The Sports Insanity Network

THE ROAR OF THE PACKERS

by Lawrence Lang

The Green Bay Packers started their 2025 season off with a stunner of a win over the Detroit Lions in their home opener at Lambeau Field, and it was a complete game for the Packers.

The Packers started with the ball, but it took a long time for them to get the ball going and scoring. It took Quarterback Jordan Love 12 plays and a time of 5:34 to score the first points of the game, and on the season, a 12-yard pass to Tight End Tucker Kraft to start the game with a bang.

The Packers then would make the Lions go three and out and added a field goal to go up 10 -0 to end the first quarter. The Lions would get their first points of the season with a 30-yard field goal by Jake Bates to make it 10-3 and an impressive nine-minute-plus possession of the football.

But in true Packer quarterback fashion, over the last 30-plus years, between Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, and now Jordan Love, here hold this practice football.

Love took the Packers down the field in two plays and in just under a minute (53 seconds) for another Packers touchdown, 48 48-yard pass to wide receiver Romeo Doubs, and a 17-yard pass to wide receiver Jaylen Reed got the Packers up 17-3 after the extra point.

Running Back Josh Jacobs got in on the scoring action with his first rushing touchdown of the season, scoring a three-yard touchdown run to put the Packers up 24-6 in the fourth quarter.

Now to the newly acquired Packer Linebacker Micah Parsons got his first sack as a Packer and first sack on the season, sacking Lions quarterback Jarred Goff for a four-yard loss.

For the Lions the little shinning light came in the same possession Parsons got his sack a 13 yard pass from Goff to rookie wide receiver Isaac Teslaa in the endzone was initially ruled incomplete after Teslaa made an impressive one handed catch and came down with ball and it didn’t look like he kept both feet inbounds but after replay assist it was ruled he did and it looks like we have a catch of the year candidate already.

The downside side it was too late, as it would be the last time the Lions touch the ball, and the Packers would win the game 27-13.

Five Keynotes for the Packers

Jordan Love was 16/22, had 188 yards passing and two touchdowns, and was sacked zero times.
Micah Parsons was ready for week one, even with dealing with his back injury, and was able to get that “monkey off his back” in getting his first sack as a Packer.
The Packers, as a defense, got four sacks and an interception on Goff.
The Packers’ defence also held the Lions, who have one of the most explosive offences, to just 13 points, and if it was not for the late touchdown could have been just six points.
As a whole, they played 60-minute football and not 45-minute football, where in the 4th quarter they took the foot off the gas, they kept the gas on and didn’t let off.

Three Key questions for the Lions

How do they bounce back and get ready for another divisional showdown when they have their home opener against the Chicago Bears?
With being held to just 46 yards rushing as a team, how do they address the run game?
Does this loss to the Packers make the Packers the divisional front-runners, and are the Lions looking at a wildcard spot?

The Packers will host the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football.

The Commanders are coming in after a commanding 21-6 win over the New York Giants.

AFTER THE DEADLINE

BY MARK HALPERN

At the trade deadline the Mets made a lot of moves. They didn’t move any of the young players on the roster (Vientos, Acuna, Baty and Mauricio). Since the deadline one of things that has come up more than once is what will Pete Alonso do? Odds are he will opt out of his current deal with the Mets to get a contract that will make him a Met for Life. The question becomes what should the Mets do with all the talent in the wings? What do the Mets do?

Pete Alonso will be at the forefront of all issues the Mets need to deal with. Pete Alonso affectionately known as “The Polar Bear” signed a two-year deal with an opt out last year with the Mets. Pete is not just a great ball player but he wants to finish his career with the Mets and has not made that a secret. Cohen and Stearns will have to make a decision on what to offer but I’m thinking around 5 years 40 per $200 million. Pete just turned 31 and we don’t know what he will be like 5 years from now and the Mets can make that decision then.

Of all the Mets rookies this season Brett Baty has played the most consistently all season and should win the third base spot. Ronny Maurico will back up at both second and third, but can also play left field giving him many opportunities to play. Francisco Alvarez has had an injury plagued season. Alvarez is the top catcher in the organization. The Mets also promoted former first round pick Kevin Parada to triple A. Luis Angel Acuna has definitely proved his worth with his baserunning and his glove but his Bat has not developed as much as the Mets hoped.I’m chalking that up to him not playing everyday. I also don’t think it’s fair to compare him to his brother. That brings us to Mark Vientos who is finally showing us the player of 2024. Most of the season for Vientos has been dreadful, but is now turning it around with a scorching red hot August that we truly hope continues into the playoffs. Vientos’s glove has been a liability for the Mets this season making him the DH on this team. I don’t have a problem with it at all but he can be useful on the field and maybe teaching to play more of a first base as a back up. With Starling Marte being an impending free agent, Vientos could be the future DH.

The Mets will have two more position players ready next season and that will be CF Jett Williams and 1b/3b Ryan Clifford (who is on one of the hottest runs in AAA) who could compete with Vientos.

As for the rotation. The Mets have now called up all three big pitching prospects in Mclean, Tong (who have combined for a 5-0 record) but Brandon Sproat will make his debut Sunday and we are all expecting to see some more greatness. These three pitchers are the life line right now pulling the Mets into the playoffs.

Once we hit the offseason the Mets will have a better idea on what they need to add whether to the rotation or lineup but, Steans and Cohen definitely will have some decisions to make.

WEEK 1 PREGAME

BY SIN BLITZERS

DOLPHINS AT COLTS : Two teams that missed out on the playoffs last season will meet in Indy on Sunday as the Colts host the Dolphins. The Dolphins missed the playoffs by a game, in part because Tua Tagovailoa missed six games with a concussion and a hip injury, the team was 2-4 without him. The Dolphins will have some questions on offense, but if Tua can get the ball to Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle this offense could be as explosive as it was two years ago. On the other side of the ball the Fins should have a tremendous pass rush with Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips both back from injury and the emergence of second year pro Chop Robinson, they also brought in Matthew Judon in free agency.

For the Colts they’re turning to Daniel Jones to help an offense that averaged 22 points per game last season. The Colts still have Jonathan Taylor, who is coming off a 1,400 yard season rushing with 11 touchdowns. Indy did add some offensive fire power in the draft when they selected Tyler Warren, the Tight End out of Penn St.The Colts brought in veteran Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo, formerly of the Bengals to be their defensive coordinator. Only three teams gave up more yards than Indy last season.

BENGALS AT BROWNS : Division game to start in the AFC North. Last season the Bengals swept their in state rivals, but it didn’t help them make the playoffs. Both teams made headlines this offseason by being able to do something people didn’t expect. For the Bengals it was being able to retain Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson. For the Browns it was being able to re-sign Myles Garrett. Last season the Bengals started the season 0-3, Zac Taylor has talked about getting off to a better start, well here’s there chance against their in state rivals led by Joe Flacco.

STEELERS AT JETS : The major layer in this game is the fact that both teams starting Quarterback will be playing their former team. I feel Justin Fields was disrespected by the Steelers, and will have every opportunity on Sunday to prove them wrong. On the other side Aaron Rodgers will look to help the Steelers win their first playoff game in years.

RAVENS AT BILLS : Rematch of the AFC Divisional game, won by the Bills. Both teams are still looking to get over the KC hump. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are two of the best Quarterbacks in the game, Sunday could be the beginning to one’s journey to hoisting the Lombardi. The Ravens have arguably the best roster in the league, and the added DeAndre Hopkins to the offense, and somehow the league let them draft Malaki Starks. For the Bills, a big question will be who can emerge as a top Josh Allen target?

REMAINING AT THE TOP OF THE CHAIN

BY MARK HALPERN

The Detroit Lions have certainly changed their culture under Head Coach Dan Campbell. Two years ago the Lions were playing in the NFC Championship and last season they won their second consecutive NFC North Championship and were the number one seed in the NFC.

The offense is so dynamic Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are the best running back duo in the league. They are not just great backs, they are also great receiving threats and both can block. The Wide Receivers of St. Brown and Williams and Tight End Sam LaPorta give Jared Goff a plethora of weapons. Last season the Lions averaged 33.2 points per game.

If the Lions have something to worry about is their secondary unit. In each of the last two seasons the Secondary collapsed towards the end of the regular season and was one of the reasons they faltered in the playoffs. The Lions do have the advantage of getting Aidan Hutchinson back and will hopefully lead the defense to greatness.

The NFC North is going to be a very tough division. With the loss of both coordinators it could be hard for the Lions to repeat, but I believe they will.

THREE’S COMPANY

BY MIKE RIFKIN

The Mets on Sunday will call up Brandon Sproat to make his MLB debut on Sunday against the Reds. Sproat is the third Mets pitching prospect to start following Nolan McLean and Jonah Tong. Over his last 11 appearances for Triple A Syracuse Sproat has posted a 2.40 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 59 innings. Sproat has held opposing hitters to a .163 average in that span.

Sproat’s start will be in place of Kodai Senga. Senga and his representatives are in conversations with the Mets about a possibility of pitching in Triple A. Since returning from injury Senga has struggled mightily posting a 5.90 ERA and struggling to go deep into games. The Mets have gone to this well twice and have had success, they’re hoping it works for a third time.

Senga is not the only Mets’ starter who is struggling Sean Manea and David Peterson have also struggled. But what David Stearns is doing is giving the fans and himself a glimpse into the future of this organization. Even with Sproat’s debut Sunday, what intrigues me more is the role Sproat, McLean and Tong could play in October if the Mets get there.

AND, HERE WE GO

BY MARK HALPERN

Well, here we are one day before the NFL season kicks off with a volatile matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. There is no love between these two teams as they have been battling on the gridiron for better than 45 years.

The Cowboys have been on the forefront the NFL news as of late with the trading of superstar Micah Parsons. It doesn’t help the defense at all this season but, does clear the media distraction. Dak Prescott will be leading the Cowboys out with new head coach Brian Schottenheimer and try and make a point by taking down the reigning super bowl champs

Dallas will be relying on their offense to carry them this season as the defense has been an issue (especially last year) and it won’t get easier this season. Dak is going to have to lead this team and for once he has a young set of wide receivers in Lamb and new acquisition George Pickens. Ferguson is coming off an improved season. The running back position that’s still a band aid used to fix a gash with three on the depth chart. Look for veteran Javonte Williams to start and see Miles Sanders mix in and rookie Jaydon Blue should also get looks. The Cowboys haven’t really had a great back since they first drafted Zeke, although Tony Pollard gave them some years. But we know if you can run the ball, it’ll take pressure off those receivers.

The Dallas defense has a lot of questions to it. The biggest one is with Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence gone, who will be the big time edge rusher. Da’ron Bland and Tre’von Diggs form one of the better corner duos in the league, but they have to be able to get to the quarterback too. We’ll see what happens in week one, but this Cowboys defense does have questions.

2025 Blitzer Questionnaire

BY SIN BLITZERS

Hello Football fans and welcome back to another great season. Here at the Network we do a questionnaire entering the season and we will keep track throughout the season. Here are the questions that were asked and how some of the guys responded. If you’d like to do the questionnaire yourself just leave it in the comment section below.

BIGGEST THREATS TO CHIEFS AND EAGLES IN THEIR CONFERENCES?
FAVORITE/LEAST FAVORITE MOVE OF OFFSEASON?
COACH/PLAYER ON THE HOT SEAT?
COACH AND PLAYER WITH MOST TO PROVE?
WHICH FIRST YEAR COACH WINS THE MOST GAMES?
WHO IS THE FIRST COACH FIRED
WHAT PLAYOFF TEAM FROM LAST SEASON WILL MISS THIS SEASON?
WHAT NON PLAYOFF TEAM FROM LAST SEASON WILL MAKE IT THIS SEASON?
AWARDS
DIVISION WINNERS AND SUPERBOWL

HERE ARE OUR RESPONSES

NFC : BILL/MARK – LIONS : After what they did last year, which was impressive. They will be getting Aidan Hutchinson back on defense and that should help.

Mike : 49ers : I know what you’re thinking, but there is no way the Niners can be as injured as they were last year. There’s going to be two massive returns, one is CMC and the other is Robert Saleh.

AFC : ALL : RAVENS : They were a Mark Andrews drop away from beating the Bills last season. The addition of DeAndre Hopkins should help Lamar Jackson, and somehow this defense was able to add Malakai Starks in the draft. This might be the Ravens’ year.

FAVORITES : MARK : JUSTIN FIELDS AND DAVANTE ADAMS : This was hard so I’m going with two. Fields might be the solution to the Jets QB woes over the years. As for Adams, adding him to an offense with Puka Nacua, might give them the best receiving duo in the league.

BILL : Pats adding offense : The Pats spent the offseason finding ways to help Drake Maye in his development. They beefed up the line with Morgan Moses, Garrett Bradbury and drafting Will Campbell. They also got him Stefon Diggs on the outside.

Mike: Bears going on the offensive : Like the Pats the Bears beefed up their offense. Caleb Williams was sacked 68 times last season. The Bears added Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson and Drew Dalman to help protect their prized investment.

LEAST FAVORITE : MIKE : MYLES GARRETT RE-SIGNING WITH BROWNS : This is strictly based on not knowing what direction the Browns want to go in. If the Browns gave into the trade request the Browns could find their future QB, but we’ll see how 2025 goes for them.

BILL : SAINTS QB SITUATION : With Derek Carr retired, the Saints will turn to Spencer Rattler, who last season had a 57% completion percentage, 1,317 yards, four touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games, including six starts. By the way the Saints were 0-6 in those games. I would’ve started Tyler Shough, who they took in the second round of the draft.

COACH : MARK : MIKE MCDANIEL – DOLPHINS : Despite making the playoffs in his first two seasons, most people look at the lack of success this team has late in the season. If the Dolphins either start slow or miss the playoffs again McDaniel could be gone.

BILL : ZAC TAYLOR : BENGALS : Joe Burrow had an MVP type season last season and the Bengals missed the playoffs. The Bengals were able to retain Ja’marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Trey Hendrickson if they miss the playoffs this season, Taylor is done.

MIKE : MIKE TOMLIN : STEELERS : I know the Steelers have had three coaches in 30+ seasons and they don’t fire people. It’s been nine seasons since they last won a playoff game, if they fail this year with Aaron Rodgers it might be time for a change that I feel is long overdue.

Player : BILL/MIKE : TREVOR LAWRENCE : Lawrence threw 11 touchdowns last season in an injury plagued season. Now he is going to make 55 million dollars, the same as Joe Burrow and Josh Allen, let’s be honest Lawrence isn’t close to that level yet and he is on his third coach already.

MARK : DANIEL JONES : Yeah, he beat out Anthony Richardson to start this season, but I think that says more about Richardson then Jones. If Danny Dimes does what he did in New York in Indy, the fans will call to go back to Richardson.

PLAYER : MIKE/BILL: AARON RODGERS : The Steelers view themselves as Super Bowl contenders, and if they think Aaron Rodgers puts them over the top, he’s going to have to do the job. Rodgers, played well for the Jets last year, especially after they were eliminated, this is his best chance to win a second ring in a loaded conference.

MARK : MICAH PARSONS : The Green Bay Packers must feel Parsons is the missing piece on their roster. If the Packers fall short of their goal over the next four years, we’ll see what happens, but Parsons has to continue to play at a defensive player of the year level.

COACH : BILL : SEAN MCDERMOTT : Every year we hype the Bills to be the team representing the AFC in the Super Bowl and every year they fall short. At some point they have to get over the hump otherwise they’re wasting prime Josh Allen.

MARK : Brian Schottenheimer : Cowboys : This team still has talent despite the Parsons trade. Brian’s late father Marty was an outstanding coach, we’ll see if the son can be the same, otherwise Jerry might look for another coach really soon.

MIKE : MIKE TOMLIN : On the prior question I put Tomlin on the hot seat, and here I am saying he has the most to prove, are you sensing the pattern? The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game in nine years, if Rodgers and Tomlin don’t win one this year it could be a wrap.

MIKE/ MARK : Schottenheimer : The Cowboys are way too talented to not win games. With a healthy Dak and the addition of George Pickens, they will definitely score points.

BILL : Ben Johnson : Bears : The Bears spent this offseason trying to make things better for Caleb Williams, I think that will lead to success for DA BEARS.

BILL : DAVE CANALES : PANTHERS : Despite the turnaround at the end of last season, David Tepper could make a change quickly if the Panthers struggle early.

MARK : MCDANIEL : For the reasons I said above, if the Dolphins start slow McDaniel will be gone.

MIKE : SHANE STEICHEN : Steichen has yet to make the playoffs and is entering his third year. But with the issues at the Quarterback position, that might be the biggest problem in Indy. If Indy struggles early it might be time for a change.

MARK : STEELERS : I think they actually regress this season, they have to prove they can beat good teams, I just think the AFC is too strong and the Steelers miss.

BILL : VIKINGS : A lot of this has to do with JJ McCarthy, he hasn’t played football in two years. If he can’t push the ball downfield to Justin Jefferson there will be issues.

MIKE : STEELERS AND VIKINGS : Yeah, I am in agreement with my colleagues on this. I think both of these teams miss the playoffs. But I will say the Vikings missing Jordan Addison for the first three games will be a major factor for them missing.

BILL : PATRIOTS : I am a believer in Mike Vrabel and everything the Pats did this offseason. If Drake Maye plays well I think the Patriots are back in the playoffs.

MIKE : 49ERS AND BENGALS : For the Niners this all about getting and staying healthy. If they do that they’re back in the conversation for the Lombardi. As for the Bengals they solved everything they had to this offseason and if they miss the playoffs again Zac Taylor will be out of a job.

MVP : BILL: JALEN HURTS/ MIKE : JOE BURROW

OPTOY : BILL : SAQUON BARKLEY/MIKE : DERRICK HENRY

DPTOY : BILL : PARSONS/ MIKE : MAXX CROSBY

ORTOY : BILL : MATTHEW GOLDEN/MIKE : ASHTON JEANTY

DROTY : BILL/MIKE : ABDUL CARTER

COACH OF THE YEAR : BILL : BEN JOHNSON/MIKE : SEAN PAYTON

AFC EAST : ALL : BILLS

AFC NORTH : ALL : RAVENS

AFC SOUTH : MIKE/MARK : TEXANS, BILL : JAGS

AFC WEST : MARK : CHARGERS, MIKE/BILL CHIEFS

WILD CARDS : MARK : CHIEFS, BRONCOS, BENGALS. MIKE : BRONCOS, CHARGERS, BENGALS

NFC EAST : ALL : EAGLES

NFC NORTH : ALL : LIONS

NFC SOUTH : BILL/MIKE BUCS. MARK : FALCONS

NFC WEST : ALL : 49ERS

WILD CARDS : MIKE : RAMS, COMMANDERS, PACKERS. MARK : COWBOYS, COMMANDERS, VIKINGS.

SB PREDICTION : BILL: RAVENS VS EAGLES, MARK : RAVENS VS COWBOYS, MIKE : RAMS VS RAVENS

SB WINNER : MIKE/BILL : RAVENS. MARK : COWBOYS.

Earned It

By Mike Rifkin

One of the things most Mets fans hoped for last Winter was a new contract for Pete Alonso. Alonso’s season in 2024 was not what he hoped for. He hit 34 homers, which outside of 2020 was a career low, 88 RBI along with a slash line of .240/.329/.459.

The free agent market didn’t pan out for Alonso, as he signed a two year contract (one year plus an option) with the Mets. In 2025 however Alonso has carried over what he did for the Mets in the postseason and in past seasons. In last night’s loss to the Marlins, Alonso hit his 30th homer of the season (4 away from matching last season’s total) 108 RBI along with a slash line of .267/.348/.514. You could make the case of Alonso being the most valuable Met, although David Peterson might have something to say about that, Alonso will garner some MVP votes.

After the season, Alonso will certainly opt out of his contract with the Mets and put himself back on the market. I think the number one priority for David Stearns and Steve Cohen this winter is to lock Pete up to a long term deal. Met fans got to witness a great moment when he passed Darryl Strawberry on the all-time homer list, and is now the franchise leader. Met fans have not had a homegrown superstar position player wise since David Wright. It would be special for the fanbase to witness Pete try to get to other milestone homers and potentially bring a World Series back to Queens. But, let’s get one thing straight, all credit to Alonso, because he has earned a new deal.

NEED MORE

BY MIKE RIFKIN

One of the things I thought the Mets needed at the trade deadline was another starting pitcher. There are a few reasons why they did need a starter, the biggest being the rotation as is has been ineffective. Outside of David Peterson no Met starter has gotten out of the sixth inning and they are taxing the bullpen. Right now the Mets are clinging to a half game lead over the Reds for the last wild card spot.

One of the reasons Mets fans were excited entering the second half was they were getting both Sean Manea and Kodai Senga back from injury. But those results have been not been good, Manea has an ERA of 5.15 and Senga has an ERA of 6.00 over his last six starts. Senga’s first 14 starts he had an ERA of 1.39. The Mets staff in the first half was great with reclamation projects Griffin Canning and Clay Holmes. But Holmes is looks tired as he has a career high in innings and Canning tore his Achilles. Had David Stearns acquired a starter, they could move Holmes to the bullpen for the stretch run, instead he acquired a couple relievers to solidify the pen.The Mets have called up prospect Nolan McLean, who was great in his first start. Brandon Sproat and Jonah Tong are in Triple A and probably close to a call up. But let’s look at the National League as a whole. In Philadelphia, the Phillies lost Zack Wheeler (who hopefully has a safe recovery), but they are able to withstand it because Christopher Sanchez and Jesus Luzardo have been fantastic. The Dodgers’ rotation has been able to withstand a ton of injuries as well. Both those teams have top of the rotation arms, the Mets have a need for an ace. So whether it’s a trade for Sandy Alcantara or signing a guy like Dylan Cease, Zac Gallen or Framber Valdez the Mets need a proven guy at the top of the rotation in 2026, especially if 2025 doesn’t pan out their way.

Keeping Up With the Jones

By Mike Rifkin

Earlier this summer I wrote an article based on Quarterbacks who are under pressure entering the season. (https://thesportsinsanitynetwork.com/2025/07/14/quarterbacks-under-pressure/) One of the QB’s on the list is Anthony Richardson of the Colts. During the draft process a lot of analysts talked about Richardson’s upside, but also noted that he had played 24 games at the college level, in comparison Bryce Young, the number one pick in that draft played in 36 games. Richardson the fourth overall pick in 2023 has played in 15 games through two seasons compiling a 50.6 completion percentage, 2,391 yards, 11 touchdown passes, 13 interceptions and a 67.8 Quarterback rating. Richardson also has 635 rushing yards along with 10 touchdowns, nine fumbles, losing two of them.The Colts signed Daniel Jones this offseason to compete with Richardson. Jones, a former first round pick himself with the Giants found himself released during the season after another tough season. In 70 games with the Giants Jones compiled a 64.1 completion percentage, 14,582 yards, 70 touchdown passes and 47 interceptions. Jones also ran for 2,179 yards on 399 carries with 15 touchdowns, but did fumble 15 times losing seven of them.

Jones is still 28 years old, so if he can redeem himself in Indy he could put himself in a nice position after the season. The Colts have put themselves in a really tough spot, because unless there is an injury to Jones, I’m not sure you can go back to Richardson. Daniel Jones was brought in to compete with Richardson, not take the job, Richardson losing this battle is bad for both he and the organization. If Jones struggles, the Colts will have to continue their search for a franchise QB, something they haven’t had since Andrew Luck.