SPORTS BALL!!! v2.0

[Kyrian007]

Oh, I get it, but this team is special, and they've been playing with the kind of heart that doesn't accept losing, especially not a point like this, i.e.: in the playoffs. We didn't, unexpectedly or otherwise, come this far to lower our expectations; we'll let everybody else do that while we play winning football.

It's funny, the Chiefs fans around here are still pretty down and a lot aren't really paying much attention to football. I attribute that to the fact that most were pretty fair weather fans and really don't have much interest in the NFL. But the big football fans, the ones that pay attention year round... are pretty stoked the 49ers took down the Eagles. So congratulations, you are getting cheered on by a chunk of fans that otherwise you probably hate.

Now me, I'm a hockey guy and a Blackhawks fan. And some weird stuff has been happening. Last year's rookie sensation Connor Bedard was shelved for a few weeks with an injury. They went on a losing streak, but then kind of figured it out and started to put together a few wins. Most recently, our starting goalie Knight got sidelined for a weekend's worth of games with the flu or something. Rather than go to his backup, they called up their top AHL prospect and started him in 2 games. He got destroyed in his debut, but came back the next game and delivered a 37 save shutout. And although we are still down some offensive pieces due to injury, we are doing better than could be expected. Like the 49ers right now.

 

[Xprimentyl]

It's funny, the Chiefs fans around here are still pretty down and a lot aren't really paying much attention to football. I attribute that to the fact that most were pretty fair weather fans and really don't have much interest in the NFL. But the big football fans, the ones that pay attention year round... are pretty stoked the 49ers took down the Eagles. So congratulations, you are getting cheered on by a chunk of fans that otherwise you probably hate.

Now me, I'm a hockey guy and a Blackhawks fan. And some weird stuff has been happening. Last year's rookie sensation Connor Bedard was shelved for a few weeks with an injury. They went on a losing streak, but then kind of figured it out and started to put together a few wins. Most recently, our starting goalie Knight got sidelined for a weekend's worth of games with the flu or something. Rather than go to his backup, they called up their top AHL prospect and started him in 2 games. He got destroyed in his debut, but came back the next game and delivered a 37 save shutout. And although we are still down some offensive pieces due to injury, we are doing better than could be expected. Like the 49ers right now.

For the record, as much as I despise the Chiefs since they snatched two Lombardi's out of our hands, I don't hate the fans, so any support from them in this situation is appreciated.

OT, Mike Tomlin steps down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I know nothing last forever, but Tomlin quitting, after 19 seasons and never having a losing record, is a shock. He has been the warm and cozy blanket of stability in this league for nearly two decades. Few things in life have been certain: death, taxes, and a Tomlin-coached team finishing +.500, and now, that's over. Watching NFL Live, and they nailed it; he was a victim of his own success. His teams have never been good enough to consistently compete for the Lombardi, but never bad enough to draft the generational talent necessary to grow and evolve the team; they're always picking in the middle where you might find someone decent, but not the solution to the holes in your schemes. I don't know front office inner-workings well enough to say this is problem, but I wonder where the Steelers might be if they'd have laid on the sword and gave up enough in trades to grab top talent in drafts and whatnot. Aaron Rodgers? Nothing against the guy, but what did they expect to get in one year from a guy with one foot in the ostensible retirement grave? He did better than I expected, but clearly they weren't thinking long-term which is where I think the Steelers have fumbled these past few years. When the fans start chanting for Tomlin's ouster, I was baffled, and ashamed that people who call themselves "fans" would see a coaching problem when they've won MOST of their games 100% of the time for 20 years.

I think Tomlin took the chants in stride, but last night's loss was the straw that broke the camel's back, i.e.: "Ok, I'm out; see what you can do without me." I imagine he'll take 2026 off, but when he puts his hat back in the ring, watch how many desperate teams will be chomping at the bit for his brand of consistent success.

 

[Kyrian007]

For the record, as much as I despise the Chiefs since they snatched two Lombardi's out of our hands, I don't hate the fans, so any support from them in this situation is appreciated.

OT, Mike Tomlin steps down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

I know nothing last forever, but Tomlin quitting, after 19 seasons and never having a losing record, is a shock. He has been the warm and cozy blanket of stability in this league for nearly two decades. Few things in life have been certain: death, taxes, and a Tomlin-coached team finishing +.500, and now, that's over. Watching NFL Live, and they nailed it; he was a victim of his own success. His teams have never been good enough to consistently compete for the Lombardi, but never bad enough to draft the generational talent necessary to grow and evolve the team; they're always picking in the middle where you might find someone decent, but not the solution to the holes in your schemes. I don't know front office inner-workings well enough to say this is problem, but I wonder where the Steelers might be if they'd have laid on the sword and gave up enough in trades to grab top talent in drafts and whatnot. Aaron Rodgers? Nothing against the guy, but what did they expect to get in one year from a guy with one foot in the ostensible retirement grave? He did better than I expected, but clearly they weren't thinking long-term which is where I think the Steelers have fumbled these past few years. When the fans start chanting for Tomlin's ouster, I was baffled, and ashamed that people who call themselves "fans" would see a coaching problem when they've won MOST of their games 100% of the time for 20 years.

I think Tomlin took the chants in stride, but last night's loss was the straw that broke the camel's back, i.e.: "Ok, I'm out; see what you can do without me." I imagine he'll take 2026 off, but when he puts his hat back in the ring, watch how many desperate teams will be chomping at the bit for his brand of consistent success.

Talking about it yesterday with some of my colleagues, we kind of agreed that going ahead with starting Aaron Rodgers was kind of a make or break point for Tomlin. He'd been near the hot seat for a while due to lack of post season success. Win a conference championship or a Superbowl with Rodgers and send him into retirement on top, Tomlin would probably be with the Steelers for life. But it may have been that or the highway. But I'm kind of like you, in the NFL with coaching changes happening frequently and all over the place... It was kind of comforting somehow that I always knew who was in charge in Pittsburgh.

 

[Xprimentyl]

Talking about it yesterday with some of my colleagues, we kind of agreed that going ahead with starting Aaron Rodgers was kind of a make or break point for Tomlin. He'd been near the hot seat for a while due to lack of post season success. Win a conference championship or a Superbowl with Rodgers and send him into retirement on top, Tomlin would probably be with the Steelers for life. But it may have been that or the highway. But I'm kind of like you, in the NFL with coaching changes happening frequently and all over the place... It was kind of comforting somehow that I always knew who was in charge in Pittsburgh.

I take solace knowing it was Tomlin's decision, and that he wasn't "fired" like so many have been already. Steelers' owner said when they had that final discussion, he was ready to talk about another year with Tomlin, but Tomlin said he was done. I hope we've not seen the last of him, but if this was it, well done, good sir; see you in Canton in a few years (the next travesty would be if he's not 1st ballot...)

 

[Kyrian007]

I take solace knowing it was Tomlin's decision, and that he wasn't "fired" like so many have been already. Steelers' owner said when they had that final discussion, he was ready to talk about another year with Tomlin, but Tomlin said he was done. I hope we've not seen the last of him, but if this was it, well done, good sir; see you in Canton in a few years (the next travesty would be if he's not 1st ballot...)

We'll always have the clip of his smile after saving a touchdown by almost tripping Jacoby Jones.

 

[Xprimentyl]

Well fuck. Niners destroyed by the Seahawks. That's what you get when you bring an infirmary ward to a gun fight.

Anyway, I'm a Bears fan for the rest of the season. I need them to knock off the Rams tonight and the Seahawks in the Conference championship to keep any shot of the Lombardi landing in the NFC West outside of OUR hands.

 

[davidmc1158]

Well fuck. Niners destroyed by the Seahawks. That's what you get when you bring an infirmary ward to a gun fight.

Anyway, I'm a Bears fan for the rest of the season. I need them to knock off the Rams tonight and the Seahawks in the Conference championship to keep any shot of the Lombardi landing in the NFC West outside of OUR hands.

I'm sorry sir, but we regret to inform you . . . .

 

[Xprimentyl]

I'm sorry sir, but we regret to inform you . . . .

Yeah, yeah, yeah,. Fuck it; go "whoever wins the AFC Championship."

 

[Xprimentyl]

Hate watching the Rams @ Seahawks. Ever watched a sporting event where every play gets under your skin? It's painful. Every down is a dagger in my thigh.

Go Patriots. Do NOT allow the Lombardi into the NFC West with either of these pretenders.

 

[Xprimentyl]

Welp, the Super Bowl is set, New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks in MY Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, CA on February 8th.

You'll never met a bigger Patriots fan right now. I cannot allow the Seahawks to win the 'chip in MY stadium. Please, God or Satan, whoever wants my soul the most, deny the Seahawks this ONE win.

 

[Kyrian007]

Welp, the Super Bowl is set, New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks in MY Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, CA on February 8th.

You'll never met a bigger Patriots fan right now. I cannot allow the Seahawks to win the 'chip in MY stadium. Please, God or Satan, whoever wants my soul the most, deny the Seahawks this ONE win.

I honestly could care less about a SEA vs NE Super Bowl. But the first thing one of our hosts said on Monday morning was "If nothing else... Seattle, if you have it on the 2. RUN THE BALL!"

 

[Xprimentyl]

I honestly could care less about a SEA vs NE Super Bowl. But the first thing one of our hosts said on Monday morning was "If nothing else... Seattle, if you have it on the 2. RUN THE BALL!"

Based on their history, I prefer their pass option in such stakes...

 

[Phoenixmgs]

 

[Xprimentyl]

Tennis' Australian Open has been really exciting! The hours suck for us American's, but watching replays the following day without spoilers still scratches that sports-watching itch. Zverev and Alcaraz was a battle for the ages clocking in at over 5 HOURS! And Djokovic at 38 years of age beating Sinner, the #2 in the world who's only 24, wow, +4 hours later, experience won out. Now we have Alcaraz and Djokovic playing Sunday morning for the championship. Much like golf, I don't necessarily have a favorite player since it's such an individual sport that success at any level is commendable by any given player, but I'm kind of pulling for Djokovic. I think it's because he's the old dog who's made it this far facing the young pups' new tricks. With names like Tiafoe, Shelton, Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverev and Fritz waiting in the wings to take the reins of tennis greatness, Djokovic is the king who will not die.

 

[hanselthecaretaker2]

Surfing, no thanks -

 

[Xprimentyl]

Surfing, no thanks -

Bro, that just sent my thalassophobia through the roof. My girlfriend has tried to get me to go on a cruise, get my SCUBA certification (which she already has,) and learn to surf with her, so pretty much, she's asking me to break up with her. I'll probably just cheat on her; at least that way we're both getting something we want out of the deal.

 

[Thaluikhain]

Bro, that just sent my thalassophobia through the roof. My girlfriend has tried to get me to go on a cruise, get my SCUBA certification (which she already has,) and learn to surf with her, so pretty much, she's asking me to break up with her. I'll probably just cheat on her; at least that way we're both getting something we want out of the deal.

Have to say, that was one of the more interesting posts I've read here in a while.

 

[Xprimentyl]

Have to say, that was one of the more interesting posts I've read here in a while.

Surely that can't be true. Slow day at the office?

 

[Thaluikhain]

Surly that can't be true. Slow day at the office?

Well, the forum has a lot of futilely pointing out the obvious to Trump supporters going on, which is doesn't help things.

 

[Xprimentyl]

Well, the forum has a lot of futilely pointing out the obvious to Trump supporters going on, which is doesn't help things.

Ah, I get it. One has to step away from Current Events and into the less vitriolic forums for the stuff that's not either dead horse beating or gaslighting. I'm glad my innate fears and conditional relationship status added some variety to your skeletal Escapist experience!