Teams That Must Apologize For Passing On Tom Brady Last Offseason

The year is 2041, and 63-year-old Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders just defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in the AFC Championship game. This marks Brady’s 50th playoff win and 15th Super Bowl appearance.

The more things change, the more things stay the same as Brady will once again play in the Super Bowl after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship 31-26. Brady finished the game 20/36 for 286 yards for 3 TDs and 3 INTs. Brady almost handed the Packers the game with three INTs in the second half, but the 43-year-old weathered the storm and helped a Tampa franchise reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2002.

The Bucs do not reach the Super Bowl without Brady. That is a fact. If Jameis Winston or any other free-agent quarterback signed with the Bucs this past offseason, they would struggle to make the playoffs. Brady changed the culture on day 1.

It’s also fair to say that Brady played for a team with elite receivers and stacked front-7, something that wasn’t present towards the end of his tenure in New England. Brady needed the Bucs just as much the Bucs needed Brady. It was a perfect relationship that could end with a Super Bowl victory.

Brady’s success brings me back to last offseason when eight teams were supposedly interested in the free agent’s services. However, only two teams made real offers, the Bucs and Chargers.

Hindsight is 20/20, but due to his success, many of those interested teams look silly for not courting Brady’s services. Maybe those teams listened to Max Kellerman, who in 2016, proclaimed that Brady would “fall off a cliff.” Meanwhile, Brady threw for 40 TDs this past season and will play in his third Super Bowl since that comment.

It’s fair to say Brady wasn’t going to settle for just any team. If it wasn’t the perfect situation, he wasn’t going to sign. However, think about how many teams would have been better off signing Brady last offseason. Why weren’t teams with quarterback issues lining up to talk with the six-time Super Bowl winner? For some teams, it’s time to apologize.

Teams That Must Apologize For Passing On Tom Brady Last Offseason

New England Patriots – Uh, ya think? The Patriots let Brady walk without a true succession plan. Cam Newton was good for two games and Jared Stidham looked awful. It’s back to the drawing board for Bill Belichick.

Indianapolis Colts – Imagine sitting down at a meeting with your front office and saying, “We’re choosing Philip Rivers over Tom Brady.” Try saying that with a straight face. Although Deflategate could have complicated matters, the Colts still had the right infrastructure for Brady to succeed. The fact the Colts looked at Brady and passed on him in favor of Rivers is a punhsiable offense.

Las Vegas Raiders – Would you rather have Brady or a platoon of Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota? The Raiders missed the playoffs, but they did beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead. Some could make the argument that’s bigger than a Super Bowl win.

Tennessee Titans – Ryan Tannehill proved his critics wrong with a stellar year at quarterback. Tannehill led the Titans to an NFC South Title and home playoff game. However, the Titans’ offense was nowhere to be found in their 20-13 loss to the Ravens in the Wild Card Round. Tannehill finished 18/26 for 165 yards, 1 TD and 1 costly INT. With AJ Brown, Corey Davis, Derrick Henry, I’d put money on Brady beating the Ravens with that roster.

Chicago Bears – I have an unhealthy obsession with Mitchell Trubisky. I really like the kid and think he can find success in the right system, but the Bears should have moved on from Trubisky in favor of a run at Brady. Instead, they chose to trade for Nick Foles, who threw for 10 TDs and 8 INTs. Poor Chicago fans.

San Francisco 49ers – At least the 49ers considered this option. Instead, they chose the other former Patriots’ QB, Jimmy Garoppolo, who most likely won’t be on the roster in 2021-2022.

Denver Broncos – Drew Lock?

Once again, Brady was not going to sign some of these teams. The fact remains that more teams should have made serious offers to Brady. In the end, Brady came out on top while everyone else goes back to the drawing board. It’s a tale as old as time.

Which teams should have signed Tom Brady last offseason? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

2021 Oscars Discussion, Vol. 5: The Party Crashers

Malcolm and Marie / Netflix

It’s 2021, which means the eligibility window for the 2021 Oscars closes in less than two months. Both Apple TV+ and Netflix are making late additions to their Oscars’ slate with Cherry and Malcolm & Marie.

Cherry And Malcolm & Marie Look To Crash The Party

Here come the streaming services. Just when the Oscar races were starting to form contenders, Apple and Netflix hit the film community with a “not so fast my friend.” Apple and Netflix are banking on star power to win over voters with Cherry and Malcolm & Marie.

Cherry stars Tom Holland as the titular character, a US soldier suffering from PTSD. To pay for his opioid addiction, Cherry starts to rob banks. Directed by The Russo Brothers, Cherry is based on the acclaimed semi-autobiographical novel from author Nico Walker.

Both Holland and The Russo Brothers are set to prove they can play outside of the Marvel sandbox. Spider-Man made Holland a superstar, but this young talent doesn’t need spandex to prove he can light up the screen. Holland’s track record outside of Marvel speaks for itself with good performances in The Impossible and The Lost City of Z. With a difficult subject matter and long runtime (150 minutes), it’s going to be hard for Cherry to break into the Oscar field. However, Holland will get some votes for Best Actor so a nomination could be in his future within the next five years.

Cherry will premiere in theaters on Feb. 26 before streaming on Apple TV+ on Mar. 12.

While Cherry could struggle to gain traction with voters, it’s quite the opposite with Malcolm & Marie. I don’t see a world where Malcolm & Marie receive zero nominations for the 2021 Oscars. Directed and written by Sam Levinson (Euphoria), John David Washington and Zendaya star as Malcolm, a filmmaker, and Marie, his girlfriend. After a successful movie premiere, the couple returns home and begins to question their relationship as Malcolm’s celebrity status will soon rise.

What do the Oscars love? Stars and films about Hollywood. Malcolm & Marie checks both boxes. John David Washington and Zendaya are both charismatic, attractive, and well-liked actors. Both are coming off star-making performances in Tenet and Euphoria, respectively. Levinson, son of Oscar-winner Barry Levinson, is starting to hit his stride as a writer/director. Malcolm & Marie will compete for nominations in Best Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Orginal Screenplay, Best Production Design, and perhaps Best Picture.

With that being said, if you had to cash your chips in on one category, go all-in on a Best Actress nomination for Zendaya. The gifted actress has all the momentum in the world after her Emmy win for Euphoria. An Oscar nomination would catapult her to elite status.

Malcolm & Marie premieres Feb 5 on Netflix.

Other News And Notes

– Judas and the Black Messiah looks fantastic. Lakeith Stanfield is one of the most eclectic actors in Hollywood. Does anyone have better taste than Daniel Kaluuya? Since 2015, Kaluuya has done Sicaro, Get Out, Black Panther, Widows, and Queen & Slim. The man doesn’t miss and he’s inserted himself right into the Best Supporting Actor race.

– I finally saw Tenet. It ruled!

Previous Discussions:

Can Cherry and Malcolm & Marie crash the Oscar party? Leave your thoughts in the comments or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

This Is Us Season 5 Episode 5 Recap: Kate Reveals All

This Is Us / Credit: NBC

Between the election and winter hiatus, This Is Us has experienced more breaks than a long-distance relationship between freshmen at college. Thankfully, the show should be rattling off a large chunk of episodes in succession so let’s get cooking.

This Is Us Season 5 Episode 5 Recap: “A Long Road Home”

THIS IS US — “A Long Road Home” Episode 505 — Pictured in this screen grab: Sterling K. Brown as Randall — (Photo by: NBC)

Kate’s Pregnancy, Abortion, And Trip To San Diego

In the last episode, teenage Kate held a positive pregnancy test in her hand. This Is Us spent little time beating around the bush as the first scene confirmed Kate’s pregnancy. She also revealed that she had an abortion and Marc, her abusive ex-boyfriend, was the father. After confessing to Toby, Kate drove to San Diego to confront adult Marc, who was still the same asshole from the past. Kate took back control of her life, forgave herself, and gave her pain back to the source, Marc.

Good for Kate. Marc traumatized her for years so it was inspiring to see her win back her confidence and strength. The abortion scene was both harrowing and practical so I respect the care the writers put into that scene.

Having said that, the meeting with adult Marc was a bit of a letdown. I understand why the scene happened, but it felt too good to be true. I’m a firm believer in separating television from real life, but Kate tracking down Marc seemed way too easy and unrealistic. Marc then conveniently lived in the same state as her less than two hours away. I wasn’t offended by the scene whatsoever. However, for a show that has tackled present-day issues such as COVID-19 with accuracy and attention to detail, this chance encounter seemed far-fetched.

Kevin The Father Or Kevin The Actor?

NBC This Is Us
This Is Us / NBC Universal

Currently, my favorite member of the Big Three is Kevin. His evolution from the funny, half-wit brother to a complicated, compassionate adult has been a highlight for the show. In the episode, Kevin receives a notice that his film will be shooting in Vancouver and must leave for a few weeks. Madison allows Kevin to go but reveals her concerns over his commitment to their relationship. Without specifically stating the circumstances, Madison gives Kevin an ultimate, his career or fatherhood?

Since when could actors not become fathers? Kevin needs to prove he can be a good dad, but doesn’t this argument seem a bit premature? Madison has every right to question Kevin’s intentions, but can we give the man a chance before an ultimatum? The twins haven’t even been born yet! I’m going to cut Kevin some slack. Let him go make some money for the family in Vancouver and come back before the birth of the twins.

Towards the end of the episode, Kevin surprisingly called Randall for advice about Madison. Kevin expressed his regret for the horrible insults he directed towards Randall months prior. It wasn’t an official apology, but it was a step in the right direction. Randall ends the call early, leaving Kevin to ponder if Randall still hates him. I originally predicted that Kevin and Randall would bury the hatchet once Kevin’s twins arrive so I’m sticking with that prediction.

Randall Learns About His Mother

Since next week’s episode will be entirely dedicated to Randall and Laurel, I’ll try to keep this brief. Because of Randall’s viral video, Hai, the Vietnamese grandfather showcased in earlier episodes, reached out to Randall and stated he knew his birth mother, Laurel. He also stated Laurel died in 2015 from breast cancer. After deliberating on what to do, Randall called Hai and learned his mother spent time with Hai in New Orleans. More importantly, Hai said William probably did not know she survived the overdose so what William told Randall wasn’t a lie; it’s what he believed.

Can Randall catch an emotional break? Every episode, he gets metaphorically punched in the stomach multiple times. Credit to the terrific Sterling K. Brown for his ability to cry on demand. He cries every episode! Randall reminds me of Elisabeth Moss, who stars in The Handmaid’s Tale and The Invisible Man. These difficult and emotional roles take a toll on a person’s well-being so I pray Elisabeth Moss mixes in a rom-com every so often. Likewise, can Randall just have an episode where he has a great day? Maybe he goes for a run, spends time with the family, and makes a few dad jokes. I’m hoping it all turns out ok for Randall.

Next week, we’re off to New Orleans to learn about Laurel. Bring your tissues!

Did you enjoy last night’s episode? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

The Best TV And Movie Performances Of 2020

Palm Springs

Who’s ready for a top 10 movie list for 2020? Unfortunately, I don’t have one. I haven’t been to the theater since February, which makes me depressed. Thankfully, television was fantastic. I did enjoy quite a few movies on demand and via streaming with many standout performances. Let’s stay positive, shall we? Here are the best TV and movie performances of 2020.

Anya Taylor-Joy in The Queen’s Gambit

Who knew chess could be so interesting and intriguing? The Queen’s Gambit could be the sleeper hit of the year, and most of the show’s success can be attributed to the fantastic lead, Anya Taylor-Joy. Between her exquisite fashion choices and brutal honesty, Taylor-Joy captivated my attention from start to finish. I couldn’t look away for fear of missing Beth and her magnetic stare.

Elisabeth Moss in The Invisible Man

The Invisible Man

Remember movie theaters? I miss them dearly. The last movie I saw in a theater was The Invisible Man so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Horror movies are always better in theaters, and The Invisible Man continues that trend as my theater was on the edge of their seats throughout the entire film. The Invisible Man is a good movie anchored by a great performance by Elisabeth Moss. At this point, I hope Elisabeth does a rom-com soon because she deserves a hug and a kiss instead of a traumatizing experience, one after the other.

Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones in Normal People

Normal People Hulu
Normal People / Hulu

The “Chemistry of the Year” award goes to Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones for their work in Normal People. I’ve screamed my praise for Normal People from the highest mountains on Twitter. It’s one of the most moving depictions of young love you’ll ever see. Mescal and Edgar-Jones were spectacular as the show’s leads. Buy stock in these two young performers now before they skyrocket.

Malachi Kirby and Shaun Parkes in Mangrove from Small Axe

Mangrove / Amazon Studios

Is it a movie? Is it a television show? Don’t worry about the confusion surrounding Small Axe, Steve McQueen’s film anthology series on Amazon Prime Video. Instead, focus on the source material within the five movies of Small Axe and appreciate McQueen’s sheer brilliance as a director and storyteller. Small Axe focuses on West Indian immigrants in London during the 1960s and 1970s. The best film in the series is Mangrove, which tells the story of the Mangrove restaurant and the subsequent trial against nine Black activists who were charged with inciting a riot in response to the unfair treatment from the police to the Mangrove restaurant. Not only is Mangrove one of the best films of the year, but it’s one of the strongest depictions of institutional racism in films of the 21st century. Both Malachi Kirby and Shaun Parkes, who play two members of the Mangrove Nine, bring emotion to a new level with their passionate speeches during the trial. Mangrove is a must-watch film in 2020.

Rhea Seehorn in Better Call Saul

Rhea Seehorn is perfect. Better Call Saul is about Saul Goodman, but all I care about is Kim Wexler and what happens to her before the show ends. Kim may be the second lead of the show, but she’s the most important character. Not only does Seehorn go toe-to-toe with Bob Odenkirk, but she ends up stealing the spotlight in Season 5. Take a bow, Rhea.

Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti in Palm Springs

Palm Springs / Hulu

In a year of few laughs, the film where I had the most fun was Palm Springs. The film stars Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti as two guests at a wedding that become stuck in a time loop and relieve the same day over and over again. Palm Springs tackles depressing topics like hopelessness and infidelity with a comedic, rom-com approach. The result is a charming movie with two standout performances from Samberg and Milioti.

Other Favorite Performances

  • Lil Dicky in Dave
  • Jonathan Banks in Better Call Saul
  • Delroy Lindo and Chadwick Boseman in Da 5 Bloods
  • Bill Burr in The King of Staten Island
  • Riz Ahmed and Paul Raci in Sound of Metal
  • Grogu in The Mandalorian

What were your favorite performances of the year? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @danny_giro.

2021 Oscars Discussion, Vol. 4: Nomadland Eyes Best Picture

Nomadland Oscars

Stop me if you’ve heard this story before, but Frances McDormand stars in a film that will garner many Oscar nominations. The aforementioned film is Nomadland.

Nomadland To Open In February 2021, Eligible For 2021 Oscars

Mark your calendars down. Nomadland has been rescheduled to open in theaters on Feb. 19, 2021. The film’s original release date was Dec. 2020, but Disney moved it to after the start of the new year due to the pandemic. More importantly, Nomadland will be eligible for the 2021 Oscars as the eligibility window ends Feb. 28, 2021.

Nomadland stars McDormand as Fern, a woman in her sixties who decides to pack up her things and live as a modern-day nomad after the Great Recession. The film features real nomads Linda May, Bob Wells, and Charlene Swankie as well as David Strathairn. Nomadland is directed by Chloé Zhao, who is best known for 2017’s The Rider and the upcoming Marvel movie, The Eternals.

Nomadland will turn its sights towards the 2021 Oscars. On Gold Derby, Nomadland occupies the top spot for Best Picture winner by the majority of experts and critics. Nomadland became the first film to ever won top prizes at both the Venice Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival. McDormand is a lock to pick up a nomination for Best Actress, and Zhao will most certainly become the sixth female to receive a Best Director nomination.

Nomadland may be a small drama, but it’s no underdog.

Riz Ahmed Shines In Sound Of Metal

Over the weekend, I watched Sound of Metal on Amazon Prime. The film stars Riz Ahmed as Ruben Stone, a recovering heroin addict and metal drummer who experiences hearing loss. When his condition worsens, he puts his music career on hold, leaves his girlfriend and bandmate (Olivia Cooke), and checks into a sober house for the deaf. It’s here where Ruben must learn to live with, not fix, his disability.

Ahmed’s been on my radar ever since 2014’s Nightcrawler. He showed his true potential in 2016’s The Night Of, which led to his Emmy win for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Movie. Ahmed’s performance in Sound of Metal is right up there with The Night Of. Ahmed’s passion and struggle are on full display especially during the first two acts, when he struggles to accept his deafness. He’s a believable deaf person and recovering addict and encapsulates the film’s message that being deaf is a culture, not a disability. It’s a powerful performance that will go down as one of the year’s best.

Other News And Notes

– Netflix’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom premieres on Dec. 18. It will be an emotional time since it’s the first film to feature Chadwick Boseman since his tragic death this past summer. Boseman, along with his costar Viola Davis, will both be major contenders in the acting categories.

– I’m finally going to see Tenet since it hits VOD on Dec. 15. In a shitty year, to quote Kevin Malone…

Previous Discussions:

Will Nomadland win Best Picture? Leave your thoughts in the comments or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

Winning A Championship Is The Only Answer To James Harden’s Dilemma

James Harden of the Houston Rockets

Society loves winners. Whether fair or foul, winning a championship can change public and media perception significantly more than individual awards. More importantly, winning a championship erases past failures and completely reshapes a career narrative. For James Harden, winning a title is the answer to all of his problems.

Harden wants out of Houston. The Rockets’ superstar first requested a trade to the Brooklyn Nets. Now, his preferred destinations include Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Miami according to Shams Charania. It’s no coincidence that all four of these teams are at the top of the Eastern Conference. Harden’s ready to team up with a new superstar. “The Beard” wants his ring.

Houston came close to making the Finals in both 2018 and 2019, but it appears that’s as close as they’ll ever get in the Harden era. The championship window closed in the blink of an eye. Mike D’Antoni, Daryl Morey, and Russell Westbrook are all gone. The writing is on the wall for Harden. If he wants to win a championship, he will most likely need to leave Houston to do it.

Superstars forcing themselves out of a situation is not uncommon. From legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to current players like Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard, the tale of the unhappy superstar is as old as time. Most recently, Anthony Davis requested a trade from the New Orleans Pelicans and cited the Los Angeles Lakers as his preferred team. This is one of the rare occurrences where the preferred destination had the best package of players and picks to offer so the Pelicans and Lakers made the deal.

The player empowerment era is a double-edged sword. Players should have more freedom to team up in the NBA. It becomes a problem when superstars ask to be traded with two to 3 years left on huge contracts. While I’m predominantly on the side of players, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to side with Harden.

If Harden wants out, then that’s his decision. However, his actions over the past few weeks are indefensible. While his teammates were preparing for training camp, Harden went on a tour around the country, gifting Lil Baby with expensive gifts in Atlanta and partying in Las Vegas “till the break of dawn, yo.” In a normal year, that’s behavior is acceptable, but when it’s a pandemic and these actions go against league protocols, it’s inexcusable.

Harden is putting first-year coach Stephen Silas in a terrible predicament, where Silas will have to answer questions about Harden wanting out for as long as he’s a member of the Rockets. This relationship can still blossom now that Harden reported to camp, but it’s off to a rocky start.

https://twitter.com/metzsam/status/1336812117857509376?s=20

Harden gets unfairly criticized by certain members of the media who only judge his bad moments instead of respecting his greatness. In my opinion, Harden is one of the most gifted and prolific offensive threats in NBA history. Many will point out a blown defensive assignment from an irrelevant regular season game before ever mentioning that Harden has averaged over 25 points per game ever year since 2012 and including 30 points per game the past three seasons. His playoff shortcomings can be open to criticism, but to not acknowledge Harden as one of the three best guards in the league is a crime.

Despite all of this negative attention, Harden has the secret to changing the narrative and that’s winning. Remember when Jimmy Butler went scorched earth and burned every bridge in Minnesota on his way out the door? That’s all been erased from memory after his unforgettable run in the NBA Bubble with the Miami Heat. Remember when the media destroyed Tiger Woods for his off-the-course endeavors and his lack of a major for over 10 years? That all changed with his win at the Masters in 2019.

To quote Tiger, “Winning takes care of everything.” Despite the negative press around his nightclub tour and tumultuous relationship with the Rockets, if James Harden wins a championship in the foreseeable future, this will all be an afterthought.

What should the Rockets do with James Harden? Leave your comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

MTV’s The Challenge: Double Agents Preview – This Changes Everything

MTV The Challenge Double Agents

The fifth major sport is back on MTV. To quote a nervous cast member after TJ Lavin reveals a twist and diabolically laughs, “This changes everything.” Tonight, The Challenge returns for its 35th season titled Double Agents.

If there’s one silver lining in quarantine, it reassured my love for The Challenge. Back in April, there were no professional sports on television. I was miserable. I noticed The Challenge was returning and decided to give it a shot. I used to be a diehard fan for about 10 years, but took a break for a few seasons because the product began to suffer.

Let me be the first to say I’m glad I watched last season because I’m fully back into this crazy world of reality television. The Challenge is the perfect blend of athleticism, drama, and politics.

Double Agents has been described as a “partners game, but the contestants still can’t trust anyone on this spy thriller-inspired showdown.” I can’t wait for TJ Lavin to drop the first twist. I expect a lot of backstabbing this season. Below is the cast of Double Agents.

The Cast

Initial Thoughts

– It’s weird to not see Johnny Bananas on this list. Going into every season, he’s always the favorite since he holds the record for most season wins with seven. He deserves a break and during a pandemic, who could blame him?

– For the veteran guys, Wes and Darrell will be popular picks to win it all with CT and Leroy in the tier below. However, the overall favorite should be Fessy, who was an absolute beast last season. If Fessy spent quarantine on a treadmill to improve his cardio, I don’t see anyone beating him until the final.

– On the ladies’ side, it’s much harder to pick a favorite. Can you believe that Ashley is the only female to have previously won a season? Ashley’s two wins should make her the frontrunner, but her unpredictability makes it hard to trust her longevity. Lolo Jones is a former Olympian so by default, she will be one of the favorites. The most anticipated debut belongs to Natalie Anderson, a legendary winner on Survivor. If I had to pick one favorite, my vote is for two-time finalist Kam Williams, who dons an impressive 7-2 record in eliminations.

Quick Questions

Who Will Give The Toast?

The unofficial start of The Challenge is the famous “Bananas Toast.” As fans, we all look forward to the party on the first night and in particular, the Bananas Toast. Without Johnny B, the toast won’t be the same, but someone has to do it. The logical selection would be CT or Wes. However, CT rarely drinks on the show and many people hate Wes. I’m calling my shot right now and picking Kyle to make the toast.

Will Josh Cry?

Is the Pope catholic?

Will Cory Talk About His Daughter?

Did you guys know that Cory has a daughter?

Who Will Nany Fight?

Nany is going to fight with someone. It’s only a matter of time before Hurricane Nany goes on a rampage. Last season, she went toe-to-toe with Aneesa and some ramen noodles. Looking at the cast, someone will either try to hit on Kaycee or call Nany a liar. My money is on Ashley.

Who Will I Root For?

Back in the day, I had my squad that I rooted for every week. It included Bananas, CT, Alton, Derrick, Paula, Laurel, and Diem. Last year, Jenny West earned a spot on my team. This year, I’m hurting for favorites. I’m very indifferent to this year’s cast. I enjoy the drama and always root for train wrecks, but can’t say I’m going to root for a lot of new people this year. Gabby Allen is the leader in the clubhouse to join my inner circle. She’s a personal trainer from England who made the finals on Love Island U.K. and Celebrity Big Brother U.K. Say no more because I’m in.

My Picks

The smart picks to win it all are Fessy and Kam. I think Kam is the right pick for females. Kam’s one of the strongest girls and finals’ experience narrowly puts her ahead of Lolo and Natalie.

Fessy is the guy to beat, but I’m going to zig with my selection. The man I’m picking to win is…

Devin.

There will never be another Johnny Bananas, but Devin’s game is as close to Johnny’s strategy as you can get. His political game is elite, which he displayed by taking out multiple vets in Rivals III. His physical game is so-so, but he managed to beat Bananas in an elimination in Vendettas. At times, he’ll bite off more than he can chew, but Devin is sneakily one of the best guys in the house. I’m picking Devin to win in an upset.

Devin and Kam

Enjoy the fifth major sport!

Who do you believe will win it all? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

Here’s What The 2020 NBA Christmas Day Schedule Should Look Like

Giannis and Steph NBA christmas

Christmas Day marks the unofficial start of the NBA season. Although the season typically begins at the end of October, basketball gets swallowed by the NFL in terms of ratings and attention.

Christmas is such a huge day for the NBA because basketball is usually the only major sport played on December 25. (This year, the Saints and Vikings are scheduled to play on Christmas at 4:30 PM ET.) Christmas and the NBA are similar to Thanksgiving and the NFL. Plus, the season will start on December 22 so Christmas might as well be the official start of the season.

All eyes are on the NBA come December 25, which means it’s a chance for the league to schedule high-profile matchups with their top stars. Below is the tentative schedule for Christmas.

Upon first glance, the biggest story is not that the Lakers are playing, but who they’re playing. LeBron’s played on Christmas Day for over the past decade and the league typically chooses a Finals’ rematch or rivalry. This year, LeBron and the Lakers will take on Luka Dončic and the Dallas Mavericks, which is a huge deal. The NBA is saying that Luka is going to be the guy to carry the torch in a few years so let’s put him up against the guy who owns the title of “Best in the World” for the last 15 years. It’s a bold statement and frankly, I tend to agree with their assessment of Luka.

The other games are good for NBA fans, but average for the casual fan. The first game’s goal is to showcase Zion on national television. The Warriors vs. Bucks is intriguing because of Steph Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo, but not Klay Thompson hurts this game. The Nets are going to be a must-see thanks to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The late game is a rematch between the Clippers and the team that came back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat them in the second round, the Denver Nuggets.

All in all, the Christmas schedule is solid. However, it can be better. Specifically, I can make it better. If I was creating the schedule for Christmas, I’d stick to these three criteria:

  • Superstars
  • Rivalries
  • Knicks Must Play

Without further ado, here’s my updated 2020 Christmas Schedule

12:00 PM – Nets vs. Knicks at MSG

The Knicks should play on Christmas Day at Madison Square Garden every year. They can be basketball’s version of the Lions and Cowboys on Thanksgiving. The Knicks have played more Christmas Day games (53) than any other team in the NBA. Pitting the Knicks against the Nets is what’s best for business. Durant and Irving infiltrate Manhattan, which will piss off many Knicks fans like myself since we stupidly believed the duo would team up at MSG. It’s a great matchup for the NBA.

2:30 PM PM – Warriors vs. Bucks

I wouldn’t change this matchup. Curry is the second biggest name in the NBA behind LeBron so it makes sense to put him against Giannis, a guy the NBA hopes becomes an international sensation.

5:00 PM – Sixers vs. Celtics

When the Sixers and Celtics face each other, throw the records out the window. The Celtics have embarrassed the Sixers in two of the last three playoffs. With budding stars like Jayson Tatum, Jalen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Ben Simmons, this game could be a preview of a rivalry that could last the next decade.

8:00 PM – Clippers vs. Lakers

With all due respect to Luka, who I love dearly, the Lakers should play the Clippers. It’s the best rivalry in the NBA because these two teams legitimately hate each other. There so many storylines to dissect. Can little brother ever surpass big brother? The Clippers will be out to prove that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George can coexist after a disastrous ending to their 2020 campaign. The Lakers upgraded significantly and will want to establish dominance in the Western Conference. Montrezl Harrell trading in his black and red jersey for the gold and purple makes this appointment television. The ratings in this game will be the highest of the day. Let the Mavericks play the Lakers on opening night, instead.

10:30 PM – Mavericks vs. Nuggets

Don’t worry, Luka. You can play on Christmas against the Nuggets in the nightcap. The Mavericks and Nuggets are going to be contenders in the West over the course of the next five years. Luka and KP vs. Murray and Joker is a top five duo battle.

Merry Christmas.

What is your ideal Christmas schedule? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

This Is Us Season 5 Preview And Predictions: Births And Rebirths

This Is Us Season 5

After an extended hiatus due to the pandemic, This Is Us finally returns tonight for Season 5 with a special two-hour premiere. Frankly, America needs the Pearson family back in our lives in order to provide a necessary distraction from COVID.

When we last saw the Big Three, Kevin and Randall squared off in a fight that mirrored Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed. Instead of throwing punches, the brothers verbally spared, trading haymaker after haymaker until Kevin dropped the hammer when he said, “Hand to God, Randall, the worst thing that ever happened to me was the day they brought you home.”

Awkward…

Here’s a quick recap of everything else that happened in the Season 4 finale.

  • Madison is pregnant with twins and Kevin is the father.
  • Kate and Toby decide to adopt a daughter, Hailey.
  • Jack’s daughter is named Hope.
  • Both Nicky and Kevin are wearing wedding rings in the flash-forward.
  • Rebecca is going to St. Louis for the clinical trial with Miguel.

In typical This Is Us fashion, the writers left us with multiple cliffhangers in the finale, which will all be addressed at some point this season or the next. So what can we expect in Season 5?

https://youtu.be/xP9pwlzeLBw

-Fallout of fight between Randall and Kevin: This is the biggest storyline of the season. I don’t expect this fight to end overnight. As we’ve seen in the flash-forward, Randall and Kevin will eventually be on good terms. However, what is the moment that will bring them together?

-Rebecca’s Clinical Trials: At the end of Season 4, Rebecca decided to sign up for the clinical trials in St. Louis. Rebecca and Miguel will head to St. Louis during the season, but when will they head home? During the Season 4 midseason finale, Rebecca’s memory significantly deteriorated and needed a police escort back to the cabin for the 40th birthday party, which will air tonight. Did Rebecca leave the trials because they failed or did something happen to Miguel?

-Kate And Toby’s Relationship: At the end of last season, Kate and Toby decide to explore adoption, and we know that they will adopt a girl and name her Hailey. However, what we don’t know is the status of their marriage. Kate and Toby have had problems in the past (Thanks, Lady Kryptonite). Expect problems to occur once again this season, but will it lead to a divorce or something much worse?

-Birth and Rebirths: According to Dan Fogelman, this season is about “births and rebirths.” The obvious birth will be Kevin and Madison’s twins. With that being said, I’m more interested in the rebirth. Does the rebirth represent Kevin and Randall’s relationship? Is it a new love interest for Kevin or Kate? Does it signify Rebecca’s love for Miguel?

-Jack: When in doubt, add Jack into a storyline. We all need a little more Jack Pearson on the show.

With a preview comes predictions. I made these predictions at the end of last season.

  • Kevin will name his daughter after his mother, Rebecca.
  • Miguel will die.
  • The birth of the twins will end the fight between Kevin and Randall.

For now, I’m sticking with those predictions. I’m confident that Miguel, who I love dearly, will die at some point within the next two seasons. In regards to the twins, my confidence meter is 50/50. Now that the premiere has arrived, here are a few more predictions.

Kate Will Die*: I’ve been on this hill since Season 2. There’s no reason to abandon ship just yet. This Is Us is all about the fragility of life and cherishing every moment spent with family. Death ties every storyline together. The deaths of Jack, William, and Kyle (original member of the Big Three who died in childbirth) rocked the Pearson family and became crucial plot points in the story. Kate has not been seen in the flashforward at Kevin’s house. Toby is also not wearing his wedding ring. Are Kate and Toby divorced? Maybe, but for now, I’m leaning towards “’til death do us part.”

*Kate will die if and only if Miguel dies in Season 5. Two deaths in one season are too much to handle. If Miguel dies in Season 5, then Kate could die in Season 6 if that’s truly the final season. If Miguel’s death occurs in the final season, then Kate will live.

-Nicky Pretends To Be Married To Rebecca: This is my outrageous prediction. In the flash forward, Nicky is wearing a wedding ring while sitting next to a dying Rebecca. There’s no chance in hell that Nicky marries Rebecca. However, since Rebecca’s memory is shot, Nicky pretends to be Jack on the surface since most of her memories are gone and she only remembers Jack. Nicky wears the wedding ring and acts like Jack even though he’s serving as Rebecca’s caretaker. It’s an odd prediction, but a spicy take.

-Rebecca Will Die In The Series Finale: Rebecca will die in the bed surrounded by her loved ones in the series finale. Rebecca’s death will complete the circle of life.

Can’t wait to see how many of these predictions come true!

What are your predictions for This Is Us Season 5? Leave your thoughts in the comments below or tweet us, @unafraidshow.

2021 Oscars Discussion, Vol. 2: Chadwick Boseman, Glenn Close Emerge As Early Frontrunners

Chadwick Boseman in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom and Glenn Close in Hillbilly Elegy

It’s early in the race, but two frontrunners have already emerged in Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress for the 2021 Oscars.

Chadwick Boseman And Glenn Close Jump Out To Early Leads

Here is my first of many predictions about the 2021 Oscars.

Both Chadwick Boseman and Glenn Close will win Oscars at the 2021 ceremony.

First, there’s the late Boseman, who tragically passed away this past August after a long battle with colon cancer. The actor was a king, both on and off the screen. Imagine working long and excruciating days on films like Black Panther, The Avenger sequels, and Da 5 Bloods while undergoing chemotherapy and other cancer treatments. How many of us would give up? Frankly, a lot of us would including myself, but not Boseman. He was a special breed and truly a selfless individual. May he rest in power.

For the 2021 Oscars, Boseman was drawing major buzz for Best Supporting Actor in Netflix’s upcoming film, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which premieres on Dec. 18. After his death, the buzz skyrocketed as Boseman went straight to the top of the list in the supporting actor category. That all changed this week when Netflix announced their campaign to run Boseman for lead actor.

The strategist in me said, “Why would Netflix push Boseman in a tough best acting field instead of dominating the supporting category?” It took me less than a minute before the light bulb went off.

Two words: double nominee.

Boseman gave another performance in a Netflix movie that has gained awards buzz. I’m talking about Da 5 Bloods, where he played the undeniable “Stormin'” Norman. With the decision to run Boseman for Best Actor in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, the door has opened for a supporting nomination for Da 5 Bloods.

It’s definitely an ambitious plan from Netflix and at the very least, Boseman will receive a nomination for one of his performances. Those who have seen Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom have raved over Boseman’s final outing.

I agree. Chadwick is going to win an Oscar.

Speaking of Oscar victories, you know who hasn’t won an Oscar yet? Glenn Close. Unfortunately, Close’s relationship with the Oscars can be explained with one phrase, “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.” 7 nominations, 0 wins.

It’s not like Close lost to scrubs every year. Jessica Lange, Jodie Foster, and Meryl Streep are three of the most accomplished actresses ever. However, if I had to switch up one result, it would be 1988 when Close should’ve won for Fatal Attraction. Before Cher and her fans hurt me, I will say that Cher should’ve been nominated and won for Mask.

It’s a shame Close is Oscar-less, but I believe she’s finally going to win gold in the supporting category for Hillbilly Elegy, a film about the American dream and societal problems through the eyes of an Appalachian family. Close will play Mamaw Vance, the grandmother of J.D. Vance, who wrote the memoir that served as the film’s inspiration. The Oscars typically honor films that are based on real-life events and reward actors who make complete physical transformations. Hillbilly Elegy and Close check off both boxes.

Glenn Close and Amy Adams in Hillbilly Elegy / Netflix

It’s ironic that the actress who beat Close in 2019, Olivia Colman, is also her toughest competition in 2021 as Colman will run in the supporting category for her role in The Father. Expect another close (I couldn’t help myself with this pun) race.

I really like both actresses, but I’d venture to say that Colman would be ok with Close winning this time around. I would be happy with this result, too.

Other News And Notes

-From what I’ve seen and read, the Best Picture frontrunner as of October 23 is Nomadland.

–Mank is coming. I don’t see a world where the Academy hates Mank. Nominations in Best Picture, Best Director for David Fincher, Best Actor for Gary Oldman seem inevitable.

-Netflix, Netflix, and more Netflix. This will be the year the streaming service receives the most nominations in their company’s history. Now, the pressure is on to win in the major categories.

-I still haven’t seen Tenet.

Which Chadwick Boseman and Glenn Close win Oscars? Leave your thoughts in the comments or tweet us, @unafraidshow.