Day 1,354, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Jets Game 11 Review

Miami lost the turnover battle yet again (3-2), but dominated defensively and established a strong running game to own time of possession (35:41 to 24:19) and run 14 more plays than the Jets. While the ability to rotate defensive players at the end was big for rest purposes late in the season, there was a palpable pall over the team after the game based on edge Jaelen Phillips being lost for the season with an Achilles tendon injury.

Here's to the never-apologize-for-a-division-road-win recap ...

Offense

• Against a strong defense, Miami managed to convert 11 of 16 third-down opportunities and -- somewhat unexpectedly -- establish a strong running game, averaging 4.5 yards per carry on its way to 167 rushing yards. The 'Fins also scored touchdowns on two of its three red-zone trips
• Tua Tagovailoa struggled at times, connecting on 21 of 30 passes for 243 yards and a score, but turning the ball over three times with two interceptions and a fumble. He was sacked twice, ran twice for a yard, and kept the Jets in the game with a pick-six -- the only thing he couldn't do against a team without an offense. Despite an 81.9 grade from Pro Football Focus, the performance marked a second straight subpar outing, and Tua hooked up with only four different receivers in this one. Former Jet Mike White came in once for a kneeldown to close out the contest.
• Raheem Mostert led the way again in the backfield, carrying 20 times for 94 yards and two touchdowns with a long of 34. He was also targeted once without a catch in 42 snaps. Jeff Wilson served as the backup with DeVon Achane out and Salvon Ahmed injured, and he ran hard, carrying 11 times for 56 yards and catching all three targets for 17 yards in 23 snaps. Newcomer Darrynton Evans rushed twice for 16 yards with a long of 13, but was involved in a turnover on a botched handoff among his five snaps. Fullback Alec Ingold had no touches in his 20 snaps, but did deliver some strong lead blocking despite a 50.2 rating from PFF.
• At wideout, Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle both eclipsed 100 yards, with Hill snaring nine of 12 targets for 102 yards and a score, with a long of 35. He added a two-yard carry among his 44 snaps, earning a 71.1 mark from PFF. In 46 snaps, Waddle reeled in all eight targets for 114 yards, with a long of 32, leading the team with a 91.3 PFF grade. Braxton Berrios (one target in 38 snaps for a 49.8 PFF grade), Cedrick Wilson (27 snaps), and River Cracraft (24 snaps) were all active, but did not catch a pass. Tua will need to diversify his targets down the stretch in order to get the offense back in rhythm.
• Durham Smythe was back at tight end, and he contributed a 10-yard catch on three targets in his 54 snaps. Julian Hill did not catch a pass in his 21 snaps (he was flagged for holding on special teams), while Tyler Kroft came on for six snaps in reserve. Smythe (48.1) and Hill (48.2) received poor grades from PFF, reinforcing the idea that tight end is perhaps Miami's thinnest position.
• Up front, seven offensive linemen saw action due to right tackle Austin Jackson being ejected (after 62 snaps that included a false start) and left tackle Terron Armstead leaving early (49 snaps) due to a quad injury. Guards Lester Cotton (zero pressures allowed, but a 51.4 PFF grade) and Liam Eichenberg (did not allow a sack or pressure in 33 pass-blocking snaps, earning a 74.9 pass-block grade from PFF) and center Connor Williams (88.6 PFF grade) played all 70 snaps. Reserves Kion Smith (74.9 grade from PFF in 21 snaps) and Kendall Lamm (eight snaps) got in on the action for a unit that is getting more banged up by the week.

Defense

• In dominating fashion, the 'Fins limited the Jets to just a dozen first downs and stopped them on nine of 14 on third-down attempts. New York did convert two of three fourth-down tries and scored a touchdown on one of two red-zone visits, but managed just 159 total yards of offense, averaging just 2.9 yards per offensive play. Most significantly, Miami held the home team to just 29 rushing yards.
• Christian Wilkins had another strong game along the defensive front, collecting three solo tackles, two sacks, two stops for losses, and two quarterback hits in 37 snaps. Zach Sieler added two tackles, a sack, a stop for a loss, a quarterback hit, and an offsides call in his 32 snaps. These two play a huge number of snaps for defensive linemen, so easing their workload in this one was important as the team hits the stretch run.
• On the interior, Raekwon Davis played well, notching two tackles, half a sack, and a quarterback hit in 32 snaps. Backup Da'Shawn Hand put up three solos, a sack, a stop for loss, and a quarterback hit in his 23 snaps. Miami got a lot from the tackle spot, which will be even more vital as injuries mount in the front seven.
• Before the devastating Achilles injury that ended his campaign, Phillips was a menace at outside linebacker (90.5 mark from PFF), posting four tackles, a sack, three stops for losses, a pass breakup, and two quarterback hits in 35 snaps. Bradley Chubb recorded two tackles and two quarterback hits in 46 snaps for an 83.2 PFF grade, while Andrew Van Ginkel added a pair of tackles and a holding call in 29 snaps. Ogbah two tackles, 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hits. In 14 snaps, Emmanuel Ogbah was active, registering two tackles, 1.5 sacks, two quarterback hits, and a neutral-zone infraction for a 91.1 PFF grade. Something of a forgotten man, Ogbah will be a key contributor for the Dolphins as they try to replace Phillips the rest of the way.
• At inside linebacker, Jerome Baker had one of his best games -- especially in coverage -- notching six solo tackles, a stop for a loss, two pass breakups, an interception, and an offsides call in 41 snaps for a 90.9 mark from PFF. In 39 snaps, David Long posted four tackles, three solos, a quarterback hit, and an offsides call for an unsightly 39.0 PFF grade. Duke Riley (17 snaps, 46.7 rating from PFF) and Cameron Goode (10 snaps, 57.8 PFF grade) came on in reserve with the game out of hand to give Baker and Long some much-needed rest.
• Xavien Howard (pass breakup), Kader Kohou (five tackles, three solos), and Jalen Ramsey (three solos, 58.2 PFF grade) all played 48 snaps at cornerback. The 'Fins were able to rotate in Nik Needham (three tackles in 12 snaps), Cam Smith (assisted tackle in 11 snaps, 56.6 mark from PFF), and Justin Bethel (one snap) in reserve. Overall, it was a quiet day for the defensive backfield based on the sheer ineptitude of the New York passing attack.
• At safety, Jevon Holland contributed five solo stops and a pass breakup in 44 snaps, putting his stamp on the game with an interception on a Hail Mary that he incredibly returned 99 yards for a touchdown. DeShon Elliott had a solo tackle and a pass breakup in 47 snaps, with Brandon Jones (one solo stop in 14 snaps) and Elijah Campbell (10 snaps) also seeing action from scrimmage. Holland's 92.6 PFF grade led Dolphin defenders, and it was good to see him making a big play again. 

Special teams

• Jason Sanders drilled both field goals -- including a 54-yarder -- and all four extra points on the day, and even had to make a tackle at one point.
• Jake Bailey punted a single time for 40 yards.
• Berrios averaged 9.2 yards on five punt returns and added a 22-yard kickoff return. Even though he fumbled once, he did recover it himself.
• Berrios and Kroft led offensive players with nine special-teams snaps apiece, and Evans got eight. Among defensive players, Riley (18), Campbell (17), Jones (16), Goode (16), and Bethel (15) saw the most action in the third phase. 
• In the return game, Van Ginkel was whistled for a holding call on a kickoff and Hill was called for the same on a punt.

Momentum plays

• After an initial third-down conversion thanks to Sieler jumping offsides, back-to-back plays by Philips helped force a New York punt on the opening possession of the contest.
• Miami's first offensive play featured a Jets' personal foul, then Tua hit Hill for 35 yards on 3rd & 8, with the speedster barely being tripped up on his way to a long score. Hill got 17 more on a 3rd & 2 tunnel screen, following a good Williams block, but on a 4th & 2 play from New York's five-yard line, Hill dropped a fade pass, giving the ball to the Jets.
• Phillips pressure on the first play could have led to either in-the-grasp or grounding calls for a safety, but neither was whistled. The 'Fins forced a three-and-out, getting the ball back on its own 44-yard line.
• A Smythe 10-yard catch was followed by a 14-yard run by Jeff Wilson, but a 3rd & 1 sidearm pass by Tua was nearly intercepted. Instead of going for another short fourth down, McDaniel elected for a 38-yard Sanders field goal for a 3-0 advantage.
• Another Phillips tackle for loss sparked another three-and-out for the home team, and the Dolphins converted a 3rd & 5 with an 11-yard pass to Waddle. Tua then hit Wilson on a slant for seven yards to convert another 3rd & 5, then the quarterback hit Waddle for 20 yards on 3rd & 6 with a dangerous throw into triple coverage. Two plays later, Hill took a short pass in the flat, eluded a tackler, and strolled in from seven yards away to push the lead to 10-0 halfway through the second quarter.
• New York got an initial first down when Elliott missed a tackle, but a Phillips deflected pass was nearly intercepted by Holland. Third-down pressure by Wilkins and Chubb led to a Wilkins sack and another Jets punt.
• A 13-yard pass to Waddle earned a quick Miami first down, but Tua took a second-down sack and the Dolphins had to punt. Bailey was drilled on his lone punt of the day, but the penalty was inexplicably called running into the kicker instead of roughing, leading one to wonder why the roughing-the-kicker penalty even exists anymore.
• The Jets went three-and-out once again for a fifth straight drive of five plays or less, with Kohou making a huge tackle on 3rd & 1 to prevent a first down. However, Tua kept the home team in the game with a late, lazy toss into the flat that was easily intercepted for a 30-yard pick-six by Brandin Echols, cutting the margin to 10-7.
• A Van Ginkel hold on the ensuing kickoff pinned the Dolphins at their own 13-yard line with 58 seconds remaining, but Tua inexplicably came out firing. He hit Waddle for 10 and 11 yards, but threw late to the sideline twice, with the second resulting in another interception.
• Taking over at their own 49-yard line with two seconds remaining, the Jets tried a Hail Mary, which quickly turned into a Fail Mary when Holland easily reeled in an interception on the one-yard line, picked up key blocks by Wilkins, Chubb, and Baker, juked the signal-caller, and raced into the end zone -- he covered 124-and-a-half yards in all -- for a back-breaking 99-yard pick-six with no time on the clock, giving the 'Fins a 17-6 halftime advantage.
• Three plays into the second half, Miami got a big play when Waddle beat Jets corner Sauce Gardner for 32 yards on a 3rd & 3 play that also featured a New York hold. Tua took a third-down sack, but Sanders salvaged the drive with a 54-yard crush job to make the score 20-6.
• A Wilkins sack spurred another New York three-and-out, and after a punt that saw a negative-yardage return, a Berrios fumble that he recovered, and a penalty on Julian Hill, the 'Fins were backed all the way back to their eight-yard line. Miami reeled off a 15-play, 92-yard drive that took more than nine minutes, powered by five third-down conversions. Mostert ran for 30 yards and Wilson added 16 more on the ground, and the Dolphins also got a key facemask call and a 15-yard catch and run by Hill. Mostert paid off the drive with a slick 13-yard touchdown run that saw him pick up a nice block by Julian Hill to make it 27-6. The extra point featured three personal fouls and two disqualifications, with Jackson getting flagged and ejected for Miami without an explanation.
• The Jets responded with a 17-play possession of their own that featured two fourth-down conversions, but the drive covered just 55 yards and ended in an interception when Howard missed his own pick but Baker hauled in the deflection.
• Evans came in and picked up 16 yards on his first two carries, but a high Tua handoff on a third straight Evans carry resulted in a fumble right back to New York.
• Taking over on Miami's 35-yard line, the home team converted a 3rd & 2 before getting a one-yard touchdown reception by Garrett Wilson to trim the margin to 27-13.
• The Jets attempted an onside kick, but Riley recovered it easily. Three straight Mostert rushes earned 12 yards and a first down, with Miami attempting to run out the clock. New York didn't cooperate, however, calling repeated timeouts to extend the game, eventually forcing Mostert to burst into the clear behind Eichenberg and Cracraft blocks and go 34 yards for a touchdown and a 34-13 advantage instead.
• With backups in, Miami gave up a pair of third-down conversions, but a strong Jones tackle on 4th & 14 gave the ball back to the 'Fins, setting up White to come in for a kneeldown to end the game.

2023 Schedule

Miami 36, Los Angeles 34 (1-0)

Miami 24, New England 17 (2-0)

Miami 70, Denver 20 (3-0)

Buffalo 48, Miami 20 (3-1)

Miami 31, New York Giants 16 (4-1)

Miami 42, Carolina 21 (5-1)

Philadelphia 31, Miami 17 (5-2)

Miami 31, New England 17 (6-2)

Kansas City 21, Miami 14 (6-3)

Miami 20, Las Vegas 13 (7-3)

Miami 34, New York Jets 13 (8-3)

Day 1,353, Quasi-Quarantine: "Zuckerman Unbound" Tracks An Author's Struggles With Fame, Guilt, Expectation, Paranoia in Mid-Twentieth-Century Manhattan

 "Ordinary everyday thoughts on the subject of who one was were lavish enough without an extra hump of narcissism to carry around."

Nathan Zuckerman is back in this sequel to "The Ghost Writer," though he reappears as an (in)famous novelist, struggling with fame and expectation on the heels of writing a lascivious book. The writer is an omniscient narrator, though much of what he actually wants and values is shielded from the reader.

"But all the grieving over his father's body had taken place when Nathan was twelve and fifteen and twenty-one: the grief over all his father had been dead to while living. From that grief the death was a release."

Under Philip Roth's meticulous hand, Zuckerman wanders through is own life, wracked by paranoia, haunted by failed relationships, hounded by an obsessive fan, and guilt-ridden over what his writing choices have cost his family. When his brother eviscerates him at the end, Henry voices much of what many readers have to be feeling about Nathan.

A very short story -- with very small type, in my version -- "Zuckerman Unbound" is largely intended as a setup for the final book in the trilogy. In semi-autobiographical fashion, Roth does a masterful job of exploring the relationship between art and the artist, as well as capturing the zeitgeist of 1960s New York.

"Their conversation grew louder and more shameful and went on for another ten minutes. His world was getting stupider by the hour, and so was he."

Day 1,352, Quasi-Quarantine: Cable Ties Storm Seattle With A Heart-Rending "Deep Breath Out"

I'm definitely not not obsessed with this song at the minute. Seeing Cable Ties play this in studio at KEXP made my day.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oy, oy, oy!

Day 1,351, Quasi-Quarantine: That Annual Beat-The-Cheats Feeling ...

 

39-20 and it wasn't nearly that close. Three in a row, six of eight, and 12 of 17.

GTHC, always and forever.

Day 1,346, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Raiders Game 10 Review

 

In what had to be considered a disappointing performance coming off a bye week, the Dolphins relied heavily on its defense to earn a crucial home victory against a game Vegas squad. The Raiders had consistently strong field position -- starting two drives inside Miami's 35-yard line and a fourth at midfield -- but the 'Fins defense made up for the offensive struggles with presnap penalties and turnovers.

On to the that-was-harder-than-it-needed-to-be recap ...

Offense

• Despite racking up 422 total yards, Miami misfired for much of the game. The 'Fins converted just three of 11 third-down attempts, fell way short on an ugly fourth-down try in the red zone, and scored a touchdown on one of two red-zone visits. The Dolphins were mostly stymied on the ground, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry and failing to break 100 yards (99) rushing.
• For Tua Tagovailoa, the numbers looked better than the actual performance. He hit 28 of 39 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns, but he fumbled, threw an interception, and was sacked once. He ran twice for six yards and got away with a handful of risky throws. Tua has a ton of confidence in his first read, but throwing without fully diagnosing the play is leading to some dangerous moments.
• The running back corps welcomed back electric De'Von Achane -- for three plays. The rookie left after a single carry and a single catch for a total of five yards, yielding the stage to Raheem Mostert. In 55 snaps, Mostert ran it 22 times for 86 yards and caught one of two targets for seven yards. He was at his best late in the game, breaking tackles and showcasing a lethal stiffarm, though early whistles blowing plays dead limited some of his gains. Salvon Ahmed got 20 snaps, carrying three times for six yards and snaring three passes for 25 yards and a touchdown. Alec Ingold saw a lot of action at fullback (34 snaps), reeling in three of four targets for 16 yards. McDaniel said the team was just being careful with Achane, but his health bears watching down the stretch. The decision to make Jeff Wilson inactive is another indication that the team is struggling to find a role for him in his return from injury.
• As usual, Tyreek Hill led the receivers, hauling in 10 of 11 targets for 146 yards and a score, with a long of 38, in 41 snaps. He had to leave briefly with a hand injury, but returned to continue sparking the offense on his way to a 91.7 Pro Football Focus grade. Notably, he made some difficult catches on high passes and in traffic, shaking off the drops that have hurt his game a bit recently. Jaylen Waddle led in snaps with 58, but was out of rhythm with Tua on a number of occasions, catching half of his eight targets for 55 yards. Cedrick Wilson was targeted four times in his 41 snaps, grabbing three for 23 yards. River Cracraft's first game back was quiet, as he was not targeted in his 21 snaps and missed a key block on a fourth-down play. Robbie Chosen got five snaps after being cut during the week, and he contributed two receptions for 39 yards, with a long of 30 just before the half. Braxton Berrios and Chase Claypool were inactive for this one, with Wilson handling punt-return duties.
• At tight end, the biggest story was Durham Smythe being inactive, and his absence was felt in a big way. Julian Hill got the bulk of the action in Smythe's stead, getting 47 snaps but catching only a 10-yard pass that he subsquently fumbled, leading to Las Vegas points. Tyler Kroft was not targeted in his 21 snaps.
• With Robert Hunt out, Miami turned to Liam Eichenberg to switch from center to left guard to right guard. The line played all 70 snaps together, with center Connor Williams receiving a 78.5 PFF grade and right tackle Austin Jackson earning a 75.8 mark from PFF (both Williams and Jackson were whistled for false starts). Lester Cotton got an unsportsmanlike conduct flag and had a 48.5 pass-blocking grade at left guard. Left tackle Terron Armstead did not have one of his better games, being called for holding, giving up a sack, and being graded at 68.6 in pass blocking by PFF.

Defense

• The 'Fins pitched another second-half shutout, limiting the visitors to just 12 first downs and 296 total yards. Miami stopped the Raiders on 10 of 14 third downs and both fourth-down attempts, and held them without a touchdown on their lone red-zone trip. The Dolphins stymied the Las Vegas rushing game to the tune of 36 yards and a 2.3 yards-per-carry average, and the home team used two sacks and three interceptions to offset Vegas's consistently good field position.
• Christian Wilkins registered three tackles, a stop for a loss, and two quarterback hits -- including one that led to a pick -- in his 58 snaps. Zach Sieler added a pair of tackles and a pass breakup in his 54 snaps.
• In 21 snaps on the interior, Raekwon Davis had a solo stop and a quarterback hit, but he got consistent pressure in this game. Da'Shawn Hand did not record a statistic in his three reserve snaps.
• At outside linebacker, Jaelan Phillips had a monster game in his 54 snaps, earning a 78.2 PFF grade after racking up six tackles, five solos, two sacks, two stops for losses, one pass breakup, three quarterback hits, and an interception. For good measure, he also came reasonably close to blocking a punt. His partner in crime, Bradley Chubb, added five tackles and three solos in 52 snaps. Andrew Van Ginkel saw action at both outside and inside 'backer, tallying five tackles, three solos, and two pass breakups in 42 snaps to pick up a 77.4 PFF grade.
• Jerome Baker played every snap at inside linebacker, totaling seven tackles and five solos for a sterling 83.5 rating by PFF. David Long struggled in the blitz game, but made four tackles and two solos in only 28 snaps. Duke Riley played a single snap in reserve.
• This game was dominated by Jalen Ramsey, who had a pair of interceptions to go with a solo tackle and two pass breakups for a stellar 90.3 PFF grade. Xavien Howard was busy, collecting seven tackles, five solos, a stop for a loss, a pass breakup, and a pass interference penalty. Both "X" and Howard played all 61 snaps, with Kader Kohou getting 45 snaps in the slot and recording three solos, a stop for a loss, and a pass breakup. Nik Needham came on for a single play in reserve, and Eli Apple was inactive.
• Both Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliott played all 61 snaps at safety, with Holland picking up five tackles, four solos, and a stop for a loss. Elliott had a single solo stop and was interfered with beaten on a long score in what was a quiet day. Holland -- who has not made an impact play in quite a while -- had a fumble return touchdown overturned on replay early in the game.

Special teams

• Jason Sanders missed a key 50-yarder, but connected from 41 and 51 yards and made both extra points.
• Jake Bailey averaged 47.7 yards on three punts, overcoming a poor punt early on to place two inside the 20-yard line, with a long of 66 at a clutch moment.
• Wilson returned three punts for 30 yards, with a long of 14, but neither team returned a kickoff.
• Riley, Justin Bethel, and Elijah Campbell led defensive players on special teams with 21 snaps each, and Cameron Goode (19) and Brandon Jones (18) had heavy workloads in the kicking game as well. On the plus side, Riley made a pivotal tackle on a punt return, pinning the Raiders deep at a pivotal moment. On the downside, both Bethel and Campbell were flagged for illegal blindside blocks on returns.
• With Smythe out, Ahmed left offensive players with a dozen snaps in the third phase, while Julian Hill and Wilson had 10 each.

Momentum plays

• Getting the ball first, the Raiders got off to a quick start with a 17-yard pass to Mike Mayer, but a holding call got the visitors off schedule. A third-down play was initially ruled a Mayer fumble -- knocked loose by Van Ginkel -- that was scooped up by Holland and returned 39 yards for a touchdown. However, the call was reversed on replay, forcing a punt by former NC State player A.J. Cole, the league's best punter. A 14-yard return by Wilson was brought back on an illegal-block flag on Campbell.
• Three plays later, Tua appeared to have scrambled for a first down, but another replay reverse determined that he had fumbled the ball to Las Vegas.
• Taking over at Miami's 31-yard line, the Raiders converted a 3rd & 7 on a 12-yard catch and run by Mayer that saw him run over Howard. A Mayer offensive pass interference on the next play hurt the Vegas drive again, and strong tackles by "X" and Kohou forced a 34-yard field goal, giving the Raiders a 3-0 lead.
• After an initial first down, Tua was sacked on 3rd & 11, but a defensive holding flag gave the Dolphins new life. An 18-yard strike to Hill was followed two plays later by a great grab on a slant by Hill, who eluded a tackler and raced 38 yards for a touchdown and a 7-3 advantage.
• Las Vegas quickly picked up two first downs on its next possession, then hit paydirt when Davante Adams literally stiffarmed Elliott to the ground without a call while the ball was in the air and waltzed into the end zone for a 46-yard score, pushing the Raiders ahead again, 10-7.
• A strong 10-yard run by Mostert kickstarted the ensuing drive for the 'Fins, then Hill converted a 3rd & 7 when he reeled in a pass in a crowd for defenders, danced away from two would-be tacklers, and picked up 21 yards. Short passes and runs were combined with a facemask penalty on Vegas to extend the Miami drive, setting up a 4th & 1 opportunity from Vegas's 3-yard line. The Dolphins got a little too cute here, hitting Hill with a quick screen, but Cracraft couldn't make a block and Hill was dumped for a four-yard loss, giving the Raiders possession.
• Chubb helped force a three-and-out with strong third-down pressure, but Cole flipped the field with a 53-yard net punt. Tua found Waddle three times in four plays, covering 36 yards and energizing the team and the crowd. Facing a 3rd & 10 from the Vegas 11-yard line, Tua found Ahmed on a beautiful angle route out of the backfield, and the running back picked up a nice block from Williams to go into the end zone untouched for a 14-10 lead.
• Miami responded defensively with another three-and-out, with Cole uncorking a 61-yarder that was almost blocked. However, the possession was short, as a 10-yard Mostert run was immediately followed by a 10-yard catch that Julian Hill promptly fumbled directly to the Raiders at the Dolphins' 32-yard line.
• The 'Fins got another three-and-out after Sieler batted a pass at the line and Kohou locked up Adams on a third-down play. Las Vegas had to settle for a 47-yard field goal to trim the margin to 14-13.
• Surprisingly, Miami came out firing with five seconds remaining in the half, and Tua found Chosen for 30 yards along the sideline, but the clock ran out as the wideout was stepping out of bounds.
• The halftime talk did not lead to offensive improvement, as Tua and Waddle miscommunicated on a deep route, leading to an easy interception on the first play of the second half. The defense answered the bell again, with Wilkins and Baker stopping the Raiders on a 3rd & 1 run to force yet another three-and-out.
• Two plays into the next possession, Tua found Hill along the sideline for 31 yards off of play-action, then found Hill for 10 more over the middle. Under pressure from Maxx Crosby, the signal-caller couldn't find Wilson on 3rd & 7, then Sanders missed from 50 as his field goal barely drifted left to keep the score at 14-13.
• This time, the 'Fins defense only needed a single play to thwart the visitors, as late pressure from Chubb and Wilkins led to a throw that was forced in the direction of Jalen Ramsey, who showed his closing speed to make a diving interception and set up the offense at the 47-yard line.
• On a 3rd & 2 play, Tua drilled a 19-yarder to Waddle to keep the drive alive. However, back-to-back incompletions to Waddle -- one of which should have been intercepted -- led to another Sanders field-goal attempt, this one being good from 41 to push the lead to 17-13.
• The Dolphins fashioned another three-and-out defensively, with Ramsey providing great coverage on Adams on a deep flea-flicker attempt on 3rd & 1. On the second play after taking over, Tua found Hill for 25 yards, then Wilson made a phenomenal catch on a 12-yard gain. A 2nd & 1 turned into a 4th & 1 after two more Tua incompletions, but coach Mike McDaniel surprisingly elected for a field goal. Sanders paid off the decision, drilling a 51-yarder to make it 20-13 with 25 seconds remaining in the third quarter.
• Las Vegas managed an initial first down, but a Chubb pressure led to a Phillips sack on 3rd & 3 to end the possession. Another special-teams penalty -- this time on Bethel for an illegal block -- pinned Miami at the 10-yard line after a 53-yard punt.
• After a three-and-out that featured another dangerous Tua throw and a near fumble by Ahmed, the Raiders took over still down just a touchdown. Vegas got an initial first down, but Kohou and Holland combined to thwart an end-around to the tune of a seven-yard loss. The visitors got 13 yards on a 3rd & 16 pass to former Wolfpacker Jakobi Meyers, but the 4th & 3 pass into the end zone fell incomplete, with Ramsey being closest to the ball.
• A costly Armstead hold sidetracked the Miami drive and forced a three-and-out as a potential facemask on Mostert went uncalled. Perhaps inspired by Cole, Bailey uncorked a massive 66-yard punt that was inexplicably fielded on the 1-yard line, allowing Riley and Bethel to combine on a tackle that pinned the Raiders on their own 13-yard line.
• The struggle for the officials continued when the entire crew missed a clear backwards pass on Vegas's first play from scrimmage, a brutal error that could've had very real game consequences. Compounding the error, Meyers burned Howard -- who was also called for interference on the play -- for 24 yards on the next play, with Phillips hustling down the sideline to push him out of bounds. Two plays later, Hunter Renfrow took a short catch, hurdled Howard, escaped Baker, Kohou, and Elliott, and went 31 yards before Wilkins finally tracked him down from his defensive line position. A Phillips sack was followed by a Van Ginkel near-interception two plays later, setting up a crucial 4th & 6. More Phillips pressure led to Wilkins grabbing the quarterback, but instead of being ruled in the grasp, he was allowed to continue the play, throwing an interception straight to Phillips.
• Four straight Mostert runs covered 17 yards, though he was whistled down twice when his progress was not stopped. A dangerous third-down throw by Tua and a false start while trying to get the Raiders to jump on 4th & 5 set up a strong Bailey punt to the Vegas 7-yard line.
• After a second-down play that saw Van Ginkel held without a call, Meyers converted 3rd & 4 with a five-yard catch. The Raiders got a 19-yarder on the next play, then Adams converted a 3rd & 5 by beating Howard for 20 yards, moving the visitors into Miami territory. Following an incompletion, a lack of pressure allowed a deep ball into the end zone, but Ramsey climbed the ladder to make an incredible interception and save the game for the 'Fins.
• A Tua kneeldown mercifully ended a contest that seemed unnecessarily stressful for Miami.

2023 Schedule

Miami 36, Los Angeles 34 (1-0)

Miami 24, New England 17 (2-0)

Miami 70, Denver 20 (3-0)

Buffalo 48, Miami 20 (3-1)

Miami 31, New York Giants 16 (4-1)

Miami 42, Carolina 21 (5-1)

Philadelphia 31, Miami 17 (5-2)

Miami 31, New England 17 (6-2)

Kansas City 21, Miami 14 (6-3)

Miami 20, Las Vegas 13 (7-3)

Day 1,345, Quasi-Quarantine: He Left It All Out There For The Shoe

 

So many of all the feelings happening right now based on this news. One of our first Colts experiences was getting the autograph of Shaq at training camp. It seems like yesterday he was one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Hope he finds his health and is able to return as close to form as possible.

Thanks for everything, "Maniac."

Day 1,344, Quasi-Quarantine: Just Over Here Being Transported Back In Time Behind An Irish Pub

 

After a couple of Black & Tans with a buddy, we casually encountered a 45-year-old iconic car in the parking lot outside. The DeLorean (DMC-12) grew to fame after being featured as a time machine in "Back to the Future.

As a child of the '80s, this moment spoke to me in a big way ... almost like someone was whispering "Great Scott!" from across the lot.

Limerick Friday #601: At The Dark Tower, All Things Serve The Beam -- Day 1,341

 
Overwhelming at times
With lotsa land mines
Too many workers
And as many lurkers
Too exhausting to express in these rhymes

The home stretch awaits
And all playoff fates
Coming off a bye
The potential is high
For the 'Fins to break down division gates

Awkward exchanges
As the small talk ranges
Back in a building
There's no gilding
The depth and volume of changes

The Bell Tower keeps tolling
Can the Pack keep it rolling?
State keeps on hittin'
Their story yet to be written
Underrated and disrespected in the polling

War breaking out everywhere
About this world we should care
With peace under threat
We should all fret
At endless violence we do stare

Last time ...

Day 1,339, Quasi-Quarantine: In Subtly Terrifying "Holly," Persistent King Muse Delves Into Midwest Freakiness

 

"She thinks of Bill Hodges, sitting with her one day on the steps of his little house. Bill saying Sometimes the universe throws you a rope. If it does, climb it. See what's at the top."

"Holly" is the latest Stephen King installment featuring a character he fell in love with -- and has been unable to let go of -- years ago, Holly Gibney. Now embarking on heading up the detective agency we've seen her at previously, she is pursuing a missing-person case on the heels of her domineering mother passing and still dealing with the loss of her mentor, Bill Hodges -- all under the specter of Covid.

"They each hold one of the old poet's hands. There are no last words. Olivia looks at Marie. She looks at Barbara. She smiles. She dies. A world of words dies with her."

Working in an obscure Ohio town where a disproportionate number of freaky things happen (a Midwest Derry, if you will), Holly stumbles across similar cases with potential connective tissue (pun intended) and makes some bad decisions in acting independently. Some predictability occurs, but the master of the literary jump-cut still has a handful of tricks up his sleeve.

"They watch TV and have their desert, spooning up a mixture of raspberry sorbet and Peter Steinman's brains."

In this tale, Holly is much more well-adjusted, which makes her a little less relatable and unique. The book ends with some question about her future plans and potential retirement, but my suspicion is that King will be hard-pressed to subvert his compulsion to add to his collection of Holly Gibney tales.

" ... At three in the morning the mind fills up with unpleasant shadows and some of them have teeth."

Day 1,338, Quasi-Quarantine: Pack Nation Turns Its Lonely Eyes To You, Brennan

 

Soap operas and NC State don't usually mix. After all, as Philip Rivers said, "The Wolfpack ain't for soft people."

So when M.J. Morris decided to redshirt after back-to-back wins over Clemson and Miami, coach Dave Doeren faced a confused media, a frustrated locker room, and a salivating opponent in Wake Forest.

Winston-Salem has been a house of horrors for State over the years, but Brennan Armstrong -- back at QB1 again -- led the Pack to a surprisingly easy 26-6 victory, setting the stage for the opportunity for a storybook ending to his college career.

Good on ya, BA. Never give up.

Day 1,337, Quasi-Quarantine: Where Diamonds And Podcasts Intersect

 

Watching some of the MLB playoffs, I noticed that Phillies shortstop Bryson Stott bore a remarkable resemblance to <*fill in unclear reason for being known beyond being married to Kristen Bell*> Dax Shepard.

That's all I've got today.

Limerick Friday #600: Within Pack Nation, M.J. Stands For Massive Jackass -- Day 1,334

His scattershot decisions and arm

Have caused NC State harm

M.J. Morris took a shit in the wolves' den

He won't be allowed to play again

I'd be willing to bet the farm

Once a respected writer

'Til he became a gaslighter

Matt Taibbi, who hurt you

To make this what you turn into?

If only you had the integrity to be a fighter

Halfway through the season

All our teams have a reason

For hope down the stretch

Though the Bears kinda me me wretch

It's the Dolphins who keep on teasin'

Every State fans learns

That it's "As the Wolfpack Turns"

Huge wins back to back

Then the QB quits on the Pack

And the locker room seethes and burns

Autumn only in name

Every hot day the same

A planet at risk

Ready for the brisk

This weather fucking up my hoody game

Last time ...

Day 1,333, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Chiefs Game 9 Review

 

Playing in Frankfurt, Germany, Miami collected more first downs (20-16), yards (292 to 267), yards per play (5.0 to 4.8), and time of possession (30:24 to 29:36) than Kansas City, and even tied in the turnover margin. The 'Fins also dominated field position, but shady officiating dogged the team, as playing another Kelce-affiliated team is not ideal since the NFL seems heavily invested in ensuring a Chiefs-Eagles Super Bowl.

But in an excruciating loss, the Dolphins repeatedly shot themselves in the foot, digging themselves a three-touchdown hole that they were never quite able to get out of.

On to the what's-German-for-choking recap ...

Offense

• Let's start by saying this offense should never be held under 300 yards. Ever. But the Chiefs did a really good of limiting big plays (just a single chunk play for Miami) and playing third-down defense, stopping the Dolphins on nine of 12 third-down attempts (and the lone fourth-down try). Miami started the game with six straight scoreless possessions and gave up on the running game too early (they averaged 5.6 yards per rush but ran it just 21 times). The 'Fins scored a touchdown on its lone red-zone visit -- but also handed a gift score to the Chiefs defense.
• Tua Tagovailoa had a forgettable game, hitting 21 of 34 passes for just 193 yards and a touchdown on his way to a 66.7 grade from Pro Football Focus. He was sacked three times, rushed twice for seven yards, and was called for intentional grounding, but his last two plays were the worst. He misread a route, woefully and inexplicably underthrowing Cedrick Wilson, who was wide open for the tying touchdown, then failed to catch a shotgun snap on a fourth-down play where Kansas City went with cover-zero and Tua would have had multiple one-on-one matchups.
• The only conclusion one can draw after the past couple of games is that both Raheem Mostert (35 snaps) and Jeff Wilson (11 snaps) are on pitch counts due to injury. Mostert needed more than 12 carries in this one, as he ran for 85 yards and a score, with a long of 25. He was targeted once and fumbled once. Wilson carried twice for six yards and caught three of four targets for 32 yards, earning a PFF grade of 55.7. Salvon Ahmed saw more action than necessary again, rushing three times for four yards and catching two of three targets for eight yards in his 19 snaps. Alec Ingold had a one-yard catch among his 27 snaps, getting dinged for blocking to the tune of a 45.0 grade from PFF.
• At receiver, Tyreek Hill led the way as usual, snaring eight of 10 targets for 62 yards, but with a long of just 19 yards. He had a three-yard run, but had a brutal fumble that turned into a defensive touchdown that ended up being the difference in the game, in addition to dropping a couple of passes. Jaylen Waddle was limited by a knee injury, but made the most of 34 snaps, earning an 82.3 PFF grade on the strength of grabbing three of six targets for 42 yards and adding a 12-yard run. Wilson saw a season-high 41 snaps, contributing a 31-yard catch for a score. However, he did not catch any of his other four targets, was flagged for an illegal shift, and seemed to never quite be on the same page with Tua. No other receiver got a target, with Braxton Berrios earning a 50.6 PFF grade on 17 snaps and Chase Claypool (who recovered a fumble but also had a false start) drawing a 41.6 rating on 14 snaps. Overall, the persistent drops by Hill and the nagging Waddle injuries are getting worrisome.
• Durham Smythe dominated action at tight end, catching all three of his targets for 17 yards in 53 snaps. Julian Hill only got seven snaps as a result of Miami having to abandon the running game due to the score.
• The offensive line welcomed back stalwart left tackle Terron Armstead, who earned a 72.3 PFF grade in his 63 snaps, and center Connor Williams, who had a 67.3 PFF rating and a holding call in 63 snaps. Between those two, the 'Fins went with a rotation at left guard, to troubling results: Robert Jones got the bulk of the action (49 snaps), but had the worst PFF grade on offense at 40.4, while Liam Eichenberg fared well in the run game (67.4 run-blocking grade) but not so hot in pass protection (43.4 rating) in just 14 snaps. Right guard Robert Hunt missed this game, with Lester Cotton taking over and earning a 76.2 PFF grade to lead the offensive front. Right tackle Austin Jackson was called for holding, but was assigned a 76.4 rating by PFF in pass protection. This unit -- like most of the team -- is in dire need of the looming bye week to try to return to some semblance of health and continuity.

Defense

• In an impressive defensive performance, the Dolphins stopped Kansas City on seven of 10 third-down attempts. Using shorter rotations (only 15 players saw action from scrimmage), the "D" limited the Super Bowl champs to just two touchdowns -- both on red-zone trips. In what has to be a good sign for the stretch run, the 'Fins got a good amount of pressure without blitzing and overcame some shaky first-half tackling to lock down a potent offense.
• Zach Sieler led the way as usual at defensive end, recording seven tackles, four solos, two quarterback hits, and a recovered fumble in his 56 snaps for a 71.9 PFF grade. Christian Wilkins added three tackles, a stop for a loss, and a quarterback hit in 57 snaps, though his overall PFF rating was just 45.3. In a disturbing development, Emmanuel Ogbah was active but got zero snaps in the contest.
• On the interior, Raekwon Davis made three tackles in 25 snaps for a 45.2 PFF grade. Da'Shawn Hand had an assisted tackle in his four snaps.
• At outside linebacker, Bradley Chubb continued his tremendous play, tallying three tackles, a sack, a pass breakup, a quarterback hit, and a forced fumble in his 49 snaps, earning a 71.1 pass-rush grade from PFF along the way. In 51 snaps, Jaelan Phillips notched five tackles and a sack for a 61.0 PFF grade. Both Chubb (defensive holding) and Phillips (illegal contact) were whistled for highly suspect calls. Andrew Van Ginkel had three tackles in 27 snaps, grading out at an uncustomary 59.3 PFF grade.
• Jerome Baker played 60 snaps at inside linebacker, but made just two tackles on his way to a 44.6 PFF grade. David Long was much more efficient, posting eight tackles and three solos in 46 snaps for a 67.8 rating from PFF, though he was not as effective as he needs to be on blitzes. The inside 'backers also had a couple of miscommunications in coverage.
• In what was a sight for sore eyes for 'Fins fans, Jalen Ramsey and Xavien Howard both played all 60 snaps, with Howard earning a season-best 80.6 PFF grade on the strength of two solos and a pass breakup. Ramsey had four solo stops, a holding flag, and a 64.5 PFF grade, while Kader Kohou saw more limited snaps (39) and recorded four solos and a pass breakup as part of a 41.8 PFF rating that represented the worst grade on defense. Nik Needham had an assisted tackle in six snaps in reserve.
• Starters Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliott played all 60 snaps at safety, with mixed results. Holland racked up eight tackles and two solos, but received a 54.7 pass-coverage grade from PFF, while Elliott had four tackles and three solos, but a 52.5 overall PFF rating. Holland feels long overdue for an impact play from the deep secondary for a team that has the second-fewest interceptions (four) in the league.

Special teams

• Jason Sanders had just two extra points, but punter Jake Bailey was much busier, unfortunately. Bailey averaged 45.1 yards on seven punts, placing four inside the 20-yard line in a really strong performance.
• Miami had no kickoff returns, though Berrios did contribute a seven-yard punt return in a quiet day in the return game.
• Julian Hill led offensive players with 13 special teams snaps, with Ingold (11) and Berrios (10) also seeing significant time in the kicking game. Duke Riley, Justin Bethel, and Elijah Campbell each had 23 snaps to pace defensive players, with Cameron Goode getting 21. Riley and Goode each had two tackles and a solo (one of Goode's stops was a wicked hit on a kickoff return), while Campell contributed a solo stop.

Momentum plays

• Kansas City got the opening kickoff and wasted no time in efficiently covering ground. The possession opened with a 21-yard pass, and three plays later the Chiefs converted a 3rd & 2 with a 10-yard pass. A 25-yard connection to the backup tight end put KC at Miami's 11-yard line, and after an initial score was overturned as a drop on replay, a slip screen found Dolphin defenders unable to get off blocks, capping a drive that featured some poor tackling with an easy touchdown.
• Tua hit Waddle for 15 yards to begin the ensuing drive, but the 'Fins went backwards from there, with the Chiefs getting home with a third-down slot blitz on a play that featured no heat reads for Tua.
• A slippery, hard-running Isiah Pacheco got 17 yards on a pair of carries, but the defense stiffened despite Phillips being held without a call. Van Ginkel made a pair of strong tackles to force the Kansas City punt.
• Mostert's six-yard run was followed by a 12-yard end-around by Waddle that featured a good block by Mostert. Tua found Hill for 17 over the middle, but a deeper in-cut fell incomplete when Wilson took a big hit while not fully extending his arms for the catch. An illegal shift nullified a 3rd & 9 conversion on a good Waddle catch, and a 3rd & 15 shovel pass to Ahmed that should have put Miami into field-goal range fell apart when neither Armstead nor Jones blocked the lone Chiefs defender capable of erasing the play. Despite traveling 38 yards in six plays, the 'Fins had to punt.
• Starting at its own 9-yard line, KC got an initial first down, but a missed offensive hold on a Wilkins rush and a missed grounding call on Mahomes set up a 3rd & 10 deep shot that fell incomplete under strong coverage by "X." In what was becoming a noticeable trend, Phillips was also held without a call on the third-down play.
• The second quarter started with a Dolphins four-and-out, punctuated by a deep ball drop by Hill and an arrow route dropped by Jeff Wilson. Miami returned the favor on defense, with Wilkins dropping an end-around for a seven-yard loss, Sieler being held without a call on an incompletion against Howard coverage, and Kohou rallying to make a good underneath tackle on a third-down throw that saw more Sieler pressure.
• The 'Fins started on their own 44-yard line, but went three and out after a deep ball to Waddle fell incomplete amidst a lot of contact. A sketchy grounding call on Tua followed, and a 10-yard underneath pass to Jeff Wilson got nowhere near a first down.
• Another strong Bailey punt pinned KC at its 5-yard line, but the Chiefs used a diving third-down catch to move the chains. A questionable hold on Chubb continued the drive that saw some Mahomes scrambles and more physical running by Pacheco. Another uncalled hold on Sieler allowed a 23-yard pass over Ramsey to stand, and Long lost Jerrick McKinnon when he passed into his zone from Baker's on a 3rd & 3, allowing McKinnon to walk in from 17 yards out for a touchdown and a 14-0 lead.
• Miami's next drive started with a nine-yard run by Ahmed, then a 14-yard slant to Waddle that he nearly broke. A deep in to Hill netted 19 more yards, but two plays later, a tunnel screen to Hill resulted in disaster when he coughed up the ball, which was recovered, lateraled, and returned 59 yards for a score and a seemingly insurmountable 21-0 advantage just before the half. Replays showed that Hill never really had control of the catch to begin with, but no formal review ever seemed to occur, leading one to wonder whether the replay system ever made the trip to Germany.
• Another three-and-out closed a brutal half for the Dolphins offense, as Tua's happy feet led to a couple of bad throws. After the Bailey punt, Mahomes kneeled on the ball to send the teams into the halftime locker room.
• The 'Fins started the second half with an 11-yard Mostert run, but -- as often seemed to be the case in this one -- a late flag nullified even the slightest sign of life offensively. A Williams hold put Miami at 2nd & 17, and a miscommunication between Tua and Ced Wilson and a seven-yard Tua run brought on Bailey yet again.
• Despite another start deep in its own territory, KC picked up a quick first down, but the refs finally called a third-down hold. On 3rd & 18, Mahomes broke the pocket, put a move on Baker, and nearly got the full distance before a good hit by Elliott stopped the rush and forced a punt.
• Back-to-back Tua passes to Jeff Wilson and Smythe covered 20 yards, and a six-yard dump to Smythe converted a key 3rd & 3. A hold in the secondary nullified a Chiefs sack, and a play-action, jump-ball deep shot to Cedrick Wilson was reeled in for a 31-yard touchdown, trimming the margin to 21-7.
• Kansas City began the following possession with a first down, but Chubb swatted down a pass that miraculously landed harmlessly between two Miami defenders. On a 3rd & 20 play, Chubb didn't let another opportunity for a turnover go by, as he sacked Mahomes and knocked the ball loose. Sieler pounced on the fumble, though he ill-advisedly tried to get up and run with it. The end result was a massive turnover and a big momentum shift for the Dolphins.
• A hard run by Mostert was yet again called back due to a late flag, this time on a shaky Jackson hold. Tua didn't gain any yards on a scramble, then Hill dropped another pass. A gift personal foul on an inexplicable cheap, late hit by Chris Jones on Jackson converted a 3rd & 20. On the next play, Mostert took advantage by cutting hard, following a Smythe block, and scooting through a crease for 13 yards and a touchdown to close the gap to 21-14 as the third quarter closed.
• Kansas City responded with a couple of first downs on short passes and hard runs, but a long 3rd & 9 throw was perfectly defended by Kohou, leading to yet another Chiefs punt.
• The Dolphins countered with a 12-play drive that took up more than half the quarter (7:57) -- but only covered 34 yards and ended in a punt. Three straight Mostert runs covered 17 yards, though one of the carries led to a fumble that Claypool fortuitously recovered. A short Hill completion converted a 3rd & 3, then Tua found Waddle for 13 on a triple-option pass. Another Hill grab converted a 3rd & 6, but a pitch to Ahmed ran directly into a linebacker blitz that resulted in a six-yard loss. Tua was then sacked on a play that appeared to feature Armstead being held to allow a free blitzer, and a 3rd & 26 play was incomplete, with Tua seeming to get hit in the face without a penalty. The disappointing drive ended with a 52-yard punt by Bailey that was fielded on the 2-yard line, with Goode and Long dragging the returner down at the 10-yard line.
• Three plays later, the Chiefs got cute on a 3rd & 1, and Chubb made a stellar play to overcome a chop block and pressure Mahomes into a costly throwaway.
• A net punt of 56 yards gave the 'Fins poorer field position than anticipated, but back-to-back Mostert runs covered 44 yards, each featuring stunning stiff-arms. However, Miami inexplicably gave up on the run at the two-minute warning, with first- and second-down throws being wild due to a jittery Tua. On 3rd & 10, the signal-caller threw a wounded duck that landed 15 yards behind a wide-open Wilson on what was later deemed a miscommunication. The Dolphins barely had time to lament the missed easy touchdown, as Tua mishandled a shotgun snap against a cover-zero look that resulted in a 13-yard fumble loss. Not only did Tua jump on the ball instead of trying to pick it up and fire a Hail Mary, but the zero coverage saw Waddle win immediately off the line for what was likely to be an easy score.
• Two kneeldowns by Mahomes punctuated the brutal finish for the 'Fins in a game that could have lasting ramifications for the season.

2023 Schedule

Miami 36, Los Angeles 34 (1-0)

Miami 24, New England 17 (2-0)

Miami 70, Denver 20 (3-0)

Buffalo 48, Miami 20 (3-1)

Miami 31, New York Giants 16 (4-1)

Miami 42, Carolina 21 (5-1)

Philadelphia 31, Miami 17 (5-2)

Miami 31, New England 17 (6-2)

Kansas City 21, Miami 14 (6-3)

Day 1,332, Quasi-Quarantine: "Small Things Like These" Explores Church-Sanctioned Cruelty In Insular, Rural Ireland

 

"Furlong pulled up and bade the man good evening.

"'Would you mind telling me where this road will take me?'

"'This road?' The man put down the hook, leant on the handle, and stared in at him. 'This road will take you wherever you want to go, son.'"

Inspired by the infamous Magdalen laundries, "Small Things Like These" is an exquisitely rendered depiction of rural Ireland and how the specter of cruel religious institutions runs through every aspect of life. Claire Keegan's tightly woven, short sentences are designed for maximum impact, and her book makes the absolute most of its 118 pages.

"What was it all for? Furlong wondered. The work and the constant worry. Getting up in the dark and going to the yard, making the deliveries, one after another, the whole day long, then coming home in the dark and trying to wash the black off himself and sitting into a dinner at the table and falling asleep before waking in the dark to meet a version of the same thing, yet again. Might things never change or develop into something else, or new?"

I read this beautifully written story over two days, mesmerized by the exploration of the concentric ripples and fallout of institutional abuse. "Small Things Like These" is subtle and nuanced, exploring what it means to be part of a family, part of a community, part of a country -- and the responsibility it entails in the face of impossible choices.

"The worst was yet to come, he knew. Already he could feel a world of trouble waiting for him behind the next door, but the worst that could have happened was already behind him; the thing not done, which could have been -- which he would have had to live with for the rest of his life."

Day 1,331, Quasi-Quarantine: Leaving As The Kings Of The Queen City

 

A belated birthday present ended up with us in Charlotte cheering on the Indianapolis Colts against the hometown Panthers. The game was a bit of a pillow fight offensively, but Indy prevailed, 27-13.

The game was most memorable for the performance of Kenny Moore III, who ran back not one but two pick-sixes to outscore Charlotte on his own. Matt Gay drilled an incredible 57-yard field goal as well.

It was also cool to see that perhaps 30% of the Bank of America Stadium attendees were backing the Colts. Another cool experience involving a franchise I never thought I'd care this much about.

"For the Shoe," indeed.

Day 1,330, Quasi-Quarantine: A Brisk And Memorable Halloween ...

 

With the wearing-a-costume years dwindling quickly, I'm trying to force myself to enjoy these Halloweens a little more.

I salute you, Harry Potter and Rory Gilmore.

Limerick Friday #599: Somebody Take The Keys From The Bears' GM -- Day 1,327

 

You gotta be jokin'

What is Ryan Poles smokin'?

A high second for Montez Sweat?

Who's a free agency threat?

My dude, your trade chart is broken

Idiocy to burn

Ineptitude at every turn

Promote our worst

That's why we're cursed

When will we ever learn?

A bully and a boor

Whose presence wore

The personality of a roach

A throwback coach

Bob Knight was capable of more

Unfairness without sound

Injustices abound

Declining at pace

A demoralizing place

Time to look around

A little Belicheat bitch

Ran another team into the ditch

Josh McDaniel is what he is

Hiring him was always bad biz

Only the Raiders didn't know the sitch

Last time ...