Toronto aka Buffalo beats Atlanta

After getting humiliated on Tuesday, the Toronto Blue Jays climbed one game back of .500 as they beat the Atlanta Braves in Atlanta 2-1. This is an anomaly as normally the team doesn't win if they're not scoring a minimum four runs.

On the mound was the newest ace for the Canadian ball club, Mr. Hyun-Jin Ryu. Ryu had a solid performance, striking out eight and walking three with a hit during his five complete innings.

It was a lackluster day for the Jays' bats, only getting five hits. Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr both managed to score a run as Ryu picked up his first win. 

Toronto will play the Braves at 7pm Thursday night in hope's of breaking even. With nine games down, every loss puts the team one step closer to being eliminated from playoff contention in this sixty game season.

The most unpopular quarterback competition, three guys with huge chips on their shoulders.

Bill Belichick finally spoke to the media and one of the things he mentioned was that the starting quarterback spot will be earned and that there was a competition. Belichick has always been a what have you done lately mindset, so Cam's history in Carolina should mean nothing, right?

Nate Burleson, like many outside the Patriots organization agreed with and believes Belichick. While fans disbelieve and are flat out calling Belichick a liar, Members of the Patriots roster are also believing it and are excited for the competition. David Andrews spoke about it recently.

"I think it’s going to be an exciting year for us, I’m excited. Especially with the guys and the talent we have in that (quarterback) room. Cam obviously has played a lot of football and had a successful career. I’m just excited to see what all of our quarterbacks can do. They all bring something different to the table. I think it’s just going to make for a fun year for us," Andrews said.

While Newton and Stidham share some similarities in abilities, All three quarterbacks bring something different. I'm not gonna include Lewerke who should make the practice squad. All three should also have massive chips on their shoulders from the sheer disrespect they all have received this offseason. 

Danny Jaillet wrote, "Burleson also made note of the fact that Stidham knows the system and playbook and is ready for his chance."

Stidham beat out Hoyer last year and got a lot of time to study behind or at least long side Brady and work with the offense. It appears from sources that he never stopped and continued into this off season.

Hoyer knows the system and playbook. He's a very intelligent game manager who played for the Colts last year. He was brought in with a chance to compete. He is going to play lights out, as he may have been lied to about the competition.

Then there's Cam. Cam said he felt disrespected having to wait three months for one of thirty two teams to sign him. Newton is a former League MVP coming off injury. He's coming in late but if one believes conspiracy theories, Newton has had the Patriots' playbook since he was released.

Whether it's calling them a bum and saying the next guy is guaranteed the starter. Saying the team is tanking for Trevor because they're the starter, or the fan base just not wanting them to play, all of these quarterbacks have legitimate reasons to feel disrespected.

Majority of the fan base doesn't want a competition. They just want Cam who they now believe is the GOAT to be handed the Job, with a nice pink bow. This is an unpopular competition. All eyes and ears are going to be on Gillette as we wait to hear any bit of news about the Patriots quarterback situation from now until week one September 13th.

Patriot roundup 8-5-20

Here are some stories going around the league at the moment about the Patriots that have either been played out or don't have enough for an article of their own.

Mohamad Sanu clears the pup after having surgery in February to repair the high ankle sprain he played with during the season.

The Patriots have taken their 2020 team photos. There's a lot of buzz around Cam Newton, the rookies, and the long haired players being called the Asgardians.

The Patriots are back at Gillette for the first time this offseason and that means football is on.

The Patriots now have $35 million in free cap space, third highest in the NFL and are looking at potential free agent signings.

D-Mac calls the league's stance on players opting out a joke and looks like he's a go for the 2020 season.

There's still chatter about Newton's character and how he'll mesh with Belichick from Newton's former teammates and former panthers. One saying Newton is "annoying to work with but has a strong work ethic."

Patriots players are excited for the quarterback battle, leaving many fans puzzled because they thought and still believe Newton should be handed the job.

Lesean McCoy wants to duplicate James White's connection and career with Brady. McCoy wants to pick White's brain.

Lastly, it took Brady going to Tampa for Max Kellerman to admit that Brady wasn't falling off a cliff. Further more, Patriots sports writers cannot stop writing about the Buccaneers' quarterback. It's almost as if Brady is still putting on the blue and silver.

Blue Jays fall 10 - 1

There was high hopes for Shoemaker on tuesday as he took the mound against the Braves in Atlanta. There was also hope that after a long rest, the Blue Jays' bats would get hot.

Once again, Toronto's starter failed to pitch five full innings. Shoemaker went four and two thirds innings. He gave up six earned runs in six hits and three base in balls. Striking out two. Font would later come in and give up four more runs on five hits in the bottom of the eight.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr went two for three with a base on ball and a run scored. The rest of the bats could only muster three more hits, as they fell ten to one. The Blue Jays look to even the series tonight at 7pm eastern time. 

Hopefully, the Jays' Major league squad shows up for this one, their A league team isn't cutting it. Even Red Sox's fans are like, "Least we're not cheering for Toronto."

Creditors kick out of the XFL sale.

Rocky..., Rocky...,Rocky... is the chant going around the sports world. No, "The Rock" isn't the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world again. This time Dwayne Johnson turned that bankruptcy hearing sideways, polished it real nice and told the courts were to stick it.

Johnson Tweeted this on August 3rd, "With my trail blazing partner @DanyGarciaCo & Red Bird Capital, we have acquired the XFL. With gratitude & passion I’ve built a career with my own two hands and will apply these callouses to our @xfl2020 brand. Excited to create something special for the fans! #XFL #fullcircle"

Full circle is a throwback to Johnson's football days before he became a pro westler, or maybe it's in reference to The Rock returning to save Vince's rear financially, since again.

After buying the XFL for the chump change of $15 Million dollars, Johnson released this statement. "The acquisition of the XFL with my talented partners, Dany Garcia and Gerry Cardinale, is an investment for me that's rooted deeply in two things—my passion for the game and my desire to always take care of the fans. With pride and gratitude for all that I've built with my own two hands, I plan to apply these callouses to the XFL, and look forward to creating something special for the players, fans, and everyone involved for the love of football."

The XFL had a cult following before covid put an end to the season and prevented the Houston Roughnecks from claiming their title as the best there is in the league.

Danny Garcia, also weighted in. Saying, "For Dwayne, Gerry and myself, this property represents an incredible opportunity. It is the confluence of great passion, tradition and possibility. Sports and entertainment are the foundations of the businesses I have built. Melding our expertise combined with our commitment  to deliver exciting and inspiring unique content, has us all focused on developing the XFL brand into a multi-media experience that our athletes, partners and fans will proudly embrace and love."

It wouldn't be The Brahma Bull without some sort of storyline, some kinda drama. Marc Middleton updated us on the plot over at wrestling inc.

Marc wrote, "In an update, the Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors for Alpha Entertainment, the XFL's parent company started by McMahon, has filed a motion to stop the sale of the XFL's assets to Alpha Acquico LLC, which is the new LLC started by Rock and his partners for the purchase of the league."

Apparently the creditors have ties to Johnson and his partners and thus have asked the courts to put a stoppage on the sale and allow them to negotiate the rate of the sale price.

Here is what's in the motion, "has an ongoing obligation to negotiate terms with the Proposed Buyer that are most favorable to the estate and do not unduly prejudice its creditors. The proposed APA, however, does not reflect such terms and seeks to strip the estate of valuable assets for no consideration. As such, the Committee has significant concerns that the Sale contemplated with the Proposed Buyer does not satisfy the sound business purpose test, and is not in the best interests of the Debtor's estate."

The sale "failed to value significant assets that are now being included in the Sale, but were not contemplated as part of the assets to be purchased in the form asset purchase agreement prepared."

Just when we thought The Rock has made the save, there's always interference. Might as well be playing Vince McMahon's "No Chance in Hell" theme. As the motion didn't stop there.

"This Objection is filed to preserve the Committee's right to submit these issues to the Court, including objections for the form of Sale Order, for adjudication if they cannot be resolved prior to the Sale Hearing. In the interim, the Committee will continue to engage in good faith negotiations with the Debtor [the XFL] and Proposed Buyer [Rock's LLC] regarding the objections raised herein in an effort to resolve the issues consensually."

This objection appears to be making sure everyone who originally put money into the league gets paid. The Rock may have to dish out some more cash before he can lay "the rock bottom" on this sale, and finish it 1... 2... 3...

Patriots among teams eyeing Walker

With the risk of catching Coronavirus, Matt Lacosse decided to opt out of the 2020 season. Lacosse provided the most experience at the position. Without him, the Patriots are expected to bring in another tight end.

One Veteran people are talking about is 36 year old Delane Walker. While a productive tight end, He has missed almost a season between 2018 and 2019. He provides leadership and experience but with high risk. Although he provides another set of hands for the Patriots to throw to, his health may make Ryan Izzo more of an asset. He will be a test for the scouting department.

An alternative option for the Patriots would be to bring back former Patriot Matt Lengel. Lengel played for the Patriots in 2016 as the number three tight end but injury costed him his spot. He knows the system and has some familiarity with the playbook. At 6'7" 265 LBS, he provides both pass catching and blocking skills. He also gives the Patriots another redzone threat and would come cheap. He could come in and challenge Izzo for the number three tight end spot on a one year prove it deal.

There are other options out there like CJ Conrad who can play the H-Back role as the Patriots have Only Keene to play it if fullback Jacob Johnson goes down. Vernen Davis is another tight end who can provide both experience and catching abilities. The Patriots have options if they want to bring in another tight end. 

Patriots Rookie and former Arizona Wildcat running back is UDFA With Best Chance to Make Roster.

Brandon Bolden was one of six players to opt out. With that, JJ Taylor has a chance to make the roster. While Taylor had a productive college career, his special teams play may just help his NFL career take flight.

Taylor is shorter by one inch than former NFL running back Darren Sproles. Taylor stands in at a monstrous 5'5" and 188 pounds.

Doug Kyed of NESN had this to say about Taylor, "Taylor is an injury away from essentially ensuring a roster spot. And he could earn a fifth spot on the running back depth chart if the Patriots like him enough. The Patriots kept five running backs in 2020."

Honesty, the Patriots need someone who can do it all on special teams. While small, Taylor would be wise to bulk up to 200 pounds. Taylor doesn't need an injury to make the roster spot. With his hands , all he has to do is out perform the receivers on the bubble.

What makes Taylor special is he is a smaller version of James White. Everyone knows Michel won't be ready until September unless he rushes it. That means Taylor has thirty days to impress. Taylor could be added to the roster as a return man but He could also beat out Burkhead. 

It's going to be an interesting roster build this year. Due to covid the team has not had any of their normal practices. This year will show how good the scouting and how well Belichick can coach. Especially with the Goat now playing for the Buccaneers. 

Nobody is safe and it's still not clear if players are done opting out. The Patriots have a lot of cap room and could still bring in a special teams back. Stay tuned for more news.

For more on Taylor, check out my earlier article "Guess Who's Belichick Paying Now"

Thunder Rolls on Jazz

Saturday Night marked the return of the NBA. The Utah Jazz took on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Where the Thunder won by a double digit lead, 110 to 94.

The Jazz just got out played. They shot 39.1 on field goals compared to a 53.2, they shot 25.5% on their threes compared to a 38.5. The Jazz couldn't rebound, couldn't block. It surprising that they put up 96. Donovan Mitchell was the team's leading scorer with a laughable 13 points.

After the game, Head coach Quinn Snyder had this to say talking about why they lost tonight, “There’s a long list of things. More than anything, credit to Oklahoma City and the way they defended. They took us out of almost everything we were trying to do. There were some windows where we had some success but then we weren’t able to finish, missed some shots, but this isn’t about missing shots.”

It's nice for the head coach to give credit to the Thunder while admitting his club messed up. Here's what else Snyder had to say. 

“There’s a moment where you can make a read and there’s a shot or a drive, but if you’re hesitant in that decision, their quickness and their athleticism play a part. We’ve got guys who are capable of doing those things, but we didn’t do them tonight. We need to take a step back and take a look at the things we need to do better. Some of those things we know right now, but it’s an opportunity to really drive it home and put ourselves in a better position.”

Up next is the Lakers. The Jazz need to play their best against Lebron and company. The Jazz have the talent but do they have the desire and work ethic, that is the question. If the Jazz can't get it done, Lakers Nation all the way down under are going to be laughing at them.

Marquis Lee Opts out and puts more pressure on Belichick

Several days ago, six New England Patriots opted out of the 2020 season. While the players have until August 6th to opt out, it was believed that no more would take the year off. Especially with Matthew Slater revealing that he changed his mind and would play.

On Saturday Marquis Lee announced that he would not be playing for the New England Patriots in 2020. That he was opting out on the season. Nobody can Fault Lee or his teammates for protecting themselves. Belichick was asked about players opting out and said the players gotta do what's best for them.

What this does is tighten position battles. It makes it harder on the team. The team knew it was going to make cuts but with players essentially cutting themselves, it changes the dynamics of roster building. 

The Patriots now only have Edelman, Sanu, Harry, Meyers, Byrd, Olszewski, Slater, and Thomas. Odds are two of these receivers are gone but with Belichick, you never know. We could see former third round prospect Isaiah Zuber resigned? The Patriots cut him about a week ago.

Here's the one thing I want everyone to take away from this. Everyone was wondering who was responsible for the dynasty and if Belichick was a product of Brady. If Belichick can make the playoffs without Brady and all these other players, It shows that he could've at least got to the big dance. The duo of Tom and Bill lost Superbowls, so we cannot say whether Bill would've won them but it shows how good of a coach Bill is.

Update: Will Hastings did not opt out per Zack Cox of NESN on Twitter. 

A message from the Varciously Patriots

Unlike Nick Wright, Steven A. Smith, Rob Parker, and Max Kellerman who's takes are just to get ratings. Not every sports fan shares the same popular mindset. My opinions in my articles are my own and legit. Unlike those clowns, I do not pretend to be a professional.

In 2019, I called Brady out for being inaccurate. I called McDaniels vanilla, that he peaked at OC and the league caught up to him. Now there are sports Analysts who will say The exact same thing I said about Both. I said Gronkowski was not worth a first round pick. That he was a shell of himself and should be traded to Tampa for a mid to late round pick. The Patriots got a fourth for Gronk. I got ridiculed for my takes.

I did my draft board mainly looking at people projected in rounds three though seven. Even some UDFAs. While the Patriots did not draft anyone off my board, this year and people laughed at my mock drafts, they did sign Nick Coe as a UDFA. Coe was on my board and survived the first round of cuts.

I did my research on Stidham, Hoyer, and  Cam. I did not think the Patriots could afford Newton, or that they would gel. I expected a trade for Jacoby Brissett if anything. I stand behind my thoughts that before all the opting out, Hoyer was a good enough game manager to lead the Patriots to a Superbowl appearance.

I gave the Patriots a floor of 7 and 9, and an expectation of 10 and 6. I stand behind my statement that even with Cam, that hasn't changed. The only change is the ceiling goes from 11 and 5 to 14 and 2.

While Newton is the better runner, I like Stidham as a quarterback and believe he could be the starter come week one. While everyone is saying Belichick just hands out positions and that Newton's past was his earning of the job. I call BS and stand by my belief that if Cam makes mistakes he will be the back up. 

That if Stidham looks better than Cam in practice, he will get the start. That Newton could possibly still get cut if he cannot win the spot to avoid conflict. 

I stand by my takes on the Blue Jays that Vladimir Guerrero Jr needs to show more. That he needs to show he can be clutch and needs more development. That the Blue Jays cannot win if their runs continue to come in clumps while the pitching staff continuously makes it so they need to score 5 runs or more a game to win. 

These opinions like many others I have are mine. I think outside the box and sometimes I occasionally stand firm in my opinions, when I should be flexible or let them go. I am not an expert, I didn't go to school for this. I am just a fan with an opinion who carried a C average in English 101, that occasionally produces too much content to make sure I write something of quality.

Like Ray over at DPN, I never expected to get paid to write. I just write to distract myself, get my opinion out and hope that people read them. To those that read my blogs, I thank you. 

I also want to Thank Ray Rauth from DPN Sports Talk and Sportscastr news. With out Ray, I wouldn't be trying to submit quality, Ray has improved my writing and got me to voice my opinion on more subject matter. Thanks Ray.