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Hacksaw’s Great Sports Weekend Podcast
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“ALL THINGS-NFL’
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Here-There-Everywhere in NFL as we head to Weekend Two.

CHARGERS..Impressive physical force win, led by Bolts defense.  Head to Charlotte to play the woeful Carolina Panthers, but now the defense is beat up, just 1-game in.  Joey Bosa, Denzel Perryman, 3-DBs ailing.

RAIDERS..Looking at (0-2) start as they go to Baltimore.  Check box alot of issues, quarterback, offensive line, Luke Getsy play calling.  Anybody have Ryan Tannehill’s phone number?

BRONCOS..Bo Nix-welcome to the world of being a rookie NFL-QB.  Sean Payton says people around his QB have to play better.

CHIEFS..What is there not to like about this year’s version?  Might be the fastest group of wideouts since the Tyreek Hill years.

BILLS..Enormous challenge for a thinned out defense to lineup in Miami to meet Tua-Tyreek and the Dolphins offense.  Josh Allen cannot play defense plus carry the team on offense.

MIAMI..Likely no distractions in the aftermath of the Tyreek Hill incident with the Miami police, but pulling the race card out before he was even out of the car is a bad look for the Dolphins, who are now attacking the police verbally.  Hill draws no blame in this mess?

DALLAS..Opening week road win-waiting for them to unveil RB-Dalvin Cook.  Next victim Saints

TAMPA BAY..Baker Mayfield comes off 4-TD game.  Now he has to do it in Detroit.

PACKERS..They will go with kid QBs in place of the injured Jordan Love.  Malik Willis, the ex Titans draft pick gets his first start against the Colts.

JETS..Aaron Rodgers did not get much help in the opening loss to the Niners.  Cannot afford to lose vs the Titans and be (0-2) coming home.

49ERS..Some juggernaut opening win for SF.  Nice opening day win for Vikings, but now they have to face all the 49ers firepower.

GIANTS..Fans-Media..’no vote’ confidence against the coaching staff and QB-Daniel Jones, just a week into the season.  Miserable fall ahead in Big Apple.

WASHINGTON..Impressive first week debut for QB-Jayden Daniels, run and throw.  Could be (2-0) after they play Giants.

CLEVELAND..Tell me Deshaun Watson, being sued again by women in Houston, isn’t a (230M) bum of a person?  And surely not the QB he used to be.

JAGUARS..Did not get it done opening weekend vs Miami.  Do not want to be  (0-2) after Sunday’s game with the Browns.

RAMS..The injury list mounting..now 4-OL hurt and 3-DBs, and Matthew Stafford took a fierce pounding opening day in Detroit.  Lucky they play at Arizona this week.

STEELERS..All this work all off season, teaching new mechances to ex Bears QB-Justin Fields, and you get that shoddy QB-performance on opening day?  Got problems with that position since Russell Wilson has more calf issues.

BENGALS..Anybody see what I saw?  QB-Joe Burrows continuing to shake his right hand and wrist, the one that had surgery at the end of last season?  Took alot of hits again.  How long before he goes down again?

BEARS..Caleb Williams struggled in debut last weekend.  Now he sees QB-CJ Stroud, all the Houston firepower and a very good Texans defense too.

ATLANTA..Strange debut for Kirk Cousins in that loss.  Ut-oh.  Now he has to face the Eagles loaded offense and their tough guy-athletic defense.

EAGLES..Great start.  All the Jalen Hurts-Nick Sirianni issues set aside?  Only time tells.  Saquon Barkley acquisition huge to match all those WR-big play guys.

ARIZONA..Almost won opening day on road.  Surprised me.  See if they takeout Rams in home opener.

COLTS..Anthony Richardson, stay at home in pocket, threw for (228Y) in strong first game outing.

PATRIOTS..Strong defensive outing in Jared Mayo’s first game as head coach.  Still believe work to be done on offense.

SEAHAWKS..Good first day outing with skill guys, but can QB-Geno Smith do it Sunday by Sunday?

Just thought you would want to know what I think.
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“NFL PROBLEMS-SOCIETY PROBLEMS”
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It’s no different, regardless of where you are, who you are.
The confrontations, the mistrust, the danger is everywhere.
And there seems no solution to any of this.

This I am referring to, is the latest incident involving black and white.
Tyreek Hill, the Miami Dolphins star wide receiver, pulled over in a traffic stop.

Now the video of the traffic stop outside Hard Rock Stadium before the Sunday-Dolphins-Jaguars opening day game.

Video paints pictures from both sides of the street.  The police acting like bullies in how they hauled Hill out of his car, put him to the pavement, handcuffed him, then charged him with not following police instructions and speeding.

The video also shows Hill, defiant, refusing to roll his tinted windows down, rolling them down, rolling them up, ignoring requests to step out of the car.

Both sides look bad.

White-vs-black.  Rich man in an expensive sports car.  The history of so many violent outcomes when police intersect with someone doing something wrong.

So many questions to ask.

Tyreek Hill, who has a troubled off the field history, why are you doing 76 in a 45-zone?  Why not wearing a seatbelt?  Why you calling Dolphins security yelling they’re arresting me even before you are taken out of the car?  Why did you not follow instructions and get out of the car?

For the Miami police, why the show of force towards an NFL athlete?  Why the in your face stance when teammates arrived, willing to defuse the situation? Why the arrest threats to other Dolphins players who wanted to help?

It’s a bad optic in so many ways, but it’s understandable.  Rich black man outnumbered by police he and his society do not trust.

Police, of a wide variety of heritage makeup, white, hispanic, black, knowing how many of their own have been shot and killed while just doing their job in the line of duty, being aggressive.

Tyreek Hill is a powder keg person.  You know, the one who choked his pregnant girlfriend in college.  The one who has a trail of Baby Mama lawsuits all over the country.  He may be a talent, but he is a bad citizen too.

The police, living and working in a powder keg job, reacting way over the top, especially since there were no weapons involved..

It’s gotten worse because Hill promptly pulled the ‘race card’ out in his post game press conference and then on network interviews.  His agent is now demanding the 3-officers be fired.

The cops and its union becoming defiant because of the situation they were put in by someone they felt was acting above the law because he plays for the Dolphins.

Both need to apologize-file it, but not forget it, and not do it again.

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“AZTECS-GOOD-BAD”
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San Diego State…1-good win…1-bad beating loss.
Such is life at the start of a college football season.

The Aztecs rallying to win against a 1AA school.
State getting pounded in what was really worse than a 21-0 beating.

So SDSU has to regroup after a loss to Oregon State, because they face another ex-Pac 12 school, travelling to Cal to meet a Golden Bears team that is getting better.

The stat sheet and the scoreboard do not lie.  Another slow start by the Aztecs offense.  A courageous effort by a defense that showed no quit till it ran out of gas late in the 4th quarter.

But SDSU had the ball for only 19-minutes; gave up a 98-yard drive for a TD; allowed the Beavers to run 79 plays; gave up 438-yards.

For Sean Lewis, it’s all about hard work and continuing to improve, whether that is just freshman QB-Danny O’Neill, a rebuilt offensive line, getting the right wide receiver groups on the field.

Sean Lewis-Monday-press conference:
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Alot to be positive about
We had missed opportunities that could have made a difference
We have a ton to clean up
We fought hard-it is a testament to these kids
Really a talented team coming up at Cal

Schedule Power 5…kids learn to compete at  next level
Kids fought hard all the way to the end against Oregon State
Kids did it all thru the night

We need to be smart about our workload this week because of heat
Our kids fought like crazy in a 1-possession game
We are in a much better place because of experience
Adversity-setbacks-trials..these are tests we have to pass

We have to start fast at Cal his weekend…
Have not done that in the first two games
I need to make right playcalls early with right personnel

Our slow starts are a byproduct of how we practice during the week.
We need to jump start things
Constant reps in practicer get us confidence-conviction going forward
We execute calls at high level in practice-do it in the game

48-new players in here..this is an everyday deal with something so new
Lifestyle required..excellence required in practice
Not short cut things and put as band aid on things..do this right

Mad at myself with playcalls..not getting ball enough to WR-Louis Brown
Need to dictate our talent strengths to change game
So many penalties early..behind the chains…alot early.
17-penalties in first half over two games.

Since day 1-talked to QBs about hi risk throws..value the football
They need to know when to put it into a tight fit and when not to
So far no turnovers.

Our defense speed-aggressive to ball…we fly everywhere-overlap every one
Our OL-imperative we hold up in pass blocking..Cal presents a challenge

Never ever started a QB this young..way he carries himself this young-good job
Banged up leg..but stayed in game.

Enjoy going on the road with kids..know our rules and structure
We have to deal with adversity we are going thru..trust us-each other

Cal-Auburn..special teams Bears changed game on special teams
QB-accurate..2-physical running backs..special teams really good
RBs-Williams-Ott at Cal..have to tackle either of the backs
Mendoza-completos 70% of his passes-not thrown a pick..distribute it well
Cal leads nation in pass interceptions
Have speed-length…aggressive to the ball

(1-1) on season..pleased-and-disappointed
Rome was not built in a day..we will stay at it
Win today at practice.  Win the next day..that’s who we are.
Put our time and energy in the right place

Marquez Cooper is confidence-what a skill set-balance..makes people-miss
He has a chip on his shoulder

Danny O’Nelil…constant conversation about his health-see how he responds
O’Neill-confidence..it takes fortitude in face of adversity-stays confidence..
Adversity gives you test..gives you obstacles..work thru it

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“TRUST THE PROCESS”

I sat and watched a ton of football this weekend, highlighted by the Chargers win over the Raiders and touching bases with alot of the other Sunday games.

The Bolts win was a struggle.  For a large segment of time into the 2nd half it was downright ugly football.

Who could imagine a Justin Herbert led-team would go 25-minutes with just one first down?

Who would think the Raiders, who are loaded at the skill positions, would hardly target WR-Davante Adams much or would wait till the 3rd quarter to actually get the ball to top draft pick Brock Bowers?

But it was defenses that made the difference for a large segment of the game, nearly 3-quarters of open warfare.  It involved the sledgehammer pass rush of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack.  There was Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkens creating havoc upfront for the Raiders.

That’s why no one could accomplish anything on offense.  At one point the Chargers were (0-7) on 3rd downs.  They could not run the footballl. Same with the Raiders.

QB sacks, pressures, and then eventually turnovers took a toll.

Gardner Minshew, with a history of TDs and mistakes, did both.  But an interception, a sloppy-bad fumble, and all types of pressure in his face, eventually took a toll, and caved in the Raiders ability to stay in the game.

The Raiders seem really shaky at that QB slot and their offensive front struggled to protect the pocket.

The Chargers got stronger and better as the afternoon wore on.  The 3-number ones in the offensive front struggled early, but took over in the second half.  Right tackle Joe Alt held his own against Maxx Crosby for much of the day.   The interior of that Bolts OL however struggled with stunts and blitzes.

JK Dobbins turned out to the start of the game, busting off two big runs of 46-and-61 yards to change the whole game.  He also had a 12Y-TD run and showed toughness and a 2nd gear when he got to the second level.

The Raiders, without Josh Jacobs, gone to Green Bay, just don’t look the same, and that makes it worse if they don’t have the right QB at the trigger.

But it is just one game, improvement will come, and maybe some lineup changes into other parts might occur.

Both teams played really hard, were really aggressive, and eventually made some plays to give you some hope.

More than anything else, ‘trust the process’ with the Bolts and Silver & Black evaluating this first weekend of the season.

The Chargers journey to Carolina next week., so (2-0) is realistic.    The Raiders have to go into Baltimore and could be (0-2) by Sunday night.

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“NFL PREVIEW”
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The NFL-new faces-new places-new challengers to get to the Super Bowl.
Here’s a look at who finishes where in the NFL races.
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AFC-EAST:

MIAMI..It’s Tua-Tyreek time with the Dolphins.  A loaded offense now adds Odell Beckham.  But they let do-everything DT-Christian Wilkens leave in free agency.

JETS..Aaron Rodgers is the difference maker, and they added around him, including longtime Cowboys LT-Tyron Smith and WR-Mike Williams.  The defense has always been good and if they get Hassan Reddick on the same page, they will be good.

BUFFALO..A big drop off here..The window may be closing on them, with Stephon Diggs departing, along with Tre White and another injury to Matt Milano…Josh Allen has to carry a bigger workload.

PATRIOTS..Drake Maye is the future at quarterback and should be starting…Not a strong roster around the quarterback…Jared Mayo’s defense will be good-but not enough players.  They are (29-38) since Tom Brady left…and now there is no Bill Belichick.

AFC-NORTH

RAVENS..It’s more than just QB-Lamar Jackson.  Now it’s Derek Henry, a group of speed receivers, and the key is the return to health of its secondary.

CLEVELAND..Huge question mark on the durability of QB-Deshaun Watson, and how quickly Nick Chubb comes back from another knee surgery.  But they are good everywhere else thanks to Myles Garrett and that defense.

BENGALS…Do they have enough around Joe Burrow, or how long till Burrow gets hurt again because they don’t have enough around him?  Just not enough firepower.  This is a Bengals organizational problem.

STEELERS..Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season in 17-years-but it might be this year.  Rent a QB season ahead, so we see how much gas Russell Wilson has left or if they can harness the wildness of young QB-Justin Fields.  Skill people at wide receiver are not there.  Tough season coming.

AFC-SOUTH:

HOUSTON..They have been building towards this, and now it’s time they arrived..QB-CJ Stroud adds veteran WR-Stephon Diggs and RB-Joe Mixon to a dynamic offense…They have drafted so well on defense and now a 2nd year for explosive LB-Will Anderson.  What a job DeMeco Ryans has done.

JAGUARS..It’s time for Trevor Lawrence to earn his money, and adding Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay and DT-Arik Armstead will make a difference.

COLTS…They must keep QB-Anthony Richardson on the field and not have him run so much…Do they have enough depth at RB around Jonathon Taylor, and can they keep the WR group healthy?

TITANS…A pretty aggressive off season of veteran players could change the personality of the team around QB-Will Levis, coming off a good rookie season, but they need time to jell.

AFC-WEST:

CHIEFS…Andy Reid-Patrick Mahomes, quite a combo as they go for their 3rd straight Super Bowl ring.  8-other teams won back to backs but could not do it a third season in a row.  They have had to re-do the WR group.  The young offensive line jelled last year.  They seem thin at RB.  And they let go 3-veterans on defense, led by CB-LeJarius Sneed.  But until you beat Andy-Patrick, they are kings.

CHARGERS…The combo of Jim Harbaugh-Justin Herbert should be dynamic, but they have lots of questions.  Replacing the key veterans Keenan Allen-Mike Williams-Austin Eckler.  They have to replace 3-defensive tackles, but they have 7-linebackers for Jesse Minter’s new blitz packages.  Attack down the field.  Attack the opposing quarterback.

RAIDERS..Gardner Minshew can make plays and makes mistakes throwing the ball.  Josh Jacobs is gone at running back.  The skill people, from Davante Adams to rookie Brock Bowers will be spectacular.  The arrival of big DT-Christain Wilkens makes their defensive front look tough, and the linebacking is good, but the secondary is thin.

DENVER…Sean Payton-Bo Nix will be fun to watch.  The key will be can they keep the running backs and wide receivers healthy, because that has been a problem three years in a row.  The defense grew last year.  But this year is about Nix making plays.
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NFC-EAST:

EAGLES…Last year was a bad memory, an awful finish, a coaching staff shakeup.  Nick Sirianni could be on the hot seat.  He imports Kellen Mooire as his new offensive play caller.  They signed Saquon Barkley at running back.  They return the top receivers.  And the defense added secondary help.  Have to win or Sirianni could be gone.

COWBOYS…They have Dak and Cee Dee, a rebuilt offensive line, but the key addition could be ex Vikings heavy duty running back Dalvin Cook.  There are some injury problems upfront on defense but they have athletes who can run.  But they don’t have enough to chase down the Eagles

GIANTS..Poor Daniel Jones, injury after injury at QB, now he loses Saquon Barkley.  They added WR-Malik Nabers and traded for DT-Brian Burns, but that staff could be in trouble if it is not a good season.

WASHINGTON…Dan Quinn comes in as coach.  Jayden Daniels is his QB and will play as a rookie.  Austin Ekeler arrives from the Chargers but they don’t seem to have much else.  A long season in store with the kid QB.

NFC-NORTH:

DETROIT..The Lions will roar and they could be a Super Bowl team.  What a job done by Dan Campbell as coach, with QB-Jared Goff,  They also went out and added help for WR-Amor St-Brown and picked up defensive front help.  It’s their year.

BEARS…They have not had a QB with this talent level ever in Chicago, and Caleb Williams will have help, throwing to Keenan Allen and DJ Moore plus two TEs and they are 3-deep at running back.  Going to be a good season.   People say Williams is the next coming of Mahomes.

PACKERS…A really strong first season as a starter for Jordan Love.  Now they have added RB-Josh Jacobs.  Have to keep their young WR group healthy.  And they have new leadership on defense.  Good team-hard division.

VIKINGS…Losing JJ McCarthy hurts.  Losing veterans because of cap problems hurts even more.  Tough year ahead for Coach Kevin O’Connell.

NFC-WEST:

49ers…They have won 25-games in two years and seem primed to be a Super Bowl team with Brock Purdy, and the cadre of skill guys, McCaffrey-Aiyuk-Samuel-Kittle.  The defense is led by Nick Bosa but there may be depth problems there.

RAMS…Sean McVay faces a big challenge because of injuries, the Aaron Donald retirement and the controversial trade of star LB-Ernest Jones.  Will be very young on defense, though top picks DE-Jared Verse and DT-Brandon Fiske can make a difference immediately.  Matthew Stafford has tons of firepower around him, but they need to get people healthy.

SEATTLE…Life after Pete Carroll begins, with some offense led by Geno Smith, but some questions about the defense.  But DK Metcalf leads a 3-WR group, and Ken McIntosh is poised to be heavy duty at RB.  Lots of new pieces on defense though.

ARIZONA..Kyler Murray, James Conner and the arrival of 1st round pick Marvin Harrison will be exciting offense.  Do they have enough around them on offense line?  Can the defense carry them?  Can Murray stay healthy?  Lots of questions, waiting for answers.  Will Jonathon Gannon’s second year as coach make them better?

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