The Sports Insanity Network

THE ERA OF LOVE

BY LAWRENCE LANG

It’s a new era in Green Bay for the Green Bay Packers as Jordan Love starts on Sunday on the road in Chicago when the Packers take on the Chicago Bears. Love will become the third Packer to start in week one in the last 30 years. Brett Favre Started from 1993-2007, and the now New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers started from 2008- 2022. Love, the 26th overall draft pick in the 2020 NFL draft, will take over center for now in his first overall season as QB1 in Green Bay.

Love said that he is ready for the new role, as in the 2023 pre-season, he had 193 passing yards and three touchdowns in three pre-season games. With Love at the helm, he takes over after 30 years of back-to-back HOF careers with Favre and Rodgers. Favre, a Three-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XXXI Champion, along with many other accolades along with Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XLV Champion and MVP, puts the pressure on Love to see if the Packers will hit the three-peat with Back to Back to Back Hall of Fame Qbs.

Green Bay last season was 8-8 heading into the last game of the season and, with a win, would make the playoffs, but the Detroit Lions would spoil that and beat the Packers 20-16, thus ending the Aaron Rodgers era in Green Bay.

Heading into Sunday’s game, Love will be without wide receiver Christian Watson (Hamstring), and with Romeo Doubs a game-time decision with a hamstring injury as well Love could be without his two top receivers which means Jayden Reed (Rookie) Green Bay’s 2023 2nd round pick could be WR1 Undrafted Wide Receiver Rookie Malik Heath and Dontayvion Wicks (Rookie) Green Bay’s 2023 5th round pick will see the action on the broad receiver side. Green Bay still has its one-two punch at the running back position with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion. Green Bay will have its work cut out for them.

The Bears come off a 3-14 season and lose out the rest of the season after they beat the New England Patriots 33-14 in week seven of the 2022 season. Second-year head coach Matt Eberflus looks for a bounce-back year with the Bears. Justin Fields is also looking for a better year, as this will be his third year in the league. He has 24 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in two seasons with the Bears. Fields as the one-two combo in wide receivers with DJ Moore and Darnell Mooney and with Khalil Herbert at running back, the Bears offense looks good on paper, but will they perform to their full potential?

Sunday’s game will be the 207th meeting between the two teams, with the Packers leading the series 105-95-6 and the Packers having won the last eight games. The last time the Bears won was in 2018, when they beat the Packers 24-17. The two teams also have the first and second-most wins in NFL history. The Packers have 790 wins, while the Bears have 786 wins. The next closest team is the New York Giants with 715 wins, followed by the Pittsburgh Steelers with 661 wins.

Packers and Bears are slated for a 4:25 pm start on Sunday, and once the ball is kicked off, the Jordan Love Era begins.

Starting With A Charge

By Mike Rifkin

Two playoff hopefuls in the loaded AFC will kick off their season against each other as the Dolphins take on the Chargers. Both teams lost in the wild-card round last year as the Chargers blew a 27-0 lead to the Jaguars to lose 31-30. The Dolphins lost 34-31 to division rival Buffalo Bills without their quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, who was out with his third concussion.

This offseason, Tagovailoa learned Jiu Jitsu to learn to fall better to avoid another concussion. Tagovailoa, when he did play last season, had his best season as a pro with a 64.8 completion percentage, 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Tua will have his receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle back for another season. Both Hill and Waddle went over 1,000 yards receiving last season. One thing to watch for the Dolphins is whether Left Tackle Terron Armstead has been dealing with a leg injury. If not, Tua’s decision-making will have to be quick because who knows if the offensive line can contain Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.

Last year the Dolphins defense was middle of the pack. They gave up 23.5 points per game. They had 40 sacks on the season, led by Jalean Phillips, who had seven. The Dolphins defense had 14 takeaways on the season. So, changes were made. They hired Vic Fangio to be their new defensive coordinator. They traded for All-Pro Corner Jalen Ramsey, signed Linebacker David Long, and will have Edge Rusher Bradley Chubb for an entire season. While Ramsey will miss some of the season after knee surgery, his presence will still be felt. This defense will be tested early by playing the Chargers.

Last season, the Chargers beat the Dolphins 23-17. Justin Herbert threw for 367 yards and a touchdown in that game. The Chargers defense held the Dolphins to 219 yards and 3-11 on third downs. Herbert, who the Chargers selected one pick after the Dolphins selected Tagovailoa in 2020, signed a five-year 262.5 million dollar contract this offseason.

Two playoff hopefuls in the loaded AFC meet to get their 2023 season off on the right foot.

Dallas vs Giants

By Mark Halpern

Here we are; the first game of the season is upon us. Yet again, the Cowboys will face their divisional foe, the New York Giants. Throw records out the door when these two play. The rivalry has led to ferocious play that happens during the game. That being said, let’s get a quick look into this game.

The Cowboys will travel to MetLife Stadium for the first Sunday night game this season. The Giants want to build off last year’s playoff success and try to get there again, but it will take a lot of work. The Giants hope they didn’t make a mistake by giving the big contract to Quarterback Daniel Jones over Running Back Saquon Barkley. They should have paid Barkley instead because Barkley is the biggest threat on the Giants’ offense. The Cowboys’ defense will have to be ready for the challenge. The Dallas defense is not worried about the passing threat because, behind Sterling Sheppard, either players are rookies or are coming off of injury seasons. A significant addition to the Giants is TE Darren Waller, coming over from Las Vegas; however, I think it will be wasted as Jones won’t get the ball to him much. Advantage the Dallas Defense.

Now, to flip it. Dallas has a new look on offense with the addition of Brandin Cooks. Dak will have a big game because the Giants’ defense is very little. The Giants finished 31st in the league in defense, and Dallas, with Dak and his weapons, might be too much for the Giants to stop. The Giants also have two rookie cornerbacks that Dak can take advantage of.

This game between the Cowboys and Giants is more for pride than prestige, and that’s how it has been for 40-plus years, as this rivalry is one of the top in the NFL. The Cowboys win in a blowout 35-10 and extend their winning streak over the Giants to five and 12 of 13.

THE LIONS WILL ROAR VS. THE CHIEFS

BY MARK HALPERN

So, over the past few years, when you talked about the NFC North division, all you talked about was the Packers. Like a good cheese, the Packers have aged themselves out of being talked about as they had several pieces left over the past two seasons. This made Green Bay less desirable and the Likes of the Detroit Lions very attractive.

Over the past few seasons, the Lions have stockpiled a roster via free agency and trades (Jared Goff) or the draft (Aiden Hutchinson, Am Ra St Brown, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs); the Lions also have a lot of home-grown players that have ripened into a force.

Facing the Chiefs is a challenging task for any NFL team, considering Mahomes and company’s talent. The Detroit Lions’ Defense proved they belonged in the playoffs last year by stopping some good teams. The Detroit defense has to keep pressure on Mahomes (it is easier to catch a Randy Johnson Pitch from 56 feet away) because if given any time, Mahomes will pick you apart like a Thanksgiving turkey. The Defense also has to keep Kelce in check, as he is vital to the success of Mahomes.

What can we expect from the Detroit offense? Well, they now have a solid running game led by rookie Gibbs. Goff has solid receivers in Jones Jr., St. Brown, and Josh Reynolds (Williams suspended six games) to go along with Sam LaPorta handling TE duties. The Offensive line has also gotten more substantial, and we all know that, given time, Goff is one of the best in the NFL.

This game will be a battle from the first kickoff to the final gun. I expect a very high-scoring game, and in the end, the Lions pull off the upset 31-28 in the final seconds.

BLITZERS 2023 Predictions

As we prepare for the 2023 NFL season, Blitzers were asked to make predictions. Here are the questions that they had to answer.

WHICH FIRST-YEAR HEAD COACH WILL HAVE THE MOST SUCCESS AND WHY? OPTIONS: SEAN PAYTON (BRONCOS), JOHNATHAN GANNON (CARDINALS), DEMECO RYANS (TEXANS), SHANE STEICHEN (COLTS), Frank Reich (Panthers)?
PLAYER WITH THE MOST PRESSURE ENTERING THE SEASON?
TEAM WITH THE MOST PRESSURE ENTERING THE SEASON?-
TEAM THAT MADE THE PLAYOFFS THAT YOU THINK WILL MISS THIS YEAR? (TRY TO PICK ONE FROM BOTH CONFERENCES)
TEAM THAT MISSED THE PLAYOFFS THAT YOU THINK WILL MAKE IT THIS YEAR? (PICK ONE FROM BOTH CONFERENCES
FIRST COACH TO BE FIRED/COACH ON THE HOTTEST SEAT ENTERING THE SEASON?
FAVORITE/LEAST FAVORITE OFF-SEASON MOVE – CAN BE PLAYER SIGNING OR COACH HIRE.
PICK EACH DIVISION WINNER AND WHY
AWARDS: MVP, COACH OF THE YEAR, OPOY, DPOY, OROY, DROY
SUPER BOWL PREDICTIONS – RESULT OF GAME AND GAME MVP.

Here is how our blitzers answered these questions

Allie – Frank Reich – Since the NFC South is the weakest league, this gives Reich a chance to shine and possibly make it to the playoffs

Bill – Demeco Ryans– After winning the assistant coach of the year last year, he has a top QB draft pick with CJ Stroud and a top defense pick with Will Anderson. With a great defensive mind like Ryans, he can work Anderson into this Defense.

Jeff – Sean Payton – When Sean Payton was in New Orleans, he had a top 5 offense when Drew Brees was in the twilight of his career. The Cardinals have a QB who not only lost his #1 receiver but is also coming off an ACL injury. The Texans, Panthers, and Colts are probably starting rookie QBs. The Broncos also signed two big O-linemen to help protect Wilson.

Mark: Frank Reich – he has a very young team but a team with much potential to go far, and by far, I mean 8-9, is one hell of an increase from last year.

Mike – Demeco Ryans – Houston has no expectations, and they are quietly assembling an excellent roster. They’re not a playoff team, but they are very much improved.

A.W.:Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles

Bill -Jordan Love – Green Bay Packers. He is now the guy in Green Bay, and if there’s no instant success, people might look for another change.

Jeff – The easy answer is Aaron Rodgers. Every NJ fan is expecting a Super Bowl win. Nothing short of that. Their Defense gave up the fifth-fewest points last year and had breakout stars at WR, RB, and DB.

Mark – I will say it, and it’s Dak Prescott. Not because I am a huge Dallas fan, but you can’t get a more impressive team on the field and can accept anything less than making it to the NFC champ game. Dak has the weapons, and the Defense is in the top 5 in the league.

Mike – Rodgers. He wasn’t happy in Green Bay, and it was apparent. Now he’s the toast of New York City, and the Super Bowl has to be the expectation; anything short of that, and this season is a failure.

A.W.:NY Jets

Bill: The team with the most Pressure would be the New York Jets, with them getting Aaron Rodgers and adding other weapons like Allen Lazard and Dalvin Cook.

Jeff – The Jets just because of how well the rookies all performed last year with a non polished QB, and now they have one of the greatest of all time, all be it in the twilight of his career, but still one of the greatest. The Giants because of how well they performed under new head coach Brian Daboll, bringing them from nowhere into the playoffs. The Cowboys because how long can they be kept out of the playoffs with a highly paid QB, an all-star at RB, WR and a defense that has Demarcus Lawrence, Micha Parsons, and Trevon Diggs

The Eagles because they dominated the NFC just to come up short in the Super bowl. The Pressure to return is excellent with a full year together. Finally, the Bills because it seems like every year is their year to make it to the Superbowl with Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs

Mark – 49ers – Roster has a lot of talent on it. If Brock Purdy plays as well as he did last season, they should be fine, but the Pressure is on in an NFC that is top-heavy.

Mike – Chargers – First, the Jets are the correct answer, but they’ve been said enough. We can all talk about how great the Chargers roster is. Our lasting image of the Chargers was blowing a 27-0 lead vs. the Jags in the Playoffs. That roster will have some changes soon because of the recent extension of quarterback Justin Herbert.

A.W.:NFC (NY Giants), AFC (LA Chargers))

Bill: NFC- Tampa Bay Bucs – After making the playoffs by winning a terrible division, giving Brady his worst NFL season, and ending his career with anything but a bang. I don’t know if Baker will settle in this year.

AFC-Miami Dolphins – the significant factor is if TUA can stay healthy, and the offensive line could be messy.

Jeff: NFC = I’m going on a ledge and saying the 49ers. The league has enough film on Brock Purdy to get a game plan together. He got hurt at the end of last season, and if he does again, their backup is failed-fist-round pick Sam Darnold. Good luck with that.

AFC = This one was hard, but I might go with the Dolphins, who just got in with the 7th seed. Will Tua make it a whole season?

Mark: I’m going to say two teams from the NFC. Giants: I do not believe in Daniel Jones, even after last year. Also, they’re not flying under the radar.

Vikings: Adam Theilen and Dalvin Cook are both gone. They’ve taken a step back, and also, they won a lot of one-score games last season.

Mike: Bucs (NFC): I don’t trust Baker Mayfield in any big spot. Also, after Tom Brady retired, I thought this could have been a team that just blew it up and started a rebuild.

AFC: I’m going with the Chargers for this as well. They’re the second-best team in the West, but I have a gut feeling something might go wrong in LA.

A.W.: NFC(Carolina Panthers), AFC (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Bill : NFC: Detroit Lions – They ended last season red hot, and the NFC North is very winnable.

AFC: Houston Texans – Demeco Ryans might have his franchise Quarterback with CJ Stroud. They added Dalton Schultz and Devin Singletary on offense as well.

Jeff: NFC = I hate to say it, but the Saints. They have a much better QB, a big-time WR in Thomas if he’s healthy, and rookie sensation Chris Olave.

AFC = The NY Jets…if Rodgers stays healthy

Mark : (AFC) Jets- They have a Talented roster and added Aaron Rodgers to it.

(NFC) Lions – Played well at the end of the season. If Jared Goff plays as well as he did last year, the Lions should win the North.

Mike (AFC): Browns – I think many people are sleeping on the Browns. They’ll have Deshaun Watson for an entire season without anything hanging over his head. Nick Chubb is an elite running back, and Myles Garrett is one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL.

(NFC) – Saints – Derek Carr comes into the NFC South as the best quarterback in the division. They have the talent, especially on Defense, to win games.

AW’s Pick: Arthur Smith (Atlanta Falcons)

Jeff: This is a tossup between Kevin Stefanski of the Browns and Mike McCarthy of the Cowboys. The Browns have many of the pieces to be good but not division-winning good. They need not be last and have at least a 9-8 record, and give them a chance to be in it.

The Cowboys, how many times are they not going to get to the NFC Championship game with the talent they have?

Mark: Mike check: Mike McCarthy is entering the season on the hottest seat. I’m also looking at Mike McDaniel.

Bill: Ron Rivera of Washington Commanders – With new ownership in charge and a new young QB, If the Commanders finish below 500 and with them only making the playoffs once since Rivera took charge, this could be his final season in DC.

Mike: Mike McCarthy- The most challenging job in any sport is to be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. If the Cowboys get off to a slow start or Jerry Jones doesn’t like how they look, he’ll fire Mccathy and have Dan Quinn take over.

A.W.:Favorite: Jalen Ramsey( Rams>Dolphins) , Least Favorite: Juju Smith-Schuster (Chiefs> Patriots))

Jeff: My favorite off-season move is something off the rails and that would be the addition of LT Orlando Brown Jr. moving from the Chiefs to the Bengals to help keep Joe Burrow upright.

My least favorite move was the disrespect the Ravens showed Lamar Jackson before signing him to a five-year deal.

Bill: Favorite – Colts hiring Shane Steichen. Steichen has a good history of prepping young QBSs, Such as Justin Herbert when he was the offensive coordinator of the Chargers and Jalen Hurts when he was the offensive coordinator of the Eagles. Now, it is time to see what can he do with Anthony Richardson.

My least favorite – Trey Lance being traded to the Cowboys. This was a QB the 49ers gave up three first-round picks for and traded him for a 4th round pick. While Lance has his issues, he could still have the potential to have a good season if something happens to Dak.

Mark: Favorite Deandre Hopkins to Titans – Gives them a legitimate number-one receiver in an offense that has been Derrick Henry-heavy the past few seasons.

My least favorite – the Giants re-signing Daniel Jones – Most people would have instead paid Saquon, but the Giants decided to pay the quarterback; he better be worth every dime.

Mike: Favorite: Javon Hargrave -49ers Hargrave had 11 sacks last year for the Eagles. Now he goes to a 49er defense with Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead. Man, the Niners are loaded.

Least favorite Baker Mayfield Bucs: The Bucs still think they can contend with the roster they have despite Tom Brady’s retirement. This is not an indictment of Baker, but I think the Bucs should have considered maybe a teardown after the GOAT retired.

AFC EAST PREDICTION

AW : BILLS: Even though everyone is saying this is the Jet’s year, something tells me that they will choke

Jeff – Jets

Mark – JETS – Aaron Rodgers was the missing link. This Defense is good enough to keep games close, and Rodgers will do his thing.

Bill: JETS – Rodgers didn’t come alone, adding Dalvin Cook and Allen Lizard to an offense with Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson. The Defense was one of the best last season.

Mike: BILLS – To be the man, you have to beat the man. The Bills are the man, and right now, the only concern is that Josh Allen is on the cover of Madden.

AFC NORTH

AW./JEFF/BILL/MIKE: BENGALS: Joe Burrow has the best trio of receivers in the league with Chase, Boyd and Higgins. The Defense is no slouch, either.

Mark: STEELERS – Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season. They have the talent on both sides of the ball, and we don’t know how Joe Burrow’s calf is.

AFC SOUTH :

Everyone: Jags – They played so well last season. Trevor Lawrence is in year two with Doug Pederson and will have Calvin Ridley, who the Jags traded for at the trade deadline last season. Also, the other teams aren’t trustworthy.

AFC WEST

AW/BILL/JEFF/MIKE – CHIEFS – They’re the defending champs for a reason. The offense should be fine if they have Mahomes and Kelce. The Chris Jones situation will be resolved sooner rather than later.

Mark: CHARGERS – I believe Herbert will live up to the hype of his new contract. They really are the biggest threat to the Chiefs in this division.

NFC EAST

AW/BILL/JEFF/ MIKE – EAGLES – They just have so much talent on both sides of the ball. If Hurts can replicate what he did last year, they’ll be back in the Super Bowl.

MARK – COWBOYS – Are you shocked?

NFC NORTH

AW/BILL/MARK/MIKE – DETROIT LIONS. They’ll capitalize on what they did at the end of last season, and the division has returned to them.

Jeff: Vikings – They won the division last year, and I expect them to repeat.

NFC SOUTH

AW – PANTHERS – With Brady retired, anyone can win the division; I like the Panthers roster.

Mark – Falcons – There’s much talent on this team, and with a winnable division, I like the Falcons.

Bill/Jeff/Mike – Saints – Derek Carr gives this team the quarterback they desperately need. If Michael Thomas can stay healthy, that’s a bonus, and the Defense has been good over the years.

NFC West

AW/BILL/MARK/MIKE – 49ERS – That Defense is so good. If Brock Purdy plays as well as he did last year, this team is one of the top of the conference. Also, a full year of McCaffrey should help.

Jeff – SEAHAWKS – Geno Smith balled last year, and the Seahawks are back in this division after many people thought they’d take a step back.

AWARD PREDICTIONS

MVP :

AW- JOE BURROW

BILL – JALEN HURTS

JEFF – PATRICK MAHOMES

MARK – DAK PRESCOTT

MIKE: JOE BURROW

COACH OF THE YEAR

AW/BILL – DAN CAMPBELL (LIONS)

JEFF – BRIAN DABOLL (GIANTS)

MARK – ROBERT SALAH (JETS)

MIKE – DENNIS ALLEN (SAINTS)

OPOY

AW – Christian McCaffrey

BILL – Ja’Marr Chase

Jeff – Patrick Mahomes

Mark – Bryce Young

Mike – Justin Jefferson

DPOY

AW: Aidan Hutchinson (LIONS)

BILL : Nick Bosa (49ers)

Jeff: Hasson Reddick (Eagles)

Mark: Micah Parsons (Cowboys)

Mike: Aaron Donald (Rams)

O/DROY

AW: OROY -BRYCE YOUNG (PANTHERS) DROY: JALEN CARTER (EAGLES )

BILL: CJ STROUD/ WILL ANDERSON – TEXANS

JEFF: BIJAN ROBINSON (FALCONS)/ WILL ANDERSON (TEXANS)

MARK: JORDAN ADDISON (VIKINGS), MAZI SMITH (COWBOYS )

MIKE: BIJAN ROBINSON (FALCONS) DEVON WITHERSPOON (SEAHAWKS)

SUPER BOWL PREDICTION (SCORE AND MVP INCLUDED)

AW : San Francisco 49ers-29 vs Cincinnati Bengals-21, MVP: George Kittle

BILL: Bengals 21- San Francisco 17. Joe Burrow MVP

JEFF: CHIEFS – MVP MAHOMES

MARK: COWBOYS 38 BILLS 24 MVP DAK PRESCOTT

MIKE: 49ers 27 CHIEFS 24 MVP CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY

Predicting WWE releases after 3rd Quarter

By Allison Weiner

WWE will officially merge with Endeavor at the end of the 3rd fiancial quarter. This could potentially mean releases for both WWE corporate and staff and for WWE talent. I am going to predict which WWE superstars from Raw, Smackdown, and NXT could potentially be released at the end of this month. This is due to not being needed and being stuck at catering, or their talent is below sufficient compared to other superstars in WWE/NXT. Below is a list of WWE talent that I believe will be wished luck in their future endeavor.

Angel Garza (Raw)
Humberto Carillo (Raw)
Apollo Crews (Raw)
Mace (Raw)
Mansoor (Raw)
Odyssey Jones (Raw)
Riddick Moss (Raw)
Emma (Raw)
Jinder Mahal (Raw)
Sanga (Raw)
Veer (Raw)
Nikki Cross (Raw)
Dana Brooke (Raw), but might get rehired as a coach for NXT
Tegan Nox (Raw)
Xia Li (Raw)
Ashante “Thee” Adonis
B-Fab (SD)
Top Dolla (SD)
Cameron Grimes (SD)
Rick Boogs (SD)
Tamina (SD)
Cedric Alexander (Free Agent)
Dolph Ziggler (Free Agent), but might get rehired as a producer
Elias (Free Agent)
Shanky (Free Agent)
Shelton Benjamin (Free Agent), but might get rehired as a producer
Von Wagner (Free Agent)
Xyon Quinn (Free Agent)
R-Truth (Free Agent), most likely will retire before getting released
Aliyah (Free Agent)
Boa (NXT)
Dabba Kato (NXT)
Guru Raaj (NXT)
Ikeman Jiro (NXT)
Quincy Elliott (NXT)

Buffalo Stampede

By: Mike Rifkin

The most discussed in College Football during the Spring was how Deion Sanders would fare at Colorado. On Saturday, we got our first glimpse of it as Prime Time led his Buffaloes to a win at Fort Worth over TCU, who played for the National Championship last season. Colorado entered the game as 20-point underdogs, and most people would have been happy if they just covered the spread, but they pulled off the upset.

Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son and Quarterback, was sensational on Saturday. Sanders was 38-47 for 510 yards and four touchdowns. Dylan Edwards had 159 total yards and four touchdowns ( three receiving and one rush). Travis Hunter played both receiver and corner for the Buffaloes on Saturday. He had 11 receptions for 119 yards on offense, and on defense, Hunter had three tackles, one pass breakup, and an incredible interception in the red zone. Last season, Colorado had one game where a receiver went over 100 yards; in this game alone, they had four.

Colorado gets a marquee win in their first game under Deion Sanders. Listen, we’re not putting them in the CFB Playoff yet, but this is a start for Sanders to build upon the success he had at Jackson St. If anything, Colorado will continue to be a fascinating watch the rest of the season, and that continues next week in their home opener against rival Nebraska.

I Don’t Get-z It

By: Mike Rifkin

On August 22nd, the Chicago White Sox announced that the team had relieved Executive Vice President Ken Williams and General Manager Rick Hahn of their duties. Owner Jerry Reinsdorf said, “ I have come to the conclusion that the best decision for the organization moving forward is to make a change in our baseball department leadership.” Reinsdorf also said, “ The White Sox would begin a search for a single decision maker to lead the baseball operations department and having an individual in place by the end of the season”.

That search lasted nine days; on Thursday, the White Sox announced that assistant GM Chris Getz was promoted to GM and Senior Vice President. This season is the second straight season the White Sox have underachieved. Here is my issue regarding Getz: If the organization knew what they would do the entire time, why not just promote simultaneously? IT TOOK NINE DAYS to promote the assistant GM. The statement released in the announcement of Hahn and Williams being relieved of their duties was just to show the fans they did something.

Getz announced during his introductory press conference that Manager Pedro Grifol will return for a second season. So, the General Manager was hired in-house, and the manager is staying, which means that changes must be made to the roster. Outside of Luis Robert Jr., who is having an outstanding season, everyone else should be available for trade or not brought back next season. The team will only accept the options of Liam Hendriks and Tim Anderson if they have a trade partner. Yasmani Grandal won’t be back in free agency either. If Chris Getz wants to make an immediate impact, there are two names I am watching: Dylan Cease and Eloy Jimenez. If the White Sox deal with either of the two, the return should be solid, but it can also send shockwaves through a clubhouse that we have heard has some cultural issues.

After winning 93 games in 2021, the White Sox have underachieved the last two seasons. If I’m a White Sox fan, I’m not thrilled about what happened. Not because Chris Getz doesn’t deserve an opportunity, but because if an outsider came in, everybody would be put on notice. It also shows that the White Sox didn’t conduct an extensive search because it took nine days. The White Sox are immensely talented but haven’t put it together. Staying in-house was the smart choice because they play in the lousy AL Central. In my opinion, I would have gone bold with someone on the outside and seen how they handled this upcoming offseason.

THE 2023 DALLAS COWBOYS SEASON PREVIEW

BY MARK HALPERN

So here we are just a week away from the beginning of the NFL season, and this Dallas team is something special (Dallas fans have been saying this for 30 straight years) with the additions that were made to help out the offense and the defense that the Cowboys could have a top five Offense and Defense this year.

Dak is back at the helm, and we all wonder what this season will bring. Dak has had troubles over the past two seasons, especially losing to the 49ers in the Divisional round back-to-back years. Dak has a fantastic offense to work with this year. Ezekiel Elliot was released due to his significant decline in production and health. He is still one of the top short-yardage backs in the game, and I am sure Belichick has great plans for him. I wish him the best. That being said, Tony Pollard is now the #1 running back in Dallas and proved so last season with him going over 1000 yards and becoming one of the most reliable backs in the game. Pollard’s season ended in the playoffs when he suffered an injury similar to Dak’s against the Giants a few years ago. Still, he is back in top health and ready to lead the charge with rookie Deuce Vaughn, the Kansas State Speedster, and James Connor will now be the third running back on the depth chart to give the Cowboys some wiggle room to get Pollard a rest now and again.

The Wide Receiver core of Cee Dee Lamb, Brandin Cooks (signed this year), and Michael Gallup rank as a top 5 core. The Cowboys had struggled last year moving the ball in the air, and a lot of that had to do with the fact that there was no solid number #2 wide receiver last year with Gallup returning from an ACL Tear. So, when you have one main guy, defenses tend to see that and compensate. Now, the addition of Cooks and his speed and route running should open up lanes not only for Lamb and Gallup but also rookie 2nd-year Jalen Tolbert. He has made tremendous strides in the offseason, OTA, and Training camp and locked up the 4th wide receiver spot. I expect to see a lot of him

this season, as his size and speed will be used. As for the Tight end position, Dalton Schultz left the Cowboys but stayed in Texas to play for the Texans with rookie C.J. Stroud. That leaves Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot as the first two on the chart. Both were rookies last year and were mainly blocking Tight Ends, but Ferguson did catch 20 passes last year, making him the starting tight end. His size and abilities remind me a lot of Jay Novacheck from the 90’s Cowboys. The offensive line is still one of the more dominant lines in Football but is getting up there in age. This line has to give Dak at least 3 seconds to throw the ball, and if you give Dak time, he can hurt you through the air or with his legs. So, the more time this line can give Dak, the better and opening holes for Pollard to recreate last year’s production and then some.

No team in the NFL can survive without a great defense, and that is what Dallas has. Micah Parsons is on a mission this year to get one sack in each NFL game. If there was anyone in Football who could attain this feat, he should be immortalized. With Tank Larence on one side and Maz Smith on the other, we will get good pressure on QBs. The Line backing Crew of Parsons Vander Esch and Clark is a force to be reckoned with and will help keep the run game in check. The secondary Dan Quinn has put together deserves its name, “The No-Fly Zone.” The Cowboys said that the Conor back position would be upgraded, and they did just that by signing former Pats CB Stephon Gilmore. He gives Dallas two of the top 10 corners in the game. His addition will slow down the passing attack and give the Cowboy’s defense the time it needs to get to the QB or at least hurry the QB and cause turnovers. Dallas has two great safeties in Donovan Wilson (who hits and plays like Darren Woodson) and Veteran Malik Hooker, who had a great year last year.

As long as the Cowboys can execute on offense, The Cowboys should win the NFC East with a record of 12-5 and meet the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl (however, it won’t be a third time is the charm for the Bills.) and that is how the old man sees it.

The State of the NFC East and Who Will Win Division

By Mark Halpern

Thirty years ago, there was no division scarier than the NFC EAST. When you look at the teams that represented the Division, The Dallas Cowboys, The Washington Redskins (now commanders), and The Philadelphia Eagles were forces to be reckoned with, as three of the four teams in that Division won super bowls (1990 Giants, 1991 Redskins and 1992 and 1993 and 1995 the Dallas Cowboys) in the span of four straight Superbowls the NFC East was the most feared Division in football for a good ten years. Over the last 35 years, we have seen the Giants win, the Eagles claim victories, and, funny enough, both again, Tom Brady and Company. However, the Division has not been near the top Division for a long time, and things could change.

The Dallas Cowboys have revamped this to be a top Contender. Yes, we all know that Dak is being considered to have a Tony Romo disease and can have an outstanding regular season only to lose in the divisional round to the San Fransico 49ers over the last two years. The Cowboys have revamped their offensive line to help create some new lanes for Pollard and Deuce Vaughn (Now that Zeke heads to New England. Good luck, Zeke). Dallas made a lot of free-agent additions, but to me, none is more critical than Brandin Cooks. He joins two very talented receivers, Cee Dee Lamb and Michael Gallup. Cooks will allow the Cowboys to change their offense back to its winning days. With two weeks left, Jerry Jones made a fantastic trade with the 49ers in which a 4th round pick was traded from the Cowboys to the 49ers for Trey Lance. Lance was one of the top quarterbacks picked a few years ago, and San Fransico sold the farm to get him to have him play all four plays in his tenure. Lance will be the third-string quarterback and will most likely inherit the Cowboys.

Switching focus to one of the most troubled organizations in football, The Washington Commanders. This team has been in the spotlight over the last year for the wrong reasons. Dan Snyder, the disgusting and toxic man he is, left his stench on this organization and tried to crawl out from underneath the scandal, just like the Raiders had to do when the emails surfaced about Gruden and his treatment of certain players. The Commanders have some excellent weapons, as Terry McLaurin is the best receiver on this team and a top 20 wide receiver in this league any day of the week with his route running and speed. Sam Howell and Brian Robinson are this team’s only other bright points. Chase Young returns this year after an injury-plagued first few years, and we shall see if he is as electric as he used to be. I expect the Commanders to stay within reach, as they will be at the bottom of the NFC East.

The Philadelphia Eagles are the reigning NFC champs after going to Super Bowl 57 and losing to the Chiefs. The Eagles made many moves in the offseason to try and improve this team; however, they let their #1 RB Miles Sanders go to the Panthers, and the Eagles will be more of a committee at running back this year. The Wide Receiver core of A.J. Brown and Devonte Smith is one of the scariest sets of wide receivers over the past year and has a very talented Tight End in Dallas Godert. Jalen Hurts has proven he belongs in the NFL, but it had two years to scout and watch him. He is very predictable, but it will be a long day if Defense can’t stop him. Contain Hurts, and you contain the Eagles. The Eagles drafted Jalen Carter with the 9th overall pick. He has been compared to Micah Parsons with his ability and technique. The Eagles will make the playoffs as a wild-card team if the Defense can keep them in games.

Last and certainly least are the New York football Giants. I am glad I am not a Giants fan because they made the biggest mistake by signing Daniel Jones to a guaranteed contract, and superstar running back Saquon Barkley got a franchise tag to lock him up for one year. Before I get into the state of this team, let’s focus on this move. I understand that a quarterback is essential, but why sign someone who has yet to prove himself? Saquon wanted a longer deal and ultimately signed the tag to play in NY for this year. You would think the Giants would want him locked up, but over the past two years, he has caught the injury bug. When he is on the field, he is as electric as CM7. The receiving core, except for Sterling Sheppard, is nonexistent. The Giants have a lot of youth at the Receiver position but need an experienced enough quarterback to get that ball in the hands of speedy wide receivers. The Giant’s Defense was among the worst defensive teams, ranking 31st in the league. The Giants are in the process of trying to rebuild and make the team better than last year. Every Dog has its day, and that is how the old man sees it.