This is For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here. Have feedback? Leave your questions, comments and concerns through this brief reader survey! Now, here’s Mike Sykes.
Look, I’m not one to typically go with the whole “Team of Destiny” thing. To me, it’s kind of corny.
It takes away from the actual work that these athletes put in. It’s not just “destiny” that got these teams where they are, after all. It’s also the hard work, dedication and time they put in to get this good.
But, man. I don’t know how else to describe the Rangers right now. I’m not here to tell you that Texas is unbeatable. But I am here to tell you that the Rangers haven’t lost a single playoff game yet this postseason.
The team that has had six consecutive losing seasons just can’t seem to be beaten in the playoffs. Texas took out the 99-win Tampa Bay Rays. The Rangers absolutely dismantled the 101-win Baltimore Orioles. Now, Texas has a 2-0 lead against the Houston Astros, who’ve made a 7th straight ALCS after winning Monday night’s game 5-4 on the road.
Again, this is a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2016. It’s had consecutive losing records for six straight seasons. Texas was mostly bad, too. The Rangers haven’t won more than 78 games since 2019.
The team’s run differential through seven games is +23 which is tied with the Phillies in the NL for the sixth highest in MLB postseason history, per MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.
It’s not just the dominance that has been cool to watch, though. There’ve also been special player moments — particularly for one José Leclerc, who was essentially out for two seasons battling injury in 2020 and 2021
Now? He’s closed all seven of the Rangers’ games this postseason, which is a new MLB record according to ESPN. That’s so impressive.
This whole run is giving me 2014 Kansas City Royals vibes. Another team that really didn’t quite feel like it was supposed to be as dominant as it was, but went undefeated in the playoffs until it ran into the Giants in the World Series.
Of course, Kansas City ended up losing. And the Rangers will hope for a different result should they make it out of the ALCS.
I have no idea when or how this run ends for the Rangers. Regardless, though, we’ll never forget it. This is what playoff baseball is all about.
Is Justin Herbert OK?
Justin Herbert is easily one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and he’s also been one of the best this year. Usually.
But over the last couple of weeks, he’s just been … off? There’s something that just doesn’t seem to be clicking with him. For two weeks straight against the Raiders and, now, the Cowboys on Monday night, Herbert has had a sub-60 percent completion percentage for two straight games.
He’s normally one of the league’s most accurate passers — even on the incredible deep balls he throws. But, lately, he’s been missing layups like this one.
Justin Herbert’s accuracy has been disgustingly bad 🤮🤮🤮pic.twitter.com/dhQZHUlONt
— Jai (@Jai_305_) October 17, 2023
Not to mention this confounding interception he tossed with the game on the line against Dallas on Monday night.
Don’t get it twisted — none of this means we should lose confidence in Herbert at this point. But, man. Something just feels … off. Maybe that fractured finger is hurting Herbert a little more than the Chargers are letting on? Who knows.
Hopefully, the Chargers can figure it out before their season unravels.
Ban NBA referees
That’s the only solution I can come up with to solve the problem of offensive fouls absolutely ruining incredible dunks. And I need it to happen because I’m tired of this.
Cam Whitmore easily had one of the best dunks we’re going to see all season long with this poster on Doug McDermott. Didn’t matter, though. It didn’t count. Because the official wanted to be the worst and call an offensive foul.
LOOK AT THIS THING.
CAM WHITMORE 💥
He couldn't believe this didn't count 😅 pic.twitter.com/hqXoI3u4sM
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 17, 2023
HOW DOES THAT NOT COUNT? HE IS FLYING OVER THIS MAN.
Get the ref out of here, man. That dunk should be worth 10 points alone. Good stuff, Cam Whitmore. Thank you for being you.
Quick hits: This Chargers fan is now a legend … The Chicago Bears’ bad good luck … and more
— This Charger fan’s amazing reaction to a late touchdown on Monday night became an instant meme. Mary Clarke has more.
— If the NFL season ended today the Bears would have the top two picks of the draft. How about that, Bears fans? Charles Curtis has more.
— Christian D’Andrea has you covered with his weekly QB hot seat rankings. Mac Jones, it might be over for you, big dog.
— Meghan Hall addresses a huge problem with the Phoenix Mercury’s new head coaching hire who came from straight off an NBA bench to the highest-paid gig in the WNBA. This is a must read.
— Prince Grimes is moving steadily on the NBA content with betting season previews for the Northwest Division and the Atlantic Division. Don’t miss ’em.
— Robert Zeglinski explains why the Detroit Lions are legitimate Super Bowl contenders and I, or one, am with him.
That’s all, folks. Happy Tuesday! Thanks so much for reading today. I hope you enjoyed it! Let’s do this all again tomorrow.
Peace.
-Sykes
