Second Stringers Feb 25, 2022
Celtics, Please Stop Blowing Leads
SHOCKER!!! The Celtics blow another lead in Game 1 of the second round against the 76ers. Of course this is not the first time this season, not even the first time this playoffs the Celtics have had leads late and given their opponents a string of possessions to cut the lead. It almost caused them to go 7 games against the Atlanta Hawks. However, it was not the biggest collapse of the season. That goes to the Milwaukee Bucks against the Miami Heat as the number 8 seed took down the league leaders in the first round. Don't worry, "it wasn't a failure." Second Stringers dives into these first round matchups and the remaining series from the NBA playoffs as well as previewing the next round with predictions for what is to come.
Who's More Annoying Draymond Green or Dillon Brooks?
NBA Report Cards Are In
With the NBA regular season coming to a close, Second Stringers take a look back at the entire regular season and grade each team's season. Naji and I take a look at what took place preseason, during the trade deadlines, key players getting injuries, and many more aspects to give a holistic view. Teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets undoubtedly deserve their praise for the hard work on the court and smart moves to fill much needed holes in the offense. Whereas teams such as the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons which have not had much going for them all season, except the inability to win games, will not be rated highly. This episode dives into the entire regular season and debates key moves from the 2022-2023 NBA season.
Mavericks Are Missing the Playoffs
The end of the regular season for the NBA is approaching as teams enter the last stretch of their busy schedules. Although this season has been filled with some shocking trades and break out performances, a majority of teams are still uncertain about their future. Even though "power" teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors crafted star studded lineups, they still are in the mixer that is the Western Conference. Going into these final weeks, 10 teams are fighting for spots in the playoffs and play-in. With only a few games left in the season, every day is critical in making a push for playoff basketball. Second Stringers takes a look back at the teams battling it out, and gives their takes on who has a shot of making it, and who will be packing their bags for the summer. We also give our KIA MVP picks for the season and who will be the teams to beat in the finals.
(Disclaimer - Yes we are Celtics fans, yes we are biased, but yes they are one of the top teams to beat.)
Did the Patriots Get Even Worse?
The start of the NFL season has begun, and many teams and notable players have wasted no time singing contracts, with many causing people to do a double take on their notifications. Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson seem to remain in a weird purgatory about the future of the former MVP, but even without a definite contract in place teams are not showing interest in the injury prone elite quarterback. Jackson is not the only quarterback whose future is undecided at the moment. Aaron Rodgers has announced his interest in the New York Jets, but contracts are still under negotiations right now. Rodgers is not the only seasoned quarterback to make a move across conferences. Even without this, the New England Patriots are in hot water as they desperately try to turn around their string of bad seasons since the departure of Brady. Maybe a potential trade for Deandre Hopkins could be in the cards, but until then Patriots fans must be content with a TikTok dancer (JuJu) and a man who should never dance (Gesicki).
NBA Trade Deadline Homecomings And Shortcomings
Typically the NBA trade deadline only produces a couple of moments that really send the media into a frenzy, but not this year. The Brooklyn Nets traded away two all stars alone. Kyrie Irving has teamed up with Luca Doncic in Texas for the Dallas Mavericks, while the still injured Kevin Durant has formed a super trio, yet again, in Phoenix. Brooklyn was not the only team to try and reassemble a squad worthy of putting out on the court. The Lakers traded away key pieces of their organization of turmoil to hopefully fill in the missing piece they have desperately searching for. With all these promising future talents and plenty of second round picks being traded from franchise to franchise, Second Stringers highlights the winners and losers of these trades. Additionally, we take a quick preview as to what these new teams have looked like coming out of the All Star break.
Mahomes Is Going Back to Disneyland
Super Bowl LVIII lived up to the hype. It was an offensive battle between two great quarterbacks. Mahomes and Hurts battled it out in one of the great Super Bowl matches of the last decade. However, the star play of the game was not made by either QB, but by the men in black and white. The late penalty flag under the two minute warning in the fourth quarter has caused much discussion. The late call in the game leaves Eagles fans heartbroken as CB James Bradberry pulled ever so slightly on WR Juju Smith-Schuster's jersey/body. At the end of the day, Bradberry admits to the call, and the city of Philly remains unharmed.
Deja Vu? Brady's Second Retirement on February First
Tom Brady has retired... again. Will this be the last? Or, he he bound for another unsuccessful year potentially tarnishing his legacy even further. However, Brady may not be the only QB to enter the retirement part of his career with the possibilities of Aaron Rodgers leaving Green Bay. Whether that be for another franchise or for a permanent seat on the Pat McAfee show, it is too soon to tell. With Brady's second retirement that means it is time for the new face of the league to full take over, and with Mahomes going into his 3rd Super Bowl, could he be the one to dethrone the Goat? All of this and much more NFL playoff take on this weeks episode of Second Stringers sports podcast.
Is Mike White An Elite Quarterback?
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this episode Second Stringers recaps the high scoring and intense action from Week 13 in the NFL. From Brady making yet another miraculous fourth quarter comeback, to the Aaron Rodgers still owning the Bears it was a must watch week in the NFL. After going through the recap, Joe and I drafted players from a CBS player draft post (make sure to vote in the poll below for whose team was the best.) Finally, as always we finished off this episode with predictions for the upcoming matchups and how the remaining schedule will effect the playoff picture.
Baltimore Ravens Cannot Finish
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this episode we recap the Week 12 matchups. Although Thanksgiving provided a lot of entertaining football, it was not most enjoyable for Patriots fans as it left New Englanders questioning the referees yet again. On top of three incredible Thursday games, Week 12 shook up the standings and playoff matchups heading into the final third of the season. As always Second Stringers ended with our predicted winners of the week and highlighting the Matchup of the Year.
Detroit Lions Are A Playoff Team
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this episode we cover Week 10 and 11 matchups in the NFL. After missing our weekly episode, Second Stringers covers the key matchups from the past two weeks. From Josh Allen and the Bills' shaky performances to the Kansas City Chiefs proving they are the team to beat this year. We then take a look at the potential playoff seedings as the end of the regular season is fast approaching. Joe and I also give our takes on the teams we believe may make the leap into the playoff picture.
Justin Fields Can Pass Now?
Is There Anyone That Can Stop Giannis?
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this episode we take a look at the start of the NBA season. We dive in the hot starts from the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as the absolutely shambolic performances from the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets to start the season. Naji and I also highlight the recent success of Malcolm Brogdon off the bench for the Boston Celtics with hope that this is the year for banner number 18.
Vecna's Curse Stops Bengals
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this week's episode we take a look back at the keys matchups in Week 8. Hurts and Brown lead Eagles to seventh straight victory, McCaffrey has a historic game for 49ers, and the Bengals get frightened Halloween night by Myles Garrett (dressed as Vecna) and Browns' Defense. Second Stringers also highlights the final moves of the trade deadline that could be crucial for teams moving forward. As always, Joe and I end this episode on our upcoming game predictions for Week 9, which has the potential for some underdog victories.
Quarterback Battle in New England Part Two
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this week's episode we dive into the recent matchups in Week 7. From Tom Brady and the Buccaneers catastrophic failure against the CMC-less Panthers to the on-going struggle for the QB1 position on the Patriots (spoiler it should be Mac). Joe and I also take a look at the standings as we reach the midseason point. Will the New York teams make a push for first in their divisions? Are the Packers a playoff team? All of these questions and more are looked at this episode on Second Stringers.
Unseasoned Gritty Strikes Again
What Has Utah Done?
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this week's bonus episode we cover the upcoming NBA season. Looking back at the offseason, we highlight some of our favorite and most shocking free agent acquisitions and trades. We also discuss what seems to be the top teams heading into the season. Whether teams like the Celtics, Nets, and 76ers actually live up to their potential or it all comes crashing down like the Lakers last year, Second Stringers will keep you posted on NBA standings, stats, and highlights once the season begins
Broncos Country Let's Cry
Fly Eagles Fly
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this week's episode we recap Week 4 matchups. The Miami Dolphins finally lose leaving the Eagle the only undefeated team, but the bigger story is the timeline for Tua Tagovailoa and was it right for him to play in Thursday nights contest? Second Stringers then highlights upcoming games and the must watch contests for the week. As always we end with predictions, where Joe and Griffin are looking to go back to back weeks above .500.
The Butt Fumble
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this week's episode we recap the matchups from Week 3 in the NFL. The shocking ending leading to the Miami Dolphins going undefeated to the monstrous game from Cordarrelle Patterson in the Flacons win, and of course, the very laughable butt punt. Second Stringers ends with predictions for the upcoming games (with hopes of finally predicting more than 50% of games correctly).
Week Two Witching Hour
Kelce Gets Tossed
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this week's first episode of the semester we discuss the start of the NFL season. Second Stringers recaps the big plays and major busts from Week 1 and Week 2's Thursday night matchup between the Chiefs and Chargers. We also highlight future matchups in Week 2 and give our predictions for the upcoming schedule.
Bring Out the Brooms
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this week's episode we discuss the recent matchups in the first round of the NBA playoffs. From crazy high flying action between Ja and Ant to the incredible defensive force of the Boston Celtics (absolutely no bias there). We also highlight future matchups and potential challenges for the remaining teams as the playoffs continue.
A Lot of Sharpies
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this week's episode we focus our thoughts on the upcoming NBA playoffs. With big powerhouse teams underperforming and young talented stars coming into their own, this season has shown that anything is possible on the court. Second Stringers highlights our takes for the playoff series as we dive into the can't miss matchups over the next few weeks.
Fear the Fin
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this week's episode we get updated on all the latest trades and free agent signings this NFL Offseason. We also take a look at potential divisional rivalries and potential top teams with many star players moving around the league.
Things Are About to Get Controversial
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this week's special episode we take a look back at the last 5 years in the NBA and the top players at each position. From Giannis taking the league by storm to the all-time three point leading Steph Curry, we discuss our top five players at each position since 2017.
NFL Musical Chairs
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this weeks episode we discuss the recent news during the NFL Offseason. Aaron Rodgers signing a large extension, with seasoned veterans like Landry and Julio being released, this summer of mayhem is starting off quickly.
In With The Old, Out With The Old
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this weeks episode we discuss the recent events around the NBA. With the pitiful All-Star weekend competitions behind us, and the final day of trade deadlines paced, we look towards the back half of the season as teams make the push for the playoffs.
Who Dey Think Gonna Beat Dem Bengals? (Spoiler: It's the Rams)
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this weeks episode we discuss the Super Bowl champion LA Rams. We dive deep into the key matchups that lead to the success and downfall of the two teams. Additionally, we highlight future trade target and free agent destinations around the league as the off-season begins.
Trade Talks Heating Up
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this weeks episode we discuss everything that has been going on in the NBA leading up to the trade deadline. With teams such as the Pelicans, Pacers, Kings, and more all making last minute trades, we highlight which teams won the deal and which teams got screwed over.
Road to Greatness
Ben Simmons Is Broke
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this weeks episode we discuss everything that has been going on in the NBA. The Warriors exceeding everyone's expectations, the early battle in the Eastern Conference, and the 76ers constant chaos.
The Patriots Are Back In A Big Way
"Bing Bong"
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this weeks episode we highlight the start of the NBA season with our crew's takes on playoff contenders, potential MVP candidates, and teams who should not be slept on.
"Mac Jones Out Plays Brady"
Keeping you updated on all the need to know information about your favorite sports teams. In this weeks episode we recap NFL Weeks 2-4 which featured a historic kick from Justin Tucker, the Goat's return to Foxborough, and possibly the funniest football play since Sanchez's "Butt Fumble"