Author: brian wallace

Detroit sports fan for life!!
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Detroit Lions: Jared Goff and General Manager, Brad Holmes are not tied together

As far as the NFL goes there is a rule of thumb. That rule of thumb is that quarterbacks are tied to general managers. Meaning, when drafted or signed as a free agent or even traded for, the general manger (GM) and his job security is directly tied to the quarterback that is brought in. When Detroit Lions general manger Brad Holmes traded longtime starting quarterback (QB) Matthew Stafford and received draft picks and Los Angeles Rams starting quarterback Jared Goff many believed Holmes and Goff were tied together. I do not view that as the case here is why.

ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN – JULY 28: General Manager Brad Holmes of the Detroit Lions looks on during the Detroit Lions Training Camp on July 28, 2021 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

No matter if Brad Holmes is true to his word (no reason to think otherwise) and he and the Detroit Lions were happy to get Jared Goff in the blockbuster trade or if Goff was a salary dump by the Rams, it does not change the fact Goff is now the starting QB in Detroit.

Due to his contract Goff will need to be on the Lions roster at least two years before the team can move on if that is what they choose. That said, I do not believe Brad Holmes job is in any trouble as long as Goff is the Lions quarterback win or loss.

The Lions are in a rebuild. A rebuild that in the early stages is off to a solid start. Holmes has focused, both his first draft as Lions GM and free agency on building the offensive and defensive lines. Which in my opinion is the right way to build a team.

It is also my opinion that Jared Goff will at the very least serve as the rebuild QB. This can work in the Lions favor. If Jared Goff can recapture his Pro Bowl form he could be a longer-term solution for the Lions who then would not need to use a high draft pick for a quarterback. If Goff’s play continues to decline, the Lions are only on the hook for two years before they can move him.

ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN – MAY 27: Principal Owner and Chairman Sheila Ford Hamp and General Manager Brad Holmes watch the afternoon practice session on May 27, 2021 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

This is one case I feel where GM and quarterback are not tied at the hip. It is a rare exception dues to the rebuild that is taking place.

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What will success look like for the 2021 Detroit Lions

It is nearly here again. The 2021-22 NFL football season which started this past Thursday. For the rebuilding Detroit Lions and a roster that is in transition this will be a difficult season for wins to be found. Losses will be aplenty. That is alright, this will hardly be a throwaway season. The Lions have plenty to play for and that is what the focus should be on. So for this season and most likely next forget about wins and losses. Here is what the team needs to focus on.

ALLEN PARK, MI – AUGUST 10: Detroit Lions Jalen Elliott safety (42), Detroit Lions Alex Brown cornerback (27), and Detroit Lions safety Booby Price (47) wait their turn to run drills during Detroit Lions Training Camp on August 10, 2021 at Lions Practice Facility in Allen Park, MI (Photo by Allan Dranberg/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The first focal point for the Detroit Lions should be the development of this years draft class. A class that was widely praised as one of the best in the NFL. Lions General Manager, Brad Holmes, really made a mark with the solid draft class.

Many of the Lions draftees showed themselves very well during preseason games. Many people would argue it was just preseason. But young players are made or broken in preseason games.

Next the Lions need to focus on compete level. While the team will loses more than they win, they need to compete in games. By compete I mean fight and keep fighting until the final tick of the clock. Do not give in, do not give up.

The final focus for the 2021 Detroit Lions is to show improvement in December. Why December? Well the season will be nearing the end. It is also enough time for young players to establish themselves in terms of growth. There still will not be many wins, but more importantly young players stepping up into a more defined role and gaining more playing time is much more critical that wins.

LANDOVER, MD – NOVEMBER 24: A Detroit Lions helmet rests on the field before the game between the Washington Redskins and the Detroit Lions at FedExField on November 24, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Sure there are other things that the Detroit Lions can and perhaps should focus on. In my opinion development, compete level and improvement late in the season are the most pressing focal points that can lead to a bright future.

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PlayStation announces the remake of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

In what started out many years ago as a roleplaying game, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic which was made for Xbox and released for PC and mobile devices is getting a makeover. Star Wars fans are thrilled. The announcement was made yesterday.

A Sony PlayStation 5 home video game console and DualSense controller, taken on October 29, 2020. (Photo by Olly Curtis/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic allows game users and players to to either serve the light side or dark side. The game gave birth to some new  characters who fans quickly identified with.

“KOTOR” is what fans refer to Knights of the Old Republic as is getting a total remake. Could there be more behind the game remake? Like say live action shows or full length featured films, this in my opinion is something to keep a close eye on.

Not long ago Star Wars books released The High Republic. A book series that has gained popularity with each book release. The High Republic and Knights of the Old Republic are in the same timeline.

It could be that plans are to work the stories together. Or keep it as is. The safe bet is that fans of KOTOR who have wanted to see the games characters come to life will get some wishes fulfilled.

After all Darth Revan is widely popular within Star Wars fandom as are other Sith such as Darth Malak and Darth Nihilus. There is so much Disney/Lucasfilm could do with these characters that would please fans.

A Star Wars: A New Hope movie original lightsaber used by Luke Skywalker and valued between $150,000 to $200,000 that will be auctioned on December 13 at the Paley Center for Media, by the ‘Profiles in History’ auction house in Calabasas, California on December 6, 2018. (Photo by Mark RALSTON / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP via Getty Images)

Until then, the satisfaction of an updated Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic will keep fans attention. After the game comes out what comes next could set the fan base in total euphoria or cause a rift. There is no need to add more games to the already two game story.

But, perhaps films and other merchandise would be a good start.

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A new rumor suggests that Disney is planning a new Star Wars trilogy

It’s only a rumor….. it’s only a rumor….. it’s only a rumor. Keep that in mind when reading and sifting through what is about to be presented to you. Den of Nerds, over at Youtube, who have excellent sources and have never missed the mark dropped a bombshell. It seems that Disney understands the mess they have on their hands with the widely disappointing Star Wars Sequel Trilogy would like to right the ship.

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 26: A view of Kylo Ren on display as part of a Star Wars themed holiday window at Bloomingdale’s 59th Street Store on November 26, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)

It seems that “The Rise of Skywalker” may not be the last story in the Skywalker Star Wars arc. That is just fine with me. What is interesting is that Den of Nerds says that the show will focus around Ben Solo/ Kylo Ren. How? After all he died.

Kylo Ren was 100% the best part of the Sequel Trilogy. The character returning would be an interesting move after all he seemingly died. But then again Emperor Palpatine seemingly dies in “Return of the Jedi.”

But then again there is that whole cloning thing. I’m not going to deep on that right now. Also, in what now appears to be more than a rumor it seems that a Finn series is in the works. Which seems likely. Finn actor John Boyega swore off any return to Star Wars shortly after the release of “The Rise of Skywalker.”

HOLLYWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 14: Actor John Boyega attends the World Premiere of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” at the Dolby, El Capitan, and TCL Theatres on December 14, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Getty Images)

Then a bit later Boyega changed his tune and said he would not mind a return at some point. It was about that time a Finn series was rumored to be in development. Not only is a Finn series getting more real by the day, but it seems that Disney is planning other Sequel Trilogy stories as well.

This seems to signal Disney is trying to right the wrong  as seen by the fans. Time will tell if the rumor is more than just that at least at the moment. But again, Den of Nerds has a very solid track record with these sorts of things.

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Can Jack Roslovic be a top line center for the Columbus Blue Jackets

As NHL training camp is about two weeks away, the Columbus Blue Jackets have some serious work to do. At the top of the training camp list is finding a top line center. At the moment the reshaped Blue Jackets roster is void of any such vital position player. It is being widely speculated the team is going to give a long look at Jack Roslovic to see if he can step in and step up.

COLUMBUS, OH – FEBRUARY 2: Patrick Laine #29 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates after the puck during the game against the Dallas Stars at Nationwide Arena on February 2, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

With newly drafted centers Kent Johnson (heading back to the University of Michigan) and Cole Sillinger (could be headed to the Cleveland Monsters) not expected this season in Columbus, the Blue Jackets still have a major issue at center. Both Johnson and Sillinger are projected to be very good NHL players, but first development must take place.

Jack Roslovic, who can play center and in fact did so for the Blue Jackets last season has never been viewed as a player who can handle the top line. Yet, that is what the Blue Jackets need. They also need a center who can feed the puck to Patrik Laine.

There is a lot of pressure playing on the top line in the NHL. After all that is the line that is supposed to lead the way in terms of goals and minutes played. One thing that Jack Roslovic will have going for him is he will have Jakub Voracek (right wing) and Laine (left wing) on either side of him. That can do nothing but help the young Roslovic.

Playing two minutes per game longer than he did the season prior with the  Winnipeg Jets (2019-20), Roslovic tied his NHL high with 12 goals and set career marks with 22 assists and 34 points.  Offense is not really an issue for Roslovic.

On defense however, Roslovic was a bit of a hot mess as was his alarming struggles in the faceoff circle. To be fair he did improve a bit on faceoffs late in the season. But, in today’s NHL top line centers are expected to be solid two-way players.

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 04: Jakub Voracek #93 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals during the first period at Capital One Arena on March 4, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

His growth into a top line center has a lot of variables to it. First, Roslovic needs lean into his work ethic and work his tail off. Secondly, Blue Jackets head coach Brad Larsen and his new system must be solid to give the young center an chance to grow his game. Assistant coaches will be counted on heavily.

It is not ideal, but this is what the Columbus Blue Jackets are going to see through, one way or another.

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With the release of “Senjutsu” Iron Maiden show why they are metal’s best

Iron Maiden established themselves as one of the most original metal bands to date. While most heavy metal bands focus on doomsday material, Maiden found footing diving into subjects like history, war, God, Satan success and failures. The band took the COVID shutdown of sports, entertainment and may other things to record a new album. “Senjutsu” released 9/3/2021 has immediately taken it’s place as one of Iron Maiden’s best albums, ever.

Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden during OZZFEST 2005 at the PNC Arts Center in Holmdel – July 26, 2005 at PNC Arts Center in Holmdel, New Jersey, United States. (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage)

Iron Maiden is and always has been a fearless band that never repeats the bands past accomplishments. Always looking for new material both in song writing as well as musically.

With “Senjustsu,” Maiden has top themselves yet again and show why there is no threat to them losing the crown as metals best band. The album is long ( 1 hour and 21 minutes) it dives into a of a rang of subjects such as “The writing on the wall” which has an Old Testament feel to it. “Days of future past” which looks at the end of the world.

While the band has successfully found a new sound (again) the album’s spotlight is on lead singer Bruce Dickinson. Dickinson who survived a cancerous tumor on the back of his tongue in 2015. Shows absolutely no ill effects from the cancer or from the treatment he endured.

Musically, Iron Maiden has never and I stress never sounded better. “Senjustsu” is a more free sounding album than than many of the bands past material.

From the opening track “Senjustsu” until the finale track “Hell on earth,” Maiden is at their best. Standout tracks are difficult to identify as each track holds it’s own.

As a big fan of Iron Maiden, it is both exciting and rewarding it is also a  privileged to have “Senjustsu” to listen to.  It is a must have for Maiden fans everywhere or metal fans. If you just want good music to listen to you could do worse.

DONNINGTON PARK, ENGLAND – MAY 31: Iron Maiden perform live on stage at the “Download Festival” on May 31, 2003 in Donnington Park, Derbyshire, England. (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images)

Iron Maiden’s “Senjustsu” is so good that upon it’s release it joins such Maiden classics such as “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son,” “Somewhere in Time,” “Powerslave” and “The Number of the Beast” as the best Iron Maiden albums. The album also cements Maiden as metal’s greatest band ever.

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Stepping out of the “norm” and into new endeavors

I am a self proclaimed sports junkie. I am married to a beautiful woman who is blessed in the arts. We have friends some of which are shared and some of which are hers and some are mine. Yet, all of our friends seem to have some artistic abilities. Like crazy good abilities. I guess being surrounded by all this art has rubbed off on me a bit.

Note-taking on a pice of sheet with a pen during a business meeting (Photo by: Andia/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

“What exactly am I doing?” This is the phrase that ran through my mind as I attempted to draw Yoda. Yes, Yoda. You know, the Jedi Master. Having not put pen, marker or colored pencil to paper in well years.

Somehow, I was able to make lines, bumps and squiggles and it actually resembled the great Jedi Master. Well sort of. I chose Yoda, because aside from God, family, sports, I am a Star Wars nerd of epic proportions.

My wife told me it looked good. Now, one should expect a loved one to be so kind. But, she also offered some tips so that was what I really liked. After all listening is a great tool.

So now that I have also drawn other Star Wars characters, I am slowly starting to get the hang of it. One thing that is great about art is it does not have to be perfect. Not only that but sometimes we are our own worst critic.

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – JANUARY 29: A puppet of iconic character, Yoda sits at a display showcase at The Star Wars Identities exhibition during a media preview at The ArtScience Museum on January 29, 2021 in Singapore. The Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition will run from January 30 to June 13 and is the final stop of a world tour that has spanned six years. (Photo by Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images)

Art is free and should not be constrained or boxed into something it is not. So Bob Ross really was correct when he said “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” That is why art is and should be free. Free to be imperfect and look odd or what have you.

This is the grace that art gives. It does not care what the finished product looks like. Neither should you or I.

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Hayden Christensen as Darth Vader on “Kenobi” Star Wars fans treated to a sneak peek

This past December, When Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy announced the “Kenobi” streaming series coming to Disney +, she actually gave a bit more detail than she had in previous announcements. That being Hayden Christensen would be returning to the Star Wars Universe as Darth Vader. Star Wars fans everywhere roared in approval.

Hayden Christensen during 2005 Cannes Film Festival – “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” Premiere in Cannes, France. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)

The last time Star Wars fans saw Hayden Christensen he was being put into the life saving Darth Vader suit as a rather badly burned Anakin Skywalker. At the close of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith.

Christensen never gave up on the possibility of returning to Star Wars, and when the opening came he took it. When it was revealed that Ewan McGregor would be returning as the beloved Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, fans wondered what the show would focus on. While that is still not entirely clear, one thing is Darth Vader will be involved.

*****WARNING POTENIAL SPOILERS!!!!!!!*****

Earlier this week starwarsnews.net posted a leaked concept art of Christensen as the famous Darth Vader from the Kenobi series. The concept art for the Bacta Tank brings fans back to both the Empire Strikes Back and Rogue One a Star Wars story.

The Bacta Tank submerges people who are hurt and speeds up healing from injuries. Luke Skywalker was placed in one after he was attacked by a Wampa in The Empire Strikes Back on the ice planet Hoth. While Anakin Skywalker was in a tank on Mustafar which happens to be where he was burned and then made the lava planet his base and built a castle on it.

The Kenobi series is the most anticipated series for Disney + and Star Wars alike. As two of the most popular not too mention beloved characters are set to return. Fans are ready and waiting when the show release date is given. It is known that principal filming has finished.

LONDON – MAY 04: The original costumes for Star Wars character Darth Vader stand on display at ‘Star Wars: The Exhibition’ at County hall on May 04, 2007 in London, England. (Photo by MJ Kim/Getty Images)

Kathleen Kennedy said that Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader are set for the “rematch of the century.”

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Jake Bean is finally a Columbus Blue Jacket

Flashback to the 2016 NHL Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets had the third overall pick in the first round. That is the draft the Blue Jackets selected Pierre-Luc Dubois. What may not be well known to some Blue Jacket fans is that the team had a predraft visit with defensemen Jake Bean who would be selected by the Carolina Hurricanes. Yet, it was in the days before the draft that the Blue Jackets front office and Jake Bean developed a fondness for each other.

RALEIGH, NC – SEPTEMBER 12: Jake Bean of the Carolina Hurricanes poses for his official head shot of the 2019-2020 season in Raleigh, North Carolina on September 12, 2019 at American Institute of Health Care and Fitness.”n(Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)

Jake Bean became a full-time starter for the Carolina Hurricanes last season. He was then traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets and signed to a three year contract extension.

Jake Bean is happy to be a Blue Jacket. He also likes the city of Columbus. Jarmo Kekalainen, Blue Jackets general manager, recently said during the draft process the Blue Jackets really liked Bean. One thing has been clear, Jake Bean looks like he is ready to take his game to the next level.

The loaded Carolina Hurricanes defensive corps created a logjam and Bean had a hard time cracking the lineup so he was stuck in the AHL. Bean got his chance last season. Bean is a solid defender with an upside to his offensive game.

Jake Bean can quarterback the power play as well has help on a penalty kill. When he was drafted in 2016, Bean was widely viewed as a very good two-way player.

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – FEBRUARY 22: Jake Bean #24 of the Carolina Hurricanes attempts a shot against Tyler Johnson #9 of the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period of their game at PNC Arena on February 22, 2021 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

The Blue Jackets who are shaking  up the roster traded for a player with very good upside. The Blue Jackets organization was wise in trading for Bean and extending his contract. His minutes will certainly go up in Columbus and his style of play should make Blue Jackets fans happy.

Going back to the predraft visit, Jake Bean is finally a Columbus Blue Jacket and is happy he is.

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What to expect from the Columbus Blue Jackets rebuilt blue line

In recent years the Columbus Blue Jackets have been known around the NHL for having a very good defense. That is because both General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen and the rest of the Blue Jackets front office believed and still do that defense is the key to playing good hockey and contending for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Even during a re-(call it what you will) the focus is once again on the blue line.

CALGARY, AB – MARCH 4: Milan Lucic #17 of the Calgary Flames fights for the puck against Andrew Peeke #2 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on March 4, 2020 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets defense is going to be very young heading into training camp and the 2021-22 NHL season. In fact the oldest member of the blue line is Vladislav Gavrikov at just 25 years old. Yet there is some talented young players who will be counted on to continue to develop at the NHL level.

The Columbus Blue Jackets penalty kill (PK) has been very good in recent years. The organization now needs to sift through and find line combo’s to try to get to that same level. It goes without saying Zach Werenski and the aforementioned Gavrikov will be out there during the PK. The team needs to then choose from Andrew Peeke, Dean Kukan, Adam Boqvist, Jake Bean and a few others.

The Blue Jackets defenders must keep it simple and not do too much. That is something they exceled in, in the past. Very often young players try to do too much. The best option for the younger players to to play according to the situation.

While it is still anyone’s guess as to line pairings it seems as of this moment that former Blue Jackets first round draft pick Gabriel Carlsson will finally get a longer look. He had fallen out of favor with the previous coaching staff.

NASHVILLE, TN – FEBRUARY 28: Matt Duchene #95 of the Nashville Predators battles for the puck against Gabriel Carlsson #53 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Bridgestone Arena on February 28, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images)

With a young blue line it is important to understand they will look awful at times. Yet there will be times when they flash what they can be. This is what a re- whatever looks like.

What fans should focus on in my opinion is if both Andrew Peeke and Gabriel Carlsson find footing and fit into the future Columbus Blue Jackets defensive plans.