The Sports Insanity Network

Superbowl 59 Halftime Show-Allison’s Pick To Perform

With the NFL regular season starting this week, it’s also the start to consider how we will celebrate the annual Superbowl. Last year, we had a nostalgic performance from Usher who headlined the Superbowl Halftime show with Alicia Keys, Jermaine Dupri, H.E.R., will.i.am, Lil Jon, Ludacris, and Sonic Boom of the South. When it comes to this year, do we continue on the nostalgic route, bring a popular artist like Rihanna, Lady Gaga; or go back to a rock era. Here is my list of artists and bands who deserve to perform at this year’s Superbowl Halftime Show

*Taylor Swift- I have been pleading for this since Superbowl 51. This is unlikely due to her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce.

*Green Day- Going into the 90s/2000s nostalgia and rock era, Green Day is a perfect pick to perform at the Superbowl 59 Halftime Show. They could also bring artists similar to them such as Weezer and the Red Hot Chili Peppers again.

*Nicki Minaj- With over a decade of music, Nicki Minaj only guest appeared at a Superbowl Halftime show with Madonna headlining the event. It would be interesting to see how she would do performing all of her hits such as Superbass, Anaconda, and Starships

*Ariana Grande- Another popular artist that the younger audience would recognize and someone who hits the charts every time she releases a song. Another unlikely pick as she would be focusing on her role as Glinda in the two-part movie Wicked. So to that I say thank you…. next

*Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton- This Godmother/Daughter duo would make an interesting pick for the Superbowl halftime show. Dolly has done everything except perform at a Superbowl Halftime show. If this happens, she would be the oldest artist to perform at a Superbowl. When it comes to Miley, her music ranges from country to pop rock.

*Harry Styles/One Direction- This would be the ultimate reunion for One Direction if they decide to all perform again at the Superbowl Halftime Show. Just like the last performance in New Orleans with Beyonce and Destiny’s Child, Harry Styles would be the one to take the lead with the rest coming in to end it with songs such as What Makes You Beautiful, Drag Me Down, and Best Song Ever.

*Lil Wayne/Drake featuring Birdman- This would be a homecoming for Lil Wayne as he was born and raised in New Orleans for everything he worked hard for to get the career he deserved. Since he worked with artists such as Drake and his mentor, Birdman, they should be given credit as a part of this epic performance. For Drake, this would be a comeback he would need to get his career back on the floor. I haven’t heard any new music from him in years.

Week One Preview

By SIN Blitzers

TEXAS TWO STEP : “Hey slick in your time we ever do the Texas Two Step?”

“Yes Sir.” Will Smith and Josh Brolin Men in Black 3

Mark Halpern

Both the Texans and Cowboys enter the season with Super Bowl aspirations. Let’s start with the Texans, a team that had a phenomenal season last season. CJ Stroud had an amazing rookie season. The emergence of Tank Dell and Nico Collins was huge, but now they add Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs to the mix, and this offense should be fun to watch. Defensively young stars like Will Anderson and Derek Stingley lead the way. Jonathan Greenard led the team with 12.5 sacks, but he’s now in Minnesota and ironically was replaced by Danielle Hunter, who had 16.5 sacks last season.

The Texans take on the team they beat to win the division last season in the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts will have Anthony Richardson back behind center, after missing the bulk of last season with a shoulder injury. But the key to stopping the Colts will be to stop Johnathan Taylor, who in his career has 811 yards and eight touchdowns in six games against Houston.

Prediction : Texans 31 Colts 17

As for the other Texas team, the Cowboys travel to Cleveland to play the Browns. Our last image of both of these teams was getting their rear ends kicked during wild card weekend, the Browns at the hands of the Texans and the Cowboys at the hands of the Packers. But it’s a new year, which means expectations are high. For Cleveland to be successful this season, they need Deshaun Watson to revert back to what he was in Houston, because last season (I know he got hurt) but Joe Flacco outplayed him and led the Browns to the playoffs.Without Nick Chubb though this Browns offense will look a little different. The Trevon Diggs vs Amari Cooper matchup is one I am looking forward to, but the key guy for me is David Njoku, that’s the guy the Cowboys have to stop, he had 882 yards and six touchdowns.

Now for the Cowboys quarterback, I believe Dak should be paid and we’re still waiting for that but Ceedee got his and he’ll play on Sunday. The quartet of Ceedee, Jalen Tolbert, Brandin Cooks along with Jake Ferguson will have to come up big this season, as we don’t know what to make of the running game.The question is going to be how will the Cowboys offensive line handle Myles Garrett? Defensively for the Cowboys it’s no longer Dan Quinn in the box, he’s now coaching Washington, Da’ron Bland (Mr. pick six) is out and how will Trevon Diggs look in his first game action since tearing his ACL? We know the Cowboys Defensive line should play well led by Micah Parsons.

Prediction : Cowboys 24 Browns 14

Battle Of Florida

By Mike Rifkin

The NFL season opens up with a lot of intriguing matchups, none might not be more intriguing than the Dolphins going to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars. There are a lot of similarities between the two teams, for one both teams collapsed at the end of last season and allowed a division title to slip away (although the Dolphins were still a wild card), both teams hired new defensive coordinators, and both teams invested a lot of money in their franchise Quarterbacks.

Trevor Lawrence signed a five year 275 million dollar contract with 55 million dollars guaranteed. Tua Tagovailoa signed a four year 212.5 million dollar contract with 53.1 million dollars guaranteed. These two quarterbacked their respective colleges in the 2019 National Championship game. A game that saw Lawrence’s Clemson Tigers beat Tua’s Alabama Crimson TIde 44-16. Lawrence threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns, while Tua threw for 295 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. Now with both guys signing long term deals the pressure is on both of them to perform at a high level.

Keys to the game

Jags

Stop the run – last year Miami was sixth in the NFL averaging 135.8 yards per game rushing, while the Jags gave up 103 yards per game.
Keep Trevor Lawrence up – Lawrence was sacked 35 times last season, and Miami was third in the NFL with 56 sacks. They might not have Bradley Chubb, but Jaelan Phillips potential return could bolster the Dolphin pass rush.

Dolphins

Containing Travis Ettiene – Ettiene had over 1,000 rushing yards last year and added almost 500 yards receiving. It’ll be on Jordyn Brooks and David Long to contain Ettiene.
Young Corners : Yes, the Dolphins let go of long time corner Xavien Howard during the offseason. They signed Kendall Fuller to go opposite Jalen Ramsey, but Ramsey has had a hamstring issue which might mean more playing time for Ethan Bonner and Storm Duck.

Prediction

Dolphins 27 Jags 17

New Direction

Mike Rifkin

The Titans and Bears both had very aggressive offseasons, but for the same reason. The Bears for the second consecutive season had the number one overall pick (thanks Panthers) and took Caleb Williams to hopefully be their franchise quarterback. The Bears spent the offseason spending around Caleb bringing in D’andre Swift, Keenan Allen and drafting Rome Odunze to go on an offense with DJ Moore and Cole Kmet. And defensively re-signed Montez Sweat after acquiring him from Washington.

As for the Titans they fired Mike Vrabel after last season and hired Bengals Offensive Coordinator Brian Callahan to coach. The Titans also lost franchise icon Derrick Henry in free agency and replaced him with Tony Pollard. Pollard along with second year back Tyjae Spears will split the load in the backfield. Through free agency the Titans brought in Tyler Boyd, who played for Callahan in Cincy and signed Calvin Ridley from the Jags. All of this to help second year Quarterback Will Levis, if Levis plays well the Titans may have found their franchise quarterback.

In a battle of two teams wondering if they have their franchise QB, only one can come out on top.

Prediction Bears 33 Titans 20

Bengals vs Patriots Preview

By Bill Murphy

Well, folks it is once again time for Bengals Football. Last year the Bengals had a roller coaster of a season finishing 9-8 and last place in the AFC North . The Bengals’ issues consisted of the wrist injury to quarterback Joe Burrow . Now going into this season , the Bengals lost some pieces over the offseason such as Offensive Coordinator Brian Callahan who took the head coaching job in Tennessee, followed by Tyler Boyd. A new season has begun In CIncy and they will be facing off against the New England Patriots in their first game with a New Coach , Jerod Mayo and QB Jacoby Brisett .

Keys To The Game

Bengals :

Offense : Burrows pass game taking advantage of the Patriots depleted pass rush .

Joe Burrow despite being injured last year threw for 2,309 yards . Burrow has a full arsenal of weapons aside from Ja’marr Chase and Tee Higgins , he also has running back Chase Brown, wide receiver Andrei Iosivas , wide receiver Jermaine Burton and tight end Mike Gesicki . This going to have to take advantage of the Patriots pass rush which is depleted from last year with Christian Baramore being out due to a blood clot and Matt Judon being traded to the Falcons in the offseason .

Defense : Linebackers

The key for the Bengals defense are linebackers Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt . Wilson came off a year with 78 solo tackles and 57 assisted tackles, two forced fumbles and four interceptions . Pratt came up with two sacks , two interceptions and two force fumbles . This duo will have to play a major role against New England’s best offensive options Hunter Henry and Rhamondre Stevenson.

Patriots :

Offense: Offensive line containing Trey Hendrickson

Trey Hendrickson had a very solid defensive year last year with 18 sacks tied for second behind TJ Watt. The Patriots added free agent left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor and moved Mike Onwenu to tackle . Containing Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard will be a huge thing for this offensive line .

Defense : Secondary must contain Higgins and Chase

All five of the defensive backs for New England will be back this year. They had 36 sacks last year which made them a real pain for quarterbacks . Another player that needs to be watched out for New England is corner back Christian Gonzalez . Coming off a season ending injury last year he had one interception and one sack . Gonzalez is going to be covering Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins trying to contain them both.

Prediction : Bengals 28 Patriots 10

Rematch

We’re ending Sunday with a rematch from the NFC Wild Card round and one of the best games of the playoffs. The storylines write themselves as Matthew Stafford and the Rams go to Detroit to play Jared Goff and the Lions. The Lions are coming off their most exciting season in decades, they were a few plays away from going to the Super Bowl and now they have expectations. They have an elite offense with Goff, Amon-ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams (hopefully a full season), Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam Laporta. The Lions secondary was their weak spot last season, but after adding Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw that position was bolstered. And they’ll be tested right away against Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.

Just like the playoff game, I expect this to be high scoring. Goff can throw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, Stafford might do the same.

Prediction :Lions 38 Rams 31

2024 Blitzer Questionnaire

BY SIN BLITZERS

Ladies and Gentlemen football season is back and so is the Sports Insanity Network’s coverage. We will still have our regular pre/postgame articles (in a different format) as well as Thursday Night Gridiron and Sunday Sideline Report. But before the season kicks off some of our guys weighed in on some big topics on the upcoming season.

Who are the biggest threats to the Chiefs and 49ers in their respective conferences?

1A) Bill Murphy : For the Chiefs I think the biggest threat are the Baltimore Ravens. After last season, Lamar Jackson will extra motivated, and the signing of Derrick Henry adds a different element to the offense.

2A) Mike Rifkin : : Cincinnati Bengals: Who is the biggest threat to Patrick Mahomes? Well how about the only quarterback outside of Tom Brady to go into KC and win a playoff game. If Joe Burrow is healthy the Bengals are the biggest threat in the AFC. Yes, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson requested trades, but they’re both still there. Oh and Ja’Marr Chase is also pretty good.

3A) Mark Halpern : I agree with Mike, I think the Bengals are the biggest threat to the Chiefs. A healthy Joe Burrow, who is chomping at the bit to come back. I think the Bengals are on a mission.

1B) Bill Murphy : I’m going to say the Dallas Cowboys. Dak Prescott and Mike Mccarthy are each playing/coaching for their jobs here. If the Cowboys aren’t playing in an NFC Championship game big changes are coming.

2B) Mark Halpern : It’s hard for me to pick one team. The Cowboys, Eagles, and Lions are all teams to watch in the NFC and can all be a major threat to San Fran.

3B) Mike Rifkin : They were so close to beating the Niners in the NFC Title game, but a plethora of mistakes cost them in the second half. They improved the secondary bringing in Carlton Davis from the Bucs and drafting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. They also went to Jared’s for their quarterback by extending Jared Goff. The Lions are on the prowl in the NFC.

COACH (OR TEAM) WITH THE MOST TO PROVE AND WHY ?

Mark Halpern : Bill alluded to it above, it’s Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys. As a fan I am tired of all the talk and have been ready for some action. The only thing Jerry Jones has given me over the years, is rightfully putting Jimmy Johnson in the ring of honor. If McCarthy doesn’t reach the NFC title game he’s going to be a footnote in Cowboys history.

Bill Murphy : Robert Salah of the Jets. He’s had the excuse of not having a quarterback throughout his years as Jets coach, well now all the eggs are in the basket of 41 year old Aaron Rodgers, if Salah doesn’t succeed this season, he’s out of a job.

Mike Rifkin: Jets, Robert Salah – It’s time for the Jets to put up or shut up. Every year under Salah the fans can say he hasn’t had a quarterback, well now Aaron Rodgers is healthy, and anything short of an AFC title game appearance should be unacceptable. If the Jets continue the longest active playoff drought in the NFL Salah, Joe Douglass and Rodgers might be looking for employment elsewhere.

PLAYER WITH THE MOST TO PROVE AND WHY

Mike Rifkin: Deshaun Watson- Browns : Watson got a fully guaranteed contract after being acquired by the Browns, Watson has 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 12 games. Joe Flacco played well enough to get the Browns to the playoffs, now it’s time for the 230 million dollar man to show up.

Mark Halpern : Aaron Rodgers only played four snaps last season after that the Jets season spiraled down. Now they’re banking on the 41 year old to end the longest playoff drought in sports (current).

Bill Murphy : Russell Wilson : He flopped in Denver and is looking to get back on the horse with the Steelers. He was named the starter beating out Justin Fields, even though some don’t think it was much of a competition. If Russ doesn’t play well, he might not just lose his job, his career could be in jeopardy.

WHO WILL BE THE FIRST COACH FIRED? (IF ANY)

Bill : Dennis Allen (Saints) – The Saints thought after Sean Payton retired, they could just name a guy off of his staff to have the same success. Well, Dennis Allen hasn’t had the same success.

Mark : Brian Daboll (Giants) : The Giants won 11 games miraculously a few seasons ago, they took a massive step back last season. But if Daniel Jones struggles again, Daboll might not be the guy who can lead the Giants back to prominence.

Mike : Dennis Allen – Saints : If the Saints struggle this season, it might be time to pull the plug on a lot of things and start this thing over. They felt keeping Allen, who was on the staff when Sean Payton “retired” was the right call, but the Saints have a lot of veterans and it might be time to start things over

FAVORITE/LEAST FAVORITE OFFSEASON MOVES

5A) MARK/ BILL : The Texans added a 1,000 yard rusher and receiver this offseason with Joe Mixon and Stefon Diggs. Getting more weapons for CJ Stroud and make a run at this thing now. They also upgraded on defense with Danielle Hunter

Mike : Derrick Henry / Ravens, Saquon Barkley / Eagles : How do you improve two of the best mobile QB’S in the league, you give them elite running backs. Henry will provide that punch to the Ravens offense, to go with Lamar’s speed. Barkley brings Philly the zone read that was so successful two seasons ago. Both should have extraordinary seasons.

5B) Bill Murphy : Diontae Johnson – Panthers : The Panthers moved an arm and a leg to get Bryce Young (btw they could’ve gotten Caleb Williams) and so far the two big receivers they got were Adam Thielen and Johnson. Johnson isn’t bad but he’s had issues with drops.

Mike Rifkin : Steelers QB situation : There’s an old saying in football if you have two quarterbacks you have none. Well the Pittsburgh Steelers decided to start fresh with two new quarterbacks, they signed Russell Wilson and traded for Justin Fields. The question is why, if you go for one that’s alright, but going for both is dumb and arrogant on the part of the organization. At least just having Fields you might have your long term answer, who knows what you’re getting from Russ.

WHICH FIRST YEAR HEAD COACH WINS THE MOST GAMES?

Bill : Mike Macdonald – Seahawks : The Seahawks might be a fringe playoff team and we know how hard it is to play in Seattle. If Macdonald’s defense along with the offensive firepower coexist the Seahawks can play in January.

Mike : Raheem Morris – Falcons – Well it doesn’t hurt he plays the Panthers twice. The Falcons have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball and we’ve waited for them to get into the QB market and they brought in Kirk Cousins. The Falcons should compete for the NFC South title.

WHAT PLAYOFF TEAM FROM LAST SEASON WILL MISS THIS SEASON AND WHY ( 1 PER CONFERENCE)

AFC : – STEELERS – Yes all three of us have the Steelers missing the playoffs this season. After their week nine bye the Steelers will play all six division games plus an instate battle with the Eagles and a Christmas showdown with the Chiefs. Who knows how long the leash is on Russell Wilson, and who knows what you get from him. It’s hard to doubt Mike Tomlin, but this might be the year he goes under .500 for the first time.

NFC :

MARK/BILL – PACKERS : This is more about wanting to see more from Jordan Love and those young receivers more than anything else. If they don’t play well it could be a long year for the cheeseheads.

Mike : Tampa Bay Buccaneers : Predicting the NFC South every year is like finding something to eat at a place you don’t like, nothing really appetizing but you have to pick something. This is more about the depth of the NFC, the South gets only one bid and I am not sure if Baker produces like he did last season.

WHAT NON PLAYOFF TEAM MAKES PLAYOFFS THIS SEASON AND WHY (1 PER CONFERENCE)

NFC

BILL – BEARS : They were extremely active this offseason. They grabbed their franchise QB (hopefully) in Caleb Williams. And they got weapons in Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze to compliment DJ Moore, they also brought in D’Andre Swift to help the running game.

Mike – Falcons – Yeah, I’m keeping this simple I think the Falcons win the NFC South and Kirk Cousins finds his way into the playoffs. And yes Kirk the people of Atlanta will like that.

AFC

Mike/Bill : Bengals – Well if you say the Bengals are the biggest threat to the Chiefs, they have to make the playoffs. The Bengals were competitive for a bit even after the Burrow injury, but at full strength they get in and they will be a force in the playoffs.

AWARD PREDICTIONS

Bill : Marvin Harrison Jr (OROY)

Dallas Turner (DROY)

Christian McCaffrey (OPOY)

TJ Watt (DPOY)

Aaron Rodgers (Comeback player)

Dan Campbell (Coach of the year)

Lamar Jackson (MVP)

Mark : (OROY) Marvin Harrison Jr.

Micah Parsons (DPOY)

Ceedee Lamb (MVP)

Mike : (OROY) Malik Nabers

(DROY) Terrion Arnold

(OPOY) Saquon Barkley

(DPOY) Danielle Hunter

(Comeback) Aaron Rodgers

(Coach) Demeco Ryans

(MVP) Josh Allen

Division Winners

AFC

East : Mike/Bill : Bills/ Mark: Dolphins

North : Mike/Bill/Mark : Ravens

South : All : Texans

West : All : Chiefs

NFC

East : Mark/Bill – Cowboys/ Mike Eagles

North : Lions

South : Mike/Bill – Falcons

West : Mike/Bill – 49ers/ Mark : Rams

Conference title games

Mark : (NFC) Cowboys vs Rams. (AFC) : Dolphins vs Chiefs

Bill : (NFC) 49ERS VS Cowboys. (AFC) Chiefs vs Ravens

Mike : (NFC) 49ers vs Rams. (AFC) Chiefs vs Ravens

SB PREDICTION

Mark : Cowboys def Dolphins

Bill : Ravens def 49ers

Mike : 49ers def Bengals

EVERYONE ENJOY FOOTBALL SEASON AND STAY TUNED TO SIN’S COVERAGE OF THE NFL SEASON!!!

Leon Breaks The Bank

By Mike Rifkin

The Edmonton Oilers have been busy since losing in game seven of the Stanley Cup Final. The Oilers have been busy adding to their roster, and are now keeping one of their core members. Leon Draisaitl and the Oilers have agreed to an eight year 112 million dollar contract, which is an AAV of 14 million dollars per season, which is the highest in the league. Draisaitl was eligible to be a free agent after the season.

Draisaitl finished seventh in the NHL with 106 points (41 goals and 65 assists) in 81 regular season games. Draisaitl added 31 points in 25 playoff games (10 goals 21 assists). Draisaitl, the third pick in 2017 has 850 points (347 goals 503 assists) in 719 regular season games. Draisaitl has won an Art Ross, Hart and Ted Lindsay awards in 2019-20.

With Draisaitl now locked up long term, the attention turns to Oilers captain Connor McDavid, who will be eligible for an extension next summer. The Oilers are in a win now situation, and didn’t let Draisaitl’s contract be over their heads entering training camp.

What A Difference A Year Makes

By Mike Rifkin

Last year Florida State went undefeated, won the ACC (Regular season and Championship) but were still excluded from the College Football Playoff. Mainly because of an injury sustained to Quarterback Jordan Travis, who finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. So while FSU fans had a right to be upset at being left out of the Playoff, it was short sighted based on how 2024 season has started.

Travis was among the many Florida State players who were drafted to the NFL in April. Florida State hit the transfer portal for their new quarterback, and they brought back an ACC talent in DJ Uiagalelei, who had played three seasons at Clemson, before playing last season at Oregon State. Uiagalelei, had a pretty solid season for the Beavers, after struggling getting out of the shadow of Deshaun Watson and Trevor Lawrence. But Florida State, who had high expectations are now 0-2 on the young season with losses to Georgia Tech and Boston College. Uiagalelei, has struggled in both games, he threw for 272 yards a touchdown and an interception on Monday night. Florida State’s schedule doesn’t get any easier with Memphis coming to town on Saturday, but still with games against Clemson and road games against Miami and Notre Dame, the Seminoles need to turn this around soon.

The hits keep coming for Florida State, according to reports the Seminoles will open the 2025 season against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Florida State had a great 2023, but they need to turn things around soon.

Johnny Hockey

By Mike Rifkin

The hockey world was crushed on Friday morning to learn that Columbus Blue Jackets winger Johnny Gaudreau, along with his brother Matthew, tragically passed away. Johnny played his college hockey at Boston College where, in three seasons, he scored 78 goals and 176 points in 119 games. Gaudreau twice was named a finalist for the Hobey Baker award, winning it in 2014. Gaudreau also helped B.C. win the National Championship in 2012.

Gaudreau was selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft. He scored a goal in his only game during the 2013-14 season.

During the 2014-15 campaign, Gaudreau scored 24 goals and 64 points, and finished third in Calder Trophy voting. In 2018-19, he put up 36 goals and 99 points, and finished fourth in the Hart Trophy voting. Gaudreau posted his only 40 goal and 100 point season during the 2021-22 season. As a result, he once again finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting. In 42 career playoff games, Gaudreau had 11 goals and 33 points. One of his biggest goals came in the first round of the 2022 playoffs. In game seven against the Dallas Stars, he was able to snipe one past goalie Jake Oettinger to win the series for the Flames. Gaudreau shocked the hockey world in July of 2022, when he signed a seven-year, $69 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. In his two seasons in Columbus, he scored 33 goals and 134 points.

Johnny wasn’t the biggest guy on the ice, but he had the heart and played the game with joy. As I continued to watch Johnny’s career, there was one name that I could compare him to. That is Hockey Hall of Fame forward Marty St. Louis. Neither Gaudreau nor St. Louis were the biggest guys, but they had a lot of fun playing the game, and they had the skill to match it. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gaudreau family, friends, the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, and the rest of the hockey community.

What To Do?

By Mark Halpern and Mike Rifkin

When Steve Cohen bought the New York Mets, fans everywhere rejoiced not just because it meant the Wilpons didn’t own the team, but because of Steve Cohen’s bank account. Cohen’s takeover started with a bang by acquiring Francisco Lindor, and signing him to a 10 year contract. Cohen’s checkbook also helped the Mets get out of deals with future Hall of Famers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer; he would pay a hefty sum of their contracts to acquire better prospects. After a disastrous 2023 the Mets hired David Stearns to be the President Of Baseball Operations. And Stearns, even with Cohen’s checkbook, was not very aggressive during the winter, signing players to one year contracts, and didn’t go after the top of the market. After this season both Verlander and Scherzer will be free agents, which means they’ll both be off the Mets books, so will Cohen and Stearns be more aggressive this winter?

Last winter, the Mets saw their crosstown rivals steal the headlines when the Yankees emptied the farm to acquire Juan Soto from the Padres. Soto has had a sensational season in New York already hitting a career high 37 homers. In 2022 Soto turned down a 15 year 440 million dollar contract extension with the Nationals, which led him to be moved to San Diego. For most, turning down a luxury offer like that would be insane, but Soto will turn 26 in October, and is primed for a massive payday and most experts believe for the first time a bidding war between Steve Cohen and the Yankees will take place.

While Soto is the marquee free agent, he also provides a dilemma for the Mets. Now the two may not coincide with one another, one has to imagine signing Soto would probably end the Mets career of Pete Alonso. Alonso, who on Tuesday night hit his 220th career home run, which ties him with Mike Piazza for third most in franchise history. Alonso, since his rookie season where he set a record with 53 homers. Alonso, has really yet to catch fire this season and you can tell the contract is weighing on him. Alonso and Soto are both represented by Scott Boras.

Outside of Soto and Alonso, the Mets also have a massive need in their rotation. Kodai Senga has pitched just five innings this season, Luis Severino, who the Mets took a flier on this season has been really good, but he’s a free agent at season’s end. Sean Manaea, who you can argue has been the Mets best starter, has a player option after the season. So if Manaea opts out and Severino goes elsewhere the Mets rotation would be Senga, David Peterson and Christian Scott if he’s healthy. So, what does the free agent pitching market look like? Well, the best pitcher on the market is someone familiar with Stearns and that is Corbin Burnes of the Orioles. Burnes pitched for Stearns in Milwaukee and won a CY Young, and he started the All Star Game for the American League this season. Blake Snell, another Boras client has an opt out in his contract with the Giants, after having to wait until Spring Training to sign. Who knows what Snell does? Then there’s a really interesting option and it might affect what happens with Soto, and that is Yankees ace Gerrit Cole has an opt out in his contract, if he exercises that option, would that change the Yankees plans with Soto? Shane Bieber will be coming off of Tommy John Surgery, and Walker Buehler has struggled in his recovery, if the Dodgers don’t give him a qualifying offer, Walker can be the most wanted Buehler after Ferris. Jordan Montgomery, like Snell had to wait a long time to sign, has a vesting option as does Nathan Eovaldi. Both of which slot into the middle of the rotation, but both have had playoff success.

Check Your Ego

By Mike Rifkin

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the definition of consistency in the NFL for a long time. They haven’t had a losing season since 2003, they’ve had three head coaches spanning over 30 years, etc… This offseason the Steelers decided to make a change at the most important position quarterback.

The trio of Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph are all in different places. The Steelers brought in Russell Wilson, who was released by the Broncos and Justin Fields, who they acquired in a trade with the Bears. Coach Mike Tomlin was adamant that Wilson was in “pole position” from the start, so it should come to no surprise that Wilson was named the starter on Wednesday. Wilson, missed most of training camp with a calf injury, so that begs the question why Wilson over Fields?

Wilson has the experience edge, but his stint in Denver was not pretty especially 2022. Wilson was better last season under Sean Payton throwing for 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions, with a 66.4 completion percentage. Wilson hasn’t thrown for more than 30 touchdowns since 2020. Usually when you look at quarterbacks you’re looking for someone who can win you a Super Bowl or someone who may be your franchise quarterback. But here’s the thing Russell Wilson is neither. Russ will be 36 in November, and even with him at the helm does that make the Steelers better than the Bengals, Browns or Ravens the answer for me is no.

Would Justin Fields make them better than those teams? The answer is still no, but at least playing Fields would at least give you a glimpse into who can be the quarterback of the future. Justin Fields is only 25 years old, and let’s be honest pairing him with a young defensive coach was a mistake on the Bears part. Last season Fields had a 61.4 completion percentage with 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions and three fumbles. He also chipped in four rushing touchdowns. Fields also had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, he was sacked 44 times, the Bears Offensive line gave up 50 which was seventh most in the NFL. Fields is one of many young quarterbacks to struggle behind a bad offensive line and turnovers, so which begs me to ask again why Russ over Fields?

The answer is simple Mike Tomlin’s ego. Tomlin has never had a losing season, and he wants to keep that in check. But the problem is is might be hindering the progress of the organization. Because if the Steelers sneak into the playoffs at 9-8 or something, they’ll get dismantled by one of the better teams in the AFC. So here’s the question for me : How long is Wilson’s leash? I don’t care if they design a package for Fields (think Saints with Hill), because until we see if Fields has a grasp of the offense the Steelers are destined to be middle of the pack especially with Burrow and Lamar Jackson in their division.

HAS ROGER GONE TOO FAR?

BY MARK HALPERN

Roger Goodell the NFL commissioner has been trying to expand the viewership of the NFL in many different countries. We have seen the NFL play in London with great success, the NFL has had some games in Mexico and Germany, but London has seen the most action. Now this year Rodger and the executive body of the NFL thought lets go to Brazil. ( This may or may not have been decided after watching the Simpsons Brazil episode) Brazil being a very big Soccer country. But Roger and company believe they can get any country to love American Football. Rodger and the NFL arranged for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Green Bay Packers play their opening game in Brazil. The idea has been well perceived by a lot but not too soon after the date was booked and plans arranged the NFL had been told that the Eagles and the Packers could not wear the color GREEN because of gang affiliations. Let me repeat myself the Packers whose prime colors are GREEN and yellow and the Eagles whose prime colors are GREEN and white won’t be able to wear their dominate color with the fear of gang violence. Why is this game with these teams being played if there is so much controversy of colors. I understand that timing would be horrible especially for people who have tickets to the game but if the Country’s President is that concerned why did the NFL pick two teams whose primary colors are Green to play? As the plans have been made available that the players planes will arrive separately and teams will enter ARMORED caravans to their hotel where they will be protected by some faction of the Brazilian Military (NOT POLICE). I see a bounty of problems and I truly hope that someone check all the facts before booking two NFL teams into a possible dangerous situation. To compare a recent event that was held we can only expect the same type of problems like Miami had for the soccer final. the Stadium in Miami was destroyed not only to the outside façade but many different internal areas including air ducts, V.I.P. rooms and escalators damaged and destroyed needless to say the security for that event was in no way prepared. After witnessing that disgusting display and disrespect I wonder how Brazil will choose to decide that the proper security not only be outside but inside the venue much prior to the event beginning and to secure the site maybe throw a few guys in the air vents just in case. This is a serious look for the league and hopefully everyone will be safe.

LEGENDARY BABE RUTH “CALLED SHOT”JERSEY SETS RECORD AT AUCTION

BY MARK HALPERN

In 1932 the biggest legend to ever step on a diamond George Herman “Babe” Ruth stood at home plate during game 3 of the World Series against the Chicago Cubs and pointed to the center field wall. The Babe was calling his shot to clear the center field wall. At this time during baseball, he and probably Lou Gehrig who could have done that. On the next pitch The Babe hit a towering home run over the center field wall. It’s a moment in history and nearly a century later that jersey he wore set another record the other night. The Jersey was put up for auction with Heritage auctions one of the best companies that deals with sports collectibles of this caliber. When the final second ended the jersey sold for and tremendous $24.14 million dollars topping the 1952 Mantle that sold for $12 million not too long ago.

This is one of the most important pieces of baseball memorabilia as it represents just how good the babe was. He had gifted the jersey to a golfing buddy of his around 1940. The family kept it for decades and then it sold for just under a million in 2005 to another collector. Now it’s in the hands of yet another and not where it belongs and that is Cooperstown. A jersey of this importance belongs to be seen/viewed by all who come to Cooperstown to see and understand the legendary game.