Have you ever noticed just how much a damp, gray, dreary day can negatively affect your mood?
This particularly murky Tuesday morning is doing absolutely nothing to perk this guy up in any way, shape, or form. Maybe it’s because we’ve been spoiled by an extended sunny stretch with warm temperatures and low humidity, but today just feels, for the lack of a better word, yucky.
As I attempt to battle my way through this cheerless, murky day, my thoughts turn to a pair of locker rooms where it feels this way even on a cloudless day. That would be the NFL team up the AA Highway, and a college team down U.S. Route 68. You guessed it, these days are far from pleasant in Bengal Land, and, likewise, in Lexington.
Cincy has more than just one issue
Following their third consecutive ugly defeat, the Cincinnati Bengals are in quite the quandary. Coming up with a solution at the quarterback position after losing Joe Burrow remains unresolved.
Most observers felt that when Burrow went down, backup Jake Browning would be much more than just an adequate replacement. He was hailed as the best second string QB in the NFL, but his most recent performance put the team in an immediate hole that they were unable to recover from. Three passes that went to members of the Detroit Lions will do that.
The Men in Stripes were able to put a trio of touchdowns on the board in the fourth quarter, but it was far too little, far too late. Fans tend to blame the quarterback (or head coach) for every loss, and certainly Browning and Zac Taylor must shoulder some of the blame for the team’s current three-game losing skid, but the issues on this team go much deeper.
The offensive line continues to play horrendously; they apparently cannot pass block, or run block either. The running game is practically non-existent, and when a team has to rely on a backup to do it all offensively, it’s a recipe for disaster.
The defense shares a large portion of the blame as well. They have a difficult time tackling, and in spite of Trey Hendrickson doing all he can to pressure quarterbacks, he needs help.
The Bengals are rumored to be looking at trading for an experienced QB, and by the time this is in the paper on Wednesday, perhaps they will pull the trigger. The problem there is, who do you try to acquire? Kirk Cousins is likely beyond what the Brown family is willing to spend, Russell Wilson may or may not be available, and Jameis Winston throws as many, or even more, interceptions than Browning.
In a season where the AFC North looks eminently winnable, the Bengals without their franchise QB appear out of the race already. It’s kind of a shame the Orange and Black finds itself in this predicament, but the front office should shoulder the majority of the blame. The team has not drafted well in the past several years, and relying on one player to take you to the Promised Land is unreasonable, to say the least.
The front office has done an abysmal job of addressing the most glaring needs of this team for several years, which is where winning football teams are built. That’s right, in the trenches. It’s great that they spent big money on an outstanding quarterback, and a pair of top flight wideouts, but if you don’t block and tackle effectively, that really doesn’t matter.
Wildcats playing uninspired football
After getting hammered by nearly identical scores the past couple of weeks, the immediate future of the University of Kentucky football program looks as dismal as the overcast skies today. The Cats appear to be staring at a 3-9 record by the end of the season, and the fanbase is more than ready for a head coaching change as soon as possible.
That’s where things get complicated, what with the ridiculous buyout clause included in Mark Stoops’ contract. Rumors are flying around central Kentucky that Stoops went to AD Mitch Barnhart and offered to negotiate the buyout settlement, but after the loss to Georgia, he denied, denied, denied that report. The mere thought does sound preposterous, but Stoops could be let go after another disappointing season, if someone with deep pockets helps out with the buyout.
There is no doubt that changes are needed in the program, but one has to wonder if Kentucky football will ever be relevant. Again, money talks these days, and it is going to cost the school tons of moolah to unload Stoops and his staff, and then come up with another bundle of cash to bring in a winning successor. That’s not even mentioning the money UK will need to dish out to attract talent that can win in the SEC.
A bit of more promising sports news
OK, after talking about some not so good news, it’s time for the ol’ papaw to brag a bit on his grandson. After all, it’s been a little while since I mentioned Owen, so here goes:
In addition to the love Owen shares for baseball and basketball, he has recently discovered he’s a pretty fair golfer as well. After dabbling in it for a while, Owen just began competing in a few matches. In spite of playing with older, stronger, and more experienced golfers, he’s doing pretty well, and more importantly, he’s enjoying it immensely.
Last weekend, his dad texted and said Owen nearly beat him head-to-head, and “crushed” him when you factor in his handicap. His strength is his uncanny accuracy, with the primary weakness in his game being his putting, something that even the best golfers in the world struggle with at times.
Owen possesses a beautiful swing and he appears to be a natural. Coaches have raved about how well he’s playing, especially considering his relative inexperience. He’s only 11 years old, so he’ll gain more strength and grow much more in the future.
Owen may have to decide down the road which sport he wants to concentrate on the most. At this point however, as long as he’s having fun and enjoying all three sports, all I can say is, go for it and always do your best, buddy!
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“Losing is essential to anyone’s success. The more you lose, the more you want to win.” – Brett Hull, former hockey player and current executive vice president of the St. Louis Blues
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“You’re never a loser until you quit trying.” – Mike Ditka
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“It is not in the least likely that any life has ever been lived which was not a failure in the secret judgment of the person who lived it.” – Mark Twain
