It’s likely unsurprising to learn that the defense on a 4-7 team hasn’t played up to expectations this year. It may be more surprising, however, to learn that the same defense is ranked in the top 10 in EPA, yards allowed per play, pressure rate, and explosive plays, among other stats. It’s certainly a strange place to live. The Minnesota Vikings’ defense isn’t necessarily … [Read more...] about The Seahawks Will Serve As the Vikings’ Fortune Teller
The Wild Sit On the Razor’s Edge A Quarter Of the Way Through the Season
There are those in the hockey media who seek to raise NHL fans’ blood pressure at all times. They’re the ones who are constantly moving goalposts or setting and then resetting the stakes of the season. Their refrains include: Tonight’s game is a must-win (a favorite no matter how early it c… … [Read more...] about The Wild Sit On the Razor’s Edge A Quarter Of the Way Through the Season
Something Has To Change For Timberwolves To Be Championship Contenders
Let’s get the hard part out of the way early. Barring a miracle, the Minnesota Timberwolves are not winning an NBA championship this season. The Oklahoma City Thunder are 17-1 without their second-best player and barreling towards a dynasty in real time. The Denver Nuggets employ the best player of this generation and are playing their best basketball since the championship … [Read more...] about Something Has To Change For Timberwolves To Be Championship Contenders
The Numbers Tell Us the Division May Come Down To Packers-Lions On Thanksgiving
Go 1-0 every week. That’s what Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur constantly preaches. Implicit in that idea is that the Packers are treating every opponent in every game equally. In reality, it’s just not the case. Thursday’s Thanksgiving game between the Packers and the Detroit Lions may be the deciding factor in who claims the NFC North. If you hear some grumbling all … [Read more...] about The Numbers Tell Us the Division May Come Down To Packers-Lions On Thanksgiving
The Wild’s Goaltending Is Covering Other Roster Deficiencies
The Minnesota Wild are 9-2-2 since their 3-5-2 start, a promising sign for a team that appeared to be floundering for the second time in three years. The Wild had an identical 3-5-2 record through ten games in 2023-24, the year Bill Guerin fired Dean Evason and Minnesota missed the playoffs for the… … [Read more...] about The Wild’s Goaltending Is Covering Other Roster Deficiencies