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End of an Era: Legendary defensive mind Gary Patterson out at TCU. What’s next for the long-time Horned Frog?

"Fiesta Bowl" by seantoyer is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Gary Patterson is no longer a TCU icon

By: Tim Rodriguez

After over two decades; Gary Patterson is no longer the head football coach for the Texas Chrsitian University Horned Frogs. Patterson led TCU to heights that they never thought possible. In all honesty, this was a garbage football program before Patterson took over in 2001. Since his arrival, TCU has moved up in conferences twice, including a move up into the power five in 2011. After that, Patterson led the Horned Frogs to a 12-1 record in just his third year in the Big-12. TCU is the last team not named Oklahoma to win the Big-12. Yes, the Horned Frogs have a more recent conference championship than the mighty Texas Longhorns. However, TCU is just 21-22 since 2018. A titan amongst defensive minds, Patterson will not finish the 2021 season and will have a head start on looking for his next coaching job. With his future up in the air, what are some places that Gary Patterson should be looking at?

Obvious Choice: Texas Tech Red Raiders

Texas Tech offers Patterson a new challenge, but also the ability to pick up where he left off. A move to Lubbock would allow him to stay in Texas, stay in the Big-12, and not have to make such drastic adjustments in his 60’s. Early returns indicate that Texas Tech is looking for a dramatic shift. Gone are the high-flying offenses of Mike Leach and Kliff Kingsbury. Trying to replicate that with Matt Wells was an abject failure. The confirmed interviews for the Red Raiders so far have been Oklahoma defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, as well as Baylor assistant Joey Mcguire. Now, both of those coaches are younger than Patterson but have Big-12 experience. Texas Tech would likely be the easiest transition for Patterson. 

A step down: Defensive Coordinator

Gary Patterson is a head football coach. However, should he not like any of the available jobs, it would not be out of the realm of possibility for him to assume a highly compensated defensive coordinator position. If Alex Grinch does end up going to Lubbock, Oklahoma would be foolish to not back up the brinks truck for Patterson. A more drastic option would be potentially replacing Brent Venables at Clemson if he believes that it is time to move on. *Whispers* We all know Nick Saban loves having former head coaches on his staff. 

Reviving former Powerhouses

The University of Miami is in bad shape. Manny Diaz has some impressive wins in recent weeks, which may help him keep his job for another season, but it really should not. Miami’s 2022 recruiting class is abysmal. Currently ranked 59th nationally and 12th in the conference, the 2022 class will be haunting this program for the next few years. If Manny Diaz is let go however, Gary Patterson needs to be the first call that athletic director Blake James makes. In a town that produces countless stars, the Hurricanes are getting dominated in local recruiting. Coaching has also been atrocious, as Miami simply cannot tackle. The biggest hurdle here will be whether or not Miami is willing to spend big money, as firing Diaz comes with an $8 Million buyout. 

National Champions just a year ago, the LSU tigers are a favorable job. However, Gary Patterson is a name that should certainly be in their radar. Most of the names attached to the Tigers have extensive appearance, which Patterson obviously has, along with familiarity with the region. If James Franklin decides to decline and other candidates remain at their schools, Gary Patterson is one of the best consolation prizes out there. 

3 Young QBs To Target In Redraft

"NCAA Football: Oklahoma vs UCLA, Sept 14, 2019, Pasadena, CA" by Steve Cheng, Bruin Report Online is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Young QBs to target in redraft

By Jesse Moeller (Twitter: JMoeller05)

As we head into the beginning of bye weeks, roster construction becomes that much more crucial for teams to navigate their way to the playoffs. Therefore, I am pinpointing three different first or second-year quarterbacks who help put your team over the top as it pushes for the playoffs. This article is for teams in need of an upgrade at the quarterback position. Those of you who have a struggling quarterback or are streaming the quarterback position weekly and yet have to find success.

Those of you who have a Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert type at the position, congrats! You chose to prioritize the position and are reaping the benefits of having an advantage over your league mates. I plan to highlight an argument that managers used against drafting each player this offseason and let you determine for yourself if those arguments were valid or made in bad faith.

Jalen Hurts QB7

Fantasy Cheat Code

Jalen Hurts the number one quarterback to acquire in redraft. An elite fantasy asset undervalued by the redraft community. It is time to get in before the rest of fantasy football views Hurts in that light. I do not know what else this player needs to do before we realize we have a bona fide fantasy star on our hands. If the tweet above did not seal the deal, well, then hopefully, I can add some context for you to be a Hurts believer.

Is He Inaccurate?

We saw this argument used countlessly against Hurts in the offseason.
The context behind this is Hurts only played four games last year. The situation was terrible for both Wentz and Hurts the previous year, as injuries decimated the offense. As a result, the players found themselves in a no-win dilemma. Remember Travis Fulgham? He was the top fantasy wide receiver from week 4-8 last season. Unfortunately, he was released by the Eagles this week. When the situation around you is as bad as it was for the offense last year, you end up playing hero ball and open yourself to more potential mistakes. Watching this last year was evident for Hurts.

However, back to the original tweet, did you know Kyler Murray currently has a completion percentage of 75.1% this year? The NFL record is 74.4% held by Drew Brees, so does that mean Kyler is the most accurate Q.B. in the league’s history? No, it certainly does not, as he is likely to regress as the season goes along. Rookie quarterbacks need time to develop, and Hurts was not allowed that time to progress last season. Though given the offseason to produce behind a healthy line and upgraded skill talent, Hurts has looked every part of the problem at Oklahoma and Alabama.

Pay the price to acquire Hurts before the cost becomes too steep, and he becomes unattainable.

Trevor Lawerence QB24

Rushing Upside

The Golden boy fantasy players have dreamed about for years has finally arrived and is starting to deliver on that progress for the Jaguars and your fantasy teams. While his price in dynasty is through the roof, in redraft, he is attainable. While his roster percentage has finally surpassed 50% on yahoo, the cost to acquire him will likely cost you a flex player in 1QB. Check out the teams with Lawerence rostered, and make them an offer of a RB/WR who improves their weakness. You will not miss that player in your lineup. Getting TLaw now locks in potential QB1 fantasy production at a position where elite play is a huge advantage.

Urban Freakin Meyer

Astounding how the tone around Lawrence has changed in 5 weeks of his rookie season. While more an NFL problem than a fantasy problem, as the Jaguars will win very few games this year. Darrell Bevell is a respected play-caller who succeeded with Brett Favre, Russell Wilson, and Matthew Stafford during his NFL tenure. He will put this young quarterback in a position to grow and develop moving forward. No matter the circus that currently surrounds Urban Meyer.

The Jaguars, even with season-ending injuries to D.J. Chark and Travis Etienne, have a core of talented skill players that will allow Lawrence to succeed. Despite the game scripts they face moving forward due to the subpar defense, Lawrence will use his least talked about fantasy ability managers all crave. The Konami Code that Lawrence presents is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Did you know he ran a faster 40-yard dash than Trey Lance and has outrushed Justin Fields 21 to 9 the last three games?

To sum it all up, you are getting an elite quarterback prospect who gives you rushing upside and will be in-game scripts ripe for passing this year? Sign me up all day at a discounted price.

Trey Lance QB31

Konami Code King

Trey Lance does things on a football field that make your jaw drop. The player oozes talent and has already shown how good he can be. He is third on my list because of a knee sprain that may keep him out a few weeks. If the 49ers clear Lance to start, I am all systems go in trying to get this player on your roster. The main reason is what you expect it to be, that Konami code. Among the first or second-year quarterbacks, only Jalen Hurts presents a similar upside. Since taking over for Jimmy G at halftime of the Seahawks game, Lance has rushed the ball 23 times. That is Lamar Jackson’s territory of rushing. You want that caliber of a quarterback on your roster.

The Path Was Blocked

The biggest issue facing Lance heading into the season was the presence of veteran Jimmy Garappolo on a team expected to compete for the playoffs. The thinking being that if Garoppolo performed well that Lance would never get a shot at the starting job in 2021. I disagreed, but I understood the argument as teams with Super Bowl aspirations do not want a rookie quarterback to crater the offense. Given that San Fransisco took Lance with the 3rd overall pick, it should have told us that Lance’s time was coming at some point this year. The upside Lance presents far outweighs the floor Garoppolo offers. It would be best if you always played to win, and while an injury to Garoppolo cleared the way for Lance, you cannot go back to the veteran at this point.

As Long as Lance is healthy, acquire him. Then, please sit back and enjoy the fantasy upside he presents to your team.

Fantasy Football: Week 6 Start/Sit

Sit Adam Thielen this week!

By: Matt Gruber

Week six is upon us and it is time for the weekly starts and sits. This is the sixth installment of the 17-piece series aimed to help you make the roster decisions to give you an edge over your opponent. Let’s jump into it and win some championships.

Quarterbacks

Start: Taylor Heinicke – Washington Football Team

Washington quarterback, Taylor Heinicke has a juicy matchup this week as he faces the Kansas City Chiefs. Ranked last against the pass, the Chiefs have allowed at least 28 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in the last three weeks. In a game where I expect Washington to have to throw in order to keep up, I’m plugging Heinicke into my lineups.

Honorable Mentions: Matthew Stafford @ NYG, Trevor Lawrence vs. MIA, Carson Wentz vs. HOU

Sit: Ryan Tannehill – Tennessee Titans

Titans quarterback, Ryan Tannehill has been underwhelming this year. Things won’t get any easier this week as he goes up against the Buffalo Bills. Ranked first against the pass, the Bills have held opponents to under 13 fantasy points in three of their games so far. In fact, they have held opposing quarterbacks to under 300 yards in every game and have only let up a total of five passing touchdowns. I would look elsewhere for a quarterback this week.

Honorable Mentions: Kirk Cousins @ CAR, Mac Jones vs. DAL, Jared Goff vs. CIN

Running Backs

Start: James Robinson – Jacksonville Jaguars

After a slow start to the season, James Robinson has scored at least 20 fantasy points in three consecutive weeks. He looks to keep the ball rolling this week against a Miami Dolphins team that has been suspect to the run all season. Allowing over 100 rushing yards to running backs in every game so far, Robinson should feast on Sunday. Start him with confidence.

Honorable Mentions: Myles Jaskin @ JAX, Antonio Gibson vs. KC, Javonte Williams vs. LV

Sit: Josh Jacobs – Las Vegas Raiders

Looking like a touchdown-dependent back, Josh Jacobs is a sit for me this week. He has yet to receive over 15 attempts and this week he faces a stout Denver Broncos defense. Prior to last week, the Broncos have held opposing running backs in check. Not allowing more than 75 yards per game after the first four weeks, I expect Jacobs to struggle in this game. If he doesn’t fall into the endzone, he could leave fantasy managers frustrated. Look for another option with a better matchup.

Honorable Mentions: Chase Edmonds @ CLE, Chris Carson @ PIT, Miles Sanders vs. TB

Wide Receivers

Start: Brandin Cooks – Houston Texans

Recording at least 15 fantasy points in each of the first three games, Brandin Cooks appeared to have cooled off these last two weeks. This week, he plays against the Indianapolis Colts and I am expecting him to bounce back. In three of their five games this season, the Colts have surrendered at least 40 fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Cooks is the obvious focal point of the Texans’ offense. I think we see him get targeted early and often.

Honorable Mentions: Diontae Johnson vs. SEA, Emmanuel Sanders @ TEN, Robert Woods @ NYG

Sit: Adam Thielen – Minnesota Vikings

As the touchdowns have slowed, so has Adam Thielen’s production. Yet to crack 60 yards in the last four weeks, we are banking on him to score for him to produce start-worthy fantasy numbers. I am not too confident in him this week as he faces the Carolina Panthers. Holding opposing wide receivers to under 150 yards each game in their last four weeks, this is a tough matchup for Thielen. I am leaving him on the bench.

Honorable Mentions: Robby Anderson vs. MIN, Cole Beasley @ TEN, Tyler Boyd @ DET

Tight Ends

Start: Tyler Higbee – Los Angeles Rams

Tyler Higbee has a favorable matchup this week as he goes up against the New York Giants. Allowing at least 75 receiving yards or a touchdown in every game this season to opposing tight ends, I think Higbee will put together a nice game. In a position with not many viable options, I am starting Higbee and not looking back.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Gesicki @ JAX, Noah Fant vs. LV, Ricky Seals-Jones vs. KC

Sit: Robert Tonyan – Green Bay Packers

Failing to score more than two fantasy points in every game except one this season, Robert Tonyan is staying on my bench this week. Going up against the Chicago Bears, I think we see Tonyan struggle yet again. Holding opposing tight ends to under 10 fantasy points every week, I am looking at other options this week. Tonyan has given us no reason to trust him.

Honorable Mentions: Jonnu Smith vs. DAL, Austin Hooper vs. ARZ, T.J. Hockenson vs. CIN

If you enjoyed this piece, feel free to find more of my content on Twitter @FF_Worm. I am always available to talk fantasy football and answer any questions.

Berlin’s Tesla plant gets exciting news and beer?

Elon Musk introduces “Gigabeer” to the Tesla plant in Berlin

By: Jake Rajala

The eccentric, utterly wealthy, and savvy entrepreneur Elon Musk likes to bring an interesting presence “wherever” he goes. Well, Musk made an appearance at Tesla’s Germany factory this previous weekend and he didn’t fail to lighten up the crowd. 

The Tesla and SpaceX CEO announced that he aims to start production of its Model Y cars by the end of 2021. Furthermore, the fearless CEO stated that his elegant car company could be producing 10,000 vehicles weekly by the end of 2022. 

It is exciting news to be exonerated by Musk. However, it is still “news”. There’s good reason to believe that Model Y cars should begin being constructed by the end of 2021, but 10,000 vehicles being laid out weekly by the end of 2022 is hard to fathom. Plus, Musk has been rigorously off with many predictions — statements about driverless cars taking over the world this decade and his space company potentially reaching the Red Planet in 2024 have been expressed by the world’s wealthiest man. 

So, Germany and Elon Musk stans are clearly aware of Elon Musk’s plans to bring prominence to the Tesla plant in Germany. However, there was another bang that Musk brought forth to the Germans in attendance. After Musk stated his plans for the factory, Musk then proudly stated “We are going to have a beer”. 

The name of the Tesla beer in Germany was unveiled last weekend. “Gigabeer”, was to be the luxurious name of the exciting Tesla beverage. Musk, who made “Teslaquila”, rightfully created a beer for the genesis of the Berlin factory. 

Musk spontaneously revealed what the “Gigabeer” was going to look like in this weekend’s Tesla event. 

Like all of Musk’s designs, the design of the bottle looks spewed out of a futuristic film. The design clearly has a potent, yet unique image — like the Tesla cars.

It should have been known that Musk may bring a unique element to his presentation. The question is: what would Musk surprise his crowd with? Well, the “Paper City” wasn’t just given thrilling Tesla news, but the European country that consumes the 10th most alcohol in the country was given an alien-like drink to add to their collection.

Star Trek’s William Shatner will really go to space today!

"William Shatner" by Gage Skidmore is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Blue Origin will deliver a space hero to space

Jeff Bezos may be filthy rich to the 10th power, but there is some heart in the world’s second wealthiest man. The Princeton grad who founded Amazon and Blue Origin will really deliver one of his Space Trek heroes in William Shatner to outer space. Shatner, who was once cast as “Captain James T. Kirk” in Star Trek, will go from a space visionary and actor to a real-life space titan on the 13th of October. 

The 90-year-old Canadian-born actor will be launched out of a rocket with three other well reputable individuals (Audrey Powers, Chris Boshuizen, and Glen de Vries) around 9 ET. According to BBC, Shatner will get the full experience as he will be able to see the curvature of Earth through the capsule’s big windows. 

It seems to be more poetic with the Space TV hero Shatner going to the stars for “a very short amount of time” than what it was for the Blue Origin founder. All and every journalist was quick to point out how Bezos’s funds for the quick trip away from earth could have been used to solve critical earth problems (at large) instead. Nonetheless, the 57-year-old boldly went into space with his brother and looked back on “the Blue Planet”. And now, the billionaire who played a cameo as an alien Starfleet official in the movie “Star Trek and Beyond”, has pushed forth William Shatner to take the next leap for mankind.

Shatner is truly in awe of the exploration and opportunity he’s been awarded. The oldest person ever to travel to space said “I’ve heard about space for a long time now. I’m taking the opportunity to see it for myself. What a miracle”. Shatner was getting anxious after the flight was delayed another day via weather, but he will soon put all of his anxiety and goosebumps behind.

Paul Levinson, who is a professor of media studies at Fordham University, has a positive reflection on the Blue Origin liftoff. Levinson stated there was a strong lack of interest in space exploration since the U.S. landed astronauts on the moon in 1972. Levinson stated that “Space flights like this one with William Shatner definitely brings some wonder, not just to the baby boomers who grew up watching Kirk”. 

It is sincerely true — Captain Kirk will soon be launched into the stars — just one last time.

Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups For Week 6

"Field at MetLife Stadium" by Marianne O'Leary is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Waiver wire pickups for Week 6 are here

By: Rishi Patel

Welcome back to this NFL column where I will be preaching my advice about which fantasy players you should pluck off your waiver wire each week during this NFL season. 

During each NFL season, there are usually sleepers that emerge who you should pick up off the waiver wire due to various reasons, such as better performances than expected, injuries, etc. It’s important to make good use of the waiver wire as players from here could sometimes be good depth and even a starter for your team in critical stretches. Let’s look at some players you should consider for this week:

Devontae Booker, RB, New York Giants

Saquon Barkley is nursing an ankle injury and could be out the next few weeks, meaning Booker is a smart addition at this point. The back had 16 carries for 42 yards and a score along with one receiving touchdown in Week 5 against Dallas. Booker will automatically have a large role as the workhorse back with Barkley out, so he may even be worth starting if you are lacking depth. 

Damien Williams, RB, Chicago Bears

A knee injury has put starter David Montgomery on IR for three to five weeks, so former Chief Damien Williams will spearhead the Bears’ rushing attack. In the last two games, Williams has 55 and 64 yards rushing, along with a rushing touchdown in both games. He’s a great addition as a potential flex play. 

Darrel Williams, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Chiefs RB starter Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered an MCL sprain in Week 5 that will sideline him for a bit. This means Darrel Williams will likely take on the bulk of the rushing workload for the high-octane Chiefs offense in the meanwhile. The 26-year-old is worth adding as a stash for now. 

Kadarius Toney, WR, New York Giants

The Giants have been ravaged at WR, with quite a few receivers like Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton dealing with injuries. In Week 5, Kenny Golladay suffered a knee injury, putting yet another New York wide receiver off the field. With all the injuries, youngster Kadarius Toney has stepped up, delivering 78 yards in Week 4 before going off for 10 receptions for 189 yards in Week 5. It’s worth noting Toney is dealing with an ankle injury and it’s only worth stashing him and monitoring his status for now. 

Chris Moore, WR, Houston Texans

The Texans are probably the last team you want to refer to for fantasy, but it’s worth noting Moore put up a solid performance in Week 5, getting five receptions for 109 yards and a score in Week 5. Moore is more of a stash in deep leagues as Week 5 was his first game with a catch in 2021. While the performance was encouraging, it’s best to wait and see how he does in upcoming games before starting him. 

Dan Arnold, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars

Arnold was acquired by trade from the Carolina Panthers recently. With the Jaguars having no solid TE1, the hope was Arnold would fill that role upon arriving. In Week 5, his second game with the team, he delivered six receptions for 64 yards on eight targets, signaling the Jags’ hopes for him might be realistic. Since TE is a tough position, Arnold is certainly worth adding right now and potentially even starting as TE2 if you are lacking depth due to injury, etc. 

Get to know Finnish F1 driver Valtteri Bottas

"#77 Valtteri Bottas" by taka_suzuki is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Could Valtteri Bottas actually win the F1 championship?

Valtteri Bottas, who is the dazzling Formula 1 driver from “the land of the thousand lakes”, also known as Finland, just won his first Grand Prix of the year this past weekend. The winner of the “Turkish Grand Prix” grabbed an impressive victory and 26 points to keep his championship hopes alive. Max Verstappen, who is still the championship favorite, came right in at the second-place spot.

After Bottas’s enormous victory, he proudly said “I can still win, but if not me, then Hamilton”. Bottas knows he has a shot, but he nicely exonerates a realistic outlook towards the situation. Bottas sits 110.5 points behind the leader Max Verstappen — while his pal Lewis Hamilton is sitting a mere six points behind Verstappen. 

All in all, Bottas had a nice victory lap this past weekend and he put his “Mercedes” team on the map. Well, he is at least on the map for now. The Finnish racer will end his tenure with Mercedes upon the eclipse of 2021. 

The Mercedes driver has clearly enjoyed a fine tenure with Mercedes and he should ride a wave of optimism with his team to the end. The Finn that felt confident entering F1 by saying “if you can drive on the frozen roads of his homeland then you can drive anywhere” found success in the Silver Arrows in 2017. Per F1, Bottas tied Hamilton with 13 podiums that year.  

His success took a nosedive in 2018, as he registered a whopping 0 wins. Meanwhile, his partner in crime Hamilton made up for the lack of competition and clocked 11 victories. Fast forward to 2021, the Finnish driver just picked up his first victory — so he has quite a lot of road to make up. 

If the Eastern European pulls off an improbable journey to a championship victory, he would become the fourth Finnish F1 driver to claim championship victory. Kimi Raikkonen would of course be the most recent F1 driver to claim the gold — all the way back in 2007. The pressure is clearly on Bottas, but he could get some help from Hamilton.

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