Sunday, December 3, 2017

Gang Green Still Alive: Jets stun struggling Chiefs to remain in playoff hunt


After falling into a gaping 14-0 hole early in the first quarter by way of two touchdown grabs by All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, the New York Jets responded strongly with just enough defense, sloppy play by the opposition and a solid effort by their veteran starting quarterback Josh McCown the rest of the way to eek out a huge 38-31 victory over the free-falling Kansas City Chiefs in front of an energetically raucous 77,562 fans at MetLife Stadium. The Jets (5-7) remain alive for an improbable AFC wildcard playoff spot with four crucial games remaining on their schedule. McCown put forth a very much-needed efficient game under center, completing 26 of 36 pass attempts for 331 yards and a TD toss to running back Matt Forte, and also entered the end zone himself on two 1-yard sneaks. Also, big kudos to place-kicker Chandler Cantanzaro on his three big field goal makes in the 'W' over KC, who fell to the .500 mark at 6-6 after kicking off the season with a 5-0 start. Next up for head coach Todd Bowles and Team Gang Green are the equally struggling and underachieving Denver Broncos (3-9) on the road come Sunday, December 10.  

The managerial hiring of Aaron Boone an interestingly bold move by the New York Yankees


Since the Bronx Bomber's positively surprising 2017 regular season and postseason run to the A.L. Championship Series ended with release of manager Joe Girardi, there was oh so much speculation as to who would be the guy to replace him. Names such as former major leaguers David Cone, Carlos Beltran, and even Alex Rodriguez were all in the conversation for the highly coveted position of Yankees manager. So when GM Brian Cashman and the higher-ups decided that former pinstriper and ESPN baseball analyst Aaron Boone, 44, would be the successor to Giradi and the 35th field manager in franchise history - despite having 'zero' prior experience either coaching or managing on any level, I think it's a refreshingly exciting move. I think Boone will step into the dugout and do a reasonably good job with his coaching staff. Plus, I think he'll not only relate well with the players on the roster come Spring of 2018, but will be very accommodating to the New York media, most importantly. Boone is already a legend and fan favorite from his days as a player in the Bronx - most notably, of course, for his dramatic, ALCS-clinching walk-off home run off of Boston Red Sox reliever Tim Wakefield back in the Fall of 2003. Plus, it helps being part of the legendary Boone family legacy in Major League Baseball. With talented young building blocks such as reigning A.L. Rookie of the Year and MVP runner-up Aaron Judge, A.L. Cy Young third-place finisher Luis Severino, backstop Gary Sanchez and first baseman Greg Bird, a successful future is definitely in the cards for the new manager and the New York Yankees - with hopefully more World Series titles in mind.