By Tim Peterson
We went from not having any sports two months ago to Saturday where I could barely keep up. The remote was always on hand with college football, baseball and the NBA playoffs all in full force. The US Open Final was on as well if that’s your idea of a good time.
of course the priority was football right? Did you realize that Travis Lawrence and Travis Etienne had combined for nearly 11,000 career passing/ rushing yards at Clemson going into Saturday’s game with Wake Forest? After a 37-6 rout of the Demon Deacons I’m sure thy have surpassed that figure by now. Lawrence threw for 351 yards by himself. Several college football players opted out of the 2020 season for concerns due to COVID 19 or the opportunity to start preparing for the NFL. But at Clemson everybody came back. The Tigers are loaded for bear. This is a team that played for the national championship last season. Same thing at Alabama. It will be an upset if it’s not those two teams playing for the national title.
I love the college football games for the schools that aren’t on the national radar. The UTSA-Texas State game Saturday was the best of the day. A double overtime game that UTSA won 51-48 with a field goal. Texas State kicker Alan Orona had a game that he will never forget unfortunately. The freshman missed an extra point late in regulation that would have given Texas State a 42-41 lead. Then he shanked a chip shot field goal in the second overtime that would have made it 51-48. UTSA immediately capitalized for the victory. He may not be the Bobcats kicker for long.
Watching several games Saturday that were played with fans makes you wonder if the PAC 12 didn’t make a mistake in postponing the season. The Coliseum in Los Angeles is big and expansive enough that social distancing could have been accomplished. Same thing at the Rose Bowl. Kind of tough seeing USC and UCLA sitting at home while all of the action is going on. And if they insisted on no fans due to science and health experts, fine kick off with no fans. But just kick it off.
In the NFL can anybody touch the Chiefs? They looked they hadn’t missed a beat Thursday night in a two touchdown win over the Texans. When you have Patrick Mahomes the offense is going to click and now that they have added Clyde Edwards-Helaire the running game is strong. At times it looked like they were just toying with Houston.
For Green Bay it’s just a case of “we have Aaron Rodgers and you don’t.” When the Packers were up just 8-7 over Minnesota at the half you got the feeling that the offense would eventually explode and it did. You got the feeling that Rodgers would make some big throws and he did. By the time the clock hit zeroes Green Bay had 43 points on the board.
Detroit Lions rookie running back D’Andre Swift will remember Sunday’s game for the rest of his life…but for all the wrong reasons. The Lions, who blew a big fourth quarter lead to Chicago and were trailing 27-23, looked like they had the win when Matthew Stafford found Swift in the left corner of the endzone with six seconds left. But the ball hit Swift right in the hands and he simply dropped it. The Lions had one more shot on fourth down but the pass fell incomplete. Tough way to make your NFL debut.
It’s weird seeing Tom Brady in a Buccaneer uniform but he looked like the same old Tom Brady early on against the Saints. He made a couple of great throws in leading Tampa Bay to a touchdown on the first drive for a 7-0 lead. When he scored on a one-yard run to cap the drive Brady, 43, became the oldest quarterback in NFL history to score a touchdown.
The Washington Football Team opened its new era with a 27-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. My question is how long do we have to call them the Washington Football Team? Okay, Redskins is out, but what’s in?
How long is Tyrod Taylor the starting quarterback for the Chargers with Justin Herbert standing on the sidelines?
Not a bad debut for Philip Rivers with Indianapolis but the Colts didn’t have enough in the loss to the Jaguars. Jacksonville was the only team in the NFL that allowed fans in the stadium.
Vegas baby! The Vegas Raiders made their debut with a road win over Carolina.
Anxiously awaiting the kick off for Rams-Cowboys in the first ever game at SoFi Stadium.
**
Yes the NBA is still going. I was all set to write that the Clippers won’t blow this series because they’re different with Kawhi Leonard. Then I saw the game Sunday. For the second straight game the Clips blew a double digit lead and folded in the second half. The series with Denver is now tied 3-3 with Game 7 set for Tuesday. The Clipper curse is still alive, and real for now.
The Lakers meanwhile took care of business and are now just sitting back and waiting…and waiting…and waiting…
**
Upon further review, maybe the uniform does make a difference. Brady just threw his second interception of the day and this one was a pick six. Almost missed it while trying to catch up on the Bengals and Joe Burrow’s debut against the Chargers. This weekend always keep the remote at the ready.
That’s my principle.
Tim can be reached at tim.midvalleysports@gmail.com or on Twitter @tspeterson40.
@ Dr. Phil: Well, that’s pretty condescending of you. I’ve always been relatively productive; that trait didn’t start just now. The only differences over my lifetime have been the kinds of jobs or activities I’ve been engaged in at any given time.
In addition, this is the only website that I’ve written posts on for many years. I’ve rarely spent more than three hours online during any particular day, and that’s because I’ve always had a lot of other things to do.
We will just have to disagree on your assessment of my personality, but I believe the level of anger I see from you over something like this is not justified.
I wish you nothing but the best. Take care.
RV, my concern is genuine. Any Dr. would tell you this site is probably one of many you spend time on researching and posting. The fact that you have found something more productive to do as you age is huge. I hope you can follow through on your on your word diet. It will be a challenge for you.
@ Dr. Phil: My comment was real; you were actually referring to my perceived writing ability. I’ve never said I’m the greatest, but I believe I do OK. I’ve learned to expect criticism no matter how good my work is.
You’re entitled to your opinion. In my opinion, some people are a lot more easily bored than others.
Also, you’re the person who mentioned children in that lame comparison. I didn’t start that stuff.
You will most likely be seeing less of me for the next few months since I’m working full-time again. All I’ve done is to try to use my time productively during my forced unemployment.
Have a good day, sir.
RV. Your perceived comment on your ability to write is telling. You can write a sentence but that alone does not make one a good writer. Your ability to make your posts interesting and readable are dead. May as well copy the phone book. In fact, they are boring. When I see your posts often one after another I just shake my head and ignore them. Also your picking out my 12-14 year old children comment that caught your eye is indeed worrying even though you tried to clean it up. Any Dr. would advise you to stop posting for a month then after that give it up altogether.
@ Have a heart: I’m not depressed; are you? I’m now happily working eight hours a day, five days a week, and I enjoy writing about sports.
I’ve been a capable writer for a long time, so I haven’t had the need to be anyone’s intern. However, I appreciate the opportunity to be a contributor on this website.
By the way, I’m not 65 yet; give it a few more weeks.
@ Dr. Phil: I’m not a public figure whose private life is out there for many to see, nor do you know me. For you to make that sort of a comment is as ridiculous as my saying you have a fixation on 12-to-14-year-old girls. (And I’m not saying that.)
In my opinion, Dr. Phil McGraw sometimes crosses the line in terms of being brash, insensitive, and rude toward others. His routine might make for good television ratings, but I wouldn’t consider his approach to be acceptable for a mental health professional.
@ RAMS FAN: I’m not trying to take away anyone’s story line; Tim himself said that he’s just barely keeping up now.
Baseball is my favorite sport, with football a close second, so I enjoy offering any information or insight on these sports that you might not necessarily find everywhere else.
Alex Gonzalez is knowledgeable and does a good job with his football reporting and commentary. I think of my football offerings as being complementary to his.
And, by all means, bring back Joe Torosian if he’s available.
I know Tim has the Chargers covered when they play at home. I hope that he, as the Chargers’ beat writer for Mid-Valley Sports, will be allowed into spacious new SoFi Stadium to report on the Chargers-Kansas City Chiefs game in person.
That ought to be a treat.
@ Truth: Perhaps you meant alter ego. Either way, I really don’t know about that; you might have to ask Tim.
Peterson,
At least let UCLA play football, as an alumni it’s embarrassing , have you been to the Rose Bowl? We’ve been practicing social distancing for the last 3 years. No one is there!
Tim, did you make Ron your intern? I know the dude lost his jobs but a 65 year old intern is kinda depressing don’t you think?
From T. Peterson: No Ron is not an intern. See my comments under “Rams Fan’s” comment below.
Ron is actually Tim’s alias. Thought everyone knew that already.
@ Agreed: Here are a couple of news items from Monday which might appear to be somewhat contradictory. Both could have an impact on when football will again be played in the Pac-12 Conference.
First, the Arizona Republic newspaper reported that 478 students at Arizona State University are currently infected with the coronavirus.
But, according to ESPN, the Pac-12 has begun actively planning for a possible start to its football season as early as mid-to-late November, instead of early January. The conference stated that it is working closely with public health officials to ensure the safety of everyone involved with its football programs.
@ RAMS FAN: My schedule abruptly changed last week. I just started a job on the second shift at a company that provides food and beverages for the holidays. I don’t get home until almost 1 a.m.
It’s nice to be working again, even at a temporary job. We wear masks and face shields, and we’re able to maintain social distancing most of the time. So far, so good…
RV please give me a call. I think I can help you. I have seen this syndrome before in 12-14 year old girls.
Hey Tim is Ron on your staff now? I think he’s trying to take your story line away from you. Talk about long winded. Ron when you’re commenting on a story please try to keep it below 5000 words. At 1:30 in the morning, do you not sleep?
From T. Peterson: No, Ron is not on the MVS Staff. However for the last few years he has provided me with information (game stories, stats, etc.) for Alhambra football. It is appreciated as we don’t have a large staff now and we are not able to cover as many high school football games as we would like to. Any additional coverage for high school football is always welcomed.
Many say boxers are the most fit athletes. After watching ESPN’s corn-hole tourney that you failed to mention, those folks are beasts.
@Ron: Your viewpoints are spoken from the perspective of a full stomach. The estimate for deaths caused by starvation in third-world countries (due to the economic shutdown) is 260 million. That’s a bigger toll than the virus will ever take, but hey, as they say, “out of sight, out of mind.”
It was a good Sunday for professional football in Los Angeles.
Following several months of uncertainty over whether there would be an NFL season at all, both the Chargers and Rams scored victories in their opening games.
The Chargers eked out a road win against the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Rams beat the Dallas Cowboys, 20-17, in their first game at brand-new SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Here are a few observations on the Chargers:
1. Neither the Chargers or the Bengals looked like they’re ready for prime time. Both offenses were sluggish most of the time in the Chargers’ 16-13 victory; L.A. won mainly because of its defense and a missed field-goal attempt by the Bengals with just seconds left in the game.
2. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who appears to be more of a game-manager type than a prolific passer, helps the Chargers with his mobility. Ex-QB Philip Rivers cost the team games last season because of his lack of mobility, along with his interceptions and fumbles.
3. Former UCLA running back Joshua Kelly scored the Chargers’ only touchdown on a six-yard run early in the fourth quarter; the ensuing extra point enabled L.A. to tie the game at 13.
4. The fact that the Chargers’ offense didn’t kill itself with turnovers put the team in a position to escape with an ugly win.
The Chargers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in their home opener at SoFi Stadium next week. They were fortunate to beat the lowly Bengals, and they must improve substantially on offense if they’re going to stand a chance against K.C.
The Chargers will have to move the ball, maximize their time of possession, and score points in order to keep their defense from getting overwhelmed by the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.
The Rams and Cowboys looked like they’re going to be two of the best teams in the NFL this season.
Both squads not only showed explosiveness on offense, but their respective defenses were probably even more impressive on Sunday evening. In my opinion, the biggest factor in the outcome of the game was the ability of the Rams’ defense to shut out the Cowboys in the fourth quarter after L.A. took a 20-17 lead in the third.
Despite the Cowboys’ opening-night loss, I’m going to predict that Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiel Elliott will have big seasons if they can stay healthy.
Prescott completed over 60% of his passes and threw for 266 yards, while Elliott rushed for over 100 yards. They performed well, considering the fact that there weren’t any exhibition games before the season started.
My takes on the Rams:
1. Malcolm Brown, who played sparingly during his first four NFL seasons, looked impressive in his debut as the starting running back. Brown ran for 79 yards, averaging over four yards a carry, and he also caught three passes for 31 yards.
2. L.A. quarterback Jared Goff looked reasonably sharp on opening night, completing 20 of 31 passes for 275 yards with just one interception.
3. Robert Woods is a clutch player for the Rams; he had more than 100 receiving yards against the Cowboys.
4. The Rams’ defense was able to put pressure on Prescott when he dropped back to pass, and they managed to contain him to a significant degree when he ran the ball.
Right now, Dallas looks like the best team in the NFC East, and I believe the Rams have a shot in the NFC West. (The Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers will most likely be tough competitors for them, though.)
I have faith that the NFL will be able to complete the 16-game regular season, and I believe it’s going to be a good one.
@ Agreed: I share your frustration, but the big difference between the NFL and the Pac-12 is that the NFL teams successfully maintained their practice “bubbles” in the weeks leading up to their season openers. Not one NFL player has tested positive for the coronavirus.
In contrast, UCLA and USC, which are both in the Pac-12, have experienced outbreaks on or near their campuses. More than 200 members of the UCLA community have become infected, and several dozen USC students who live just off campus have also been diagnosed with the disease.
I believe the plan to start the Pac-12 football season in January is the safest and most feasible one possible under the current conditions in the L.A. area. I’m looking forward to high school and college football in the wintertime, and I hope it comes to pass.
Not only could the Pac-12 play ball with simple precautions in place, the whole damned country could get back to business too, if we could free ourselves from the tentacles of all the self-appointed medical experts among us.