Skip to main content

Posts

Athletic Article Paints Woody Johnson Redemption Story

 A couple years ago the Athletic published an article about the dysfunction within the New York Jets. New York had just fired its head coach, Robert Saleh following a disappointing trip to London, England, in which they lost to the Minnesota Vikings 23-17 to drop to 2-3 on the season.  When Saleh was fired, many pundits and fans, including myself, thought the move was abrupt. What followed was a scathing story that painted owner Woody Johnson as a meddling owner; detailed his fractured relationship with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and dove into the idea that Johnson's own son Brick and Madden ratings.  It was wild.   Of course Jets fans pounded on Johnson for the handling of the Saleh situation, and the Jets failings over the past 15 years without a playoff appearance.  The media has dissected his every word -- when he does speak in public -- but we never really get HIS side of the story.  That was until now.  Fast forward to today, and The Athl...
Recent posts

Judge Returns to Yankees' Lineup Tonight

 Aaron Judge is back.  At long last the Yankees MVP is back in the lineup tonight against the Colorado Rockies, in what the  Yankees hope is the beginning of a major run by slugger Aaron Judge.  Since landing on the IL on May 31 with a rib injury, the Yankees have bounced up and down all summer long, posting a record of 45-39 during the 84 games Judge was sidelined. New York clearly missed him. New York's run production dropped off considerably from 5.19 per game with him to 4.06 runs per game in Major League Baseball.  There have been points this summer where it felt like the Yankees were the on the precipice of fading. Not only did they not have Judge, but Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger have missed time. Bellinger returned to the lineup a couple weeks ago. Stanton might be done for for the year.  Winning five straight in mid-August which included a sweep of the Baltimore Orioles was really the Yankees saving grace. In addition, the team dominated th...

Odell Beckham Jr. Officially Back with his No. 13 Jersey

Odell Beckham Jr. is writing one heck of a redemption story right now with the New York Giants.  The star wide receiver made famous by his ridiculous one-handed catch against the Cowboys in 2014, only to see his star in New York fade quickly due to poor on field behavior, has returned some eight years later as a man on a mission.  Beckham earned his way onto the John Harbaugh's first 53-man roster as Head Coach of the New York Giants, hauling in 13 passes for 76-yards. Beckham said he was brought to tears when he was told by Harbaugh that he had made the team.  "I’m going to be here and I have an opportunity to rewrite some of the last bit of the chapter,” Beckham said after practice Monday. “Don’t know [if it’s my] last year, whatever it is, I just know I’m going to give my all" It's been a long time coming for OBJ. He even looks like a changed man. Gone are his dyed curles of blonde hair, instead he sports a buzz cut, and a nearly full beard that has little pat...

Jets Get their Kicker in Ex-Colt Blake Grupe

 It became pretty apparent in the Jets 23-6 preseason finale loss to the New York Giants that they need to address the kicking position, especially after incumbent Jason Sanders missed an extra point and a field goal.  A day after the 53-man roster was finalized, the Jets acquired Blake Grupe on waivers from the Indianapolis Colts. Sanders has since been released.  This is a huge addition obviously. Over his career Grupe is 96-of-98 on extra points, and 86-of-105 (82%) on field goals. That's as good as it gets for a player who was perfect from both field goal distance (11-for-11) and extra points (10-of-10) last year for a Colts team that cut him at the end of camp this summer.  Grupe began his career with the New Orleans Saints, and let's be fair, he did struggle last season before a October trade. He was 18-of-26 on field goals last year for the Saints, who play their home games in a dome.  At the very least, the Jets have answered their kicker questions for t...

Rumors: LaConfora Report of Jets Interest in Mike Tomlin Blows Up Internet

So according to Jason LaConfora, formally of CBS Sports, who is currently writing for a site called casino.org, the New York Jets could be interested in former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, should the 2026 season come apart at the seems and cost Aaron Glenn his job.  LaConfora didn't just stop there , he also reported that Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson might be a chip that gets included should Woody Johnson pursue and land Tomlin.   The report has been met with extreme skepticism.  Beat reporter Zach Rosenblat said that any rumors that Woody Johnson is doing homework now on Mike Tomlin is strictly false.  Fans across Jets social media also chimed in to disparage the repor t, many siting LaConfora's spotty track record in reporting scoops.  To be honest the story sounds bogus. Why would the Jets two weeks before the season decide now is the time to kick the tires on a head coach. It makes no sense, and if it were true would be totally disrespectful to Glen...

Giancarlo Stanton's Season Could Be in Jepordy After Latest Setback

There is a growing fear that Giancarlo Stanton's season could be over after the Yankees DH suffered a setback in his return from a right calf strain.  On Saturday before the Yankees-Blue Jays game at The Stadium, Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Stanton suffered a moderate grade left calf strain after falling while running the bases.  "What that means moving forward, we're not ruling anything out," Boone said. "He'll obviously continue to work to try and get it right and hopefully be available. Obviously, we're at a point in the calendar where it gets challenging, but you also never know." Stanton hasn't played in a Major League game since April 24. And if this left calf strain is anything like the right calf injury, we may not see Stanton again this year. At least it would be pushing it.  The 36-year old Stanton is on the books for $25 million next season, including a club option for 2028 with a $10 million buyout.  One has to ...

Yan Celebration Backfires as Mets Lose to Chi-Sox

 A few weeks ago after the Mets splurged themselves of some of their Major League roster talent via the August 3 trade deadline, New York proceeded to call up a flame-throwing lefty named Jerry Yan to take one of the vacated bullpen roles.   Yan is electric. His fastball tops 98-101 mph, and even though he is 29-years old, he has potential to become a solid late inning reliever.    Since coming up he has electrified a certain segment of the Mets fanbase, particularly on social media who sing his praises not only for his pitching acumen but for the one HUGE flaw in his game: celebrations.  After every strikeout Yan leaps into the air, comes down perfectly flat on his feet, pumps his fist and does as shimmy like he's Michael Jackson.    It's quiet a sight to behold, one that is obviously divisive.  I said on X at the time that such behavior was "unacceptable" or a Major Leaguer, and that the Mets should rein him in before he starts a brawl afte...