Dr. Who

There is a pernicious tendency today to throw the racism charge around cavalierly. I agree with your assessment of the fella's take on Hopkins, but I also understand his anger over the spurious aspersion cast his way without regard to consequences. In the academic world its become a means of totalitarian control and ostracization of pretty much any traditional views. (Folks who champion "The Great Books" are deemed morally guilty or at least complicit in oppression and lack of inclusivity.) The popular culture and discourse has become equally toxic and destructive. People's lives are often ruined by implication and innuendo. When some idealogues treat mathematics and grammar as racist impositions, madness has become endemic. Frankly, I think we are at the end of a civilizational cycle. I would like to see the ethos improve, but I'm not expecting it.

Yes, I know. I exaggerated somewhat because of the fellow who was dismissive. I watched the game, though turned off a few times because the Mammoth would score every time I put the game on and I am superstitious. I am the same way with the Bills and Sabres, so cannot help the irrationality.

I think you're subtly reducing Happy's point by equating the clutch moment with catching a Hail Mary or as something that is only relevant end of the season and playoffs. Clearly, it is a property of every game, even the early ones, and those contribute just as much as the late ones to playoff seeding. Regardless, I've already stated my views several times and rather comprehensively on Hopkins. He's a risk. I would take it. I understand the rationale of those who conclude otherwise.

That's correct. Apparently if it goes to a third game, you'll need ESPN plus to watch it. Hopefully the Bandits close it out on the road.

No one knows or can know how much Hopkins has left in the tank. All you can do is conjecture. It doesn't really matter what is the norm for older receivers. That is common knowledge. Assessment has to match the unique player. Hopkins is over thirty. He has begun to accrue injuries. He did get caught taking a proscribed substance, though it was not a steroid. Nonetheless, he looked to still have a high degree of ability playing with lesser qbs when he came back from suspension. Do you gamble Hopkins will retain health and quality of play for a season or two and offer a competitive contract to go get him? I think it more likely than not he will be enough of the player he has been in the past to be a difference making playmaker the opposing defense cannot ignore for a couple of seasons. I would do it. Folks on the other side of the argument can make a plausible case for caution. If he decides to chase the money, I don't think we're in. If he is willing to sacrifice a bit from what a team like the Lions could offer to play with Allen and have a legit chance at a ring, Beane has enough resources to make that work.

Bandits just won 13 - 12. Intense last few minutes. Held onto a narrow lead after a second half run of goals. It's a great sport.

Well, if you insist on following the Knights on this board, there's going to be blow back because a lot of folks were alienated by Eichel.

I am just guessing the Knights have their own message board. I don't like Eichel and don't want him to win. Do not care if you think that is shallow. It's not personal against folks who live in Vegas or root for them. I liked Sam Reinhart when he was with the Sabres. His departure was not acrimonious and he did not act like an entitled Boston jerk because he wasn't one. So, I find I can rather easily root for the Panthers. I don't conflate them with the Dolphins, just as I don't think of the Raiders when the Knights in their ugly mustard yellow sweaters hit the ice.

Joe Marino did a long analysis on Davis. He catches by bringing his hands together like someone clapping. Marino opines he's been catching that way his entire athletic career, so it's unlikely he is going to change in that respect. The optimal catch technique involves making a basket with your hands that nestles the ball. In short, Davis' drop percentage is probably more a result of the way he catches the ball which inherently generates more misses rather than loss of concentration due to injury. Obviously, the high ankle sprain probably did contribute to poor results last year. The best thing for Davis would be signing Hopkins so that Davis could feast on single coverage from cb3 on the long ball routes that are his forte.

I understand your stance and I would guess Beane is likely to hold a perspective closer to your own. I think in a couple of years, Kincaid might very well be a force. By that time, Diggs will be near the end of his prime WR1 threat years. Hopkins adds that pressure now. The two together should make everyone else's job easier because the defense is spread thin. As I've said elsewhere, you need a good defense. It's not prudent in today's game to try and build a dominant defense like the '85 Bears. You win by outscoring opponents. Scare them with playmakers all over the field and a bold, franchise qb. Pegula may be complacent, or he may not. Another season that ends in a whimper playoff time might alter levels of content. I assure you Diggs and Allen are not going to be happy with another early failure.

If the Bills don't crash the SB party in the next couple of years, Beane may be saving cap for a different GM. Imo, you see a chance to improve your chances at the first ring, you go get it. That buys you patience down the line if you need to retool. Too much caution is not the right play if you've got a franchise qb top 3 at the position and have fizzled in the playoffs.

Some of my opinions begin as protoplasmic proteins, but by the time they reach this board they are fairly self-assured and reasonably correct, even when they're not

Hopkins is not without risk and the folks who like to plan for the future capwise are not on board with going after him. I surmise Hopkins is not the injury plagued PED risk malcontent his detractors imagine. He's been mostly durable, though his injuries have been from recent seasons. He looked strong coming back from suspension and I expect he has 2 or 3 good seasons left. I would roll the dice on him. I think McDermott and Beane have urgency to win a SB or at least get much closer than the last few years. Hopkins improves your chances there and makes the offense about as potent as an offense can be. The only questions left will be how good is the oline and is Dorsey up to the challenge of getting all the weapons involved.

Don't beat yourself up. It matters with Josh, though. I mean Josh forgetting him. OTOH, Dawson might not invite you to his birthday party.

Was going to give you a Lombardi for the analogy, but somehow could not resist the beer emoji.

I knew you just left Knox out, was being a smart ass.

I don't think playing with ten men on the field is a good idea.

Noted. I'll put you in the does not want Hopkins category in the running tally I keep in my socks drawer.

That's not what I said. In addition, I was one of the fellas who was pushing for taking Kincaid over a month before the draft. Diggs and Hopkins on the field won't take snaps from Kincaid who will line up at big slot most of the time. It won't hurt Knox, either.

He just wants to expand the numbers to make it seem ridiculous to think there are enough snaps for everybody. Of course, there aren't, but many of the names are JAGs, and the ones who aren't will benefit when they get single coverage in advantageous positions of the field because Hopkins and Diggs have to both be accounted for.

It's simple. Diggs and Hopkins will demand coverage and that will open up the field for everyone on the team. And the way you win in the current NFL is always be good enough on offense to be able to outscore the opponent. You need a good, but not great defense. We have that.

When you make a lot of movies, there are bound to be some turkeys. Should have mentioned Who Shot Liberty Valance as one of the superior westerns. John Ford is just such a good storyteller.

Though in truth, that was something of a career Oscar, imo. Stagecoach that made him a star, Red River, and the Searchers are his best westerns, the last probably his best performance.

Didn't realize your avatar was a self-portrait. Mrs. is keeping it together well.