NFL Recap Championship Round 2023:

 

Eagles 31-7 over the 49ers: Both 49ers QBs Brock Purdy and Josh Johnson left the game due to injuries as they were left with no real QB options. For the Eagles RB Miles Sanders had two rushing TDs, so did QB Jalen Hurts and RB Boston Scott have rushing TDs.

Chiefs 23-20 over the Bengals: With no timeouts it looked like the game would go overtime after QB Joe Burrow was sacked, but QB Patrick Mahomes was pushed even further out of bounds for a roughing the passer penalty. That led to the game winning field goal by Kansas City. Burrow had one TD pass but two interceptions and Mahomes had two TD passes.

Return of the Dream Canteen-Red Hot Chili Peppers Album Review:

 

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are back with their second album, Return of the Dream Canteen of this year their 13^th album. It was produced Rick Rubin and recorded during the same sessions like the other album this year (Unlimited Love). The band initially intended for 40 of the tracks to be released as one album, spread over seven physical discs but the band's label, Warner Bros. Records, resisted this release strategy, with a "compromise" being reached where the band split thirty-four songs across two separate studio albums.  The band sequenced both Unlimited Love and Return of the Dream Canteen to become distinct listening experiences from one another: "We thought, 'These [songs] go together here and these go together there and, look, we’ve got two things, both great.”

This album has 17 songs and is almost an hour and twenty minutes which is better than most of artists nowadays that barely put 8 songs on an album or most songs are less than three minutes as most on this are four minutes or longer. There are a few a songs that definitely rock out but is ruined when lead singer Anthony Kiedis talks fast/raps or even narrates during the track in “Tippa of my Tongue” (number one single on rock & Alt airplay charts), “Bella” (has their old school sound to it), “Afterlife” and “In the snow” (one of the synthesizer tracks sounds like 80s music). The weirdest song is “My Cigarette” is the dumbest song but has some nice vocals (another synthesizer track) and ends with a nice jazz blend.

Tracks “Reach out” and “Fake as F**K” each rock out but then have quieter paces to it as the latter is good at mixing the paces well while the former is one of the better songs on the album.  With songs like “Eddie” which has a really long solo, “Shoot me a smile” which is one of the better songs, “The Drummer” despite being about a drummer has keyboard heavily featured, “Bag of grins” and “Copperbelly” all are fast paced and rock out.

Songs like “Carry me home” which really rocks out, “La La x6” has a really good keyboard sound to it (one of the best songs on the album), “Roulette” which has a funky sound to it, and “Peace & Love” one of the slower paced songs which has a beautiful sound to it (one of the best songs on the album) all are some of the most emotional songs on this album. Lastly, the track “Handful” has a very interesting sound to it/the vocals are really interesting and rocks out like most songs do.

Overall it is nice that a rock band actually made a rock album that rocks out unlike other rock bands who claim they came out with a rock album but then it is not. They seem to be back in a groove of making consistent albums instead of trading off good and bad albums with the last three albums. My only issue is that is it is actually has too many songs due to how long each one is and some seem to go on for too long sometimes and some could have been left on the cutting floor as well. Thank you Red Hot Chili Peppers for coming out with two good albums in one year to add their quality discography as they have indeed returned.

2023 NFL Championship Round Predictions:

 

NFC:

#2 49ers VS #1 Eagles: 49ers

AFC:

#3 Bengals VS # Chiefs: Chiefs

NFL Recap Divisional Round 2023:

 

Chiefs 27-20 over the Jaguars: QB Patrick Mahomes had one TD pass early before going out with an injury and backup QB Chad Henne lead the team down the field for his own TD before Mahomes came back with another TD. QB Trevor Lawrence threw an interception late in the game to seal it after his team also fumbled the ball as well plus failed to convert on an onside kick.

Eagles 38-7 over the Giants: The Eagles completely destroyed the Giants by going up 28-0 at halftime and it was over by then. QB Jalen Hurts threw two TD passes with a rushing TD and both RBS had rushing TDs. The Giants had one TD by backup RB Matt Brieda.

Bengals 27-10 over the Bills: The Bengals went up 14-0 early and never looked back as QB Joe Burrow threw two TD passes and RB Joe Mixon had a TD rushing. QB Josh Allen had no passing TDs with an interception with a rushing TD for their only TD.

49ers 19-12 over the Cowboys: 9 punts total, two interceptions by QB Dak Prescott, kicker Brett Maher missed another extra point and the 49ers lost a fumble. Kicker Robbie Gould accounted for 13 of the 49ers points as RB Christian McCaffrey had their only TD.

 

 

 

2023 NFL Divisional Round Predictions:

 

NFC: 

#6 Giants VS #1 Eagles: Eagles

#5 Cowboys VS #2 49ers: 49ers

AFC:

#4 Jaguars VS #1 Chiefs: Chiefs

#3 Bengals VS #2 Bills: Bills

Only the Strong Survive-Bruce Springsteen Album Review:

 

Bruce Springsteen aka the “Boss” is back with his 21^st album “Only the Strong Survive” his latest album since 2020(Letter to you) but his second covers album since 2006(We shall overcome:The Seeger sessions). He wanted to make an album where he just sang and tried to "do justice" to "the great American songbook of the '60s and '70s".

This album was a surprise in terms of when he announced a new album it was assumed it would be original material. When you’re Springsteen you can do an album all of covers, doing different genres or do a live Broadway show (2017-2021) where you tell stories and play music because you are the “Boss” he can do anything he wants at this point.

This album shows how much fun he has playing his favorite songs from his youth/growing up and wanting to share them with the public who aren’t familiar or haven’t heard them in years. The bottom line is he is having fun and you should too when listening to this album.

Most of the songs are groovy, upbeat, catchy, funky, rock out and he even gets emotional on some of the tracks. There is great piano and guitar work on this album and he even gets legend Sam Moore (of Sam & Dave) on a few tracks and the last track is a famous song that the Supremes made famous(Someday we’ll be together). It is not what we expected but we got what we deserve in a good album to sing along to in the car or your home. Only the strong survive which is what one of the greatest rockers of all time has done in Bruce Springsteen all these years.

NFL Recap Wildcard Round 2023:

 

49ers 41-23 over the Seahawks: QB Brock Purdy had three passing TDs and one rushing TD as they led for most of the game. QB Geno Smith did his best with two passing TDs and RB Kenneth Walker had a rushing TD but it wasn’t enough as Smith had a fumble and interception.

Jaguars 31-30 over the Chargers: So the Chargers were up 27-7 entering halftime due to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence throwing four interceptions three being caught by CB Astane Samuel Jr. Lawrence then righted the ship by throwing four TD passes and completing a 27 point comeback the third largest in postseason history, which was finished off by a game winning field goal as time expired.

Bills 34-31 over the Dolphins: The Bills went up 17-0 early but then gave it back to the Dolphins who answered with 17 points before halftime and even led the game by four. The Bills then woke up and took command but of course Miami almost came back to win in the 4^th as they turned the ball over on downs. QB Josh Allen had thee passing TDs but had two interceptions and three of his team’s four fumbles with one of them being recovered for a Miami TD.

Giants 31-24 over the Vikings: QB Daniel Jones played flawless football with two passing TDs and RB Saquon Barkley having two rushing TDs. The Vikings did come back to tie it in the 4^th but the Giants scored to take the lead and stopped them to force a turnover on downs to end the game.

Bengals 24-17 over the Ravens: DE Sam Hubbard returned a fumble for 98 yards to seal the game for the Bengals. QB Joe Burrow had one passing and a rushing TD. Backup QB Tyler Huntley did his best despite playing with an injured right shoulder in place of QB Lamar Jackson as he had two TD passes but again he had an interception and that crucial fumble.

Cowboys 31-14 over the Buccaneers: It was all Dallas as they were up early and up 24-0 before Tampa Bay did anything. QB Dak Prescott probably played his best game with four passing TDs and a rushing TD with no turnovers, as the worst player was kicker Brett Maher as he missed four extra points. QB Tom Brady had one interception and one of his team’s fumbles.

2023 NFL Wildcard Predictions:

 NFC:

#4 Buccaneers VS #5 Cowboys: Cowboys

#3 Vikings Vs #6 Giants: Giants

#2 49ers VS #7 Seahawks: 49ers

AFC:

#4 Jaguars VS #5 Chargers: Chargers

#3 Bengals VS #6 Ravens: Bengals

#2 Bills VS #7 Dolphins: Bills

2022-2023 NFL Awards Predictions:

MVP: QB Patrick Mahomes Chiefs; QB Josh Allen Bills & QB Jalen Hurts Eagles

Offensive player of the year: WR Justin Jefferson Vikings; WR Tyreek Hill Dolphins & WR AJ Brown Eagles

Rookie Offensive player of the year: RB Kenneth Walker Seahawks; WR Garrett Wilson Jets & WR Christian Watson Packers

Defensive player of the year: DE Nick Bosa 49ers; LB Micah Parsons Cowboys & DE Myles Garett Browns

Rookie Defensive player of the year: CB Sauce Gardner Jets; DE Adian Hutchinson Lions & LB Kayvon Thibodeaux

Coach of the year: Brian Daboll Giants; Doug Pederson Jaguars & Kyle Shanahan 49ers

Comeback player of the year: QB Geno Smith Seahawks; RB Saquon Barkley Giants & RB Christian McCaffrey 49ers

Executive of the year: John Lynch 49ers; Howie Rosman Eagles & John Schneider Seahawks

NFL Recap Week 18 2022:

 

Chiefs 31-13 over the Raiders: QB Patrick Mahomes had one passing TD and three rushing TDs from his skill players in RBs Ronald Jones, Isaiah Pacheco and WR Kadarius Toney. Backup QB Jarrett Stidham had two fumbles and an interception.

Jaguars 20-16 over the Titans: The Jaguars were down 13-7 entering halftime but then the Titans collapsed like they have all season as third string QB Josh Dobbs threw an interception and fumbled the ball twice with one leading to the go ahead TD for Jacksonville.

Falcons 30-17 over the Buccaneers: Rookie QB Desmond Ridder finally threw a TD pass this season well actually two and RB Cordarrelle Patterson had a rushing TD. While Tampa Bay was wasn’t trying as they took their starters out early after an early TD pass by QB Tom Brady.

Bills 35-23 over the Patriots: Both QBs (Josh Allen & Mac Jones) had three passing TDs but Jones had three interceptions. RB Nyheim Hines had a kickoff return TD to start the game for Buffalo and Damar Hamlin, and then did it again later.

Vikings 29-13 over the Bears: Backup RB Alexander Mattison had two rushing TDs and QB Kirk Cousins had one TD pass before the starters were taken out to rest for the playoffs. While the Bears were trying to lose to secure the 1^st pick in the draft which is what they got as both QBS (4^th & 5^th string) had three total interceptions.

Bengals 27-16 over the Ravens: The Ravens weren’t even trying as they started their 3^rd string QB Anthony Brown (two interceptions) who had a fumble that was returned for a TD, no TE Mark Andrews or RB JK Dobbins. QB Joe Burrow and RB Joe Mixon had TDs for the Bengals.

Texans 32-31 over the Colts: Both QBs (Sam Ehlinger & Davis Mills) had two interceptions that were returned for TDs while Mills had three passing TDs.

Dolphins 11-6 over the Jets: QB Joe Flacco VS. 3^rd string QB Skylar Thompson equals no TDs in the game just field goals as the major difference was a fumble in the end zone that went out of bounds for a safety that led to Miami winning.

Panthers 10-7 over the Saints: The Saints missed a few field goals and the Panthers hit the game winning field goal.

Steelers 28-14 over the Browns: The Browns were up 7-0 in the 2^nd quarter but that would be the last time they led as QB Kenny Pickett had a TD pass, RB Najee Harris and FB Derek Watt had rushing TDs.  QB Deshaun Watson had two interceptions to cancel out his two TD passes.

Eagles 22-16 over the Giants: Jake Elliott was the MVP of the game for the Eagles as he accounted for 16 of their 22 points as QB Jalen Hurts returned so not to be rusty for the playoffs. 3^rd string QB Davis Webb had a rushing and a passing TD for the Giants as they rested their starters.

Commanders 26-6 over the Cowboys: The Cowboys even with their starters were embarrassed by their divisional rival Washington as QB Dak Prescott had an interception which was returned for a TD, his team had two fumbles and the kicker missed an extra point. Rookie QB Sam Howell had one passing TD and a rushing TD. Even their kicker wasn’t good as he missed two field goals and an extra point.

Broncos 31-28 over Chargers: QB Russell Wilson finally showed up with three passing TDs and RB Latavius Murray had a rushing TD. QB Justin Herbert did have two passing TDs but didn’t have anything to play for as their playoff spot was already decided so they rested their starters and let up.

Seahawks 19-16 over the Rams(OT): The Seahawks tied the game in the 4^th quarter but the missed the game winning field goal at the end of the 4^th quarter but redeemed themselves by hitting the game winning one in overtime.

49ers 38-13 over the Cardinals: QB Brock Purdy had three passing TDs and in the return of RB Elijah Mitchell had two rushing TDs. While the Cardinals backup QBs combined for three interceptions and a fumble plus their kicker missed an extra point.

Lions 20-16 over the Packers: The Lions completed the comeback with a rushing TD by Jamaal Williams his second and then the defense picked off QB Aaron Rodgers to end the Packers chance for the playoffs.

 

 

 

NFL Recap Week 17 2022:

 

Cowboys 27-13 over the Titans: QB Dak Prescott had two TD passes and RB Eziekiel Elliot had a rushing TD while the Titans were missing most of their players including RB Derrick Henry. Tennessee turned to QB Josh Dobbs who they just picked up a few days prior.

Falcons 20-19 over the Cardinals: The Cardinals started their 4^th QB of the season so their offense looked inept and were without WR DeAndre Hopkins too. While Atlanta’s rookie QB Desmond Ridder did nothing but his RBs each had a rushing TDs plus they blocked a punt. They won a game winning field goal as time expired.

Lions 41-10 over the Bears: The Bears were leading 10-7 early but that would be the last time as their defense got torched by QB Jared Goff who had three passing TDs and both RBs had a rushing TD.

Jaguars 31-3 over the Texans: There were no passing TDs from Jacksonville QBs as all of their TDs came for their RBs and their defense recovered a fumble for a TD.

Chiefs 27-24 over the Broncos: QB Patrick Mahomes had three passing TDs and RB Isaiah Pacheco had a rushing TD. QB Russell Wilson had a rebound game with a passing TD and two rushing TDs but had a fumble and an interception.

Patriots 23-21 over the Dolphins: QB Mac Jones had a two passing TDs with no turnovers while both Miami QBs had a TD pass but also an interception plus their kicker missed a field goal. S Kyle Dugger had one of those interceptions and returned it for a TD his 3rd def. TD of season the 1st Patriot to do that since 1970. Their 7th defensive TD of season a new franchise record and a defensive TD in 4 straight games, new franchise record (first NFL occurrence since TB 2002).

Giants 38-10 over the Colts: The Colts were leading early but the Giants had a huge second quarter with two offensive TDs and an interception returned for a TD. It was all QB Daniel Jones who had two passing TDs and two rushing TDs. The Colts also missed a field goal.

Saints 20-10 over the Eagles: QB Gardner Minshew had two fumbles and threw an interception that was returned for a TD to seal the game. There were 12 punts in this game and the only offensive TD for the Saints was TE Taysom Hill having a rushing TD.

Buccaneers 30-24 over the Panthers: QB Sam Darnold did his best with three passing TDs but had an interception and two of his team’s six fumbles. QB Tom Brady had three passing TDs and a rushing TD.

Browns 24-10 over the Commanders: QB Deshaun Watson had a good game with three passing TDs with no turnovers while QB Carson Wentz had zero TD passes with three interceptions.

49ers 37-34 over the Raiders(OT): After an interception in overtime Robbie Gould hit the game winning field goal for the 49ers. In a surprising turn of events with QB Derek Carr who was benched his backup Jarrett Stidham had three passing TDs(two interceptions), and RB Josh Jacobs had a rushing TD. QB Brock Purdy had two passing TDs and got two rushing TDs one from Christian McCaffrey.

Seahawks 23-6 over the Jets: In the QB Geno Smith bowl he showed his former team with two passing TDs and no interceptions. QB Mike White has zero TD passes, two interceptions and the kicker missed a field goal.

Packers 41-17 over the Vikings: The Packers special teams had a kick return TD, their defense picked off QB Kirk Cousins three times with one being returned for a TD, forced three fumbles. QB Aaron Rodgers had one passing and rushing TD plus RB AJ Dillon had a rushing too. The Vikings also missed two field goals.

Chargers 31-10 over the Rams: QB Justin Herbert had two passing TDs and RB Austin Ekeler had two rushing TDs. QB Baker Mayfield had no passing TDs with a fumble and RB Malcom Brown who came back to the team this season had their only TD.

Steelers 16-13 over the Ravens: QB Kenny Pickett led his team from behind to throw a game winning TD pass to RB Najee Harris with less than a minute left, while QB Tyler Huntley threw an interception on the next possession to end the game.

Bills VS Bengals PPD: Prayers up for Damar Hamlin.