All this quarterback does is run and throw and try to win games, and that's all. Now, why don't you take a long, close look at this photo. Those proportions are correct.
Yeah, that's a line from Jaws. I am actually off to the city soon, which was recently flooded, to see The Shark Is Broken, a play about the making of the movie. But the modified movie lines actually work for a change. Look at this shot. This is what we expect from Justin Fucking Herbert each and every week. This has nothing to do with what Tua, Burrow, or any quarterback. What are we doing with OUR quarterback, who has been nothing short of amazing, since he landed in our laps in the 2020 draft?
Well, for one, we didn't do shit when we had him under a rookie contract. But you already know that, FAITHFUL READER, otherwise you wouldn't be reading my stupid little newsletter, now in its 28th year. Each time we hire a coach, I wonder if this guy will be better than the last one that I wanted to get fired so badly. Seriously, this has been going on since Bobby Ross got forced out the door in 1996. Alex Spanos never spoke about it and both he and Bobby Beathard have passed on, but I think the owner would admit he pushed the wrong guy out the door. Beathard deserves his rightful spot in the HOF but he had lost his golden touch. I don't need to even begin on Ryan Leaf since I fully admit to wanting him as a QB as did everyone else. No one remembers that we could have only drafted Andre Wadsworth at #3 in the 1998 draft and couldn't have picked Peyton Manning anyway.
Leaf is sober but is also a giant dick and a phony. If you say that on social media, however, he'll prove his thin-skinned ways so be forewarned.
As for Staley, I don't have a problem going on 4th down. Sadly, it reminded me of how the Jets finished us off in the playoffs in 2010. They should have run a sneak, which I assume was the fault of Kellen Moore. But Staley hasn't gotten the most out of the talent he has. It seems like the less talent we have on the field, the better he does. Look at the Miami game last year. Someone pointed out on Twitter that Gus Bradley did more with Derwin than Staley ever has. They may have a point. Even coming off a season-ending injury, Staley was in love with James, he likened him to Ramsey and I think he was the first player he met at the Facility when he signed on as a coach.
But while Staley always talks about using him as a "swiss army knife" in his beloved system, maybe just let him be Derwin. That penalty last week on Pooh Bear was bullshit. It's amazing how a reputation just develops over time. The Colts game last year, where we clinched a playoff spot, included a penalty by Derwin but not worthy of an ejection. On Sunday, he never once made contact with the helmet and this was a week after a penalty against Tennessee was also a killer. Derwin pledged to do better and I think he did. All he wants and deserves is a chance at a ring.
Same thing with Keenan, who was interviewed by Kay Adams this week and was reminded that "many people" say "Brandon Staley isn't 'it.'" That's true, and I am one of those people, but that sounded a little Trumpy in its wording. Keenan said that's my coach, blah blah. What is he supposed to say? When he was injured last year, he Tweeted WTF are we doing when Staley went for it in Cleveland. Keenan is also the first to admit that there is always "something" with the Chargers.
He's right, and I don't think its a curse. I was at Staley's first game and it seemed like at the end of the game against DC when he let Herbert throw and put the opposition away. Two games later, he should have run out the clock in KC but let his "gangster quarterback" throw to Williams for a TD. They could have been called for a PI on the next drive but we escaped and Mahomes and Kelece classily congratulated Herbert.
Then of course Kelce beat us twice in LA and last year in KC they fucked up Herb's ribs and Everett cost us the game. The Raiders are up next and I have written for years about the joys and necessity of hating them. Now Linsley is on the IR and who knows who will be ready to play tomorrow. It's hard to be excited for the future of this team. Look at the Lions, the team I always joked about being a fan of if not the Bolts. Everybody made fun of clueless Dan Campbell and his gnawing at the leg introductory speech. It would only matter to me if they actually win a ring, but that fan base has only known defeat. When the Bills first made the playoffs again, people were just happy they got to the postseason. Remember how much money they gave Andy Dalton's charity in 2017?
My point is Detroit is on the rise and clearly has a winning culture. Who knows where it will end. We have always known being expected to be better than we are. Of course, I am not talking about the 4-12 and 1-15 seasons. I remember them quite well. But since we drafted Drew Brees we have had a decent QB or better. I wrote at length why we had to draft one in 2004. Brees had not won that job, even in 2005 before his senseless injury in a meaningless game against Denver. Sound familiar?
I don't think Marty really thought one way or the other about Brees playing that day. Maybe Rivers would have gotten his shoulder destroyed. Knowing Phil, he would have played through it. Maybe if Volek had started in '07 at Foxboro, we'd have that ring. I know, blasphemous.
Hey, we have the 6th most Swifties in the NFL. I'd be interested who dug up the data on that. As much as I love Taylor, maybe she can jinx KC for us. Look, we've got a bye next week. No matter how many guys are out, if we lose tomorrow there is no season. It's that simple. I know we could lose to the Traitors and beat Dallas. That would be so us, right? But the really is they have to beat the fucking Raiders, plain and simple. Here's a great bit from the JUSTICE IS COMING HOUSE BAND.
I haven't watched the second "All In" episode, by the way. If they win, I will.
JIC,
RLW
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