Category: sports

2023-2024 NFL week 8

If the Browns have been the “factory of sadness,” the Raiders should be called the “factory of mediocrity.” The fact that the Raiders have been so bad for so long just came to mind over the weekend. No matter who the coach is for about the last 20 years or so, the Raiders have been mediocre and sometimes awful, especially on defense. I can’t remember the last time the Raiders had a really, really good defense. It’s a good thing I don’t care so much about the team.

Bucs@Bills

The Bills seemed to have a returned to a more pass-centric style. In a way, I can understand it, and I might even support the move. Allen looked out of sorts. Tonight he looked in rhythm and just looked like his old self. My guess is that he’s just not comfortable operating from under center. (The Bills were mostly in shotgun.)

The Bucs are a middling team. I kinda like Dave Canales, but I think he takes the balanced play calling too far at times–using R-P-R or P-R-P sequences. (Maybe not so much in this game, but the one or two before this.) I also think he should diversify his run game a bit.

Immaculate Grid

I’ve spent the past week trying to predict whether anyone reading this would be aware of the Immaculate Grid and I came down on no.

Then I tried to predict whether anyone reading this would consider the Immaculate Grid as extremely, consumingly fun as I do. Again, no. However, it does seem like the kind of thing a group of us, hanging out together, would have fun with.

I’m in love with it. So I’m going to start sharing my experiences with it here, for at least as long as I’m obsessed with it.

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The Process is More Important Than The Results

In this year’s NFL draft, the Seahawks had a decision to make with pick number 5. They badly needed to upgrade their defensive line–and the most talented defensive linemen, Jalen Carter (and some argued the most talented player in the draft regardless of position) was available. However, Carter had a lot of red flags relating to his commitment to the game and legal issues, among other things. A cornerback, Devon Witherspoon, who Pete Carroll said was a rare talent and compared his instincts and understanding to Troy Polamalu, was also available. Additionally, Witherspoon checked off all the boxes in other areas. But cornerback wasn’t a position of need. The Hawks chose Witherspoon.

I agree with this decision, even if Carter turns out to a great player and Witherspoon does not. To me, the rationale behind the decision is sound, and this is what I care about and focus on. Results matter. If Carter is great and Witherspoon is not, that has serious ramifications for the Seahawks. But the team can’t control the results, not completely. They have more control over their decision making–and the process they rely on for making decisions (which includes the way the gather and analyze information). I believe process is more important not only because one has the most control, but if the process is good, that increases the likelihood for good results.

This not only applies to the NFL, but almost anything. (I wonder what it doesn’t apply to.) Here are some other examples:

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