Patriots
On Tuesday, the New England Patriots traded a 2020 second-round draft pick to the Atlanta Falcons for wide receiver Mohmaed Sanu, who has 33 receptions for 313 yards and a TD in 2019…and that’s with the struggling Matt Ryan at QB. Now Sanu has Tom Brady. This is better.
In a surprising move, the Patriots put WR Josh Gordon on IR with a knee injury, planning to waive him when he’s healthy. There has been a lot of speculation around the move, but it may be as simple as a lack of production. In six games this season, Gordon has 20 receptions for 287 yards and a touchdown.
49ers
Meanwhile in the Bay, the San Francisco 49ers upgraded the wide receiver position with Emmanuel Sanders, sending the Denver Broncos 2020 third and fourth round draft picks in exchange for Sanders and 2020 fifth-round pick.
Sanders has 30 receptions for 367 yards and two touchdowns in 2019. Jimmy G’s got himself a true weapon at receiver, and Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers are, “competing this year and trying to get in the playoffs.” Sanders said his new QB and head coach are, “cool.” And they all won happily ever after, hopefully.
Astros Fire Assistant GM
After the Houston Astros beat the New York Yankees to advance to the World Series, clubhouse controversy ensued.
Assistant General Manager Brandon Taubman taunted several female reporters, yelling, “Thank God we got Osuna! I’m so f***ing glad we got Osuna,” as reported by Sports Illustrated’s Stephanie Apstein.
Why is this significant? The Astros traded for closer Roberto Osuna in 2018, while Osuna was serving a 75 game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.
In what was frankly a deplorable move, the team tried to discredit Apstein’s report. The Astros apologized and fired Taubman yesterday, but the way this was handled was gross and inexcusable, and no amount of apologies are ever going to change that.
World Series
Meanwhile on the field, the Washington Nationals have a 2-0 lead on the Astros.
The Astros have home field advantage, but it doesn’t seem to matter, as both Nats wins have come on the road. They won Game 1 5-4, while dominating Game 2 12-3.
The Series moves to Washington tonight for Game 3 for the first World Series game in our nation’s capital in 86 years. Zach Greinke will pitch for the Astros, while Anibal Sanchez will take the mound for the Nationals. Can you say sweep? It would be hard to imagine with that Houston pitching staff, but things are looking mighty good for the boys in red.
Waiting All Week for Sunday Night
It’s the Aaron Rodgers vs. Patrick Mahomes matchup we’ve been waiting for all season, but instead of Mahomes, we’re getting Matt Moore. Sorry friends.
The 6-1 Green Bay Packers travel to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the 5-2 Kansas City Chiefs Sunday night, and the big story is at QB1 for the Chiefs. After injuring his knee in Kansas City’s win over the Broncos last week, Mahomes, who was limited in practice week, has been officially ruled out for this week’s game. Smart move. Protect the future.
Over in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers is playing like the second coming of, well, Aaron Rodgers. The Packers’ QB is coming off a 25-of-31 for 429 yards, five touchdowns, and perfect QB rating of 158.3 performance. He also rushed for a touchdown, because, why not?
Blake Martinez, his 76 tackles and the Packers’ defense are going to dominate this one. Be careful out there Matt Moore. Advantage, Packers.
Hollywood’s Latest Leading Man
Tinseltown may always be a Lakers-first town, but the Los Angeles Clippers are going to give LeBron and company a run for the title.
On opening night of the NBA, Kawhi Leonard and friends beat the Lakers 112-102, and honestly, they just looked better, and I’m not talking hair and makeup. I’m talking layups and defense. And that was without Paul George.
Last night, the Clippers went ahead and beat Golden State in the Warriors’ first regular season game at Chase Center. Kawhi is like Golden State kryptonite, amirite? (See 2019 NBA Finals)
Leonard had 21 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, while the Clippers made 62.5% of their shots in LA’s 141-122 victory over the Warriors. Watch out Hollywood. There’s a new superstar in town.