11/22/22 Fear the 49ers. – Radically Rational

11/22/22 Fear the 49ers.

I don’t see a weakness on the 49ers. Do you? Not only is their personnel excellent on both sides of the ball, but their systems and styles are at once brutal and sophisticated. They look locked and loaded.

The NFC playoffs will be fascinating. Philly has hit a little speed bump, but the Eagles will be fine. To say that the Cowboys’ rout of the Vikings was impressive would be an understatement. Still, it would be foolish to write off Minnesota. Tampa Bay still has time to right the boat. Seattle will fight you like rabid badgers. And, with Chase Young returning, Washington will “command” your attention from here on out. Sunday’s upcoming matchup with the Falcons will be highly entertaining.

Notice I did not mention the Giants. They have overachieved, and they are to be genuinely commended. But while they may get in, they will not go far. Next year could be a different story. Understand, I did not just “diss” the Giants.

Jets coach Robert Saleh says he will not commit to Zach Wilson as his starting quarterback. Understandable, since Wilson is apparently unable and unwilling to commit to anything. That young man may have effectively lost his career. Can you say, “pariah”?

Wishing the best for Justin Fields, who has quickly turned into one of the league’s most electrifying young players. But that injury to his left shoulder may end his season. We’ll know more on Wednesday.

As Monday night’s devastation built, Joe Buck said, “Let’s take a look at Kliff Kingsbury’s upcoming schedule.” Joe was referring to the Cardinals’ remaining opponents, of course. But I couldn’t help thinking, “Oh, Kliffy is going to have plenty of spare time very soon.” That team is broken. I call it, “The Kyler Murray Syndrome.”

Hey, 49er Big Fellas. Do not salsa dance, even when you are up by 28 and playing in Mexico City.

As you know, I’m not a huge fan of these NFL international games. But Monday night in Mexico was pretty cool. As was that recent game in Germany. And the crowds in London have been fun. Ahhhhhh…okay…

The biggest reason I don’t bet on football games is that I don’t like to lose money. And now you have to worry about computer fraud, too. Nah…

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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.