Playoffs

QPR Star Sidelined by Injury as Alan Shearer Sparks Bold Sunderland Promotion Talk

14/11/2024 Raymond 0

With the international break pausing the Championship, Millwall finds itself just two points outside the playoff spots, while QPR struggles at the bottom of the table with only one win this season. Former Millwall player Ben Thompson remains hopeful for a playoff push, praising the team’s form under Neil Harris and the electric atmosphere at The Den. Meanwhile, QPR’s Ziyad Larkeche faces a setback with a serious hamstring injury, sidelining him for up to three months. In a nod to rivalries, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer voiced his desire for Sunderland’s promotion, saying he’d love to see the Black Cats back in the Premier League, reigniting the Tyne-Wear derby.

Pittsburgh Steelers on the Hunt: Will They Land a Game-Changing Wide Receiver Before the Deadline?

04/11/2024 Raymond 0

The Pittsburgh Steelers were actively pursuing a trade for wide receiver Christian Kirk of the Jacksonville Jaguars until an injury sidelined him in Week 8. Despite this setback, the Steelers continued to look for wideouts as the trade deadline approached, with players like Mike Williams of the New York Jets and Adam Thielen of the Carolina Panthers emerging as potential targets. Quarterbacks Coach Tom Arth remains optimistic about the team’s ability to generate big plays in the second half of the season, stating, “I think ‘Russ’ has played very well,” and highlighting Wilson’s knack for pushing the ball downfield.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns are grappling with a disappointing 2-7 record following a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett, however, has refused to give up on the team’s playoff hopes. He believes there is still time to turn their season around, asserting, “Eight games left, we can turn it around and aim for a 10-7 finish.” Garrett feels a responsibility to lead by example, preferring to show his teammates the way to success rather than just instructing them. Despite his three sacks in the last game, he expressed frustration over the losses, emphasizing, “I’d rather have no sacks every game than continue losing the way we are.”

Ex-Phillies World Series Closer Unveils Game-Changing Blueprint for 2024 Comeback

03/11/2024 Raymond 0

In 2024, the Philadelphia Phillies concluded the regular season with the second-best record in the National League and all of Major League Baseball, just behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are on the brink of clinching the World Series title. This season marked a pivotal moment for the Phillies as they finished first in the NL East for the first time, having previously entered the playoffs as a Wild Card team. However, this success has raised questions about the advantages of being a top contender throughout the season. Former Phillies World Series closer Brad Lidge shared his thoughts on what the team might need to change moving forward.

Despite an impressive start and high expectations—with Cy Young contenders and an MVP favorite—the Phillies struggled in the latter part of the season. They secured the No. 2 seed in the NL and earned a first-round bye, but their late-season difficulties carried over into the playoffs, resulting in a disappointing four-game loss to the New York Mets in the NLDS. Lidge speculated that perhaps the Phillies would benefit from not clinching the division title until late September, allowing them to build momentum at the right time. He acknowledged that while the team has immense talent, a new strategy may be essential for maintaining their competitive edge in the future.

From Derby to Stoke: My Bold Move and the Real Reasons Behind It

01/11/2024 Raymond 0

Having managed both Stoke City and Derby County, I’m no stranger to either club. I’ve discussed my move from Derby’s Pride Park to Stoke’s Bet365 Stadium before, but sometimes you need to reevaluate where you stand professionally and make the best decision for your career. At Derby, we narrowly missed out on the playoffs, and I was incredibly eager to build on that success. I understood the need to reduce the squad’s age, improve athleticism, and probably lower the budget. I was ready to take on these challenges, but in some key discussions, it felt like we weren’t fully aligned on a forward-thinking plan.

Ultimately, it was a tough call, and I often discuss it with Derby fans, who I still encounter regularly. Most understand; they know what it’s like to face career decisions in their own lives. If Derby had been committed to a concrete plan to reach the top six again, I’d have stayed. I came to Derby to pursue promotion, and in my first full season, we reached the playoffs but fell short in the semifinals.

Reflecting on my time at Stoke, I remember reaching a point where we were just three points shy of the top six. It was frustrating to work so hard and face so many challenges. In hindsight, I let my frustration show, especially in post-game comments. If I had paused to consider what the club and fans had endured since relegation from the Premier League, I might have fostered more unity and adjusted my approach.

Season Review 2023-24 and Looking Forward to 2024-25 Part Three

05/08/2024 Raymond 0

**Pre-season Hopes:**

Chris Griffin (CG) reflected on his initial hopes before the 2023/24 season began. “The term ‘hopes’ accurately captures my feelings. My primary hope was for promotion or at least reaching the playoffs, although I didn’t think automatic promotion was likely. I was wrong about that.”

Stuart Dawkins (SD) added, “I aimed for stability. With a new coach bringing different ideas, I expected an inconsistent start, hopefully stabilizing into a playoff spot, similar to Southampton’s performance.”

**Key Moments During the Season:**

CG shared his thoughts on pivotal games. “Despite a home loss to Hull in September, I felt optimistic after winning away against Southampton and Norwich. The Southampton match, in particular, was encouraging against a strong side.”

SD expressed his fluctuating confidence. “By March, I expected promotion, but as results fluctuated, I doubted it. The season’s end was unpredictable, with the top four teams alternately failing, making promotion uncertain until it was finally secured.”

**Team Improvements from 2022/23:**

CG noted significant team improvements. “We created and capitalized on more chances, scoring 89 goals. The team maintained fitness and energy throughout games, effectively using the full width of the pitch, especially when Fatawu and Mavididi were established. Despite mixed fan reactions to Maresca’s tactics, the players seemed comfortable, and Hermansen filled the gap left by Schmeichel’s departure as a skilled goalkeeper and shot-stopper.”

SD added, “The team played with a clear plan and strong cohesion, unlike during Rodgers’ final year. They often turned draws into wins and losses into draws, a key trait of a successful team.”

**Season Success Rating:**

CG gave his assessment of the season’s success. “Winning the Championship with 97 points, one more than Ipswich, seven more than Leeds, and ten more than Southampton, earns a 10/10 for me.”

SD concurred, “Finishing top of the league makes it a 10/10. Avoiding financial issues would have improved it, but that was a pre-season challenge.”

2024 Opponent Preview: New York Giants, Week 12

17/06/2024 Raymond 0

Following a 2022 playoff campaign, the Giants faltered in 2023 but will see QB Daniel Jones return from injury and have strengthened their edge rush, offensive line, and receiving corps. With 12 weeks until the first airing of Monday Night Football in 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have already started their regular season. As those dates approach, we examine each team the Buccaneers will face, focusing today on the Giants, whom Tampa Bay will play after their Week 11 bye.

In 2023, the Giants regressed to a 6-11 record, tying for the sixth worst in the NFL. Their season began poorly, highlighted by a 40-0 loss to the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week One. The Giants’ struggles continued with a 1-5 start, punctuated by multiple significant losses. Despite some wins, including a game led by backup QB Tyrod Taylor, the Giants’ season was marred by injuries, including a torn ACL for Daniel Jones.

The Giants made significant moves in the offseason, securing the sixth pick in the 2024 draft and adding notable players like LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers and Pro Bowl outside linebacker Brian Burns. They also revamped their offensive line, signing former Packers guard Jon Runyan and former Raiders tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. Running back Devin Singletary joined the Giants, replacing Saquon Barkley, who signed with the Eagles. Additionally, the Giants fortified their defense with former Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and several rookies, including Minnesota safety Tyler Nubin.

Significant departures included Barkley and safety Xavier McKinney, who joined the Eagles and Packers, respectively. Tyrod Taylor moved to the Jets, while other players found new homes across the league. The Giants also saw coaching changes, bringing in Shane Bowen as the new defensive coordinator and promoting Mike Kafka to assistant head coach.

Key questions for the Giants include whether Daniel Jones can solidify his role as the long-term franchise quarterback and how the defense will perform with new additions and a new coordinator. Jones, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract, faces a crucial season to prove his worth. The defense, bolstered by Burns and other key players, aims to improve significantly under Bowen’s direction, moving away from the blitz-heavy schemes of former coordinator Wink Martindale.