, always seem to come up with something from special teams through Keisean Nixon.

MY PICK: Cowboys win 34-27

[arickaandherfictionalothers]

The Bradshaw bunch

(Gif order: Maisie, Sienna, Miles, Rhys (Reece), Caroline/Carole, and Nicholas)

Aricka and Bradley had only intended on having two children. Maisie and Sienna.

They didn’t expect having three sets of twins, two girls, two boys and a pair of each.

But they wouldn’t trade their little family for anything in the world. Their very own little Bradshaw bunch.

~~~~~~~

Maisie Nicole and Sienna Teegan. Born on a hot summer afternoon in 2009, several years after their parents were married, these two were thick as thieves but also different as day and night.

Maisie-or Maisie-Moo or MayMay- was laid back, quiet like her dad tended to be. She preferred reading books to skateboarding and she loved sitting with her dad at the piano learning to play. The first song she was able to play after learning basic lullabies was “Baby Mine,” from Disney’s Dumbo. She had a laugh as captivating as her Gran’pa Nick and a perfectionist streak she inherited from her uncle Tom. She seems to be an innocent child but don’t let your guard down if she’s with her twin- if left alone these two could definitely take over the world. Like her parents: Maisie seemed to be born with the need to fly, and as soon as she turned 18 she was asking how to apply to become a naval aviator just like her parents.

Sienna, on the other hand, was the wild child. Rambunctious like her own mother as a child, Sienna- or CiCi to her family-always climbing trees and skateboarding around before she turned eight, constantly skinning her knees or elbows and would inevitably be the first to land in the ER with a broken bone. She had a mischievous streak that rivaled her Papa Mav’s, but a heart of gold like her parents. She was as fiery and fierce as her mane of red hair, a recessive gene from her mom’s side of the family, and loyal to anyone she called family or friend. Just like her twin Sienna was born to fly, and coincidentally; the twins were assigned to each other as a pilot-RIO duo, just like their mom and uncle Jemmy. (Jeremy)

Then came the twin boys- Miles and Rhys, pronounced Reece. Born one of of the coldest nights in 2012. M&M and Reece’s, to their family, these two were chaos in human form, only reined in by their favorite person in the world- their mother.

Miles, aka Mylo, was the take-charge boy. He wasn’t introverted or extroverted, but rather he was a mix of the two. He could be a social butterfly for hours at a time and then all of a sudden he would vanish into the quiet of whatever space he could find. He took to coding and computers like a fish to water, and made the middle school robotics team his sixth grade year. He was extremely gifted in the science department, which was good and also bad because then him and his brother took that ability and made things explode.

Rhys- aka Rhysie-Bear- was the crowd following, people pleasing child. He was always trailing after his mother; watching her care for the other children and learning how to make people feel better with just a few words and a smile. He loved art, especially painting, and flourished in that department with the right amount of teaching and the proper tools. But left alone with his brother, Rhys could be quiet the ornery little boy, and would become a very loud and hyper child.

For several years they were a family of six, existing in a happy bubble of domestic bliss and crazy school escapades.

And then the surprise babies were born, on a beautiful spring morning in 2015.

Aricka and Bradley knew what they were going to name these two long before they were even a thought; having decided it not long after they had given birth to their first four rugrats.

Caroline Lily- their sweet little Carrie-bug- was born first. She was a bright eyed; curious little thing from the moment she opened her eyes: constantly looking around and exploring everything she could touch or see. She took after Bradley with light blonde hair that darkened gradually as she got older, and by the time she was 12 her hair was a gorgeous shade of copper-brown. Caroline was named after Bradley’s mom, who promptly burst into tears when she found out her surprise grand-baby’s name. Bradley could often be found humming, “Sweet Caroline,” to his newest baby often even after she was past the toddler stage, and it would end up being the song they would dance to when Caroline someday got married. Carrie loved swimming: and she loved any type of marine life, so she pursued marine biology as soon as she was old enough.

Nicholas James- Nicky- was the quietest, best baby of the Bradshaw bunch. He stuck to every schedule, hit every milestone right on time, and was way ahead of his peers in his grade. He inherited his dad’s unruly curls and-as he got older- his dad’s performance streak. He loved being onstage, felt called to the stage the moment he first auditioned to be Charlie Bucket in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” He worked tirelessly all through high school and applied to various acting colleges, and once he turned 18, he got several acceptances, including one from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, aka AMDA.

But that’s jumping just a bit too far into their story, isn’t it?

When they couldn’t be with their parents, the six Bradshaw kiddos- the Bradshaw bunch- would spend their time split between their grandparents and their great-aunt Ricki and uncle Tom’s houses.

The kids had several older cousins- by blood or by choice- who they adored and looked forward to seeing every chance they got. Like their cousins Lydia, Brynlee, Miriam and Casper, their uncle Jemmy’s kids.

And once the Dagger Squad had been made an official unit, they gained even more family. Because at the end of the day, family was the lord important thing.

~~~~~~~~

@astralshipper @rosieshipper @hyperionshipping @letsgofoletsgo @yeehawselfshipping @tsundere-selfship @callsign-revenge

[nfliplnews]

[ad_1] Lamar Jackson, one of two unanimous MVPs in NFL history (along with Tom Brady), announced on Monday that he requested a trade from the Ravens in early March. You'd think half the league would be knocking Baltimore's door down to pursue arguably the greatest dual-threat QB in NFL history, who is just 26 years old. Instead, we are living in a bizarro world where the only news coming out is teams essentially eliminating themselves from the Jackson sweepstakes.History has shown you need a top-10 QB to win a Super Bowl. The only QBs to win a Super Bowl in the last 20 seasons that aren't top-10 caliber (arguably) were Nick Foles (2017 Eagles) and Joe Flacco (2012 Ravens). Both won with wild postseason heaters that were major outliers to their career performance.Jackson is as close to a sure thing as you'll ever find available on the QB market. As my colleague Jeff Kerr documented this week, his first five seasons are full of mind-blowing statistics.   Even if owners are colluding against Jackson, like it was suggested by NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, it's surprising that more teams aren't willing to break rank and make a lucrative investment in Jackson. After all, the Browns, probably the most QB desperate franchise in recent NFL history, invested three first-round picks and $230 million guaranteed in Deshaun Watson.The teams who have reportedly bowed out of contention for Jackson may not have experienced QB misery quite like the Browns, but certainly have question marks at QB that make their decisions even more baffling. Here's at least one fact on each of those franchise's quarterback pasts:The Falcons tried to trade for Watson last year despite his sexual misconduct allegations. Watson also tore his ACL twice since his freshman year at Clemson.The Panthers have the fewest touchdown passes (63) and most interceptions (71) of any team in the last four seasons. Their starting QBs over that span include Cam Newton, Kyle Allen, Will Grier, Teddy Bridgewater, PJ Walker, Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold. They have the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, probably a better excuse than any other team.The Raiders replaced Derek Carr with Jimmy Garoppolo (perhaps temporarily), who has missed 31 games in the last five seasons. Carr, the team's all-time passing leader, never won a playoff game with the Raiders. The Commanders may be the closest franchise to the Browns in terms of dysfunction and quarterback desperation. Their all-time touchdown passes leader (Sammy Baugh) last played in 1952. They haven't made a conference championship game since the 1991 season, and have been riding the QB carousel ever since. That's especially true lately. The Commanders have had an NFL-high 12 different starting QBs since Kirk Cousins signed with the Vikings in the 2018 offseason.The Dolphins have been riding the QB carousel ever since Dan Marino retired. They have the longest active drought in the NFL without a Pro Bowl QB season (1995). Tua Tagovailoa was a Pro Bowl snub in 2022, but also suffered two documented concussions. A Jackson homecoming to south Florida could have been justified.The 49ers were one of six teams to use four different QBs last season, including playoffs. The other five all lost 10-plus games (Panthers, Jets, Rams, Cardinals, Bears). In other words, this is still a championship roster a QB away from winning a Super Bowl. Sure, San Francisco went all in trading up for Trey Lance, and Brock Purdy impressed last season, but imagine Jackson with Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle.The Lions appear set with Jared Goff, who looked like a franchise QB in the second half of 2022. But, let's not forget, this is a Lions team with one playoff win in the Super Bowl era (since 1966). Their QB for that win was Erik Kramer.New York JetsThe Jets have not had a franchise QB since Joe Namath. Their only QB with 30 touchdown passes in a season is Ryan Fitzpatrick. They had the worst passer rating of any team in the NFL last season. Aaron Rodgers turns 40 in December, so it seems foolish they wouldn't consider a 26-year-old Jackson. It's hard to poke holes in the Patriots QB history, but Tom Brady isn't walking through the doors anytime soon (at least I don't think). "The last 25 years" is a legitimate reason Patriots fans should be optimistic, but my counter to that is this fact. The Patriots have a losing record (43-44) under Bill Belichick with starting QBs not named BradyOne reason against acquiring Jackson isn't as convincingThere are many facts and reasons why those teams should be interested in Jackson. You can also poke holes in one of the primary facts used to justify lack of interest in Jackson, highlighted by Falcons owner Arthur Blank:"Looking at it objectively I'd say there's some concern over how long can he play his style of game. Hopefully a long time ... but he's missed 5, 6 games each of the last two years. Each game counts a lot in our business." Blank has a point, to an extent. Jackson's season-ending injuries in the last two seasons are somewhat of a red flag. So is the fact that he's the most hit QB in the league since he was drafted. The biggest reason Blank's comments are an overreaction, though? Any potential suitor would likely be interested in signing Jackson for a deal around five years, or through his age-30 season. They presumably wouldn't be expecting him to win Super Bowls in his 40s like Brady. It's completely reasonable to expect Jackon's game would age just fine over the next five years.  Jackson has the fifth-most rush yards in NFL history. If you look at the top-10 list all time, quarterbacks who you would mostly consider as elite dual-threats, everyone on that list made a Pro Bowl in their 30s with the exception of Cam Newton.Michael Vick6,10930Cam Newton5,62826Russell Wilson4,96633Randall Cunningham4,92835Lamar Jackson4,437?Steve Young4,23937Fran Tarkenton3,67436Steve McNair3,59032Aaron Rodgers3,46638Donovan McNabb3,45933It's even more telling when you zero in on the only four QBs with more career rushing yards than Jackson. Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson and Randall Cunningham. The group's decline in terms of starts and other production measures were relatively insignificant from their early 20s to late 20s, but much more noticeable in their 30s.Michael Vick, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson and Randall Cunningham average season by ageStarts14.313.111.2Pass TD19.221.217.1INT11.49.58.7Rush yards605523295Pro Bowls0.70.50.3That shouldn't scare away a Jackson suitor, who once again would be most concerned with his production in the next five seasons or so. Not to mention, Jackson's game could evolve to lean more heavily on his passing prowess if he had a true No. 1 wide receiver, something he's never had.This evidence only makes this situation more perplexing. The pursuit of Jackson should be simple. But, apparently, it is very, very complicated. 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[virginiaprelawland]

Sam Bankman-Fried And The Downfall Of FTX

By Elizabeth Wolnik, George Mason University Class of 2024

February 26, 2023

Sam Bankman-Fried is one of the most famous finance, cryptocurrency entrepreneurs, and political donors [1] of this generation with a net worth of over $26 billion [3]. Much, if not all, of Bankman-Fried’s net worth was directly tied to the value of FTX and its FTT token. Now he is most well-known for causing investors to lose billions in an alleged Ponzi scheme. Bankman-Fried graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2014 with a degree in physics and a minor in mathematics. After graduating, Bankman-Fried worked for Jane Street Capital which focuses on proprietary trading and where Bankman-Fried traded ETFs (exchange-traded funds) [2]. He left in 2017 to focus on crypto trading and to start his own company, Alameda Research. Alameda Research is a quantitative trading firm and was instantly a success, making millions of dollars every day by trading cryptocurrency in international markets. In 2019, Bankman-Fried founded the exchange known as FTX which quickly became one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges [3].

Bankman-Fried capitalized on the growing popularity of cryptocurrency that arose when the pandemic started. Because Bankman-Fried had made a name for himself with Alameda Research, the growth of FTX was very fast [4]. FTX specialized in derivatives and leveraged tokens in cryptocurrency. Its headquarters was in the Bahamas, but US residents could only trade through FTX US [6]. Initial investors of FTX included Pantera Capital, Sequoia Capital, Digital Currency Group and many more [4]. Over a year after its release, FTX launched "fractionalized stock trading” for companies like Tesla, Apple, and Amazon. In 2021 FTX focused on its branding by making deals with major sports stars like Tom Brady and Steph Curry. Because of the intense popularity of FTX, it is not surprising that they saw nearly $30 billion in daily volume as the second largest crypto exchange worldwide [4].

Through FTX, Bankman-Fried was also known for supporting struggling crypto companies. In 2020, FTX acquired the Blockfolio exchange for $150 million which led FTX’s user base to increase [3]. Bankman-Fried also saved the crypto exchange company BlockFi from a major liquidity crisis. He also bought the crypto lending platform Voyager and LedgerX, but LedgerX was never fully integrated into FTX. In 2021, Bankman-Fried also bought out all of Binance’s equity shares in the company [4]. Bankman-Fried used the power of acquisition for FTX’s users to view him as a strong foundation in the unstable world of cryptocurrency [3].  At the beginning of 2022, investors valued FTX at $40 billion [2].

In November 2022, FTX’s collapse was becoming imminent. On November 2, a report by crypto news site CoinDesk revealed that most of the cash being held by FTX was in the form of its own FTT token, which it centrally controls. The report also highlighted concerns pertaining to FTX’s leverage and solvency concerns with Alameda Research [5]. At this point, FTX users began to withdraw their investments rapidly which caused Bankman-Fried to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for both FTX and Alameda Research [2], since there were now accusations of commingled funds between the two companies [4]. The court then appointed a new CEO of FTX to replace Bankman-Fried [5].

Soon after this report came to light, FTX’s rival Binance announced that they would sell all of their FTT tokens [3]. This announcement caused the price of FTT to be pushed down and it tore through the rest of the cryptocurrency markets. It was also allegedly reported that Bankman-Fried attempted to save FTX by initiating an overnight deal to raise billions of dollars. The day after, between $1 and $2 billion in FTX customer funds went missing. FTX stated that they were investigating these “unauthorized transactions” after people watching the blockchain identified the money and saw it disappear [3]. On December 12 Bankman-Fried was arrested in the Bahamas where he was living at the time and was extradited to the United States [5]. On November 30, Bankman-Fried said in an interview that FTX’s collapse was due to sloppy accounting and not due to criminal activity. Bankman-Fried continued to feign ignorance of the allegations of commingled funds between FTX and Alameda Research by stating that he didn’t “knowingly” commingle the funds. On December 21, Bankman-Fried appeared before a federal judge for his court hearing. Bankman-Fried received the largest bond in history, at $250 million. Those who invested in FTX are likely to never recover the funds lost in its collapse [3].

In order to understand the depths of the downfall of FTX and for the public to be made aware of this, it’s important to cover the aspects of the crimes Bankman-Fried is alleged to have committed.

Bankman-Fried is accused of operating FTX as a Ponzi scheme. A Ponzi scheme is a type of investment fraud that pays existing investors money collected from new investors [9]. People who organize Ponzi schemes promise to invest a person’s money with high returns and little risk involved. In most cases, individuals who are running a Ponzi scheme do not even invest the money given to them by new investors, they just use it to pay those who invested earlier and even keep some for themselves. Ponzi schemes require a constant flow of income in order to remain operational. Ponzi schemes tend to collapse when it becomes harder to recruit new investors or when current investors cash out [9].

FTX is considered a crypto hedge fund, so it’s important to discuss hedge funds in the context of its downfall. Hedge funds are limited partnerships of private investors whose money is managed by professional fund managers who use leveraging techniques to earn exponential amounts of money [7]. Hedge funds are considered a risky investment decision since it’s common to trade non-traditional assets like crypto or bitcoin. Due to its high-risk nature of hedge funds, it usually attracts wealthy clients. Investments into hedge funds are considered illiquid because it requires investors to keep their money in the fund for at least a year before they can make withdrawals. Hedge funds are not strictly regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and can only accept money from accredited investors, like those who make more than $200,000 per year [7].

Chapter 11 bankruptcy is also known as “reorganization” bankruptcy. Usually, the person in debt can remain in possession of their assets and has the powers of a trustee and may continue to operate their business and can even borrow more money with court approval [8]. Chapter 11 bankruptcies begin with a filing of a petition with the bankruptcy court serving the area where the debtor has residence or where their main place of business is. Chapter 11 bankruptcies can be involuntary or involuntary and the debtor must file in-depth reports of their assets and liabilities, reports of their current income and expenditures, schedules of executory contracts and expired leases, and a statement of financial affairs. Because a corporation is considered a separate entity from its owners and stockholders, Chapter 11 bankruptcy is typically used to reorganize a business [8].

Commingled funds are the mixing of personal and business funds or involve using business assets for personal reasons [10]. This is a serious breach of trust and it makes it difficult to determine which funds belong to a company and which funds are personal. This opens a person up to civil liabilities and in the case of an alleged fraud circumstance, they could face jail time. Many creditors make an argument for commingled funds when there is not a separate entity and that a person’s “business” is just another feature of them, which does not protect them from limited liabilities [10].

With all of these aspects investigated in Bankman-Fried’s case, he has been indicted with eight criminal fraud charges and additional accusations [3]. The accusations include statements from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission that state that Bankman-Fried manipulated the price of the FTT token intentionally. His co-workers Caroline Ellison (CEO of Alameda Research) and Gary Wang (co-founder of FTX) have pleaded guilty to defrauding investors and have agreed to help with the investigation. Bankman-Fried vehemently denies that he committed any crimes even though the US Attorney of the Southern District of New York Damian Williams has called Bankman-Fried’s actions “one of the biggest financial frauds in American history” [3].

As of February 9, 2023, a US judge has extended the bail on Bankman-Fried’s ability to contact his ex-employees and use encrypted messaging technology while out on bail awaiting trail on the fraud charges [1]. This occurred after US District Judge Lewis Kaplan temporarily banned Bankman-Fried from contacting any current or former employees of FTX and Alameda Research. Prosecutors have even raised concerns that Bankman-Fried might be trying to tamper with witnesses, but as a condition of his release on the $250 million bond, the judge prevented Bankman-Fried from using any encrypted messaging apps for communication. However, one of the prosecutors on the case, Danielle Sassoon said “We don’t want to completely eliminate the defendant’s ability to communicate”, so Bankman-Fried is still allowed to use some communication apps but is required to install monitoring technology [1].

The prosecution is accusing Bankman-Fried of cheating investors and costing them billions of dollars in losses [1]. Bankman-Fried pleaded not guilty on January 3, 2023 to all eight criminal indictments, including wire fraud and a money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, he faces up to 115 years in prison. Bankman-Fried’s trial is set for October 2, 2023 [4].

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[1] https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-judge-weigh-changes-ftx-founder-bankman-frieds-bail-terms-2023-02-09/

[2] https://www.forbes.com/profile/sam-bankman-fried/?sh=540ad3d54449

[3] https://www.investopedia.com/who-is-sam-bankman-fried-6830274

[4] https://decrypt.co/118516/sam-bankman-fried-ftx-latest-timeline

[5] https://www.investopedia.com/what-went-wrong-with-ftx-6828447#:~:text=3.-,What%20Happened%20to%20FTX,the%20native%20token%20of%20FTX

[6] https://www.investopedia.com/ftx-exchange-5200842

[7] https://www.investopedia.com/terms/h/hedgefund.asp#:~:text=A%20hedge%20fund%20is%20a,earn%20above%2Daverage%20investment%20returns.

[8] https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/bankruptcy/bankruptcy-basics/chapter-11-bankruptcy-basics

[9] https://www.investor.gov/protect-your-investments/fraud/types-fraud/ponzi-scheme

[10] https://watkinsfirm.com/commingling-funds-assets/

[kingsoverjacks]

Bridget Moynihan is stunning!

[tcsparky-blog]

A few NFL thoughts and a bold Super Bowl pick

Well folks, the big game of the year is nearly upon us. The Kansas City Chiefs will be taking on the Philadelphia Eagles in what should be a very entertaining and closely matched contest. As a big NFL fan, I will certainly be tuned in. It will also be a somewhat sad day for me and thousands of football fans across the land as the football season officially comes to a close. Oh my gosh! What are we going to do for the next several months? But we will survive for sure. Before I go any further, I would like to share a few thoughts of mine regarding a few issues in the NFL and make my annual bold Super Bowl prediction. Just a word of warning; I not one of these NFL experts who breaks down and analyzes the game from all perspectives. I am just some run of the mill fan who relies on my own gut instincts. But first, let me discuss a few NFL topics.

1. Aaron Rodgers.  In a per-Super Bowl post from last year, the topic of Aaron Rodgers also came up. He decided to come back to the Green Bay Packers. Flash ahead one year and the same story regarding Rodger's future is at us again. Where will he play next year? Will he retire? I had a strong feeling that he would return to Green Bay last year. This year, it is almost certain that he will not. I look for the Tennessee Titans to make a strong push to obtain Rodgers. He will end up in the AFC if he does not retire. The Packers would be foolish to trade him to a NFC team. Yes, it looks as if his very long reign in Green Bay is over. Rodgers can still play and can certainly help a fringe playoff team get over the hump.

2. Tom Brady.  A few weeks ago, Brady finally announced that he was hanging up the cleats for good thus ending perhaps the best ever NFL career. Will he tease us with a possible return? Absolutely! There will be a few teams out there who suddenly find themselves desperate for a quarterback and Brady will no doubt entertain that option. He is currently just a month removed from a painful end to the season and no doubt rather bitter about playing again. Give him a few months and when training camp comes rolling along later this summer, Brady may rekindle that fire to play again. But I highly doubt he will. He will get a nice offer to join the broadcast booth.

3. Two black quarterbacks in the Super Bowl. The media has really been making a big deal out of this. For the first time ever, the opposing quarterbacks are both black. I think this is absolutely wonderful to see given how few black quarterbacks we have seen through the years. But there is a bigger story behind this story. Both of these quarterbacks are genuine. good decent human beings who were brought up the right way in their lives by caring and loving fathers. That should tell you something about how important it is to have a good fatherly figure in an athlete's life. That concept often gets swept under the rug in today's society.

Now is the time for my Super Bowl pick. I strongly believe that the Eagles are the better team and should win this game. But there isi one thing that Kansas City has going for them in this game, they are the more experienced Super Bowl tested team in this matchup. How can you feel good about picking against Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid in this game? But I still pick the Eagles to win 30-24. Enjoy the game my friends.!

[biglisbonnews]

Tom Brady Enters His Thirst Trap Era Tom Brady is trading in his jockstrap for something with a little more padding. In a cheeky quote tweet to the underwear brand Brady, the ex-football player promised in June 2022 to recreate their campaign photos if his tweet received 40,000 likes. \u201c40k likes and I\u2019ll recreate these photos. Unrelated but can you guys send me some more of the socks @bradybrand \ud83e\udd1d \ud83e\udd1d\u201d — Tom Brady (@Tom Brady) 1654792482 The challenge was issued just as speculations about Brady's marriage to Giselle Bundchen swirled. Following their official divorce in October 2022, Brady is putting himself — and his Brady briefs — back out there. Related | Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady Finalize DivorceThe former NFL star shared a screenshot to his Instagram story of the original Twitter exchange with Brady Brand underwear along with the caption “how it started” followed by a vacation snap of him in a tasteful pair of Brady Briefs, captioned “did I do this right” and tags for his former teammates Robert Gronkowsi and Julian Edelman, both of whom egged him into making the bet. \u201cHey @TomBrady we haven\u2019t forgotten about this.\u201d — BRADY (@BRADY) 1675692992 Brady, who just entered retirement and bachelordom, is finding creative ways to spend his newfound freedom and even more creative hand placements. This newfound foray was well-received by fans. \u201c@TomBrady @Edelman11 @RobGronkowski @bradybrand What a view. Pause. Outside\u2026.\u201d — Tom Brady (@Tom Brady) 1675694953 \u201cTom Brady is in dire need of attention right now...\u201d — Daniel D'Addario (@Daniel D'Addario) 1675712947 \u201cTom Brady posting thirst traps was not on my bingo card for 2023 \ud83d\ude02\u201d — Rave Chapelle (@Rave Chapelle) 1675713169 Tom Brady thirst traps have made it onto the 2023 bingo card. If you were hedging your bets on Tom Brady joining Fox Sports, your number won't be called until 2024. Newly retired Brady will be taking some much-needed time off, announcing that his work as a sports broadcaster for Fox Sports won't start until the fall of 2024. Related | 2022 In Celebrity Thirst TrapsExplaining the decision on Fox Sports 1's "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Brady shared that his biggest motivator is never letting people down. "I think when people really bet on me; one thing about my career — whether it's when I was drafted with the Patriots or signing in free agency with the Bucs — I want to be fully committed and I never wanted to let people down. I think my biggest motivator was that," said Brady.Thirst trap Tom did not disappoint. Brady may be in retirement, but his body doesn't quit.Photo courtesy of BFA/ Benjamin Lozovsky https://www.papermag.com/tom-brady-thirst-trap-2659379243.html

[lovethygoalie]

Mini-primer on the Kraken goalies

Joel “Joey” Daccord (25 y/o, 6′2″, American w/Canadian & Swiss citizenship)

Drafted in 2015 by the Ottawa Senators - 7th round, 199th overall 

Born and raised in Massachusetts (and loves Tom Brady)

Dad was a goalie in the Swiss National League and runs a goalie school

Tore it up in the NCAA, with 7 shutouts in his last season with the ASU Sun Devils

Played 9 games at the NHL level with the Sens before being selected by the Kraken

Speaks fluent German 

Chris Driedger (27 y/o, 6′4″, Canadian)

Drafted in 2012 by the Ottawa Senators - 3rd round, 76th overall

Grew up in Winnipeg, during the period of time when they didn’t have an NHL team

Did well in juniors, but got a bit stuck in the AHL and ECHL, playing 3 NHL games over his four years with the Sens organization

In 2018 he signed with the Panthers’ AHL affiliate, the Springfield Falcons, in free agency 

Worked his ass off and made it up to the NHL as a full-time backup for the ‘20-21 season

Played 38 games with the Panthers (including 3 playoff games) before being signed by the Kraken

Philipp Grubauer (29 y/o, 6′1″, German)

Drafted in 2010 by the Washington Capitals - 4th round, 112th overall

Grew up in Rosenheim, Germany before moving to North America at age 16 to play in the OHL

Was up and down for a few seasons before becoming the Caps’ permanent backup for the ‘15-’16 season

Traded to Colorado for the ‘18-’19 season after winning the Cup with the Caps, eventually becoming their starting goalie

Signed with the Kraken in free agency

And a bit of background on their friendships:

Chris was released on free agency by the Sens before the ‘18-’19 season, the same year that Joey played in his first NHL game with them.

They hung out in Massachusetts over the summer, going out to dinner and to the gym together

The Kraken’s current AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, are also the current affiliate for the Panthers - Joey likely knows a lot of Chris’s former AHL/ECHL teammates, from both the Sens and the Panthers

Joey’s pads didn’t get to Seattle in time for media day, so he’s actually wearing Gru’s leg pads in all the promo videos

This was made pretty quickly, but fear not - I will probably make more detailed posts about all of them eventually !

[leitch]

Go back to where you used to live, see old friends, that’s the point, folks.

Here are this week’s stories:

MONDAY Fans Aren’t Angry Enough About DeShaun Watson (New York) Rules for Empowered, Sane Fandom (Medium)

TUESDAY Stop Comparing DeShaun Watson’s Punishment to Tom Brady’s (NBC News) Untitled Medium Piece (Medium) Trade Deadline Wrapup (MLB.com) Juan Soto Reaction (MLB.com)

WEDNESDAY John Wick Movies Without John Wick, Ranked (Vulture) The Thirty: Where Each Team Stands Post-Deadline (MLB.com)

FRIDAY Predator Movies, Ranked (Vulture) Your Friday Five (Medium)

PODCASTS

Grierson & Leitch (subscribe in iTunes) We discussed “DC League of Super-Pets,” “Resurrection,” and “Sharp Stick.”

Seeing Red (subscribe in iTunes) Bernie Miklasz and I tried to figure out the deadline.

Waitin’ Since Last Saturday (subscribe in iTunes) No show this week, back weekly next week.

Whew, busy one. The kids are back to school, time to get back down to business. Have a good weekend, and remember: How far would we go to protect our happiness and reputation? How selfish would we be? Is our comfort worth more than another person's life? Allen does not evade this question, and his answer seems to be, yes, for some people, it would be. Anyone who reads the crime reports in the daily papers would be hard put to disagree with him.