Ivis Aburto, ESPN DigitalSep 29, 2024, 9:58 p.m. ET
Close
• NFL Editor and Columnist at ESPN Deportes since 2015. • He began his career in 1996, has worked in radio and print media as a reporter and editor specialized in NFL with experience covering several Super Bowls.
Let’s put the most relevant “overreactions” of Week 3 of the 2024 NFL Season to trial, among them, whether the Chiefs defense is ready to carry its team on its shoulders again.
Week 4 of the 2024 NFL Season began on Thursday with the Dallas Cowboys’ victory over the New York Giants and on Sunday, it offered some surprises.
With the help of veteran Joe Flacco, who came in for the injured Anthony Richardson, the Indianapolis Colts took the Pittsburgh Steelers’ undefeated record, while the Kansas City Chiefs earned a costly victory after losing wide receiver Rashee Rice to injury in the victory. over the Los Angeles Chargers and the Denver Broncos surprised Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets under difficult weather in East Rutherford.
Let’s put to trial several of the absurd or reasoned conclusions that Sunday’s day in the NFL left us with.
THE GREEN BAY PACKERS SHOULD BASED THEIR OFFENSE ON THE GROUND GAME TO SUPPORT JORDAN LOVE
Verdict: NOT OVERREACTION
Between the little activity in the three preseason games and the knee injury that caused him to miss two games, in addition to the natural insecurity after recovering from that ailment and the poor protection of his offensive line in the passing game, the quarterback of the Packers returned to action out of rhythm and synchronicity.
In the two games in which they were without Love, the Packers supported Malik Willis with an efficient and productive running game. In Week 2, against Indianapolis, they rushed for 261 yards, 151 of them from Josh Jacobs, and 13 first and 10 that way; against Tennessee in Week 3, they had 188 rushing yards, 73 on six runs by Willis, with nine first and 10.
The Packers, who had just 86 yards on the ground against the Minnesota Vikings after being forced to attack through the air after trailing 28-0 in the second quarter, have the tools to attack on the ground with Jacobs, at least until the formula works. to, like Willis did, support Love until No. 10 regains confidence and rhythm with his receivers, who threw five passes in the home loss to Minnesota.
Next game: at Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Veredicto: OVERREACTION
The passes of 32 yards and 24 to Michael Pittman Jr. in the first plays of the Colts’ first two offensive series against the solid defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers make them believe in Anthony Richardson as the quarterback who should lead the attack of Indianapolis in the immediate future.
The problem is the fragility of Richardson, who had to leave the duel against the Steelers due to a hip injury. In 2023, his rookie season, the Colts quarterback suffered a concussion in Week 2 that caused him to miss a game and in Week 5, a shoulder injury caused him to miss the rest of the season. Add in the hip injury against Pittsburgh and you will realize how fragile Richardson is.
Nor does it help the quarterback’s cause that, after returning to the field against the Steelers, offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter sent him running, an action after which Richardson had to leave the game permanently.
It is not the best way to get the job as a starter, but an injury will be what leads Flacco to play behind center and it is not a possibility that seems distant in Indianapolis.
What’s the point of taking away a division rival’s best player if you’re not going to use him? Once again, the staff that coach Nick Siriani is responsible for failed.
In the Eagles’ first three offensive series, Barkley added only two runs and, meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers built a 24-0 lead after scoring on four of their first five possessions and added 277 total yards to none from Philadelphia at the half. of the second quarter.
Using Barkley frequently would have been useful for the Eagles to get their offense into rhythm, give their defense breathing room, and when they wanted to use him, it was too late. Barkley finished with 10 rushes for 84 yards and 32 more yards on two receptions in the loss at Tampa Bay.
In addition, the running game could also help Jalen Hurts play with less pressure and leave behind an erratic performance. Since 2023, the Eagles quarterback has 27 turnovers and in 2024, he has four interceptions and three fumbles, including one against the Buccaneers.
Next game: vs. Browns (Sunday, October 10, 1 pm ET)
Veredicto: OVERREACTION
After a month of the regular season and with the performance of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the obvious problems or irregularity that their division rivals have, it does not sound unreasonable that the Commanders have put themselves on the path to fighting for the NFC East title.
The reality is that there is still a long way to go and Washington is a limited team in several positions that, perhaps, plays at its best. Any team, no matter how bad, is the most dangerous when it plays at its maximum capacity.
Although he suffered his first interception in the NFL in Washington’s victory at the home of the Arizona Cardinals, Daniels scored his third game with a high level of efficiency and with more than 220 yards through the air, but the Commanders are a young team with a lot of momentum , but with little experience and for whom a good start to the season would only be enough to fight for a ticket to the Playoffs as a wild card.
Next game: vs. Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
THE POSSIBILITY OF THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS’ TWICE CHAMPIONSHIP DEPENDS ON THE DEFENSE
Verdict: NOT OVERREACTION
What seemed like a season in which Patrick Mahomes would once again have an explosive and spectacular passing game has become a reissue of what the Kansas City offense was in 2023, after losing its most important acquisition in the preseason. in free agency, receiver Marquise Brown, and perhaps also losing Rashee Ricewho had become the main weapon of that aerial attack, after suffering a serious injury in the costly victory over the Los Angeles Chargers that the Chiefs fear was a torn knee ligament.
The challenge is not new for a team that has just won the Super Bowl, thanks to a dominant defense that, against the Chargers, seems to have accepted the challenge by drying up the Chargers offense and allowing Mahomes and company to score 17 points without response after being down 10-0 in the first quarter.
Chris Jones added two catches to Justin Herbert and along with the Chiefs’ defensive line, he frequently pressured and bothered the Chargers’ passer, who only allowed four of 13 third-down conversion attempts and was stopped once on fourth down.
Next game: vs. Saints (Monday, October 7, 8:15 p.m. ET / ESPN Deportes)
The post Five overreactions from NFL Week 4 Sunday appeared first on Archysport.
The Hidden Financial Struggles of Footballers: Divorce’s Costly Toll
The glamorous image of professional footballers, with their luxurious lifestyles and multimillion-dollar contracts, often obscures a harsh reality: the financial devastation many endure through divorce. Behind the fame and fortune, several high-profile players have seen their wealth significantly depleted after parting ways with their spouses, a stark reminder that no amount of money can fully shield one of the financial pitfalls of personal relationships gone awry…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
One of the most shocking examples is that of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué, who lost not only his properties in England but also custody of his children following a bitter divorce. Despite earning millions during his career, Eboué found himself stripped of almost everything. His situation became a cautionary tale, underscoring that even the wealthiest footballers can fall victim to the financial ruin that divorce can bring.
Eboué is not alone. Football legends such as Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs have also experienced significant financial losses due to divorce. Henry reportedly paid £10 million to his ex-wife, while Giggs parted with an astonishing £40 million after his marriage ended. Louis Saha and Wes Brown, both former Manchester United players, also suffered substantial financial hits, with Brown declaring bankruptcy despite earning £50,000 per week during his time at the club. His case highlights how even vast earnings can quickly evaporate when faced with legal settlements and financial mismanagement.
David James, the former England goalkeeper, faced a particularly dire situation, losing much of his fortune after divorce and being forced to auction his personal belongings to make ends meet. Similarly, Ray Parlour, another Arsenal great, saw his ex-wife receive half of his £10 million fortune, including a £2.5 million house. Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool star, also faced a hefty settlement, parting with half of his estimated £15 million fortune after his marriage ended.
These are just a few of the many footballers who have faced financial disaster due to divorce. Keith Gillespie, once a key figure in the Premier League, lost over £7 million, leading to his bankruptcy in 2010. Despite earning significant wages during his career, his divorce and poor financial decisions left him in financial ruin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>
Perhaps the most shocking case is that of Tendai Ndoro, a Zimbabwean striker who lost everything after registering all his properties in his wife’s name. Following their breakup, she kicked him out of the house, leaving him with nothing. Ndoro’s story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of not protecting one’s assets, even in relationships where trust is implicit.
For footballers, whose careers often peak early, these financial setbacks can be devastating. While their salaries are among the highest in professional sports, the combination of short career spans, legal fees, and divorce settlements can quickly erode their fortunes. Many players also face additional challenges in managing their finances due to a lack of financial education or oversight during their playing years.
These stories underscore the importance of safeguarding personal wealth, especially for high-earning individuals like footballers, who may be more vulnerable to financial upheaval. Proper financial planning, asset protection strategies, and prenups are increasingly necessary tools for protecting one’s earnings and securing a stable future.
In conclusion, while the public sees footballers as insulated by their wealth, the reality is that they are just as susceptible to the financial hardships of divorce as anyone else. The personal struggles behind the scenes reveal that their lives, though glamorous on the surface, are often fraught with the same vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ordinary individuals. These cases serve as sobering reminders that financial security is never guaranteed, even for those at the pinnacle of success.
In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.
Posted at 1:13 a.m.
Updated at 7:00 a.m.
In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.
The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.
Well, no.
As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.
The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.
In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.
Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.
Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.
Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.
You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.
It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).
We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.
In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.
It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.
Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.
First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »
We all see what you did, Luc.
Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »
You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »
We are Marco.
It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.
Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.
Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.
Only 13 years old, badminton-player-honors-fathers-dream-at-nationals/” title=”13-year-old Saskatchewan badminton player honors father’s dream at nationals”>Gautham Sumesh is preparing to realize the dream of his father, who died six months ago: he will soon participate in the National Badminton Championship.
My father was really addicted to badmintonrecalls the Saskatchewan teenager. He really liked that I played.
Gautham Sumesh has been playing badminton since he was old enough to handle a racket. The first time he managed to beat his father, Sumesh Pulavathil, he was offered a drink to celebrate the event.
Sadly, Sumesh Pulavathil died in a road accident near Estevan last October.
Despite the tragedy, the teenager continues to carry his family’s dreams: Gautham Sumesh won the provincial championships this year and is preparing to participate in the National Championship in New Brunswick.
He would be really happyhe believes.
Dreaming of badminton
The young player’s parents left India in 2022 in the hope that their son would become a top badminton player.
: Gautham badminton”,”text”:”When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badminton”}}”>When we moved to Canada, we only had one thing in mind: Gautham badmintonexplains the latter’s mother, Gayathri Ramdas. It is the foundation of our family life.
Her husband put everything in place to help his son play. He bought him shoes and racquets, in addition to devoting many hours to coaching him and other children.
Sumesh Pulavathil (front) was an avid badminton player. (Archive photo)
Since the death of his father, Gautham Sumesh has undergone intensive training, particularly in preparation for the provincial competition which took place in April.
He remembers that no one knew him when he started competing provincially, but that changed after his victory at the provincial championship.
: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”,”text”:”After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job! “Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with me”}}”>After I won, everyone said to me: “Hey, good job!” Everyone started talking to me and becoming friends with meexplained Gautham Sumesh.
A portrait of Sumesh Pulavathil (far left) and his family.
Photo: Provided by Gayathri Ramdas
Despite his son’s success in the championship, Gayathri Ramdas believes the victory was bittersweet due to his father’s absence.
Despite everything, she watched her son grow up and demonstrate the values of sportsmanship and good play that she and her husband wanted to instill in him, as he harbored ambitions of becoming a professional badminton player.
I’m little by little catching up on all the dreams we had.