Jannik Sinner won his second consecutive Australian Open Tennis title and third major tournament (3-0) in such), as he won the men’s part, in straight sets (all 3) vs Alexander Zverev, who still has never won a major tennis event.
Not so Madison (Maddy) Keys, who took her first such crown, first semi-ing Iga Swiatek in a big upset and then doing the same as not quite as big but still sizable “u/dog” vs two time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final round.
Sinner is clearly the men’s top ranked player, especially hard to beat on hard surfaces, those being such at both the Australian and United States Opens.
Jannik Sinner, pictured above.
Once again in Sunday’s conference title games, both the Philadelphia Eagles and their one time coach, now with 3 titles and as the Kansas City Chiefs head coach, Andy Reid, will be at home in such a game.
Reid’s Chiefs’ teams, somewhat incredibly, are not only in their 7th straight AFC title game but also their 6th at home, among those seven. They are (4-2) in the previous, followed by a fine (3-1) Super Bowl record.
The Eagles, who were (1-4) when coached by Reid in conference title games, (1-2) at home), will be in their eighth such game, all but the two under Reid, at Philly. They are (3-0) in non Reid home NFC title/NFL semis games.
Going back, the Eagles played in 4 semis or later/not neutral field games within 3 seasons, (’47-’49), winning three, doing so in two of the three road games.
Why not the great “Greyhound” Bob Dandridge, pictured above with the ball.
In the only previous “semi” or later contested between Washington and Philadelphia teams, Dandridge severely outplayed Erving in the Bullets’ 6 game series win, which was followed by a 7 game triumph vs the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder) to notch their lone NBA crown.
I believe John Drew, a fine scorer, is guarding Bobby D (ode to a great broadcaster Mel Proctor) while the classy, superb player, Wes Unseld of the Bullets, is seen in the backround.
Sunday’s later/late start NFL semi-final/AFC Title game will be the 7th post-season clash between original AFL teams the Kansas City Chiefs, who “go in” as 2 time defending champions, (15-1) in meaningful 2024 tilts, (15-2) overall and started out as the Dallas Texans, winning a 1962 AFL crown “as” in their last pre K.C. year, and the Buffalo Bills who have only 2 “all the way” AFL crowns to show for their previous 64 seasons. (The original Houston Oilers now the Tennessee Titans and L.A. then long time San Diego and now L.A. again Chargers also have just “all the way” AFL crowns to show for what is 65 seasons).
Read it the Bills have a chance this season. They are slight 2 point(s) underdogs in the at K.C. “semi” but will have to overcome a “history” that in the previous 6 years the two teams clashed in the ‘offs, all since the start of Super Bowl or as in that event’s first year (’66) NFL/AFL Championship Game play, the/a winner of the “reg” clash between the Chiefs, who are (4-2) vs the Bills in the ‘offs with only last year’s road “slots”/”div” round win in a title season, lost in the ‘offs rematch 5 times.
Being precise, and explaining (the/a above), in 1966 the teams met twice in the regular season with each team winning a road tilt. The Chiefs, subsequently went to Buffalo and ripped the Bills in the first AFL title game with a later final/NFL/AFL Championship Game/Super Bowl bid at stake.
In the 5 subsequent but also previous years in which the two franchises met in the ‘offs, the regular season losing team won the playoffs game between the two, 4 times. (K.C. won in the reg at Buffalo and in the title tilt/”semi” at home in pandemic plagued 2020).
Thrice the Bills “reg’d” the Chiefs, doing so this year as well (maybe it is not so well, however Reid, I believe will “pay” for his take the safety in completely unnecessary fashion last week) before meeting them in the playoffs. On the two previous occasions, 2021 and last year, they lost the subsequent ‘offs game.
K.C. won regular season games vs the Bills in both ’91 and ’93 only to lose in the subsequent playoff(s) game.
Finally, in 5 of the 7 seasons in which a Chiefs/Bills playoffs game manifested the regular season game was played at Kansas City. In all 7 there was a “reg” clash, it being in Buffalo in 2020 and 2024.
In all 5 seasons of an “at K.C.” regular season game between the two teams, that game’s winner lost in the subsequent playoff game.
For the record, the “Reid thing,” really did not affect me. Day FG’ing and more relevant not taking more time off the remaining such via clock, hurt much more. Day, first name Ryan and the Bills had a Tom Day on both AFL title teams, did not do anything wrong but a FG there was not entirely, maybe not in any way necessary.
Reid as stated clearly played G-d with millions maybe billions of dollars taking a truly unnecessary safety.
I really do not care who wins Sunday. Also repeating Mr. Reid is an excellent coach, partly because he leaves the excellent Chiefs’ defense in the hands of his superb defensive coordinator, Steve “The Blitz Man” Spagnuolo.
Ten years ago, Ohio State won the first 4 teams college football playoff, defeating Oregon in the title tilt. Last night, they won the first, in the far too many, 12 teams ‘such’ (-8 plus) (34-23) over Notre Dame.
In the tilt, I slept, awoke to (31-7) Ohio State and their backers and maybe even the Buckeyes (vs me), needed a 56 yards/3rd and 8 Will Howard to Jeremiah Smith (single coverage on him), completion to get them a Fielding “cover” field goal (Densick on VSiN, “crying” said “field goal” as).
Quinshon Judkins scored 3 TD’s, 2 rushing, 70 of his 100 yards coming just before his 1 yard TD run made it (28-7) Ohio State.
After Notre Dame, which did lose (-28) at home vs Northern Illinois, but covered 11 straight during a 13 game win skein, which put them in a second ‘offs final (their comeback, scoring 16 straight points to get within 8 and the spread at that point and essentially until Howard/Smith, was a far better showing than ‘Bama ripping them in the ’12 title tilt, the one contested the year Beano Cook died), scored on the game’s first possession.
Next Ohio State “TD’d” on 4 straight such, while Notre Dame went the dreaded 3 and out thrice.
Certainly Ohio State and yes Notre Dame deserve some nice credit, far more for the former whose (10-2) “reg” ended with a loss, as near 3 TD “faves,” vs arch rival, Michigan, last year’s title winner, before defeating 4, at least good teams, Tennessee at home where “Mich” prevailed vs el Buckeyes, top ranked Oregon, Texas and then Notre Dame. Clearly Ryan Day did more than save his job.
While Notre Dame coach, Freeman an ex Ohio State player and eventual convert to Catholisisim, (his absolute right to do so, but forcing players to attend the associated religious services goes vs what I stand for, with “forcing” being the operative and offensive, at least to me, relevant verb) did a nice job, perhaps had he the excellent “on the basics,” parochial education, Catholisism affords, he would have known better than to FG-attempt at the Ohio State 8, down 16 with say 9 minutes remaining.
Quinshon Judkins, pictured above.
Just so you know, no matter his politics, Mario Cuomo, who happened to die the day Ohio State “Semi’d” Alabama on their way to that 10 years ago crown, was a devout Catholic, which I respect greatly.
Even more so, I admire Mr. Cuomo always stressing the separation of religion and state (church/Synagogue/mosque/other and state, if you will).
The title tilts are set after the Eagles rode a playoff team record 206 yards rushing, which included 2 long TD’s to (-6 plus) the Rams (28-22) to now be (-5) vs upstart “Wash” next week while the Bills won just their second slots/”div” game since the four in a row before Supe losses (’90-’93), holding off the Ravens (27-25) as a slight 1 point underdog.
A Philly/Wash playoffs clash can not be later than a semi and Sunday’s earlier title will be just the second such, the other a “Wash” Bullets 6 games win vs the Sixers in ’78 before winning vs Gus Williams and Sea in the final round.
In ’90, the Wash team opened the first year of 2 wild card games per conference winning at Philadelphia.
Meanwhile a Supe berth will be on the line for a fourth time, in what will be the 6th K.C. Chiefs vs Bills ‘offs clash.
As stated before, the Chiefs denied Buffalo Supe entry with “semis” wins at Buffalo in ’66 and a home such in 2020. Buffalo prevailed in the ’93 AFC title game, before suffering a 4th Supe loss in as many seasons.
The Chiefs are also (2-1) vs the Bills in “div” games having won truly close games in 2021 and 2023 after losing one in ’91.
Things, especially field goal attempts, are still good for Chiefs’ kicker, Har Butker, pictured above.
It is remembering and in doing so, regarding the superb player, Gus Williams from nearby Mount Vernon, New York, who died days back, too young at 71—it is a Sunday afternoon game 3 (last pre Larry and Earvin “Magic” and one without either for 11 years hence, NBA final and Gus and the Seattle SuperSonics and Washington Bullets are tied (1-1),– I sense a “Sea” runaway and on my play by play, forever to be I write these 45 years later, in front of a television– not there, “Monami Gus” fires from 17, me as almost always on the play—goood!!
Seattle, now the Oklahoma Thunder eased in that #3, struggled but won an 11:30 Eastern time, but at least live #4 (even Earvin “Magic’s” in ’80 and Larry’s a year later were telecast on delayed tape) and on June 1st, avenged the previous season’s 7 game final round loss to the Washington Bullets, now the Wizards.
Rather than pontificate regarding the typical foolishness that changes a team nickname while guns proliferate with powers behind such thinking, I recall Gus Williams as “The Wizard.”
Those Sea/Wash ’78 and ’79 final rounds with such players as Gus (Monami Gus was a thoroughbred horse), Dennis Johnson, Bob Dandridge and Elvin Hayes were fine, not the eventual Larry/Earvin and others, that really helped the NBA, but entertaining, albeit sans good TV ratings and deemed (-), as that is how it gets “wagged.”
Gus held out for the entire ’80-’81 season and he and his female companion walked by me, as I was sitting at the then 7 Stars Diner, one fairly late night during that time.
I think we said hello. I know I can still see him walking by. A metaphor, if ever —
Regrets include not seeing him as the great high school player, on one of many great Mount Vernon basketball teams, that he was.
What teams, his Mount Vernon and Sonics! His brother Ray also gone too soon. Another David was with him at the end.
While “Horse” is still in a Montana barn, this confluence of events day go find D.J. (the great Denis Johnson) as G-d, far too early has reunited another great backcourt duo.
Gus Williams, pictured above is considered great. His achievements would have been considered even greater, save the fact his rookie season/defending champion Golden State Warriors lost a 1976/’ #7/semis “dark match” (a pro wrestling term for an entity we did not see on that “box”) to Phoenix.
With Gus and a developing Phil Smith, Rick Barry and Jamaal Wilkes’ Warriors were even better than the title winning team of ’75, however failed to “title.”
Oh could Gus play!!
Yesterday, (integrity so far away, Reid took a safety, if you took 9 plus you believe in ….) after K.C. up to a 9 plus points “fave,” won (23-14) (more on what Reid did, for now I only ask why with no why not) vs Houston, advancing to a 7th straight NFL “semi,” and credit him Reid’s 12th such — (5-6) in previous–10 point underdog, “Wash” knocked out NFC top seed, “Det” and their so annoying coach, Campbell, winning (45-31) at night.
The Lions and Saturdays do not mix, at least not in the ‘offs as they are (0-10) in such, perhaps bad karma caused by the actions of one for whom their field is named.
“Wash” will travel to today’s L.A. Rams at Philly Eagles winner, (today’s game likely to be played in snow), evoking memories of the Eagles first of four title clinching wins, (7-0) vs the then champion (their only) and Chicago located, Cardinals in 1948.
K.C. will face today’s later game/Baltimore at Buffalo winning team.
The Chiefs are (4-2) in the six previous “semis”/AFC title tilts under Reid, who was just (1-4) in such games with the Eagles.
Twice the Chiefs denied the Bills, who are (0-4) in such games when they did gain Supe entry (all (’90-’93), doing so before the first in ’66 and again in 2020. Each of those was followed by a Chiefs’ loss (they are (4-2) in such games) in the Super Bowl, still the NFL/AFL Championship Game, certainly in ’66 and I believe for a # of years beyond.
Last season K.C. won at Baltimore (the Ravens are (2-0) in Supes, winning 12 years apart in 2000 and 2012, this is 2024 and wait until you see my “years” notes regarding Washington, however, as seemingly always, a day late and many dollars short) denying the Ravens Super Bowl entry.
Ray Lewis, pictured above, led the great “Balti” defense, the key to Supe crowns in 2000 and 2012. Another 12 years later crown this year, a long way to go, with needed road wins at Buffalo and K.C. just to gain Supe entry.
Tonight, the first time (47th possibility-(’78-2024) NFC top seed Detroit Lions are nearly a 10 point favorite vs Washington in today’s later ‘offs tilt commencing around 8:20, with Fox “piping,” in the Saturday night slot (2) for a fourth consecutive season.
Earlier, on ABC/ESPN, starting about 4:40, the two time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs are also big favorites, say 8 or so points, hosting the Houston Texans.
Detroit/Wash and K.C./Houston evokes other major sports key ‘offs entities.
The Detroit Red Wings repeated as Stanley Cup Champions, under the great coach Scotty Bowman in 1998 after sweeping the Washington Capitals. They had not “titled” in 42 years before winning it all the year before (1997).
In 2015 en route to their second title, achieved 30 years after their first, the Kansas City Royals’ biggest test came in a maximum 5 games division series vs the then upstart Houston Astros, who would go on to win titles in 2017 and 2022.
The great coach Scotty Bowman is pictured above.
Is not there a resemblance to another great coach, Andy Reid, who is still at the Chiefs’ controls. Certainly the red garb reaches both men.
Not quite legendary and Scotty is best or second in his sport (his mentor Hector “Toe” Blake is the other choice) and Reid has a ways to go, however an unprecedented third straight Supe crown, I still say he and K,C, will not achieve (I also warn do not bet too much vs them), moves him, (again already a great with 3 titles) way up.
“Happy Days,” playing off a major “Summer of ’42” theme, to which so many can relate, Leslie Charleson, beautiful and classy as she remained until she died days back, at age 79, played a divorcee, who hired “Richie” (Ron Howard), “Potsie” (Anson Williams) and Ralph (Donny Most) to do odd jobs around the house.
Eventually that theme, “consummated” in “’42,” a film and not, at least not “that way,” on “Happy Days” (trust me days are not so happy, sans it), was broached, as dependable “Richie,” played by the enormously successful Mr. Howard, is invited to dinner.
The roughly 10 year age difference, more or less the same as the real life one between Leslie and Ron in reality was “excuse” not to at least “go further” around the proverbial “bases.”
Maybe they ought to have consummated, implied of course, after all in an earlier episode, “Ralph” cites Lancaster (Burt) and Kerr ( Deborah, Kerr pronounced car, as in star, as Jeffrey Lyons once stated) on the beach, in the epic film, “From Here To Eternity.” They could have brought back and in, the onrushing waves.
Alas, why was the country not ready for such, but violence and what is now always, as though the waves, manifest.
Miss Charleson went on to fame and beautiful love scenes and fierce determination as a great doctor, playing Dr. Monica Quartermaine for so long, almost all years after I stopped watching, on the still airing soap opera, “General Hospital.”
However, the show and characters and performers such as Leslie Charleson (in “my time,” she competed with a character named “Lesley,” played by another favorite, Denise Alexander, for the affections of Dr. Rick Webber, with talented Chris Robinson in that role.
Similar to the hospital gates being open as “G.H.” began for many years, based on her class, beauty and talent, if at all possible, they are open for Leslie Charleson now.
Thank you Leslie.
Ron Howard and Leslie Charleson in a memorable and excellent scene on “Happy Days.”
The “slots”/NFL division round games are set with 4 different networks “piping” the games, each one in the same slot, for a second straight season.
2 straight for ABC/ESPN after they tv’d last night’s, at Glendale Arizona, Rams (plus 2) “ease job” vs the (14-3, (14-2) into the 1/5 at Detroit finale) Vikings (more on Rams plus 6 at Eagles in this post), as two time defending champion K.C. (Chiefs) opens the round, vs the Houston Texans.
Next at night, on Fox, the NFC top seed for the first time ever, Detroit Lions host Washington. On Sunday, NBC’s last tilt of the 2024 NFL season commences around 3 P.M. in Philadelphia as the Eagles (they covered and in most circles “all teased” Green Bay as Saq Barkley ended what might have been a tease KO’ing TD run, sliding down) host the Rams.
“El” feature game again goes to CBS, a second straight year in Buffalo, as the Bills host the Baltimore Ravens in Sunday’s later tilt, commencing around 6:30 local time.
This will be the fourth ‘offs clash matching the Rams and Eagles, all at different ‘offs levels.
In 1949, 75 years in the “rear view,” Philly went to L.A. and won (14-0) before a sparse L.A. Coliseum crowd with the great Steve Van Buren, who had the lone TD in the Eagles’ ’48 home title win, rushed for 196 yards.
Forty years later, the Rams won a New Year’s Eve Day/last one wild card game only, NFC such at Philadelphia.
2001 was in a third venue, the Rams’ St. Louis home and resulted in a no cover (29-24) Rams win. They lost the subsequent Supe as big favorites vs New England, that franchise’s first of six and their quarterback’s, “a man named Brady” (cue the 9 squares and show theme–“it’s the story ….) first of 7 Super Bowl wins.
The great Steve Van Buren pictured above.
Related a post during the 2017 season. Since, both the Eagles, who “titled” in 2017 and Rams have gone (1-1) in Super Bowls. Each franchise has 4 NFL crowns, the Rams winning at least one representing 3 different cities, as Cleveland in ’45, as St. Louis in ’99 and as L.A. an area currently under great duress due to wildfires, in ’51 and 2020.
Philadelphia won the NFL crown, as cited above in both ’48 and ’49 then in ’60 and also as cited above in 2017.
Andy B Sports 