
Andy Lyons/Getty Images
Yes, we will get to that. But today we look at a bigger point, one brought up by Aaron Rodgers.
In a recent interview, he had this to say about our click bait sports journalism world:
"Everybody's trying to say the most outlandish thing possible to get the most click bait. . . . My problem with putting ridiculous headlines on stories is that in this culture where the attention span is so short for many people, even people probably listening to this interview or watching this who can't stay on the entire time because they've got other things to do or other things to look at on their phone.
All they're going to read is eight words on an ESPN front page and . . . that's what these people are trying to get people to click on. One second on that page, that counts as a page view. And the more page views you get, the more ad revenue you get. And I think it's really low-class journalism. Some of the headlines that get put on some of these articles that have nothing to do with what's actually, contest-wise, in the article. I think it's poor journalism. I think it's a total lack of integrity. And I don't want to look at that.
And I don't want to listen to four people on some show, yelling at each other about opinions that, `Do they really feel that way? Or are they trying to be the most outlandish opinion possible so they get the most views when it gets retweeted on Twitter or posted as a 10-second blurb on ESPN.com or something. I just think it's really done a disservice to the industry of journalism, for sure."
He then added this:
"Look man, it comes down to this: If you're willing to sell out . . . and not have any character to stand on, then you kind of get what you deserve. If that's what it's all about with you, if your integrity is worth clicks or likes, then that says a lot about you."
He is absolutely right. Too much of journalism these days is misleading headlines designed to get you to click. We try to avoid that on SportsMap unless making a point, which is what you find with this article.
The other culprit is the people who don't bother to read the articles. I guarantee you someone will comment on Facebook about how ridiculous it is to say the Texans could win a Super Bowl. That person is proving Rodgers' point (and mine).
The reality is both the media and readers are at fault. Readers don't have time, so they read the headline and form an instant opinion. Media outlets know that, so they inflame headlines to get the clicks. Talking heads come up with hot takes so someone writes "so and so says this." They do it for attention. Headline takes are common on TV now, and there is big money in it. The best part is you don't have to think. You can just come up with an instant opinion.
So what do we do? Take time to read the articles. Don't fall for click bait. Yes, I did it to you, but I am also telling you why.
But since I don't want to contribute to the mess Rodgers refers to, yes, the Texans can win the Super Bowl if the key players stay healthy, Kansas City and Baltimore come back to the pack due to injuries or simple regression, and Deshaun Watson takes the next step. That all might be unlikely, but it's not impossible.
There, you have been paid off. You can thank Aaron Rodgers.
Most Popular
SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome
Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.