Murphy's Multiverse

Category: Sports

  • The Morning After Huddle: September 1, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: September 1, 2022

    Welcome to your Thursday edition of the Morning After Huddle! Broncos Country, let’s ride!

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • First up, prepare for more cheesy dad-level jokes and puns because Broncos Quarterback Russell Wilson is here to stay. The new Quarterback is landing himself a sweet extension contract of $245 million with $165 fully guaranteed. This new deal is five months of hard work in the making. This makes Wilson the second highest paid Quarterback in the NFL (in terms of new money) with $49 million. Oh, Mr. Wilson!
    • Moving right along, Commanders Running Back Brian Robinson is starting the year on the reserve/non football injury list. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, this relieves pressure on Robinson to rush back to the field. Robinson was recently involved in a shooting in a carjacking attempt, suffering wounds to his lower extremities.
    • Last, but not least, your Key Signings and Trades Roundup:
      • SIGNINGS:
        • Former Raiders Running Back Kenyan Drake is signing with the Ravens
        • Veteran Running Back Sony Michel is signing with the Chargers
      • TRADES:
        • Eagles Wide Receiver Jalen Reagor is heading to the Vikings in exchange for a 2023 seventh-round pick and conditional fourth-round pick in 2024
      • Full Slate of League Moves from Wednesday

    Hold on to your helmets, teammates! (Not your opponents’ helmets. I’m looking at you, Aaron Donald!) We’re back tomorrow with more news you want to know!

  • Morning After Huddle: July 2nd, 2022

    Morning After Huddle: July 2nd, 2022

    It’s been a long time, and we shouldn’t have left you without a dope beat to step to, but we’re back! This is generally the calm before the storm for the NFL, right before training camp, so the stories come to a slight lull. With that said, there is still information out there if you dig like Stefon for it. Let’s deliver the goods for y’all this fine Saturday morning.

    • The disciplinary hearing for Deshaun Watson has concluded, with an expected ruling coming in July. Judge Robinson will submit the recommended consequence to the Commissioner, who has the final say on the matter. Once this happens, it will surely kick off an appeals process by Watson and his camp to get whatever the original number reduced is, because if there’s one thing Watson likes as much as struggling to see the entire field, it’s for his actions to not have any consequences.
    • Speaking of QBs, a new report from Sports Illustrated’s John Shipley talked up second-year QB Trevor Lawrence’s progression. Changing plays at the line of scrimmage and getting the ball out quicker are things the highly-touted rookie didn’t do his first year because Urban Meyer had no idea how to coach, but with Super Bowl-winning Head Coach Doug Pederson in charge and former Chargers Head Coach Mike McCoy running the offense, it stood to reason that the Jags were going to trust their young QB a lot more. With the additions on the offensive line and at WR, this could be a big second year for the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck.
    • From an Andrew Luck mention to his former team, the Indianapolis Colts are entering year one of the Matt Ryan era-an era that is off to a very good start, if you ask rookie WR Alec Pierce. Pierce joined the Pat McAfee Podcast and talked up Matty Ice’s leadership and preparation and how that’s trickled down to the rest of the team already. With Pierce hoping to carve out a starting role opposite Michael Pittman, Jr. in this Colts offense, him cozying up to Ryan is a no-brainer, but for a team that’s been let down by QBs post-luck, a locked-in Matt Ryan is their best chance at getting back to the playoffs.
    • Sticking with the AFC South and rookies, the defending division champion Tennessee Titans went through a little transition this off-season as they jettisoned their talented WR AJ Brown, replaced him with stud WR Treylon Burks and brought in some competition for incumbent QB Ryan Tannehill in the form of talented developmental prospect QB Malik Willis. It’s actually another rookie that’s impressing Titans coaches though, as RB Hasaan Haskins from the University of Michigan has drawn rave reviews from his running backs coach and the best running back in the league. Jim Wyatt of the Titans reported that Derrick Henry spoke glowingly of the rookie, and advised him to not let the moment get too big for him, as the Titans experimented with formations where they were both on the field. Henry has bucked all conventional RB logic, but if the superlatives are all true, then Willis, Haskins, and Burks could be the next generation of Titans football.
  • Morning After Huddle: June 9th, 2022

    Morning After Huddle: June 9th, 2022

    Let’s recap the day that was for the NFL with The Morning After Huddle.

    • The defending Super Bowl Champions spent the last two days locking up their best players on each side of the ball, as a day after bringing back the best defender ever in Aaron Donald, they brought the WR coming off the best WR season ever in Cooper Kupp. The Rams announced that the All-Pro received a 3-year extension, with Ian Rapaport saying it would pay him about $75M, while Tom Pelissaro said it was more like $80M. This makes Kupp one of the highest-paid WRs in the NFL, and with Eminem’s Super Bowl performance and Luka Doncic’s playoff run, it is proving to be a good time to be an unathletic white dude.
    • Speaking of unathletic white dudes, Baker Mayfield has been excused from training camp by the Cleveland Browns. With players subject to daily fines if they miss camp, Mayfield will not be subjected to any while the team tries to find a trading partner for the former number one pick. Either that or they know they’re going to need him at some point given the 24 cases and counting against Watson. In any event, Mayfield rests in professional purgatory while a team with no interest in playing him this off-season may be relegated to having to.
    • From a team with A LOT of QB questions to a team with none? The Denver Broncos, after an offseason that saw them hire a new coach and trade a boatload for a new QB, now have new owners. Around The NFL reports that the Walton-Penner family’s bid for $4.65 billion has been accepted by the Pat Bowlan Trust and that, pending the acceptance of 2/3rds of the owners, they will become the new owners of the Denver Broncos. They are buying at the right time too, as the Broncos finally have the franchise QB they’ve been chasing since Peyton Manning, an explosive offense, and an opportunistic defense. The return on this investment has the potential to be, you guessed it, bananas.
    • Another team that’s been searching for a replacement to a Hall of Fame QB, the New York Jets, kicked off their 2nd training camp in the Zach Wilson era. By all accounts, the kid looked good. DJ Bien-Amie of the Daily News had this well-written piece about what Robert Saleh has been saying about Wilson and what you are seeing in camp so far. The words “comfortable” are thrown out a lot to discuss QBs as they progress, but that’s exactly what’s been said about and now being seen from Zach Wilson. Russell Wilson once famously said that the game began to slow down for him and that that’s when he knew he was getting better, and based on what’s being said about the other Wilson is that that’s exactly what’s happening. If the Jets are going to end the longest playoff drought in their history, it’s going to because Wilson takes the next step. Shorts and t-shirt football doesn’t count in the record books, but it sounds like he’s progressing nicely.

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 31, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 31, 2022

    We would like to recognize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. With Memorial Day yesterday, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the impact of those lost. Welcome to another edition of The Morning After Huddle. Holidays can be such a tough time for many and the NFL is no exception.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Incredibly sad news coming out of Dallas as Cardinals CB Jeff Gladney reportedly passed away in a car accident. “We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney’s passing,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss.” Details are still unclear of what caused the accident.
    • Buccaneers WR Travis Jonsen was arrested Monday on suspicion of driving under the influence. Officers spotted Jonsen “straddling lane markers, speeding and weaving,” and driving in a manner that was “indicative of impairment.” Following his arrest, Jonsen also refused to take a blood-alcohol test.
    • Finally, something to keep an eye on: Although Saints QB Jameis Winston has been cleared to participate in OTA’s, Winston still has a noticeable limp. If there is a setback, the next man up is veteran Andy Dalton. It’s also a possibility the Saints could call the Browns about Mr. Baker Mayfield.

    Thanks for breaking the huddle down with us today. We’re back tomorrow with more news you need to know.

    ICYMI: Saturday – May 28, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 27, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 27, 2022

    Welcome to the Friday edition of your favorite source for NFL news, The Morning After Huddle. The Lamar Jackson mystery continues and if the Ravens were a meme right now, they would be the one where the dog is sitting in a house on fire saying ”this is fine.”

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Lamar Jackson’s long-term status with the Ravens remains a mystery. He won’t engage the team on a contract, even though they are ready to give him a major new deal. He insists that he doesn’t want to leave, but he’s not acting like he wants to stay. Yesterday, the team signed former Colts backup QB Brett Hundley as Jackson has been notably absent from OTA’s.
    • The “Forgotten Four” of Marion Motley, Woody Strode, Kenny Washington and Bill Willis, a quartet of Black football players broke down the race barrier in professional football, have been selected to share the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Ralph Hay Pioneer Award during enshrinement week.
    • Key Signings Roundup: The Falcons signed former Titans RB Jeremy McNichols. The fourth-year veteran’s a player who coach Arthur Smith knows well from their time working together in Tennessee.

    That’s it for today’s huddle! As always, grab your coffee and join us for your weekend edition of The Huddle tomorrow.

    ICYMI: Thursday – May 26, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 25, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 25, 2022

    Just like an ex-lover who pops up when you’re finally happy and have forgotten about them: baby, I’m back! Thank you to my partner-in-print, Dalbin, for holding down The Huddle yesterday despite some major Colts shade (*stares intensely*). Welcome to another edition of your favorite source for NFL news, The Morning After Huddle.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • The NFL Scouting Combine is staying in Naptown for 2023 and 2024. As if there was any other decision, Indianapolis will continue to host the event. Commissioner Goodell said Tuesday that the decision to keep the combine in Indy was a nod to how well the city has handled hosting.
    • What’s done in the dark in St. Louis will come to light in Los Angeles. The L.A. Times reports that the league has quietly tapped all 32 teams to help pay a $790 million lawsuit, that was settled last year, regarding the city of St Louis crying foul over the Rams move. The NFL has already taken $7.5 million from each team.
    • Your Key Signings Roundup is back: Kyle Fuller has landed in his home town of Baltimore on a 1-year $9.5 million deal. To the shock of no one, the 49ers have confirmed Jimmy Garoppolo will likely be traded, but his shoulder surgery complicates things. There’s also this tiny thing, called a $25 million+ cap hit, that presents a snag.

    That’s it for today’s Huddle. Come back tomorrow to break down the top news you should know!

    ICYMI: Tuesday – May 24, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 20, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 20, 2022

    Welcome to your Friday edition of The Morning After Huddle where we report on all things football. In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Go, Chargers! Go!”. The Bolts will officially have a new home in 2024.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • The Los Angeles Chargers broke ground on a 14 acre site Wednesday, with completion due in July 2024. Owner Dean Spanos says the move has been 5 years in the making and they look forward to being “home.” The headquarters will be less than 3 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.
    • The NFL has announced its inaugural Coach and Front Office Accelerator will be held on May 23-24 at the Spring League Meeting . Senior women and minority prospects will have the opportunity to sit in on leadership development sessions. Commissioner Roger Goodell says, “…this program is the latest in a series of steps designed to improve our hiring practices and create opportunities for advancement.”
    • Finally, your Key Signings RoundUp looks a little bit different today: Greg Olsen has signed a deal to join Kevin Burkhardt to call Super Bowl LVII. Olsen and Burkhardt worked together last season and are set to be Fox’s No. 1 team. Ravens Punter Sam Koch has signed on to hang his cleats up for good. The Ravens announced Koch’s retirement today after 16 seasons.

    Thanks for breaking down the huddle with us today. Catch us this weekend, with your morning coffee, for more news you need to know!

    ICYMI: Thursday – May 19, 2022 Edition

  • Western Conference Finals Preview

    Western Conference Finals Preview

    The Golden State Warriors, not too long ago, were thought to be done as a contender. Over the last few seasons they’ve dealt with injuries, roster turnover, and age. Now they’re back with their championship core, some new additions, and an attitude to get back to the NBA Finals. It might be Steph Curry’s league once more.

    The Dallas Mavericks have a singular talent, the likes of which we may have never seen. A generational player in Luka Doncic, who’s combined his talents with smart coaching and a versatile roster. That combination led to one of the most shocking results in NBA history as they dismantled Phoenix.

    It’s the old guard in Curry, and the new one in Luka. This matchup is fascinating for so many reasons. Let’s take a look.

    Tale Of The Tape: In the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Mavericks have had to adjust on the fly. First, Doncic missed some time against Utah, which led to Jalen Brunson and Spencer Dinwiddie stepping up. After they got through that series they were dominated by Phoenix in the first two games. Once Jason Kidd challenged Luka and co. to participate, the Mavs shocked the world and won a Game 7 on the road.

    The Warriors are coming off of a physical series against Memphis after dispatching Denver in the 1st round. In the 2nd round, it felt like the Warriors just had an experience advantage against the Grizzlies. Despite some uneven performances they now have home court in this round. 

    Key Matchup: Luka vs Everyone

    Luka Doncic has shown that, at least for now, there isn’t a coverage that he can’t figure out. He will hunt a matchup and pick on it. Whether it’s getting a switch to get a big on him or getting a smaller guy, he is on another level. The Warriors will probably start with Andrew Wiggins on Luka. Then the game of chess begins. Dallas will want to get Steph Curry or Jordan Poole in actions for Luka to get the one on one. After that, it’s pick your poison. You either send your help to Luka and allow him to find a three point shooter or he goes one on one. Right now there is no easy answer. Here’s an example of how he can burn you in different ways.

    Here you see the Warriors defense in scramble mode as Luka gets the ball movement going. This is where the Mavs are at their best.

    Kevon Looney is one of the smarter switch bigs in the league, and here Luka just picks on him and gets to the basket for an and one.

    Luka asks Looney for another dance, and this time backs him down, and gets to a mini fadeaway.

    The Warriors can counteract this on the other end by making Luka work on defense. Andrew Wiggins could be an important player this series if Dallas isn’t going to send help. Expect the Warriors to target Luka just like Phoenix did. The only difference is the Warriors have more shooting to expose them.

    The Mavericks should also expect Draymond Green helping on timed double teams, and where Green is deployed should be interesting. Green will have less of a 1 on 1 responsibility and should be able to roam in this series. He could definitely disrupt Dallas’ offense if they’re not on their game.

    The Prediction: Golden State will miss Gary Payton II in this series. His defense and intangibles are very valuable, especially in trying to disrupt this Mavericks offense. There will be games in this series that the Warriors will win just by outshooting the Mavs. Steph, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole will find success.

    The issue when the rubber meets the road is Luka Doncic. He is playing at a Hall Of Fame level. The decision making is sublime; the ability to dissect a defense is truly incredible. Add in Jason Kidd’s coaching and being adept at making adjustments. Also add in the Mavs role players figuring things out to a point where they dominated the best team in the sport. Going with the best player in the series here, Mavericks in 6.

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 18, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 18, 2022

    Welcome to another edition of The Morning After Huddle where we report on the “X’s”, the “O’s” and everything in between. The Cleveland Browns offseason has been filled more twists and turns than your favorite show’s season finale and it’s about to get more intense.

    Here is what you need to know:

    • Ed Werder reports the first direct meetings between the NFL’s investigative team and Browns QB DeShaun Watson began yesterday. The league will determine if he violated its Personal Conduct Policy and whether discipline could be handed down. The Browns, aware of this situation, configured Watson’s contract to be backloaded, with Watson only making just north of a $1M salary for 2022. (More details here)
    • According to Beyoncé, girls run the world and in the world of sports betting, women are definitely making some noise. According to Global Wireless Solutions, more than 4.6 million women joined sports betting apps in 2021. Diving deeper, a staggering 1.7M women joined FanDuel and an additional 900,00 women joined DraftKings.
    • Rounding out today’s news is your Key Signings Roundup: Former Bears RB Tarik Cohen has been attempting to make a comeback since 2020. Unfortunately, during his workouts yesterday, he suffered what appears to be a serious injury. (we will not share the video) Hours later, the injury was confirmed to be a torn achilles. We wish Tarik a speedy recovery!

    Thanks for jumping into the huddle with us today! Catch us tomorrow as we break down more news.

    ICYMI: Tuesday – May 17, 2022 Edition

  • 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Edition

    2022 NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Edition

    With the end of the 21-22 season around the corner and the NBA Draft Lottery scheduled to take place on Tuesday May 17, let’s breakdown who we view as the top 14 prospects.

    Draft Philosophy

    Is the most talented player in an NBA draft also the most important player, or even the best player to take with the top pick in the draft? The goal should always be to build a Championship roster. With that in mind, should we over value the flashy 6’1 Guard who may be projected to score 25 points per game even if history dictates that teams led by small guards rarely win championships? (Detroit’s Isiah Thomas being the rare example). Data tells us that size, length, and versatility results in winning basketball. For this mock the players are broken out into tiers with their projected outcome.

    Tier 1: Top 2 Players on a Championship level team

    Tier 2: All Star Potential

    Tier 3: High End Starter

    Tier 4 Starter

    Tier 5: Rotation

    Tier 6: Low Floor Wing Bets

    Tier 7: Low Floor Second Round Bets

    Tier 1

    1. Chet Holmgren: Height – 7’0 Weight – 195 lbs

    If selected with the first overall pick, Chet will go down as having one of the lowest floors for a number one pick. A scary proposition for any GM willing to take him but his high-end outcome is way too tantalizing to overlook. Chet projects as an elite shot blocker with the lateral quickness to stick with guards even after being beat off the dribble. Offensively, he possesses guard skills that allows him to lead on fast breaks and beat opposing bigs off the dribble. His three-point shooting is coming along and he has good touch around the rim. If Chet hits his end outcome, he’s a Franchise altering player that can define a team’s defensive culture (ala Rudy Gobert) but also be utilized on the offensive end to great impact. The problem is his weight. At 195 lbs, he’ll be one of the skinniest players in the league. With the highest ceiling in the draft, I still believe it’s worth taking him top overall.

    2. Jabari Smith Jr: Height – 6’10 Weight – 210 lbs

    Smith is one of the best hustlers on defense in draft while also possessing arguably the best jumper. At 6’10, Smith offers teams a shot making big that can space the floor. His lack of ball handling skill limits his ability to create his own shot and forces him to only play the 5/4 on offense.

    Tier 2

    3. Paolo Banchero: Height – 6’10 Weight – 250 lbs

    With various interior moves and the quickness to beat opposing bigs off the bounce, I expect Banchero to make an immediate impact to the team that drafts him. An underrated skill is his ability to play make off the dribble. With NBA spacing and if his shot continues to develop, I can see a scenario in which Banchero’s playmaking will be his elite skill.

    4. Shaedon Sharpe: Height – 6’6 Weight – 175 lbs

    An above the rim wing who thrives on fast-paced teams. His elite handles allow him to be shifty and his ability to shoot the ball makes him a threat anywhere on the court. Sharpe is a gamble as he hasn’t played any college basketball this season but is a gamble worth taking as high-end versatile wing players are hard to come by in the NBA.

    5. Jaden Ivy: Height – 6’4 Weight- 195 lbs

    A dynamic isolation player with a monster first step that allow him to get the rim with ease. Ivy is one of the best athletes in the draft and will definitely turn heads with his monstrous dunks in the league but it remains to be seen how his lack of playmaking ability and defensive struggles will impact him in the NBA.

    Tier 3

    6. Keegan Murray: Height – 6’8 Weight – 215 lbs

    With the best feel for the game in the draft, Keegan is going to a good player and I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up better than player’s selected above him. With such a high floor and low ceiling it makes sense to have him at the top of tier 3. Expect him to play point forward with responsibility on him to make smart reads to give his team the best chance to win.

    7. Jeremy Sochan: Height – 6’9 Weight – 230 lbs

    A versatile wing player who is able to guard all five positions. An offensively limited player but is worth a high lottery pick due to his willingness to make hustle plays, playmaking skills, and his overall basketball intelligence. His NBA outcome all depends on if he’s able to develop a reliable jump shot.

    8. AJ Griffin: Height 6’6 Weight – 222 lbs

    A gifted wing scorer who can light it up from 3. Also possess the ball handling skill to create his own shot. He’s tough but not a great defensive player to project as a 3 and D wing.

    9. Jalen Duren: Height 6’10 Weight – 230 lbs

    An athletic and explosive shot blocker who already has the NBA frame to oppose other NBA bigs. Projects as a decent finisher at the rim and a good pick and roll partner. Will need to work on reading pick and roll defense in order to be an elite defensive presence.

    Tier 4

    10. Dyson Daniels: Height – 6’6 Weight – 199 lbs

    A gifted playmaker and defender, that utilizes his strong feel for the game to facilitate and to control the tempo of a basketball game. The lack of shot making upside limits his ceiling. Dyson can become a reliable starting point guard if he continues to improve his 3 point shot.

    11. Bennedict Mathurin: Height – 6’6 Weight – 210 lbs

    An elite spot up three point shooter who also possesses the athleticism to be an above the rim finisher on fast break plays. Will need to improve his defensive consistency to project as a 3 and D wing.

    12. Blake Wesley: Height – 6’5 Weight – 181 lbs

    One of the best handles in the draft, Wesley is able to break down the defense with ease. This is an upside pick that projects Blake adding better passing reads and a more consistent three point shot to his repertoire.

    13. Johnny Davis: Height – 6’5 Weight – 194 lbs

    A shifty, playmaking guard who thrives off of making mid-range plays. Davis is most comfortable in the mid-range which also happens to be the most inefficient shot in the game.

    14. TyTy Washington: Height – 6’3 Weight – 197 lbs

    A guard with a great feel for the game and a knack of getting his teammates in great position to make plays. TyTy had an injury riddled season but I believe in his shooting ability to translate to the NBA.