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I agree that priority #1 has to be the offensive line. A common trope around the NFL is the ole "with how good [unit] is, if the [other unit] can just play league average, this team will be in Super Bowl contention." For the Lions, that's the defense. They have a top-five offense, and just need a top-sixteen defense. But, that works in reverse too. If the offense takes a step back and becomes a bottom-16 offense, well all of a sudden they're a five or six win team and everyone is getting fired. The only reason they didn't take that step back this year was Goff. That dude has beaten every stereotype thrown at him and is still catching so much heat. It's absurd. He was incredible this year and deserves better. So that being said... Offensive Priorities: 1. Call Ragnow. See what he wants to do. If the reports are right and he was staying in game shape, I don't think he's done. Especially not if he's been watching the games. But we need to know. No late season surprise and rug pull, are you in or out? If he's in, and I think he might be, then plan around him missing at least 4-6 games in the name of load management. 2. Call Decker. I don't think he's done either, but I think he's close. Justin Rogers reported he would be surprised if Decker retires (but he also said the same thing about Ragnow, so take it with a grain of salt). I think he needs surgery he's been putting off all season long. 3. Get an Offensive Coordinator and don't screw this one up. Zac Taylor (CIN HC) would be my instant pick if the Bengals fire him. If they keep him though, my shortlist would be Marcus Brady (LAC PGC), Brian Dabboll (former NYG HC), and Mike McDaniel (MIA HC). I wouldn't discount a name like Kevin Stefanski (CLE HC), Kliff Kingsbury (WAS OC), Davis Webb (DEN PGC), or Nate Scheelhaase (LAR PGC) either. If they go outside that list or get creative with a known commodity retread who hasn't done well in the gig (like Morton was), I'll be worried. If they promote Fraley and Campbell retains play calling duties I'll be very worried, but I don't think that's on the table. 4. Re-sign Awosika and Kyle Allen. I would probably let everyone else on offense walk, most notably Kalif Raymond. I think he'll want too much money for his contributions on special teams. 5. Sign a veteran IOL for a one- or two-year team-friendly deal. Ryan Bates (CHI) makes a lot of sense. He'll be 29, probably doesn't have a lot left in him, but would excel as a fill-in center where needed and can play either guard position as well if needed. 6. Draft Decker's replacement, even if he's back. I don't think Manu will be a high-end starter, but he might become a decent backup. Either way, get the replacement ready. Starting offense: Goff, Gibbs, LaPorta, ASB, Jamo, TeSlaa, Decker, Mahogany, Ragnow, Ratledge, Sewell. Backups: Allen, Montgomery, Vaki, RB4 (low-end draft or UDFA), Lovett (returning punts), WR5 (low-end draft or UDFA), Wright, TE3 (low-end draft or UDFA or Zylstra), IOL4 (free agent), Awosika, Manu, OT4 (high-end draft). Defensive Priorities: 1. Re-sign Amik. Earlier this season, it looked like he would price himself out of Detroit, but I think he'll be back now. We need him back too, at the level he was playing at early in the season. 2. Re-sign Levi, AQM, Roy Lopez, Josh Paschal, Grant Stuard, Rock Ya-Sin, Zach Cunningham, and Avonte Maddox. All of these guys should get near veteran minimum one-year deals. They are all worthy of that when compared to the value they could potentially bring (e.g., Levi and Paschal) or just for cheap dependable depth. 3. Sign at least one veteran DB for a one- or two-year team-friendly deal. Eric Stokes (LV) fits the bill, he's a press-man corner who could assist while waiting for Branch to return. A return of Iffy from Miami may make some sense. Kyle Dugger (PIT) or Andre Cisco (NYJ) may make sense if they'd rather a true safety. I wouldn't be that surprised if they sign two veterans here with the uncertainty around both Branch and Joseph. Having a CJ Gardner-Johnson safety net was important in 2023 (or would have been if he didn't tear his pec), and it will be even more important going forward. 4. For the love of everything, find a dependable starting edge rusher across from Hutchinson. Just do it. Finally do it. Starting defense: Hutch, McNeill, Tyleik, EDGE2 (high-end draft pick), Campbell, Barnes, Arnold, Reed, Amik, Joseph(?), DB2 (free agent) Backups: AQM, EDGE4 (low-end draft or UDFA), Levi, Wingo, Lopez, Rodrigo, Stuard, Nowaske, Cunningham, Ya-Sin, Rakestraw, Maddox, Harper, Dorsey, DB6 (free agent). Injured: Branch Draft Priorities: 1. 2026 or 2027 Starting LT 2. 2026 Starting Edge Rusher 3. 2026 or 2027 Starting C or RG 4. Defensive Back Depth 5. Defensive Line Depth 6. Offensive Depth (TE/WR/RB)

Youth is wasted on the young.

Season 1 of Pluribus was very good. It got a little more hype than it put out because it was Vince Gilligan. If it’s standing on it’s own merit, I wouldn’t call it outstanding, must watch, tell everyone you know good. But, I have to remind myself that because it’s Vince Gilligan, the first season will probably be the slowest and less involved as he lays groundwork for the rest of the series. I am excited to see where he takes it.

I am choosing to believe that the Cowboys read the headline wrong and acted rashly. Cowboys waive Trevon Diggs

It's hard to find a balance when posting. I think I could be more dynamic.

I am one of Cossa's biggest supporters around here (I think so at least) and I'd trade him in a package for a real legit difference maker in the NHL right now (ala Hughes). If the Wings didn't have what seems to be a plethora of good goalie prospects I would be much more hesitant, but goalie prospects feels like the one part of the organization that is easiest to part with in my mind I guess.

I think it will be interesting to see who is playing the majority of Center Field innings come June 2026. Parker Meadows: The job seems to be his if he can hit a little. Javier Baez: He was an All Star Center Fielder last year. It may be the only potential path for Javy delivering close to contract value in 2026. Matt Vierling: I think Matt Vierling has very good 4th outfielder skills. I kind of hope his days at third base are over. I would rather see a combination of Keith, Baez, and McKinstry at third. Wenceel Perez: For me, Wenceel Perez is sneaky good. Steadily improving at the plate and in the field, 103 OPS+ last year, above average in right field last year and maybe an average center fielder. Probably the highest floor of this group. If Baez ends up playing significant center field innings, and Jones is the lefty masher, I don't know if there is room on the active roster for Parker Meadows (1 option remaining), Matt Vierling (1 option remaining), and Wenceel Perez (2 options remaining).

77 also hit what looked a little like a Jake Roberts DDT during that scrum in the 3rd period

That downward slide.

I just gotta ask…. Why TF are there meetings, AND telephone calls involving world leaders (whose countries are at WAR) being held at a private country club??? Why is this not even getting mentioned / questioned?? There is nothing secure about that place. Not the rooms, not the grounds, not the communication devices. Good lord, why not just invite the spies & assassins to sit at the damn table & serve them croissants and coffee followed by a spa massage??? What the actual ****. and let’s not even talk about that sham of a press conference afterwards. How dare he say that Putin wants only the best for Ukraine. I am sick of this man’s lies and mind numbing stupidity. just sick to death of it.

I understand the way you are using the terms, which is fine, but I think when survey work is being done, the definition of 'affiliated' is the narrower version: 'a member or regular attendee' of a particular institutional church. That is the way churches themselves use the term.

She's white and Russian so she gets to stay despite being indicted for illegally taking money for her "business". Thanks Don and JD https://www.thebulwark.com/p/lauren-chen-trump-administration-scores-visa-for-founder-russian-propaganda-outlet-tenet?utm_source=substack&publication_id=87281&post_id=182912328&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&utm_campaign=email-share&triggerShare=true&isFreemail=false&r=45wcm&triedRedirect=true They all should spend time in the Florida Alligator Gulag

UChi was one of the trips we made with my son but somehow the wires got crossed and there was no-one there to talk to. So we took a self - guided campus tour did some of the city the rest of the day. In the end he did what ended up being the smart thing. Did his undergrad in-state and went out to CA when they were paying him to do his grad work.

The article Bert referenced did say Meadows had a hot streak between his slow start and season ending slump. His defense is so good, he'll get plenty of opportunities if he's healthy.

my daughter gets bombarded from u of c too. i tell her not to bother. nyu, amherst, tulane. all sorts of places she'll never get into send her stuff in order to get her to apply simply so they can reject her and improve their stats. its almost as garbage a manuever as the "early decision" bull**** they pull now. i cant stand trump, but part of me smiled a bit when he went after the universities. theyve forgotten a lot of their mission: educate. so much now seems to be about money to pay the administrators and the assistant to the assistant provost for diversity in the dental school. that and the RIDICULOUS amenities they provide. i've never seen so many climbing walls and hot tubs in my life! is this a university or a 4 year summer camp? /rant

This is where we differ. I consider myself unchurched. No church home for several reasons, all 0f them mostly personal. I grew up with family in a Presbyterian Church with family, he was a family friend as he was with most members of the congreation. My grandmother and mother were active in the church. My grandfather was a back pew church goer, as I later became for a while. When family moved to Virginia, we attended the church attended by our landlords. We had two option, Church of the Brethren or Baptist, we chose the former. We were active, I became an Eagle Scout there and earned the God and Country Badge. Without going my farther, let's just say my argument with organized religion (the church) is not over doctoral matters but a perceived difference in what they taught and what they practiced. At 73 I've come to terms with most of that. I watch services of a couple churches during the week. I read the bible on occasion but feel my calling now on Sunday mornings is volunteering at the visitor center at Colonial Williamsburg, which I've done since COVID restrictions were lifted. I'm not overly religious, I believe the core teachings of Christ. Yet at the same time I prefer being "Homeless" for now.

If they can get Parker configured at the plate so he can handle the bottom of the zone, I see hope, because the other aspects of his outcomes weren't so bad. But he couldn't cover the zone with the approach he had last season. And of course if he can stay on the field.

I've had a lot of conversations with friends/ people in a meetup/discussion group/ etc... Who no longer believed... But were terrified to "come out" specifically because of this... They were "Christian (and some Muslims, who have it even worse) in name only".

He's getting it the way he likes it because he plans on staying. Trump '28

Standard policy for me is that it takes an act of congress for me to go to a second wedding. I'm not here to validate your failure to pick em correctly the first time.

Urgent care didn't have the equipment to see the full ear, but there was very little earwax, but he thinks it's a perforated membrane, so sound goes in, goes through the hole and has nothing to bounce off of. It heals by itself, but I am still going to the specialist on Monday. I hope he's right. I know not to use Q-Tips like that. FAFO.

any team that trades for davis is insane.