10/07/22 No “ROI” in Denver

Seven field goals. And they were all scintillating, weren’t they? This much is clear. There is a chronic communication problem between Russell Wilson and head coach Nathaniel Hackett, who has appeared strategically lost in all five of Denver’s games. And that was true again last night, even after the Broncos had hired a Special Master to help Hackett with game management. This is pretty basic. You’re in overtime at home. Fourth and inches with a little over two minutes remaining in OT. With time dwindling, I understand the reticence to kick a game-tying FG. But the priority there has to be to get the first down. Run the ball, especially with Wilson struggling as he was. Get the first, and you are in total control. Five games in, the Broncos have gotten zero ROI on Wilson and Hackett. Denver has scored a total of two touchdowns in their three home games.

The NFL did not as expected release new concussion protocols Thursday afternoon. But the need for them was clearly illustrated in Denver. That was a frightening scene as Colts running back Nyheim Hines lost all motor control after taking a blow to the head. In this case, common sense dictated that under no circumstances could Hines return to the game. But we’ve seen “common sense” fail before, and recently. The new protocols would automatically disqualify any player who exhibits disorientation and loss of motor control. I presume the NFL will make the new system official today.

There’s no shortage of QB drama as we move toward tomorrow’s Texas-Aus Jus and A&M-Alabama games. All indications are that Quinn Ewers will be back for the ‘Horns after that S/C joint injury he suffered in the opener against ‘Bama. Au Jus QB Dillon Gabriel took a filthy head shot that resulted in a concussion in last week’s loss to TCU. His backup, Davis Beville, struggled after Gabriel’s exit. JUCO transfer General Booty has shown talent, as has true freshman Nick Evers. Sooners coach Brent Venables has multiple options, but uncertain ones.

Tide QB and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young will be a gametime decision as he battles a shoulder injury. And Aggie QB Max Johnson has a broken bone in his throwing hand. Stay ready, Haynes King.

Draymond says he’s sorry for throwing a punch at a teammate. So I guess that’s that. Hey, he said he was sorry. WTH do you want? October baseball! I’m all in, and I’ve decided to just roll with the new 12-team postseason format. I’m ok with it, that is, as long as the Astros win.

One Response

Ben Campos says:

October 7, 2022 at 1:45 pm

Came here to make the “Colts, Broncos, Game was Horse shit” joke

Reply

Paul's Bio

I clearly have the attention span of your median fruit fly.Look! Airplane!

Sorry. I’m back.

It’s both a curse and a blessing. I’ve never bought this stuff about, “He who dies with the most toys wins.” But I do think that a wide range of life experiences helps us grow as people, and helps us better relate to other people. I’ve been fortunate. And I am beyond grateful.

I show up on time. I go like hell. I’m a good listener. I hold myself accountable. I own my mistakes. And I have a natural and an insatiable curiosity. I’m never afraid to say, “I don’t know,” when I don’t. But then I try to find out.

The flip side is I’m a lousy ballroom dancer and my clothes sometimes fit me funny.

Stuff matters to me. I care. But while I take that stuff seriously, I try hard to never take myself seriously. As a result, I have sometimes been told, “Paul, it’s hard to tell when you’re serious and when you’re just having some fun. Which is it? Serious or fun?”

My answer is “yes.” But I think that is a legitimate criticism. I promise I’m going to work on that.

This has been the quickest and strangest half-century I’ve ever experienced. During that period, I’ve been afforded amazing opportunities in news and sports journalism across all platforms. I have taught wonderful students at the high school and collegiate level. Always, I learned more from them than they did from me. I’ve been a high school administrator. I spent ten seasons as a high school varsity football coach. I’ve been an advertising executive. I’ve hosted nationally syndicated television entertainment shows. In maybe the biggest honor I ever received, I was selected by NASA to be “Chet The Astronaut” for the “Land The Shuttle” simulator at Space Center Houston. (All I can say there, is “Do as I say, not as I do.” I put that thing in the Everglades more often than not.) Most recently, I just wrapped up a decade as a television news director, during which time our teams distinguished themselves in holding the powerful accountable, achieving both critical and ratings success.

What does all that mean? It means I am profoundly grateful. It also means I’m ready for “next.” So here we are. Radically Rational. It’s an idea I woke up with in 2017. I scribbled “Radically Rational” on a piece of notebook paper and used a magnet to stick it on our refrigerator. I saw it every day, and it just would not leave me alone.

I am second in charge at Radically Rational, LLC. My wife, Jo (also known as BB), is the president. Clearly, I have failed in my attempt to sleep my way to the top of this organization.

I hope you will learn that I’m loyal as a Labrador. But I will admit that this doggie can bite every now and then. My promise to you? I will show up on time. I will go like hell. I will listen to you earnestly and attentively. I will hold myself accountable. I will never be the least bit hesitant to say, “I don’t know,” when I don’t.

But then I’ll try to find out. Let’s do it.