The Longest Week of the Year

[*SHRacerX*]

(09-05-2021, 01:56 PM)Wes Mantooth Wrote: I'm not really sure what the point of this thread is exactly.  I just thought I'd start one where quite a few of us could agree on something, and we could gripe about how much the waiting game stinks.

This week, the week leading up the start of the season, is BRUTAL for me.  If I could hibernate for 7 days I would.  The offseason in general can be a chore.  There's the lead-up to free agency, the lead-up to the draft, and all sorts of waiting.  But none of them compare to this one IMHO.

We've now been teased with so much.  We have the previously mentioned free agency and the draft, we've had the preseason, and now we've got college football underway.  We're so close to kickoff.  And now we're going to get a week that is chalk full of coverage, filled with matchup breakdowns, injury reports, spreads, and fantasy lineups.

There's a few comparisons that I think I can make to this week, and how much I want to speed through it.  One is the week before Christmas when you're a kid.  All you can think about is opening your presents, and each day leading up to it seems longer than the last.  Another is the last week of school before break.  You're so close to being done you can almost taste it.  You spend a lot of the day just watching the clock.  And there's another waiting game that can be a ridiculous tease but I'm not sure it's appropriate for the board.

Anyways, I kinda just wanted to ***** and moan about something.  This week takes forever.  And if anyone has any ideas on ways we can pass the time this week, other than having the same conversations for the millionth time, then I'm all ears.  Maybe we could start a hangman or tic-tac-toe going on this thread.  Anyone heard any good jokes?

T minus 168 hours...

This offseason has been relatively fantastic.  Only a couple key injuries, some new acquisitions, an exciting draft....but for me this week is also hell.  I can't stop thinking about how so much seemingly hinges on this one game.  If they can JUST get off to a quick start, and build some confidence.  

I want this win more than any non-steeler game I can think of (outside the playoffs) in the last 20 years.  I think with confidence, this young team can really get on a roll.  If they lose, I fear it snowball in to the demise of these coaches and we are starting all over again from that point and having to clear a roster for "his guys".  That is the last thing I want. 

I look at the entire team and how much better prepared they are for life in the AFC North.  The Vikes pose an interesting challenge because they have had a pretty solid offense, but a suspect defense.  That is kind of like matching their strength to our weakness and vice-versa.  Our defense is just so unproven, and I have no idea what to expect out of Apple at starting outside CB.  That being said, I believe the defense is that improved and will be really good against the Vikes.  The offense might start slow, but I think they have too much firepower for the Vikes.  Should be a good game, but damn....I am so wanting a win it makes my stomach flip flop just thinking about kickoff.