Connery’s Views from a recliner

I went to my first Giants game in over 30 years yesterday, my cousin and I had a ball. It was an unforgettable day from start to finish, and not just on the football field. Let me explain.

I use mass transit to get around, without getting into the whole disability description and depth perception issues, let’s just say mass transit, ubers, they are just easier. But….I hadn’t taken a train in a while, so I wanted to be ready. I printed our my ticket, and kept they confirmation, I was ready.

My father in law graciously offered to drop me off at the station, and soon I was on the train. Smiling as I entered business class, hello leg room!!! I sat down, felt for my cell charger and plugged it in. Hand on my pocket, I felt ny wallet and keys, and reached in my pocket for my phone because I had been offered a spot on a weekly football roundup, and I wanted to be ready. I was going to immerse myself in stats so I was prepared….

Hand in my pocket, wallet, keys, ph-, uh-oh. I tried not to panic. I checked my seat, nope, the floor, nope. I left it upstairs in the station…damnit. I race off the train, hurriedly asked one of the conductors ‘if I had time to’, running up the escalator I heard ‘you got 10 minutes!!!’

I raced up stairs, ‘Sir, did you see a phone?’ ‘No’ ‘Did anyone pick up a phone?’ ‘No’. Great!!!! It was at this time, I had a decision to make: Cab home, grab my phone, but miss my train and screw myself out of watching a game, and annoy my cousin…or, get on the train and just go, whatever happens, happens. I chose Option B.

I raced back down to business class, and go on the train, checking again for my phone. Still no. Then, rather than weeping or just going red with self-loathing, I saw a couple sitting in their seats ‘Excuse me…’ they confirmed they hadn’t seen my phone, called it, we didn’t hear it. The gentleman, Mark, said ‘Give me the number, I’ll let… ‘Erica, gosh I’m an idiot….’ Mark chuckled ‘Erica, Justin forgot his phone or lost it…..’ (Send). ‘Yeah just tell her husband’s an asshole whom’ ‘I’ll just tell her, you forgot…..ah ok! You left it home!!!’ (Thinking internally, FUCK!!!)

I sat down and punched the nice leather, a seat I was so looking forward to, the leg room, the seat was now a punching bag. ‘Hey Justin, did you have a meeting spot at the Stadium? (Thinking again, nope….Goddamnit!!!!)

I sat slumped in my chair, what was I going to do? I was meeting Andy, and no way to contact him….My mind raced, but I was calm’ ‘ok get to Penn, get a phone text Erica and Andy, I actually had a calm, rationale plan.

The train ride continued ‘hey Justin, if you can’t get a phone meet your cousin at Gate SAP 1’. ‘Thank you Mark’ (we exchanged a hand shake, and I was amazed at his generosity, truly.)

I got to Penn Station and couldn’t get a phone and hopped right on a train to Met Life Stadium. I got to the stadium, and went to the gate. The staff was gracious enough to let me wait in the gate but not inside the Stadium. I called Andy with a security guard’s phone, again there are some really good folks in this messed up world, and we were on our way inside!!!! A tough morning, waa going to lead to a great afternoon. I wasn’t thinking about the noise and my jump reflex, I wasn’t thinking, I was relaxed and enjoying everything.

The game itself started sorta slowly for the G-Men. The score was 5-3 Giants at half time. Then, it happened. Daniel Jones company, finally made some plays collectively. The offense hit on some third downs, including a reverse option pass TO Daniel Jones, they were cookin. Then they got to the goal line and fear crept in, they failed on 4 downs earlier in the game and I saw Carolina winning 6-5 at the buzzer.

Luckily, they scored, making the score 11-3. And, logical thought, ‘go for 2, make it a 10 point game, that way, they can’t beat us 13-12!’ Graham Gano trotted out, 12-3 Giants. We felt uneasy.

Luckily, the Giants held. And, shush, I know it was Sam Darnold without Christian McCaffery, but, 12-3 became 25-3 and a Giants win! It was good to be a Giants fan for the first time in a month!

My cousin and I fist bumped, thanked each other, he went right, I went straight and around to the waiting train. It was on to Seacuses and back to New York.

I ended up missing the chance at an earlier train but a few minutes, so I headed back to Penn Station to find a restaurant and grab food. I found a restaurant and sat down, putting my head back against the booth and exhaling, ‘what a great day!’

I absolutely love this time of year! College Football, NFL Football, NBA, NHL and the Major League Baseball Playoffs!!!

I’m annoyed with the Giants, because I really think they are better than their record suggests, they just have so many injuries, and absolutely no depth if injuries happen. But, oh well, I’ll continue to root for them and enjoy the rest of the season as a fan.

Notre Dame is finally starting to get their footing, I think. I am hoping their success continues Saturday Night against rival USC. Hopefully, their Quarterback situation calms down and they roll over the Men of Troy.

The Boston Celtics begin their season tonight in New York, against old friend, Kemba Walker. Hoping Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown start hot, and Boston can eek out a win. I think the Celtics could be a good, sort of middle of the Eastern Conference team. They’re my team, but I don’t think they are ‘there’ just yet.

In hockey, the Rangers have won 2 of their first 4, and earned points in 3 of those 4. I see them being competitive all year, maybe not the playoffs, but it’s gonna be a really fun year in the NHL, especially with the new television contracts for TNT and ESPN.

Finally, in baseball, I’m not rooting for anybody on the American League end. Short of both the Red Sox and Astros becoming individyal Pintos and spontaneously combusting, the Yankee fan in remaina temporarily pisses, but hopeful for next season. As for a World Series, go Braves. Freddie Freeman is just a really likeable guy, with a really cool backstory, that strikes a chord with me. I’d love to see the Braves or Dodgers winning it all.

Back soon. Thanks for reading!

I saw two old high school buddies on Saturday, one based out near Rochester, and the, local, whom I haven’t seen in a while.

My buddy from Rochester was going to the Giants game with his Dad on Sunday. To my friend and his Pop, whom I love dearly, from Giant fans everywhere, I’m sorry.

Sorry you had to witness this pathetic, sad sack of a team. I’m hesitant to even call it a team, currently as constructed, it’s Daniel Jones, trying wayyyyy too hard and 21 other misfits.

The score was 38–11 but it felt like 238-11, with the Rams basically playing a intra-squad scrimmage after the first quarter. My thoughts on Sean McVay going for it on 4th down up three scores aside, the whole thing was like watching The Titanic hit the iceberg on a continuous slow motion loop.

The game started out badly, Nate Solder got smoked on the Giants first series, Daniel Jones fumbled, but it was recovered by the Giants, but it was an omen. The Giants would actually put a drive together and did what they do, get 3 instead of 7.

From there, it was awful. Jones fumbled and three interceptions. Promising Rookie Kadarius Toney left early with the same injury he’s been dealing with, and Andrew Thomas left with another injury, this time to his ankle.

Being a Giant fan these last 10 years minus the 2011 Super Bowl and a brief flicker of light in 2016 with a Wild Card game, being a Giant fan has been miserable.

Good teams, hell even decent teams, yeah they get beat, but they show up and give their all. Guys like Adoree Jackson and sadly, Logan Ryan, have started quitting. Ugh.

When Joe Judge was first hired, it was panned by critics, but loved by the fans. You saw Judge fired up at training camp, and guys were buying in. Fans, we would run thru a wall for our Coach.

That seems like so long ago. Judge looks tired, lost, at trying to explain away his JV team’s lack of scoring or the God Dammed Defense’s inability to make a fucking play. Can we have one 3rd Down where if the Defensive Line losing contain, can we have a linebacker covering the receiver in the flat, so they only get 5 instead of 27 yards on a 3rd and 6? Christ.

Reading reports this past week, coaches were ‘angry’. That anger hasn’t translated into any results on the field, if anything it’s gasoline to and made this one containable blaze into a full blown wildfire.

This brings me to Mr Mara. Your undying loyalty, trust and your ego have caused this. You have a GM and Coaches that are good to go to have a beer with, but they aren’t fitting with today’s NFL. 3 yards and a cloud of dust, and rah rah specials will only go so far.

Mr. Mara, do something, NOW! Not at the end of the year after they win 3 straight and you see ‘potential’.

Embarassing and sad are words that describe my favorite team right now. The words and the lipservice, the empty promises, the bullshit Old School NFL approach is not working.

Get with the times and change or stay a stagnant laughingstock. As one of my favorite lyrics says ‘when life is hard, you’ve got to change.’

Unfortunately, Mara won’t, Steve Tisch won’t Dave Gettleman won’t and Jason Garrett won’t. Loyalty rules the day over winning and an empty stadium, that’s a hell of standard to be underachieving at, but the Giants somehow are.

Back soon.

It’s 2021. In a time of absolute warriors like Simone Biles and Vice President Kamala Harris, we still have this. To my point, sports journalists like Maria Taylor are doing great, amazing, pioneer like things. Ever hear Doris Burke call & analyze a basketball game on ESPN? Ever see Erin Andrews on Fox. I would say their analysis and reporting is right on par and better than their make contemporaries.

These are the types of great things women associated with sports should be known for. They should be proud, so proud to be advancing in what was once such an ‘old boys club’ culture.

But, in the events of the last 72 hours, we have taken a step back, again.

For those that don’t know, over the weekend in a report by the Wall Street Journal, Las Vegas Raider Head Coach, Jon Gruden, it was discovered back in 2011 had written in emails racial slurs describing the head of The NFL Players Union, DeMaurice Smith. Gruden, it was further discovered in additional emails Gruden made Homophobic and other inappropriate comments about NFL Commissioner, Roger Goddell. Gruden went further again, and received topless photos of women of the Washington Football Team’s cheerleading squad with former team executive, Bruce Allen, who forced the women to do a topless photo shoot.

Forced, in the 21st Century, in an age of social media, where everything is available, these women were forced to do something so degrading out of fear of losing their jobs because, ‘he told me to.’

What the hell is wrong with these entitled, often white men? How could these guys making literally millions, think this was okay? Their moral sensors didn’t go off, and they took the extra steps of using those words and sending the photos? This wasn’t some stupid college fiasco gone wrong, these are instances of two middle aged men engaging in awful behavior on more than one occasion, doing so willingly, and then denying any culpability. Wow.

Now, Gruden, for his part has looked awful in this, as he should. He at first denied being racist, and said he didn’t remember the email. Sure, John.

I’m just going to say this, Gruden for his part, should be banned from the league, but he won’t be. He’ll go into hiding, resurface years from now, and be back, calling games or coaching.

A leader of anything, any entity,, a person with a moral compass, people in general should not do these things, ever, period.

When are people going to realize, this is not okay? Until they do, society, the NFL has a huge problem, that can’t and shouldn’t be swept under the rug. It’s sad and unfortunate that in these times we are still living in this lethargic reality, where everyone wants to do good and has the best of intentions, but nothing of substance is ever done

One half step forward and 5 steps back it would seem, what an awful indictment on sports and culture this is, yet again.

It begs the question, will this ever change, really change for the better? Up till now, I’ve seen change but not a lot for the better.

Not giving up, they’ll always be my team, but Giants seasons like this are why fans buy Madden!

Tough when your starting LT doesn’t play, your starting Running Back, takes an awkard step, I feel so bad for 26, I just do. And then your QB gets his bell rung and your prize FA signing goes out too with an injury.

The way they went down so quickly, good grief. And that defense, a strength? Hey James Bradberry, catch the ball!!!! In addition to the injuries, the defense has been atrocious. Patrick Graham, what the hell happened? Adoree Jackson, Reggie Ragland, signings I loved, what the ever loving FUCK are you doing, fellas? Jackson couldn”t keep out, yet simultaneously catch a cold!

And us Giant fans know what will happen. They will be awful then win games in December, thus keeping Gettleman and company around because they ‘showed heart and promise’.

Sometimes it sucks being a fan!!! I hate looking at Tankathon on Columbus Day Weekend, and thinking ‘ehh, the top 5 would all look awesome in Blue!!!’

The lone bright spot? They got lucky with Kadarius Toney, he’s a keeper. He just needs to stay focused keep his emotions in check moving forward. Throwing a punch is not a good look.

Ugh….

Notre Dame Survives in Blacksburg

Jack Coan, started, and ultimately finished a thrilling 32-29 come from behind victory for The Fighting Irish against a very game Virginia Tech squad. Notre Dame’s defense has been inconsistent at best this year, but finally, finally made some plays to keep their offense in it. The offense and special teams delievered, and Notre Dame survived. The win did two things. First, it got them back on the winning track and in good position for hopefully a good bowl game at the end of the season, but tbat’s weeks away. Their next test is a home game against USC. It’s a rivalry game, nuff said.

In other action today. Poor Texas. You had Oklahoma on the ropes, and couldn’t put them away. I stand by what I said in my earlier blog this evening, Oklahoma has good players, but look at the Conference they play in. Oklahoma is always highly ranked to start the year, and the usually win the Big 12. Who, other than Texas is going to give them a game this year in that Conference? I’ll wait…..I swear, if it comes down to an Oklahoma team and a one loss Notre Dame team, and OU gets in over the Irish, because OU can cruise thru November? Hell shall be raised!!!

Speaking of hell raising, the amount of Texas A & M fans in their stadium? Over 100.000 people, second largest crowd to see A&M play, and the beat Alabama! The noise in that town tonight, and just the overhead shots of the swarms of people, holy cow!

The Bama loss shakes things up. Georgia will move to No. 1, Iowa 2 and Oklahoma 3 or 4 with Cincinnati taking the spot OU doesn’t take. After that, there’s Michigan and then some really good teams with one loss, including Ohio State and Notre Dame. So nany teams are now in play, 4 spots and about 10 teams would have an argument as to why they should be there over the others.

But that’s what makes sports, and especially College Football great, anything can happen on Any Given Saturday.

Being a fan is so cool.

Simply put, OU-Texas was a classic. OU won 55-48 with a late touchdown, after Texas controlled the 1st Half. OU remains undefeated.

This is my issue. Oklahoma is mentioned every year for the College Football Playoff. And, yes, score a lot of points, field a good offensive team, and sure good things happen.

But……

Oklahoma plays in the Big 12, where for years, offensive shootouts are the norm and defense is completely optional. So, does Oklahoma deserve the hype year after year?

Short answer, nope. Let me know. Within the coming seasons both Oklahoma and Texas are expected to move to the Southeastern Conference.

The SEC has long been a College Football Powerhouse Conference. So many good teams, big names and big games. Here’s a note to Lincoln Riley and the rest of OU pumping out there chests today, the SEC plays defense, and you aren’t gonna be gifted a favorable Conference schedule year after year.

This falls in line with the similar issue I have with Clemson, although Clemson lost to NC State and a 2 loss ACC team isn’t getting in over undefeated Oklahoma or 1 loss SEC team, it’s just not going to happen. Actually, ya know what? Why am I even talking about a 2 loss Clemson team, fuck em…..

But I digress….

I’m chuckling now at OU going to Georgia or Alabama. Those two teams would destroy OU, and not have to score 55 points to beat them. Hell, Georgia and Alabama could score under 30 and win convincingly.

My point is, I have to question OU and Texas desire to want to leave the warm security blanket of their cozy Studio Apartment, known as The Big 12, for the overcrowded yet still fantastic Plaza Hotel that is the SEC?

I know it’s a money thing, revenue and exposure, and the dream of luring recruits from Tuscaloosa and Athens, I get it. But the SEC comes absolutely fucking loaded each year, in both the East and West Division.

Now, I know I’ve been dogging Oklahoma all blog, so that part of me hopes I’m wrong, for their sake. But when are they going to realize that money isn’t everything? Will a 7-4 record make them realize, this was a mistake going from the shallow end to the deep end?

But they make money so what do they care? And I’m just a sports fan with a blog, so what the hell do I know?

Back tomorrow with more.

The Red Sox beat the Yankees last night 6-2, ending the Bombers season on a cold night in Boston.

Gerrit Cole wasn’t sharp, Home Runs came back to haunt him, as they have all year. The offense was inpatient and couldn’t get a big hit when needed.

It was just….a tough ending to a tough season. The Yankees were just inconsistent all year. Long winning streaks that made it seem like they were rolling, they were in truth, band aids masking their flaws.

Now, I could dissect decisions and hopes for the future, but the truth is, I have no idea where they go from here. They have a lot of questions to address and answer before February. Do they re-sign Rizzo and Gallo? Do they let some of the dead weight in the Bullpen go? Will Aaron Boone be back? Will Brian Cashman?

For now though, I am a fan of the Chicago White Sox and and the National League Teams. I hate that the Yankees lost, hate it more that they lost to the Red Sox, one more thing for the suddenly diehard Red Sox fans to Lord over the Yankee fans.

But until February, it will just be nice to be a baseball fan.

Back tomorrow with some thoughts on the Giants. But, losing still sucks.

The Giants WON!!!! I’m going to say that again for effect, The Giants won!!!! There was a lot of good Sunday. Daniel Jones, 28/40, over 400 yards passing, 2 TDs, and a meaningless INT at the end of the half. He was great!

Saquon Barkley, he looked like Saquon Barkley again. It took until week 4, but it, God, it felt great seeing 26 have that burst, catching passes, and most impressively, making people miss.

Kenny Golladay stepped up, Kadarius Toney got involved, the defense bent but didn’t break. It was just a great, gutty win for a team that finally, finally showed they are better than their record.

I’ll even go as far to give Jason Garrett credit, he called a great game. Patrick Graham as well, the D needs work, but there are positives. James Bradberry with a great pick, Adoree Jackson made some big tackles, thr defensive line, namely, Dexter Lawrence and Danny Shelton, finally bottled up Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill with the game on the line.

The best part? Beating Sean Payton, NFL Coaching’s version of a whiny toddler, and his arrogant bunch.

More good news, the Yankees won. They head to Boston Tuesday Night. I’m gonna take the next few days to enjoy a Giants win. I sincerely, don’t know how to feel other than, giddy.

Watching Sunday Night Football, Brady’s return to New England as a fan…what a concept? Sleep will be had and I won’t be lying awake analyzing the most recent Giants last second loss.

Back soon.

I am a diehard sports fan. The teams I root for, it’s personal when they lose, it flat out sucks. Today was no exception.

The were two Harsh Realities of the day, and they both carry a common theme. Now, I’m not going to say the teams I root for aren’t any good, because they are, and as a fan, you have to have some sort of hope, because, outside of suiting up for your favorite squad, that is what being a fan is all about, having hope. Without hope, as a fan, what as is there? Sports are great, but watching your team, to all significant others out there, it means something. You might not understand and phrases like ‘It’s only a game’ or, ‘It’s just a game’ do not help.

My point? When teams are up it’s Cloud Nine, when they’re down, it’s like watching something you care about just sorta fade away, not being able to do anything about it or self soothe yourself.

Back to the harsh realities and hope. First, Notre Dame isn’t that good. Their offensive line is brutally bad, their Quarterback play is inconsistent, and their defense can’t stop anybody. They realistically could be 2-3 l, 4-1 has been a gift. Is there hope? Sure, they have 8 games to get right, in fact, I could see them winning 8 or 9 games this season. They are a flawed team that needs fixing.

The same can be said for the New York Yankees. This is another flawed, inconsistent team. They are maddening! All that talent, and they are staring at backing into the playoffs. In a season of rally killing double plays, and pitchers not ready to pitch, do us all in Yankee Fan Land a favor? Win tomorrow! Just win today. Get to the Wild Card Game. This is why you have Gerrit Cole. Just win baby. Take the analytics and bullshit out of it and just win! Play how you are capable and win.

Between the Yankees and Giants today I am so glad I do not have Rum and Coke at my disposal. I am going to use today to relax and just enjoy being a fan, holding on to that hope and belief in my teams.

Back Monday with recaps. Enjoy your Sunday.